Speaking after the visit, Carla Lockhart said:

“Irwin’s Bakery is known across the country and beyond for their amazing range of products. Their bread and bakery range are synonymous with flavour, freshness and quality.

The company also employs hundreds of local people, providing a livelihood for many households in the local area. Therefore it is important that the best possible environment for sustaining the business, and growing the business, is in place.

Today’s visit offered the Economy Minister the opportunity for engagement with a leading local business to hear about the challenges faced. The increased price in energy is causing significant problems for every business, increasing costs to record levels. The last thing a business wants to do at this time is to pass on price increases to consumers, and I know Irwin’s Bakery certainly are doing all they can to avoid that.

The Economy Minister is engaged in ongoing talks with the Government at Westminster around support for businesses to meet the rising costs of energy. I know that has borne fruit already, but we need more.

My thanks go to Brian and the team at Irwin’s for taking time out of their busy agenda to meet. My thanks also go to Gordon Lyons, our Economy Minister, for his proactive approach and willingness to engage.”