Meeting to Discuss Establishing Chamber of Commerce in Rowallane

The benefits of establishing a new Chamber of Commerce for the Rowallane area are to be explored at a meeting in Saintfield in early November.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Rowallane District Electoral Area (DEA) Forum is facilitating the information and networking event which will be attended by representatives from Saintfield Community Association and Warrenpoint, Burren and Rostrevor Chamber of Commerce.

Businessowners from Ballynahinch, Crossgar, Killyleagh and Saintfield are being invited to the event at Saintfield Community Centre on 4 November between 5pm and 7pm.

The meeting will provide an opportunity for local businesses to meet, make new connections and discuss whether a Chamber of Commerce could help create a stronger collective voice for businesses across Rowallane.

Among the issues to be explored are how businesses could benefit from greater collaboration and networking, improved representation, sharing information and opportunities, and working together to support economic growth.

The main focus is providing a platform for local business owners to share their thoughts on the way forward and gauge interest in establishing a Chamber of Commerce representing the DEA.

Saintfield Community Association Chairperson, Linda Beers, will address the potential for greater business and community collaboration across Rowallane, while Warrenpoint, Burren and Rostrevor Chamber of Commerce President Colleen Dowdall will share the experience of an established local Chamber.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna, is encouraging representatives from the business community to attend the meeting.

“Whether you run a small independent business, professional practice, work in hospitality,
retail, construction, manufacturing or the service industry, it’s important to be part of the conversation to discuss the merit of establishing this new organisation to represent the business community across the Rowallane area and provide it with a collective voice,” he said.

Rowallane DEA Forum Chairperson, Councillor Jonny Jackson, said the meeting
presents an excellent opportunity for local businesses, community organisations and stakeholders to come together.

“The focus is on exploring the potential benefits of establishing a new Chamber of Commerce. Rowallane is home to a wide mix of businesses and community organisations with the meeting providing a platform to discuss how a Chamber could strengthen local connections, create new opportunities and provide a stronger voice for the area,” he added.

There will be information stands in Saintfield Community Centre from a number of organisations on the evening of the event including Go Succeed NI Business Support.

Further details about the public meeting are available by contacting nicola.whyte@nmandd.org