Northern Firms Gain An Economic Edge

Businesses north of the border stand a better chance of beating the recession than those in other parts of Ireland.

According to a new piece of research, this could make a significant contribution to the future economic recovery of the island.

The Director of Centre for Cross Border Studies, Andy Pollak, (pictured here - on right - with Bruce Robinson, Head of Northern Ireland Civil Service), said: "Key Northern business leaders realise that, with Sterling now close to parity with the Euro, firms in Northern Ireland can sell into the Irish Republic at very competitive prices."

Mr Pollak, who heads up INICCO (the Ireland/Northern Ireland Cross border Cooperation Observatory) was unveiling a major research initiative.

Commissioned by the EU's cross-border INTERREG IVA programme, this has identified that in the current economic climate there were real opportunities for Northern firms who were prepared to look South.

"One of the key INICCO studies will be on how small firms in the border region might be able to use their position as a competitive strength rather than a barrier in these circumstances," he explained.

The INICCO programme is a combination of five research, information and training projects being undertaken by the Centre for Cross Border Studies.

The three-year initiative will provide critical insight and practical advice on priority border issues including the economy, spatial planning, training, health and information for cross-border workers.

"This is a future-oriented programme that will yield practical information for border residents and commuters while outlining best economic practice for policy and decision makers," Andy Pollak continued.

(BMcC/JM)