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Employment by Industry Sector
Mid and East Antrim is home to almost 5,000 businesses – a ready-made supply chain for any inward investor (7% of NI businesses). The Borough has a diverse business demography, with 28% of businesses within the Agriculture sector compared to the NI average of 24%. Manufacturing is also a key employer, accounting for 17% of all jobs within the Industrial sector compared to the NI average of 11%, while the largest sector of employment is services, accounting for almost three quarters of the jobs in the Borough.
The area has a good network of Chambers of Commerce, representative bodies and links to the Universities and Further Education Colleges; providing access to contacts, research and assistance when required.
Overall Gross Value Added in Mid and East Antrim is £3.3bn in 2018
The Borough has a highly productive workforce with work based productivity (GVA) well above the NI average (£71,490 per head vs. £53,304 per head).
Planning - No.1 in Northern Ireland
No.1 in Northern Ireland for processing planning applications.
Alongside our tailored services, we offer ever-evolving property and land portfolios, assisting companies to easily locate within the Borough. Grade A office space is available £10-15/sq. ft. If a new build is an option, Mid and East Antrim is No.1 in NI for processing planning applications. The planning process is advancing in speed, with an average turnaround for planning applications of only seven weeks versus a NI target of 15 weeks.
Additional FDI funding
Michelin Development Fund offers financial support through grants, loans, as well as business expertise and advice, to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) that employ up to 250 people.
Applicants are able to choose financial help, business expertise/advice, or both. Support is available to viable projects that can demonstrate the potential to create quality sustainable jobs.
Michelin Development Fund also offers financial grant support to foreign direct investors into the Ballymena area.
Ultrafast Broadband
Our Borough has access to 362Mpbs fibre broadband, which uses virtual hub technology to ensure no speed degradation over distance. Plans include the installation of ultrafast fibre ‘gigabit capable’ broadband across Mid and East Antrim.
Collaboration Projects
Recently Mid and East Antrim Borough Council re-established links with Dumfries and Galloway Council (D&GC) on the West Coast of Scotland. The Councils are connected by the ports of Larne and Cairnryan, an arterial route between Northern Ireland and Scotland. The partnership is focused on improving tourism and business links between the areas through projects focused on: the Ports, Digital capabilities, the Food and Drink sectors, Tourism and Collaborative Events.
The Council continues to deliver on a range of collaborative projects with regional, national and international partners, including: Community based partnerships; Tourism focused activities; Best practice and knowledge transfer opportunities; and Economic prosperity projects.
