Council launches employment programme

Fifteen business owners/managers across the Lisburn area will have the opportunity to take part in the programme, which will help them through the three stages of integrating new staff into the business.

An event will take place on May 17 from 8.30am-10.30am in the Cherry Room at Lagan Valley Island, to provide companies with more information about the Programme.

Alderman Jim Dillon, Chairman of the Economic Development Committee, said it was part of the Council’s Economic Development Strategy and focuses on helping local businesses become more competitive.

“The programme will support a number of owners/managers from local SMEs that are expanding their workforce as a consequence of business growth” he said.

“It will help the businesses identify opportunities for new staff, assist in the employment of appropriately trained staff and implement processes on how these new employees will integrate into the business.”

Those taking part will have the opportunity to attend six two-hour workshops designed to help businesses effectively overcome the challenges to growth. Performance management and the legal and financial considerations of employment growth will also be covered.

Participants can also take advantage of up to twelve hours of one-to-one business mentoring from experts to help them implement their growth strategy.

The programme is part financed by Lisburn City Council and the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland 2007 – 2013. It will be delivered by Parity Talent Management which has 21 years experience of helping over 2,000 local companies grow and employ new people to achieve their growth ambitions.

Mr David McComb, Parity Talent Management’s Programme Manager, said: “The Lisburn City Council Employment Growth Programme will provide local businesses with an unparalleled opportunity to access support, funding and learning that will help them grow more rapidly and compete more effectively.

“Typical benefits that participating companies can expect include: improved revenue growth and profitability; greater clarity on business goals and drivers; design and implementation of a plan to acquire the right people effectively; and development of employees’ knowledge and skills to successfully achieve business goals. These benefits will extend beyond the six month duration of the programme and should have a profound impact on the local economy.”

The event in May will include a local business leader delivering a speech to inspire attendees on how new employees can help to significantly increase business turnover.

Mr Dillon added: “The Council’s Employment Growth Programme is welcomed by the local business community and will be an important resource for Lisburn’s ambitious and growing companies.”

To find out more about the Employment Growth Programme or to register for the event on May 17 please contact Caitríona O’Boyle at Parity Talent Management on T: 0845 8739697 or E: [email protected]