We were delighted to be joined by over 200 guests attended this year’s Newry Chamber President’s Banquet in the Canal Court Hotel & Spa, Newry.
Sponsored by Ulster Bank and the Canal Court Hotel & Spa, this year’s theme focused on “Celebrating Growth – Building Prosperity”.
Speaking at the Banquet, Chamber President, Julie Gibbons acknowledged the complexities of the current business landscape but that the business commitment to fostering growth and prosperity remains unwavering.
Julie Gibbons, President of Newry Chamber said:
“Growth and prosperity are not passive outcomes but are nurtured through sustained engagement and effective lobbying. Newry stands at the cusp of significant investment, courtesy of the Belfast Region City Deal and various private investment plans for our city. The real challenge lies in the delivery of these plans and projects.”
Stressing the need to tackle the infrastructure issues in the city, she added:
“There is an infrastructure deficit in Newry which needs to be addressed, to support future development. In the absence of a government at Stormont, the Chamber has redoubled its efforts to ensure that the voice of Newry resonates where it matters most.”
“Whether through engagements with political leaders, recent discussions with the Chair and Chief Executive of Invest NI, or our meeting with the Governor of the Bank of England last week, we have worked tirelessly to represent the interests of our members and the businesses of the Greater Newry Area.”
This year’s Banquet also marked the second year of the President’s Award. A recognition bestowed upon visionary leaders from the business community who have made a positive and enduring impact on the Greater Newry Area. The 2023 recipient was Martin Naughton, Chairman of Glen Dimplex who first started his business in Newry 50 years ago.
The group is now one of the world’s major manufacturers of domestic appliances and the world’s largest producer of electric heaters, with brands such as Dimplex, Morphy Richards, Belling and Xpelair.
From humble beginnings, Glen Dimplex now has a worldwide turnover of more than €1.5 billion. It employs 10,000 people and has 28 manufacturing plants worldwide in the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Holland, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, China and the US.
This year’s Keynote Speaker at the banquet was Siún Ní Raghallaigh, Chairperson of RTÉ Board. Guests also heard from a panel of local business representatives on business growth and opportunities within the region including:
- Clare Vallely, Managing Director, Kukoon
- Philip Martin, Founder & Director, Wood Innovations
- Gary Annett, CEO, MJM Marine
- Brendan Jackson, Manager, Newry Credit Union
Guests at the lunch also raised over £2,400 for this year’s chosen charities, Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Life & Time.