Belfast Business Hub Opens

A new business hub has been opened in Belfast that will seek to provide free advice and support to local businesses.

Located at Castle Lane in the city centre, the City Business Hub will be managed by Ortus Business Development Agency.

Officially opening the City Business Hub today, the Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, said: "It’s an honour to open the new Business Hub today which is a shining example of the private and public sectors and social enterprise working together to help local businesses and entrepreneurs starting out.

"The council supports businesses across the city each year with a wide range of business events and business development programmes targeting various sectors of industry.

"This hub will complement what we already offer through a dedicated information point in the city centre assisting with business start, growth and business development enquiries as well as linking businesses with other council services including Environmental Health and Economic Development.

"It will also enable businesses to have the additional space to facilitate workshops, hold important events and network with other businesses promoting what they have to offer to the city."

Seamus O’Prey, Chief Executive of Ortus, said: "Ortus is celebrating 25 years in business and during that time we have greatly demonstrated the expertise and skills to provide a wide range of business support interventions, particularly for those in start-up mode who frequently don’t know how to cut through the inevitable red tape that sometimes comes with trying to access help.

"This is the only one of these facilities available in Belfast that will offer a whole package giving free business advice and guidance to start ups and growing businesses. As well as presenting a hub where you can easily access everything you need for your business including use of our hot desk facility to catch up on some work, you can even explore case studies and develop your ideas further in our ‘Relax and Research Lounge’ while making use of our free wifi. The hub will also deliver business training and information events on a regular basis."

The City Business Hub will be open Monday to Saturday through normal business hours. Facilities and advice are free and organisations can promote their products and services for free at the hub.

(IT/CD)