Minister opens European ‘edge cities’ conference

NIO Minister, Angela Smith has welcomed delegates from across Europe to the opening of a new economic conference in Bangor, County Down, today.

The Edge Cities Network Conference - ‘International Perspectives on Business Growth’, consists of nine towns on the edge of Europe’s main capital cities, and aims to develop strategies and actions to address the socio-economic implications produced due to their location on the edge of the capital city.

Opening the conference, Ms Smith said: “This is an extremely important event and North Down should be congratulated for the leading role it plays in the Edge Cities Network.

“The work of North Down Borough Council is an excellent example of a Council engaging with local businesses and opening up new opportunities for trade in the international marketplace.

“I am also very pleased at the progress made in the Council’s Partnership with Invest Northern Ireland, firstly with the joint funding of the Business Start Programme and more recently with the development of the North Down Business Village – an initiative addressing business development, infrastructure and building employee capabilities.”

Delegates at the two-day conference in the Clandeboye Lodge Hotel had the opportunity to examine models of business growth incubation and competitiveness and support for new business start-ups.

They also examined best practice models available amongst the Edge Cities partnership, and heard expert speakers present international case studies.

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