“The answer is simple: stability,” Hilary Benn said in his New Year message for Northern Ireland, published on 31 December 2025. He opened by thanking staff across schools, hospitals and the PSNI for working through the holidays, and set a clear 2026 test: steady rules, consistent delivery.

Benn pointed to what the Treasury describes as a record settlement averaging £19.3 billion a year for the Executive to 2029-the biggest package since devolution-with an expectation that ministers balance the books. “Difficult decisions” remain, he added.

Business groups want the numbers to translate into progress on the ground. NI Chamber chief executive Suzanne Wylie welcomed the draft 2025/26 budget and said it should “deliver greater certainty for firms here,” while urging movement on wastewater, childcare and decarbonisation.

On growth, Whitehall’s pitch includes £617 million for the four City and Growth Deals-Belfast Region, Derry City & Strabane, Causeway Coast & Glens, and Mid South West-part of a wider £1.3 billion programme shared with the Executive. An extra £310 million was confirmed this year to keep projects moving.

There is new innovation money too. At least £30 million is earmarked for a Belfast–Derry/Londonderry innovation corridor through UKRI’s Local Innovation Partnerships Fund, with five‑year support scheduled from 2026 to 2031. “Home‑grown” firms are expected to lead many bids.

Benn also flagged a £16.6 million package to set up a “one stop shop” to help firms deal with the Windsor Framework and make the most of access to both the UK internal market and the EU. The package includes £2.25 million for InterTrade UK to strengthen GB–NI trade links.

The dual‑market position is already shaping decisions. A Chamber/Invest NI survey found 71% of firms see dual access enabling growth; Evri opened a Mallusk “EU gateway” creating 650 jobs, and Deli‑Lites announced a £19 million expansion citing their NI base.

Invest NI says the pipeline is broadening beyond Belfast, with 93% of supported investments in 2024/25 coming from locally owned companies. “We’re helping more of our home‑grown small businesses become more productive,” said chief executive Kieran Donoghue.

Defence is part of the growth story. The Government’s Defence Industrial Strategy-launched in September-aims to turn defence into an engine for jobs and investment, while Thales committed £100 million and up to 200 roles in Northern Ireland this year.

On the past, London and Dublin published a Joint Framework at Hillsborough Castle on 19 September, promising a new Legacy Commission, the resumption of inquests and lifting the ban on Troubles‑related civil cases. UK legislation to implement the changes was introduced in October and has begun scrutiny.

The politics will be rough. Veterans staged protests earlier in the year as ministers pledged to replace the 2023 Legacy Act, while unionists have questioned Dublin’s role. The test in 2026 is delivery that wins trust across communities.

Benn grounded his message in people’s lives-from the ongoing search for Columba McVeigh at Bragan Bog to a spring visit to Mill Strand Integrated Primary School in Portrush-closing with a simple line: “Progress is all about teamwork.” For the North of England’s exporters trading daily with Northern Ireland, the mix of stability, City Deals and a practical trade support service now needs to turn into visible wins early in 2026.