Economic growth in Northern Ireland: new and emerging sectors

Northern Ireland Affairs Committee Open Inquiry
Opened: 10 Jul 2025 Parliament page
Kickstarting economic growth is the number one mission for this Government’s term in office. In this inquiry, the committee will examine plans to deliver economic growth in Northern Ireland, including the recent UK Industrial Strategy, with a particular reference to emerging sectors or ‘industries of the future’. Read our call … Read more
8 Recommendations
5 Conclusions
1 Report
5 Oral sessions
2 Letters
5 Events
Activity timeline 9 events
15 Jul
2026
Correspondence
29 Jun
2026
Oral evidence
25 Jun
2026
Report published
3 Jun
2026
Oral evidence
23 Mar
2026
Report published
4 Mar
2026
Correspondence
4 Feb
2026
Oral evidence
7 Jan
2026
Oral evidence
19 Nov
2025
Oral evidence
Oral evidence sessions 5 sessions
29 Jun 2026
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Blair McDougall MP · Department for Business and Trade Matthew Patrick MP · Northern Ireland Office Paul Flynn · Northern Ireland Office Sally Jones · Department for Business and Trade
3 Jun 2026
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Richard Williams · Northern Ireland Screen Sam Turner · Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre, Queen's University Belfast Shane Corcoran · RenewableNI Shane Corcoran · RenewableNI Simon Whittaker · NI Cyber Steven Morrison · Agrifood and Bioscience Institute
4 Feb 2026
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Colin McCabrey · InterTradeIreland The Rt Hon. the Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee DBE · Intertrade UK
7 Jan 2026
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Alison McCullagh · Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Councillor Tim McClelland - Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) Steven Norris · Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council
19 Nov 2025
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David Quinn · Queen's University Belfast Professor Paul Bartholomew · Ulster University Robert Hill · Matrix Panel Stuart Anderson · Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Title HC No. Published Items Response
4th Report – Economic growth in Northern Ireland: new and emergi… HC 1193 23 Mar 2026 13 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
3 results
Clear
4 Recommendation Accepted in Part
4th Report – Economic growth in No…
SMEs are the dominant business structure in Northern Ireland.
SMEs are the dominant business structure in Northern Ireland. If they are to innovate, take risks and build economic growth in NI, they need specific support, particularly in navigating dual market access to the EU and UK internal markets. Currently, … Read more
Government Response
The government notes the committee's conclusion and confirms the Northern Ireland Business Support Service will act as a 'One Stop Shop' providing tailored digital regulatory advice for SMEs moving products, with core functionality operational in the 2026–27 financial year.
Northern Ireland Executive Northern Ireland Office
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5 Recommendation Accepted in Part
4th Report – Economic growth in No…
The Government should establish a completely overarching one-stop shop for NI SMEs trading in goods...
The Government should establish a completely overarching one-stop shop for NI SMEs trading in goods and services. This facility should bring together support on accessing innovation funding, trading East-West, North-South and more widely in the EU, as well as wider … Read more
Government Response
The government welcomes the recommendation and is committed to delivering an enhanced 'One Stop Shop' regulatory support service, backed by £16.6 million, which is expected to go live within this financial year, as scheduled.
Northern Ireland Executive Northern Ireland Office
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13 Recommendation Accepted in Part
4th Report – Economic growth in No…
The Government should urgently reverse the capital-revenue split of the new Local Growth Fund in...
The Government should urgently reverse the capital-revenue split of the new Local Growth Fund in Northern Ireland. Failing this, the NIO should work with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, HM Treasury and the NI Executive urgently to … Read more
Government Response
The government rejected the recommendation to reverse the capital-revenue split of the Local Growth Fund. However, they have taken action to identify alternative funding, including PEACEPLUS, and engaged with stakeholders to provide information and arrange sessions to expedite and streamline the application process for economic inactivity programming.
Northern Ireland Executive Northern Ireland Office
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Government Response AI assessment · 13 of 8 classified
Accepted 2
Accepted in Part 3
Acknowledged 3
Deferred 2
Rejected 3
Total 8 recs + 5 conclusions
Correspondence 2 letters
15 Jul 2026 Correspondence from Department for Business and trade relating to Economic Growth Follow Up – Pausing of the Export Champions Programme, dated 14 July 2026.
Parliament page
4 Mar 2026 Correspondence from the Secretary of State relating to the reserve claim of £400m for the Northern Ireland Executive, dated 27 February 2026.
Parliament page