Wright Group MD is new NI Chamber President

Speaking following his election at the Chamber AGM in the Fitzwilliam Hotel on Friday morning, Mr Nodder said the election was “an honour”.

“For 230 years the Chamber has worked to ensure that businesses in the region reach their full potential,” he said.

“I am keen to support initiatives that grow businesses, especially SME’s which are the backbone of the economy whilst continuing to support Export First, the Chamber’s initiative to increase export.

“I will continue to encourage the Executive and the UK Government to create the conditions for business growth. Equally, they can count on our support when they seek to introduce measures which help business. Our campaign for a reduction in Corporation Tax to stimulate greater investment by established companies and potential inward investors will continue to be a priority.

“There is also an urgent need to look at other measures that will encourage enterprise and help transform Northern Ireland into a dynamic private-sector driven economy. There’s a strong case, for instance, for the Executive to look at beyond Corporation Tax on how other taxes could be devolved to the benefit of Northern Ireland,” said Mr Nodder who paid tribute to the work of his predecessor, outgoing President Francis Martin.

Speaking at the AGM, Chief Executive Ann McGregor said: “I would like to congratulate Mark Nodder on his election and thank Francis Martin for the work he has done, particularly over the last number of years. Our new President brings a breadth of experience from the manufacturing sector which will become a great asset to our organisation. I look forward to working closely with him.”

Mr Nodder is Group Managing Director for The Wright Group of companies, which includes Wrightbus Ltd, Wright Customcare Ltd, Wright Composites Ltd and Metallix Ltd subsidiaries.

He has held this position since December 2006, prior to which he was progressively responsible for the Customcare aftersales subsidiary, UK and International Business Development.

Outside Wrightbus, Mark was Vice-President of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce from 2010-2012 and is currently a member of the Economic Advisory Group to the Northern Ireland Economy Minister.