Cookstown Enterprise Centre has supported the work of 2 local charities in the run up to Christmas.

             Pictured  is Trevor Wilson Chairman and Ciaran Higgins, Manager of CEC handing over a

                                    donation to Helen Jordan and Joanne Morgan representing the

                                                                            Lilac Centre, Cookstown

             Trevor Wilson Chairman and Ciaran Higgins Manager of CEC are pictured handing over a donation

                      to  Anne Rea and Jean Farr representing Robertas Wish for Chrons and Colitis, a local

                                                                 charity based in Cookstown. 

Cookstown Enterprise Centre recently received a Civic Award from Cookstown District Council for outstanding contribution to Industry in the Cookstown Council area.  Picture with the award is the CEC staff.

The Mid-Ulster Business Awards took place recently.  The CEC manager Ciaran Higgins was part of the judging panel for the awards.  He is pictured with other judges and event organisers at the awards dinner which took place in the Glenavon Hotel.

Cookstown Enterprise Centre have been awarded the contract to deliver the Exploring Enterprise2 Programme. Pictured is Apprentice Star Jim Eastwood alongside Cookstown Enterprise Centre Representatives, Ciaran Higgins (Manager), Trevor Wilson (Chairman), Charlene Colton (Enterprise Officer) and Dana McKeown (Business Advisor).

 Speaking about the programme Jim Eastwood said, ‘This is a very exciting initiative for the people of Cookstown and will allow the entrepreneurial spirit of local people to flourish while giving them the qualifications required to become more attractive to employer’s at a time when competition for jobs is extremely high’

Pictured is Roy Woodward past participant of Exploring Enterprise Programme receiving  his Level 2 certificate in Business Enterprise from Charlene Colton (Cookstown Enterprise Centre).   Also pictured is Cookstown’s Apprentice Star Jim Eastwood and Trevor Wilson (Chairman of Cookstown Enterprise Centre).

Roy Woodward completed the first Exploring Enterprise Programme and has turned his dream into a reality by opening his own business ‘RAW Surveying & Mapping services’ (www. rawsurveyingandmappingservices.co.uk).

Roy said: “It has always been a dream for me to open my own business and with the help of the Exploring Enterprise Programme I have been able to realise my dream. Cookstown Enterprise Centre helped me to research my business idea, put together a marketing plan, research legal issues concerning my business, develop budgets and forecasts but most importantly they helped raise my confidence which gave me the belief to start the business.”

Pictured is Jordana Cunningham (past participant of the Exploring Enterprise Programme receiving her Level 3 Certificate in Business Enterprise from Charlene Colton (Enterprise Officer, Cookstown Enterprise Centre).  Also pictured is Cookstown’s Apprentice Star Jim Eastwood and Trevor Wilson (Chairman of Cookstown Enterprise Centre).

Jordana Cunningham also completed the Exploring Enterprise Programme and gained an additional qualification to assist with her UCAS application and she has just recently been awarded a place in John Moore’s University, Liverpool, to study marketing. 

Trevor Wilson, Chairman of CEC commented, “While this is a Northern Ireland wide programme, Cookstown Enterprise Centre is delighted to be able to deliver this programme for people in the local area.  We are all aware of the current economic situation and initiatives such as this will provide local people with the opportunity to improve their skills for employment and self-employment through advice and training while at the same time gain a Level 2 Qualification’. 

Dana McKeown, Business Advisor at CEC commented “This new initiative is particularly timely given the economic downturn and increased levels of unemployment.  Our aim is to deliver training and mentoring support to assist people in developing personal skills as well as achieving a qualification which will help them to re-enter the labour market”. 

The programme is designed for people who -

• like the idea of starting a business but don’t have a business idea
• have a business idea but are not ready to turn it into a business just yet
• want to explore a few possible business ideas
• want to gain a qualification and improve their CV

If you are interested in participating on this programme contact Charlene Colton, Enterprise Officer at Cookstown Enterprise Centre, on 028 8676 3660 or e-mail Charlene@cookstownenterprise.com.

As a one stop shop for business support, Cookstown Enterprise Centre has established itself as the leading provider of business start-up and development assistance for businesses in the Cookstown District Council area.  As the local delivery agent for the Go-For-It Programme funded by Invest NI, Cookstown Enterprise Centre offers help and support to people thinking of starting a business.  Over 1,000 local people have availed of business start-up advice and training from CEC in recent years with almost 500 new businesses started, proving that Cookstown is one of the most entrepreneurial areas of N.I.

Under the Go for It Programme, Cookstown Enterprise Centre offers a FREE business advisory service, where an expert business counsellor will work with individuals on a one-to-one confidential basis.  A short training course is also offered and is designed to help the entrepreneur understand the issues and practicalities of setting up and running their own business.  In particular the course highlights Sales and Marketing, Human Resource Management, Financial Management, Legal and Statutory issues, and general business practices.  In addition, the programme offers a financial planning service to highlight potential sources of finance which includes assistance to access grant support and small business loans.  Finally, individuals will be guided in the preparation of their own Business Plan and they can avail of a FREE Advisory Service to assist them during their first year of trading.  

Colin Risk has recently completed the Go-For-It Programme and he has opened a one-stop Golfing Superstore at Kilcronagh Business Park, Cookstown, catering for all golfing needs.  CR Golf retails a wide range of golf equipment ranging from clubs to clothing including top brands such as Wilson Staff, Nike, Callaway Golf, Titleist and Taylormade.  A unique aspect of the store will see golf training and instruction being provided to golfers of all ages.  A dual speed putting green and a custom-fit area within the store assists with the instruction and guidance, which is open to first time golfers as well as the more capable experienced golfer. 

Commenting on the support he received from Cookstown Enterprise Centre, Colin said, “Enrolling in Invest NI’s Go for it programme was a great help to me.  Not only did it explain all the business jargon, but it helped me to analyse the viability of my initial idea, set realistic objectives and develop a business plan.  The various classes helped me understand many aspects of day-to-day management including market planning, legal and operational issues, business planning, sourcing finance, cash flow and taxation.  I would recommend this programme to anyone as it has provided me with essential information and contact details, which I was then able to use with confidence in the development of my new business.”

Ciaran Higgins, Manager of Cookstown Enterprise Centre said, “We congratulate Colin in opening this excellent store in Cookstown.  He has followed in the footsteps of hundreds of other people in the Cookstown area who have started a business in recent years, despite the challenging economic climate.  For anyone out there considering going for it and being their own boss, this is your opportunity to avail of a range of skills and experiences free of charge.   Working for yourself can be a lonely experience but it need not be because our staff at Cookstown Enterprise Centre will understand your needs and you will also get the opportunity to meet others who are thinking of self-employment”.

CR Golf can be found at Unit 2 Kilcronagh Business Park, Sandholes road, Cookstown or contact Colin on 028 867 65162 / info@crgolf.co.uk.

To hear more about the Go-For-It Programme or to book a place on the next course please contact Charlene on 028 86763660 or e-mail Charlene@cookstownenterprise.com

The Go for it programme is provided by Invest Northern Ireland and is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund. 

• Pictured is Ciaran Higgins, Manager of Cookstown Enterprise Centre getting a few tips on putting from Colin Risk, owner of CR Golf, the new Golf Superstore recently opened in Cookstown

• Colin Risk shows Dana McKeown, Business Advisor at Cookstown Enterprise Centre the wide range of ladies golf clothing & accessories at CR Golf Superstore in Cookstown

 A Business Development Programme being run by Cookstown Enterprise Centre is proving very popular with local businesses.  The Tradelinks Programme is funded by the European Union’s INTERREG IVA Programme and is delivered locally by Cookstown Enterprise Centre.  A number of participating businesses have received support in areas such as ICT, financial management, marketing, HR, implementation of quality systems and business improvement. 

 One of the local businesses benefitting from support under the programme is  Solutions NI, a specialist ICT business offering a wide range of ICT services including web design and hosting, e-mail marketing, logo design, search engine optimisation, computer repairs and networking.  The business has been operating for a number of years and the owner of the business, Raphael Scullion recently participated on the Tradelinks Programme in order to receive marketing and sales support.  As part of the programme Raphael received a sales and marketing plan as well as assistance with implementation of the plan.  This included links to new customers and he has recently secured new business in the North and South of Ireland, which has led to Raphael employing a new full-time member of staff.  Raphael agrees that the Tradelinks Programme has been integral to expanding the business and taking it to the next level of success.  He commented, “The Tradelinks Programme has been a great source of support in helping me to grow and develop my business.  The marketing assistance has helped me to increase my customer base, particularly in the South of Ireland market.  The mentoring support provided under the Programme was ideal as it was tailored to meet the needs of my business, and I would certainly recommend the programme to other small businesses”. 

 Embroiderus Ireland Ltd. has recently joined the Tradelinks Programme.  Based in Cookstown, the business operates as a promotional and embroidery company supplying a wide range of embroidered and screen printed clothing and accessories for industrial work wear, uniforms, leisure wear and promotional clothing.  The business has received a Business Improvement Plan as part of the programme and over the next few months the business will receive mentoring assistance aimed at improving their ICT systems to deal with their expanding customer base as well as assistance in identifying new markets for the company.  Henry Mc Elwee, joint owner of Embroiderus Ltd, which is based at Cookstown Enterprise Centre, has the following advice for anyone with a business idea, ‘The best advice I could give anyone setting up in business would be to use the various resources available to you, such as your local Enterprise Centre and Tradelinks. There is always someone out there that can help you or offer advice’.     

 Trevor Wilson, Chairman of Cookstown Enterprise Centre commented, “The Cookstown District is a stronghold for micro businesses with an enviable high level of entrepreneurship and business start-ups.  The Tradelinks Programme is very much about assisting the small businesses in our District to grow and develop to their full potential, and Cookstown Enterprise Centre is ideally placed to deliver this support.  Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and with support and guidance they can lead the recovery of our economy”.   

 For further information on Solutions NI or Embroiderus Ireland Ltd. log on to  www.embroiderus.com or  www.solutionsni.com

 Tradelinks is a business development programme designed at assisting the micro-enterprise sector across Northern Ireland and the Border counties of the South of Ireland.  If you are thinking of setting up a business or have already started a small enterprise, Tradelinks may be able to provide support and advice.  For further information contact Dana Mc Keown, Tradelinks Coordinator on 028 867 63660 or email: dana@cookstownenterprise.com; web: www.cookstownenterprise.com.

 About SEUPB / INTERREG IVA:

•  The Special EU Programmes Body is a North/South Implementation Body sponsored by the Department of Finance and Personnel in Northern Ireland and the Department of Finance in Ireland. It is responsible for managing two EU Structural Funds Programmes PEACE III and INTERREG IV designed to enhance cross border co-operation, promote reconciliation and create a more peaceful and prosperous society. The Programmes operate within clearly defined areas including Northern Ireland, the Border Region of Ireland and Western Scotland.
• The INTERREG IVA 2007-2013 Programme is worth €256 million and aims to address the economic and social problems which result from the existence of borders. It has two distinct priority measures to create co-operation for a more prosperous and sustainable cross border region.
• For more information on the SEUPB please visit www.seupb.eu

 The Special EU Programmes Body is the Managing Authority for the European Union’s INTERREG IVA Programme.

Cookstown Rotary Club and Cookstown Enterprise Centre recently teamed up to make a donation to the Superstars Club, based in Cookstown.  The Superstars club caters for young people and adults with learning disabilities.   Pictured receiving the donation on behalf of Superstars is Anne Wilson and Anne Rea.  Also included in the photo is Alistair Laird and Tony Mc Minn of Cookstown Rotary Club and Trevor Wilson (Chairman) and Ciaran Higgins (Manager) of Cookstown Enterprise Centre. 

Pictured is Patsy McGlone MLA on a recent visit to Cookstown Enterprise Centre, alongside Ciaran Higgins, Manager and Trevor Wilson, Chairman of Cookstown Enterprise Centre.

Pictured are Tony McMinn, Director of Cookstown Enterprise Centre and Ciaran Higgins, Centre Manager, presenting cheques to Jessica Conway of the Autistic Society and Cathy Hanna of the Niamh Lousie Foundation.

 Attended by a number of ministers and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Owen Paterson MP, the Conference and Awards Ceremony at the Waterfront Hall, Belfast attracted over 250 people.  The Awards Ceremony was held to recognise outstanding contribution to Enterprise in N.I. over the past decade and out of seven award categories Cookstown Enterprise Centre scooped 3 awards. 

Pictured is Mary Monaghan, Office Manager at Cookstown Enterprise Centre receiving an award for outstanding personal achievement from Emma Jones, author and entrepreneur and Gordon Gough, Chief Executive of Enterprise NI  in recognition for her dedication and commitment to CEC and supporting tenant businesses at CEC over a period of almost 20 years.    

The Centre also won the award for best delivery of the Enterprise Development Programmes, which is delivered Northern Ireland wide by the 32 Enterprise Centres, supporting businesses at the start-up and growth stages of development.  The award for outstanding contribution to the Social Economy Sector went to the Western Region of Enterprise Centres including Cookstown Enterprise Centre. 

Cookstown Enterprise Centre won the award for best delivery agent of Enterprise Development Programmes in N.I. at the Enterprise NI 10th Anniversary Conference and Awards Ceremony receiving the award from author and entrepreneur Emma Jones and Gordon Gough, Chief Executive of Enterprise NI, is Cookstown Enterprise Centre manager Ciaran Higgins. 

Commenting on the awards,Trevor Wilson, Vice-Chairman of Cookstown Enterprise Centre said, “This is an excellent achievement for the staff and board of Cookstown Enterprise Centre.  Prior to the awards ceremony, we would have been delighted to pick up one of the awards.  However, to receive three awards out of the seven award categories is an outstanding achievement, and shows the high regard in which CEC is held.  The awards highlight the quality of service provided by Cookstown Enterprise Centre and the level of support we provide to the small business sector in the local area, as well as the positive relationship we have developed with our Council and local small businesses over the years.  It was also particularly pleasing to pick up the awards in the presence of key stakeholders including District Councils, Invest NI and DETI”.     

 The awards were presented by Gordon Gough, Chief Executive of Enterprise Northern Ireland and Emma Jones who delivered a keynote address at the conference.  The  founder of Enterprise Nation and author of the best-selling books ‘Spare Room to Start Up’ and ‘Working 5 to 9’, she commented: “I am delighted to help Enterprise NI celebrate 10 fantastic years of supporting businesses in Northern Ireland. The awards given out today provided a clear demonstration of the work that ENI does and the impact that their work has had on so many organisations across the province.  “Everyone I have spoken to who has had experience of doing business in NI speaks highly of the quality of work force, of the availability of well educated young people, of the advantage of good infrastructure, broadband availability and the highly competitive cost base.  There is so much going for NI that can be built on given the right environment.”

 Enterprise NI Chief Executive Gordon Gough explained that, in addition to the key role of the organisation in providing services to its members, ENI is also a major contract holder for public sector organisations. Contracts held include business support interventions such as the Invest Northern Ireland Go for it programme, Exploring Enterprise and TradeLinks.

 “Over the past 10 years, through delivery of Government sponsored programmes, we have helped over 25,000 people to set up in business,” he said. 

 As well as reflecting on the successes of the past 10 years, Enterprise NI used the event to look to the future by launching its manifesto which sets out the case for enterprise in Northern Ireland.

 Launching the manifesto, Enterprise NI Chairman Ken Nelson said: “This manifesto makes the case for a properly resourced enterprise policy for Northern Ireland.

 “If we are to grow the private sector then we need to create the conditions that will allow our indigenous small businesses to expand and create wealth and employment opportunities.

 “We are calling upon the Executive to recognise the economic, social and equality contributions which all businesses make in the Programme for Government, and to recognise that the Enterprise Development programme and other enterprise support measures are tested, cost effective and efficient programmes for creating alternative employment opportunities.”

Pictured with  the awards received by Cookstown Enterprise Centre at the Enterprise NI 10th Anniversary Conference and Awards Ceremony which took place at the Waterfront Hall, Belfast, is some of the directors and staff of Cookstown Enterprise Centre.