Write a commentNewry Chamber Hosts Historic Business Lunch with Minister Sammy Wilson, Department of Finance & Personnel Over 100 guests attended a Newry Chamber of Commerce Business Lunch with guest speaker Sammy Wilson MP MLA, Minister of the Department of Finance & Personnel on Thursday 4th February 2010 in the Canal Court Hotel.
The theme of the event was ‘How will the assembly help Newry’s Economy in 2010?’. The audience, which included of Minister Conor Murphy MP MLA, local business leaders, MLA’s, Senior Government Officials and visiting Chamber Presidents, were delivered a comprehensive overview by Minister Wilson on the Northern Ireland Assembly’s strategy for rebuilding the economy in the wake of the worldwide recession. Speaking after the event President of Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade, Dr Conor Patterson stated, ‘Newry Chamber welcomed the opportunity to speak to the Minister on the eve of his Party, the DUP reaching agreement on the devolution of Policing and Justice’.
During his address to the Minister, Dr Patterson highlighted the substantial contribution that Newry makes to the Northern Ireland economy, adding that this contribution should be matched by Government commitment through investment in infrastructure projects such as the Southern Relief Road. The return on this investment could not be matched anywhere else in Northern Ireland.
Dr Patterson stated, ‘there are many untapped opportunities emanating from within the region, which if exploited could benefit the entire Northern Ireland economy. It is through partnership between local stakeholders and central Government that we can rebuild the economy and maximise this regions potential’.
Dr Patterson asked the Minister to reconsider his views on the Bain Report with respect to the location of public sector employment, stating, ‘Some of those jobs particularly in small specialist units could be more cost effectively based in Newry. We have the high calibre workforce, for less cost in cheaper accommodation’.
This event was generously sponsored by Barclays, Mr Adrian Doran, Head of Corporate Banking for Barclays in Northern Ireland said: “Barclays is delighted to support Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade in hosting this important event, especially at such a critical time for both our local economy and political system. Barclays recognises that we have a responsibility to support our customers in the tough times as well as the good, and I'm pleased to say our lending volumes have remained strong in Northern Ireland over the past year. It is widely acknowledged that SMEs are the bedrock of the Northern Ireland economy, and we know that despite the current tough economic conditions there are a lot of good companies that are keen to take their business forward. We are very keen on getting our message out, and speaking to companies like these.”
