Issue 221 - BT22 • BT23
Empower Your Future
Ards and North Down Borough Council is calling on all businesses and entrepreneurs from across the Borough to engage with its free business support services through the launch of the ‘Empower Your Future with Our Support’ campaign.
Students from Bloomfield Primary School took part in Project ELLA in Donaghadee. Image: Ian Pedlow.
Project ELLA Environmental Initiative Brings Students to Donaghadee Students from Bloomfield Primary School visited Pink’s Green in Donaghadee where they took part in litter picking and rock pool exercises as part of Ards and North Down Borough Council’s environmental awareness initiative, Project ELLA. Launched almost two years ago, Project ELLA focuses on the four keys of Environment, Learning, Lifestyle and Action. It is primarily a schools based programme that gives students the opportunity to learn about the importance of environmental protection
as well as the role that residents have in improving and enhancing the Borough through positive environmental action and behaviour. After successfully completing a beach clean where they collected bags of litter and debris from the
area, Bloomfield Primary School’s Year 5 students gained an insight into marine biodiversity through rook pooling. They found crabs, starfish and more, and learned about how threats such as climate change, litter and pollution can affect the environment.
For more information about Project Ella, visit www.ardsandnorthdown. gov.uk/project-ella or email projectella@ ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk.
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This campaign is designed to raise awareness of the comprehensive support available to help companies and individuals thrive in today’s competitive market. Over the past year, the Council’s Economic Development Service has delivered a range of innovative programmes, each designed to address various business and individual needs and challenges. These programmes have provided critical support to more than 1,420 local businesses, which, as a result, have seen significant growth in their operational capabilities and market competitiveness. A range of comprehensive programmes include Go Succeed; 1:1 Free Advice; Free Research Services; Digital Transformation Flexible Fund (DTFF) and Mind Body Business.
In 2024/25, programmes were also delivered in Agri-Food, supporting the Food and Drink sector, and Female Leadership, helping entrepreneurs enhance their business skills and gain a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) qualification. Additionally, the Green Adaptation Programme enabled businesses to measure and reduce their carbon footprint and identify savings through a tailored carbon reduction plan. The Labour Market Partnership (LMP) has provided funding for an Employee Upskilling programme and delivered ten academies, which have supported over 200 people to achieve qualifications and sustainable employment. Unlock your potential today! Visit www.andbusiness. co.uk for more information.