 The latest annual report from Larne based enterprise agency LEDCOM highlighted the continuing benefits derived by the local community and businesses from the organisation.
The year saw LEDCOM extend its commitment to enterprise development and small business support. Almost 60 new start-up businesses and social enterprises were actively supported by LEDCOM during the year.
With its social economy ethos LEDCOMs directors continued to serve the local community on a voluntary basis as company staff provided 142 days of free support services supporting local business and social economy organisations and individuals , equivalent to around £35,500 of free consultancy or advisory services in terms of social outputs.
LEDCOM continued to provide high quality managed workspace and incubation facilities for new and growing businesses. Tenant companies and organisations at LEDCOMs two sites at Bank Road and Millbrook in Larne provide almost 400 employment and training places.
Through the Exploring Enterprise Programme, (EEP), LEDCOM helped 22 local people into sustainable employment, further training and self employment. Delivering the EEP in Larne and Carrickfergus, on behalf of Enterprise NI, LEDCOM was able to support a range of individuals dealing with long term unemployment, disabilities and other barriers which prevented them from working.
As an Investor in People (IiP) organisation, LEDCOM continues to invest in the development of staff . At the AGM three staff were recognised for long service : Geraldine Smyth ( 20 years with LEDCOM), June Scullion (10 years) and James McKay (10 years).
LEDCOM Chairman Arthur Henderson commented : The past year has seen one of the deepest recessions since World War 2. Nevertheless, LEDCOM has continued to provide dedicated support and advice to help the business and wider community face the challenges and seize the opportunities, while remaining an innovative, successful enterprise development organisation..
About LEDCOM
LEDCOMs mission is to be recognised as a centre of excellence providing an effective local focus for business support acting as a catalyst for local economic development. It is one of Northern Irelands longest established local enterprise agencies (LEAs), incorporated as a company limited by guarantee in May 1985. LEDCOM is a member of Enterprise Northern Ireland, the Association of Local Enterprise Agencies.
For further information contact:
Ken Nelson
Chief Executive, LEDCOM
Tel: +44(0)28 2826 9973
E-mail: kennelson@ledcomwbp.org
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