HOSPITALITY entrepreneur Michael McQuillan has been formally confirmed as the new chief executive of Enterprise Northern Ireland in succession to Gordon Gough - just as the Irish News revealed back on May 9.
He'll take up the post in July and will oversee the organisation which represents a total of 28 local enterprise agencies across Northern Ireland.
Prior to his appointment Mr McQuillan was director of the Business Institute at the Ulster University Business School.
He co-founded ‘The Streat’ coffee chain in 1999, expanding it through franchising which led to an acquisition by a major food distribution company.
Nicholas O'Shiel, chair of Enterprise NI, said: “Michael brings with him the experience that comes with the real-life challenges of being an entrepreneur which is essential in understanding the needs of start-ups and growing businesses.
“This is an exciting appointment for us. The strength of candidates that came forward was exceptional and Michael with his impressive track record stood out, making him the ideal person to lead the organisation into the future.”
She added: “He has the vision and ambition to sustain and grow the number of new businesses we are assisting through our local enterprise agencies, who in turn are working with thousands of entrepreneurs enabling them to succeed.
“Already, through the likes of the Small Business Loan Fund and Start Up Loan Fund, we've supported businesses to the tune of nearly £10 million over the past number of years. Our ambition is to develop this, and we are confident that under Michael’s leadership we are in a strong position to do so.”
Mr McQuillan said: “As an organisation which promotes and nurtures entrepreneurship, I'm thrilled to have been appointed to this role.
“Throughout my career I 've been passionate about the development of the Northern Ireland skills agenda and the importance of local businesses being the bedrock for economic stability and growth. Along the way, I've had the privilege of mentoring an extensive list of SMEs, helping them to grow and develop.”
“Over the next few weeks and months, my priority is to get out and meet with all the local enterprise agencies that we represent across Northern Ireland to look at how we can further develop the magnificent work and support that is currently being delivered.”
