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.

Antrim Chamber of Commerce, the cornerstone of the business community in Antrim, is delighted to feature Glam Stitch as one of its members. Owned by Monika Pietras, Glam Stitch is a bespoke dressmaking business specialising in Irish Dancing Solo outfits, combining exquisite craftsmanship with a passion for performance. Located at Antrim Enterprise, Monika brings creativity and precision to the world of Irish dance with every stitch. She and her dedicated team design elegant, eye-catching outfits that celebrate tradition while embracing modern artistry.

Monika shared her excitement about joining the Chamber, stating:

As a leading force in Antrim’s business landscape, Antrim Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to advocating for its members, promoting pro-business initiatives, and providing valuable networking opportunities. It serves as a collective influencing voice, helping businesses address challenges and build lasting connections.

At Antrim Chamber, we believe in the power of collaboration – connecting education and industry to equip students with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in their future careers.

Through this partnership, we aim to provide opportunities that build confidence and prepare young people for the world of work, including:

✅ Mock Interviews – Helping students develop communication skills and interview techniques in a supportive setting.

✅ Career Profiles – Showcasing career pathways to inspire students and highlight diverse opportunities across industries.

✅ Work Experience Placement – Facilitating placements that provide real-world exposure and hands-on learning.

These initiatives reflect our commitment to fostering strong community links and ensuring local businesses play a vital role in shaping the future workforce. Antrim Chamber remains dedicated to creating bridges between education and business—empowering students with the insights, connections, and experiences they need to succeed.

Recently, our Skills & Policy Sub Committee members, Drew Davis and Jennifer McWilliams, met with Donna Park-Fullerton and Stefanie Smyth from Parkhall College to explore meaningful ways the Chamber can support students on their career journey. If your company would like to get involved in these initiatives, we’d love to hear from you!

Email training@antrimchamber.com for further details

#AntrimChamber #BusinessForGrowth #CareerSupport #SkillsDevelopment #MockInterviews #WorkExperience

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.

Antrim Chamber Chair Joanna Maxwell, recently participated in the Trade NI Transforming NI’s Economy Conference in Westminster, providing an invaluable platform for leaders, policymakers, and business stakeholders to discuss Northern Ireland’s economic potential and strategic opportunities. Hosted by Trade NI—an alliance of Retail NI, Manufacturing NI, and Hospitality Ulster—the event explored the region’s competitive advantage, particularly in light of the Windsor Framework and Dual Market Access.

Joanna Maxwell, Chair of Antrim Chamber, emphasised the significance of the Chamber’s participation in the event:

The conference served as an opportunity for Antrim Chamber to engage with key stakeholders, including First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly MLA, and senior UK Government officials. Discussions centred around economic challenges and growth strategies for Northern Ireland. It was an excellent opportunity to reinforce the Chamber’s commitment to advocating for strategic support rather than financial dependence.

“We have engaged with the government to advocate for the support and strategic investment needed to unlock Northern Ireland’s full economic potential,” Joanna added, highlighting the Chamber’s commitment to driving sustainable growth and development for Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough.

The event attracted a distinguished lineup of guest speakers, including:

• Michelle O’Neill MLA – First Minister of Northern Ireland
• Emma Little-Pengelly MLA – Deputy First Minister
• Hilary Benn MP – Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
• Jonathan Reynolds MP – Business & Trade Minister
• Cathal Mallaghan MP – Mid Ulster MP

These leaders addressed economic opportunities, investment strategies, and policy frameworks shaping Northern Ireland’s business landscape. The conference also featured influential voices such as:

• Glyn Roberts, CEO of Retail NI, advocating for the retail sector’s growth.
• Colin Neill MBE, CEO of Hospitality Ulster, emphasizing Northern Ireland’s thriving hospitality industry.
• Stephen Kelly, CEO of Manufacturing NI, discussing challenges related to industrial costs and workforce development.

The conference was sponsored by SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP and leading legal firm DWF, represented by Managing Partner Julie Galbraith. DWF, a globally recognized firm, reiterated its commitment to supporting Northern Ireland’s economic transformation through integrated legal and business services.

With discussions focused on strategic investment, connectivity, and cross-border trade, the Chamber continues to forge partnerships and develop initiatives aimed at economic growth and sustainable business support. Events like this reaffirm Northern Ireland’s strong economic standing and potential to thrive under the Windsor Framework.

For more updates and opportunities, join our mailing list below.

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