NI Small Business Conference To Focus On Growth

This year’s NI Small Business Conference will focus on the theme of ‘Delivering Growth’ for small businesses.

Organised by Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade, in partnership with Newry Mourne and Down District Council, the Federation of Small Businesses NI and Newry BID, it will be held in the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre, Newry on Thursday 19t September.

This year’s programme has been developed to suit the needs of small business. Topics include Funding for Small Businesses; Delivering Digital Strategies for Revenue Growth; Doing Business Outside Northern Ireland and managing HR and Legal challenges.

Pictured at the Launch of the NI Small Business Conference 2019 is Newry BID Manager, Eamonn Connolly; Vice President of Newry Chamber, Emma Marmion; Chairperson of Newry Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Charlie Casey; FSB Regional Chair, Brendan Kearney; and Head of Regeneration and Business Development at Newry Mourne and Down District Council, Amanda Smyth.

This year, the Chamber has secured International Business Strategist and Leadership Coach, Simon Haigh. As well as being an internationally recognised author and media commentator his clients include the WJ Clinton Leadership Institute at Queens University, Trinity-Dublin Aviation Skillnet and Smurfit Kappa. Simon’s keynote address will focus on ‘Closing the Deal – A Way to Win Business’, which is a vital skill for any business large or small.

Speaking at the launch of the Conference, the Chamber’s Vice President Emma Marmion said: “The small business sector is the life blood of our economy. This year’s NI Small Business Conference will focus on providing the tools to grow your business locally, nationally and globally. Whether you are in retail, manufacturing or the service sector, experts will provide practical information and advice on how to grow your business.

This year’s conference is being supported by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and speaking at the launchCouncil Chairperson, Councillor Charlie Casey said: “We want businesses to go away with real solutions which will not only help them in the day to day running of their business but also on how to deliver real growth.”

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“The Newry Mourne and Down District Council Area has more than 8,000 VAT registered businesses, which is the third highest number in the North. Last year there were 225 new businesses created which was the largest numerical increase of any District Council Area. As a Council, we recognise that small businesses are the heart of our local economy and it is important that we provide support for the small business sector to grow and prosper.h

“The Council is delighted to support this year’s NI Small Business Conference, which sets out an exciting and informative agenda relevant to the growth interests of businesses operating across all our main sectors.”

This year’s conference has also secured the support of the Federation of Small Businesses NI. Welcoming their involvement in this important Small Business Conference, the Federation’s Regional Chair, Brendan Kearney said: “We in FSB are delighted to work with partners in Newry on this important conference event for small businesses across the region.

“At this time of great uncertainty for small business, it’s more important than ever that business strategy is focused on securing sales, driving growth and sustainability and minimising risk, and the workshops and networking opportunities on offer through this event will deliver just that.

“There will be practical advice for businesses in every sector of the economy, so I would urge you to book your place today to ensure you don’t miss out.”

Newry BID is working in partnership with the Chamber to support the event being held in Newry. Speaking at the launch of the Conference, BID Manager Eamonn Connolly said: “The location of the NI Small Business Conference in the centre of Newry recognises the importance of the city and region as a location to do business.

“Newry has grown based on a spirit of innovation and partnership and we look forward to an informative event to enable further business growth.”

Tickets for the NI Small Business Conference 2019 in the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre are priced at £15.00 + VAT which includes breakfast and lunch. Tickets are available to purchase from Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade or via Eventbrite.

Please note, places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis so early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.