Newtownabbey Borough Council

In This Section:

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What support and advice (such as grants/ exporting/ investment/ expansion/ general development) is available for companies in Newtownabbey?

General Advice:

Newtownabbey Borough Council has a licence to use the Grantfinder computerised system. Grantfinder is a leading source of accurate and comprehensive information on the full range of UK and EU financial support provision, including grants, subsidies, loans, venture funding and other incentives.

The Council will conduct a search for all business, from the sole trader to the multinational company. Please contact the Economic Development Office for further information. Alternatively, you can visit EDNET (the Economic Development Network), which is an excellent online information portal for the business community of Northern Ireland.

Specific Advice:

The only form of direct financial assistance offered by Newtownabbey Borough Council is specifically for new start-up companies. Applicants must take part on the Business Start Programme before a grant can be allocated by Mallusk Enterprise Park (see above). Additional indirect assistance is offered through a range of support programmes. Please contact the Economic Development Office for further information.

Other support is available from the new economic development agency Invest Northern Ireland (INI), which shall begin its operations on 6 April 2002. INI shall merge a range of government departments, taking account of Ledu, IDB, IRTU, the Company Development Programme (formerly part of T&EA) and the business support activities of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB). Further information can be obtained from Invest NI.

2. Where do I get help with starting up a company?

Mallusk Enterprise Park is a local enterprise centre offering managed workspace plus a variety of business services and training support to businesses in the pre-start up and start up stages of development.

Mallusk Enterprise Park also manages the Business Start Programme (co-funded by Newtownabbey Borough Council, INI and the European Regional Development Fund) to support anyone interested in self-employment. INI provides advice and financial support to anyone who is interested in setting up a business with export potential.

The Prince's Trust and Shell LiveWIRE provides additional support such as finance and general business guidance for new start-up companies.

3. How do I get advice on running the company?

The Council organises a range of business development initiatives, details of these can be obtained by contacting the Economic Development Section. Invest NI and Mallusk Enterprise Park also have a range of advice and support services.

You can also check EDNET (the Economic Development Network) website, which provides invaluable information to all businesses at all stages of development (large and small, established and start-ups). The site will also outline advice about who to contact if your business is in financial difficulty.

4. What help can I get to recruit staff?

The Economic Development Section can advise on any local training and employment schemes or any options that may be available for your business. A variety of support (guidance, expertise and/or financial) may be available by contacting other agencies directly such INI.

The Department for Employment and Learning is Northern Ireland's leading provider of employment and training services who's aim is to meet the skills and recruitment needs of employers and to help people find jobs by enabling them to receive the necessary careers guidance and competences. The DEL works with employers, employees and those seeking jobs, offering an extensive range of programmes created for today's fast moving world of work.

5. Is there any support available to access training for staff and the company?

There are a wealth of training opportunities available across the Newtownabbey area. From university degrees and doctorates, to vocational qualifications there's a course to suit your needs. You can view these options on the Learning and Training section of this web site.

6. Does the Council support inward investment?

At present, INI has the responsibility for attracting inward investment to Northern Ireland. INI can be contacted at 028 9054 4990 - INI Web Site Address. In addition, the Council is involved with the CORE (Regional Development) network - visit www.coreinvest.co.uk for further information. The Global Point International Business Park whish is the flagship inward investment location for Northern Ireland is located in the Borough, further information is available from INI.

7. Does the Council support research and development?

INI is the key organisation which supports research and development in Northern Ireland.

8. Do you supply information about Newtownabbey companies?

The Newtownabbey Online Business Directory is a comprehensive record of Newtownabbey firms and their activities. Listings can be generated and supplied electronically to suit your particular requirements. If you have any queries, please contact the Economic Development Office.

9. Is there a Chamber of Commerce?

Two separate Chambers of Commerce and Trade exist within the Borough of Newtownabbey. These organisations provide continuous support and guidance to companies within each local business community. The contact details are as follows:

1. Ballyclare - Mr Brendan Tweed (President) c/o Tel 028 9335 2336 or www.ballyclarecot.com

2.Glengormley - Mr Ian Patterson (President) c/o Tel 028 9034 2999.

Newtownabbey also has some excellent out-of-town shopping centres:

Mark Stewart, Manager of the AbbeyCentre Tel: 028 9086 8018; or

Karen Gunning, Manager of Northcott Shopping Centre Tel: 028 9034 2977