Making an impact on North East business

‘Impact North East’ has been developed by a range of public and private sector bodies who are working collectively to provide advice, expertise and support to the local business community.

To mark the launch, a week-long series of events and workshops starts on Monday. September 26, at various venues across the North East.  The events, which include seminars and workshops, will cover many of the current key issues in business such as exporting and business development.

Impact North East is supported by Ulster Bank, Invest Northern

Ireland, Ballymena Borough Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ballymena Council Economic Development Unit, Northern Regional College and includes events and seminars hosted by InterTrade Ireland, DEL and the Local Enterprise Agencies in Antrim, Ballymena, Larne and Carrickfergus amongst others.

Raymond Ruck, President of Ballymena Borough Chamber of Commerce and Industry explained why the agencies have come together.

“We all recognise the pivotal role local businesses have to play in the long-term recovery and growth of the economy,” he said.

“By bringing together various elements of our expertise as Impact North East we can offer a full range of practical help and advice and show businesses that there is support available to them.

“In this one week programme of activity we have events on exporting, networking business development, business efficiency and technology, all the hot topics in business right now. There is even an event on growing business in a recession, which I am sure will appeal across the board.”

Commenting on Ulster Bank’s role in the events, Terry Robb, Head of Ulster Bank’s Ballymena Business Centre said: “During the week, we are holding two business clinics at our Ballymena branch and our economist Richard Ramsey is leading a talk at Larne Leisure Centre on the global, national and local economies and their impact on local business.

“We are delighted to be involved in this initiative and like all the partners involved, we are committed to helping as many local businesses as we can.”

Further information on Impact North East and a full calendar of the events and registration details can be found at: http://issuu.com/ballymena/docs/impact_north_east_events