Council's Business Development Programmes Generate £4m Economic Boost

More than £4 million has been generated for the economy by Mid Ulster District Council's business development programmes.

As part of the council's 'Our Plan for Growth' Economic Development Strategy, the four programmes have also helped to create at least 43 new jobs.

With each programme costing just over £100,000, the schemes have produced at least a 40;1 investment return, including results from the Tender Programme where nine businesses won new work of £2.5m, with more outcomes still pending.

Delivered by Global Education (NI) Ltd (GEL), the Tender Programme supported 20 businesses to source potential opportunities for new work, prepare high quality tender bids and mobilise contracts.

Elsewhere, a programme delivered by Cookstown Enterprise Centre and Associates provided 20 businesses with support in one or more of six key business areas – business planning, marketing, HR management, financial management, quality systems and effective pricing.

We Are Digital also helped 20 businesses improve their online presence, covering areas such as website improvements, search engine optimisation and opportunities offered by social media.

Finally, Workspace Enterprises Ltd's Social Enterprise Programme developed the capacity of 14 potential, newly emerging and existing social enterprise organisations to improve their internal structures and also the delivery of their services.

Cllr Trevor Wilson said: "I am delighted that the Council's Programmes this year have supported 74 businesses and social enterprises, contributing to the creation of at least 43 new jobs stimulating an estimated economic impact well in excess of £4m.

"The Council's economic development plan 'Our Plan for Growth' challenged us to deliver support to maximise the potential of our local businesses; this first year marks an excellent start to our work."

(LM)