Call For Brexit Clarity At Belfast Chamber Launch

Belfast businesses are crying out for certainty and stability in the face of Brexit.

Speaking at the Annual Launch of Belfast Chamber with the new theme of 'Boosting Business Links Between Belfast and Dublin', Chief Executive Simon Hamilton urged political leaders in Belfast, London, Dublin and Brussels to swap the "games and stunts" for clear guidance ahead of Brexit.

The message was clear as over 300 business leaders, politicians and civic figures attended Tuesday's event, where the Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Tánaiste Simon Coveney TD and Chief of Executive of Tourism Ireland and Dublin Chamber President, Niall Gibbons delivered addresses.

Mr Hamilton took the opportunity to stress the importance of maintained connections with the Republic of Ireland as the UK prepares to leave the EU.

"86 per cent of Belfast Chamber members are opposed to a 'no deal' Brexit because they know that it would have catastrophic consequences for the entire economy of Northern Ireland," the former DUP Minister warned.

"Businesses have consistently and clearly spelt out their desire to see a deal done.

"It seems incredible that we sit here today just over a week away from the date when the United Kingdom is due to depart the European Union and so much uncertainty still exists.

"Our message to those in positions of power and influence here in Belfast and London and Dublin and Brussels is a simple one. Give us the certainty and stability we all need. The time for games and stunts is well and truly over. Patience, thin as it was, has run out."

Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce is made up of business people from a full range of commercial enterprises, from retailers to hoteliers, solicitors to estate agents, property developers to media, tech companies to transport providers. It aims to deal with a wide range of issues affecting trade and commerce in the city.

Launching the year's activities at the event sponsored by KPMG, Chamber President Rajesh Rana told of how the city's prosperity is vital for the region's wider economic success.

The Chamber currently represents over 500 firms.

"As we grow in size we also grow in influence and that allows us to make a difference for you our members and businesses across Belfast," Mr Rana said. "As well as interesting times, these are exciting times for our city.

"Everywhere around us we see a city that is growing, that is full of energy and that possesses huge potential.

"We are as ambitious for Belfast and growing its economy as the companies who make up our membership are for their own businesses. We want to see Belfast not just grow and become wealthier, but to do so in a way that affords opportunities for all of our citizens by shaping the city into the best possible place to work, visit and invest.

"Belfast Chamber is firm in its belief that if Belfast works then Northern Ireland as a whole does well. Belfast is the engine that drives our entire region's economy. We are unapologetic in our championing of this great city and we will continue to speak up, seeking what is best for our city and being a clear and consistent voice supporting business in Belfast."



(JG/CM)