The Bank of England’s February Monetary Policy Report briefings give members a direct line into the rate outlook and a chance to shape future regional engagement

The Bank of England will publish its next Monetary Policy Report (MPR) on 5 February 2026. It is running three briefing events to explain the findings and take questions, two online and one in-person in Belfast.

For Northern Ireland, there is an online briefing on Tuesday 10th February (12.00-1.00pm) hosted by the Bank’s Deputy Agent for NI, Gillian Anderson, followed by Q&A. An in-person briefing is scheduled for Wednesday 11th February (10.00-11.30am) in the Forbes Boardroom, Crumlin Road Gaol Conference Centre, Belfast (tea/coffee from 10.00am, presentation from 10.15am and there are limited spaces). Registration for both closes on Friday 6 February.

There is also a national online event on Friday 6 February (12.15–1.15pm) hosted by Huw Pill (Chief Economist) and Fergal Shortall (Director, Monetary Analysis).

The Bank’s note is explicit on intent, as a public institution it wants its engagement to reflect the diversity of the country, and to “reach out, listen and communicate to a broad base of stakeholders”, given its independent responsibilities for monetary policy and financial stability.

If you want a feel for the content, the November 2025 MPR shows the structure, the MPC decision, the Bank’s inflation view, and the risks that could change the path of rates. In November, the MPC voted 5-4 to hold Bank Rate at 4%, with four members preferring a 0.25pp cut.

For firms, this is less about theory and more about planning, financing costs, demand assumptions and wage pressure all feed straight into pricing, investment and cashflow decisions, particularly for rate-sensitive sectors.

The Bank is also asking partners to gauge demand for future in-person briefings in Belfast or in other regions. Members who want future sessions outside Belfast can email their details and preferred location to

The Takeaway:

Register, ask the hard questions, and tell the Bank where you need to see them in person, it’s a practical lever for investment confidence across the North West.

You can register for the online event here.

You can register for the in person event here.