Invest Northern Ireland’s 2012/13 performance results for County Down show that over 500 new jobs were promoted as a result of its support.
Mark Bleakney, Invest NI’s Southern Regional Manager, said: “This is an encouraging performance by Invest NI in County Down. Last year we made offers totalling over £9million to local and external companies across Newry & Mourne, Newtownards, Banbridge and Down Council areas.
“This contributed towards total investment in the area of £41million and resulted in 501 new jobs. Notably investment in Newtownards has seen a significant uplift, increasing by nearly four times on last year.
“Of the new jobs promoted, almost half were supported though Invest NI’s Jobs Fund, and 126 through business start support.
“Against a backdrop of continued challenges placed on businesses as a result of the ongoing economic downturn, these results have demonstrated a strong performance with tangible benefits for businesses and the economy. I hope these figures will be received with the positive response they deserve,” added Mark Bleakney.
(Co Down is defined as Newry & Mourne, Newtownards, Down, Banbridge and North Down District Council areas.)
Invest NI launched its new Regional Start Initiative in October 2012, prior to this date it offered an interim service providing advice to those wishing to start their own business.
Invest Northern Ireland works with individuals, companies and organisations in manufacturing and tradable services which show the ambition and commitment to grow by being more innovative, more entrepreneurial and more internationally focused.
Its resources are focused on assisting our clients to improve competitiveness, increase innovation, promote a stronger international focus and create more positive attitudes to enterprise.
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