An Antrim Chamber of Commerce delegation welcomed the opportunity to raise concerns of members with SDLP

An Antrim Chamber of Commerce delegation welcomed the opportunity recently to have a sit down with Claire Hanna MP and other members of the SDLP, including Antrim Town Councillor Cllr. Roisin Lynch. We took the opportunity to raise pressing concerns on behalf of our members and the wider business community.

We highlighted businesses grappling with rising energy costs, supply chain disruptions around GPSR, rates, and inflation. Along with, increases in the National Minimum Wage and National Insurance contributions exacerbating these pressures, forcing many businesses to make difficult decisions—reducing investment, cutting staff hours, or even facing closure.

These cumulative challenges not only threaten individual businesses but also pose a risk to the economic stability of our borough, leading to job losses and reduced local services. Additionally, concerns were raised about business eligibility criteria for funding, and the associated bureaucratic hurdles around planning, faced by our members.

Antrim Chamber of Commerce remains committed to advocating for our members

and supporting the resilience and growth of our local business community.