Business enterprise agency Ledcom’s support and facilities have helped towards the creation or safeguarding of 430 jobs across the Mid- and East Antrim and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council areas in the last year - up 10% on the previous 12 months.
And the agency’s annual report for the year to September 30 also shows that the economic impact of these roles has totalled more than £13.9 million, an uplift of 11% on last year’s figures, alongside £474,000 being re-spent in the two council areas by suppliers, with a total of 218 businesses and start-ups receiving support through Ledcom’s various programmes and facilities in Larne and Ballyclare.
Ledcom (www.Ledcom.org), which has been encouraging entrepreneurship and community economic development for 38 years, offers a range of support and activities, from training unemployed people to assisting local start-ups by providing workspaces, support with business planning and development, and through mentoring schemes.
Its chairman Dr Norman Apsley said: “Were delighted Ledcom has been able to build on the results of the previous year so successfully. It demonstrates the positive impact that this business enterprise has had in boosting economic regeneration in our region especially when set against the many fiscal and operational challenges most businesses are currently navigating.
“Augmenting our focus on inspiring and supporting individuals and companies locally, the past year has seen Ledcom at the forefront of a strategically vital pilot for Community Wealth Building for Larne, taking a transformative approach to local economic development.”
Ledcom chief executive Ken Nelson added: “The overall financial impact of Ledcom activities and clients has been £13,903,659, an increase of over £1 million on last year, which is something we’re very proud of given the significant economic challenges the area has been facing in recent years. This impact further demonstrates just how important our services are to the local community.”
With a portfolio of managed workspaces across the council areas, tenancy occupancy levels continued to perform well at Bank Road Business Park, Willow Business Park, the Work Cube and Foundry House in Ballyclare.
Catherine Anderson, business and marketing executive at Ledcom said: “Our passion is to inspire businesses, individuals, and communities across Larne, Ballyclare, and the surrounding areas. We are proud to have created a business community where clients and tenants are supported at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey.
“One such example is Simon Rocke, owner of Simco Payroll, and a tenant at our Bank Road business park. He has benefitted from our workspace solutions, expert support, and networking opportunities, enabling his business to grow while connecting with local entrepreneurs.
“We are very fortunate to have so many tenants who run excellent businesses across various sectors, each one contributing to the local economy. By continuing to work effectively in partnership with local councils, and other Enterprise NI members we have again delivered a strong report, and this is to be welcomed.
Ledcom’s annual business networking lunch was addressed John Healey, chair of Invest NI, who talked about his business leadership journey, and vision for Invest NI including sub-regional economic delivery.