NI Chamber is celebrating after winning the 2024 UK Chamber of the Year award from British Chambers of Commerce.
The Chamber Awards are one of the showpieces of the business calendar, highlighting the role that Chambers play in assisting firms to deliver growth and prosperity for the UK and local communities. They recognise and celebrate the achievements of the Chamber Network, and the vital support Chambers provide to businesses.
Judges praised NI Chamber for its programme of outreach to build closer business ties with Chambers in the United States as well as in Cork and Dublin. It was also singled out for the depth and quality of its knowledge sharing across the Chamber Network.
Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, said:
“We are delighted that NI Chamber is the 2024 UK Chamber of the Year. Over the past 12 months, we have been rolling out some very ambitious growth plans, not just for our own organisation but more importantly, for Northern Ireland’s economy. Absolutely everything we do is in pursuit of economic growth and prosperity across Northern Ireland. This accolade is a significant endorsement of how that is working in terms of membership growth and business impact.
“It has been a year marked by new milestones and in particular new partnerships, based on our assessment that collaboration is the best way to deliver shared economic prosperity. That has included some exciting international alliances, including our MOU with NC Chamber in North Carolina, as well as colleagues in Dublin and Cork Chambers.
“Looking ahead, our strategic plan challenges us to grow NI Chamber further and work as closely as possible with high-growth sectors, investors, international stakeholders and politicians at every level of government to realise Northern Ireland’s vast potential.
“We have committed to growing our own social impact too – working with young people, meeting net-zero challenges and ensuring that our offering helps member businesses to do the same. Like them, we can’t afford to stand still, which is a challenge this team is excited to rise to.”
Sarah Howard MBE, Chair of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce really stands out with its ‘Power of Partnership’ initiative, which has built strong local and global connections to boost business growth and the regional economy. Their focus on collaboration and supporting economic development is exactly why they deserve to be named UK Chamber of the Year.”
Des Shaw, Chief Executive at Quest, said:
“At Quest we’re proud to support this year’s Chamber of the Year awards. As a long-standing partner of BCC, we are honoured to support and to promote the extraordinary work of the Chamber Network.”