Connecting Local Businesses Is Focus Of NIABT Omagh Event

The way businesses in Omagh and West Tyrone, can work to promote local economic development was the focus of a Northern Ireland Assembly and Business Trust (NIABT) event on Thursday 22 March 2012.

The event highlighted how the NIABT can work with local business and organisations such as the local Omagh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who were instrumental in setting up this event.

Speaking after the event, local MLA Barry McElduff said: “Our regional businesses are central to improving the local economy both from an employment perspective and also by helping to rebalance our economy. The NIABT plays a vital role in bringing together local business leaders with those in political life who are in a position to bring forward policies that will help improve our economic prospects.

“In this challenging economic climate it is particularly important that MLAs take every opportunity to connect with businesses in their own constituencies and to understand the very particular issues and concerns affecting the local economy. MLAs are responsible for developing sound economic policy and legislation which will serve to help local businesses grow and thrive. The opportunity to network and to share experiences at an event such as this is an excellent starting point.”

Local MLA Thomas Buchanan was also present and said: “As a local MLA, I was delighted to be here tonight and to have met with so many local business representatives. It was also heartening to see the resilience of local companies, many of whom are working hard to seek new and innovative ways of making their businesses succeed and prosper in an uncertain financial climate.

“The important role that the NIABT plays in creating opportunities for mutual understanding and learning between MLAs and local businesses cannot be under estimated. The regular NIABT seminars, educational visits and briefings are instrumental in providing a platform for knowledge sharing and increased awareness. With over 60 local businesses represented here tonight, I hope that many will take this opportunity to find out more about how the NIABT works and importantly how it may serve to offer help and support in the future.”

The NIABT Omagh dinner attracted representatives from a large number of companies based in the local Omagh and wider Tyrone area and gave them an opportunity to get to know and forge better working links with their MLAs.

Ends

Front L-R.  Bernie McNamee USEL; Joe Byrne MLA; Hilary England, Tyrone Property Co; Barry McElduff MLA  Back row L-R Dr Nicholas O'Shiel, Omagh Enterprise Ltd; Pat Doherty MLA; Arthur Savage, USEL; Christopher Kelly, President Omagh Chamber of Commerce; Tom Buchanan,  MLA; Julian McKeown, Abac All Business Advice Centre; Patrick Bogue, Bogues Jewellers and Dominic McClements, NW of Ireland Printing & Publishing.
Front L-R. Bernie McNamee USEL; Joe Byrne MLA; Hilary England, Tyrone Property Co; Barry McElduff MLA Back row L-R Dr Nicholas O'Shiel, Omagh Enterprise Ltd; Pat Doherty MLA; Arthur Savage, USEL; Christopher Kelly, President Omagh Chamber of Commerce; Tom Buchanan, MLA; Julian McKeown, Abac All Business Advice Centre; Patrick Bogue, Bogues Jewellers and Dominic McClements, NW of Ireland Printing & Publishing.
L-R Shauna Baxter, Personal Health and Fitness Omagh; Ben O'Hanlon, Todds Leap Ballygawley; Barry McElduff MLA; Patrick Conway, Conway Carpets Omagh; Michael McGarvey, ABC Turbo Clean, Omagh.
L-R Patrick Bogues, Bogues Jewellers; Joe Byrne MLA; John McKinney, Ulster History Park and John Kelly, Accountant, Omagh.
L-R Patrick Bogues, Bogues Jewellers; Joe Byrne MLA; John McKinney, Ulster History Park and John Kelly, Accountant, Omagh.
L-R Alastair Patterson, Lowry Brothers, Castlederg; Olga Walls, Derg Arms; Tom Buchanan MLA and James McConnell, Fintona Autospares.
L-R Alastair Patterson, Lowry Brothers, Castlederg; Olga Walls, Derg Arms; Tom Buchanan MLA and James McConnell, Fintona Autospares.

Notes to Editors:

Omagh NIABT Event

  •  This event has been organised by the Northern Ireland Assembly and Business Trust (NIABT) in conjunction with the Omagh Chamber of Commerce.
  • In attendance at this event were local MLAs Thomas Buchanan MLA, Phil Flanagan MLA, Ross Hussey MLA, Barry McElduff MLA, Pat Doherty MLA and Michaela Boyle MLA.
  •  The event was attended by over 60 local business representatives.

About the NIABT
The Northern Ireland Assembly and Business Trust (NIABT) works to forge links with, and promote the exchange of knowledge and information between, local businesses and parliamentarians in Northern Ireland and in Europe. Open to businesses from all sectors and of all sizes, the NIABT organises activities including breakfast briefings, educational visits, fellowships and seminars and an annual European visit.

NIABT aims:

  • to provide Assembly Members (MLAs) with a better insight into how local businesses work, helping them to make informed judgements when reviewing Department policy and legislation relating to the local economy.
  • to improve the business community’s understanding of how the Assembly and devolution work and how policy and legislation is developed.

Media enquiries to:

Sinead Murphy
Deputy Communications Officer
Northern Ireland Assembly
Phone: 028 9052 5938
Mobile: 078 998 64368
Email: sinead.murphy@niassembly.gov.uk