Council aims to create 7,000 jobs in nine years
Launching its Enterprise Week (November 13-18) Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council has urged businesses and entrepreneurs to sign up for a packed programme of events.
Under the theme of ‘Inspire, Innovate and Invest’ the week includes free events providing practical advice for both start-ups and established businesses.
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With more than 8,000 businesses, the area is an increasingly important contributor to Northern Ireland’s economy accounting for 11% (£3.7bn) of its economic output, up from 9.4% in 2013, and is the most economically active area outside of Belfast.
The launch venue was the ‘Elk & Clipper’, a chain of 1920s-style barbers set up by local entrepreneur Dwaine Smyth, who also co-founded the Meat Cleaver butcher shop in Portadown.
Lord Mayor, Alderman Gareth Wilson, said: “Enterprise Week is about inspiring businesses and budding entrepreneurs.
“Forecasts by Ulster University suggest that a favourable economic climate over the next decade could help create 7,500 new jobs in the Borough and boost local GVA to £4.3bn.”
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Dwaine Smyth, co-founder of the Elk & Clipper said: “Enterprise Week is a great opportunity to bring together the local business community, from multi-national companies to start-ups and business enablers, and take time to refocus on how to build successful businesses.”
For details and information on how to register visit https://abcenterpriseweektickets2017.eventbrite.co.uk The Global Entrepreneurship Week debate can be followed on Facebook and Twitter #GEW2017 and #ABCEW17.