The vital role of the Northern Ireland Small Business Sector to the local economy, was the key message from this year’s NI SME Business Conference & Expo, held on Thursday 14th November in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry.
Hosted by one of Northern Ireland’s largest membership organisations, Newry Chamber, more than 200 delegates from across Northern Ireland attended the conference.
The Annual Conference which is now in its 10th year was supported by Principal Sponsors, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Supporting Sponsors, Federation of Small Businesses NI, Southern Regional College and IRP Commerce.
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 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, 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 sponsors Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Federation of Small Businesses NI, IRP Commerce and Southern Regional College. Without their support we could not run this important annual conference.”
Cllr Pete Byrne, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council said:
“We were delighted to support Newry Chamber with this important initiative. As a Council, one of our key objectives is to support the development and growth of our businesses. This conference offered a vital opportunity for businesses to learn of the range of business supports on offer right across our District. The Council’s own business support programmes was also promoted at this event, and I encourage local companies to contact the Council to find out more on the support available.”
Brendan Kearney, Regional Chair of Federation of Small Businesses in NI commented:
“The business community have shown remarkable resilience over the last four years. For many it was about survival. However, we are now looking to a better future. The FSB are here to help, and this conference was a fantastic way to come together and discuss how we can work together to create a better economy for all. In Northern Ireland, we know that the economy is driven by small and medium enterprises, and it was fantastic to see so many in attendance on the day.”
Tracy Rice, Head of Business Engagement at Southern Regional College added:
“SRC were delighted to sponsor this important conference and work 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, upskilling the current workforce and innovation support is making a positive difference to their bottom lines.”
Brian McLaughlin, Partner Development Manager for IRP Commerce said:
“Like all business, it’s not getting any easier in E-Commerce, but there is a pathway to profit. Merchants who have the vision and partner with the right technology, data and service providers can win in the market. IRP calls it ‘Connecting People, Data and Profit’. Merchants call it ‘A Successful Online Business’ and we were delighted to share these insights at the conference.”