Council Celebrates Northern Ireland's EER Award
June 29, 2015
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council recently held events to celebrate Northern Ireland receiving the European Entrepreneurial Region (EER) Award this year.
The European Entrepreneurial Region (EER) is a project that identifies and rewards EU regions, which show an outstanding and innovative entrepreneurial policy strategy irrespective of their size, wealth and competences. The regions with the most credible, forward thinking and promising vision plan are granted the label ‘European Entrepreneurial Region’ (EER) for a specific year.
Receipt of this award recognises that Northern Ireland has outstanding strategies that foster entrepreneurship and promotes innovation amongst Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
The guest speaker was Joanna Drake, Director for Entrepreneurship & SMEs within the European Commission in Brussels. Joanna spoke at the two council organised events held in Lagan Valley Island and Hilden Brewery respectively.
Alderman Allan Ewart, Chairman of the Council’s Development Committee, speaking at the business event in Lagan Valley Island, said: “I am delighted that the Council could host this event to bring local SMEs and key stakeholders together to explore how they can best benefit from Northern Ireland receiving the EER Award. Within the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area, the receipt of this award will enhance our investment proposition and sends a positive message that it is a city, which supports entrepreneurship and small businesses.
The Council has a direct link into EU SME development policy and can ensure that the needs of the local private sector are represented at a high level in the EU, and this will be built upon locally,” concluded Alderman Ewart.
Joanne Drake spoke about the current thinking within the Commission on entrepreneurship and SME policy. She also highlighted the several support networks that the Commission sponsors to provide support and information to SMEs wishing to boost their business.
During the lunchtime event, Joanna also took questions from these present to identify ways that could be strengthened between Northern Ireland and the EU Commission for the benefit of local SMEs.
The Mayor, Councillor Thomas Beckett, speaking at the evening event in Hilden Brewery, said: “It is an honour to have had the opportunity to join government senior representatives from the 11 councils, NILGA and the EU Commission to celebrate Northern Ireland receiving the EER Award. Within the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area there is tremendous support offered to local businesses including a Soft Landing Programme to offer support to those businesses that have recently invested in the area.
“On behalf of the Council I would like to thank Joanna for visiting our city and engaging with key stakeholders to determine the depth of support that SMEs require to continue to grow, create jobs and enhance local economies.”
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council makes a presentation to Joanna Drake to thank her for taking the time to visit Lisburn and talk with local SME's about current EU policies. The crystal was presented by Alderman Allan Ewart, Chair of the Council's Development Committee and Dr Theresa Donaldson, Chief Executive.