NI Small Business Conference 2022 Launched

Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade have launched their annual NI Small Business Conference.  The event, which has been online only for the last two years, will take place in person on Thursday 9 June 2022 from 8.30am to 4pm at the Canal Court Hotel and Spa, Newry. It will include keynote speakers, case studies and a large exhibition space.

The event is supported by principal sponsors Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, supporting sponsors Southern Regional College and Federation of Small Business. It is open to organisations from across Northern Ireland, not just the Greater Newry area.

The conference will include expert speakers from specialist organisations and local employers who have continued to grow.  There will be six workshops covering Finance, Sales and Digital Marketing, recruiting and retaining talent, Future of the High Streets, Sustainability and Energy as well as a focus on start-ups.  Keynote speakers include, Simon Hamilton, CEO Belfast Chamber and Glyn Roberts, CEO of Retail NI.

CEO of Newry Chamber of Commerce, Tony McKeown said, “We have been engaging with our members over the last number of months to better understand the current challenges they face and opportunities they see.  This Conference is about connecting our small business community with each other and with organisations that can support them. 

Our conference programme covers the main areas we hear about when talking to businesses.  We have inspirational case studies from many small businesses that have not only grown but thrived during the pandemic. Some hot topics include accessing finance for growth, the emerging gig economy to address the skills gap, growing sales online and across export markets, the desire to shop local and support our high streets, being proactive about net zero and how to deal with the surge in energy costs.

We are extremely grateful to our sponsors Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Federation of Small Business and Southern Regional College. Without their support we could not run this, not to be missed, conference”.

Regional Chair of Federation of Small Business, Brendan Kearney said, “The business community have shown remarkable resilience over the last two years.  For many it was about survival.  However, we are now looking to a better future.  The Federation of Small Business 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.”

Deputy Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Oonagh Magennis said, “We are delighted to support Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade with this important initiative. 

As a council one of our key objectives is to support the development and growth of businesses operating in this region.  We offer a wide range of other business support programmes and would encourage local companies to contact the Council to find out more”.

Head of Business Engagement at Southern Regional College, Tracy Rice said, “Southern Regional College are delighted to be sponsoring this important conference and to be working with Newry Chamber of Commerce and Newry Mourne and Down Council to support local business. 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 initiatives like higher level apprenticeships and upskilling the current workforce is making a positive difference to their bottom lines.

The Conference takes place on Thursday 9 June 2022. To view the event programme, speaker line up and to book your place, please visit newrychamber.com.  The event is free for Newry Chamber and Federation of Small Business members and £35 plus booking fee for non-members.