"With its geographical attributes and the implementation of strategic economic planning, the Banbridge District is ideally poised to meet the needs of its growing small business sector and to enable local companies improve business competitiveness."
Ciaran Cunningham, Manager, Banbridge Enterprise Centre

"Tourist accommodation providers in the Banbridge District welcome the excellent help and support that is being provided by the current Intergrated Local Strategy as it has facilitated expansion in the tourism sector."
John O’Neill, Proprietor, Golfkeel Self-Catering Cottages

Overview :: The Banbridge District is characterised as a small business sector with a workforce of over 22,000. Over 1,700 businesses are based in the area and 93% of these registered businesses have fewer than 10 employees. Agriculture dominates the small business economy in the area followed by construction and retail. The highest levels of employment are found within the service sector. The area has the lowest level of unemployment in Northern Ireland. Two major development projects, Bridgewater Park and Gilford Mill, will bring large-scale investment and employment opportunities to the area. Banbridge has many natural and built assets but like most areas in Northern Ireland, the tourism sector faces many challenges in attracting new visitors. It is the 4th worst District in Northern Ireland in terms of tourism performance. The Tourist Information Centre in Banbridge receives around 15,000 enquiries every year and the District has a tourism spend of £2.2m, the 3rd lowest in Northern Ireland.

1. Promote a vibrant enterprise and entrepreneurship culture in the Banbridge area.
2. Improve business competitiveness among companies located in the Banbridge area.
3. Promote an outward looking business culture in Banbridge and embrace the concept of e-business.
4. Promote and market existing tourism products from the Banbridge area.
5. Improve and promote the tourism product in the Banbridge area through the development of new products, events and activities.
6. Increase the awareness and involvement among people and visitors of Banbridge’s tourism potential and products.

1. Facilitate inward investment visits and information sessions.
2. Promote and support the development of existing local businesses via the delivery of many business development programmes.
3. Fund the extension of Banbridge Enterprise Centre.
4. Focus on town centre development and urban regeneration projects.
5. Oversee the completion of the Gilford Mill Pond and Tourist Information and Arts Centre.

1. Assist in the development of the new industrial business park in Banbridge.
2. Provide funding for two key regeneration projects within the District.