Carrickfergus Enterprise, a well established local Social Enterprise has welcomed the recent planning approval from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, for new office space at their existing site, located at Meadowbank Road in the Trooperslane Industrial Estate.

Established in 1981, the registered Charity was set up to address massive job losses, when around 6000 jobs were lost with the closure of a number of key employers including ICI and Courtaulds.  Carrickfergus Enterprise has been located at their current site since 1994 and over the last thirty one years have developed over four phases of workspace.  The total space now includes thirty nine units, nineteen high tech offices and sixteen secure storage units.  Since then, their mission has remained unchanged, to create opportunities, provide affordable space, and support local people to start and grow their own businesses.

The organisations Board of Directors recognise the importance of continuing to provide space within a supportive and nurturing business environment with Rental and Space one of the Charities strategic themes.  The Social Enterprise has been looking at enhancing their space over the last fifteen years both at sites adjacent to their current site as well as Carrickfergus town centre.  Building costs have quadrupled in that time and feasibility studies carried out on sites at West Street and High Street were deemed not to be financially viable. As a responsible charity, they have to make decisions that balance community benefit with sustainability. Simply put, they cannot deliver uneconomical projects that risk their ability to support businesses long-term.

The development of twelve office pods on the site provides a viable solution to meet continued demand for start up and grow on space. The existing site continues to be 100% occupied with many tenants locating at the site due to flexible and affordable rentals, close proximity to rail and road links, but most importantly, access to timely business support, mentoring and skills development offered by Carrickfergus Enterprise.

The new pods at their fully occupied Meadowbank Road site offer a practical and impactful solution to meet increasing demand for flexible workspace. Market research showed strong local appetite for such space, with over 30 expressions of interest received. The pods will provide bright, modern offices ideal for creatives, freelancers, and small businesses.  They are small in size, suitable for one or two staff to operate from.  All within a supportive environment that includes mentoring, training, and business advice.  Feedback from local business owners included

Rachel Doherty of Inspired Business Consultancy indicated ‘As a business consultant involved in the entrepreneurial and business support ecosystem, I’m heavily involved with start-up, growing, and scaling businesses, and very aware that there is a lack of suitable and affordable commercial properties outside of the Greater Belfast Area with full management support and wrap-around supports, which are crucial to business success’

Ruth Young of Ruthless Media  said ‘An excellent idea! I can’t wait to see this in action!

Perfetto Balloons stated ‘It seems a great opportunity for a startup in a business nurturing environment, with potential growth and future relocation opportunities to bigger premises’.

Carrickfergus Enterprise remain committed to exploring future opportunities within Carrickfergus town centre and across Mid and East Antrim. They are passionate about supporting entrepreneurs, just as they have for over three decades, and they are proud of the role they continue to play in strengthening the local economy.

Kelli McRoberts, CEO of Carrickfergus Enterprise said ‘We have been providing start up and grow on space for entrepreneurs for over 30 years and are frustrated that we have been unable to find suitable town centre develop projects.  However we believe the introduction of space such as the pods at our current site provides that nurturing environment that small business need to get established and grow.  We continue to work with local stakeholders to identify suitable projects, however just as we encourage our small business owners to do so, we ourselves need to ensure any project is financially viable with potential revenue higher than any potential outlay’

If anyone wants to view the plans or express interest in the project, please contact Kelli McRoberts at kelli@ceal.co.uk