Dear First Minister & Deputy First Minister,
We are a collection of 407 business leaders and owners from across our region who collectively employ thousands of people in a range of sectors of our local economy. Our hope in writing to you is to give you a sense of the fears we share for thousands of jobs and the future of our economy.
Many of us have seen our businesses closed completely or severely restricted in their operations for the majority of the past year. We are acutely aware that those closures and restrictions have been introduced as the Executive has grappled with the unprecedented challenge presented by the coronavirus pandemic. Equally, we appreciate that the task that you and your Ministerial colleagues have in guiding our society through this crisis is immense.
None of us are health experts. We are employers and entrepreneurs. We would not presume to offer the Executive medical advice, but our collective experience means that we can speak with some authority on our deeply held concerns about the potential profound and long-lasting impact that ongoing restrictions on our economy are having not just on the economy and our businesses but the wellbeing and livelihoods of our staff.
You will not need to be reminded that businesses right across Northern Ireland are seriously struggling. The support that the Executive have provided has certainly helped, but it cannot possibly insulate all businesses from all of the effects of this crisis. Many have mounting debts, having already consumed what reserves they have. They are paying money out every month to try to keep their businesses afloat and their staff in jobs even though they have no income whatsoever. And we are increasingly anxious that without a timely reopening of our economy, a huge amount of the more than 100,000 people on furlough in Northern Ireland will be made redundant. No one would want to compare one crisis with another but we are all well aware of the damage to health and wellbeing that unemployment brings to individuals, families and our entire society.
We are all heartened to see that our efforts are paying off and the virus is in retreat. We are hugely impressed at the world leading roll out of the vaccine that so many have already benefited from. We are evidently moving in the right direction that we hope will soon permit the safe reopening of our economy.
We have endured many crises and challenges in this part of the world but it is no exaggeration that none of us, in all the years we have collectively been in business, have experienced as alarming and possibly devastating an economic situation as the one we currently face. We know that you will be as keen to begin moving towards recovery as we are but real economic recovery cannot commence until all of our economy is reopen.
Our plea to you both as leaders of our region is to work with us to make that happen as soon as safely possible. Businesses need both hope and some certainty. Show us that our combined efforts are being rewarded with a proper, timetabled plan for reopening. We want to avoid the devastating mental health impact that flows from high levels of unemployment and avert a looming jobs crisis that will hit households in every constituency in NI. Let us begin on the road to recovery, secure jobs and start to rebuild our economy and stave off a jobs and economic catastrophe that will reverberate for many years to come.
We would greatly welcome the opportunity to discuss these issues and our concerns with you both in more depth.
Yours sincerely,
| Karen Daly | Director | 1111 BOT Ltd, Camlough |
| Andy Davis | Director | 77 Retail Limited |
| Edmund McCallion | Owner | Abercorn Bar & Off Sales, Derry-Londonderry |
| Caoimhe Thornton | Owner | Accessorised by Elite, Warrenpoint |
| Naci Batak | Owner | Aces Jewellers |
| Amanda Holmes | Proprietor | Adelphi Hotel, Portrush |
| Eamon O’Reilly | Co-Director | Aesthetics Skincare Clinic, Newry |
| Alex Moore | Communications Co-Ordinator | Air Cool Engineering |
| Eamon McCusker | Managing Director | AM:PM Limited, Belfast |
| Martin O’Neill CIP | Managing Director | AMG Insurance Brokers |
| Rajesh Rana | Director | Andras House Hotel Group |
| Tim Wolstenholme | Partner | Andrew Watson Menswear |
| Bradley Bate | Director | Anytime Fitness |
| John Keane | CEO | Ardmore |
| Pete Boyle | Chief Executive | Argento |
| Dearbhla Cusack | Owner | Argyle Bar, Derry-Londonderry |
| Natasha Garrott | General Manager | Atlantic Hotel, Portrush |
| Mark Connolly | Director | Atlantic Kayaks & Leisure |
| Sean Mahon | Managing Director | Atlas Communications (NI) Ltd |
| Martin Rocks | Director | Autoseekers NI, Armagh |
| Aveen Quinn | Owner | Aveen’s Hair Studio, Warrenpoint |
| Peter Dolan | Owner | Bachus Group |
| Ronan Sweeney | Managing Director | Balloo Inns Ltd |
| James Mc Callan | Director | Ballymore Services Ltd |
| David Downey | Owner | Bank Bar & Cobbles Bar, Newry |
| Michael Stewart | Director | Bar Czar Ltd |
| James Scott | Owner | Bawn Pantry, Hamiltonsbawn |
| Trevor Kane | Director | Bayview Hotel |
| Zane Cole | Director of Operations | BCM Security Associates |
| Bill Wolsey | Managing Director | Beannchor Group |
| Lisa Carragher | CEO | Beauty & The Bump, Newry |
| Seamus O’Neill | Director | Belfast City Blues Festival |
| George Grimley | Director | Belfast City Sightseeing Ltd |
| Graham Keddie | Managing Director | Belfast International Airport |
| Paul Camplisson and Andrew Maxwell | Directors | Belfast Pub Co |
| Mark Matthews | Owner | Bellinis, Newry |
| Walter Russell | Owner | Belmont Hotel, Banbridge |
| Terry McCartney | Owner | Belmore Court Motel, Enniskillen |
| Tony Bennett | Owner | Bennetts, Poratdown |
| Tony O’Connor | Owner | Bentley Bar, Cosh Bar & Grill, Kink 47 Restaurant, Molly Malones Bar, Derry-Londonderry |
| Garry Best | Managing Director | Best Property Services, Newry |
| Jennie Wallace | Managing Director | Beyond Skin Clinic |
| Bill Harris | Owner | Bill Harris Hair |
| Ciaran O Neill | Managing Director | Bishops Gate Hotel |
| David Black | Director | Black and Adam Homes |
| Fabian McNamee | Owner | Bladez Barbers |
| Colin Mayrs | Managing Director | Blairs Caravans |
| Olivia Hall and Kevin Meah | Partners | Blue Chicago Group |
| Joe McGirr | Owner | Boatyard Distillery, Enniskillen |
| Andrew Bogan | Owner | Bogan’s Bar, Omagh |
| John Keenan | Director | Bogart Menswear |
| Neil Keenan | Director | Bogart, Newry |
| Terry O’Neill | Director | Bonalston Caravans |
| David Maxwell | Managing Direcor | Boojum |
| Paul Murray | Owner | Books, Paper, Scissors, Belfast |
| Karen Marshall | Centre Manager | Bow Street Mall, Lisburn |
| Aveen Mackin | Director | Bows Boutique, Newry |
| Liam Boyd | Director | Boyds Menswear, Newry |
| Ciara Boyle | MD, | Boyle Bookmakers Ltd, Newry |
| Garrett O’Hare | Managing Director | Bradley NI, Newry |
| Colm Broderick | Owner | Broderick’s Bar & Off Sales |
| Paddy Simpson | Director | Brunswick Moviebowl/Benedicts Hotel/Lansdowne Hotel |
| Dermot Friel | Director | Bushtown Hotel, Coleraine |
| Peter Murray | Centre Manager | Buttercrane Centre, Newry |
| Stuart Gowdy | Director | C A Gowdy Ltd |
| Kieran McAllister | Director | Cable & Accessories Ltd |
| Sé Gorman | Director | Café Krem Ltd, Newry |
| Michael Cafolla | Owner | Cafolla’s, Newtownards |
| Louise Young | Conference and Banqueting Manager | Canal Court Hotel & Spa, Newry |
| Ian Carmichael | Director | Carmichael (NI) Ltd |
| Leona Barr | Centre Manager | Castlecourt |
| Gary Flynn | Managing Director | CB Drinks Limited |
| Tony Convery | Chairman | CDE Group |
| Steve Frazer | Manger | City Of Derry Airport |
| Foncey Hume | Managing Director | City Property Estate Agents |
| Claire Campbell | Owner | Claire Campbell Hair |
| Claire McKinney | Owner | Claire McKinney Beauty, Lisburn |
| Pim Dalm | Managing Director | Clandeboye Lodge Hotel |
| John Elliott | Managing Director | Clements Cafes |
| Tasha Wilkin | Owner | Cloud Nine |
| Paul Langsford | Director | Clover Group, Belfast |
| James Agnew | Business Development Director | Clubsec Management Ltd |
| Clive Robinson | Proprietor | Coast Restaurant, Holywood and Groomsport |
| Conor Sally | Director | Conor Sally Solicitors |
| Tony O’Neill | Managing Director | Coppi Restaurants, Belfast |
| Janice Robinson | Owner | Cordners Shoes |
| Gary Wallace | Director | Core NI |
| Patrick Courtney | Co-Owner | Courtney’s Steakhouse, Newry |
| Leslie Waite | Proprietor | Courtyard Garden Centre, Holywood |
| Art O’Hagan | Director | CPS Property |
| Stephen Long | Owner | Crescent Bar, Derry-Londonderry |
| Csilla Domokos | Owner | CS Nails |
| John Gildea | Proprietor | Currency Lab, Newry |
| Brenda Fearon | Director | Curves, Newry |
| Paula McHenry | Director | Custom House, Newry |
| Carla McEldowney | Director | DAC Appliances |
| Katrina Collins | Owner | Daily Apron Café, Lisburn |
| Nichola Daly | Director | Daly Recruitment |
| Kevin Daly | Owner | Dalys Bar & Restaurant, Dungloe Bar, Bishops Bar, Tracys Bar, Mary B’s, Derry-Londonderry |
| Daniel Gallagher | Owner | Dantes, Armagh |
| Jacqui Hinds | Director | Dawson Hinds |
| Les Hume | Head of Retail and Customer Operations | Dawsons Music and Sound Ltd |
| Michael Deane | Managing Director | Deane’s Restaurant Group |
| Brian Reid | Director | Delilites Ireland |
| Dalan McCullagh | Owner | Delta Health & Performance |
| James Davies | Country Director | Diageo Northern Ireland |
| Gerard Devine | Owner | Different Class Menswear |
| Anthony Boden | Managing Director | Digney Grant, Newry |
| Michael Maguire | Business Unit Director | Dillon Bass |
| Lisa McLaughlin | Owner | Divas Hair Design, Derry-Londonderry |
| Demelza Flynn | Owner | DKF Promotions |
| Brian McQuaid | Sales Manager | Doherty’s Meats |
| Emma Miller | Owner | Dollybird Interiors |
| Henry McGlone | Owner | Doman’s Bar, Magherafelt |
| Peter McVeigh | Director | Donaghy Shoes, Banbridge |
| Ian McCulla | Managing Director | Downey’s Kia Newtownards |
| Ian McMahon | Managing Director | DV8 |
| Sharon Patterson | Owner | Elody Bride, Newry |
| Stephen Boyd | Director | Endless Music Limited |
| John Hogg | Director | Enlighten, Holywood |
| Mark Connolly | Managing Director | Event AV NI |
| Jay Dunlop | Owner | Evolution Gym NI |
| William Gilliland | Director | Excel Fashion |
| Kieran Quinn | Owner | Exploris, Crumlin Road Gaol, Mermaid Pub |
| Natalie Jackson | Centre Manager | Fairhill Shopping Centre, Ballymena |
| Gerry Fearon | Managing Director | Fermac Properties |
| Geoff Thompson | Partner | Fetherston Clements Estate Agents |
| Colin Mullan | Managing Director | Find Insurance |
| Anne-Marie Finegan | Owner | Finegan & Son Coffee Shop, Newry |
| Edward and Rachael Lindsay | Owners | Finnebrogue Woods |
| Fiona Murphy | Owner | Fiona Murphy Make Up, Newry |
| John Lavery | Owner | Fish City, Belfast |
| Stephen Dumigan | Proprietor | Focus Menswear |
| Fergal Rafferty | Centre Manager | Foyleside Shopping Centre |
| Neil Watt | Director | Fred J Malcolm |
| Frank Shivers | Proprietor | FRS Systems Ltd |
| Gerard Doherty | Director | FTZ Limited |
| Carole and Eugene McKenna | Directors | G&C Pubs Ltd, Ballymena |
| Colin Johnston | Managing Director | Galgorm Collection |
| Garry Jackson | Proprietor | Garry’s Barber Shop, Holywood |
| Garvan O’Doherty | CEO | Garvan O’Doherty Group |
| Brian Ambrose | Chief Executive | George Best Belfast City Airport |
| Patryjca McMahon | CEO | Glambition, Newry |
| Martin Hutchinson | Owner | Glasshouse, Lisburn |
| Brian Morris | Director | Glenavon Hotel, Cookstown |
| Gareth Kirk | Regional Director | GLL |
| Sheila Hughes | Owner | Godfrey Mews Self-Catering Accomodation Newry |
| Peter Wilson | Owner | Golf Links Hotel |
| Robert Gordon | Owner | Gordon’s Chemists |
| Garreth O’Shea | Director | Gortrush Food Services Ltd |
| Michael Burke | Managing Director | Greenview Group |
| Darren Gardner | Managing Director | Ground Espresso Bars |
| Graeme Finegan | Founder | Grounded Espresso Bars, Newry |
| Violet Dennehy | Manager | Grovehill Charity Shop |
| Hugh Gilmartin | Partner | H2 Hospitality Ltd |
| Lexy Halliday | Director | Halliday’s of Bushmills |
| David Hanna | Partner | Hanna-Hillen Financial Services LLP Newry |
| Kieran Cassidy | Owner | Hatfield House, Belfast |
| Kay Thornton | Director | Hattitude Ltd, Warrenpoint |
| Sunny Ghaie | Owner | Heart & Home |
| Garry McDonald | Managing Director | Helios IT |
| Niall McMullan | Managing Director | Hercules Brewing Company |
| Noleen Devlin | Owner | Hi Tech Hair Salon |
| Fionnuala Rabbit | Managing Director | Highland Radio |
| Sinead Bradley | Owner | Holistic Services |
| Brenda O’Donnell | Owner | House of Vixen |
| John Houston | Owner | Houston Department Stores |
| Paddy McLaughlin | Director | Hugh Jordan Catering Supplies |
| Chloe Ewing | Owner | HYGGE Omagh |
| Helen McDonnell | Principal Coach | Indigo Life Coaching |
| Adele Kennedy | General Manager | Inn on the Coast , Portrush |
| Amanda and Rowan Kearns | Directors | Inner Angel Health Clinic, Newry |
| Helen Quigley | CEO | Inner City Trust |
| Rebecca Hamill | Owner | Inside Beauty |
| Ian Donaghey | Senior Partner | Irwin Donaghey Stockman |
| Nigel Jameson | Proprietor | Ivan Jameson, Portadown |
| Carol Crossan | Managing Director | J McDonald Florists |
| Gemma Murphy | Partner | Jack Murphy Jewellers, Newry |
| David Neely | Group General Manager | Jar (Ireland) Limited |
| Gerry White | Founder | Jawbox Spirits Company |
| Orla Gallacher | Accountant | JC Campbell (NI) Ltd, Rostrevor |
| Jeanette Kidd | Owner | Jeanette Kidd Beauty and Day Spa |
| John Morgan | Partner | Jeeves Hospitality |
| Claire Webb | Director | JJ Webb Security Limited, Belfast |
| Janine Kane | Owner | JK Pubs, Belfast |
| John Cassidy | Owner | JKC BMW |
| John Lunn | Managing Director | John H Lunn Jewellers Ltd |
| Heather McCann | Owner | Jonzara |
| Gerry Morgan | Owner | JV Kelly Menswear, Newry |
| Kara Evans | Owner | Kara’s Nails |
| John Cunningham | Managing Director | KBS Group |
| Aidan Keenan | Owner | Kee Toning |
| Kevin Watson | Director | Kevin Watson Group |
| Jason Foody | General Manager | Killeavy Castle, Newry |
| Brendan Carty | Director | Killowen Distillery |
| Andrew Geddy | Director | Knotts Bakery |
| Giuseppe Fallone | Owner | La Dolce Vita, Newry |
| Anthony Best | Managing Director | Lacuna Developments |
| Gavin and Sarah Mackie | Owners | Larchfield Estate |
| Bernard Lavery | Managing Director | Lavery Ltd, Belfast |
| Lorraine McAleer | Owner | Learning Space |
| Keith Liggett | Managing Director | Legacy Private Wealth |
| Naomi Parks | Co-Director | Lisburn Music Centre |
| Lyndsey Green | Owner | Lisburn Photography Studio |
| Kieran Hurley | Account Executive | Lockton |
| Orla Mullin | Owner | Loft Bridal |
| Sean McDermott | CEO | LoughTec Ltd |
| Michael Cadden | Managing Director | Lusty Beg Resort & The Enniskillen Hotel |
| Andrew Lynas | Managing Director | Lynas Food Services |
| Diane Mackey | Owner | Mackey’s Home Bakery, Lisburn |
| Emma Bricknell | Managing Director | Made in Belfast |
| Kieron Magee | Proprietor | Magees Bar, Newry |
| Derek Breslin | Owner | Magik Moments |
| Paddy McGurgan | Owner | Make Up Pro Store |
| John O’Neill | General Manager | Manor House Country Hotel |
| Claire Hunter | Owner | Marine Hotel, Ballycastle |
| David Hamilton | Managing Director | Martin and Hamilton Construction |
| Michael McKeown | Director | Matt D’Arcy & Co Ltd, Newry |
| Neil McAuley | Owner | McAuley Botanic Limited |
| Mark McColl | Director | McCalls of Lisburn |
| Ronan Duffy | Partner | McCambridge Duffy |
| Andrew Robinson | Proprietor | McConville’s Bar, Portadown |
| Leslie McCracken | Director | McCue Crafted Fit |
| Martin McEvoy | Owner | McEvoys, Newry |
| Ann McGuigan | Owner | McGuigan’s Bar, Newry |
| Thomas McKillen | Managing Director | McKillen’s, Ballymena |
| Daniel McLaughlin | Managing Director | MCL Services |
| Martin McQuillan | Owner | McQuillan’s Menswear, Portadown |
| Kelly Mahoney | General Manager | Mellon Country Inn |
| Geraldine Horigan | Director | Melrose Clinic |
| Stephen McCammon | Managing Director | Menarys |
| Paul Ely | Proprietor | Mi Casa Events |
| Michelle McTiernan | Director | Michelle McTiernan Management Limited |
| Gerty McCaugherty | Owner | Millbrook Lodge Hotel |
| Sanjay Khanna | Director | Mint, Belfast |
| Simon Miskimmin | Director | Miskimmin Wealth |
| Gavin Annon | Sales & Marketing Director | Mount Charles |
| Connaire McGreevy | Founder | Mourne Mountains Brewery, Warrenpoint |
| Bob McCoubrey | Director | Mourne Seafood Ltd, Belfast |
| Paul McQue | CEO | MPA Recruitment |
| Cormac Breen | Director | Mulberry Bistro, Armagh |
| Andrew O’Brien | Managing Director | My Life Bathrooms, Newry |
| Brian McElvanna | MD | Newry Computer Centre, Newry |
| Clive O’Neill | Owner | Newtownards Saturday Market |
| Niamh Gallogly | Owner | Niamh Gallogly Podiatry |
| Tony Grew | Owner | Nineteen83 Gentleman’s Fashion |
| Helena Muldoon | Owner | No 21 Helens Hair Clinic |
| Annette McIvor | Director | North West Restaurants Ltd |
| Dominic McClements | Managing Director | North-West News Group |
| Nazim Din | Director | NSD Trading/Nu Delhi Lounge |
| Kris Fletcher | Director | Number 7 Duke Street, Warrenpoint |
| Gavin Killeen | Managing Director | Nuprint |
| Gerald Steinberg | Director | Oasis Retail Services |
| Sandra Corkin | Managing Director | Oasis Travel |
| Nicholas O’Shiel | CEO | Omagh Enterprise Company |
| Claire Bowes | Owner | Omagh Music Academy |
| Pat McSorley | Director | Omagh Today Ltd. |
| Lyndsay Young | Owner | Omatile |
| Caroline Quinn | Owner | Orba |
| Alain Kerloc’h and Stephen Toman | Owners | OX Belfast |
| Patrick McGonagle | Owner | Pakflatt |
| Niall McDermott | Owner | Park Bar & The Phoenix, Derry-Londonderry |
| Peter McDermott | Managing Director | Pat Kirk Ltd |
| Bill Penton | Managing Director | Penton Publications |
| Garry Meehan | Proprietor | Phoenix Bar, Newry |
| Jolene Doyle | Sales & Marketing Director | Phoenix Premium Drinks Ltd |
| Ciaran Smyth | Managing Director | Phoenix Wine and Spirit Stores Ltd |
| Feargal McCormack | MD | PKF-FPM Accountants Ltd, Newry |
| Anne Marie McGoldrick | Director | PowerOn Technology |
| Kevin McCourt | Director | Prestige Catering Glengormley Limited |
| Ronan Higham | Managing Director | Pure Fit Out |
| Joe Quail | Owner | Quails Fine Foods, Banbridge |
| Will Holland | Director | Quell Training, Holywood |
| Wayne Mulligan | Director | Refan, Portadown |
| Nigel Hegan | Director | Regency Cars |
| Neil Adair | Principal & Director | RIADA Partners Limited |
| Frances Lundy | Managing Director | Riada Resourcing |
| Richard Clements | Managing Director | Richard Clements & Co Accountants |
| Ryan Pollock | Managing Director | Right Price Carpets & Furniture Ltd |
| Robin Cherry | Owner | RJ Cherry and Sons, Ballymena |
| Brian Cullen | Owner | Roadhouse Bar & Wineshop, Enniskillen |
| David Boyd | Retail Operator | Roadside Garages |
| Naomi Holmans | Proprietor | Roamer Holistic |
| Stuart Adair | Director | Robert Adair Jewellers Ltd, Ballymena |
| Robert Davidson | Owner | Robert Davidson Clothing |
| Anne Robinson | Partner | Robsinson’s Bar, Portadown |
| Geoff Conn | Owner | Roe Park Resort |
| Marcella Campbell | Owner | Rosewood Health & Wellbeing |
| Thomas Gault | Owner | Russells Hair & Beauty, Gilly G’s and Coffee Inc, Lisburn |
| John McGirr Jnr | Manager | Sally O’Brien’s, Omagh |
| Ken Sharp | Owner | Salty Dog Hotel & Bistro, Bangor |
| Kieran Sloan | Managing Director | Sawers, Belfast |
| Caron Cullen | Owner | Seams Perfect, Belfast |
| Stephanie O’Kane | Owner | Serendipity Artisan Café Bar |
| Roger Chamberlain | Director | Sharman D Neill Ltd |
| Sharon Malcolm | Owner | Sharon Malcolm Hairdressing |
| Shauna Fay | Owner | Shauna Fay Designs, Newry |
| Lynn McKinnley | Owner | SHE Boutique |
| Paul Ward | Director | Shelbourne Motors, Newry & Portadown |
| Heather Lavery | Owner | Sheldon Galleries |
| Alan Reid | Managing Director | Shu Restaurant, Belfast |
| Brigid Farrell | Owner/Director | Signature Studio Ltd, Newry |
| Liam McElhinney | General Manager | Silverbirch Hotel & Business Centre |
| Simon Brien | Partner | Simon Brien Residential |
| Louise McCartney | Owner | Sinenna Boutique, Warrenpoint |
| Julie Anne Morton | Owner | Sintons on the Bridge, Tandragee |
| Colin Patterson | Director | Smyth Patterson, Lisburn |
| Ray Moran | Partner | Soda & Starch |
| Sadia Malik | Director | Solo Fashion NI |
| Peter Campbell and Mark Teague | Directors | Source Gyms Ltd |
| John Moore | Owner | SS Moore |
| Sean Farrelly | Managing Director | SSL Hospitality, Warrenpoint |
| Jayne Gilmore | Owner | Stable Lane Boutique |
| Paul Stafford | Director | Stafford Hairdressing |
| Derek Wright | Director | Street Life |
| Aimee Owens | Owner | Studio 17 Hair Boutique |
| Daniel McDonnell | Owner | Style Boutique |
| Colm Magee | Franchisee | Subway, Newry |
| Chris Suitor | Managing Director | Suitor Brothers |
| Iwona RI | Owner | Sunkissed Tanning Studio |
| Paul Howie | Manager | T E Howie |
| Tony Kearns | Director | T2 Bistro, Newry |
| Gary Stewart | Owner | Tartine at Distillers Arms, Bushmills |
| Stuart Roberts | Director | Tassee2 Ltd, Newry |
| Karen Yates | Founder | Taylor Yates |
| Ross Maguire | Director | TC Autos |
| Jeff Tosh | Commercial Director | Tennents NI |
| Jennifer McKeever | Director | The Airporter |
| Danny Coyles | General Manager | The Anchor Bar Complex |
| David Og Downey | Proprietor | The Bank, Newry |
| Enda Campbell | Director | The Bed Shop, Lisburn |
| Andrew Armstrong | Owner | The Best Little Hair House, Belfast |
| Ciaran McCausland | Owner & Manager | The Brewer’s House, Donaghmore |
| Colum McAvoy | Director | The Bridge Bar Newry |
| Alan Dunlop | Managing Director | The Bushmills Inn |
| Mark Stewart | Owner | The Coachman, Magherafelt |
| Gareth Irvine | Managing Director | The Copeland Distillery, Donaghadee |
| Vincent Hurl | Owner | The Crosskeys Inn, Toomebridge |
| Mark McCrory | Owner | The Dirty Duck, Holywood |
| Stephen Reynolds | Owner | The Front Page Bar, Ballymena |
| Colm Oates | Owner | The Garrick Bar, Belfast |
| Peter and Gemma O’Hare | Directors | The Genoa Café, Newry & Warrenpoint |
| Owen McNulty and Matt McGlinn | Partners | The Guitar Studio |
| Joanne McGoldrick | Owner | The Hair Lounge |
| Stephen Magorrian | Managing Director | The Horatio Group |
| Peter McLaughlin | Director | The Ivory Pavilion Ballymena |
| Sam Shephard | Managing Director | The Juice Jar Ltd |
| John Jones | Centre Manager | The Kennedy Centre, Belfast |
| Alan Simms | Owner | The Limelight, Belfast |
| Charlene Logue | Owner | The Little Food Company |
| Norma Wilkinson | Partner | The Lodge Hotel |
| Anne McReynolds | Chief Executive | The MAC |
| Lawrence Bannon | Managing Director | The Marcus Ward, Belfast |
| Edward McKeever | Group Operations Director | The McKeever Hotel Group, Ballymena |
| Tom Verner | Group Managing Director | The Momentum Group |
| Peter Quinn | Director | The Old School House, Rostrevor |
| Dawn Cook | Owner | The Parlour Bar, Newtownards |
| Cathal Austin | Centre Manager | The Quays, Newry |
| Ken Sharp | Proprietor | The Salty Dog, Bangor |
| Hugh Black | Centre Manager | The Tower Centre, Ballymena |
| Philip Hamill | Manager | The Tunnel Bar Ltd |
| Sarah McAvoy | Director | The Whistledown Hotel Warrenpoint |
| Gavin Bates | Owner | The White Horse Inn, Saintfield |
| Stephen Gray | Manager | The Windmill Bar, Newry |
| Simon Dougan | Managing Director | The Yellow Door Deli |
| Rob and Yvonne Montgomery | Proprietors | Thornburys Café, Lisburn |
| Ciaran McAlinden | Divisional Sales Manager | TIGI International |
| Judith Owens | CEO | Titanic Belfast |
| Philip McGurran | Managing Director | TJ McGurran Ltd |
| Dermot Morrow | Director | Tomorrows Menswear |
| Paul Cunningham | Managing Director | Travel Ireland Coach Tours Ltd |
| Paul Catterson | Director | Tribal Burger |
| Joanne Callan | Owner | Try The Alternative, Newry |
| Neville Moore | Managing Director | Ulster Stores/Moores of Coleraine |
| Roger Pannell | CEO | Unicorn Group |
| Christopher McCausland | Managing Director | Value Cabs |
| Gareth McClay | Director | Victor Stationery UK Ltd |
| Michelle Greeves | Centre Manager | Victoria Square |
| James Huey | Owner | Walled City Brewery |
| Jane Campbell | Director | Warden Bros. Ltd |
| Rory Cooper | General Manager | Waterfoot Hotel |
| Gareth Murphy | CEO | We Are Vertigo |
| Ian Foster | Owner | Web Theatre |
| Joe Mahon | Broadcaster | Westway Film Productions |
| Selina Horshi | Managing Director | White Horse Hotel |
| Ivor White | Owner | Whites of Omagh |
| Michael Hunt | Director | Wine Inns |
| Sharron McCormick | Owner | With Love Recipes |
| Andrew Gedge | Co-Director | Wolf Inns, Bangor |
| Philip Martin | Managing Director | Wood Innovations Ltd |
| Richard McLoughlin | Managing Director | Wyse Buys |
| Adrian McLaughlin | Owner | York Hotel, Portstewart |
| Lesley McGarrity | Senior Operations Manager | Younique Aesthetics Academy, Newry |
| Aine Larkin | Director | Younique Health & Beauty Salon, Newry |
| Russell Yates | Partner | Zing Design & Print |