Chambers of Commerce Increase Cooperation to Support the All-Island Business Community

4/7/16 Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuiness, Ian Talbot, Chief Executive Chambers Ireland, Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, Ann McGregor, Chief Executive Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan pictured at the announcement of the affiliation between Chambers Ireland and the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and industry. Picture: Finbarr O’Rourke NO REPRO FEE

Chambers Ireland and the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry today (4 July 2016) announced a strengthening of cooperation between the two organisations, which represent the all-island business community. The launch of the formal affiliation between the two Chambers took place at a side event following the North South Ministerial Council at Dublin Castle and was attended by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.

Speaking at the announcement, Ian Talbot, Chief Executive Chambers Ireland said: “This affiliation between Chambers Ireland and the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce will provide a new structure to help improve engagement between the business communities North and South. Strengthening cooperation also allows for development of common business related policy positions reflecting the many similar challenges and opportunities facing Chamber member businesses on both sides of the Irish border. This new relationship is timely as the business community on the island needs a strong voice during the uncertainty arising from the UK referendum on EU membership.”

Ann McGregor, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry added, “By affiliating with each other our two organisations will provide a stronger platform and greater opportunities for interaction for all businesses on the island of Ireland. Through working more closely on policy issues of mutual concern we can cooperate to support business across the island of Ireland, which in the current period of uncertainty will be more important than ever.”

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For further information contact:

Susan McDermott, Media and Communications Executive, Chambers Ireland on +353 1 400 4331, +353 86 608 1605 or email susan.mcdermott@www.chambers.ie.

Christopher Morrow, Head of Communications & Policy at NI Chamber on +44 2890 244113 / +44 7808 789163, or email christopher.morrow@northernirelandchamber.com

About Chambers Ireland

Chambers Ireland is the Republic of Ireland’s largest business organisation with a network of Chambers of Commerce in every major town and region in the country. We facilitate the growth and development of the Irish Chamber Network and enable the Chambers in the network to effectively promote the long term development of their locality on behalf of their members as well as working towards creating a better environment for business by lobbying the Government and other stakeholders on key policy issues.

About Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce

Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry is an award winning, quality assured, customer focused membership organisation with over 230 years commitment to the Northern Ireland economy. It is a well-known network for business with a membership of 1,200 businesses representing over 100,000 employees. It includes corporates, SMEs and micro businesses with membership coming across all sectors of business from manufacturing to agri-foods, services to high-tech and the professions.