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22 February 2005

GARDINER HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF JOINT APPROACH TO NORTH DOWN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Minister for Employment and Learning, Barry Gardiner, MP, today paid tribute to the partnership approach taken by three key stakeholders, in the Further Education and local Council sectors, to develop a joint economic strategy for the North Down area.

In a speech to invited guests, at a ceremony held this morning in the Signal Business Growth Centre in Bangor, Barry Gardiner said: "The North Down and Ards Institute, the North Down Borough Council and the North Down Development Organisation are leading players. They are set to make a real impact on local economic development.

"They have developed a joint strategy that has picked up on the government’s Skills Strategy and the Review of Further Education. I wish every part of Northern Ireland was as proactive and dynamic in their thinking.

"These partners obviously share a clear idea of what is needed in their area and how the respective strengths of each organisation can be channelled to best effect. I will be asking for feedback on progress as they pursue this important work."

Earlier, the Minister was welcomed to the complex by Brian Henry, Director of the North Down and Ards Institute and Alderman Valerie Kinghan, Mayor of North Down Borough Council.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. The Signal Business Growth Centre, a partnership between North Down Borough Council and local industry, is designed to promote employment and commercial growth through internationalisation.

  2. A copy of the Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland can be found at http://www.delni.gov.uk/consultDebate/files/Skills_Strategy_for_ Northern_Ireland.pdf

  3. A copy of the Review document, ‘FE Means Business’ can be found at http://www.delni.gov.uk/consultDebate/files/Further_Education_meansBusiness_Strategy_Review.pdf

  4. A copy of the North Down & Ards Institutes Economic Development Strategy is available online, at www.ndai.ac.uk

  5. A copy of the North Down Borough Councils’ Economic Development Strategy is available at www.northdown.gov.uk

  6. The Business Village, a joint venture between North Down Borough Council, North Down Development Organisation, North Down and Ards Institute and Invest NI, consists of various business accommodation including an 'Innovation Wing', offering a range of equipment linked to the North Down and Ards Institute’s 'Centres of Excellence'.

  7. For further information contact the DEL Press Office on 028 9025 7790.

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