One Week To Go Until The NI SME Business Conference and Expo 2024

The Annual NI SME Business Conference and Expo, hosted by one of Northern Ireland’s largest membership organisations, Newry Chamber is now just one week away. The free half day event will take place on Thursday 14 November from 8am to 2:30pm at the Canal Court Hotel, Newry and you can book your place for the conference and view the full programme at www.newrychamber.com.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council are the Principal Sponsor and Supporting Sponsors include; Federation of Small Businesses NI, IRP Commerce and Southern Regional College. It is open to all organisations from across Northern Ireland, not just the Greater Newry Area.

The conference will feature over 20 expert speakers and over 20 exhibitors will also be there on the day to provide support and advice across a range of areas to delegates. There will be five one-hour workshops covering the most topical issues for SMEs.

The workshops will cover Finance and The Economy, Smart Business Practices, Sales and Marketing; two sector-specific workshops covering Revitalising Town and City Centres and Tourism as an Economic Driver.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne, “We are delighted to support Newry Chamber with this important initiative. As a Council, one of our key objectives is to support the development and growth of our businesses. This conference offers a vital opportunity for businesses to learn of the range of business supports on offer right across our District. The Council’s own business support programmes will be promoted at this event and I encourage local companies to contact the Council to find out more on the support available.”

President of Newry Chamber, Edwina Flynn said, “We regularly engage with our members to better understand what the current challenges they face are and the opportunities they see. This conference is all about connecting our SME business community with each other and with organisations that can support them.

“The Greater Newry Area is a vibrant business region. Despite the challenges of rising interest rates, high inflation, skills and staff shortages, there is a still a huge ambition for growth. We are extremely grateful to our sponsors Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Federation of Small Businesses NI, IRP Commerce and Southern Regional College. Without their support we could not run this, not to be missed, conference.”

Regional Chair of Federation of Small Businesses in NI, Brendan Kearney said, “The business community have shown remarkable resilience over the last four years. For many it was about survival. However, we are now looking to a better future. The FSB are here to help and this conference is a fantastic way to come together and discuss how we can work together to create a better economy for all. In Northern Ireland, we know that the economy is driven by small and medium enterprises. So please get involved and see what help is available.”

Partner Development Manager for IRP Commerce, Brian McLaughlin said, “Like all business, it’s not getting any easier in E-Commerce, but there is a pathway to profit. Merchants who have the vision and partner with the right technology, data and service providers can win in the market. IRP calls it ‘Connecting People, Data and Profit’. Merchants call it ‘A Successful Online Business’. We are looking forward to sharing these insights at the conference.” 

Head of Business Engagement at Southern Regional College, Tracy Rice said, “SRC are delighted to be sponsoring this important conference and work with Newry Chamber and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to support local businesses. We are thrilled to see small businesses in the Greater Newry Area taking such a proactive approach.”

“We work with many local firms and feedback from employers is that apprenticeships and higher-level apprenticeships, upskilling the current workforce and innovation support is making a positive difference to their bottom lines.”