Menu
30/08/2011
Wilson Targets Global Economy's Local Impact
The impact of global uncertainly in the financial sector has been under scrutiny at Stormont.
The Executive Finance Minister and local banks have today met to discuss the impact of global financial issues on Northern Ireland
DUP Minister Sammy Wilson - the MP and MLA - met with representatives of Northern Ireland banks to discuss how the uncertainty of global financial markets will impact upon the local economy.
In a discussion that took place amid continuing concern around sovereign debt in Europe and in the USA, slower than expected growth rates were also discussed.
Speaking after meeting the Minister said: "I met with business representatives and other local organisations on 8 August.
"At that meeting everyone recognised that we are very limited in what we can do to influence international financial markets, and that perhaps the biggest concern for us was how to maintain business confidence here.
"At my meeting with the banks today, we discussed how they might work with businesses and the Executive to help with and contribute to building and maintaining that confidence," he explained.
"Our local economy needs a strong and competitive banking sector to help businesses to invest and consumers to access the finance they need. Without this our recovery will be nearly impossible."
He added that, as the Chancellor announced on 9 August, UK Banks would have some new regulatory requirements to ensure that they can come through difficult situations.
"I want to make sure that our local economy takes confidence from the fact that such arrangements are in place.
"I also wanted to press the Banks on their lending to SMEs [smaller firms] to ensure that we share in the Project Merlin commitment and that business customers of our local banks are clear about how banks' decisions on their proposals have been taken," he concluded, noting that Project Merlin is an agreement between the UK Government and the UK's largest banks.
This aims to increase lending, curb bonuses and provide greater transparency on pay.
The five participating banks (Barclay's, RBS, Lloyds, HSBC and Santander) have agreed to increase their lending from the 2010 figure of £179bn to £190bn in 2011. This will include an increase in loans to SMEs from £66bn in 2010 to £76bn in 2011.
(BMcC/GK)
The Executive Finance Minister and local banks have today met to discuss the impact of global financial issues on Northern Ireland
DUP Minister Sammy Wilson - the MP and MLA - met with representatives of Northern Ireland banks to discuss how the uncertainty of global financial markets will impact upon the local economy.
In a discussion that took place amid continuing concern around sovereign debt in Europe and in the USA, slower than expected growth rates were also discussed.
Speaking after meeting the Minister said: "I met with business representatives and other local organisations on 8 August.
"At that meeting everyone recognised that we are very limited in what we can do to influence international financial markets, and that perhaps the biggest concern for us was how to maintain business confidence here.
"At my meeting with the banks today, we discussed how they might work with businesses and the Executive to help with and contribute to building and maintaining that confidence," he explained.
"Our local economy needs a strong and competitive banking sector to help businesses to invest and consumers to access the finance they need. Without this our recovery will be nearly impossible."
He added that, as the Chancellor announced on 9 August, UK Banks would have some new regulatory requirements to ensure that they can come through difficult situations.
"I want to make sure that our local economy takes confidence from the fact that such arrangements are in place.
"I also wanted to press the Banks on their lending to SMEs [smaller firms] to ensure that we share in the Project Merlin commitment and that business customers of our local banks are clear about how banks' decisions on their proposals have been taken," he concluded, noting that Project Merlin is an agreement between the UK Government and the UK's largest banks.
This aims to increase lending, curb bonuses and provide greater transparency on pay.
The five participating banks (Barclay's, RBS, Lloyds, HSBC and Santander) have agreed to increase their lending from the 2010 figure of £179bn to £190bn in 2011. This will include an increase in loans to SMEs from £66bn in 2010 to £76bn in 2011.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
21 August 2013
NI Retailers 'Satisfied' With Local Banks
The majority of independent traders in Northern Ireland say they are satisfied with the services provided by local banks, according to a new report.
NI Retailers 'Satisfied' With Local Banks
The majority of independent traders in Northern Ireland say they are satisfied with the services provided by local banks, according to a new report.
17 November 2008
NI Business Has Role In Debt Recovery: Foster
There has been a high level call for the business community to play its part in beating the credit crunch. Northern Ireland Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has said that local banks can do more to help people who are in debt.
NI Business Has Role In Debt Recovery: Foster
There has been a high level call for the business community to play its part in beating the credit crunch. Northern Ireland Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has said that local banks can do more to help people who are in debt.
11 October 2016
Minister Slammed For Failing To Provide Figures On Number Of Foodbanks
The SDLP has hit out at the Minister for Communities after he failed to provide figures on the number of foodbanks in Northern Ireland or the number of people using them. SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said Minister Paul Givan "boasted" about everything he is doing to support food banks, however he was unable to confirm how many of them exist in NI.
Minister Slammed For Failing To Provide Figures On Number Of Foodbanks
The SDLP has hit out at the Minister for Communities after he failed to provide figures on the number of foodbanks in Northern Ireland or the number of people using them. SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said Minister Paul Givan "boasted" about everything he is doing to support food banks, however he was unable to confirm how many of them exist in NI.
08 July 2009
Banks Should Be 'Sympathetic' To Farmers
High-level meetings are being held with the main banks to urge continuing support for NI's farming community. Stormont Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew (pictured) set out to underline the impact of the 'credit crunch' on rural businesses and farming.
Banks Should Be 'Sympathetic' To Farmers
High-level meetings are being held with the main banks to urge continuing support for NI's farming community. Stormont Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew (pictured) set out to underline the impact of the 'credit crunch' on rural businesses and farming.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
