Economic Development
Since joining the Council in 1988 one of my priorities was to develop the economy of North Down in any way that I could.
Jobs and prosperity are important in any community and North Down was never high on the agenda for inward investment sponsored by the Government.
We are perceived to be the “gold coast” and although there are also significant areas of deprivation in the Borough.
We need to reverse the trend of our talent leaving for university on the mainland and not returning to work here.
Signal Business Growth Centre
I have been involved in this initiative since it’s beginning in the mid 1990’s.
The concept that the Council could work with business people to develop existing business to provide services, which would allow them to grow. I called it “economic gardening” which I have since found to be used as a term in the USA.
This initiative has been very successful and we have a dedicated Growth Centre at Innotec Avenue, Balloo that provides a full range of services and facilities for those businesses. In addition to business training the centre also arranges trade missions and market research for local businesses.
North Down Business Village Company
This Company was established by the Council and the Economic Development Sub Committee which I chair to develop and manage the Invest Northern Ireland lands at Balloo.
The concept is unique and the main purpose of the Company is to promote and market this area as an inward investment site for modern business.
The local Enterprise Agency, North Down Development Organisation, North Down Institute of Further & Higher Education and the Council all work together to promote the Business Village as:
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A business start-up/facility with small units to rent
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An innovation unit with research and development capability
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A site for growing businesses from North Down
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New businesses wishing to locate in North Down
North Down Development Organisation (NDDO)
This Company was one of the first local Enterprise Agencies in Northern Ireland and is involved in encouraging people to start up their own business.
Enterprise agencies are locally based not-for- profit companies that work for the benefit of their communities by supporting small business and community enterprises and playing an active part in economic development at local, regional and international levels.
Northern Ireland has a network of local enterprise agencies which has been developed over the past 15 years. All of the enterprise agencies provide small businesses with advice, training and accommodation and many provide a sophisticated range of local services including business loan funds.
I was pleased to have been a Director of the NDDO for over 10 years and still work with representatives of the Company in the new Business Village project, the Economic Development Forum and the Signal Business Growth Initiative.
Edge of Capital Cities
This initiative has been established for over ten years and includes partners from several European Countries namely, Sweden, Denmark, Spain, Greece and the Republic of Ireland. All the partners are local authorities and share one particular thing in common - They are all on the edge of the Capital City of their country. North Down is the Northern Ireland partner and has benefited from several European funded projects over the years.
During my term as President the network was involved with economic issues, unemployment and encouraging small businesses.
With European funding now going to Eastern Europe the network is developing new partners so that we all may benefit from joint projects. The strength of the network now lies in sharing “best practice” and develops new areas of working together for example, waste management, planning, arts and culture.
I will continue to work for you in this forum which has great potential to deliver further benefits for North Down.
Local Strategy Partnership
This is a not-for-profit Company, which has been formed to manage “Peace Monies” granted by Europe. It does so by funding projects that assist the community to develop and grow.
Over the years groups have been awarded several millions of pounds to assist them to establish networks within their communities, to develop a social economy and to regenerate deprived areas.
I have been a member of the Partnership and its predecessor the North Down District Partnership since the introduction of “ Peace Monies” in the 1990’s
This funding is likely to last until 2010.
Comet
This is a recent initiative to benefit regions from the European Inter-regional fund (Intereg) all of the Belfast Metropolitan Area Councils have united to form a Board to avail of this funding measure. The fund is designed to assist business and Economic Development, the Knowledge Economy and Human Resource Development and Skilling.
I am one of two North Down Members on this Board and represent the interests of North Down residents. Significant funds will be available in the near future and it is vital that we secure a share for the Borough.
Belfast City Airport
Few people would disagree with the convenience and benefits that this airport provides to local residents, the wider community and the local economy.
The Airport ids committed to achieving a balance between the social and economic benefits of the Airport’s growth including consumer choice through competition and the environmental costs.
All airports produce noise disturbance and pollution. This is particularly important when the airport is close to populated areas.
Belfast City Airport works with a forum comprising of residents groups, elected members and others and liases on all operational matters including noise management.
I am a member of the Belfast City Forum and work with the management of the Airport to monitor its operations and the needs of both users and local residents.
Town Centre Management
Some years ago the local Council decided to form a Town Centre Management Company to protect and develop the interests of both Bangor and Holywood town centres.
This Company has Board members from local businesses, retailers and local councillors. Its mission is to improve the townscape, roads layout, car parks and business use in the hearts of our towns.
I fully support the objectives of the Company and have been a member of the Board since its inception. Much more remains to be done to improve Holywood and Bangor particularly with the changes in retailing and the unacceptable condition of Queens Parade.
