Members of Antrim Chamber of Commerce, alongside representatives from local businesses, came together this week to deliver a dynamic and inspiring mock interview morning for pupils at Parkhall Integrated College.

The event, held on campus, gave students a valuable opportunity to experience real-world interview scenarios, build confidence, and receive constructive feedback from professionals across a range of industries. With over a dozen business leaders volunteering their time, the initiative aimed to bridge the gap between education and employment, helping young people prepare for life beyond the classroom.

Jennifer McWilliams, Antrim Chamber of Commerce Committee Member praised the students’ enthusiasm and professionalism:

The mock interviews were tailored to reflect a variety of career paths, with participating businesses offering insights into sectors such as teaching, business & finance, digital media, and nursing. Students also received tips on CV writing, presentation, and workplace etiquette.

Parkhall staff expressed their gratitude for the support, noting the importance of external engagement in preparing students for future success.

“We’re incredibly thankful to the Chamber and all the businesses who took part,” said Principal Neil Owen. “This kind of hands-on experience is invaluable, and it’s wonderful to see our students rise to the challenge.”

The Antrim Chamber of Commerce continues to champion initiatives that connect education and enterprise, with plans underway for future collaborations including workplace visits, career talks, and business workshops.

At Antrim Chamber of Commerce, we are committed to building a thriving business environment—one that not only champions economic growth but also safeguards the interests of our members. As a powerful collective voice for local enterprises, we advocate for pro-business policies, provide invaluable networking opportunities, and address challenges impacting the community.

A core part of this mission is ensuring that businesses operate in a secure and supportive environment. With retail crime posing persistent concerns, the Chamber recently hosted a Retail Crime Prevention Breakfast Meeting, bringing together business leaders, security professionals, and law enforcement to tackle this critical issue head-on.

The Reality of Retail Crime in Antrim

While efforts to combat shoplifting have yielded progress—with reported incidents in L District dropping 19.7%—the numbers remind us that vigilance is still necessary.

• January 2025 alone saw 41 shoplifting incidents, underscoring the ongoing risks retailers face.
• Antrim Centre ward recorded the highest levels of theft from shops, though it’s believed that actual figures are significantly higher due to underreporting.
• Shoplifting patterns indicate peak occurrences on Wednesdays between 3 PM and 7 PM, providing businesses with key insights on high-risk times.

By addressing these trends and working collaboratively, we can strengthen crime prevention efforts and reduce losses for local businesses.

Safe Shop Initiative: Empowering Businesses to Take Action

For those who missed the event, there’s still an opportunity to benefit from the Safe Shop initiative—a police-led programme designed to equip retail and security staff with the knowledge and confidence to handle crime and antisocial behaviour effectively.

Through interactive training sessions, participants learn:

• Their rights regarding entry restrictions and the removal of individuals from premises.
• How to recognise behavioural indicators of potential offenders.
• Techniques for preventing incidents through strategic engagement.
• Key steps for responding to offenses, including legal powers of arrest.

Even if you weren’t able to attend the breakfast meeting, we encourage business owners to connect with their local Crime Prevention Team to explore how the Safe Shop scheme can support their operations. [PSNI section on Safe Shop]

Strengthening Antrim Together

At Antrim Chamber of Commerce, we firmly believe that a secure business environment fosters prosperity. By working together—sharing insights, implementing prevention strategies, and supporting initiatives like Safe Shop—we can cultivate a safer, stronger, and more resilient retail sector for Antrim.

Thank you to all who engage in these efforts. Your commitment makes a difference, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this initiative will bring.