What’s the story NI?

Our Managing Director Kieran Donnelly shares his thoughts on the story Northern Ireland needs to tell the world. This opinion piece first appeared in the Irish News Business Insight supplement on 10th June 2025.

Our reputation as a nation of storytellers has perhaps never been more important. For far too long, Northern Ireland’s global narrative has been defined by its past. Headlines have focused on division, politics, and peace, peppered with the odd glimpse of what is possible.

But given the challenges and opportunities ahead we need to write a new chapter in that story and tell it to all who will listen – ideally consistently through the voices of many storytellers. It needs to be a story defined not by what Northern Ireland has survived or overcome, but with the resilience that it instilled and by what it is now poised and prepared to lead.

We have an opportunity to tell a new positive and compelling story to meet the needs of a fast-changing world and a planet that needs help.

While ‘bad’ news might grab headlines and attention, it’s positive sentiment and proof points that will deliver the appeal we need, particularly among our young people and those who may wish to invest here.

Our story should be that of economic confidence, global connectivity, and our inclusive and sustainable ambition. A story of maturity that while welcoming of supportive friends in other countries, we are ready, willing and able to stand on our own two feet.

At the heart of this new story lies a potentially powerful truth. Northern Ireland is currently the only region in the world with unfettered access to both the UK internal market and the EU single market for goods.

This rare dual access could make Northern Ireland a unique strategic base for global businesses, assuming the uncertainty around our relationship with Europe settles down following the UK government’s relationship reset.

Theoretically it allows companies to manufacture, assemble, and export to two of the world’s largest markets without friction, tariffs, or duplication.

But we need to understand what this means in practical terms, and no doubt Invest NI and others are working hard to establish that, particularly now following the recent SPS agreement with the EU.

When we do, we need to shout about it. In a world where many economies are dealing with the aftershocks of Trump-led trade barriers, Northern Ireland is one of the few places where access may become a competitive edge.

Northern Ireland is also rapidly evolving into a hub for 21st-century industries. From cyber-security and medtech to green growth industries and agrifood, this is a region focused on investing in its future and to meet evolving world needs.

Over £1.3 billion is being delivered through City and Growth Deals with the potential to transform local economies into innovation ecosystems.

At a recent NI Chamber Council meeting, those leading the charge on the innovation strand from our two universities outlined the range of exciting developments ahead.

Individually and collectively, they have huge potential to transform and help fast forward key high value sectors. That should be a key chapter in Invest NI’s updated pitchbook to would-be investors.

To those potential investors, our message must be that we offer stability in an uncertain world. We offer connection when others are turning their backs. And we offer a skilled, cost-effective, workforce in a pro-business environment.

That needs to be backed by action and addressing key blockages to such investment such as our current planning system is crucial.

We already have some persuasive storytellers – the global leaders who can attest to their experience here like Citi, Allstate, Seagate, and CGI.

They have a front row seat as to what’s being built here and understand the calibre of our people. They can share their experience of a region that is small enough to be agile, skilled enough to scale, and smart enough to lead in key areas.

For our young people, the story must be one of hope, opportunity, and belonging. This is a generation not defined by the Troubles – but sadly too often still shaped by its legacy. Too often, the brightest minds have felt they must leave to succeed, and we need to stem that flow and that mindset by showing them their future lies here.

With access to global markets, cutting-edge sectors, and world-class education, the message must be that Northern Ireland can now offer its young people more than just jobs – it can offer hope, purpose and opportunity.

The Good Friday Agreement gave Northern Ireland the chance to survive. Dual market access, innovation investment, and a new generation untainted by the past gives it the chance to thrive.

That’s the story Northern Ireland needs to tell now, and the world needs to hear it. Better still if we can tell it with a collective voice.