'Seize' Support, Businesses Told

Northern Ireland's Enterprise Minister has urged Tyrone businesses to seize development opportunities.

Arlene Foster was at a breakfast meeting organised by the Clogher Development Association.

She told business representatives they could deal with obstacles and get "vital assistance" by getting advice from local councils or from Invest NI.

She said: "I have attended a number of meetings throughout Northern Ireland with Chambers of Commerce and local trade organisations. The same common issues have emerged including the high costs of energy and rates and difficulties with banks and finance. I believe that local firms can deal with these issues and gain vital assistance at the same time. Improving the interaction with your local councils is one step as they can provide support and guidance on tourism and business growth. Invest NI, through its 'Boosting Business' campaign is there to work with smaller companies to help them expand and develop. They can help with grants, research and development and access to finance."

Mrs Foster said there was much to be positive about, despite the difficult economic environment.

She said: "There is significant support and assistance out there to help local businesses to expand and develop, they just have to seize it."

She highlighted the Our Time, Our Place marketing campaign as one way business in Northern Ireland will be boosted this year, but said: "A vibrant tourism industry requires engagement from the private sector and locally-based organisations and individual and organisations such as you."

(NE/GK)