17/06/2013
Women 'Most Under-Represented' In NI Enterprise
Women remain the largest under-represented group when it comes to enterprise in Northern Ireland, according to Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster.
Minister Foster said Northern Ireland's female business leaders represent a vast reserve of untapped potential, as role models who can inspire the next generation.
The Minister was speaking at the Clinton Centre International Summer School in Enniskillen on Friday, as she gave the opening address at a panel day entitled 'Women in Society'.
Minister Foster addressed an audience of 60 local women and young people, international young leaders from 10 countries, alongside delegates and key note speakers from Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and the USA.
She said increasing the level of female entrepreneurship was more important than ever.
"We are all aware of the contribution women make to our economy, whether as business leaders, business people or in politics. Despite the level of female entrepreneurship rising to a record high in 2011, Northern Ireland continues to have the lowest ratio of female to male entrepreneurial activity rate (38%) and is 10% lower than the UK as a whole.
"That means that there is a vast reserve of untapped potential which could become an even more significant driver of the Northern Ireland economy.
"The Northern Ireland Executive’s Economic Strategy sets out the steps that we need to take to grow the private sector and improve our economic competitiveness. We need to encourage a greater number of people to start new, innovative, globally focused businesses and Invest Northern Ireland’s recently launched Regional Start Initiative aims to do just that."
(IT/CD)
Minister Foster said Northern Ireland's female business leaders represent a vast reserve of untapped potential, as role models who can inspire the next generation.
The Minister was speaking at the Clinton Centre International Summer School in Enniskillen on Friday, as she gave the opening address at a panel day entitled 'Women in Society'.
Minister Foster addressed an audience of 60 local women and young people, international young leaders from 10 countries, alongside delegates and key note speakers from Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and the USA.
She said increasing the level of female entrepreneurship was more important than ever.
"We are all aware of the contribution women make to our economy, whether as business leaders, business people or in politics. Despite the level of female entrepreneurship rising to a record high in 2011, Northern Ireland continues to have the lowest ratio of female to male entrepreneurial activity rate (38%) and is 10% lower than the UK as a whole.
"That means that there is a vast reserve of untapped potential which could become an even more significant driver of the Northern Ireland economy.
"The Northern Ireland Executive’s Economic Strategy sets out the steps that we need to take to grow the private sector and improve our economic competitiveness. We need to encourage a greater number of people to start new, innovative, globally focused businesses and Invest Northern Ireland’s recently launched Regional Start Initiative aims to do just that."
(IT/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 March 2026
Easy Trips from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland
Let’s be honest, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to a quick getaway. Living in Northern Ireland means that a proper change of scenery is never more than a couple of hours away, and heading down south for a few days has become the default setting for a stress-free break.
Easy Trips from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland
Let’s be honest, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to a quick getaway. Living in Northern Ireland means that a proper change of scenery is never more than a couple of hours away, and heading down south for a few days has become the default setting for a stress-free break.
29 May 2012
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
01 March 2019
Celebration Of NI's Female Artists Launched
In celebration of International Women's Day, Friday 08 March, a special exhibition featuring female artists from Northern Ireland has launched in Cookstown.
Celebration Of NI's Female Artists Launched
In celebration of International Women's Day, Friday 08 March, a special exhibition featuring female artists from Northern Ireland has launched in Cookstown.
03 September 2026
The Attention Economy Comes Home: How Businesses Across Northern Ireland Compete for the Digital Consumer
Across Northern Ireland, attention rarely stays in one place for long. A program may be playing in the background while messages arrive, social feeds refresh and another app competes for a glance. What once looked like dedicated leisure time has become a series of short interactions spread across several screens and services.
The Attention Economy Comes Home: How Businesses Across Northern Ireland Compete for the Digital Consumer
Across Northern Ireland, attention rarely stays in one place for long. A program may be playing in the background while messages arrive, social feeds refresh and another app competes for a glance. What once looked like dedicated leisure time has become a series of short interactions spread across several screens and services.
22 July 2026
New Research Sets Out Impact Of US Tariffs On Northern Ireland Economy
Two independent studies released examine how recent shifts in US trade policy are likely to affect Northern Ireland, with both papers indicating headwinds for growth, trade and household spending.
New Research Sets Out Impact Of US Tariffs On Northern Ireland Economy
Two independent studies released examine how recent shifts in US trade policy are likely to affect Northern Ireland, with both papers indicating headwinds for growth, trade and household spending.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Variable amounts of cloud and some bright or sunny spells. There will be scattered showers, these becoming fewer later in the afternoon. Windy with fresh occasionally strong westerly winds. Maximum temperature 16 °C.Tonight:Mainly dry this evening with just the odd passing shower. Then the rest of the night will be dry. Westerly winds easing down, but remaining fresh along the north coast. Minimum temperature 11 °C.