Created and developed by Dr Karen Bonner and a team from the UU Economic Policy Centre, the dashboard is able to provide a snapshot of business activity by sector and date showing business births and deaths and entrepreneurial activity, evidencing key trends such as business start up activity. 

"This information will be key to helping businesses and other key stakeholders, such as further & higher education and enterprise organisations, make better informed decisions and enable more strategic interventions in our economy," Ms Eastwood said following the event.

"For the first time it looks as if NI is starting to close the gap with the rest of the UK. Traditionally NI has lagged behind the rest of the UK in terms of entrepreneurship, but it is positive to see the gap closing.

"We are a place of creators, makers, and innovators and this fantastic tool will enable data to be utilised to better support those who start up businesses, meaning that NI will be best placed to start to rebuild economic strength and confidence.

"It is vital that we start laying the groundwork now for the jobs and skills that we need for the future, particularly to enable us to meet our climate goals and deliver economic, social and climate justice, revitalise our town and city centres, and create employment opportunities."