Business

Conference will focus on building post-Brexit cross-border economy

Launching the free conference are (from left) Riona McCoy SEDO Louth; Aidan Callan, Dundalk Chamber; Jessica Kane, Newry Chamber; Newry mayor Charlie Casey; Paddy Malone, Dundalk Chamber; Deirdre Maguire, InterTradeIreland; and Colm Shannon, Newry Chamber.
Launching the free conference are (from left) Riona McCoy SEDO Louth; Aidan Callan, Dundalk Chamber; Jessica Kane, Newry Chamber; Newry mayor Charlie Casey; Paddy Malone, Dundalk Chamber; Deirdre Maguire, InterTradeIreland; and Colm Shannon, Newry Chamber Launching the free conference are (from left) Riona McCoy SEDO Louth; Aidan Callan, Dundalk Chamber; Jessica Kane, Newry Chamber; Newry mayor Charlie Casey; Paddy Malone, Dundalk Chamber; Deirdre Maguire, InterTradeIreland; and Colm Shannon, Newry Chamber.

TWO business organisations either side of the border are coming together next month to jointly host a free conference focusing on the local economy in the post-Brexit era.

The Chambers of Commerce in Newry and Dundalk - who have a long history of collaboration - will host the event in the Carrickdale Hotel & Spa on Wednesday March 11, for which more than 250 people have already registered.

It will focus on the impact of the future trading relationship for the border region after the UK's exit from the EU and will provide a range of practical advice and support for border businesses.

The programme includes a keynote address from Oliver Mangan, chief economist at AIB, who will examine the economic outlook and what a future EU/UK trade deal might look like and what it will mean for businesses.

Newry Chamber president Emma Marmion said: “The UK’s exit from the EU will present many new challenges for businesses operating within the cross-border economy.

“Newry and Dundalk are central to the economic corridor between Dublin and Belfast and our businesses make a significant contribution to the all-island economy, so our conference will provide a timely update for businesses on the challenges and support available for businesses after December 31.”

Her Dundalk Chamber counterpart Pat McCormick added: “Our objective is to demonstrate the strength of cooperation that exists within the border economy - cooperation which has been central to the economic success of the Dundalk-Newry region.”

The conference, which will be chaired by BBC journalist Mark Simpson, is supported by IntertradeIreland, Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, Louth County Council, Local Enterprise Office Louth and Dundalk Chamber Skillnet.

Spaces can be booked via Eventbrite or at www.newrychamber.com or www.dundalk.ie