Northern Ireland’s businesses must take bold steps to facilitate investment and spur on economic recovery, according to Finance Minister Sammy Wilson.

The comments came as Minister Wilson and Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster concluded a series of meetings with local banks.

Sammy Wilson said that banking and access to finance remained strategically important to the Northern Ireland economy.

"It is imperative that our businesses have the finance they need made available so they can continue to trade and grow," he said.

"All of our banks have indicated they have money to lend to good projects; however they have suggested that a lack of demand is a particular problem. I have no doubt that there is a lack of confidence given the economic climate but our economic recovery depends on businesses taking bold steps to progress investment projects or business opportunities they have. Many are doing this, but we also need those that are potentially holding back to do likewise."

Arlene Foster added: "For many of our smaller local businesses in particular, the greatest challenge they currently face is access to affordable finance to help them survive and prosper.

"Our meetings with the banks have provided the opportunity to emphasise the importance of supporting business development and growth. During the discussions we were also able to explore what more can be done, by both the banking sector and government, to assist our local businesses in the current economic climate. This will include the ongoing development of complementary Access to Finance products by Invest Northern Ireland."

The Finance Minister added: "While I have been pressing the banks on this, we need to recognise that costs will unfortunately be higher than pre-financial crisis and that more scrutiny will be required – though achieving the right balance here is crucial."

(IT)