New centre to help Larne do business better

Mr Henderson told invited guests that the occasion was his last major LEDCOM event as chairman, a position he has held since 1992.

He said he hoped the new facility - aptly named the Henderson Suite - the latest phase of the LEDCOM development, would be an asset to Larne.

LEDCOM chief executive, Ken Nelson, outlined how Larne had “a unique spirit of people working together” and how this model could be replicated throughout Northern Ireland.

He said the new facility at Millbrook would provide a perfect space for businesses to use for conferences, meetings and networking. The facilities include adaptable meeting space to accommodate varying sizes of events, up to 150 people, and modern facilities at LEDCOM’s Willowbank site.

Larne Mayor, Councillor Gerardine Mulvenna congratulated the team at LEDCOM on the new initiative.

“It is vital we all work together as Team Larne to seize economic opportunities. This facility will enhance Larne’s reputation as the best place to do business,” she said.

Special guest, First Minister, Peter Robinson said: “The opening of this new state of the art conference facility marks another high water mark for LEDCOM and the Willowbank Business Park. It also re-enforces the reputation of Larne and the wider East Antrim constituency as an area where the people are determined to do business and where a ‘can-do’ ethic prevails.

“LEDCOM has had an impressive record of innovation and growth in its history and in 2012 is acknowledged as being at the forefront of social enterprise right across Northern Ireland. I must therefore commend all those who have been involved with the organisation over the years for their unstinting support for the district of East Antrim in general and Larne in particular; and for their commitment to delivering a first class service to the people of this area.

“I therefore congratulate all at LEDCOM for the work that they have done and look foward in anticipation to their future growth and development,” said Mr Robinson.