EDF SUB-GROUP ON THE ECONOMIC DOWNTURN

 

TERMS OF REFERENCE

 

PURPOSE

 

1.                  To develop and agree an action plan to address the economic downturn in Northern Ireland.

 

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

 

2.                  The Sub-group has five objectives:

 

a)                  To outline the short-term prospects for the NI economy;

 

b)                  To bring forward recommendations to support the construction sector, particularly in the context of the Investment Strategy;

 

c)                   To identify problems in financing SMEs and bring forward recommendations on how best they can be rectified;

 

d)                  To consider what further assistance (public and/or private) could be given to support SMEs with viable business models but which face short-term cash flow difficulties;

 

e)                  In tandem with considering short term measures, consider what needs to be done to prepare SMEs for a medium term upturn in economic conditions; and

 

f)                   To bring forward recommendations on how skills attraction / retention / improvement, including at senior management level, could be developed through the downturn.

 

MEMBERSHIP

 

3.                  The Sub-group will consist of representatives from the Business community and the Public Sector, as follows:

 

–         Bran Ambrose (Chair and member of EDF)

–         Chris Carvill

–         Stephen Kirkpatrick

–         Neil Gibson

–         Ian Crowe

–         Graeme Whitehurst

–         David Sterling DETI

–         Colin Lewis Invest NI

–         Graeme Hutchinson DETI

–         Mike Brennan DFP

–         Michael Gould DEL

–         Martin Spollen SIB

 

4.                  The Sub-group may also co-opt other individuals who can bring particular specialist knowledge or skills.

 

5.                  Recommendations should be mindful of the opportunities and constraints of public policy, EU State Aid rules and available resources.

 

MEETINGS OF THE SUB-GROUP

 

6.                  The Sub-group will determine the frequency and format of meetings.

 

LIFESPAN

 

7.                  The Sub-group will present its action Plan to the EDF Plenary on the 12 February 2009.  The continued need for this Sub-group will be reviewed following the February Plenary meeting.

 

SECRETARIAT SUPPORT

 

8.                  PA to Brian Ambrose – Samantha Hutchinson

 

samantha.hutchinson@belfastcityairport.com

 

Telephone:        02890 9093 5002

 

ATTENDANCE FEES AND MEMBERS’ EXPENSES

 

9.                  Members of the Sub-group are entitled to claim a fee and travel expenses for attending EDF meetings. These will be provided by DETI.