A NEW £1.8 million business office building has opened at Lisburn Enterprise Organisation (LEO) and aims to encourage economic regeneration in the area.
The 10,000 square feet space opened yesterday and already is home to 16 new businesses and 50 employees. The new facility is home to a wide range of firms including those working in design, consultancy and construction as well as IT and data support.
In total, the LEO hosts 130 local businesses and provides up to 450 jobs.
The building was officially opened by James Leckey, the founder of a locally-based company, which designs and manufactures equipment for special needs children worldwide.
His company, James Leckey design started from a garage at his parent's home more than 35 years ago and now he employs over 130 staff and exports to 30 countries.
Mr Lecky said the new building is just "one of the many local initiatives that make Lisburn a great place to do business".
He further stated that finding workspace can be one of the main barriers confronting businesses starting up, but local firms were now being catered for in the new LEO building.
Chief executive at LEO, Aisling Owens, said: “Lisburn is fortunate to be characterised by a strong business and professional services sector which is forecast to punch above its weight in terms of economic growth over the next two years. So we are confident that our development will contribute to the success of this sector locally.”
Andrew Robinson, the managing director of Lisburn-based Boomer Industries and chairman of LEO added: “We wanted to ensure that businesses in this area are given the same access to quality, affordable accomodation as their counterparts in other cities across the UK. This offers the discerning entrepreneur a workplace to be proud of.”
