THE north's business community has embraced the content of the ‘New Decade, New Approach’ deal and believes it can deliver real improvements to the region. Here is a snapshot of the corporate thinking:
:: Commitments for the likes of York Street Interchange, upgrades to the A5 and A6, the waste water network and expansion of university provision at Magee will go some way to rebalancing our economy. But we would have liked to see more around a new skills agenda and Apprenticeship Levy. We will also monitor commitments on legislation to allow unfettered access to the GB market for business following Brexit - IoD NI national director Kirsty McManus
:: We now have a workable deal that will allow an Executive to start addressing the problems in our health service and education system and grow our economy and support the community and voluntary sector. We encourage the main political parties to progress it urgently. Business, health and education cannot wait any longer - failure is not an option. It's time to show mature leadership - NI Chamber of Commerce president John Healy
:: Parties must seize this opportunity and sign up to the deal. This is the best chance to bring devolved government back to life. Our message to the party leaders is clear - we support your endeavours and encourage you to get the agreement over the line - Hospitality Ulster chief executive Colin Neill
:: We're cautiously hopeful this deal will see the development of policies and legislation at devolved level and the kick start our economy desperately needs. The clear prioritisation of the local economy highlights the many challenges businesses have faced over the past three years. Northern Ireland’s potential is significant, but reform and growth are needed to create the modern economy we deserve - Trade NI
:: The agreement contains some positive commitments on issues like skills, infrastructure and Brexit. The next Executive must move quickly to deliver on the myriad issues which have been left unaddressed for far too long. We mustn't lose sight of the need to bolster our SME economy, which is the bedrock on which the first-class public services are built. Parties must now put pragmatism first - FSB NI policy chair Tina McKenzie
:: The proposed priorities for the Executive contain some issues we has been supportive of for some time. But other policies which could boost our economy are noticeably missing, and we look forward to joining with our colleagues across the business community to ensure the new Executive pursues an agenda that grows jobs and boosts our economy - Belfast Chamber chief executive Simon Hamilton
:: In the first 100 days the new Executive must legislate for mission critical issues such business rates reform, apprenticeship levy reform, and shopworkers' protection. We need the Assembly up and running now - NI Retail Consortium director Aodhán Connolly
:: We have identified the need to invest £2.5 billion to begin addressing historic under-investment in waste water infrastructure, which is at or nearing capacity, limiting growth in our economy. Without this, it will not be possible to deliver other priorities in areas such as housing, city deals or developing our tourism sector. So we welcome the priority placed on transforming public services - NI Water chairman Dr Len O’Hagan
:: I wish the parties well in discussions to bring these talks to a successful conclusion. We are ready and willing to work constructively to fulfil our crucial leadership role in creating positive impact for Northern Ireland - Queen’s University vice-chancellor Professor Ian Greer
