Chamber head in appeal for support

Chamber head in appeal for support

16 October 2013

THE head of Downpatrick’s Chamber of Commerce has appealed to the town’s business community for their support.

Tracey Quail has been the lone voice of the organisation for the past few years and while she is more than willing to do all she can to support the town, she said it’s time for others to join her to stop Downpatrick “dying on its feet.”

Ms. Quail said it’s unfair to ask one person to keep the Chamber going and hopes her colleagues in business will support her effort to raise the profile of the organisation.

“We have over 100 shops in Downpatrick and many, many business owners. I need support to fight for this town and with Halloween and Christmas coming up I believe we need to do more to raise our profile and sell what we have to offer,” she said.

“I do get support, but that tends to be only when there is a problem. I want other people in business to stand with me on the issues that matter and do what we can to secure the wide range of grant monies that are available out there.”

Ms. Quail said she is passionate about Downpatrick and wants others in businesses to share her enthusiasm and drive and hopes her appeal for support will be successful.

“Traders in the town should be standing up and fighting together. I know when something needs done or an issue arises that I can count on the support of several traders. But Downpatrick deserves more than this,” she declared.

Ms. Quail added: “We have too many empty shops and I don’t want to see more shutters coming down. I am making an appeal for more support to see what response I get.

“If it’s positive, perhaps the next step would be to call a meeting so we can see what issues people want to see addressed and have someone address us about the funding streams we could potentially tap into us. We can’t sit back waiting for something to happen. We have to make the first move.”

Councillor Dermot Curran said it’s vital that Downpatrick has a vibrant traders’ group to represent the needs of all those in business in the town.

He said an active Chamber of Commerce can apply for a range of grants which Down Council simply cannot access. The local politician has pledged his full support for Tracey Quail and the work she does, but made it clear she must no longer be left on her own.

“Downpatrick is a county town and must have a strong, representative traders’ organisation,” he declared. “Business owners have a lot on their mind, but it’s important they are part of an organisation which provides them with a voice on the issues that matter.

“Times are tough for many in business, but I believe they need to be united. One of the issues the Chamber should be looking at is potential rates relief and I am more than happy to work with them and lobby on their behalf on this issue.”

Councillor Curran believes that with Christmas approaching there is a need for traders in Downpatrick to work alongside Down Council to discuss the local authority’s plans for the festive season.

He added: “Christmas is the one time of the year when traders need to make money to tide them over the traditionally quiet start to the New Year. They must weigh in with support for Tracey Quail and provide the Chamber of Commerce with renewed impetus and vigour. All businesses must get involved, including the town’s High Street retailers.”