NI firms hoping to boost business at Heathrow Airport trade summit

COMPANIES in Northern Ireland are preparing to pitch their business to major suppliers at Heathrow Airport.

Firms will get a chance to meet the airport’s biggest suppliers at the first ever Heathrow Business Summit to be held in Northern Ireland on June 20.

In collaboration with the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Belfast summit will help businesses take advantage of the work being spread across the UK both now and during construction of a new runway at Heathrow, and its associated infrastructure.

Businesses will have the chance to network and trade with each other, connect with the airport’s supply chain and meet with Invest NI to explore exporting opportunities.

They will also be able to meet with local colleges to discuss skills and recruitment needs.

Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Ann McGregor said: “Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry is delighted to be working with Heathrow to deliver the airport’s first ever Business Summit for Northern Ireland.

“The event will offer local SMEs the opportunity to connect and trade face-to-face with Heathrow’s supply chain, forging links with some of the UK’s largest organisations and obtaining insight into their procurement processes.

“We encourage businesses to express their interest as soon as possible so we can match them to the requirements outlined by the supply chain companies.”

“Attendees will also have an opportunity to meet with a range of exhibitor partners focused on supporting businesses to connect and build trading relationships, including NI Chamber, Invest NI and local councils,” she added.

The Belfast City route is Heathrow’s busiest for domestic cargo, with over 270,000kg of high-value Northern Irish exports travelling through the London airport on their way to clients around the world every year.

In addition, Londonderry, for example, is named on Flybe’s indicative route map, showing new routes the airline would look to operate from an expanded Heathrow.

DUP leader Arlene Foster said: “Businesses in Northern Ireland will have the opportunity to seek a host of opportunities as a result of this summit being held in Belfast.

“Northern Ireland is on the map as a great place to do business.”