Work of local enterprise organisations highlighted

"Local Enterprise Organisations across Northern Ireland play a vitally important role in helping small businesses realise their potential and can be the stepping stone to greater commercial success," Sir Reg Empey, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment said during a visit to the Lisburn Enterprise Organisation (LEO).

Sir Reg said: "LEO has been responsible for very high levels of business start activity in the province. Its encouragement to women entrepreneurs, in particular, is reflected in the fact that one in three new businesses in the area has been started up by a woman. The challenge of generating and sustaining economic growth remains for us all, but with the commitment and support of organisations such as LEO we can be sure that small businesses will have every opportunity to fulfil their potential and continue to provide the bedrock for economic stability in Northern Ireland."

Established with support from LEDU, Lisburn Borough Council, the International Fund for Ireland and the European Union, LEO provides accommodation for over 70 businesses employing 300 people. It also undertakes support activities for small businesses, ranging from business start training to special e-commerce initiatives.

During his visit the Minister dropped in on two tenant companies, Power Action and 3DPIX, a recently established small business specialising in cutting edge computer aided design.

Following his tour of the enterprise centre, Sir Reg took part in a question and answer session with tenant companies. (CD)