THE business expertise provided by LEDCOM has been instrumental in assisting many businesses to achieve success in export markets.
That was the message according to Economy Minister Simon Hamilton during a recent visit to the company’s Willowbank Business Park.
During 2016, LEDCOM was involved with initiatives and services which supported 1350 people, helping to create 300 new jobs and 57 new businesses and social enterprises through a variety of programmes in the Mid and East Antrim and Antrim and Newtownabbey areas, including Business Start-up advice, Social Entrepreneurship, and Community Engagement and Employability.
The Economy Minister said:
“With its history of more than 31 years providing job creation opportunities, support for entrepreneurship and business advice to thousands of people, LEDCOM (Local Economic Development Company) is well placed to take advantage of our plans to build on our recent export success and encourage more first time exporters.” Minister Hamilton also commended LEDCOM for its economic development work as a social enterprise. He said: “Led by dedicated local voluntary directors, successful organisations like LEDCOM must continue to stimulate innovative business start-ups with growth potential. It is vital to help such businesses gear up for new markets outside Northern Ireland.”
Earlier, LEDCOM Directors held their AGM, an opportunity to reflect on a successful year which saw the company celebrate 30 years as one of Northern Ireland’s pioneering Local Enterprise Agencies.
LEDCOM Chairman Henry Fletcher said the company was looking to the future and had ambitious plans to extend its operations.
He said: “We are continuing to grow our business services and are working on some exciting announcements in 2017 that will increase opportunities for entrepreneurs.”
Mr Fletcher added: “2016 has been a very successful year in terms of stimulating growth and new jobs but it is important not to be complacent. We believe our plans for the future can help make this area one of the most enterprising in the whole of Northern Ireland.”