Think Big Think Business Development Initiative has created 43 new jobs in the North West and referred 45 potential clients to Invest NI - 27/11/2008
Think Big, Think Business Development, an innovative initiative delivered by the Now Lead Consortium has made a significant impact on local businesses in the North West through the creation of up to 43 new jobs and referral of 45 local businesses to Invest Northern Ireland. “Think BIG Think Business Development” is a major programme developed and funded by the four councils of Coleraine, Derry, Limavady and Magherafelt, and part funded by Invest Northern Ireland. The programme represents a key element of local government’s strategy to drive and support the North West economy and increase entrepreneurial activity in existing or new businesses. Following a public procurement process, delivery of the NOW LEAD initiative was awarded to a consortium of local Enterprise Agencies in Coleraine, Magherafelt, Derry City, and Limavady together with Northern Ireland Business and Innovation Centre (NORIBIC). Through business support, training and mentoring the consortium set out to increase business confidence, improve networking and refer at least 25 local organisations to Invest NI for further business development. The target number for referrals to Invest NI was exceeded by 80%, with 45 businesses being referred, 32 of which have already engaged with Invest NI and 21 have already received assistance resulting in projects that will create up to 43 new jobs. The programme was a resounding success with increased sales and employment being recorded across all regions despite the challenges of the current economic down turn. The delivery agents undertook an in-depth audit of the functions and objectives of participating businesses within their Borough to help them identify key areas of need. Following the audit process the organisations were appointed a dedicated business mentor to assist them with overcoming any barriers to growth. Where common needs were identified, a series of workshops were developed to bring the owners/managers together to provide training, best practice and discussion. The workshops offered advice on Invest NI Programmes and entry criteria, and provided training in management for SME's, effective tendering, international sourcing and new approaches to marketing. In all the programme delivered 8 workshops which were attended by 198 delegates and offered a ninth “cyber” workshop providing participants with online access to information on tenders, strategies for the web and information on Invest NI innovation vouchers. Within the Borough of Limavady 11 companies across a broad range of sectors participated in the Think Big programme delivered by Roe Valley Enterprises Ltd. Of these participants, 8 have been referred to Invest NI and to date 2 have received assistance with a potential of 2 additional jobs. Kevin and Patricia Greene, proprietors of Nolka Design, a creative and dynamic design consultancy specialising in Web, Graphic and Multimedia Design took part in the programme to receive business advice and guidance on becoming an Invest NI client. Kevin commented: ”As a consequence of the Think Big Programme Nolka Design is now building a strong working relationship with INI and is already reviewing a couple of new projects for future development. I would like to congratulate Roe Valley Enterprises for the hard work and commitment they have provided through the Think Big Programme and fully appreciate the benefits this programme has offered to our business and our ongoing development”. Patricia Devine, of Invest NI’s North West Regional Office added: “This success demonstrates how a partnership approach between councils, enterprise partners and Invest NI can help firms seek new business opportunities and maintain competitiveness despite the current global climate. By targeting export opportunities and engaging in continuous improvement, new or existing businesses can sustain growth levels and maximise their contribution to the NI economy.” Martin Devlin, Chief Executive of Roe Valley Enterprises Ltd said: “Improving the Borough’s economy is one of our key aims and we are confident that the “Think Big, Think Business” programme has helped to develop the sort of entrepreneurial activity that is ideal for the area. We found it really valuable to work in collaboration with our colleagues in Coleraine, Derry, and Magherafelt to deliver “Think Big, Think Business Development”. The success of the programme demonstrates that through working collaboratively we can deliver more opportunities and increased value to our local enterprises.” Paul Beattie, Development Manager with Limavady Borough Council commented: “Think Big has been a concept that has worked well across the North West for small businesses. We have been delighted by the local response, and the way that local response has been handled by the NOW LEAD Consortium and particularly locally by Roe Valley Enterprises. Once again, targets for a local development programme have been exceeded, which shows the demand for and willingness to work within these programmes that local businesses have. While the current economic outlook is less than positive, this shows that Limavady businesses are willing to work and to continue to contribute to economic development. Limavady Borough Council hopes that the companies who have been referred to Invest Northern Ireland continue to grow through INI's ongoing support.”