The vital role of the Northern Ireland Smallest Business Sector to the local economy, was the key message from this year’s NI SME Business Conference & Expo, held on Thursday 13th November in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry.
Hosted by one of Northern Ireland’s largest membership organisations, Newry Chamber, more than 150 delegates from across Northern Ireland attended the conference, which covered a range of key areas including Sales & Marketing, Finance & The Economy and Challenges & Opportunities for SMEs.
This year marked the 11th year of the annual FREE conference which featured over 20 expert speakers across a stacked programme with numerous exhibitors also in attendance on the day to make SMEs aware of the support that is out there and chatted directly to them about how they can assist their businesses.
The NI SME Business Conference & Expo was proudly supported by:
- Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
- FSB Northern Ireland
- Southern Regional College
- Queen’s University Belfast
- Ulster University
- Employee Ownership Ireland
Edwina Flynn, President of Newry Chamber said:
“We regularly engage with our members to better understand what the current challenges they face and the opportunities they see. This conference is all about connecting our SME business community with each other and with organisations that can support them.”
“The Greater Newry Area is a vibrant business region. Despite the challenges of rising interest rates, stubbornly high inflation, skills and staff shortages, there is a still a huge ambition for growth. The conference allowed businesses to learn from each other and raise awareness of what supports are available to them.”
“We are extremely grateful to our conference sponsors, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, FSB Northern Ireland, Southern Regional College, Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University and Employee Ownership Ireland. Without their support, we could not run this important conference.”
Cllr. Philip Campbell, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council said:
“The NI SME Conference offered businesses across the district the opportunity to engage with a wide range of business support organizations under one roof and to listen to topical discussion on business practices.”
“As we enter Enterprise Week, I encourage businesses to engage with Council’s own business support programmes which were also promoted at this event, and I encourage local companies to contact the Council to find out more on the support available.”
Roisin McAliskey, Development Manager at Small Businesses in NI commented:
“Small businesses are at the heart of every community in Northern Ireland. The recent NI SME Business Conference and Expo reinforced their importance and highlighted the support available to help them succeed.”
“FSB remains committed to ensuring no business feels it has to face its challenges alone by providing support to every individual member, and a collective voice for the entire sector.”
“The NI SME Conference not only provides an excellent platform from which that essential voice can be heard but also creates the opportunity for dialogue with all of the many great businesses that attended.”
Tracy Rice, Head of Business Engagement at Southern Regional College added:
“SRC were delighted to sponsor this important conference working with Newry Chamber and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to support local businesses. We are thrilled to see small businesses in the Greater Newry Area taking such a proactive approach.”
“We work with many local firms and feedback from employers is that Apprenticeships and Higher-Level Apprenticeships are an excellent solution to recruitment and retention challenges.”
“There are lots of opportunities for employers to engage in funded upskilling activities as well as innovation and productivity supports. This range of support is available locally and helps SMEs to innovate, compete and grow.”
Karen Maguire, Chair of Employee Ownership Ireland said:
“The team at Employee Ownership Ireland had a great time participating in the conference and enjoyed a useful day of learning and networking with business leaders from across the region. The conference presented a great opportunity for us to spread the word about Employee Ownership and demonstrate the many benefits this model can bring to a regional economy like Newry.”
“It was great to share the stage with Anthony McVeigh from S&W Wholesale who is a fantastic example of a successful SME and who can share insights into how transitioning to an EO model has transformed the business.”
“Thanks again to the team at Newry Chamber for organising the conference and for giving businesses the space to network, learn from each other, share ideas, and put the spotlight on economic growth within the city.”