The East Border Region Ltd recently announced the appointment of Helix Innovation Partnerships Ltd as the delivery agent for the innovative cross border Aspire Programme. Funded through the European Union’s INTERREG IVA Cross Border Programme the Aspire Programme offers micro businesses across the east border region a real boost to help them remain competitive and grow in the current challenging economic climate. Speaking on behalf of Newry and Mourne District Council Mayor Councillor John McArdle said, “The Aspire Programme will provide a welcome boost to the economy of the district and the greater East Border Region and will not only provide practical business support to companies employing fewer than ten people but in addition offers graduates the opportunity to gain experience and to improve their employment prospects longer term. I would urge local companies to find out how the Aspire Programme could boost their business.” The Aspire programme will work with 45 businesses providing them with a financial and mentoring support package too allow them to employ a graduate for a specific business improvement project. All 45 graduate positions will be advertised through the Aspire Programme in the coming months and will be full time positions with innovative forward thinking companies. Chairman of the East Border Region Cllr Gerald Mallon welcomed the Aspire Programme, “We in East Border Region are delighted to be the lead partner on such an innovative and worthwhile project. Given today’s challenging economic climate this level of investment and job creation is much needed and greatly welcomed across the region.” Expressing his delight at their appointment Peter Grant Managing Director of Helix Innovative Partnerships stressed the benefits of the programme to businesses, “The Aspire Programme offers businesses a unique opportunity to develop organically by focussing on their specific needs and supporting them to recruit and employ a graduate to drive their development forward.” Further information sessions will be held on Wednesday February 6 at the Signal Centre Bangor and Wednesday February 13 at the Fairways Hotel Dundalk. For further information on the programme or to register to attend one of the information sessions, contact Sharon Daly, Aspire Programme Co-ordinator Banbridge District Council on 028406 60600 or email sdaly@aspireprogramme.com
Newry Reporter
30th January 2013
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