Council host Skills for Business event in Armagh

The forum – which will be a first among all Councils in Northern Ireland – will help to create new strategic partnerships and drive greater innovation and enterprise.

Attended by more than 60 delegates at The Palace, Armagh, the event attracted the attention of leaders from across the private and public sectors who pledged their commitment to assist the Council in further developing local business growth and potential.

Top local businesses Moy Park, Sentinus, Interface, Springco, Clanrye and CHC Group were also represented, along with senior officials from the Department for Employment and Learning, Invest NI, InterTradeIreland, Southern Regional College and Queen’s University.

Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Darryn Causby, said:“This major event, which will help lead the development of what will be Northern Ireland’s first Employability and Skills Forum, is part of our ambition to ensure that we remain on track in our goal to become the most business-orientated Council in Northern Ireland and achieve our maximum potential when it comes to supporting the development of skills and employment.”

Roger Wilson, Chief Executive, said:“Growing the local economy is our number one priority and employability and skills are critical to our success in this area. By initiating this important event, the Council is putting itself at the heart of a combined effort to drive growth and enterprise right across the Borough.

“We are already home to some of the top businesses and cutting-edge industries and are prioritising the development of our many ambitious SMEs across all sectors. By bringing together all those with an interest in driving growth, we can confidently plan and shape a prosperous future.”