Lagan Valley MLA David Honeyford stated: "The report paints a picture of businesses that are coping as much as thriving, but the fact remains that Northern Ireland is reporting the highest economic growth and output across the UK, and so no one should be talking our economy down.
"The survey itself reinforces this, showing that Northern Ireland ranks in the top three of UK regions across 10 of 11 indicators in manufacturing, and strongest among all UK regions across most indicators in services. Yet constant downplaying of the Northern Ireland economy is leading to businesses feeling that prospects are gloomier than the figures show them to be."
South Belfast MLA Kate Nicholl stated: "It's really frustrating to hear politicians talking down Northern Ireland's economic prospects when so many local businesses are working hard and doing well. There's still work to be done, but Northern Ireland is no longer behind other UK regions. This survey, even though it highlights some real concerns, also shows our strong performance."
"If we can better match our existing strengths with stronger links between skills and what local employers need - as we called for in a recent Assembly motion - we could achieve even more and give people real hope for the future. But we need to keep promoting Northern Ireland and the benefits of living and working here, every step of the way."