Newry Chamber hosts Dual Market Access workshop

The Chamber recently held a workshop in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Fortior Insight at Invest NI’s Southern Regional Office in Newry.

Chamber members and representatives from the local business community heard two insightful and detailed presentations from Peter Curran, Head of Dual Market Access at Invest NI and Jonathan Walsh, Director of Fortior Insight, two of the foremost specialists in this area in NI.

Despite the huge uncertainty in Global Trade Markets following the imposition of trade tariffs by the US President, Donald Trump and the subsequent imposition of retaliatory tariffs from impacted countries, the Greater Newry Area finds itself in a potentially unrivalled trading position.

Michael Savage, CEO of Newry Chamber said: “Greater Newry’s location as the Gateway City to both the UK and EU Markets provides our businesses with a huge opportunity to maximise the potential of Dual Market Access. This event crystalised those opportunities and provided extensive insight on how to navigate any potential customs clearance and declarations challenges that need to be overcome.

“We’re on the cusp of something really exciting in this region in economic terms and Newry Chamber is extremely grateful to Peter Curran of Invest NI and Jonathan Walsh from Fortior Insight for their extensive and detailed engagement with our members. There is a lot to play for and this event is just the first step on an exciting journey for businesses in the Greater Newry Area.”

Peter Curran, Head of Dual Market Access at Invest NI added: “Dual Market Access offers a unique competitive advantage for Northern Ireland businesses. No other region enjoys seamless trading in goods to GB and the 27 member countries of the EU. Embracing this will not only give manufacturers an edge over competitors, but it will strengthen our reputation as a dynamic hub for trade and innovation, leading to future job creation and economic stability.

“Businesses in the Greater Newry Area can access market specific information through Invest NI’s Business Information Centre and take advantage of our FREE Export Health Check and Introduction to Exporting Events at our Southern Regional Office in Newry.”

Jonathan Walsh, Director of Fortior Insight added: “It was an honour to be asked to speak at this event and I am delighted to hear that the businesses that attended found it beneficial. As a Council Member of Newry Chamber and as a business owner and resident within the district, I felt a genuine connection to those in the room.

“I am someone who honestly feels that our unique trading position here in Northern Ireland, and in particular, in border areas such as Newry and Mourne, provides us with a real opportunity to act as a conduit for trade between the UK and European Union.

“Our indigenous businesses are already world-class, and we have an educated and skilled workforce that isn’t afraid of hard graft. This combined with our personable and outgoing nature makes us perfect trading partners for companies in GB, Ireland, elsewhere in Europe and beyond.”