In the last year, LEDCOM, Larne's Enterprise Development Company, has helped more new businesses to start up, and delivered more business training sessions, than ever before.
The figures, revealed in the company's annual report for 2004-2005, show a continuing upward momentum in LEDCOM's performance that has seen year-on-year increases in many of the company's key activities.
In the report LEDCOM reveals that it delivered almost 700 business sessions, an increase of 26% over last year, and helped 92 new businesses to get started through the Start a Business Programme, a 48% increase over last year.
Presenting the 2004-2005 annual report at LEDCOM's AGM, chairman Arthur Henderson, said: "LEDCOM's performance reflects a growing interest in self-employment in the Borough, and a recognition of the economic benefits to be gained from equipping companies and individuals with the skills they need to achieve business success.
"Our report shows not only an increase in activity in key areas of our work but also a broadening of what we have to offer both within the Borough and as a lead agent in initiatives being run across Northern Ireland."
Other highlights of the year included:
- the official opening of Willowbank Business Park by the Minister for Enterprise, Barry Gardiner
- winning the Northern Ireland tender from the Post Office to deliver mentoring support to rural Post Offices
- being accepted by the British Computer Society as a delivery centre for the Advanced European Computer Driver Licence programme
- LEDCOM's 20th anniversary celebration and launch of a history of LEDCOM booklet
- helping deliver the ICT Business Support Programme, a new project funded through North Antrim Leader+ to support rural micro businesses
- successfully tendering for the new Social Entrepreneurship Programme as part of an Enterprise Northern Ireland consortium bid.
LEDCOM also continued to deliver aftercare for the Community Business Start-Up Programme throughout seven council areas, the 1-2-3 Community Development Larne Programme, and the New Deal Self-Employment Programme.
During the year, LEDCOM organised a number of seminars for the local business community, including a successful Meet the Buyer event attended by 60 local businesses.
Developing overseas trade opportunities was another focus of LEDCOM's work during the year. This involved strengthening links with the US through the Carolinas and Northern Ireland Trade Association (CANITA), and managing the Enterprise Network Europe Trade Bridge Programme. This programme helps small businesses trade with mainland Europe.
"Our work during the year has involved collaboration with many individuals and organisations. I am delighted to see the positive outcomes resulting from this partnership approach," said Arthur Henderson.
"I would also like to record my appreciation for the work of LEDCOM's staff, whose commitment has led to the organisation exceeding many of its targets and remaining a model economic development organisation."
LEDCOM manages local economic development on behalf of Larne Borough Council and during the year administered a budget of around £160,000, while helping secure £92,000 of grant aid and sponsorship. It also manages Larne Local Strategy Partnership.
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