Northern Ireland

Businesses must `remain flexible' if they want to prosper in 2021

Ian Henry, President of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, said businesses must "remain flexible and fleet-of-foot" in 2021 if they want to prosper
Ian Henry, President of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, said businesses must "remain flexible and fleet-of-foot" in 2021 if they want to prosper Ian Henry, President of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, said businesses must "remain flexible and fleet-of-foot" in 2021 if they want to prosper

BUSINESSES have been warned they must "remain flexible and fleet-of-foot" in 2021 if they want to prosper.

Ian Henry, President of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, said the year ahead would see companies having to rethink tried and trusted business models, supply chains and market strategies.

Mr Henry said businesses must "remain flexible" as they as they contend with the challenges linked to both Brexit and Covid-19.

The President of the Chamber, which represents more than 1,000 businesses around Northern Ireland, employing more than 100,000 people, said businesses "will require additional support" to "develop digital trade, including digital sales platforms linking into global networks".

"2020 has been a year of disruption and frustration for so many businesses," he said.

"Our members want to be able to open without interruption, for their customers and suppliers to be able to come and go freely, for trade to recover and for confidence to return but we must do this safely and within the guidelines.

“Whilst the pandemic is far from over and many industries continue to suffer the effects of restrictions, we also strongly believe that it is time to start looking ahead and planning our economy’s recovery strategy".

Mr Henry called on the British and Irish governments and local authorities "to work together, regardless of location or political background, to make a better future a reality.”

"With the New Year comes renewed energy and hope that the next 12 months will provide companies with the certainty, conditions and support they need to prosper," he said.