MEMBERS of the Derry and Strabane Rural Partnership met for its Annual General Meeting last week, marking a successful year for local rural business.
Among the highlights discussed at the AGM was the first round of funding allocated in September, which included awards worth over £320,000 distributed through the Rural Business Investment Scheme.
Nine local companies benefitted from the scheme which will result in the creation of 15.5 new jobs.
Speaking after the meeting, Chair of the Derry and Strabane Rural Partnership, Jim McColgan, stressed the importance of supporting rural businesses.
“There is no doubt that these are challenging times for many of our rural businesses who are not only impacted by the current economic downturn, but also face the added challenges of restricted infrastructure and connectivity.
“But there is support out there and I would really encourage all companies to find out more about the Rural Business Investment Scheme and how it could help them.
“Well done to all the companies involved, it’s fantastic to see the direct impact of the scheme on improving the prospects of smaller local businesses.”
During the AGM one of the successful companies, CMAC Solid Surface who are based in Castlederg, took the opportunity to reflect on the benefits the funding will have on their business.
The company is an established premier fabricator of leading brands of solid surface and laminate products and the grant of £22,320 will now go towards the purchase of capital equipment.
This will enable them to fast-track their manufacturing process and fund new drawing tools to provide an improved design service for customers.
Speaking on behalf of CMAC, Sinead McCrory said the investment would take their business to a new level. “We wouldn’t have been in a position to purchase the equipment without this funding,” she explained.
“The time efficiencies we will make from using the CNC machine will allow more time to follow up on new contracts and business leads and to expand our customer base, as well as the ability to create bespoke pieces and customer designs.
“At the minute our export sales are small but we believe that by getting the CNC machine up and going and the employment of 1.5 new staff, there will be an opportunity for us to enhance and develop the business both within the ROI and UK markets.
“We want to thank the funders for this amazing opportunity because we are confident that with the purchase of this equipment and the employment of new staff, CMAC Solid Surface will go from strength to strength.”
The Rural Development Programme for Northern Ireland will see a total of £7.54 million LEADER funding allocated in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area over the next four years.
The Rural Business Investment Scheme is one of four funding schemes and the first to open in the current programme.
The Rural Basic Services Scheme will be the next scheme to open in early 2017 and will support capital investments such as the creation of health or community hubs to deliver multiple services where there is a clear need for absent or difficult to access services.
A seminar to provide further information on the Basic Services Scheme, as well as to explore potential collaboration and the concept of community hubs, will take place on Thursday 27th October 2016 in Floyd’s Restaurant in Ballymagorry.
The event will also help shape priorities for the Village Renewal scheme.
For further details and to book a place at the workshop email [email protected] or telephone Hazel Best on 02871 253253 Ext. 6917.
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