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City for business

Partner support for businesses

  • Partner support for businesses

    We work with partners, stakeholders and third party agents to deliver our support across the city and to assist with the delivery of key programmes and initiatives.

    Delivery agents actively run programmes and engage with programme participants. They deliver mentoring and give specialist advice and guidance based on participant requirements on our behalf.

  • Partners and stakeholders

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    Architectural Heritage Fund

    The Architectural Heritage Fund has been working since 1976 to promote the conservation and sustainable re-use of historic buildings for the benefit of communities across the UK particularly in economically disadvantaged areas. It exists to help communities find enterprising ways to revitalise old buildings.

    www.ahfund.org.uk
    Telephone: 020 7925 0199
    Email: Ahf@ahfund.org.uk


    Belfast Chamber

    Belfast Chamber prides themselves as being the voice of business in Belfast. They have been representing businesses in the city since 1912 and they have more than 600 members. They focus on lobbying for and supporting all businesses within Belfast.

    www.belfastchamber.com
    Telephone: 028 9033 1399
    Email: info@belfastchamber.com


    Belfast Improvement District – Belfast One

    Belfast One is the collective voice for businesses in the area, which includes a diverse range of retail, hospitality and services all concentrated within approximately one square mile in Belfast City Centre. This is a dynamic, innovative and vibrant part of our city and Belfast One is well positioned to take the City Centre to the next level.

    www.belfastone.co.uk
    Email: info@belfastone.co.uk
    Telephone: 028 9091 2740


    Belfast Improvement District – Cathedral Quarter

    Destination CQ is a local, democratically established organisation that focuses on delivering specific improvements needed by local businesses and organisations throughout the area. Cathedral Quarter is characterised by its arts and culture, restaurants, entertainment, creative businesses and a thriving professional services sector. Destination CQ’s vision is to further develop the unique Cathedral Quarter area as a great destination for tourism, culture, creativity, innovation and business.

    www.cathedralquarterbelfast.com
    Telephone: 028 9031 4011


    Belfast Improvement District – Linen Quarter

    The Linen Quarter BID is an independent not for profit company that focuses on delivering specific improvements in the area. The BID was democratically elected for a five-year term, starting in February 2018, and is governed by a Board of Directors drawn from local organisations across the area. After five years, a re-ballot must be held to enable the BID to continue.

    www.linenquarter.org
    Email: info@linenquarter.org
    Telephone: 028 9091 2997


    Belfast Met

    Belfast Met offers a wide-ranging selection of full and part time further and higher education courses, designed to meet your needs and aspirations whether you've just left school or are returning to education to upgrade your qualifications for a new career.

    www.belfastmet.ac.uk
    Telephone: 028 9026 5000
    BelfastAcademy@belfastmet.ac.uk


    Catalyst Inc 

    Catalyst Inc is Northern Ireland’s next generation science park. A not-for-profit organisation, it invests the surplus generated from its agile workspace and facilities, providing the underwriting necessary for the community-led development of the Catalyst Inc entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem through Connect and Capital Match.

    Telephone: 028 9073 7800
    Email: enquiries@catalyst-inc.org
    www.wearecatalyst.org


    Co-operative Alternatives

    Co-operative Alternative aims to develop and support a strong co-operative movement connected across the island of Ireland and doing business in a fair, just and ethical way. They offer high quality support and expert knowledge to existing and emerging co-operatives.

    www.coopalternatives.coop
    Telephone: 07858 317634


    Digital Catapult

    Digital Catapult is the UK authority on advanced digital technology. Through collaboration and innovation they accelerate industry adoption to drive growth and opportunity across the economy. Through specialist programmes and experimental facilities they make sure that innovation thrives and the right solutions make it to the real world.

    www.digicatapult.org.uk
    Email: info@digicatapultni.org.uk


    Disability Action

    Disability Action works to ensure that people with disabilities attain their full rights as citizens, by supporting inclusion, influencing government policy and changing attitudes in partnership with disabled people.

    www.disabilityaction.org
    Telephone: 028 9029 7880
    Email: hq@disabilityaction.org


    Federation of Small Businesses 

    The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) offers members a wide range of vital business services including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice in government.

    www.fsb.org.uk
    Telephone: 028 9032 6035


    Future Screens NI

    Future Screens NI deliver technical skills, opportunity and growth across film and broadcast, animation, grants and immersive technologies and industries in Northern Ireland. Future Screens NI comprises the 2 higher education institutions and a number of of key industrial partners central to the creative economy in the region including NI screen, BBC, Belfast City Council, Belfast Harbour, Causeway Enterprise Agency, Digital Catapult, Catalyst Inc, RTE, Games NI, Kainos, Invest NI, TechStart NI, Matrix and Tourism NI

    www.futurescreens.org


    Innovation Factory

    Innovation Factory stemmed from Belfast City Council’s ambition to develop and support social regeneration in Belfast, whilst providing a state-of-the-art facility for small business growth.

    www.innovationfactoryni.com
    Telephone: 028 9590 2500
    Email: info@innovationfactoryni.com


    InterTradeIreland

    InterTradeIreland is a cross-border trade and business development body, funded by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, in the Republic of Ireland (DBEI), and the Department for the Economy (DfE), in Northern Ireland. It provides support to businesses looking to trade both north and south of the border, through innovative initiatives, which aim to improve capability, drive competitiveness, growth and jobs.

    www.intertradeireland.com
    Telephone: 028 3083 4100 (048 from Republic of Ireland)
    Textphone: 028 3083 4169 (048 from Republic of Ireland)
    Email: info@intertradeireland.com


    Invest NI 

    As the regional business development agency, Invest NI's role is to grow the local economy by helping new and existing businesses to compete internationally, and by attracting new investment to Northern Ireland.
    www.investni.com
    Telephone: 0800 181 4422


    Labour Relations Agency

    The Labour Relations Agency is an independent and publicly funded body. They provide free, impartial and confidential services to employers, employer bodies, employees and workers in Northern Ireland, as well as trade unions, HR and legal professionals.  With offices in Belfast and Derry/Londonderry, services include the provision of advice on good employment practices and assistance with the development and implementation of employment policies and procedures.  The LRA is also active in resolving disputes through conciliation, mediation and arbitration services.

    Labour Relations Agency
    Telephone: 0330 0555 300


    Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce

    Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) is an award winning, quality assured, customer focused membership organisation with over 230 years commitment to the Northern Ireland economy. It is a well-known network for business with a membership of 1,200 businesses representing over 100,000 employees.

    www.northernirelandchamber.com
    Telephone: 028 9024 4113
    Email: mail@northernirelandchamber.com


    Northern Ireland Housing Executive

    The NIHE work to ensure that everyone has access to good affordable homes in safe and healthy communities. They are committed to making a difference through fairness, passion and expertise. NIHE have been supporting social enterprises and community investment since 1971 aiming to foster vibrant, stable and sustainable communities.

    www.nihe.gov.uk
    Telephone: 03448 920 900
    Email: information@nihe.gov.uk


    Podiem

    Podiem create insightful, informative and enjoyable events across virtual, hybrid and in person platforms.

    www.podiem.com
    Telephone: 028 9076 1030
    Email: info@podiem.com


    Prince's Trust

    Prince's Trust works with thousands of young people across Northern Ireland each year, providing them with the tools they need to succeed.

    www.princes-trust.org.uk
    Telephone: 0800 842 842
    Email: belfastcentre@princes-trust.org.uk


    Queen's University Belfast

    The business engagement team works to connect, enhance and strengthen partnerships between the university and the NI business sector.

    www.qub.ac.uk
    Telephone: 028 9024 5133


    Social Enterprise NI

    Social Enterprise NI (SENI) is the representative body for social enterprises and social entrepreneurs across Northern Ireland. SENI connects, supports, develops and sustains vibrant businesses to create social change.

    www.socialenterpriseni.org
    Telephone: 028 9046 1810
    Email: info@socialenterpriseni.org


    The Foundry

    The Foundry’s co-working space has hosted almost 50 unique start-up businesses who use the Foundry as a permanent base, a weekend office or a temporary home. The Foundry bridges the gap between pre-start programme participants and private office tenants.  

    www.eastbelfast.org/the-foundry/
    Telephone: 028 9094 2010
    Email: hello@thefoundrybelfast.com


    UnLtd

    UnLtd was formed in 2022 by seven organisations who believed that social entrepreneurs had a much bigger contribution to make to the economy and society. They find, fund and support social entrepreneurs helping them to start up and scale their enterprises.

    www.unltd.org.uk
    Telephone: 0800 9177113


    Ulster Bank Boost

    Ulster Bank Boost will take your business to the next level. Their Business Growth Enablers will help boost your insight and knowledge in specialist subjects, connect you with opportunities and partnerships, and develop your skills through training and mentoring one-to-one sessions.

    www.ulsterbank.co.uk/business/business-services/accelerator.html


    Ulster University

    Ulster University works with many small to medium-sized businesses, enabling them to move projects forward quickly by accessing expertise that may otherwise be unavailable.

    www.ulster.ac.uk/business/engagement


    Urban Villages

    The Urban Villages initiative is designed to improve good relations outcomes and develop thriving places where there has been a history of deprivation and community tension. It is a headline action within the NI Executive’s Together: Building a United Community Strategy. 

    www.executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk/publications/urban-villages-initiative-strategic-frameworks
    Telephone: 028 9090 9440
    Email: urban.villages@sibni.org


    Women in Business

    Women in Business is the largest and fastest growing business network for female entrepreneurs and business leaders in Northern Ireland.

    www.womeninbusinessni.com
    Telephone: 0845 607 6041
    Email: info@womeninbusinessni.com


    Young Enterprise NI

    Young Enterprise Northern Ireland is a charity developing the entrepreneurial skills and aspirations of young people aged four to 25 to prepare them for the new economy.

    www.yeni.co.uk
    Telephone: 028 9032 7003
    Email: info@yeni.co.uk

  • Delivery agents we work with

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    East Belfast Enterprise

    East Belfast Enterprise (EBE) is the Local Enterprise Agency for East Belfast and the starting point for anyone wishing to start a business or improve and grow their current business. The mission of EBE is to "lead enterprise and business development in the community".

    www.eastbelfast.org 
    Telephone: 028 9094 2010
    Email: info@eastbelfast.org

    Enterprise NI 

    Enterprise Northern Ireland represents the interests of Local Enterprise Agencies and lobbies on behalf of small business. They ensure the Northern Ireland Executive and Committee for the Economy are fully briefed on business growth by enabling them to see progress at first hand.

    www.enterpriseni.com
    Telephone: 028 7776 3555 
    Email: pa@enterpriseni.com

    Envision Management Consultants

    Envision Management Consultants, established in 1996, is the longest established independent consultancy practice in Northern Ireland.

    Focused on International Business Development, Marketing, Strategic Planning and Procurement support, we work with our clients to support their growth aspirations at all stages of growth  – from set up through to major corporates, across many sectors.

    Telephone: 028 90 452777
    Email: info@envision-ni.co.uk 

    Deirdre Fitzpatrick and Associates

    Deirdre Fitzpatrick and Associates is a management consulting and business training organisation, working in areas such as:

    • economic appraisals
    • marketing and finance
    • personal development
    • selling skills
    • strategy and business planning
    • business and strategic planning and facilitation with private and community or voluntary groups
    • business and executive coaching, and
    • non-executive directorships.

    Telephone: 028 9079 9224

    Full Circle Management Solutions

    Full Circle Management Solutions is a dynamic and results-focused practice. The agency has enjoyed significant growth - locally, nationally and internationally – and is recognised as one of the leading providers of business advisory services on the island of Ireland.

    www.fullcircle.eu.com
    Telephone: 028 9069 1027
    Email: info@fullcircle.eu.com

    North City Business Centre

    North City Business Centre encourages the development of SMEs in the surrounding community, creating employment and providing focus for the social and economic regeneration of North Belfast by offering bespoke business support and programmes, affordable commercial property, virtual office facilities, conference facilities and meeting space.
    Telephone: 028 9074 7470
    Email: mailbox@north-city.co.uk      

    Ormeau Business Park

    Ormeau Business Park offers a range of business services and training events stretching from accountancy and legal to PR and networking.

    www.ormeaubusinesspark.com
    Telephone: 028 9033 9906
    Email: info@ormeaubusinesspark.com

    Ortus

    The Ortus Group provides unique business support programmes and affordable, high-quality commercial property plus complementary services to a diverse range of businesses from start-ups to long-established enterprises across all business sectors.

    www.ortus.org
    Telephone: 028 9031 1002
    Email: hq@ortus.org

    Work West Enterprise Agency

    Work West is an award-winning organisation which supports new start and existing businesses, both private and social, to start up and grow their ventures. Work West has excellent workspace, office space and training and meeting space spread over two sites in the heart of west Belfast.

    www.workwest.co.uk
    Telephone: 028 9061 0826
    Email: info@workwest.co.uk

Contact us

For more information and advice, get in touch.

economicdevelopment@belfastcity.gov.uk

028 9027 0482

Economic Development, 4th floor, 9 Adelaide, 9-21 Adelaide Street, Belfast, BT2 8DJ

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