Top 10 test for Carrick

The town is one of just 10 locations taking part in the Carnegie UK Trust’s TestTown programme.

The scheme aims to help create a new wave of young entrepreneurs, lower unemployment, and simultaneously boost local regeneration.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Billy Ashe said: “We are delighted to learn that the application to the prestigious Carnegie UK Trust’s TestTown programme has beaten off stiff competition from across the UK and Ireland to ensure that Carrickfergus will be one of only 10 towns taking part.

“This is one of Britain’s biggest regeneration challenges that will help Carrickfergus create responsible young entrepreneurs, help us lower unemployment and boost local regeneration at the same time.”

TestTown 2015 will see 10 towns from every corner of the UK and Ireland host an enterprise challenge in town centre spaces between July and November, with each town challenge tailored to local economic needs.

Finalists from each town will then come together to compete in a national final with the winning business awarded the title of ‘UK Towns Entrepreneur of the Year’ and a £10k investment.

Carrick’s TestTown activity will see local entrepreneurs with arts and crafts and other niche retail business ideas given an opportunity to “test trade” in a real retail scenario, with the aim of helping them to gauge the future potential for their business within the marketplace.

Entrepreneurs chosen to participate will also be given opportunities to avail of specialist training and mentoring in those areas where they believe they may need additional support.