Team work promotes enterprise in Northern Ireland

‘Team Derry’ is a partnership between North West Marketing and Derry City Council’s Economic Development Section that came together to address the issues faced by the area. Results so far have been impressive. The ‘Start a Business’ programme assisted 280 new business start-ups between April 2007 and April 2008, creating 580 new jobs. With the new ‘Enterprise Development’ programme these figures are expected to remain above 200 per annum until it ends in 2011. The ‘Walled City’ initiative has created 11 full time jobs through the provision of new retail and business space and further construction jobs have been supported on a short-term basis. It is estimated that another 40 jobs will be generated in the Northern Counties Building over the next five years.

Since inception, North West Marketing has earned a reputation for being a key player in economic and enterprise development with the small business sector through the provision of a variety of services. It has strived to encourage local firms to achieve improved performance, foster a better sense of customer awareness, and forge stronger links with industry at home and abroad. The organisation has extensive experience in providing support services for those seeking to start their own business, and in helping existing businesses develop and diversify.

Developing enterprise

Derry City Council is a corporate, publicly accountable body with 30 locally-elected councillors and approximately 550 staff across a range of services and functions. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for residents of the district both socially and economically. A key role of the council is development – as initiator and facilitator of social, economic and environmental initiatives. The Economic Development Section within Derry City Council is developing enterprise through investment, tourism, and economic and physical regeneration.

Since opening in 2008, the Business Complex has attracted over 30 businesses to locate within the facility, resulting in over 100 jobs. The £3.6million project was jointly funded by a number of public bodies along with private investment from North West Marketing.

Derry City has a population of 108,500 and is currently positioned as the second highest area in Northern Ireland’s deprivation rankings. Findings from a recent labour market study showed that Derry is characterised by a low employment rate and a decline in key sectors such as manufacturing and agriculture.

Unemployment

In the last few years Derry City and the North West area has experienced over 2,000 job redundancies with the closure of a number of key employers such as Seagate (Limavady), Calcast, Desmonds, Woolworths, MFI and Land of Leather, as well as other companies who have scaled down production due to the downturn in the economy. Another challenge is to strengthen the links between divided societies after the peace process, and ensure all communities are equally involved in the development of Derry City.

Team Derry has a number of projects to help it achieve its goals. The ‘Wireless City’ project has implemented a Wi-Fi network in the historic walled city of Derry, providing 30 minutes free internet access for businesses, residents and visitors. In addition, the ‘Walled City’ project is a regeneration programme focused on repairing historic buildings, bringing them back into full use; for example, grants were awarded to owners of private properties to encourage repairs. Team Derry’s flagship project is the former Northern Counties Building which has been redeveloped to provide 30 business units.

The North West Business Complex

Another key project is the North West Business Complex which comprises of 43 work units and a business centre that has meeting, training and conferencing facilities. Opening in 2008, it is currently 80% occupied. The complex is a vital resource for groups in the city, encouraging and supporting potential businesses. It is seen as an essential asset in helping the community to overcome deprivation, whilst demonstrating the commitment to enterprise development in the city. It provides new and existing businesses with office space, hot desk facilities, meeting rooms, IT support, conference services and individual business units.

The partnership has also helped to create enterprise clusters in at least two sectors, including life sciences and creative industries. Over time, this will stimulate further investment and business growth in more diverse areas, thus enhancing the economic prospects for the local community. Moreover, the jobs created in these sectors are relatively well paid, creating further job opportunities throughout the economy in service-based employment.

With the forthcoming merger of the Strabane and Derry councils in 2011, the Team Derry partnership will continue to work collaboratively to increase levels of entrepreneurship and business growth. It is envisaged that the number of business start-ups for the region will rise to approximately 300 per annum.

The Nerve Centre

One of the big success stories of the partnership is the Nerve Centre. It is an award winning multi-media arts centre and cultural space - a focal point for a youth culture that felt excluded from what is traditionally regarded as the ‘arts sector’. With funding, the Nerve Centre purchased a former youth hostel to house the Hub Project, creating a Creative Learning Centre, a Digital Tourism Zone and a restaurant. The project objectives have been developed on the basis of the needs identified. They address the need for a clustered approach to provide services for the local film, music, media and creative industries. The centre has assisted 11 new business start-ups through its workspace and support services and will create a further 20 jobs over the next five years.

Team Derry’s vision for the future is to continue to champion Derry City as an enterprising hub for new business start-ups and business relocations. It is hoped that this work to develop the local economy will address the social and economic needs of the community.

Derry City has faced challenging economic conditions but has overcome the worst by building a strong base for future growth. Team Derry’s approach has been complimentary to the development of enterprise, working with community groups to ensure entrepreneurial opportunities are available to all.

‘Team Derry’ was Northern Ireland’s winner of Enterprising Britain 2009. Find out more about Enterprising Britain.