Tradelinks programme keen to target and assist borough's micro-enterprises

A CROSS border business development programme that aims to assist and grow the important micro-enterprise sector in Newtownabbey, across Northern Ireland and the border counties, was launched on Friday, March 5 at an information event held in the Glenavon Hotel, Cookstown by the Tradelinks Network.

Promoted under the campaign banner of ‘Tradelinks’, the programme has received 3m worth of funding from the European Union’s INTERREG IVA Programme to help support the micro-enterprise sector. Tradelinks is a partnership initiative delivered by Enterprise NI, the network of local Enterprise Agencies and the Border County Enterprise Boards. It is also supported by both governments, through the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

The overarching aim of the Tradelinks programme is to assist 550 micro-businesses on both sides of the border to identify and address barriers to cross-border trade and development.

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Using a portfolio of business development and support tools, experienced business advisors will work hand-in-hand with business owners to assist them to become more sustainable and competitive with a view to developing cross-border trade opportunities and linkages as well as helping to generate greater added value, earnings and wealth within local communities.

Speaking at the launch, Howard Keery, Director of the Joint Technical Secretariat within the Special EU Programmes Body which manages the INTERREG IVA Programme, said: “The Tradelinks programme is an excellent example of an EU supported initiative that will create direct benefits for micro-enterprises on a cross-border basis. Designed to help overcome many of the challenges faced by business owners, particularly in today’s tough economic landscape, it will enhance their competitiveness by providing the support and assistance they need to grow and develop.”

Speaking about the Programme, Melanie Humphrey from Mallusk Enterprise Park said: “This is the second Tradelinks programme delivered by the LEA/CEB network and we hope that it mirrors the successes of the first programme.

“The quality and the variety of support which we believe Tradelinks offers the micro-enterprise sector is testament to the time, commitment and consideration that has gone into providing a programme which will benefit all those companies participating.”

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The Tradelinks Programme will be in operation until June 2012 and is available to any micro-enterprise in Northern Ireland or the border counties of the Republic of Ireland. Anyone interested in getting involved should contact their Local Enterprise Agency. Contact details and further programme information can be obtained by visiting www.tradelinks2.com