Derry chamber issues 'wake up' call politicians as election deadline looms
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The latest indictment of the ongoing stasis comes as almost 90% of businesses in the city and region also reveal soaring energy and material costs is now their biggest challenge.
The figures were revealed following a survey by Derry’s Chamber of Commerce, which found the 86% of North West businesses are facing rising costs and inflationary pressures.
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Hide AdRising energy and material costs as well as decreasing consumer demand due to the cost of living crisis are hitting local firms hard.


94% said they expected they will have to increase their prices in response to rising costs, and three-quarters said it was “extremely important” to have the Executive and Assembly return at this time to provide assistance.
Looking ahead to the medium and long-term outlook, Chamber members continue to view investment on the North West region as central to unlocking the region’s economic potential.
Ahead of this Friday’s 28 October deadline to restore the Stormont Executive, the Chamber is calling on the parties to urgently get round the table to ensure local power-sharing returns, that another election is avoided at all costs, and to deliver supports for businesses and households ahead of the winter.
Aidan O’Kane, President of the Chamber of Commerce said: "There’s simply no getting away from the fact that the lack of an Executive is worsening the situation for our local businesses and this should serve as a wake-up call for our local elected representatives.


"The fact that 67% of respondents have said that political inaction has damaged their business should be a clear signal that the prospect of further delay is totally unthinkable. The Secretary of State has been clear that he will call an election if the parties do not restore the Executive by the end of this week. This is last chance saloon for local political decision making.”