Made in the Borough
The new Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council holds a major economic conference to celebrate local business people and their quality products and services.
The Borough is open for business was the clear message relayed to over 200 business people attending the “Made in the Borough” conference showcasing local products and services. Sponsored by Invest NI, the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council event was also attended by no fewer than three Stormont ministers and MP David Simpson.
Regeneration and development
With the formal launch of the council’s new Regeneration & Development Strategy 2015-2020, delegates heard how the borough plans to become the most business orientated and highest achieving area in terms of skills and qualifications. They were also told of plans to increase tourism spend to equal the highest in Northern Ireland.
The strategy recognises that the strong foundations needed to achieve these ambitious targets are already in place including the local economy’s considerable strengths in advanced manufacturing, agri-food production, the life sciences sector, wholesale and retail. The council area is projected to grow by 19,900 people from 2012-2022 – the highest of all the new 11 local authorities – accounting for one fifth of the total population growth across Northern Ireland.
Lord Mayor
Speaking at Craigavon Civic Centre, Lord Mayor Darryn Causby said: “Our main priority as a council is to grow our local economy. The strategy sets out how we’re going to do that with the first step being this conference here today.
“Given our current strengths, our ‘can do’ attitude and the new powers of council, we are committed to making a real difference to the borough.”
Minister for Social Development Mervyn Storey added: “The six town centres in the new council area which fall within the Department for Social Development Urban remit are Armagh, Banbridge, Central Craigavon, Dromore, Lurgan and Portadown.
“Over the past five years, DSD has invested approximately £15 million in a number of urban regeneration schemes in these places.”
He continued: “I wish the council every success in implementing the Regeneration and Development Strategy and provide an assurance that my Department will continue to play its part in supporting its endeavours as willing partners in the Community Planning process.”
Action plans
The strategy includes detailed action plans under various themes including the development of an international strategy for the council and a diaspora network – something which the Executive is pushing under the name of Northern Irish Connections.
Guest speakers at the conference reflected both international global companies founded in the area and smaller to medium sized enterprises including Paul Trouton of IT Fuel, Doug Cookson from Almac, Joe Quail and Michael Young co-owners of The Vault, Jilly Dougan of Jilly’s Edible Gardens, Glenn Sands of ER Media, John Woods of Linwoods and Jonathan Rountree of Electronic Excellence Ltd.
