Call to start business group in Downpatrick

Call to start business group in Downpatrick

20 September 2017

A SENIOR politician is keen to host a meeting for the business community in Downpatrick to discuss setting up a new Chamber of Commerce.

Councillor Dermot Curran believes such an organisation is required to assist with the town’s economic regeneration and hopes traders will come forward and express an interest in creating such a body.

With several major retailers currently looking at investment opportunities in the town, he believes the presence of an active business organisation is key to promoting what Downpatrick has to offer and attract new investment.

“New investment will create jobs and increase town centre footfall, providing a boost for existing businesses, many of which are family-owned and have been at the heart of the economy for generations,” said Cllr Curran.

“I believe a new group to represent the interests of the business community is vital and can play a valuable role in not only helping attract new investment, but articulate traders’ views on key issues, not least traffic congestion which must be addressed.”

Cllr Curran said it is vital traders not only have a voice, but can help efforts to create new jobs and secure much-needed investment in the town.

“A Chamber of Commerce can represent the wide and diverse interests of the Downpatrick business community and can have direct access with key decision makers at the heart of government,” he said.

“I believe there is an appetite for a new business organisation and am willing to do my bit to help it get established and work alongside it. I am more than happy to facilitate a meeting to get one off the ground and hope this will happen.”

Cllr Curran said business organisations in Newcastle and Newry have played key roles in the development of their respective towns, and Saintfield Development Association has played a key role in a number of areas, not least, work to provide a new community and sports facility.

He said if Downpatrick’s business profile is increased, new jobs are to be created and traffic congestion tackled, a dynamic business organisation is vital, one where traders and business professionals can work alongside one another to plan the future development of the town.

Cllr Curran said it’s crucial the business community is at the forefront of the town’s future development and must be consulted on the way forward and have its voice heard.

“A town the size of Downpatrick should have an active Chamber of Commerce which must be fully involved in its future development. I am more than willing to host a meeting in an attempt to get such an organisation off the ground and believe there is support for such a body,” he said.

Cllr Curran added: “A thriving Chamber of Commerce has a significant role to play in Downpatrick’s future development. It’s essential the business community’s voice is heard.”