Mid and East Antrim businesses secure over £384K through Amplify network

Businesses across Mid and East Antrim have secured more than £384,600 in additional funding through the council’s Amplify Business Stakeholder Network. The investment follows 24 successful referrals, with 678 business referrals recorded since 2018.

Local Businesses Benefit From £384,600 Investment Boost

Mid and East Antrim business investment has received a significant boost, with local companies securing more than £384,600 in additional funding through the Amplify Business Stakeholder Network.

According to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, 24 successful stakeholder referrals recently helped businesses access additional financial support.

The investment demonstrates how partnerships between local businesses, educational institutions and support organisations can create opportunities for economic growth.

The funding is expected to help strengthen businesses operating throughout Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne and the wider borough.

What Is the Amplify Business Stakeholder Network?

The Business Stakeholder Network operates as part of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Amplify economic development strategy.

The strategy aims to strengthen the local economy by bringing together businesses, educational organisations, public sector bodies and enterprise support providers.

Since 2018, Amplify programmes have generated 678 referrals connecting local companies with organisations offering specialist assistance.

Businesses can benefit from support including:

• Access to grants and business funding
• Business mentoring and expert guidance
• Training and workforce development
• Innovation and product development
• Marketing and business growth support
• Networking and partnership opportunities

Businesses looking to expand can also explore the council’s Grow Your Business in Mid and East Antrim services.

Mayor Highlights Importance of Business Partnerships

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, praised the relationships developed through the programme over the past eight years.

“At the heart of Amplify’s success is the strength of the relationships the Council has built over the past eight years.”

He said the network reflects a shared commitment to supporting local businesses and creating opportunities throughout the borough.

“By working collaboratively, we have created a connected ecosystem that helps businesses access the support, expertise and networks they need to succeed.”

The council believes this collaborative approach will continue to support employment, enterprise and investment across Mid and East Antrim.

Causeway Aromatics Demonstrates Benefits of Business Support

One local company highlighting the benefits of Amplify is Causeway Aromatics, founded by Gina Thomson.

Thomson said support received through the council had played an important role in developing her business.

The assistance included mentoring, business development guidance and access to professional contacts.

As a result, the company strengthened its marketing strategy, enhanced its wholesale offering and accelerated product development.

Causeway Aromatics also welcomed two new independent retail stockists, while developing improved marketing materials and customer resources.

Thomson said:

“The support I have received through Mid & East Antrim Borough Council has been instrumental in the growth of Causeway Aromatics.”

Connections With Invest NI and Northern Regional College

A particularly valuable element of the support was access to other organisations through the council’s business network.

This included connections with Invest Northern Ireland and its Ambition to Grow support for women-led businesses.

The company also benefited from access to Northern Regional College’s InnovateUs programme.

InnovateUs helps eligible small businesses develop innovation skills and explore new opportunities for growth.

Thomson said:

“As a business owner, having access to this joined-up ecosystem of support has given me the confidence, knowledge and connections to continue growing Causeway Aromatics and exploring new opportunities.”

She said the support demonstrated the importance of a connected business community committed to helping local firms succeed.

More Support Available for Mid and East Antrim Businesses

The Amplify network remains a key part of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s wider economic development ambitions.

Local firms can explore a range of programmes designed to support business development, improve skills and encourage investment.

Useful resources include:

• Mid and East Antrim Business Support
• Grow Your Business in Mid and East Antrim
• Invest Northern Ireland – Business Support
• Northern Regional College – Innovation Support
• Northern Regional College – Funding Support

These services offer opportunities for businesses seeking guidance on funding, innovation, training and future expansion.

How to Contact Amplify Mid and East Antrim

Businesses interested in joining the Business Stakeholder Network or finding out more about available support can contact the council directly.

Email: amplify@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Website: Mid and East Antrim Borough Council – Amplify

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Are you a business owner in Mid and East Antrim? Contact the Amplify team to discover what support may be available to help your business grow.