The council supported efforts to strengthen economic and tourism links between Northern Ireland and North Carolina this month through its sponsorship of a business dinner at Hillsborough Castle.
The event brought together senior political and business representatives as part of NI Chamber’s engagement with a high-level US business delegation led by the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce.
Attendees included Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Sir Chris Bryant MP; Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Sarah Owens MP; and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, alongside representatives from the Northern Ireland and US business communities.
The dinner brought local and North Carolina business leaders together to develop connections around trade, exports, investment and commercial collaboration, while showcasing Royal Hillsborough and the wider Lisburn and Castlereagh area as a destination for tourism, business and investment.
Alongside its economic focus, the event highlighted the longstanding connection between Royal Hillsborough and Hillsborough, North Carolina. The two share historic links to Wills Hill, Earl of Hillsborough (1718–1793), after whom Hillsborough, North Carolina was named.
Ald James Baird, Chair of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Regeneration and Growth Committee, said: “We are delighted to support this important engagement and to welcome senior business leaders from North Carolina to our area.
“The historic relationship between the two Hillsboroughs provides a unique foundation for developing stronger tourism, cultural and civic connections, while the presence of such a significant business delegation also creates opportunities for our local companies to build relationships and explore new markets.
“Supporting businesses in this way is central to our ambitions for economic growth in Lisburn and Castlereagh. We look forward to seeing the relationships established through this visit develop in the months and years ahead.”
Jonathan Holmes, MD of Creative Composites who attended the evening said: “The opportunity to meet directly with business leaders from North Carolina provided a valuable platform for local companies to explore new markets, share expertise and identify potential opportunities for collaboration.”
Andrew Bingham, MD of Decora, added: “Events such as this are important in helping businesses develop international networks and understand the opportunities available to them beyond Northern Ireland.”
The programme of engagement is taking place during a year of events marking the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence.