Knowledge & Skills

Business Support

Our aim is to support the growth of new and existing businesses, develop employment and skills opportunities and secure key infrastructure investment throughout Mid and East Antrim.

Each of our 16 growth programme offers specialist mentoring and bespoke business support services to businesses at all stages of their life cycle.

Whether you have an idea for a business but do not know how to get it started, or you are an established business looking for ways to grow, the business programmes we offer are here to help you.

To access support visit https://amplifymidandeastantrim.microsoftcrmportals.com/engagement/

R&D with Colleges and Universities

Mid and East Antrim is proactively working with Department for Education (DE), Department of the Economy (DfE) and Northern Regional College (NRC) on the development of skills academies to address labour shortages. Recently our Manufacturing Task Force identified a gap in the education provision in relation to Logistics and Supply Chain management. This gap is now being filled with the establishment of a bespoke Assured Skills Academy, funded by DfE and delivered through NRC.

Manufacturing Industry Engagement

Collaborative working is key. By using the expertise and skills of more than 65 representatives from manufacturing companies, industry bodies and the public sector, we are helping to map the manufacturing sector’s path to renewed success. The MTF is in the process of rejuvenating the local sector, aimed at driving economic growth, enabling digital innovation, supporting entrepreneurship, creating jobs and boosting the industry.

Advanced Manufacturing Heartland

Mid and East Antrim’s MTF have agreed a blueprint aimed at ensuring the Borough has a prosperous future as the home of world-class advanced manufacturing and innovation firms. This includes fully capitalising on major strategic investment opportunities through the Belfast Region City Deal, discussions to locate a £60m investment in a 9000m2 factory of the future, an Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre in Ballymena, creating jobs and paving the way locally for major advancements through the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution.