High levels of private sector participation and investment, coupled with the Council’s commitment to providing quality demand led business development initiatives, has resulted in new wealth generation and increased economic activity throughout the City.

Ongoing and mutually rewarding partnerships between the Council, the European Union under the programme for Building Sustainable Prosperity, the local private sector and the City’s two local enterprise agencies (Lisburn Enterprise Organisation Ltd and Glenwood Business Centre), have continued to deliver projects which have streamlined business activities, improved product performance, enhanced capacity and increased competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.

> The Northern Ireland Business Start Programme (NIBSP) has exceeded all targets set for this year with the creation of 131 new business start ups, resulting in 200 new jobs and projected first year sales of £3.2 million. The programme continues to deliver value for money, investment in the local economy and a positive impact in New TSN areas.

> Make It Happen, the Citywide enterprise awareness programme has resulted in 90 additional referrals to the Northern Ireland Business Start Programme, with 31 new start up companies.

> Building upon the success of last years initiative which formed a dynamic network of 10 micro craft producers ‘Island-Design’ (www.island-design.com), the Craft Development Programme Phase II sought to consolidate this new business cluster and introduce the participating craft companies to further business development and in particular export development. Managed by Glenwood Business Centre, the companies have exhibited at trade shows both North and South of the border as well as participating in a North American trade show in March 2003. As a result four companies have secured cross border buyer arrangements, seven of the participants have engaged in new product development, three new export markets have been identified, and £90,000 of new sales opportunities have been secured.

> The Advance Technology Programme was repeated this year with 15 local businesses exploring a range of new technologies aimed at improving internal business efficiencies and resulting in a collective investment of £15,000 in new business applications ranging from Broadband technology to payroll accounting packages and anti virus software.

> A second Go for Growth Programme worked with 25 local companies providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to expand their businesses through recruiting new employees, exploring new markets, increasing sales or developing a marketing and communications strategy.

> Networking Your Creativity is an initiative currently under way specifically targeting local businesses who operate in the Creative and Cultural Industries sector. Managed by Lisburn Enterprise Organisation Ltd, an inclusive strategy for the development of this sector has been produced, and has resulted in the formation of a new business cluster with ten businesses to date. This project will identify five new partnerships and strategic alliances for these companies as well as aiding in the development of four new start up businesses.

> The Council recognises that central to local economic growth is the ability of companies to increase levels of innovation and research & development. The Lisburn Innovation Programme managed by Lisburn Enterprise Organisation Ltd aims to encourage innovative activity in local companies through the production of two key business tools, a ‘Lisburn Directory of Innovation and Support’ and Innovation Web site (www.lisburninnovation.com) both of which have been widely accessed by businesses throughout the City. Currently four companies are preparing Innovation Action Plans as part of an Innovation in Practice Programme.

>An exciting capital development as part of the Phase IV expansion by Lisburn Enterprise Organisation Ltd. was officially opened in February 2003. This development, providing 15,000 sq ft of new workspace and comprising of 22 units ranging from 250 sq ft to 2,000 sq ft, is now fully occupied with 20 businesses and 55 new jobs.

>Now in its second year, Hillsborough New Horizons Ltd. community business (trading as The Secret Garden within the walled garden of Hillsborough Castle) sells its produce to local restaurants, local households and wholesale organic merchants as well as supporting 4 jobs, 4 Worktrack placements and 10 volunteers.

>The Council’s online Commercial Land and Property Register, receiving on average over 2,000 downloads per month, and the online Trade Directory, continue to provide a quality free information service for businesses and investors. Both websites can be accessed on www.lisburn.gov.uk.

>Twelve companies are participating on the unique Investors in People Group Scheme which the Council has supported for a second time. Delivered by Dairyfarm Training Services, to date 6 companies have submitted their applications for this national quality mark which will enable them to review existing training practices and implement Individual Company Development Plans.