Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy has reiterated calls for the Executive to be restored so it can offer leadership and support to small businesses struggling to stay open due to costs and trade issues as revealed by Enterprise NI.

Speaking at the launch of Enterprise NI’s 2023 Barometer report at The Dunadry Hotel, Conor Murphy said:

“We need an Executive formed now so we can help our small and medium businesses to grow and create jobs.

“A fresh report by Enterprise NI has revealed that over half the businesses surveyed are worried about having to close their doors because of rising costs.

“Our small businesses urgently need local ministers in place to help unlock their full potential and seize the huge economic opportunities available to us.  

“There is a clear need for fresh leadership in the Department for Economy with a new economic vision which will unleash the benefits of our unique dual-market access and deliver much-needed reforms to ensure Invest NI is more effective.”