| answer text |
<p>The recent roadshow in Northern Ireland, hosted by the Department for Business,
Innovation and Skills (BIS), was attended by the Northern Ireland Executive, Invest
Northern Ireland and a range of finance providers from Northern Ireland, including
representatives from leading banks. The roadshow resulted in on-going discussions
with the Executive and finance providers to explore how the Business Bank can build
upon existing levels of support in Northern Ireland.</p><p>Officials from BIS and
the Business Bank attended a meeting in Belfast on 9 July 2014 with my Rt. Hon. Friend
the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Invest Northern Ireland and local investors
as part of this continuing engagement, aimed at encouraging greater participation
by Northern Ireland's private sector in the Business Bank's £300 million Investment
Programme.</p><p>On 2 July 2014 Government published a one year update on the Economic
Pact, which set out how the Government and the Executive have been working with the
Business Bank to ensure Northern Ireland businesses and entrepreneurs can benefit
from national finance schemes. This close co-operation will continue so that more
local businesses gain from the available programmes.</p>
|
|
