 Larne's enterprise development company, Ledcom, has celebrated two decades of immense contribution to the borough's economy. In that time the north's longest-established enterprise agency has helped to set-up 500 businesses, creating 800 jobs.
The achievements of Ledcom are now being documented in a booklet telling its story from inception in 1985 to the present day.
Among the achievements by Ledcom are:
- The establishment of 50 community businesses, involving 150 jobs
- Building more than 100,000 square feet of workspace - the largest enterprise agency space in Co. Antrim
- Supporting over 70 projects via the peace partnerships
- Devising, managing and promoting over 30 different types of enterprise creation programmes
- Advising and mentoring more than 2,000 people
- Delivering 5,000 individual mentoring sessions
Ledcom chief executive Ken Nelson said: "Pulling together this publication was a great opportunity for us to recognise and appreciate how much we have achieved over the last 20 years.
From our first phase of 36 units, Ledcom has expanded immensely, both physically in terms of workspace, and in the range of services provided."
Ledcom's influence has also extended beyond Larne, via various economic development initiatives delivered across the North.
The organisation has also developed CANITA, a significant ongoing USA - Northern Ireland trade initiative.
"Census figures show a marked increase in the level of self-employment in the Larne area over the last 20 years and it is reasonable to link this increase to Ledcom's presence in the borough," company chairman Arthur Henderson said.
"But the Ledcom influence goes far beyond the economic dimension. It has also had an important social impact and has helped to create a more confident and more cohesive Larne that is working together as never before for the benefit of everyone in the borough."
Last year Ledcom's newest facility, the £2.2 million Willowbank Business Park, opened its doors. The state-of-the-art development is aimed at attracting technology-focused start-ups, high growth "smart" businesses and inward investment projects. |
