Newry Chamber host President's Banquet

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: Columba O'Hare; Category: Business; Published: 30 October 2023

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Edwina Flynn, incoming president of Newry Chamber, presents a bouquet of flowers to Julie Gibbons in recognition of her services to the chamber during the past two years at Friday’s president’s lunch held in the Canal Court Hotel.

Over 200 business guests attended the Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade Banquet in the Canal Court Hotel on Friday.

Chris Kent 30 October and Blondie Tribute 28 December @ Canal Court Hotel

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.

Guests from Newry Mourne and Down District Council who attended Friday’s president’s lunch event held in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry. Included are (from left) Jonathan McGilly, Aveen McVeigh, Amanda Smyth, Patricia McPolin and Conor Mallon.

Ms Gibbons 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 CX of InvestNI, 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 Greater Newry.”

Event compere Donna Traynor (second right), alongside Julie Gibbons, president of Newry Chamber, Louise Young (left) conference and banqueting manager of the Canal Court Hotel, Newry, and Danny Hughes (Ulster Bank).

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.

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.

Guests at the lunch also raised over £2000 for this year’s chosen charities, Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Life & Time.