Following a reshuffle Sandra Overend MLA will be representing the Ulster Unionist Party on the Enterprise, Trade and Investment committee in the Assembly, and will become the Party Spokesperson on the subject.
 
The Mid-Ulster Assembly Member commented:
 
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to join the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee, to be asked to become our Party’s Spokesperson on these issues, and I am determined to work for all businesses large and small in both my constituency and across Northern Ireland.
 
Having previously served on the soon to be dissolved Employment and Learning Committee I am looking forward to being involved in the efforts to incorporate some of its responsibilities into the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Investment and thereby contribute to a more streamlined and efficient government system. The Northern Ireland economy has great potential; a superb entrepreneurial spirit and it is important that make the most of our qualities, build upon our strengths and ensure that we are doing all that we can to create the right environment to grow industry and tourism here.  My own constituency of Mid-Ulster is  a hub of great businesses and both this and the fact that I studied Business and Accountancy and working in this area before entering politics, albeit at an early age, I am especially pleased to be able to continue this interest at committee level at Stormont.  I believe that by taking measures to support our homegrown businesses, by working to stimulate growth and encourage innovation we could break the shackles of recession.
 
Since my election in May 2011, I have met with various business people across a range of sectors all of whom were able to identify a fundamental flaw in our system namely a lack of appropriately skilled workforce and a diminished interest in a well-paid craft apprenticeship by our school leavers. This is an issue that I feel is vitally important - we need to ensure that our young people are skilled within the appropriate areas in order to be able to gain employment at the end of their studies.  The connection between business, industry and our education sector, and especially the careers advisory sector, is essential.   The need for a close working relationship between the local business sector and the Further Education and Higher Education sectors is imperative in order to help local retailers survive the present economic crisis and plan for the future.
 
The other two key aspects of this portfolio are Tourism and the Agri-Food sectors in Northern Ireland, and I will make it my concern to promote both at every opportunity as I believe that these both have a fantastic potential, and will continue to see Northern Ireland through these tough economic times and beyond.
 
The Assembly needs to adopt an innovative approach to aid the repair and further development of our economy. In my new role as UUP spokesperson I will work to support and promote a favourable environment for all enterprise trade and investment in Northern Ireland”.