Business and Energy Secretary, Greg Clark, visited Belfast last week and met some of the region’s top maritime and engineering firms. He was joined by the Minister for Industry and Energy, Jesse Norman.
During the visit, Greg Clark led a roundtable with five small and medium-sized businesses based in Northern Ireland to discuss their plans for the future and to reassure them of the government’s ongoing support for the region following the EU referendum decision.
Business Secretary Greg Clark said: “This government is determined to make Britain’s economy work for everyone and that is why I have made it a priority to visit all parts of the UK in my first month in office.
“Our industrial strategy will ensure we’re taking every opportunity to give the UK a competitive edge and sharing the benefits of growth across the country. Innovative companies are the building blocks of our strong economy, and growing sectors such as oil and gas and the leisure marine markets here in Northern Ireland show how they are delivering jobs and growth to the region.”
The roundtable was held at Survitec Group, a business which produces survival equipment such as lifejackets and life rafts.
Following the visit, Moya Johnston MD of Survitec Group said: “Survitec has a great story to tell, and we were pleased when Mr Clark and Mr Norman decided to visit.
“As a business we were delighted to hear that the Minister for Industry and Energy Jesse Norman will act as a local growth champion for Northern Ireland. We know this will be welcomed by companies across the region.”
After touring the Survitec site, both ministers met Simon Hamilton, Northern Ireland’s economy minister to discuss Northern Ireland’s economic and energy strategy.
The Business and Energy Secretary is determined to send a clear message that the UK is open for business by visiting Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and that he and his ministerial team will work closely with all regions of the UK to ensure economic prosperity is shared by all.
