Mayor of London joins Mark Nodder in launching new campaign to inspire more businesses to set up, grow and export

‘Growing Something Brilliant’, a new Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce campaign aimed at inspiring local businesses to set up, grow and export, was launched on Friday 10 May at Ballymena’s Galgorm Manor Hotel.

Joined by the Mayor of London Boris Johnson, Chamber President Mark Nodder launched the initiative in the presence of 200 members of the business community and the First Minister Rt. Hon Peter Robinson, Secretary of State Theresa Villiers and the Ministers for Finance, Employment and Learning, Regional Development and Justice.

Speaking at the launch, NI Chamber President Mark Nodder said:

“For the last few years all of us, almost without exception, have campaigned for the devolution of power to reduce Corporation Tax. Indeed we remain absolutely committed to this however political reality has intervened in that campaign and the ultimate decision now waits on the far side of the vote on Scottish independence.

Whilst we look forward to hearing more of the detail in relation to the Cameron Economic Pact – including the proposed investment conference and enterprise zones proposals, I believe that there is more we can do.

Today therefore marks the beginning of a project which can define how we ourselves, as a business and a political community, set our own new course for economic growth. Growing Something Brilliant is a journey which will take us through the rest of this year. It is the process by which we ask ourselves and one another a simple question – how can I grow my business?

Growing Something Brilliant is about taking inspiration from each other, it is about saying to our political leaders: “This is what you can do for us, right now, under the existing legislation and within the competency of the Executive and Assembly.” We can help ourselves, we can learn from each other’s experiences and we can work in partnership with our own Government.

Quite simply we want to inspire more businesses to set up, grow and export.”

Commenting on how businesses can get involved, Ann McGregor, CEO of NI Chamber continued:

“We urge Northern Ireland business people, local companies large and small and from all sectors to participate in the campaign through a number of ways and help make ‘Growing Something Brilliant’ the collective business mantra for 2013.

Tell us via the dedicated website www.growingsomethingbrilliant.com what is holding your business back and how you can grow. Host a visit from your business colleagues, pledge that this year you will hire new recruits, invest in research with the help of Invest NI and talk to your local council about how they invest their economic development budget.

Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce looks forward to seeking ideas from businesses and presenting to these ideas and visions to Minister’s throughout the course of 2013. We will also be issuing invitations to every Minister, from every department, to join us for a Conference on 19 September 2013 when Growing Something Brilliant will come together for a special day with one outcome in mind – getting Northern Ireland growing again.”

Speaking at the launch, Mayor for London, Boris Johnson said:

“This campaign is a great idea and what a great day to launch it when we are celebrating the production of the wonderful new London bus, built right here in Northern Ireland. It is fast becoming a truly inspirational worldwide brand, an inspiration to all businesses.

I would say to all businesses that there are opportunities out there, be confident, believe in what you can do and don’t be put off by people who say it can’t happen. Be inspired by the Olympics – a fantastic success that overcame the negativity of detractors.

Think globally, growth lies within the emerging markets and an initiative such as the one announced today is well timed and absolutely right. Northern Ireland already exports and must be congratulated on that. Taking companies like Wrightbus as an example, if we believe more in our products and our capabilities of storming world markets then there is no limit to what we can do. This has sent a signal of confidence around the world for what British manufacturing, design and technology can achieve.”

Since its launch on Friday the campaign has already received support from the First Minister Peter Robinson, Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster, Employment Minister Stephen Farry and Finance Minister Sammy Wilson.

How to get involved…

Tell us what would help your business grow…
Visit www.growingsomethingbrilliant.com or send a tweet to @NIChamber using #gsb.

Share & Inspire…
Share your experience and inspire others at the Growing Something Brilliant Conference on 19 September 2013 in the Waterfront Hall, Belfast. Register your interest at www.growingsomethingbrilliant.com

Let us help you…
Chamber Connections: An initiative to connect businesses with experienced exporters and the worldwide Chamber network. Contact Richard Willis on 028 90 244113 or email richard.willis@northernirelandchamber.com