Lobbying and Representation
At local, national and international level, the Blanchardstown Chamber exerts a growing influence on commercial and economic issues locally. The Chief Executive and Chamber Council are in regular contact with local and national political representatives lobbying for action on issues of concern to our members. Recent issues which the Chamber has addressed include commercial and industrial development in the Greater Blanchardstown area and transport infrastructure improvements.
Chamber representatives are also in regular contact with development agencies including IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, County Enterprise Boards, Local Authorities and Blanchardstown Area Partnership to promote economic development in the Dublin 15 area.
The Greater Blanchardstown Chamber also has representation on the following local committees and boards:
B.A.S.E. Enterprise Centre
Blanchardstown Area Partnership
Fingal Development Board
Institute of Technology Blanchardstown
Strategic Policy Committee on Transportation
Physical Development, Monitoring Committee, County Development Board
Business Contacts and Networking Events
Networking is an essential element of any business. The Blanchardstown Chamber calendar of events enable members to make useful business contacts in a relaxed and informal environment.
Member's Evenings' provide the opportunity for new and existing members to meet socially, exchange business cards, make new contacts, share problems and meet potential customers and suppliers from a wide range of business sectors.
Business Breakfasts A series of informal breakfasts allow members to discuss current issues, often with government representatives and keynote speakers from commerce and industry.
Business Lunches provide the opportunity for members to meet and listen to influential speakers from the worlds of business, politics and entertainment. Lunches continue to be a popular way for members to meet and promote their business.
Information Seminars are held on key areas of interest to members to provide them with expertise on one topic of relevance to their business. Previous seminars have included the Euro, eBusiness, transport infrastructure and health and safety.
Sponsorship Opportunities. These Chamber events provide Members, both large and small, with the opportunity to promote their business through sponsorship of an event. The Blanchardstown Chamber will organise and market these events for the sponsor to all our members, key influencers and the local business community. Corporate branding is an exceptionally cost-effective way of reaching a wide audience.
If you are interested in sponsorship, please contact the Chamber Office.
International Trade Opportunities
The Chamber can provide valuable services, particularly to the smaller enterprises who are just beginning to enter export markets in Europe and Internationally. Through our membership of the International Chamber movement, we can provide strong contacts in all the key export markets.
VHI Group Discount Scheme
Blanchardstown Chamber has set up a group discount scheme for all Chamber members. The scheme will provide members with a 10% discount on their chosen health plan with the VHI. To sign up to the scheme, please contact Aine de Mascio on 087 2272687 or Damien Mullan on 01 799 4034.
Local Trading Network
The Chamber actively encourages local sourcing of products and services from companies. This is facilitated through Chamber Advantage and a policy of recommending Chamber members for business opportunities.
Access Affinity Deal
Blanchardstown Chamber recently launched a new affinity deal with Chamber Member, Access Telecom: Blanchardstown Chamber Phonesaver. The objective is to provide a superior-quality, low-cost telecoms service to all members. This is a single billing solution and reduces member communications costs by typically 20-30%. Importantly, this is a single billing solution meaning that Access Telecom will carry both Call Charges and Line Rental for all members while realising a valuable saving.
Equality & Diversity in the Workplace
Together with Blanchardstown Area Partnership, the Chamber carried out a large-scale study of employers on the issues of equality and diversity in the workplace. With many local employers employing staff from a variety of backgrounds and nationalities, and in view of recent legislation, the Chamber is taking active steps to provide supporting information and services to our members who are developing policies for Equality and Diversity.
For copies of the report, contact the Chamber Office.
The Chamber, together with Blanchardstown Area Partnership, is currently rolling out a series of free training and workshops for employers in Blanchardstown. For further information, contact the Chamber Office.
Chamber Advantage - Member to Member Discount Scheme
Chamber Advantage encourages members to do business with each other by offering member only discounts. If you would like to promote your business through the Chamber Advantage Programme, please forward me: Business Name, Contact Name and Discount Offered.