Businesses Explore Potential for Rowallane Chamber of Commerce

Business representatives from across Saintfield, Ballynahinch and Crossgar have met to explore the possibility of establishing a new Rowallane Chamber of Commerce.

An Information and Networking Evening at Saintfield Community Centre on 4 November,
organised by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Rowallane District Electoral Area (DEA) Forum, brought together businesses from a wide range of sectors including hospitality, events, finance, property and retail to discuss how a new Chamber could strengthen collaboration and give local businesses a stronger collective voice. 

The meeting was addressed by Saintfield Community Association Chairperson, Linda Beers, who highlighted the importance of business networking and the value of building closer links between businesses and the wider community. She also outlined how greater collaboration could help support economic growth and enhance opportunities across the Rowallane area.

The Saintfield event also featured a presentation from Colleen Dowdall, President of the Warrenpoint, Burren and Rostrevor Chamber of Commerce, who shared insights into the benefits of a well-established Chamber. She explained the advantages of having a united voice when engaging with key stakeholders, promoting the interests of local businesses and creating opportunities for networking, information sharing and collaboration.

Down Business Centre Chief Executive Emma Bohill and Louise McVeigh from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council's Go Succeed Programme, provided information and advice on the 
range of support, guidance and opportunities available to help businesses grow and develop.

There was positive discussion among business representatives who considered how a new Chamber could support them through stronger representation, increased networking opportunities and joint promotion of the area as a destination to live, work and visit, with the event a valuable first step in gauging interest among the business community and exploring how businesses across Rowallane could work together to enhance economic development and support local enterprise.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna said, “Local businesses are at the heart of the district’s economy, and it is encouraging there is interest in establishing a Chamber of Commerce to represent those in the Rowallane area. A new Chamber would provide a platform for businesses to network, share ideas and speak with a collective voice.

“When businesses join forces, they have the ability to create new opportunities, build valuable partnerships and help shape the future prosperity of the area. The interest shown by local businesses demonstrates the strength of entrepreneurship across the Rowallane area. By coming together, businesses can create new opportunities, build valuable partnerships and help shape the future prosperity of the area. I hope there is a positive outcome from these initial discussions.”

Rowallane DEA Forum Chairperson, Councillor Jonny Jackson, was encouraged by the enthusiasm shown by local businesses to explore opportunities for greater collaboration in the future.

Event organisers wish to thank those who attended and contributed to the success of the evening, with particular thanks to Linda Beers and Colleen Dowdall for sharing their experience and insights, and Emma Bohill and Louise McVeigh for providing valuable information and support to local businesses.

Any businesses across the Rowallane area unable to attend last Wednesday evening’s meeting but would like to be involved in future discussions on the potential establishment of a Rowallane Chamber of Commerce are encouraged to get in touch. 

Businesses interested in learning more or taking part in future meetings can contact Rowallane DEA coordinator, Nicola Whyte, by email: nicola.whyte@nmandd.org.