Arlene Foster MLA, Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment was the guest speaker at a business lunch on 10th April. The lunch, held in the Adair Arms Hotel, was organised by Ballymena Borough Chamber of Commerce and Industry and there was an excellent turnout from the local business community.

Front Row L-R Audrey Wales MBE, Thomas McKillen, Minister Arlene Foster, Mayor PJ McAvoy and Anne Donaghy.

Back Row Eugene McKeever, Chris Wales, Mark Nodder, Alan Stewart and Catherine McKeever.

Thomas McKillen, Chamber President welcomed the Minister to Ballymena.

He said “In Ballymena we don’t sit back waiting for people to help us. We are quite prepared to roll up our sleeves and do what we can to help ourselves. An excellent example of that is the revitalisation work which has been going on in the Church Street and Bridge Street areas. As a result of this work we are starting to see some green shoots of recovery. That does not mean that we will not accept help when it is offered. Thank you for coming to Ballymena today and I look forward to hearing what you have to say”. 

After an excellent lunch Alderman PJ McAvoy said “The number one priority for Council and indeed for all in the Borough is the economy. For us, it is about creating jobs, increasing skills and education, growing our local economy as a regional hub and delivering on NI plc. Minister, you and your team have been more than supportive to Ballymena and we seek your continued support”. 

Minister Foster then addressed the guests. She said “I am spending the full day in the Borough. I was at Michelin this morning and then in Broughshane. Broughshane is an example to everyone of what can be achieved”. 

She continued “I am very disappointed that the Prime Minister has deferred any decision on Corporation Tax powers until after the Scottish referendum. I do not understand the decision – it is a mystery and we need all the tools in our armoury to develop the NI economy”.

After her speech the Minister answered a series of questions from the audience. She agreed that NI businesses, especially smaller businesses needed to be encouraged to export, not only to ROI but further afield. She said that better air links from Belfast were vital to tourism and industry and she was trying to get direct air links with Canada and Germany. She also pledged her full support for the forthcoming WPFG.

To conclude Thomas McKillen and Audrey Wales made a presentation to the Minister thanking her for speaking at the lunch.

Chamber President Thomas McKillen presents to Minister Foster.

Audrey Wales MBE with Minister Arlene Foster.