Ards and North Down Local Economic Partnership Secures £4.152 Million to Drive Sustainable Economic Growth

Released: Friday 15 May 2026

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum with L-R Alderman McDowell - Chair of Ards and North Down Local Economic Partnership and Derek Wright – Vice Chair of Ards and North Down Local Economic Partnership.

Ards and North Down Local Economic Partnership (LEP) has secured £4.152 million in funding from the Department for the Economy to deliver a three‑year action plan aimed at driving sustainable economic growth across the Borough.

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Following the inaugural LEP meeting in August 2025, Ards and North Down Borough Council and its partners worked collaboratively to develop an ambitious action plan to provide strategic leadership, set local economic priorities and unlock investment to support innovation, productivity, infrastructure development and job creation.

The Partnership brings together representatives from Ards and North Down Borough Council, Ards and North Down Business Forum, Southern Regional College (SERC), local enterprise agencies, the third sector, academia and the business community, with support from Invest Northern Ireland. Confirmation has now been received that the Department for the Economy has awarded £4.152 million to support delivery of the action plan submitted in January 2026.

This funding will enable the LEP to address issues identified as critical to improving growth, productivity and business scalability within the Borough. Priority actions include the development of high‑quality business accommodation and enhanced business support for tradeable companies seeking to export goods and services beyond the Borough and progress towards becoming Invest Northern Ireland clients.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, said,
"This significant investment is a strong endorsement of the ambition and potential of Ards and North Down. It reflects the strength of collaboration between Council, our partners and the local business community, and the shared commitment to building a resilient and forward-looking local economy."

Chairperson of the Ards and North Down Local Economic Partnership, Alderman McDowell, said,
"We are delighted to have been awarded £4.152 million to support the implementation of the LEP action plan over the next three years. We thank the Department for the Economy for this investment, which will allow us to create the conditions for sustainable economic growth and support businesses to remain and expand within Ards and North Down.

Our ambition is to create more high‑quality jobs, help existing businesses to grow, and attract new investment to the area. With Derek Wright as Vice‑Chair, we have a strong leadership team in place and are ready to maximise the impact of this funding, sending a clear message that Ards and North Down is committed to long‑term economic growth."

A Department for the Economy spokesperson commented on the funding award and action plan,
"Local Economic Partnerships are a key part of our place‑based economic development, supporting productivity, good jobs, and sustainable growth in line with wider regional priorities. Through the Regional Balance Fund, the Department is pleased to support Ards and North Down Borough Council to deliver locally‑driven projects that benefit businesses and communities."

Ards and North Down Borough Council remains committed to championing sustainable economic development through strong partnerships, strategic collaboration and long‑term investment—ensuring the Borough continues to be a thriving environment for business, innovation and opportunity."

Photo caption:

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum with L-R Alderman McDowell - Chair of Ards and North Down Local Economic Partnership and Derek Wright - Vice Chair of Ards and North Down Local Economic Partnership.