Business

Board members sought for new body formed to push Belfast's economy

Geraldine Duggan, city centre manager; Liz Kerr, chair of Belfast One BIC; Andrew Webb, chair of Belfast City Centre Management and Rajesh Rana, president of Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce. Photo: Brian Thompson
Geraldine Duggan, city centre manager; Liz Kerr, chair of Belfast One BIC; Andrew Webb, chair of Belfast City Centre Management and Rajesh Rana, president of Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce. Photo: Brian Thompson Geraldine Duggan, city centre manager; Liz Kerr, chair of Belfast One BIC; Andrew Webb, chair of Belfast City Centre Management and Rajesh Rana, president of Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce. Photo: Brian Thompson

A NEW body has been created to identify and address broad strategic issues affecting Belfast and to help ensure the city's economy continues to grow.

Belfast City Centre Management (BCCM) has launched a City Strategic Forum, a partnership of representatives from business sectors and organisations, who will respond to emerging issues and also act as a channel for the business community to influence both central and local government to support the sustainable growth of the city.

Andrew Webb, chair of BCCM, said: “Belfast remains the economic engine for Northern Ireland, and the future strength and vibrancy of its economy is vital to the region's well-being.

“The City Strategic Forum is a mechanism to identify broader strategic issues and ensure Belfast is optimally positioned to realise its ambitions, and that its resources and priorities are aligned with the overarching vision for the city through the Belfast Agenda and with Northern Ireland’s Programme for Government. This in turn will safeguard economic growth in the city which will continue to make a vital contribution to the wider economy."

He added: “Challenges for the city abound, including the recent Bank Buildings fire, the changing face of the high street and the unfolding drama that is Brexit.

“Businesses continue to operate in the midst of increasing uncertainty on a deal or no deal scenario. They are a long way from being Brexit-ready as uncertainty continues on what the costs are or what the implications will impose.

“The skills, insight and expertise of the members of the City Strategic Forum, alongside other strategic partners, will continue to influence and encourage strategic decisions for the benefit of the city and support its business community.”

Membership of the forum has been drawn initially from previous board members of Belfast City Centre Management Ltd, and creating the new body is part of the transition towards a more commercial model involving a new governance structure.

To deliver this BCCM is currently undertaking a recruitment drive for new board members. Closing date for applications is Monday February 11 (more information at www.belfastcentre.com).