CBI Northern Ireland responds to UK Budget

Angela McGowan, CBI Northern Ireland Director, said: 

“This Budget is a strong second act in the Chancellor’s plan for stability and growth.

“The CBI called for action on people and productivity and the government has delivered support for both. Measures to help households and businesses will secure the growth we need to boost living standards for everyone in Northern Ireland.

“Full capital expensing will keep Northern Ireland at the top table for attracting investment and puts us all on an essential path to a more productive economy. It also helps offset some of the significant tax differential between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

“Assuming Barnett consequentials pull through, boosting childcare provision would be a big win for businesses struggling to recruit and retain, and parents balancing care and career needs.

“Alongside support for occupational health to help people stay in work, it shows the Chancellor is listening to business on reducing economic inactivity and easing a tight labour market.

“New investment zones focused on economic clusters will drive growth across the country and increased support for quantum is a further step towards making the UK the science and technology superpower it aspires to be.”