Information is key to future business says Sir Reg

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment Sir Reg Empey has told a telecommunications conference that information is the key to future business and success.

The Minister was speaking at the Northern Ireland Advisory Committee on Telecommunications (NIACT) annual conference in the Odyssey arena in Belfast on Thursday 7 March.

The Minister said: “My Department is currently involved in many developments on consumer issues and on telecommunications awareness which are aimed at supporting business to develop a better understanding of such key issues.

“This week we are publishing for public consultation a new consumer strategy for Northern Ireland. At the core of this consumer strategy is my belief that well-informed consumers have the capacity to drive up business performance and competitiveness.

“The draft strategy embraces consumer education, information, regulation and representation. It is focused, both on delivering results for consumers, while also enabling local businesses to get their customer care right first time.”

The Minister went on to highlight a further initiative aimed at supporting telecommunications infrastructure for business. Sir Reg said: “Businesses are also consumers and they too require good unbiased information upon which to base strategic decisions.

“This is particularly true in relation to the use of new technologies. Last month I detailed in the Assembly how I intended to take forward the Department’s telecommunications strategy and in particular to facilitate business in becoming aware of the benefits of technologies such as broadband.

“In addition, IRTU’s E-Solutions Centre in Lisburn plays an important role in providing unbiased advice on ICT, a role which over the coming weeks will be developed through workshops and road shows across Northern Ireland.” (AMcE)