On May 21, the DWF team and guests will travel to London to join a delegation of business leaders at the annual Trade NI Westminster reception, a key event focused on advancing prosperity in Northern Ireland.
This event is among the most significant in the business calendar as Trade NI (made up of Hospitality Ulster, Retail NI and Manufacturing NI) has a significant voice, representing three of Northern Ireland’s largest sectors and the majority of businesses in the province.
Amid ongoing economic uncertainty, additional costs placed on employers, and persistent investment challenges facing our business community, making a strong case for Northern Ireland to central government has never been more crucial.
As Rory McIlroy reminded us recently, resilience is the key to success – showing up time and again is what delivers results.
Now in its sixth year, the Trade NI Westminster reception offers a unique opportunity to do just that.
It will showcase our vast untapped potential and the strong proposition that Northern Ireland has, not only across hospitality, retail and manufacturing, but also sectors like fintech, cyber-security, health and life sciences and professional services.
There is so much global goodwill for our region and the ongoing support from those who influence the future growth of our economy is essential.
With the return of the Northern Ireland Executive last year, we are entering a pivotal new phase. Renewed political stability allows for a more conducive environment to channel our collective energy into unlocking investment and accelerating economic momentum.
We must not sit on our hands but continue to harness every opportunity to lobby for tools, investment and a more effective suite of economic levers.
DWF’s support for Trade NI and this event reflects our steadfast commitment to showcasing Northern Ireland’s strengths, and driving growth and investment across the region, leveraging our expertise to support businesses and communities alike.
Julie Galbraith, managing partner of DWF in Belfast
We are proud to visit Westminster next Wednesday to help amplify the region’s potential and highlight its strategic advantage to an audience of policymakers, business leaders, and investors, reminding them that Northern Ireland is increasingly recognised as a good place to establish and grow a business – and for good reason.
From dual market access to both the EU single market and the UK internal market, to strong cross-border collaboration and a growing global footprint, Northern Ireland has a compelling story to tell.
- Julie Galbraith is managing partner of DWF in Belfast