Businesses across Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough are being encouraged to make their voices heard through a series of local engagement events bringing the business community face-to-face with elected representatives.
The Business Partnership Alliance (BPA), working in partnership with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, is delivering Business Voice: Local Conversations, a programme of eight engagement sessions taking place across the Borough this October and November.
The initiative will provide businesses of all sizes and sectors with an opportunity to discuss the challenges, pressures and opportunities they are experiencing, while giving local elected members valuable first-hand insight into the issues affecting local businesses.
From rising operating costs and business rates to planning, premises, recruitment, skills and access to business support, the sessions will explore the practical challenges facing businesses and identify what Council and other stakeholders can do to better support the local economy. Each event will include a short Business Confidence Index survey, facilitated round-table discussions and an elected member discussion panel, providing businesses with an opportunity to raise questions directly with their local councillors.
A valuable opportunity for Council to listen
Welcoming the initiative, the Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Councillor Mary O’Dowd, said: “Our local businesses are at the heart of our Borough’s economy, supporting employment, investment and the vitality of our towns and rural communities. We recognise that many businesses are operating in a challenging environment, and it is important that we understand the pressures they are facing and the support they need. These sessions provide a valuable opportunity for elected members to hear directly from businesses in their local areas, listen to their experiences and better understand how Council can support a strong and resilient local economy. I would encourage businesses of all sizes and sectors to come along, share their views and take advantage of this opportunity to engage directly with their local representatives.”
Ensuring the business voice is heard
Adrian Farrell, Chairperson of the Business Partnership Alliance, highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for meaningful engagement between businesses and decision-makers. “One of BPA’s key roles is to ensure that the voice of the business community is heard and that the issues affecting businesses across our Borough are understood by those making decisions. We know that businesses are facing a wide range of pressures. For some, the focus is on investment and growth, while for others, the immediate priority is managing costs and maintaining the viability of their business. It is important that we hear from both. These sessions are about having open, constructive conversations with local elected representatives, identifying the challenges businesses are experiencing and, importantly, exploring what practical support and action could make a difference. The feedback will also directly inform our 2026–27 Business Confidence Index, helping us build a stronger evidence base for our ongoing engagement with Council, Government Departments and other decision-makers. We want businesses to know that their views matter. I would encourage as many businesses as possible to come along, have their say and help shape the priorities for our local economy.”
Eight opportunities to have your say
The Business Voice: Local Conversations programme will take place at the following locations:
| Location | Date | Time | Venue |
| Dromore | Wednesday 14 October | 5.30pm | Town Hall |
| Armagh | Thursday 15 October | 4.00pm | Armagh Planetarium |
| Tandragee | Thursday 22 October | 5.30pm | Recreation Centre |
| Portadown | Tuesday 27 October | 6.30pm | Millennium Court |
| Banbridge | Wednesday 28 October | 5.30pm | Old Town Hall |
| Keady | Thursday 5 November | 6.00pm | TMAC |
| Lurgan | Wednesday 11 November | 5.30pm | Lurgan Town Hall |
| Craigavon | Thursday 12 November | 5.30pm | CIDO |
All events are free to attend, with advance registration required. Businesses also have the opportunity to submit questions for their local elected representatives in advance of each session. The feedback gathered will contribute to BPA’s 2026–27 Business Confidence Index, helping identify both local and Borough-wide business priorities. Key issues will also be captured for further consideration and follow-up through BPA’s ongoing engagement with Council and other relevant stakeholders.
To register for your local session, please email hello@bpaabc.com.