Antrim Enterprise Annual Report 2025–2026: A Year of Measured Impact

The past year marked a period of focused delivery, strong partnerships and measurable progress for Antrim Enterprise. Throughout 2025–2026, our work continued to centre on supporting people into enterprise and employment, strengthening town‑centre enterprise infrastructure, embedding wellbeing into business support, and delivering sustainable impact for our local economy.

This Annual Report reflects how we supported people, place and enterprise through practical action and collaboration.

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Supporting People into Enterprise and Employment

Helping individuals move from ideas to sustainable livelihoods remained at the heart of our work.

During the year we delivered:

• 167 business diagnostics
• Over 1,000 hours of one‑to‑one mentoring
• Targeted support for people at pre‑start, start‑up and growth stages
• Enterprise education and outreach across schools and communities

Our approach focuses on confidence‑building, clarity and capability, ensuring people receive the right support at the right time, regardless of where they begin their journey.

From Ideas to Action: Practical Business Support

Enterprise support is most effective when it is accessible, relevant and grounded in real‑world experience. Through programmes including Start Me Up, Build My Start Up and Go Succeed, we provided:

• Small‑group clinics and workshops
• Practical, jargon‑free advice
• Personalised mentoring
• Clear pathways from ideas to informed action

By meeting people where they are, we help reduce barriers, build confidence and support informed decision‑making.

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Enterprise Space, Place and Regeneration

Our enterprise spaces continued to play a vital role in supporting business growth and town‑centre vitality.

• 97% occupancy across the enterprise centre
• 100% occupancy at Space Antrim
• 220+ people supported across offices, coworking, meeting and virtual services

These spaces provide more than accommodation. They create environments for collaboration, connection and regeneration — supporting businesses while contributing to the economic life of Antrim town centre.

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Wellbeing as Part of Enterprise Support

In 2025–2026, we deepened our commitment to placing wellbeing at the centre of enterprise support.

The launch of the Entrepreneur Wellness Collective (EWC) marked a significant milestone in this journey. Now with over 500 members, EWC supports founders and business owners through:

• Curated networking and connection
• Dedicated wellness‑focused events
• Resources that support resilience, balance and sustainability

We believe that thriving enterprises are built by supported people, and wellbeing is essential to long‑term business success.

 

 

Established Business Events and Connections

Strong businesses rely on timely insight, trusted networks and access to relevant expertise.

During the year, we delivered:

• 7 business and networking events
• 319 total attendees supported

Together, these events strengthened local business confidence, encouraged collaboration and helped businesses plan ahead in a changing environment.

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Inclusion, Fairness and Investing in People

Inclusive growth remains a core principle of our work. Throughout the year, we continued outreach with under‑represented groups, working in partnership with trusted organisations to reduce barriers to enterprise.

Internally, we:

• Became an accredited Real Living Wage Employer
• Continued investment in staff wellbeing, development and fair working practices

Supporting those who deliver our services is fundamental to delivering quality impact in the wider community.

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Sustainability and Climate Responsibility

Our sustainability focus is practical and measurable, prioritising waste reduction at source.

Key actions included:

• Continued reduction in paper usage year‑on‑year through responsible shredding
• Lower energy, water and oil consumption
• Increased digital‑first ways of working

Needing to shred less paper is a positive outcome — demonstrating progress in reducing waste and embedding climate‑friendly practices across our organisation.

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Strong Foundations and the Year Ahead

Antrim Enterprise closed the year in a financially stable position, delivering a surplus and maintaining healthy liquidity. This stability allows us to reinvest locally, innovate responsibly and continue delivering high‑quality enterprise support.

As we look ahead, collaboration, sustainability and people‑centred enterprise remain central to our work. Our focus will continue to be on helping individuals, businesses and communities not only adapt — but thrive.

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For more information about our programmes, spaces or events, sign up to our ezine Antrim Enterprise or follow us on LinkedIn for regular updates.