SQC Digital Presents
Belfast 2025 Shaping a Prosperous Future
- Job creation and employment growth
- Connectivity improvements, especially in transport and communication networks
- Attracting key industries through inward investment
- The new Grand Central Station hub, enhancing transport connectivity
- Growth in tourism and hospitality, a major economic driver
- The Invest NI hub in Dublin, promoting cross-border collaboration and investment
Line up of Guest Speakers
Conor Murphy
Having first been elected to the Assembly in 1998, Mr Murphy served as Finance Minister between 2020 & 2022 & Minister for Regional Development between 2007 and 2011.
Previously a member of the Enterprise, Trade & Investment Committee & the Public Accounts Committee.
MP for Newry & Armagh between 2005 and 2015.
Suzanne Wylie
Representing 1,000+ businesses, after leadership roles in public services for 15+ years including Jersey Government & Belfast City Council.
During this time she was instrumental in securing £1bn Belfast Region City Deal.
Suzanne advocates for business innovation to maximize Northern Ireland’s economic growth, working closely with policymakers & assisting member companies overcome obstacles & seize opportunities.
Leading NI Chamber in membership growth and policy influence.
Suzanne also serves on Choice Housing Board, Dublin Chamber Council, & HSC Transformation Advisory Board. OBE recipient, with an honorary doctorate from Queen’s University where she also completed her MBA, & is a Fellow of Institute of Directors.
John Campbell
Previous TV & radio producer. Led coverage of Brexit’s Northern Ireland impacts across the BBC.
Claire Hanna
Claire Hanna became leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) in October 2024. She serves as the Member of Parliament for South Belfast and Mid Down, having been first elected in December 2019.
Claire has been representing South Belfast since 2011 as a Belfast City Councillor, then as an MLA in the NI Assembly until her election to Parliament in 2019. She chaired Assembly All Party Groups on International Development and the Arts.
In Westminster, Claire serves as a member on the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee. She is the SDLP’s Spokesperson for Europe and International Affairs. In 2021 she was elected Chair of the Performer’s Alliance APPG
Her professional background is in international development, latterly in a policy and education role.
Dr Bill Wolsey OBE
Bill opened his first pub over 45 years ago and now The Beannchor Group employs more than 1000 people across its extensive portfolio of outlets. These include The Merchant Hotel – the only five-star hotel in the North of Ireland to have achieved the highly coveted AA five red star rating, as well as numerous pubs, clubs and bars and Little Wing pizzerias. The group is soon to open its second Bullitt Hotel in Dublin marking the group’s first business venture outside of Northern Ireland.
As self-made man, from a working-class background, Bill is passionate about supporting local community and grass roots initiatives committing significant personal time to giving talks in schools, colleges and prisons, and leading the charge on Beannchor’s considerable charitable contributions.
Bill has been awarded many accolades including an honorary doctorate from Ulster University for services to business and an OBE for services to business and the hospitality industry in the Queen’s 2014 birthday honours list.
The current Lord Mayor of Belfast, Micky took up office on 3 June 2024. He is the first openly gay Lord Mayor of Belfast.
A member of the Alliance Party, Micky was initially co-opted onto Belfast City Council in May 2022, and retained his seat in the local government election of May 2023.
His background before politics was in the community and voluntary sector, where he worked helping homeless people and those with addiction challenges.
Micky is committed to using his year in office to furthering the goal of making Belfast an inclusive and compassionate city.
Date and Time
9 am – 1 pm
Thursday 23rd January 2025
Location
Ormeau Baths Event Space,
18 Ormeau Avenue,
Belfast,
BT2 8HS
Register your Interest
Get in touch!
Follow our socials for event updates!
