Business First May-June 2017 Business First May 2017 | Page 66

ENTERPRISE NORTHERN IRELAND Business Success in Mid and East Antrim Creative Space • Business Innovation Incubation Programme & Facilities • Employability and Community Development Initiatives • Retail, Office and Flexible Workspace Accommodation • Small Business Loan Funds • Conference, Meeting Room and Hot Desk Facilities Ken Nelson, Chief Executive, LEDCOM; Melanie Christie Boyle, Chief Executive, Ballymena Business Centre and Kelli Bagchus, Manager, Carrickfergus Enterprise. ntrepreneurs in Mid and East Antrim Borough are on track for business success with a wide range of start­up and business growth interventions being offered by business centres located in Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne. Ballymena Business Centre, Carrickfergus Enterprise and LEDCOM have been helping entrepreneurs reach their business potential in the Mid and East Antrim area for over 30 years and are members of Enterprise NI. Each year over 500 individuals explore the idea of starting a business in the Mid and East Antrim area with many receiving support to develop their idea into a viable business plan and others receiving accredited qualifications in Business Enterprise. With over 200 workspace units, high tech offices and retail opportunities, entrepreneurs are nurtured within the environment of Ballymena Business Centre, Carrickfergus Enterprise and LEDCOM and can benefit from wrap around services including business advice, mentoring and the potential to benefit from business finance to expand and grow their business. Current opportunities available across the Mid and East Antrim area include…. • Exploring Enterprise Programme • Go For It Programme • Co Innovate Programme • Business Seminars • Enterprise Workshops • Micro Business Programme • Social Enterprise Support • Carrickfergus Growth Programme • Tourism Marketing Programme • Business Development Consultancy and HR Support Services • Midtown Makers Studio, Shop and E 64 www.businessfirstonline.co.uk To find out more about current opportunities speak with your local Business Advisor today… In Ballymena: Ballymena Business Centre on 028 2565 8616 or email [email protected] In Carrickfergus: Carrickfergus Enterprise on 028 9336 9528 or email [email protected] In Larne: LEDCOM on 028 2826 9973/ 028 2827 0742 or email [email protected] then went on to complete 26 weeks test trading through Steps to Work. This allowed her to test the market and viability of trading independently. This was important as she had to be confident she would be able to provide for her son. With a strong brand, high quality product and merchandising, her works are now sold in many craft and gift outlets throughout Northern Ireland. Cameron Steele – Steele Physio Ian McCluggage – IM Equestrian Steele Physio located at Ballymena Business Centre was founded by Cameron Steele in 2013. Having travelled the world with the Ireland Rugby Team as their Physiotherapist for 9 years, Cameron decided to start his own business specialising in sports physiotherapy. With a young family, starting a business offered Cameron a greater work life balance. Cameron has benefited from Rural Development Funding and is currently participating on the Micro Business Programme. 2017 will see Steele Physio go from strength to strength with a major capital investment at their business centre premises to accommodate an ever increasing customer base and business growth. Naomi Horner – My Painted Bear My Painted Bear evolved from Naomi’s childhood illustrations of teddy bears and characters and has expanded into a product range of cards, prints and notebooks. She participated on Carrickfergus Enterprise’s Comet Business Bootcamp and Ian McCluggage, trading as IM Equestrian, provides a bespoke range of specialist services to the equestrian world including; producing horses for private owners, teaching clinics & Individual lessons, competition riding and judging. Ian was interested in self­employment after he completed his degree in equine studies. He really wanted to be his own boss and pursue his passion for all things equestrian. Realising that running a business is not for everyone, Ian took advice from a range of people and was directed to LEDCOM. His business advisor at LEDCOM helped him with all the key areas involved in preparing a business plan. Ian found the help, guidance and encouragement to be invaluable and he would encourage anyone considering self­ employment to seek advice and take the time to work on a practical business plan.