Manufacturing NI survey: Unwillingness of GB suppliers the issue, not NI Protocol

By Q Radio News

Manufacturing NI has published its latest tracker of manufacturers' experience of the NI Protocol.

The latest figures show that it is the availability of people, not the Protocol, that is the most challenging for people in the industry.

They also show that supplier willingness in Great Britain (GB) remains the big issue, with one out of five manufacturers in Northern Ireland reporting an unwillingness from their GB suppliers to send goods.

Manufacturing NI survey: Unwillingness of GB suppliers the issue, not NI Protocol.https://t.co/QGKbgHxDkg

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Less than one in four said they continue to struggle with the processes in the Irish Sea, which is down from 40% six months ago.

Just over half report a negative impact from Brexit, which is down from 77% in April of last year.

28% report an increase in sales with countries in the European Union.

The data also shows that there has been a dramatic uptick in manufacturing firms saying they accept that the NI Protocol is here, but want it to work better.

However, one out of five still would like it replaced, and two out of five want the Executive to secure opportunities presented by it.

Stephen Kelly from Manufacturing NI spoke to Q Radio: