Council's £95,000 London 'showcase investment event' takes place this week

WHILE it has been discussed behind closed doors for months, the media has now been invited to the council’s ‘showcase investment event’ in London this week.

And, following the council’s continued foray into the work of agencies like Invest NI, the council has launched a website and social media pages called ‘Invest ANBC’.

Minutes from an ‘in confidence’ session have revealed that an application for funding for the two-hour event, costing £95,000, was unsuccessful.

The media invite, which arrived seven days before the event, declared: “The showcase will highlight the unique investment proposition and opportunities within the region including highlighting how dual market access can be a major driver for success for manufacturers based there.

“This unique position coincides with the coming on stream of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) – based in Newtownabbey, which will also be discussed to outline its enabling potential for would be investors. AMIC represents £100m investment from the UK Government and Northern Ireland Executive through the Belfast Region City Deal, and from Queen's University Belfast, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and Ulster University.

“It is key to an exciting future for manufacturing in Northern Ireland, as an industry-led, open-access manufacturing and engineering innovation centre with state-of-the-art facilities and an expert engineering team, underpinned by academic excellence.”

In attendance are due to be MPs Robin Swann, Sammy Wilson and John Finucane, and the event will include contributions from the NIO, NI Executive, British Business Bank and Belfast International Airport.

Minutes from last month’s ‘in confidence’ session of the Economic Development Committee said: “The Council’s success in securing the Overall Council of the Year 2024 and 2025 finalist for Service Delivery by the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) had reinforced its position as a leading local authority in delivering excellence for residents and businesses.

“This achievement highlighted the borough’s ongoing commitment to innovation, economic growth, and public service.

“The council recognised the importance of leveraging this recognition to further enhance its reputation and attract investment.

“Hosting an event in London, a global economic and political hub, presented a strategic opportunity to: Showcase the Council’s success and forward-thinking approach; Highlight key industries and investment opportunities within the borough; Engage directly with potential investors and stakeholders, including representatives from UK Government, leading businesses, and policymakers.”

In July 2025, Economic Development Committee members approved the showcase investment event in London with an associated budget of £95,000.

The venue was identified as the Pavilion Terrace at the House of Commons on Wednesday 10 December 2025 from 9-11am.

The report said: “Members’ RSVPs and travel preferences had been obtained. All invitations had been issued individually, and RSVPs were in the process of being collated.

“Over 200 invitations had been issued to key political figures including the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, Secretary of State as well as all Northern Ireland MPs.

“Public sector bodies including Invest NI, British Business Bank, Queens University, Intertrade.

“Relevant businesses/business networks including Belfast International Airport, Randox, local hotel groups, large scale retailers such as Lidl, Marks & Spencer. Relevant agencies and investor links.”

The report continued: “Council officers were continuing to engage with NIO, the Department for Business and Trade and other key individuals regarding attendance at the event.

“Claire McCollum would host the event, with Mark Sterritt (British Business Bank) as panel facilitator.

“An external provider had been appointed to support the comms and PR aspect for the event.

“A landing page had been created for the event, at https://anbcinvestment.com/.

“This contained details of the event including speakers, draft running order and venue information. This was being updated on a regular basis.

“The Programme for the event was under development but would include key speakers and a panel discussion.

In terms of Belfast International Airport, it was said to be ‘Northern Ireland’s principal airport and a critical driver of regional connectivity, trade and tourism’.

“Chief Executive Dan Owens would outline the airport’s ambitious growth plans and role as a catalyst for investment.”

In terms of Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) at Global Point, the report said: “A flagship £100m+ innovation project that positions Northern Ireland at the forefront of advanced manufacturing and engineering.

“Chief Executive Sam Turner would set out how AMIC would support business competitiveness, R&D and high-value job creation.”

And in regard to funding, the minutes said: “An application to the Connect Fund was submitted to NIO for £25,000. Unfortunately, this application was unsuccessful.

“A budget of up to £95,000 was approved by Committee in July 2025.

“The Director of Economic Development and Planning gave an update on the event regarding security requirements and attendees and answered questions from members.”

The report was proposed by Alliance Councillor Billy Webb, and seconded by Councillor Cooper.

Earlier in the meeting,Alliance Councillor Billy Webb had asked: “Why is (item) 6.2 in confidence?”

Director of Economic Development and Planning Majella McAlister replied: “We have got some additional verbal information to share with members.”

Councillor Webb added: “This is such an event and such a thing for the borough, we need to be making it public.”