--- title: NI Chamber Momentum Conference description: Momentum Conference is Northern Ireland’s premier economic conference, bringing together leaders, policymakers and industry experts. --- [![2026 Logo NI Chamber - Colour](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hubfs/NI%20Chamber%20Logos%202026/2026%20Logo%20NI%20Chamber%20-%20Colour.svg "2026 Logo NI Chamber - Colour")](https://www.northernirelandchamber.com/) ![Momentum Conference Headline Sponsor Ulster Bank and Supporting Sponsors BT Net Company and Pinsent Masons](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Momentum%20Conference%20Headline%20Sponsor%20Ulster%20Bank%20and%20Supporting%20Sponsors%20BT%20Net%20Company%20and%20Pinsent%20Masons.png?width=1024&height=154&name=Momentum%20Conference%20Headline%20Sponsor%20Ulster%20Bank%20and%20Supporting%20Sponsors%20BT%20Net%20Company%20and%20Pinsent%20Masons.png "Momentum Conference Headline Sponsor Ulster Bank and Supporting Sponsors BT Net Company and Pinsent Masons") # Momentum Bringing together leaders, policymakers, and industry experts, [Momentum](https://www.northernirelandchamber.com/event/momentum-conference-2026/) is Northern Ireland’s premier economic conference, dedicated to shaping the future of the region's economy. Hosted by Naomi McMullan, Former Broadcaster & Communications Team, InterTradeIreland, this year’s theme is 'Thinking Globally'. [Join us](https://www.northernirelandchamber.com/event/momentum-conference-2026/), Wednesday 22 April, 8.00 AM - 2.00 PM, The Great Hall, Galgorm, Ballymena. View the full agenda [here.](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/momentum-conference-event-details#event-agenda) [BOOK TICKETS](https://www.northernirelandchamber.com/event/momentum-conference-2026/) ## Your Momentum Conference Speakers ![Peter Foster](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Circular%20profile%20images-9.png?width=400&height=400&name=Circular%20profile%20images-9.png "Peter Foster") ### Peter Foster #### World Trade Editor, Financial Times Peter's brief is to report on the shifting landscape of global supply chains, investment and trade patterns being reorientated as a result of pressures being applied by the second Trump administration. Previously, Peter was the UK policy editor, reporting on the UK’s post-Brexit trade, regulatory and investment environment. --- **'Economic Shifts and What They Mean for Northern Ireland'** At this year's Momentum, Peter will discuss current international economic conditions and what these shifts could mean for Northern Ireland's future prosperity. ![Dr Caoimhe Archibald Minister for the Economy](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/caoimhe%20archibald-1.png?width=400&height=400&name=caoimhe%20archibald-1.png "Dr Caoimhe Archibald Minister for the Economy") ### Dr Caoimhe Archibald #### Minister for the Economy Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA was appointed Economy Minister on 3 February 2025. Previous to this, Caoimhe served as Finance Minister from February 2024. Caoimhe was elected as an MLA for East Derry in May 2016 and was re-elected in March 2017 and again in May 2022. She is formerly Chair of the Assembly’s Economy and Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs committees. ---   ![sebastian burnside](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sebastian%20burnside.png?width=400&height=400&name=sebastian%20burnside.png "sebastian burnside") ### Sebastian Burnside #### Chief Economist NatWest Group Sebastian Burnside joined the bank in 2009, has been Chief Economist of NatWest Group since 2018 and is a trustee of the group’s pension scheme. His areas of interest include the economics of net zero, adapting to an ageing society and the microanalysis of customer behaviour.   ---   ![nigel walsh](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/nigel%20walsh.png?width=400&height=400&name=nigel%20walsh.png "nigel walsh") ### Nigel Walsh #### Director of Commercial Banking NI Ulster Bank Nigel began his banking career in 1994 after studying Accounting, Banking & Finance, followed by an MSc in Computers. Moving to Ulster Bank in 2008, he has undertaken a range of roles across Commercial and Business Banking in addition to setting up and heading up the Sectors & Specialised Business Teams for the Island of Ireland. ---   ## Panels and Panellists #### World Leading Innovation The ‘World‑Leading Innovation’ panel will examine how Northern Ireland can drive productivity growth and create high‑value jobs by strengthening innovation clusters, translating research into commercial impact, and adopting international best practice to boost competitiveness through innovation. ![Marina Donohoe\_\_](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Marina%20Donohoe__.png?width=400&height=400&name=Marina%20Donohoe__.png "Marina Donohoe__") Marina Donohoe Chief Executive QUBIS ![George Maybury\_](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/George%20Maybury_.png?width=400&height=400&name=George%20Maybury_.png "George Maybury_") George Maybury Head of Public Sector, Ireland and NI  Microsoft ![Adrian Johnston\_](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Adrian%20Johnston_.png?width=400&height=400&name=Adrian%20Johnston_.png "Adrian Johnston_") Dr Adrian Johnston MBE  Innovation Commissioner Innovation City Belfast ![Michal Voyno Netcompany](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Michal%20Voyno%20Netcompany.png?width=400&height=400&name=Michal%20Voyno%20Netcompany.png "Michal Voyno Netcompany") Michal Voyno Head of Delivery Netcompany #### Lessons from Across the Globe on Public Sector Reform This panel will explore international best practice and the practical reforms Northern Ireland could adopt to deliver faster planning and infrastructure, more effective regulation and procurement, and digital, data-driven public services that better support business growth. ![Judith Savage, EY](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Judith%20Savage%2c%20EY.png?width=300&height=300&name=Judith%20Savage%2c%20EY.png "Judith Savage, EY") Judith Savage Consulting Partner EY Northern Ireland ![Gareth Hethrington](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gareth%20Hethrington.png?width=300&height=300&name=Gareth%20Hethrington.png "Gareth Hethrington") Gareth Hetherington Director of Economic Policy Centre Ulster University Economic Policy Centre ![Ed Stainton](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ed%20Stainton.png?width=300&height=300&name=Ed%20Stainton.png "Ed Stainton") Ed Stainton Managing Director - Public Sector, Defence & CNI BT ![Micaela-Diver](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Micaela-Diver.png?width=300&height=300&name=Micaela-Diver.png "Micaela-Diver") Micaela Diver Partner A&L Goodbody #### Trading Globally - Trade, Access, and Opportunity for Northern Ireland Businesses Informed by global trade best practice, this panel will consider how Northern Ireland businesses can turn international access into growth through improved export readiness, market diversification, and better support on finance, logistics and compliance. ![Chris Relf NatWest Group](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Chris%20Relf%20NatWest%20Group.png?width=400&height=400&name=Chris%20Relf%20NatWest%20Group.png "Chris Relf NatWest Group") Chris Relf  International Capital Markets  NatWest Group ![Lisa Early Pinsent Masons](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Lisa%20Early%20Pinsent%20Masons.png?width=400&height=400&name=Lisa%20Early%20Pinsent%20Masons.png "Lisa Early Pinsent Masons") Lisa Early Partner Pinsent Masons ![Charlie Merritt British Chambers of Commerce](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Charlie%20Merritt%20British%20Chambers%20of%20Commerce.png?width=400&height=400&name=Charlie%20Merritt%20British%20Chambers%20of%20Commerce.png "Charlie Merritt British Chambers of Commerce") Charlie Merritt Engagement Lead  Diplomatic Advisory Hub, FCDO, & BCC ![Anne Beggs, Invest NI-1](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Anne%20Beggs%2c%20Invest%20NI-1.png?width=400&height=400&name=Anne%20Beggs%2c%20Invest%20NI-1.png "Anne Beggs, Invest NI-1") Anne Beggs Chief Commercial Officer Invest NI  [BOOK TICKETS](https://www.northernirelandchamber.com/event/momentum-conference-2026/) ## Event Agenda **8:00 am Registration, Networking, Tea/Coffee** **8:50 am Welcome** Naomi McMullan, InterTradeIreland **8:55 am Opening Remarks** Suzanne Wylie, CEO, NI Chamber **9:10 am Economy Minister Address** Dr Caoimhe Archibald, Economy Minister **9:20 am Economic Outlook** Sebastian Burnside, Chief Economist, NatWest Group **9:50 am Headline Sponsor Address** Nigel Walsh, Director of Commercial Banking, Ulster Bank 10:00 am Panel Session: **Lessons from Across the Globe on Public Sector Reform** *Chaired by Naomi McMullan, InterTradeIreland* **10:30 am** **Tea, Coffee and Networking** **11:15 am** Panel Session: **World Leading Innovation** *Chaired by Naomi McMullan, InterTradeIreland* **11:45 am** Exporting: the opportunity for NI businesses Anne Beggs, Chief Commercial Officer, Invest NI **11:50 am  Panel Session: Trading Globally: Trade, Access, and Opportunity for Northern Ireland Businesses** *Chaired by Naomi McMullan, InterTradeIreland* **12:20 pm  Global Economic Shifts and What They Mean for Northern Ireland**  Peter Foster, World Trade Editor, Financial Times                      Q&A with Peter Foster, Chaired by Stuart Anderson, Director of Public Affairs and International Relations, NI Chamber **1:00 pm** **Closing Remarks** Kailash Chada, NI Chamber President **1:05 pm Networking Lunch** --- [BOOK TICKETS](https://www.northernirelandchamber.com/event/momentum-conference-2026/) ## Our Event Partners ### Headline Sponsor ![Ulster Bank](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ulster%20Bank%20Logo_Horizontal_RGB_MONO_NEG.png?width=400&height=145&name=Ulster%20Bank%20Logo_Horizontal_RGB_MONO_NEG.png "Ulster Bank") ### Ulster Bank Ulster Bank supports people, families and businesses across Northern Ireland with all their banking needs. Community is at the heart of what we do. It’s why we champion local causes like Give A Day and Do Good Feel Good. And that’s why we’ll do everything we can to help you achieve your plans, your hopes, your dreams. So let us help you get those wheels in motion. Tomorrow begins today. Learn more about Ulster Bank [here](https://www.ulsterbank.co.uk/). ### Supporting Sponsor ![BT ](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BT%20-%20Copy.png?width=200&height=86&name=BT%20-%20Copy.png "BT ") ### BT We’re one of the world’s leading communications services companies. At BT Group, the solutions we sell are integral to modern life. Our purpose is as simple as it is ambitious: we connect for good.  There are no limits to what people can do when they connect. And as technology changes our world, connections are becoming even more important to everyday life.  Learn more about BT [here](https://www.bt.com/about).  ### Supporting Sponsor ![pinsent masons logo white png\_](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/pinsent%20masons%20logo%20white%20png_.png?width=200&height=111&name=pinsent%20masons%20logo%20white%20png_.png "pinsent masons logo white png_") ### Pinsent Masons Pinsent Masons is a multinational professional services business with a robust legal foundation, operating with a clear purpose-led strategy. The firm prides itself on its commitment to making business work better for people, placing clients and communities at the forefront of its operations. Learn more about Pinsent Masons [here](https://www.pinsentmasons.com/). ### Supporting Sponsor ![net company logo\_White\_](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/net%20company%20logo_White_.png?width=200&height=46&name=net%20company%20logo_White_.png "net company logo_White_") ### Netcompany Netcompany is the fastest-growing and most successful IT service company in Northern Europe. Today, we lead the way with digitalisation in Northern Europe, building modern IT solutions and introducing advanced use of technology for large global customers, side by side in agile teams. Learn more about Netcompany [here](https://netcompany.com/about-us/). [BOOK TICKETS](https://www.northernirelandchamber.com/event/momentum-conference-2026/) ![Momentum Conference Headline Sponsor Ulster Bank and Supporting Sponsors BT\_Net Company\_and\_Pinsent Masons](https://info.northernirelandchamber.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Momentum%20Conference%20Headline%20Sponsor%20Ulster%20Bank%20and%20Supporting%20Sponsors%20BT_Net%20Company_and_Pinsent%20Masons.png?width=1024&height=154&name=Momentum%20Conference%20Headline%20Sponsor%20Ulster%20Bank%20and%20Supporting%20Sponsors%20BT_Net%20Company_and_Pinsent%20Masons.png "Momentum Conference Headline Sponsor Ulster Bank and Supporting Sponsors BT_Net Company_and_Pinsent Masons") [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/northern-ireland-chamber-of-commerce) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.instagram.com/ni_chamber/?hl=en) [Follow us on Facebook](http://www.youtube.com/nichamber) © 2026 All rights reserved.