03/12/2025
North Belfast Community Partnership – Business Breakfast with the Economy Minister
The North Belfast Community Partnership was delighted to host its second Business Breakfast this morning in Mc Connell’s Distillery, Crumlin Road, welcoming the Economy Minister as our keynote speaker. The event brought together a diverse range of local businesses, community leaders and stakeholders who share a common commitment to strengthening economic growth and investment across North Belfast.
Today’s discussion underscored the vital role that local businesses play in shaping the future of our area. Their contribution to employment, skill development, and economic resilience cannot be overstated. As a Partnership, we firmly believe that the collective voice and participation of all businesses – from small independent traders to larger enterprises are essential as we work together to unlock North Belfast’s full potential.
The presence of the Economy Minister highlights the importance of our shared mission to ensure North Belfast becomes a place where investors want to invest, entrepreneurs are supported to innovate, and high-quality job opportunities are created for local people. With continued collaboration, strategic investment, and strong community-business partnerships, North Belfast can become a thriving hub of economic activity and a model for inclusive growth.
We extend our thanks to all who attended, contributed and reaffirmed their commitment to building a stronger economic future for North Belfast. The Partnership looks forward to continuing this momentum and ensuring that every business has the opportunity to play an active role in shaping our community’s success.
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald outlined her commitment to regional economic balance across the north, including in areas of deprivation in Belfast and how the Partnerships’ priority areas very much align with her economic vision.
The Minister said: “I welcomed the opportunity to meet with the North Belfast Community Partnership and outline my commitment to economic development in the area. I want to see everyone sharing in growing prosperity and address areas of economic deprivation and I am committed to working with the Partnership to create a North Belfast that works for everyone.
“Our priorities very much align, and I am very supportive of their ambitions including the proposal by North City Business Centre to acquire new premises to support employability and entrepreneurship in the area. My officials are actively engaged in this issue and will continue to work with government partners and the North Belfast Community Partnership on a project that could deliver real and lasting change for this community.”
