Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ambition Magazine

Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive, NI Chamber NI Chamber Chief’s UPDATE

A s we move into the autumn summer for NI Chamber and our members. Our summer social provided a fantastic opportunity to catch up in a relaxed setting, strengthening the connections that underpin our business community. Soon after, we hosted our annual golf day, where healthy competition on the fairways was matched by the quality of conversations off them. And of course, the pop-up run club got us all energised each Friday! September brought the Festival of Business, which this year was our busiest and most successful yet. The buzz in the room was palpable, with almost 1,500 delegates, exhibitors and partners showcasing the very best of Northern Ireland’s innovation and ambition. The appetite for networking, collaboration and growth has never felt stronger. Looking ahead, we are excited to build on this momentum with a packed schedule for the rest of the year. As well as a busy calendar of events, in the coming weeks, we are excited to launch a brand-new AI Academy, designed to help businesses of all sizes harness the potential of artificial intelligence. It will provide practical tools and training to upskill teams and ensure members are well placed to thrive in a rapidly changing digital landscape. This supplements our International Trade Training Academy, which was introduced earlier this year in response to demand for training opportunities in important areas like commodity codes, rules of origin and incoterms – knowledge that is vital for growth in global markets. Our calendar remains full of in-person opportunities to connect and learn. Meet the Buyer will once again bring suppliers face to face with major procurement leads, while the Future Workforce Summit will explore how Northern Ireland can deliver good jobs, close skills gaps, harness AI and green skills, and shape a joined-up workforce strategy that drives growth and competitiveness. And of course, the team is working hard behind the scenes to deliver another spectacular President’s Banquet in November, so watch this space for that too. As always, that is in addition to an intensive schedule of engagements on the policy front, not least our involvement at the Labour Party Conference. We have also responded to several key consultations including the Anti-Poverty Strategy and the NI Affairs Committee’s inquiry on economic growth. We continue to work on our wastewater infrastructure report, as well as preparing for the Autumn Budget. Finally, a warm welcome to the many new members who have recently joined NI Chamber – there is no shortage of opportunity to get involved, so we look forward to embracing you as valued new participants in our network. months, I have been reflecting on what has been a really energising

Welcome New Members

Advice NI ATC Systems Auditel Axon Power & Control Banana Block Bia Analytical Clever Ghost Concept Occupational Health Controlsoft Creative Energy Consulting Crowd Comms Donaghy’s Direct

Kigen Legal Island MasterLink Logistics McAteer Solutions Estate Agents Moxy Belfast City Newbridge Financial Planning Limited NI Travel News North Down Marquees

Print Library SA Partners Squint Creative Sugar Rush Team FeePay The Integrated Education Fund

Epitome Living ESG Made Easy Fluid Focus Irwin M&E

* To become a member of NI Chamber join online at www.northernirelandchamber.com or phone the membership team on 028 9024 4113

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