ALMOST 60 new start-up businesses and social enterprises were actively supported by Larne Enterprise Development Company (LEDCOM) during the past year.
The company's 24th annual report has highlighted this and other continuing benefits derived by the local community and businesses from the organisation.
Introduced by LEDCOM chairman Arthur Henderson MBE at the company's AGM, the annual report de
monstrates ongoing, high quality and best value economic development support delivered from the company despite a very tough global economic climate.
The year saw LEDCOM extend its commitment to enterprise development and small business support. Almost 60 new start-up businesses and social enterprises were actively supported by LEDCOM during the year.
With its social economy ethos LEDCOM's directors continued to serve the local community on a voluntary basis as company staff provided 142 days of free support services supporting local business and social economy organisations and individuals , equivalent to around £35,500 of free consultancy or advisory services in terms of social outputs.
During the year, LEDCOM staff and associates also provided approximately 413 interviews and advice and business planning sessions both to individuals considering business start-up and to established businesses.
Read the full story in this week's Larne Times.