NI Conservatives’ spokesman, Mark Brotherston, described the news that the construction company Mivan has ceased trading as “a bitter blow for Northern Ireland’s economy, particularly around Antrim”. Mivan employed 289 people and it entered administration earlier this month.
“This is bad news and it is a harsh reminder of just how difficult it can be for our firms to compete in a global marketplace”, Mark commented. “Mivan had enormous success and a reputation for excellence, as demonstrated by two UK Construction Firm of the Year awards. The company was out there in countries across the world, looking for business, which is exactly what we need more firms to do.”
“There is a duty on the Executive to redouble its efforts to create jobs, for the people who have been made redundant by Mivan and other companies. It is difficult enough for firms to compete and they deserve politicians who are prepared to work to make it easier. My sympathies are with the people who lost their jobs today and everything possible must be done to make sure they can quickly start using their skills elsewhere.”