Partnerships Deliver Big for Larne & Ballyclare: Over 350 Jobs Created!

Great news from our neighbours in Larne and Ballyclare highlights the powerful impact of working together to boost local economies. LEDCOM, a key development organisation, recently announced remarkable achievements, including the creation of over 350 jobs and a financial impact of almost £13 million across the Antrim and Newtownabbey, and Mid and East Antrim Council areas.

Ken Nelson MBE, LEDCOM’s CEO, emphasized at their recent AGM (December 5th) that "partnership and collaboration have been key to LEDCOM’s success over the last four decades." This collaborative approach has been central to strategically driving and enhancing the economic future of these communities.

This significant impact comes as LEDCOM celebrates its 40th anniversary this past summer. The year has seen several pivotal projects come to fruition. Plans are underway to refurbish Foundry House in Ballyclare, backed by £300,000 in funding from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. Additionally, the Bank Road Business Park in Larne reopened in October after a substantial £1 million enhancement, thanks to support from Danske Bank, the Kilwaughter Foundation, and Community Finance Ireland.

Further demonstrating their commitment to community prosperity, LEDCOM recently launched the Larne and North West Community Wealth Building Partnerships. This innovative initiative, jointly funded by the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Department for Communities (DfC), even secured the prestigious Community Wealth Building Award at the Social Enterprise NI Awards.

Mr. Nelson affirmed LEDCOM’s continued dedication to regional economic growth, aiming to foster local communities while increasing employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. He stated, "Partnerships have been, and will remain, crucial to our future plans to create a region with increased connectivity, enhanced productivity and personal wealth for all."

The AGM also heard from Tina McKenzie MBE, UK Policy Chair at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), who underscored LEDCOM's vital role. "LEDCOM’s impact on the Larne and Ballyclare areas simply cannot be understated," she said, calling LEDCOM a "catalyst and resource for businesses and budding entrepreneurs." She praised their work with stakeholders to strengthen economic and social prosperity, a mission the FSB strongly supports.

With modern workspaces like Foundry House and the Work Cube in Ballyclare, alongside Willowbank Business Park and Bank Road Business Park in Larne, LEDCOM provides comprehensive business support services and community-focused initiatives. Their Board of Directors, comprising experienced local individuals, generously volunteers hundreds of hours to support LEDCOM's mission, showcasing the deep community spirit driving their success. This incredible journey over 40 years proves the powerful outcomes possible when organisations and communities unite with a shared vision.