Enterprise body sees hopes for recovery

Carrickfergus Enterprise has reported renewed confidence within the local business community, with increases in property occupancy and use of its business services highlighted at its recent Annual General Meeting.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Aug 2013, 00:01 BST
Chairman Bill Adamson and colleagues at the AGM of Carrickfergus Enterprise. INCT 33-633-CONChairman Bill Adamson and colleagues at the AGM of Carrickfergus Enterprise. INCT 33-633-CON
Chairman Bill Adamson and colleagues at the AGM of Carrickfergus Enterprise. INCT 33-633-CON

The company was established in 1981 to provide job creation opportunities for those who had been affected by the closure of ICI, Courtaulds and Carreras, and 32 years later its ethos remains the same, namely “the creation of jobs and wealth within the Carrickfergus borough”.

Like any business, it has had to evolve and stay on top of trends to ensure it can compete in today’s marketplace. The local enterprise company provides a range of services to those contemplating self-employment, business start-ups and established businesses.

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Chairman Bill Adamson highlighted achievements in the main areas of workspace, conference room hire and programme delivery. He said that despite the effects of the economic recession still being felt by the local business community, there are signs of renewed confidence in the continual increase in units and offices being let at the company’s Meadowbank Road premises.

Mr Adamson also reported that it had been a busy year in terms of programmes such as the Regional Start Initiative, Steps to Work Self-Employment and Carrickfergus Borough Council’s Business Improvement Programme.

“2012 can be regarded as a pivotal year for Northern Ireland local government,” said Mr Adamson. “The review of public administration seems now to have been resolved and this will see the introduction of 11 super-councils to replace the existing 26 councils. The impact locally will be that Carrickfergus will be aligned with Larne and Ballymena to form the Mid and East Antrim local authority, and this will provide both challenges and opportunities for our company. “Carrickfergus Enterprise, however, will continue to provide the level of excellence of business advice and assistance which has been successful in the past, whilst being mindful of its obligations to keep abreast of changing trends and development in the local and wider market place.

“As a company going forward, we intend to extend our portfolio of business services and business opportunities to our customers and partners thereby ensuring our long term viability.

We believe that this is the way to continue to develop Carrickfergus Enterprise in a planned and strategic manner whilst continuing to bring economic development and prosperity to our local area”.

Related topics:CarrickfergusICI