Minimum Wage Rates Increase From 1 April 2025
The National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates will increase from 1 April 2025. Employers should be aware that all minimum wage rates increase on 1 April of each year. This includes all National Minimum Wage rates and the National Living Wage rate. The new minimum wage rates apply to eligible workers in Northern […]
Autumn Budget 2024
A summary of how the Autumn Budget 2024 affects Northern Ireland businesses. The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, delivered the Autumn Budget on Wednesday 30 October 2024. Find a summary of the key announcements to understand their potential impact on your business. Forecasts Growth forecast 1.1% in 2024 2.0% in 2025 1.8% in 2026 1.5% in 2027 […]
Murphy Launches Apprenticeship Inclusion Challenge Fund
Economy Minister Conor Murphy today announced that the Apprenticeship Inclusion Challenge Fund is open for applications. The fund, worth more than £600,000, is aimed at enabling more disabled people, people from disadvantaged areas, and women to take up apprenticeships. Applications are invited from the education, business and community sectors to collaborate and identify innovative solutions […]
Employee Earnings in Northern Ireland: October 2024
Employee Earnings in Northern Ireland, from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2024, was published today by the Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency. The report provides provisional estimates for 2024 and final revised estimates for 2023. Weekly earnings increased over the year Median gross weekly earnings for full-time employees in April 2024 increased […]
ICO Warns Businesses to Prepare For The Quantum-Enabled Future
Prepare for quantum-enabled future The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is urging businesses to get ready for a new wave of cyber security threats as quantum computing advances. While practical quantum computers may still be years (or even decades) away, in their new report the ICO advises businesses – especially those handling sensitive customer data – to start […]
International Trade Week 2024
Series of events designed to help businesses maximise their global potential From 11 to 15 November 2024, International Trade Week will include a series of events designed to help businesses of all shapes and sizes maximise their global potential. International Trade Week will: Develop your exporting knowledge and skills Showcase the wide-ranging support available from […]
AgriFood Connect: Boosting Innovation in Agri-Food Sector
A new cross-border initiative, AgriFood Connect, has been launched to drive innovation and collaboration in the local agri-food sector Supported by InterTradeIreland’s Synergy Programme, this initiative aims to bridge the gap between research and practical solutions for small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs), farmers, and food manufacturers across Ireland and Northern Ireland. The project is led […]
SBRI: Ending Violence Against Women and Girls
Find solutions to end violence against women and girls Ending violence, abuse, and harm against women and girls is a crucial issue in our society. Such violence occurs daily and impacts how women and girls live, work, and socialise. It cuts across all communities and generations. To address this issue, the Northern Ireland Executive Office […]
DAERA Launches £1.55 Million Rural Micro Business Development Grant Aid Fund
DAERA has today launched the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme which will deliver £1.55million in capital grants to support rural micro businesses across Northern Ireland. The Rural Business Development Grant Scheme is funded through the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs ‘Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation’ (TRPSI) Programme and is delivered in partnership […]
Event: Maximising Your Export Potential Through Cross-Border Trade
This event will equip businesses based in Northern Ireland with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the cross-border market InterTradeIreland, in partnership with the Department for Business and Trade, is hosting this free in-person event to equip businesses based in Northern Ireland with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the cross-border […]