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Conor Murphy MP MLA addresses local Social Enterprises and supporters of the social enterprise sector who gathered to celebrate the success of the Social Enterprise Newry and Mourne Programme.
Minister for Regional Development Conor Murphy praised the role social enterprises play in the economic and social life of Newry & Mourne, while addressing local Social Enterprises and supporters of the social enterprise sector who gathered to celebrate the success of the Social Enterprise Newry and Mourne Programme; at WIN Conference Centre.
Mr Murphy highlighted
The Newry & Mourne Co-operative & Enterprise Agency led initiative; (funded by the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation Measure 3.1) has succeeded in strengthening the business performance and social objectives of the 23 social enterprises, which completed the Programme over the past 18 months.
Speaking at the Event the Mayor of Newry & Mourne Coleman Burns, said
“the social economy sector is indeed diverse and vibrant throughout Newry and Mourne and this programme has made it stronger and more competitive.”
During the life of the programme the turnover for the 23 enterprises increased by a quarter of a million pound, 21 new jobs were created and volunteers increased by 31%. The research element of the programme demonstrated that the Social Enterprises who took part in the programme annually make a significant contribution to the local economy, generating £6.2 million in turnover, which is recycled back into the community. They provide 278 jobs and some 689 volunteering opportunities. The initiative offered social enterprises in Newry & Mourne free access to a wide-ranging and flexible menu of support to enable them to become more sustainable and competitive. The guest speaker Shane McBreen of Media Ireland, social entrepreneur and founder of Iur FM and Newry.TV, gave a moving insight into community led social enterprise and the satisfaction which their voluntary producers, presenters and broadcasters get from participating in community media.
Chairman of Newry & Mourne LSP Damian Mulholland stated that
“The LSP is pleased that the grant allocated to this project has resulted in tangible and measurable outputs that contribute towards the Peace II Programme objectives.” We are delighted to see social enterprises providing vital services to the community, so that individuals and communities can work towards regenerating their areas. “
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