Belfast Chamber has launched a new six-point plan for redefining and further developing the 107-year-old organisation.
The business group, which represents members across all sectors of business, which are based in or do business in all parts of Belfast city, has ambitions to strengthen its executive team, expand its membership base, hold an international conference and organise trade missions – all with one mission, to help Belfast do better business.
Key strands to the strategic plan are:
1. Appointment of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead and grow the organisation to meet its ambitions
2. Increase membership to 1,000, across all sectors of business and all parts of the city by 2021
3. Hold a trade delegation to New York this June and future events in subsequent years to help businesses grow and strengthen their international reach and opportunities
4. To hold an International Conference on the Vision for Belfast, which will be held in February 2020
5. To redouble its focus on lobbying on behalf of businesses in the city
6. And to help make Belfast a business-friendly city, to meet its full potential.
President of Belfast Chamber, Rajesh Rana said: “Belfast Chamber has a long and distinguished history going back to 1912, which has achieved so much. Particularly over recent years where the team and Board have worked hard to firmly establish the organisation as the leading voice of the business community in Belfast with new events, a new brand, increased membership and huge growth.
“Our focus now is on the future and what more can be done for Belfast which will have a ripple effect across Northern Ireland.
“Our new strategic plan gives us a roadmap of where we want to be in three years’ time, in order to fulfil our remit of being truly the Voice for Business in Belfast.”
He added: “The City is at a turning point. There are great success stories in sectors from tech to hospitality, and there is tremendous potential for further inward investment and growth – and we want to leverage that.
“The appointment of a CEO will give the organisation the strength and depth to deliver its ambitions. This is a brilliant opportunity for someone with a passion for Belfast to make a real difference for our members and the city. The role is high profile and will involve regular contact with the most senior business leaders, politicians and civil servants in the country, and help us to meet the ambitions and objectives.”
Rajesh concluded: “Belfast has a great future ahead of it. Belfast Chamber has a key role to play in delivering that future, and the CEO will be an integral part of this process.”