‘Extremely positive’ feedback on enterprise

Guests from a large number of organisations attended the event hosted by Carrickfergus Enterprise at its Meadowbank Road premises.

These included many people who had accessed support through the Business Improvement Programme, funded by the former Carrickfergus Borough Council.

Kelli Bagchus, manager of Carrickfergus Enterprise, said: “We are particularly grateful that Carrickfergus Borough Council recognised the importance of the support offered through this initiative by providing funding for the Business Improvement Programme over the past 12 years.

“Feedback from past participants has been extremely positive with many seeing their business grow and prosper in recent years.”

A selection of products and services were on display including handcrafted beard grooming products from Belfast Beard Company, unique textile prints by V F Designs and a range of gifts and cards from Ziva Craft Designs.

Kelli added: “The celebration event is very much about recognising the success of our local entrepreneurs and allows them to take the opportunity to network and share experiences with other similar businesses.”

Cameoflage (aka Gregg Davidson) surprised guests by arriving mid-way through the evening dressed as a PSNI officer to announce there was a problem with the security alarm, only to burst into song and entertain the audience

The event was funded by the former Antrim Street council and is part of a range of support by Carrickfergus Enterprise including ICT, business mentoring and seminars.

A statement on behalf of Carrickfergus Borough Council thanked the enterprise body for its “hard work and efforts to support businesses in the area”.

It added: “We will continue to fund the successful programme as we move into the new Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and wish all the businesses taking part all the best for the future.”

Any local business wishing to avail of support should contact Kelli or Lorna on 028 93 369528 or email [email protected]