Developing a vibrant and growing economy

Last year Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council set a vision to proactively build the economic prosperity of the area by supporting business development, growth and entrepreneurship. One year in and it seems that the new borough is fast becoming the leading economic force in Northern Ireland.

As the second largest council area in the region, both in terms of population size and Gross Value Added, which stands at around 10 per cent, the borough is showing that it is well able to carry its weight.

Despite the challenges of the recent recession, the area now boasts a vibrant and growing economic sector and the council continues to work closely with both local and international businesses to further develop the economy, attract investment and increase employment.

The borough is leading the promotion and development of digital technology, manufacturing, agri-food, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, tourism and the creative sector.

Creative momentum

As part of its commitment to developing the region’s creative industry, the council recently hosted the Northern Ireland launch of the Creative Momentum project, a €2 million EU project with partners in Sweden, Finland, Iceland and Ireland.

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council is the lead council representing the South East Economic Development (SEED) group of councils as the Northern Ireland partner.

The project opens up opportunities for financial assistance to trade at an international trade show, transnational mentoring, new creative trails in Northern Ireland, as well as the chance to attend international creative industry events in EU partner regions and showcasing local creative goods and services internationally.

At the project launch Des Mulholland, retail and social media expert, gave online marketing advice and facilitated a networking discussion on the future of the creative sector.

Unlocking potential

As part of delivering on its commitment to unlocking the potential of the region, the council worked in partnership with InterTradeIreland and Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) to host a number of public procurement workshops to local SMEs.

A phenomenal 120 businesses from across the borough took advantage of the free ‘Go-2-Tender’ information sessions, an indication that traders in the region have a strong appetite for winning public sector business.

The workshops were designed to minimise time away from the business, and focused on demystifying the procedures around pitching for and winning local authority and government agency work.

Building prosperity

In collaboration with Tourism NI and local event organisers, the borough is playing a key role in celebrating local produce throughout 2016 for NI Year of Food and Drink, and has developed a ‘Food Heartland Forum’ to advance the local agri-food sector. By championing local food and drink producers, the council’s Food Heartland Forum aims to enhance the tourism experience and expand local agri-food exports.

One of the key strengths of the council has been in facilitating networking opportunities for local businesses and providing opportunities to ‘meet the buyer’ and engage with industry experts. The first of these sessions connected Food Heartland producers to 30 industry buyers (restaurants, retailers and distributors), allowing them to sample quality produce from the local area and discuss how they could do business together.

The event also marked the end of the ‘Food Development Programme’ which offered business support – including marketing, branding, sales, production and mentoring – to 14 local food and drink producers in the borough. As a result of the programme, some producers began developing their export potential and two local producers even created new products as a direct result of the programme.

Celebrating local produce

The council came up with the Food Heartland Awards to champion local businesses and individuals in the agri-food sector, from specialist artisan producers to household brands, and global names from Great Taste and Irish Food Award winners to outstanding restaurants and eateries. The awards recognise the hard work, passion and commitment to business excellence in the local agri-food sector, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship.

The borough is home to an abundance of high quality food and drink producers – 18 of which showcased at the Food Heartland stand at the Balmoral show in May. The region also boasts to world-renowned products with protected status; Armagh Bramley Apples and Lough Neagh Eels.

Digital technology

The digital technology sector is another priority area for the council. The borough is at the forefront of digital business support, developing strong academic and industry partnerships via strategic programmes such as the Digital Teen Programme and CoderDojo groups. These schemes are designed in partnership with industry professionals to accommodate future growth in the sector by enhancing the technological skills of young local talent.

ICT and electronics are huge development areas for the region, and the borough is a strategic location hub for Project Kelvin – the connection of a new underwater cable to North America. This project represents a major investment in broadband technology for Northern Ireland, opening up opportunities for businesses that depend on secure, ultrafast connections. With a vibrant and growing digital technology business community, the council is investing in initiatives to facilitate the growth of the sector over the next five years.

Social enterprise

Recognising the vital contribution that social enterprises make in enriching social well-being and delivering sustainable growth to the local economy, the council is developing innovative partnerships with stakeholders including the Social Enterprise Hub and Social Enterprise NI.

Social enterprises deliver essential, cost-effective public services, helping the council to improve community development and address social exclusion.

They make their money from selling goods and services in the open market, but they reinvest their profits back into the business or the local community, helping to create employment and skills opportunities, improve public services and support some of our hardest to reach individuals and communities.

To find out more about doing business in this area contact: Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Economic Development team on 0300 0300 900 or email: info@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk