Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has pressed the Economy Minister for clarity around when the Covid-19 Business Support Scheme will open to further recipients. To date the roll out of financial aid has been slow, with as yet no access for those to support businesses in the direct supply chain of others required to close or […]
There needs to be a clear and future-proofed economic strategy for Northern Ireland, in which manufacturing can play a key role, Alliance Economy spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA has said. Mr Dickson was speaking after the Assembly heard a motion calling for an Executive manufacturing strategy to help the sector recover and grow following the pandemic. […]
Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has questioned the Economy Minister on how she plans to avoid the loss of jobs as Caterpillar in Larne and Belfast. The announcement was unexpectedly made last week. Stewart Dickson said: “This has come as a devastating blow to Larne, with many families facing extremely hard times in the run up […]
Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has given a cautious welcome to the news furlough will be extended until the end of March 2021. He said: “While this news will give many hope for an easier Christmas period, it is still extremely concerning the growing numbers who continue to be excluded from any financial aid. “I also […]
East Antrim Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has said he is devastated for the Larne area after the announcement that US firm Caterpillar is to cut 700 jobs. In a statement earlier today the manufacturing firm confirmed the majority of the losses would affect workers at its plant in Larne. Stewart said: “This is an absolutely […]
It is disappointing the National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) has not agreed to take up an offer from the Department for the Economy (DFE) to continue operating HMS Caroline in Belfast, Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has said. The ship, which served in World War I, has been docked in Belfast since 1924. It […]
Alliance Economy spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA has said the application process for a new Department for the Economy grant scheme for small businesses is “a shambles”. The COVID Restrictions Business Support Scheme was launched last night by Economy Minister Diane Dodds. It allows applications for £600 a week from businesses who don’t pay business rates, […]
Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has welcomed confirmation from the Environment Minister a public consultation on a Clean Air Strategy would be launched shortly. East Antrim MLA Mr Dickson was speaking after receiving a reply from Edwin Poots on his plans for such a strategy for Northern Ireland. The Minister stated his Department has been working […]
Businesses in Northern Ireland need certainty in an uncertain time, Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has said. The East Antrim MLA was speaking after the Assembly backed an Alliance amendment to a motion on the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, calling on the UK Government and EU to work constructively within the context of the Northern Ireland Protocol […]
East Antrim MLA Stewart Dickson has condemned all those behind a suspected petrol bomb attack in the Carrickfergus area. Police are investigating motives for the attack on a home in Schomberg Court, where a woman and boy escaped injury. The Alliance representative said: “This attack on a woman and a boy is completely unacceptable and […]