Economic Development Boost For Belfast

Belfast has won a place in the last stages of a prestigious UK-wide enterprise contest.

Invest Northern Ireland has announced Belfast City Council's Economic Development Unit as the winner of the NI heat of the Enterprising Britain 2010 competition.

Part of a nationwide competition organised by Enterprise UK, Enterprising Britain is delivered locally by Invest Northern Ireland to recognise and reward the town, city, place or area that is successfully creating jobs, boosting local business and nurturing entrepreneurial talent as the UK emerges from the recession.

Belfast City Council Economic Development Unit aims to improve employability and has put in place a range of measures through the Local Economic Development Plan to develop talent, competitiveness and sustainability across Belfast with sector and community specific programmes.

Winners from each of the UK regions will go forward to the UK finals in October, before the overall winner progresses to the European Enterprise Awards later in the year.

Belfast City Council secured its place ahead of Enterprising Ballymena, which was Highly Commended, while other entries were received from Larne Enterprise Development Company and Castlereagh Borough Council.

Bill Scott, Director of Regional Economic Development for Invest NI, congratulated the local finalist, said: "I am delighted to announce that Belfast City Council Economic Development Unit is this year's NI regional winner.

"Taking a proactive approach, the unit has embedded a culture of support for entrepreneurs as they overcome the difficulties of doing business during the economic downturn.

"By implementing creative programmes of support, Belfast City Council Economic Development Unit demonstrated to the judges how it has helped to support entrepreneurship and the development of sustainable, dynamic businesses in Belfast," he said.

Lisa Toland, Economic Development Manager at Belfast City Council, commented: "Belfast has gone through a period of enormous change in recent years resulting in exciting developments and opportunities for the city's future growth and prosperity.

"We are delighted to win the NI heat of the Enterprising Britain competition and will continue to support businesses in Belfast to thrive and achieve their potential."

(BMcC/GK)