Ballyclare
Chamber of Trade was founded in January 1992 by a small group of businessmen.
They agreed on the benefits of a quorum to represent business interest and
encourage trade to remain and develop in the town. From these small beginnings
the Chamber has steadily grown into a collective voice, working on a number of
ventures to bring prosperity to the town. Our members range from large
multi-national to smaller family run businesses and the individual who want to
improve their standing in the business-world as well as taking an interest in
improving commerce and general amenities of the town.
In the past Ballyclare has been described as a ‘small market town’ but today the market has gone to make way for progress and redevelopment. The business outlets are concentrated in the town centre. They represent an extremely broad range of activities from home-based enterprises through to industrial facilities on the outskirts of the town. The Chamber within its membership seeks to be representative of the entire spectrum of businesses, indeed this diversity is the strength of the Ballyclare Chamber of Trade.
The Ballyclare Chamber of Trade in association with traders, manufacturers and professionals discuss, plan and promote schemes to improve and secure the trading and commercial interest of Ballyclare. They strive to maintain a spirit of goodwill and unity among all traders of the town. The Chamber holds meetings and other functions to provide facilities for social interaction between members and other organisations with a like mind to promote Ballyclare as an attractive town to invest in and visit.
Members are represented at regular meetings with Newtownabbey Borough Council and the Newtownabbey Town Centre Management Company on key issues that affect the commercial life of the town. Representation is also provided on the Ballyclare & District Community Policing Forum and the PSNI. These forums keep us abreast of Local Crime Prevention matters that affect the town.
From within the membership an executive committee is elected with a president and officers who meet monthly and review planning applications, traffic management, town centre issues and discuss business development and promotional opportunities within the Borough. Open meetings are held periodically throughout the year.