The representative body for the Local Enterprise Agency Network - Enterprise Northern Ireland - has appointed two new non-Executive Directors to its Board.

They are Sandy Smith, former Director General of the International Fund for Ireland and Angela McGowan, Chief Economist at Northern Bank, (pictured).

Mr Smith retired from his position with the International Fund for Ireland earlier this year after ten years leading this major international organisation, and, prior to this, he had worked as senior schools inspector for the Department of Education.

As Director General, he participated in the formation of the Local Enterprise Agency network and has long held an interest in developing and supporting Small and Medium Enterprise throughout Northern Ireland.

Ms McGowan has been Chief Economist at Northern Bank since June 2008 and is a regular commentator on all aspects on the Northern Ireland economy.

She has 15 years' experience in the economics field, having previously worked in the Department of Economics at Queen's University, the former Northern Ireland Economic Council and most recently at the Economic Research Institute of Northern Ireland.

Her research experience has predominantly focused on the local economy and has allowed her to touch on a variety of research areas including competitiveness, environmental economics, energy and the labour market.

Gordon Gough, Chief Executive of Enterprise Northern Ireland, said: "The appointment of Sandy Smith and Angela McGowan to our Board is very much welcomed and they will no doubt use their expertise, knowledge and past experience to greatly assist our work to support and develop the small business entrepreneur in these challenging times."

(BMcC/KMcA)