The CBI represents companies from all sectors of UK business: small and large, from manufacturing to retailing, agriculture to construction, hi-tech to finance, transport to consultancy.

With direct corporate membership employing over four million and a trade association membership representing over six million of the workforce, the CBI is the premier organisation speaking for companies in the UK.

"Partnership for Progress provides a mechanism whereby vital knowledge can be gathered on an international basis and, together with the shared expertise of the Concordia partnership, will be used to develop best practice here across a number of policy development areas."
Nigel Smyth, Director, CBI

NICVA is the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action, an umbrella body for voluntary, community and charitable groups in Northern Ireland.

NICVA provide over 1000 affiliated members with information, advice and training on a wide range of issues from management consultancy and finance, through to policy development and lobbying.

A community development approach is adopted, attempting to empower local communities to pursue their own needs and agendas.

"To really get to grips with the issues inhibiting growth and development here requires a strong collaborative approach between all the strands that bind Northern Ireland society together.  Concordia brings these strands together in a top-level partnership, which gives effective representation to all the issues affecting NI individuals, across every social and political stratum, and puts essential political leverage behind them.”
Seamus McAleavey Chief Executive, NICVA

The Ulster Farmers` Union is the democratic voluntary organisation representing farmers and growers in Northern Ireland. It`s central objective is to promote their interests both at home and abroad through professional lobbying.

The Ulster Farmers` Union takes a close interest in rural affairs and services, and works with politicians both in the U.K. and Internationally, and other groups and organisations to advance rural interests. It has particularly close links with consumer groups, countryside and wildlife bodies, animals welfare organisations and academics.

"The strategic Concordia partnership has enabled UFU to access new and additional funds to help farming families.   We look forward to joining with the other partners to grow knowledge and promote prosperity, not only for the good of rural dwellers, but also for our urban neighbours."
John Gilliland, President, UFU

Congress is the single umbrella organisation for trade unions in Ireland representing a wide range of interests of almost 734,842 working people, both in the Republic and in Northern Ireland. In 2002 there are 64 unions affiliated to Congress, 48 unions with 543,882 members in the Republic of Ireland and 36 unions with 215,478 members in Northern Ireland. As the numbers of women members continue to grow they currently account for 44% of the total membership.

“The formalisation of Concordia has come about as a direct result of co-operation between the social partners.  The importance of strong relationships linking civic society with Government has been recognised through the concepts of partnership and progress.  Our work will help to create a peaceful and prosperous Northern Ireland.”
Peter Bunting, Assistant General Secretary, ICTU