I thoroughly enjoyed my @StormontSources debut talking to @dmcbfs@timcairns and Michael about @ConfluenceNI’s The Business of Government report and what it reveals about how business views Stormont. You can read the full report at https://t.co/GLPrY2ztEY
New green shipping tax introduced by the UK Government could raise operator costs by around 6%, according to @Telegraph.
For NI, which is so reliant on sea connectivity, this means higher costs for businesses and an increase in the cost of living.
https://t.co/draMqNNe7u
An absolute honour to represent the Northern Ireland Government to celebrate the official naming ceremony of the Stena Futura - the first ship to be named in Belfast Harbour in over 20 years Stena Line UKIE
Following maritime tradition, godmother, Dr Madeleine Olsson Eriksson, named the vessel by smashing a bottle of champagne against the hull of the ship — a symbolic gesture of good luck for every voyage ahead.
The Stena Futura is a powerful symbol of Stena's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and strengthening the connection.
Thank you to Stena for your continued commitment and investment in Belfast, recognising the incredibly importance of these routes especially to internal UK trade. Not only having over 70% of all freight movements across GB and NI, but taking over 1.6m passengers every year!
Helping unlock and support growth in our economy and for our businesses.
Here's to the next chapter of Stena Line!
Today we're celebrating 30 years sailing from Belfast!
187,000 trips, 11.3 million nautical miles, nearly 10 million freight units, nearly 10 million cars & 43 million passengers.
Thank you for being part of our journey 💙 #StenaLine
Economy Minister Dr @CArchibald_SF has toured @StenaLineUKIE facilities at @BelfastHarbour to hear more about their operations and their economic contribution to the north, and discuss a number of issues, including the current skills landscape.
As part of the visit, the Minister toured one of the vessels and heard more about two new freight vessels being introduced on the Belfast–Heysham route. The NewMax hybrid ships will boost freight capacity by 80% and are able to operate on more sustainable fuel types.
The Minister said: "Stena Line’s investment in Belfast not only strengthens the north’s trade infrastructure and facilitates the smooth movement of goods but also enhances connectivity that supports our growing tourism sector, with Belfast acting as a gateway to the north more generally.
"I welcomed the opportunity to meet with Stena Line to hear more about its operations and its interest in supporting the development of skills in this area."
President Trump’s tariffs create fresh uncertainty for NI business. With NI’s unique trade position, firms could face rising costs, supply chain risks and be impacted by both the UK and EU’s responses. Get in touch and find out what it means for your business.
How will the NI Executive's new Programme for Government impact your business?
At Confluence Consulting, we decode policy shifts so you can stay ahead.
Contact us touch today and get the inside track.
#ProgrammeForGovernment#NorthernIreland#Business#Policy
Minister @conormurphysf today attended an engagement event facilitated by @ArthurCoxNI
The Minister updated the group on the 'Good Jobs' consultation and the legislative changes needed to deliver the new Employment Rights Bill.
During the meeting, the Minister also heard from local businesses on their endeavours to create and deliver 'Good Jobs' across the region.
Our MD @SimonHamilton took part in @NIChamber’s Public Affairs Forum - in partnership with @phoenixni - which reflected on the big events of 2024 and looked forward to what 2025 might mean for business in Northern Ireland
Exploring Northern Ireland’s Energy Future 🌱 @SimonHamilton of @ConfluenceNI (of the #ArdmoreGroup) dives into what the PfG means for achieving sustainability goals while boosting rural economies. Read more 👉 https://t.co/FlZnQYOAiL
Last week, we gathered at Parliament Buildings to outline a new report to senior NI politicians.
Thanks to Phillip Brett, Chair of the Committee for the Economy for sponsoring the event, and for Minister Andrew Muir for outlining the ambitions of DAREA on this area.
Director of Evolve, David Butler, yesterday attended an event at Stormont marking the launch of the 'Enabling a Greener Energy Future' policy document alongside @firmusenergy, @phoenixni, @mutualenergy and @GasNetIrl.
Find out more: https://t.co/1umhxQlaFX
#Biomethane#NetZero
Yesterday, Northern Ireland's Gas Network Operators told senior politicians, including DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, at Parliament Buildings that the time is right to “grasp this incredible opportunity to accelerate Northern Ireland along the pathway to net zero”
Thanks to @PhillipBrett21 and @AndrewMuirNI for their support at today’s gas network event showcasing the importance of #biomethane. To find out more about today’s event, visit https://t.co/r6rjiaVlLa
Great to be part of the event at Stormont yesterday advocating for biomethane’s role in Northern Ireland’s greener future. Represented by Edwina Nyhan, we highlighted how biomethane can reduce emissions & create jobs #NetZero#GreenerFuture#Biomethane
Unpacking Northern Ireland’s Programme for Government 🌍 Simon Hamilton of Confluence Consulting (part of the #ArdmoreGroup) breaks down what we need to know: https://t.co/t8nhX0kukO
#NorthernIreland#PfG#ConfluenceConsulting