Stephen Kelly, chief executive of Manufacturing Northern Ireland, has said that the competitive disadvantages facing Northern Ireland manufacturers must be addressed if the sector is to improve. “The most recent manufacturing export statistics show that, while the headline figure is positive, it is made up of a number of big firms making big sales.”

Mr Kelly said that, according to figures from NI Chamber of Commerce, Northern Ireland’s manufacturing exports rose by almost 9% in 2013-14 to £6 billion. However, large firms accounted for almost all of that growth, with their exports rising by 15.4%.

He went on to say: “The current sterling gains against the euro have not been seen for the last five years. It is increasingly difficult for Northern Ireland manufacturers to win contracts in Europe.

"We have some great companies with great products and great people, but we need to tackle our competitive disadvantages to give them the best chance to be successful. We need to look at the cost of doing business here and make sure that the likes of Invest Northern Ireland can support the growth of our existing business.”