Employability & Enterprise An important aspect of the Partnership’s regeneration work is to improve and strengthen the rates of economic activity that can occur within the north of the city. Through the development of social, economic and physical regeneration programmes the Partnership aims to: “Strengthen the local economy by creating linkages that will engage the public, private and community sectors in initiatives that stimulate business growth and related employment opportunities.” This aim is to address the fact that North Belfast has suffered considerable socio-economic deprivation as a consequence of 30years of troubles that have had a disproportionate impact on many local communities. Consequently, the business sector has lacked confidence to invest in the area, particularly in inner north, resulting in few large employers and related job opportunities locating in North Belfast. The Partnership, therefore, seeks to build confidence amongst the business community to invest in the area and to promote employability interventions that assist people to access jobs and thus reduce economic deprivation locally. Considerable progress has been made by the Partnership on employability interventions with the establishment of the Local Employment Access Partnership (LEAP) and the EQUAL Programme - Employment Access Project. Both these employability initiatives are partnerships that incorporate a range of stakeholders in differing approaches designed to enhance opportunities for local people to access jobs. The Partnership continues to work on initiatives to improve entrepreneurship, industry links and improvements to the physical infrastructure to build business confidence and attract investment into North Belfast. Working in collaboration with the public and private sectors, North Belfast Partnership is providing a conduit that brings a range of economic interests together with a particular focus on the needs of the business community. Detailed information on all aspects of the Partnership’s economic development work is contained on the webpages along with contact details for the appropriate members of staff. Quick Links |
