THE newly-elected chair of Chartered Accountants Ulster Society says his key priority will be to “embrace entrepreneurs and unleash Northern Ireland’s potential”.
Paul Millar, who is chief executive of Whiterock Finance, was elected to the role to succeed Emma Murray at the 116th annual general meeting of the Ulster Society, which represents 5,350 chartered accountants and is a district society of Chartered Accountants Ireland, the largest and oldest professional accountancy body in Ireland.
Mr Millar, who previously spent seven years in corporate and business banking and has also held senior roles in KPMG and Deloitte, said: “I believe there is so much to be positive about in Northern Ireland. I can see first-hand the amount of creativity, innovation, drive and resilience in our business community. We are on the brink of something special.
“I want our chartered accountants to be inspired by entrepreneurs and work together to help to build the businesses which secure the future of everyone within our community.
“We need to support innovative businesses which help to boost everything else within our society, from health, to education, to housing to wellbeing. We must do more to encourage those who have a positive vision for Northern Ireland and have the drive to realise that vision.
He also highlighted the need for leadership in what continues to be straitened times, adding: “The cost-of-living crisis, and the cost of doing business continue to be difficult for everyone. Just about every sector is facing a skills shortage and when we need leadership the most, we continue to face a democratic deficit at Stormont.
“We should be prepared to move mountains to support entrepreneurs and to bring though the skills that we need to succeed. It is vital that we encourage talent, build opportunities and make sure that Northern Ireland is a great place to live and work. We believe that Northern Ireland has great people and fantastic potential if given the right conditions to flourish.”
“Throughout my career as a chartered accountant, I’ve been lucky to meet some truly inspirational business leaders. I’d like to promote that entrepreneurial spirit and encourage all of those decision makers in the private sector, in the public sector, and in politics to do the same.”
