HALF of all the new jobs created with the support of Invest NI should be located in the north west, the body representing business in Derry has said.
Derry Chamber has published five recommendations in response to the recently published independent review of Invest NI, chaired by Sir Michael Lyons.
The damaging report, which exposed dysfunction at a leadership level of the organisation, also states that Invest NI’s regional offices should have a more strategic role and staff, resources and powers allocated to them should be reviewed.
Upping the ante, Derry Chamber has now said that not only should half of all jobs created as a result of Invest NI backed foreign direct investment (FDI) be located in the north west, but 50 per cent of all jobs supported by Invest NI in the north.
The recommendations, which have been sent to Invest NI’s executive leadership and the permanent secretary running the Department or the Economy, also call for a fully resourced office in Derry “to expand the provision of quality business support services for indigenous businesses”, and said more senior Invest NI staff should be based in the city.
Derry Chamber has also said that given its proximity to the border, a “collaborative approach/strategy” should be developed for FDI in the north west region with the IDA in the Republic.
“The independent review of Invest Northern Ireland revealed some deeply concerning findings, impacting its ability to attract inward investment and support indigenous start-up,” said chamber’s president, Selina Horshi.
“We welcomed the report’s acknowledgment that more should be done to promote Northern Ireland on a sub-regional basis and to strengthen and bolster sub-regional Invest NI offices and we were pleased that one of the review’s key findings is that the agency must be a better partner on a sub-regional level.”
She said the five recommendations followed “deep consultation” with members, Derry City and Strabane District Council and local businesses.
“If implemented, they will ensure that Invest NI properly prioritises the north west, bringing the jobs and investment to our region which will deliver prosperity, economic growth, and regional balance. “These are workable and practical objectives which will really deliver for our business community and we will work closely with Invest NI and the Department for the Economy to make them a reality.
“Invest NI still has a vital role to play in both attracting investment from around the world as well as supporting our own local start-ups.
“However, to ensure fair and equitable delivery for the North West, the organisation must enhance its commitment to our region and improve on how it has done things in the past."
