We welcomed Minister Naomi Long to the North West for a constructive discussion on the social and economic conditions shaping business confidence across the region. The meeting was an important opportunity to reflect the experience of employers on the ground and to underline a clear point: improving socio-economic confidence in the North West is not only good for this region, but beneficial to Northern Ireland and the wider all-island economy.

The Chamber highlighted the region’s strong economic foundations, including its 400+ members, SME-led business base, major employers and a partnership model built around business, education, local government and cross-border collaboration. It was stressed that, while momentum is evident in regeneration, investment and innovation, delivery must now keep pace with ambition. Continued Executive-wide support will be vital if the North West is to realise major opportunities such as City Deal, Magee expansion to 10,000 students, and the region’s growing AI potential.

A key part of the discussion focused on city centre safety, anti-social behaviour and the wider social issues affecting retail, hospitality, staff wellbeing and visitor perception. The Chamber also addressed the serious issue of violence against women and girls, with discussion centred on prevention, education and partnership working, including the role business can play in supporting positive cultural change.

Skills and economic inactivity were also central themes. Drawing on its recent employer survey, the Chamber raised recruitment pressures, barriers within current skills pathways and the need for more flexible responses aligned to business need. The importance of the cross-border economy was equally clear, with practical barriers around working arrangements and labour mobility posing growing concerns.

Takeaway

If regional balance is to mean anything in practice, the North West must see joined-up action on safety, skills, cross-border barriers and long-term growth.