JANUARY: DEVOLUTION AND FLIGHTS GROUNDED
The resignation of Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness triggered the collapse of the power-sharing institutions, leading business bodies to warn that the economy may be harmed as a result. Mr McGuinness resigned following a row over the Renewable Heat Incentive, which encouraged firms to install boilers for the burning of wood pellets to gener- ate heat. Mark O’Connell, head of foreign director investment advisers
OCO Global, warned: “FDI likes a stable home and the prospect of new elections, the renewables scandal and the uncertain spectre of Brexit is likely to at least put decisions on hold, if not deter them.”
Northern Ireland’s connectedness to the outside world suffered a major setback in January after American airline United Airlines discontinues its Belfast International Air- port to New York (Newark) route.
Seven months after the UK voted to leave the EU and Brexit is still the word on everyone’s lips. Prime Minister Theresa May uses a speech at Lancaster House to announce that the vote to leave the EU means the UK will also leave the single market and the customs union.
John McCann, founder of Willowbrook Foods in Co Down, is awarded an MBE for services to the food industry and community.
The return of TV hit Cold Feet resulted in profits from NI actor James Nesbitt’s company growing. Accounts by Nesbitt’s Brown Cow Films Ltd show the firm enjoyed a stellar year as its cash pile increased from £825,921 to £1.49m.