July 2025

It’s been a dynamic and engaging few months for Antrim Chamber of Commerce as we continue to champion the interests of our local business community and strengthen partnerships across sectors.

We began with the Safe Retail Breakfast Meeting hosted in collaboration with the PSNI. This session was part of the wider Safe Shop Scheme, designed to equip retailers with practical tools to prevent crime and ensure staff safety. The insights shared by the Crime Prevention Officer was invaluable, particularly around managing antisocial behaviour and understanding legal rights in-store. It was encouraging to see such attendance and enthusiasm from our retail members, reaffirming our shared commitment to safer, more resilient high streets.

Next, we were proud to co-host the Economic Briefing Breakfast alongside Antrim Enterprise, Space Antrim, and Danske Bank. Held at the vibrant Space Antrim hub, the event attended by 70 business leaders, featured a compelling economic outlook from Danske Bank Economist Hannah Martin. Despite ongoing challenges, there was a sense of cautious optimism, with encouraging signs in consumer confidence and job security. I was honoured to close the event and highlight the Chamber’s role as a collective voice for Antrim’s business community. The energy in the room was a testament to the power of collaboration.

Our advocacy efforts continued at Trade NI’s Transforming Northern Ireland’s Economy Conference at Westminster. This high-profile event brought together over 200 business leaders and policymakers, including the First and deputy First Ministers, to discuss the unique economic opportunities facing Northern Ireland. It was a privilege to represent Antrim and ensure our local priorities were part of the national conversation. The Chamber remains committed to leveraging our dual market access and strategic location to attract investment and drive growth.

Finally, we participated in separate Round Table Discussion with the SDLP and Ulster Unionist Party, where we explored policy solutions to support SMEs, address labour market challenges, the proposed mutualisation of NI Water, current planning challenges, and the Circle Line project. These candid conversations are vital in shaping a business-friendly environment, and I appreciated the opportunity to share the lived experiences of our members directly with political leaders.

As always, I’m grateful for the continued support of our members and partners.

Together, we are building a stronger, more connected Antrim.

Warm regards

Joanna Maxwell

Chair