Causeway Chamber held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday 10^th September.

The AGM was hosted at the newly opened Northern Regional College Causeway Campus, providing an exciting backdrop for this year’s event. Prior to the meeting, members were given an exclusive tour of the state-of-the-art facilities, gaining insights into the cutting-edge resources available to both students and businesses. The tour highlighted the numerous opportunities for businesses to engage with the college, including collaborations on skills development, apprenticeships, and innovation projects. These partnerships are set to play a pivotal role in supporting local businesses and fostering growth across the region.

Addressing members, sponsors, and partners, Chamber President James Kilgore highlighted key achievements and outlined an ambitious vision for the future.

In a year marked by economic challenges, Causeway Chamber has emerged stronger through innovation and collaboration. One of the most notable achievements was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Derry/Londonderry Chamber, establishing a formal partnership aimed at enhancing regional economic development. This collaboration will focus on four key areas: Economic Growth, Tourism, Connectivity, and increasing student numbers across the North and West region.

“This partnership strengthens our voice and influence, ensuring that our businesses have more opportunities, support, and a unified platform to address critical issues,” said James Kilgore Chamber President. “By pooling our resources and knowledge, we aim to create lasting benefits for not only our region but for Northern Ireland as a whole.”

A core focus of the Chamber this year has been its call for the Causeway Coast and Glens to be included as part of the North and West scalable region. This initiative seeks to position the area for greater investment, infrastructure, and connectivity, ensuring local businesses can compete on a global scale.

“Scale matters. To thrive, we must be part of regions that can attract investment and offer the infrastructure needed for sustainable growth,” said James Kilgore. “Our call is about creating a more connected and resilient community, enabling local businesses to innovate, expand, and access new markets.”

Causeway Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to local business through a variety of events and initiatives over the past year, bringing together business leaders, government officials, and stakeholders to address key issues. James noted that the Chamber will continue to advocate for policies that foster entrepreneurship, reduce red tape, and improve funding access for local businesses.

Looking ahead, Causeway Chamber is excited about the opportunities surrounding The Open 2025 and is committed to ensuring local businesses are included in the event’s supply chain. Additionally, Causeway Chamber is advocating for the Causeway Coast & Glens to be recognised as Northern Ireland’s first sustainable borough, setting a precedent for environmental responsibility and community well-being.

Causeway Chamber proudly launched the Causeway Coast & Glens People Awards 2025 in partnership with Go Succeed. These awards, born from the challenges of the pandemic, aim to recognise the incredible achievements of businesses and individuals across the region.

“We encourage all businesses and individuals to participate and showcase their accomplishments,” said James Kilgore. “These awards will shine a light on the talent, dedication, and resilience that make our community so remarkable.”

In closing, James expressed gratitude to the Chamber’s board, members, and corporate sponsors, including Abbey Autoline, B&E Security Systems, IDS Chartered Accountants, Riada Resourcing, and Roadside Garages. Their continued support has been crucial to the Chamber’s success over the past year.

“As we move forward, we are confident that with the momentum we have built, the future holds even greater achievements,” concluded James. “Together, we will continue to build a vibrant, dynamic, and inclusive Causeway Coast & Glens.”