Minister welcomes appointment of new enterprise NI chief executive

Economy Minister Nigel Dodds has welcomed the appointment of Gordon Gough as Chief Executive of Enterprise Northern Ireland (ENI).

Enterprise NI, established in 2000, represents the network of 32 local enterprise agencies in Northern Ireland. Local enterprise agencies are independent non-profit taking companies employing over 200 staff throughout Northern Ireland. They provide business incubation and managed workspace facilities for over 2,000 businesses. In addition they provide a range of business support programmes across 40 'points of presence' on behalf of Invest Northern Ireland.

Welcoming the appointment, Minister Dodds said: “Local enterprise agencies provide an important support network for small businesses and for entrepreneurs wanting to set up a business. During the past 12 months Enterprise Northern Ireland has assisted over 3,000 new business start-ups.

“Gordon has over 15 years' experience in local economic development and is well connected to drive Enterprise Northern Ireland through its next stage of development. I congratulate Gordon on his appointment and wish him every success for the future.”

New ENI Chief Executive Gordon Gough said: "I look forward to working with the Executive, the Board of Directors and all key stakeholders involved in economic development and enterprise, to provide a platform for continued employment and income growth throughout Northern Ireland."

ENI Chairman Ken Nelson said: "Gordon brings a wealth of timely small business and international business development experience which will greatly enrich our approach to stimulating enterprise growth."

Notes to Editors:

1. Gordon Gough takes up his post from 2 June 2008. He can be contacted through Alan Burnside at 07768 300 125.
2. For further information, please contact DETI Press Office on 028 9052 9297. Outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager Number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.