Local Businesses Meet Politicians At Beyond Event

The event proved to be very successful with both local representatives and businesses benefiting from the meeting and indicating that they would like to continue with these meetings on a quarterly basis to work together to assist the business sector and improve the local economy. The meeting was chaired by Nicholas McCrickard, manager of the Ballymote Centre. www.beyondni.co.uk [caption id="attachment_25639" align="alignleft" width="450" caption="At the Beyond NI 'Meet Your Councillor's coffee morning session held at Down County Museum were local politicians and business people. Back row, Nicholas McCrickard, EDRCN, Cllr Colin McGrath, Michael Foster, Beyond Business Adviser, Domingos Ferreiro, Internet Consultant, Kieran McMahon, McMahon People Solutions, Alan Paterson, Crestcom Training, John McCallister South Down MLA, and Cllr Cadogan Enright, with front row, Cllrs William Dick and Dessie Patterson, Clare Thompson, Beyond Business Adviser, Down District Council Chairman Cllr Dermot Curran and Cllr Patrick Clarke."][/caption] It was local builder Oliver Dobbin who raised an issue about tendering to government bodies and the issue was discussed thoroughly xa0and a number of politicians agreed xa0to bring the matter forward. Mr Dobbin in expressing his deep concerns said, “If this is not sorted out no-one will be fit to to set up in business and tender now – the opportunities to work with government seem gone for everyone except a few bigger contractors.” This issue was significant to the local Co Down building trade. Those present all felt that contracts given out to local companies had a positive effect on the local economy. Cases of builders travelling 200 miles round trips to fulfill contracts were cited, and this certainly begs the question about the environmental sustainability of such contracts to government departments and public bodies. Speaking after the event, Down District Council Chairman, Councillor Dermot Curran said, “This was a very valuable opportunity for elected representatives to gain an insight into local companies’ priorities and to identify actions to be pursued on their behalf.xa0 I commend the Beyond project for enabling this positive dialogue between local business, MLAs and the district’s councillors.xa0 I look forward to this becoming a regular event of benefit to all.” For more information and to book a place on future events please refer to the Beyond Website: www.beyondni.co.uk. These events are open to all existing businesses located in the Down district area. Down District Council, in partnership with the Down Business Centre and South Eastern Regional College launched the ‘Beyond’ programme on Thursday 16th September 2010. This is a three-year project aimed to support, help and develop existing businesses within the Down District Council area. Down District Council has successfully secured part-funding through the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland 2007 – 2013, to implement the Programme. ]]>