Co-operation is the key to economic success - Dodds

Economy Minister Nigel Dodds today praised an enterprise agency collaboration in the North East, which has so far resulted in 2,285 business start-ups.

The Minister was speaking at the launch of a report into the work of Enterprise North East. The report, entitled “Supporting Economic Development Across the North East”, highlights the economic benefits resulting from co-operation and partnerships between local enterprise agencies in the region.

The report shows that in the past five years, Enterprise North East has, on behalf of Invest NI, delivered business start-up training to 3,247 people, helped 2,285 business start-ups and supported 3,850 existing businesses. It currently provides over 345,600 sq ft of commercial premises that house some 229 businesses, which employ 1,175 staff.

Speaking at the event in Larne, Minister Dodds commended the work of Enterprise North East. He said: “Northern Ireland is a small business economy, with over 99% of our businesses employing fewer than 50 staff. Our local enterprise agencies provide an important support network for these businesses and for entrepreneurs wanting to set up a business.

“By taking a collaborative approach, such as Enterprise North East has done, enterprise agencies can ensure that businesses get the best and most extensive range of advice and support across training, mentoring, consultancy and infrastructure. This will promote enterprise and innovation and help businesses increase competitiveness and profitability.”

Enterprise North East is made up of a group of enterprise agencies consisting of Larne Enterprise Development Company Limited (LEDCOM - Larne), Ballymena Business Centre, Acorn The Business Centre (Ballymoney), Causeway Enterprise (Coleraine), Moyle Enterprise Company (Ballycastle), Antrim Enterprise Agency and Carrickfergus Enterprise.

Ken Nelson, Chief Executive of LEDCOM, the company that organised the event, said: “Enterprise North East can be proud of what it has achieved in the last five years. We will continue to work in partnership with stakeholders, businesses, individuals, communities, educational establishments and other public sector bodies to support the growth of small businesses and promote entrepreneurship in the North East.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The capability report is entitled “Supporting Economic Development Across the North East”. A copy of the report can be viewed at the Williow Business Park website.
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