Promoting the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area as the place to do business at a networking event in Westminster are: (l-r) Alderman Allan Ewart, Chairman of the Council’s Development Committee; Dr Theresa Donaldson, Chief Executive of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council; Brenda Hale MLA; The Rt. Hon. Jeffrey Donaldson MP and Brian Soffley, ASSA ABLOY.

Over 100 leading business people from the Lisburn & Castlereagh Council area descended onto Westminster recently to champion the City as the growing destination to do business.

Hosted by the Rt. Hon. Jeffrey Donaldson MP, in partnership with Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, the group consisted of local businesses, key business contacts from across the UK, senior politicians, Embassy and investment representatives.

The theme of the event was ‘The Missing Piece’, which highlights how the Council area is the missing piece for successful growth for businesses either established or looking to become established in the Lisburn and Castlereagh area.

Speaking at the event Jeffrey Donaldson said: "There is a proven track record of a successful entrepreneurial attitude within the Council area, and this is a proud trait for the area. The aim of this event was to raise the profile of Lisburn and Castlereagh as an excellent location for inward investment by international, national and local companies.

“The City is a business friendly, best connected location with its strong infrastructure, fast broadband speeds and competitive business rates for commercial premises. It has always welcomed new investors but we want to go further – helping new investors integrate into the Lisburn and Castlereagh business community and the Council is committed to working with the companies already here.”

Alderman Allan Ewart, Chairman of the Council’s Economic Development Committee, added: "It is fantastic to see such a vast array of local businesses showcased at this prestigious event. It is a real demonstration of their commitment to the future growth of our City and an endorsement of the work, which the Council is undertaking.

“Lisburn over recent years has experienced a strong growth in business investment from the high tech sector and is home to some of Northern Ireland’s most important local success stories and dynamic start-ups.

“It is good to see old friends and new including a number of you whom we met in October at MIPIM UK. We have been delighted with the results from the MIPIM event and the interest in Lisburn Castlereagh; we were the only Council from Northern Ireland present, many of you have already followed up with a visit and we look forward to working with you all in the future.

“The Council promotes its area as a business-friendly city and is working to increase inward investment from businesses relocating to the City whilst offering assistance and advice to both established and new businesses.  Opportunities such as this networking event at Westminster are testament to the Council’s commitment to the business sector and local economy,” concluded Alderman Ewart.

Local businesses present in Westminster included Assa Abloy, Rocklyn Engineering, Xperience, McAdam Design and Praetor Energy Ltd.