Simon Hamilton pledges to create a new “Vision for Belfast” in new Belfast Chamber CEO role

Former Economy Minister and Minister for Finance, Simon Hamilton, has taken up the reigns as Chief Executive of Belfast Chamber, the leading voice for the business community in Belfast.

Simon’s role will be to develop and grow and diversify the 107-year-old organisation’s membership and to deliver on its remit to support and promote businesses across Belfast.

Simon commented: “I am thrilled to be starting my new role as Chief Executive of Belfast Chamber at what is such an exciting and crucial time for our capital city.

“We have rapidly growing technology, tourism and professional services sectors which is helping to make Belfast stand out globally as a great place to live, work, visit and invest in.

“There is also an increasing focus on the need to revitalise central Belfast.

“A vibrant city centre is essential to the future success of our city, and my priority will be to work closely with business, Belfast City Council and Government to help deliver the investment we need to help our city to fulfil the huge potential we know it has.

“At Belfast Chamber, we are the leading voice for business in Belfast. That means representing city’s business community and influencing decision makers on all issues affecting the city including infrastructure, skills and transportation.

“Belfast is the beating heart of the economy of Northern Ireland and we are committed to strengthening that in any way we can.

“First and foremost, I will be developing and delivering a “Vision for Belfast”.

“Over the coming weeks, I will be meeting and engaging with our members and stakeholders to take views, gauge priorities and develop an ambitious strategy for bringing about the change we all want to see.

“Belfast Chamber is passionate and ambitious about Belfast. I look forward to working with our growing number of members and our range of partners to bring continued success to our city”.

Rajesh Rana, President of Belfast Chamber continued: “I am delighted to welcome Simon to this high- profile role at Belfast Chamber. Simon has the experience and skills we as a Chamber need and I look forward to working with him.

“Belfast Chamber has a busy programme of events for the year ahead, and will be holding an international conference in February 2020 – this will be focused on delivering the strategy for the Vision for Belfast and will bring in local voices and international speakers.

“We are planning a business lunch this autumn; a series of informative and educational networking events and our Belfast Business Awards remain the benchmark for awards in our city.

“With the the addition of a full-time Chief Executive gives us the resource and leadership to provide our members with the support they require”.

Belfast Chamber is made up of over 400 businesses from a full range of commercial enterprises from retailers to hoteliers, solicitors to estate agents, property developers to media, tech companies to transport providers and aims to deal with a wide range of issues affecting trade and commerce in Belfast.

To join or for further information visit www.belfastchamber.com