Poised for Progress

NI Chamber’s new president Cathal Geoghegan discusses why 2023 is a year of opportunity.

At NI Chamber’s most recent AGM, Cathal Geoghegan was elected as the membership organisation’s 177th president. A few weeks into his new role, Ambition caught up with Cathal to discuss his priorities for the year ahead and why he’s confident that 2023 remains a year of opportunity.

“I have long admired the work of NI Chamber and, during my career, have really seen it flourish into the premier business organisation that it is today. I’m very proud to be its president and hope that I will do the job justice,” he begins.

The Managing Director of Henderson Foodservice, Cathal brings significant leadership experience to the role. A fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants, he has had a varied and successful career in the foodservice and hospitality sectors, as well as at Board level with organisations including the Grand Opera House Trust and the Irish Foodservice Supplier Alliance. He will be supported by NI Chamber’s new vice president, Caitroina McCusker, Regional Market Leader, PwC Northern Ireland. A successful businessman in his own right, in a challenging trading environment, Cathal projects the same optimism and resilience that is so typical of NI Chamber members across the province.

Speaking about his plans for the role, he says, “While I’m certainly looking forward to the next 12 months, I am aware that I’m taking on an important position at a difficult time for business and the economy. In that context, I am committed to using this role as a platform for progress and during my tenure will do everything that I can to make sure the voice of business continues to be heard.”

Addressing some of the specific challenges, he continues: “In such a challenging fiscal environment, with inflationary pressures as they are, this isn’t an easy time for our members. When combined with a tight labour market, supply chain difficulties and the continued absence of an Executive, the difficulties soon start to compound.

“That’s why, together with NI Chamber’s Board and Executive team, we will be doing everything possible to support member businesses and help them to seek out the many opportunities which tangibly exist.

“I am looking forward to getting to know our members even better, helping them to connect and learn from each other and doing my best to represent them and this brilliant organisation well.”

A crucial aspect of his presidency will be advocating for the interests of Northern Ireland’s business community. “The continuing absence of an Executive at Stormont is really disappointing,” he says.

“In fact, every day something new highlights the urgent need for the situation to be resolved. NI Chamber members are doing a fantastic job of driving growth. In all corners of Northern Ireland, they are showcasing the many reasons this is a great place to work and live, to visit and invest in. They inspire me and their resilience is remarkable, but they cannot do it alone forever. We need political leadership to sustain growth and attract investment.”

In such circumstances, NI Chamber’s advocacy work is more critical than ever, according to Cathal, “NI Chamber is a respected voice for business and it has been at the forefront of calling for effective, functioning and sustainably funded government. I am proud that we work collaboratively with other business organisations, politicians and civic leaders on the issues that matter.

“I am hopeful that we are moving towards a turning point as far as restoration of the Executive and on that basis, am firmly of the belief that there is still time to make 2023 a year of lasting progress. That’s important not just for business, but for the wider community too.

“And when it does happen, as NI Chamber president, members have my commitment that we will do everything we can to encourage, to challenge and ultimately seek the solutions we know can be uncovered through partnership and collaboration.

“Engagement between business and policy makers is critical, and when the institutions are eventually restored, we will continue to facilitate two-way communication on an agreed Programme for Government and the public finances, as well as on pressing issues like skills, childcare, infrastructure and energy.”

Cathal takes on the role of president during a milestone year for NI Chamber, the significance of which is not lost on him.

“NI Chamber was one of the first limited companies ever established here and this year marks 240 years of its existence. In business and industry, much has changed in that time but NI Chamber’s support has been constant. The pursuit of a prosperous economy motivated those who founded this organisation and it remains our defining commitment to the present day. In 2023 I’m always aware that as president, I’m following in the footsteps of eminent entrepreneurs and businesspeople over centuries, so I take the history behind the chain of office seriously.”

Yet while history is important, Cathal is firmly fixed on the future. “This is a really exciting moment to be NI Chamber president – at a time when its local and national reputation is stronger than ever, we’re also preparing to welcome our new Chief Executive Suzanne Wylie, which will herald another new era for the organisation. Suzanne will be supported in that role by an exceptionally talented executive team. I’m excited for what’s to come and am genuinely looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”