BUSINESS enterprise Ledcom says 212 jobs were created in the Mid and East Antrim and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council areas in the year to September 30 as a result of its various support programmes.
That in turn led to a significant £6,039,800 economic boost for the area as its three workspace locations in Larne and Ballyclare enjoyed healthy occupancy levels.
And combined with the trading and employment investment of tenant businesses, Ledcom says the economic impact of its activities is more than £10 million.
The rise in jobs and in the subsequent financial injection into the region's economy signals “hope and a tentative recovery,” chair Dr Norman Apsley says in Ledcom’s annual report.
“Despite the challenges of Covid, 106 new jobs were created in Antrim and Newtownabbey and 96 in Mid and East Antrim,” he said.
“Ledcom offers a range of business programmes including Go For It and the Exploring Enterprise, which are all geared towards aiding start-ups and entrepreneurs and these figures illustrate just how important these initiatives are.”
Ledcom also offers office accommodation at Willowbank business park, Bank Road and in Ballyclare, where the Work Cube opened earlier this year as a town centre space for hot-desking.
“The fact that our occupancy levels are at 80 per cent across our three sites indicates that there is still a strong desire for workspace that is equipped with modern technology, is easily accessible and can accommodate a blend of remote and office working,” Ledcom chief executive Ken Nelson said.
“Each tenant represents an increased value to the local economy across numerous sectors including, manufacturing, renewable energy and high-end food production, which is very much in line with Ledcom’s economic strategy.”
