Enterprising Britain 2008

The Social Economy Network is hosting the Northern Ireland regional heat of the UK wide Enterprising Britain Awards 2008, sponsored by Invest Northern Ireland.

Enterprising Britain is a nationwide competition to find a place in the UK where enterprise has helped transform a community and led to improved economic prospects for everyone. The competition aims to identify the town, city, place or area in the country which is best improving economic prospects and encouraging enterprise activities.

The competition aims to reward the UK’s entrepreneurial spirit and recognise those enterprising places making the UK great today. Last year’s Northern Ireland winner was Irvinestown Trustee Enterprise Company Ltd (ITEC) who received the award for highly commended at the UK final.

The closing date for applications to the Northern Ireland competition was 18 April 2008. Entries were then judged in May 2008 by an independent panel of experts looking for a project which could demonstrate the positive impact this had on their region through enterprise.

Ashton Community Trust was announced at a presentation lunch in Belfast Castle on 20 May 2008 as Northern Ireland Regional winner of the Enterprising Britain Competition 2008, receiving a prize fund of £5,000 provided by Invest NI to purchase goods or services which will assist in the development of their business project.

A UK judging panel visited Ashton Community Trust in June 2008 and was shown round some of Ashton’s enterprises situated throughout North Belfast, including a new £1.4million development in Duncairn Gardens and a £2million development located in Henry Place.

Ashton Community Trust is now competing against regional finalists from the nine English regions, Scotland and Wales. The UK winner will be announced at a Gala Awards ceremony in London in October 2008.

Find further information on the Enterprising Britain 2008 competition on the Social Economy Network Website

Contacts

Gráinne Teggart
Enterprising Britain Awards Northern Ireland
Social Economy Network

E: membership@socialeconomynetwork.org
T: 028 9077 0502
M: 07928 042 315

Graham Pollock
Invest NI
Bedford Square
Bedford Street
Belfast
BT2 7ES

E: graham.pollock@investni.com
T: 028 9069 8169