Northern Ireland Economic Conference | 6th December 2023

Wednesday 1 November 2023

The Northern Ireland Economic Conference, which will take place on Wednesday 6th December in the Hilton, Templepatrick, is Northern Ireland’s premier economic analysis event and is unique in being the only forum that takes a high-level look at the performance of, and prospects for the local economy. It is firmly established as the annual summit for Northern Ireland’s economic community, including policy makers and business leaders.

This year’s conference takes place against a difficult economic and political backdrop. With no devolved administration the local economy faces economic headwinds on several fronts. High inflation still persists and the energy crisis is expected to continue well into the winter months, which has put a squeeze on living standards.

Budgetary pressures mean that spending is constrained, at a time when Northern Ireland’s economy aims to address long-standing issues such as being a laggard in terms of productivity, and having the highest rates of working age economic inactivity of any UK region. The response to these economic headwinds has been the 10X Economy strategy, targeting future high growth sectors of the economy.

The 2023 Northern Ireland Economic Conference, now in its 28th year, will provide a valuable opportunity to bring together key stakeholders to look at the performance of, and prospects for the local economy.

An expert panel of local and visiting experts will look at key issues including:

UK and global economic outlook
Medium term economic outlook for Northern Ireland
Addressing the productivity gap
Impact of inflation on growing the economy
Implementing the 10X Economy strategy
Closing skills gaps in the local economy
The cost of living crisis: Addressing the challenges
Promoting innovation in the economy
The economic opportunity of net zero carbon technologies
Tackling economic inactivity

Key speakers include:

Paul Grocott, Deputy Secretary, Economic Strategy Group, Department for the Economy
Chris Giles, Economics Editor, Financial Times
Mark cooper, Mayor, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council
Richard Baker, Chief Executive, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council
Frank O’Donnell, Public Sector Lead, Microsoft Ireland
Gareth Hetherington, Director, Ulster University Economic Policy Centre
Lisa Wilson, Senior Economist, Nevin Economic Research Institute
Helen Johnston, Senior Social Policy Analyst, National Economic & Social Council
Sandra McNally, Professor of Economics, University of Surrey and Director, Centre for Economic Performance, London School of Economics
David Jordan, Lecturer in Economics, Queen’s Business School and Research Associate, The Productivity Institute
Richard Rodgers, Deputy Secretary, Head of Energy, Department for the Economy
Janez Kren, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, The Economic and Social Research Institute
John Campbell, Economics and Business Editor, BBC Northern Ireland
Panel Discussion: The cost of living: Addressing the challenges
Noyona Chundur, Chief Executive, Consumer Council for Northern Ireland
Kevin Higgins, Head of Policy, Advice NI
Paul Mac Flynn, Co-Director, Nevin Economic Research Institute
Kirsty McManus, National Director, IoD Northern Ireland

View the full conference programme online at: www.nieconomic.agendani.com

Exhibition opportunities available…
There are a limited number of exhibition opportunities available at this conference which will be of interest to companies and organisations with products or services they wish to promote. For further information on how your organisation can benefit, contact us directly on 028 9261 9933 or email Olivia.Ross@agendani.com.

Secure your place today!

Conference delegate rate: £255 +VAT @ 20% = £306.00
Discounted rate for voluntary/community/councils: £165 +VAT @ 20% = £198.00
Group discounts available – contact us for further information.

How to register:

Online: www.nieconomic.agendani.com
Email: registration@agendani.com
Tel: +44 (0)28 9261 9933

Wednesday 1 November 2023