I am delighted to be able to report on an unprecedented year of successful economic development activity undertaken by Lisburn City Council’s Economic Development Unit, in this my first year as Chairman of the Economic Development Committee.

The outputs are clear, 149 new businesses, 272 new Jobs, £5m of new revenue generated in the local economy and 48 projects effected across the various integrated activities associated with Economic Development, Tourism Development and the Lagan Corridor. Our performance targets have been surpassed which could not have been achieved without the commitment and assistance of our delivery partners and funders.

Of particular note is the 50% match funding that the Council received from the European Union under the Programme for Building Sustainable Prosperity, which has contributed to many of the successful projects outlined in this document.

Additionally, direct financial contributions from Invest NI, the Heritage Lottery Fund, and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, have further assisted the Council in ensuring delivery of its economic development objectives.

These figures represent record outputs for the Council in terms of its economic development function, and coupled with Lisburn’s award of City status, I have no doubt that a prosperous future for the City’s businesses and residents is assured.

Finally, I wish to thank the Members of the Economic Development Committee and the Economic Development team within the Council for all of their hard work and commitment in the delivery of this year’s programme.