LEADING Brexit and economics commentator Martin Wolf will deliver the keynote address at tomorrow's Northern Ireland Economic Conference, which has moved from its greater Belfast location for the first time to Armagh City Hotel.
Wolf is the associate editor and chief economics commentator at the Financial Times, and was awarded the CBE in 2000 for services to financial journalism.
He'll headline the conference, now in its 22nd year and which provides a day-long forum for business leaders and economic policy-makers to examine the performance of, and prospects for, the local economy.
This year’s conference comes at a pivotal time for the economy as Northern Ireland faces exit from the EU while still not having a functioning devolved government.
And it follows Wolf's most recent column in the Irish Times which began: "It is highly likely that the Brexit negotiations will fail, imposing an abrupt shock on the UK economy and ruining relations with its neighbours."
The conference will be opened by Andrew McCormick, permanent secretary of the Department for the Economy, who will outline priorities for future economic growth, and the morning session will also feature a keynote address from Wolf, who will look at the impact of Brexit on the UK economy.
The conference is being organised by agendaNi with the support of Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council and law firm Pinsent Masons.
Conference director Owen McQuade said: “Our event comes at a time of immense uncertainty for the Northern Ireland economy.
"The vote for the UK to leave the European Union will have a profound impact on an economy that has seen little recovery in the last few years. The conference offers the perfect forum for delegates to look at the changing economic landscape and help plan for the future.
"Delegates will also hear from Neil Gibson (EY), David Gavaghan (CBI Northern Ireland), Áine Brolly (Cpl) and Aongus Hegarty (Dell EMC) on how we can drive further growth of the economy, as well as featuring an interactive round table discussion on Northern Ireland’s future post-Brexit."
The afternoon session will feature a panel discussion on the impact of Brexit on the wider Northern Ireland economy featuring Stephen Kelly (Manufacturing NI), Martina Lawless (Economic and Social Research Institute), John McGrillen (Tourism NI) and David Phinnemore (Queen’s University).
