Cochrane sponsors dinner and discussion for East Belfast businesses

Alliance East Belfast MLA Judith Cochrane hosted a dinner on 11 February for local business representatives. The future of Northern Ireland’s economy was the focus of the evening, with Professor Neil Gibson sharing his views on the country’s economic outlook. Alliance Employment and Learning Minister Stephen Farry and Deputy Lord Mayor Marie Hendron also attended the event, which took place in Bistro Este on the Upper Newtownards Road.

Judith Cochrane MLA said: “I was very pleased to be able to host this dinner and foster engagement between politicians, local business people and an economic expert.

“With the devolution of Corporation Tax powers on the horizon, it is important that businesses grasp the opportunity that this presents in order to grow their companies and the wider economy.

“It was also interesting to hear Professor Gibson stress the role that businesses themselves can play. The economy can only flourish if our private sector increases, which will require a greater sense of entrepreneurship.

“He also underlined the importance of valuing all types of skills. We often place a priority on highly specialist fields, like medicine or law. But for surgeons to be successful, they require the support of nurses, anaesthesiologists, administrators and cleaning staff. His message was that every job matters.”

ENDS