Lisburn Chamber in 50th Year

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Economic Development Unit

Lisburn Chamber of Commerce in its 50th Year

As the Chamber celebrates its 50th year in existence, Richard Knox, President of the Lisburn Chamber, shares his thoughts. 

"The Executive Council and I have been very busy during the first six months of my tenure and have examined all aspects of Chamber business from the monthly meeting structure to our strategic partnerships and also the value proposition offered to our membership.

We believed that our first step during this review period was to revisit and redefine our mission statement and objectives.  After discussion and facilitated workshops we developed the following mission statement and subsequent objectives which I believe truly reflect our delivery goals for Lisburn Chamber -

“To represent and serve our members by lobbying and influencing at a local, regional and national level, to deliver development opportunities, to provide networking opportunities, to deliver professional opportunities and forums and give advice, guidance, and information”

With supporting objectives to:

• Create a coherent and comprehensive two way communication network

• Act as a centre of information, support, training and guidance

• Develop our relationship with local partners

• Organise regular business activities, meetings and events providing networking opportunities

• Maximise relationships with outside organisations increasing the profile of the city council area and attracting in-ward investment

During this review we also believed that we had to review our overall proposition for our membership of over 100 organisations in the city council area and we concluded that on an annual basis we should be offering the following options -

Networking opportunities designed to provide members with the opportunity to establish new contacts, build up and strengthen existing relationships, as well as being kept abreast of the latest initiatives that could affect their business.

Lunch and learn sessions that deliver information to members during their lunch hour and are designed to impart knowledge on specific topics while you have some light refreshments in a City Centre location.

Business Breakfasts with Local and National political representatives designed to give members access to high profile individuals in a relaxed informal atmosphere.

Northern Ireland Chamber representation and updates that allow the Chamber to represent your views at this forum in addition to forwarding correspondence and opening invitations to events.

Local Study Visits that facilitate spreading of Best practice and shared learning which is essential to business success in the modern environment.

Representation on Lisburn City Centre Management Board who are  responsible for promoting the City as a great place to live, work, play and invest in.

Quarterly updates on all Chamber news

This year so far we have run a series of very successful events which have included networking events, best practice visits and business breakfasts and are at present we are constructing our new interactive web site in conjunction with 2bcreative.

Over the next number of months we will launch our series of Lunch and Learn events that will allow members to avail of some expert training and development in quick 1 hour sessions during their lunch breaks while having a sandwich.  Our initial sessions cover topics ranging from energy efficiency to leadership and development.

We will conclude the 50th year with two specific events that are designed to reflect on the old, with a historic tour of Lisburn focusing on commerce and industry, and to celebrate the new with a formal (but fun) anniversary dinner in October.

The Chamber are working hard not only to attract new membership but also to be a valued part of our existing members business portfolio.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me on 028 92 666297

or E-mail: office@lisburnchamber.co.uk."

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