Other News In Brief

Belfast City Council Launches '22 Under 22' Entrepreneurship Competition

Aspiring young entrepreneurs aged 16 to 22 in the Belfast City Council area have the opportunity to showcase their business ideas and win a cash prize of £2,000.

The '22 Under 22: Entrepreneurs to Watch in Belfast' competition is now open for entries from individuals at the idea or early-stage phase of their entrepreneurial journey.

Twenty-two finalists will be selected to participate in a two-month program of workshops, featuring insights from leading entrepreneurs. The winner will receive the £2,000 prize, generously sponsored by Danske Bank, Pacem, Herbert Smith Freehills, Innovation Factory, and Go Succeed.

The competition aims to identify and support the brightest young business talent in Belfast, providing them with valuable resources and mentorship to help their ventures succeed.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, said: "This competition attracted a lot of interest when it opened last year, so we're building on that success again by extending the entry criteria to enable graduates to also enter this time around.

"Supporting young people and local businesses to thrive are both key commitments in the Belfast Agenda – our city's community plan – so this is a great way to nurture the young entrepreneurial talent whose ideas and ventures will be so crucial to our city's future success and growth.

"Setting up your own business should be a viable option for all young people, whatever their background or age. Through this competition, participants will have the opportunity to access top-class advice and guidance, a support network of their peers, hands-on workshops covering the basics of running a business, plus the chance to kick-starting their own venture with £2,000 of support."

Applicants for the '22 Under 22 Entrepreneurs to Watch in Belfast' competition must be aged at least 16 years old by 14 October and be no older than 22 years old by the programme closing date of 5 December 2024.

The deadline for applications is 12pm on Monday 4 November and workshops will take place from mid-November until early December.

To enter, visit belfastcity.gov.uk/22under22

DUP Raise Concerns After Classic Mineral Water Enters Administration

The DUP's Carla Lockhart has expressed her concern following the news that Lurgan-based Classic Mineral Water has been placed in administration. The Upper Bann MP said: "My heart goes out to the employees, many of whom have dedicated years of service and now find themselves facing an uncertain future. Understandably, they are devastated and worried about what lies ahead.

"The news comes as a shock to many, given the popularity and reputation of the brand within the local area. The suddenness of the announcement has left workers and suppliers devastated and uncertain about what the future holds. With families to support and bills to pay, the impact on the lives of these workers is significant."

Ms Lockhart has urgently contacted both the Department for Economy and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), urging them to provide answers and support to those affected. She emphasised the need for immediate assistance and clarity: "We need answers and support for these workers now more than ever. The community is anxiously awaiting more information about the circumstances surrounding the closure. I will work to support those affected and continue advocating for the employees and pressing for a resolution.

"For those impacted, my advice services are available, and anyone in need of benefits advice or assistance can reach out for help."

Alliance Disappointed Free Use Proposal Rejected By Councillors

Alliance Councillor for Knockagh, Aaron Skinner, has expressed his disappointment after other parties' representatives, including the DUP, TUV, and Sinn Féin, rejected a proposal to allow the free use of certain council facilities at certain times by charitable organisations to offer services to residents.

Mr Skinner said that the proposal would have included groups such as Positive Life, who had expressed interest in hosting regular, free-to-use HIV testing clinics across the borough, raising awareness of the condition and what help is available.

Cllr Skinner has said: "It's incredibly disappointing to see the striking down of any attempt at making these facilities, that would often be sitting empty otherwise, easily accessible for charity organisations to provide invaluable services and resources to the people of our community.

"For other councillors to scupper the potential opportunities in terms of what we can offer ratepayers here, and to reject the benefits that could be drawn from what these organisations are proposing, is short-sighted and ill-advised.

"The people of Mid and East Antrim deserve better. Alliance will continue advocating for ratepayers here and their ability to access vital services and resources that stand to greatly improve their quality of life."