The main purpose of the group will be to explore how the Northern Ireland political environment can assist and encourage all types of SMEs to establish, grow and maximise their potential. The first official meeting of the group will take place following Easter recess.
Judith Cochrane MLA said: “With small and medium sized enterprises making up the majority of our private sector, more must be done to support these SMEs. They are the back bone of our economy.
“I have previously spoken on these issues in the Assembly when I proposed a motion last October on funding access for SMEs. There was unanimous support during that debate with a number of other MLAs expressing a strong interest in this issue and putting forward some interesting ideas of what we as politicians can do to help.
“This debate and subsequent discussions with key stakeholders have led to the establishment of the All Party Group on SMEs, and I am confident it can provide a platform for politicians, enterprise leaders and local businesses to share knowledge and exchange ideas.”
ENDS