One of the consequences of the recent local elections across the UK has been the creation of a new Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland, combining the economic and business arm of the Department of Enterprise and Investment with the Department for Employment and Learning.

Belfast economist John Simpson said the new department must “refresh and deliver more-ambitious skills training and apprenticeship places”.

He added: “The new department brings together critical policy levers and represents a major opportunity to improve Northern Ireland’s economy.”

Ann McGregor, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that the minister in charge of the new department must “act as a sales-person for Northern Ireland and take our message to the global market”.

She added: “We must ensure that our indigenous businesses, as well as international investors, have access to a skilled and motivated workforce.”