Search on for most 'enterprising' NI place

The Department of Trade and Industry has today launched a search to find the most enterprising place in Northern Ireland.

‘Enterprising Britain 2006’ is part of a nationwide competition aimed at recognising and rewarding enterprise activity across the United Kingdom. The DTI in conjunction with Invest NI, is looking for the town, city, place or area that best demonstrates the entrepreneurial spirit in the province.

The winner of the regional heat will go forward to compete in the UK finals.

Invest NI will also provide a £5,000 bursary to support the development of the regional winner’s project.

Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Alan Johnson said: “Enterprise and innovation are the key to the UK’s future economic growth and success in today’s global market. It is only by creating a “can do” attitude in society that we can compete with the levels of entrepreneurship that can be seen in the US."

He added that the competition was a great opportunity for local people and he added that he hoped it would inspire many more people to take the plunge and turn their ideas into successful business ventures.

Graham Davis, Director of Local Economic Development with Invest NI said: “Northern Ireland has long been a centre of enterprise and has a strong history of producing world-class entrepreneurs. By highlighting some of our most enterprising places through this competition we will hopefully encourage more people to take up the business challenge and become entrepreneurial.”

The competition will be judged by a panel of experts, and will be chaired by Invest NI board member Debbie Boyd.

The overall national winner will also represent the UK at the European Enterprise Awards in 2006.

Last year’s regional winner was Belfast City Council who went on to compete in the UK finals.

Entries for the Northern Ireland competition must be received by the end of May.

(EF/SP)