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Norbrook Laboratories in Newry was the venue for a meeting on Thursday last, 6 July, between Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson and members of Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade. The Chamber Board Members and Patrons held the meeting to discuss the local economy at a special lunchtime event at The Ballyedmond Centre, Norbrook.
Edwina Flynn, Newry Chamber Vice President, commented “As the leading voice for business in the Greater Newry area, we continue to lobby for our members with a range of stakeholders and in particular political leaders.
"We were grateful that Sir Jeffrey took the time to come to Newry to share his thoughts on future economic prospects and listen to our members’ views. Sir Jeffrey spoke about his close connection to this region having been born in Kilkeel.
"We highlighted the many companies across the Greater Newry that are growing and continuing to invest. These include firms with global reach, family businesses and a new set of entrepreneurs who are all working together to create a dynamic business environment."
Speaking of what she called ' a decade of opportunity' from public sector investment in the Southern Relief Road, Civic Centre, Theatre & Conference Centre and Albert Basin Park the Chamber Vice President continued "This investment will act as catalyst to help our city region reach its full potential. Now more than ever, the business community, local and national government need to work together to create co-design solutions to common issues."
The Chamber discussed the key challenges that businesses are facing around skills shortages, that are severely impacting on growth as well as the need for better co-ordination in the education sector between providers and a focus on vocational skills, whilst looking at more innovative ways to attract new foreign workers to the region.
Ms Flynn added "We raised the need for investment in our infrastructure, especially health care and in particular acute services at Daisyhill Hospital as well as sewage, housing and transport.
"We offered our support and encouragement for a return to Stormont and much needed political stability. We were very much encouraged by Sir Jeffrey’s hopes that a resolution to the issues around the Windsor Framework can be progressed quickly."
In conclusion Ms Flynn said “There is a lot of goodwill from across the world towards Northern Ireland as we celebrate 25 years of the Good Friday agreement. We need to grasp this opportunity and demonstrate to investors and funders why we are great place to invest. The Newry Chamber will continue to work with our members and stakeholders to play our part."
