Alliance Economy spokesperson David Honeyford MLA has called for the implementation of a dedicated Manufacturing Strategy for Northern Ireland, describing it as vital for driving economic growth, generating high-quality employment, and securing regional prosperity.

The Lagan Valley MLA emphasized that despite the manufacturing sector contributing over £6 billion to the local economy and supporting nearly 100,000 jobs, the region still operates without a tailored strategic framework for the industry.

According to Honeyford, a comprehensive strategy is required to systematically address skills shortages, enhance energy competitiveness, facilitate export growth, and eliminate persistent barriers to industrial expansion. He specifically noted that any effective strategy must incorporate planning reform and immediate interventions to resolve wastewater connection constraints, both of which are currently stalling commercial investment and physical expansion. The MLA also advocated for enhanced cross-border collaboration on skills, energy infrastructure, and supply chain opportunities, pointing to the economic success of the manufacturing sector in the Republic of Ireland as a benchmark for creating optimal business conditions.

David Honeyford MLA said: "Manufacturing contributes more than £6 billion to our economy and supports almost 100,000 jobs, yet Northern Ireland still lacks a dedicated Manufacturing Strategy.

"If we are serious about economic growth, good jobs and regional prosperity, we must support our manufacturing industry. We need a Manufacturing Strategy that will tackle skills shortages, improve energy competitiveness, support exports and remove barriers to growth.

"That must also include planning reform and urgent action on wastewater connection constraints, both of which are holding back investment and expansion.

"Collaboration across this island on skills, energy and supply chain opportunities is key. If we look south, manufacturing has been recognised as central to economic growth and regional prosperity. That success has come from creating the conditions for businesses to invest, grow and succeed. We should be doing the same.

"Manufacturing is not an industry of the past. It is one of the foundations of our future, and it's time we recognised its opportunities so we can build a better future for everyone."