David addressed members saying, “The Chamber has continued to expand its membership across the Causeway Coast and Glens from sole traders to multinational companies across all sectors totalling with more than 6,000 employees. We have been helping businesses grow their network, knowledge and influence. The members are the lifeblood of any Chamber, and we are very fortunate to have a wealth of talent in ours.We are looking forward to celebrating the best in business at the Causeway Business Awards which will take place on Thursday 14^th October, here the Lodge Hotel. The awards enable us to recognise the very best of business from across the region. The awards will highlight the positive contribution that so very many businesses in the Causeway Chamber make to the economy and to society.

The awards which have been running since 2005 are not only about celebrating past success but are about setting future aspirations to reach new standards of excellence. It has been a year like no other. Businesses across the Causeway Coast and Glens have been tested and challenged, but they have done what they always do, showed strength and resilience. Causeway Business Awards provides an insight into the wealth of business talent and success, across all sectors that this region has much to be proud of and this year will be no exception. The 17 award categories have been carefully reviewed to reflect the changing dynamic of our borough.

Within our Borough we have dynamic companies that are making a positive contribution to their local communities and finding new markets for their products and services at home and further afield. Our awards acknowledge the relentless efforts of these businesses and their talented employees, and it is great to see the mix of businesses at the awards, representing sectors from services to manufacturing to retail.

Over the last eighteen months government and business links have strengthened and as a Chamber we have engaged with more businesses than ever before. We have and will continue to lobby local government with our peer chambers in Belfast, Derry-Londonderry, and Newry Chambers.

I would like to extend a huge thank you to our Corporate Sponsors Abbey Autoline, B&E Security Systems, Irwin Donaghey Stockman, Riada Resourcing and Roadside Garages who have continued to support the Chamber.

As a local businessperson, operating in a competitive environment, I understand the challenges and problems faced by many businesses today and daily. I believe it is vital that we support each other and continue to do as much business locally.

As life returns to the new normal post-covid and as local businesses change and adapt to the new normal as they re-open and rebuild let’s stand together and help each other in every way we can so that we become stronger together as one Chamber – Causeway Chamber of Commerce.”