Workspace was established in 1982 to stimulate social and economic regeneration in the Magherafelt area by providing enterprise units, business support services and employability initiatives. 25 years on The Workspace Group is now one of Northern Ireland’s leading social enterprises with an annual turnover of over £6m and employs over 100 staff.

Through it’s 25 years of operation Workspace has continued to support economic growth in the area through Business Start Up and the provision of business units.

As part of Workspace’s 25-year celebrations the Board of Workspace were delighted to welcome Alastair Hamilton of Invest Northern Ireland to view their most recent 8,500 sq foot enterprise development. The development consists of 9 units which are all fully occupied and form part of some 30 + businesses onsite at Draperstown. During his visit Mr Hamilton had an opportunity to meet two of Workspaces tenants Paddy Glasgow of Glasgowbury Music and Cormac Diamond of Fourds and view the services/products they provide onsite.

The Workspace Group provides a wide range of commercial ‘business’ activities’ including Home Insulation, Energy Efficient Lighting, Employability Programmes, Business Start up, Business Units and a Recruitment Agency the surpluses of which are used to partly or wholly fund non-commercial social activities such as the Recreation Centre, After School Club and Workspace Community Fund.

The pitch is floodlit and suitable for all sporting activities. 

The pitch is available for hire by clubs, organisations or groups. 

The cost of hire of the 3^rd Generation Synthetic Pitch is as follows: 

1/3 of the Pitch  = £30 per hour  - suitable for 5-A-Side            

2/3 of the Pitch  = £40 per hour - suitable for 9-A-Side             

Full Pitch  = £55 per hour

 If you wish to secure your slot on the new Outdoor Pitch please contact Workspace reception on: 028 79628113

Following the success of the first round of awards of its Community Fund, Draperstown-based Workspace has awarded a further 14 grants totaling £6,250 to local voluntary and community groups.

The Workspace Community Fund offers local voluntary and community groups the opportunity to avail of grants of up to £250. Workspace Chief Executive, Brian Murray explains “The Workspace business model sees us run commercial businesses which generate surpluses, part of which are used to fund local projects such as the Backrow Recreation Centre and the Afterschool Club. When developing our strategy two years ago we identified many more local issues and projects that needed doing but that Workspace could not deliver on its own. As a result of this the Board of Workspace decided to allocate a percentage of our annual profits directly to the local community to enable projects that otherwise just wouldn’t happen.”

The Fund invites local voluntary and community groups to apply for grants through the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland. The initial round of applications saw fourteen local groups being awarded grants at a presentation evening in November 2009. A second call for applications was made and a further 14 local voluntary and community groups have been successful, ranging from Ballinascreen Camogie Club seeking assistance to purchase keep fit equipment to Draperstown Early Years seeking support for their fine motor skills project for children with special needs were.

Speaking at the presentation Graham Mawhinney, Workspace Director said “We are delighted with the level of interest in the fund and are pleased to be in a position to help support the local community in a practical way. Workspace has its roots in these areas and we hope that the fund will continue to support the voluntary groups which are at the heart of our community.”

A third call for applications is now open and will close on 16^th June 2010. Community groups and organisations in the Ballinascreen, Kilcronaghan, Tobermore and Desertmartin areas are encouraged to apply. Details of the fund and applications can be found on the Workspace website at www.workspace.org.uk or can be obtained from the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland.

Workspace is delighted to announce the opening of the new Backrow Spining Room in association with the Backrow Recreation Centre Draperstown. 

The Backrow Recreation Centre was officially opened in April 2008 and provided a much-needed facility for the local schools and community within the Draperstown area. 

The first two years of the centre have been extremely successful and 2010 will see the centre expand with the addition of a new fully dedicated spin bike facility located on the Tobermore Road.

Indoor cycling combines specialised bikes with aerobic exercise and is fast becoming one of the most popular forms of exercise. With high quality speed/spin bikes (purchased with the assistance of SWARD) our experienced trainers at the Backrow Spining Room will help you get in shape for the summer months by putting you through an intensive, fun filled, high-energy workout based to music that will burn calories and get you to your desired fitness level.

Classes will take place at various times during the week ranging from early mornings to evenings and weekends. Classes are suitable for participants of all levels from beginners through to spinning professionals. The room will also be available for group bookings.

 For further information on class times or to book your place in the Backrow Spining Room contact Workspace Reception on 02879628113 or email georgina.grieve@workspace.org.uk.

Workspace has awarded grants to fourteen local voluntary and community groups.

The Workspace Community Fund was launched in September 2009 and local voluntary and community groups were called to apply for grants of up to £250 to fund projects which would improve the local area, promote community involvement, enhance the quality of life and well being of local residents or address local needs.

Following the call for applications in September Workspace Chief Executive, Brian Murray explained “The Workspace business model sees us run commercial businesses which generate surpluses, part of which are used to fund local projects. Up to now these projects have included The Rural College, the Backrow Recreation Centre, the Corn Store Youth Club and the After School Club. We have now taken the decision to return a percentage of our profits directly to the local community to enable projects that otherwise just wouldn’t happen. This reflects what Workspace is about since it was founded – helping the local community in a practical way.”

The Fund was created following consultation with local community groups on the best way to support their projects. Groups were invited to apply for the fund through the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland. The initial call for application closed in October and following this a decision was made to support fourteen of the local voluntary and community groups which applied, ranging from providing assistance towards the Senior Citizens Christmas Party organized by Tobermore Community Projects to helping to provide keep fit and yoga classes for Slieve Gallion Women’s Group.

In total fourteen grants were awarded at a presentation held at the Rural College, on Monday 23^rd November.

Speaking at the Awards Presentation Brian Murray said “We are pleased to be in a position to help support the local community in a practical way. Workspace has its roots in these areas and we hope that the fund will continue to support the voluntary groups which are at the heart of our community.”  Irene Smyth, speaking at the presentation on behalf of Tobermore Community Forum, explained how the funds would help to train local volunteers in a food hygiene course, which is now essential for the group to have to allow them to cater for local community events. Geraldine Lagan speaking on behalf of the Ballinascreen Community Group also explained how the award would help them to continue to provide courses for local senior citizens.

Graham Mawhinney, Workspace Director added “When developing our strategy last year we identified many local, social issues and projects that needed doing but that Workspace could not deliver on its own. Hence the Board of Workspace decided to allocate a percentage of our annual profits to a small localised community grant provision – the Workspace Community Fund.”

Opening the call for a second round of applications Graham added “We are delighted that we have had such a good response to the fund already and tonight we will make some fourteen awards totalling over £5,000 to various local projects in Draperstown, Desertmartin and Kilcronaghan. However we have money left in the pot and we want to add more to the pot in mid 2010 – so spread the word we want to find and fund essential, innovative projects which have real impact on the everyday lives of people in the three parishes that otherwise would not progress.”

The application process is now open again and any community groups and organisations in the Ballinascreen. Kilcronaghan, and Desertmartin areas are encouraged to apply. Details of the fund and applications can be found on the Workspace website at http://www.workspace.org.uk/ or can be obtained from the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland.

Network Personnel has officially opened its modern spacious new premises at Union House, Union Place, Cookstown, which will ultimately assist the company in providing a better overall service to the people of Cookstown.

The company is a recognised training and employment organisation offering help and support to those from Cookstown wishing to find employment. Employment Programmes offered include; Job Broking, Steps to Work, Work Preparation Programme and Progress to Work along with a range of accredited courses.

Mr Tony Quinn, Chair of Cookstown District Council welcomed the opening of Network Personnel’s new premises, “I am delighted to officially open these new premises, it is particularly welcoming to see the opening of such premises during these difficult economic times.  I would encourage local businesses to avail of the various employment programmes available to them through Network Personnel which can be of real benefit.”

CFC  Interiors HR Manager, Mairead Loughlin who spoke at the opening has worked closely with Network Personnel and has employed staff as a result of Network Personnel’s  Steps to Work Programme  “As HR manager for CFC I have been delighted with the brilliant service and support from Network Personnel and with that extra help of a subsidy to pay the new staff members wages for the first 6 months, it just makes recruitment that bit easier in the current economic conditions.”

Network Personnel Manager, Margaret Heron says “We are delighted to open these new premises assisting us in providing a better service, it is particularly good given the current economic environment and is extremely positive for both employers and the unemployed in the Cookstown area.”

Network Personnel is part of the Workspace Group a social enterprise based in Draperstown which is also involved in enterprise development; business start up units; cavity wall and loft insulation; energy efficient lighting; recruitment consultancy as well as a number of social and recreational projects with offices in Draperstown, Magherafelt, Letterkenny, Glasgow and Dundee. The company overall employs 110 staff and has increased its staffing by 30 within the last six months.

Pupils from St Colm’s High School, Draperstown at the launch of the Workspace Community Fund with Robin Gawne, Workspace Company Accountant and Barbara Woods, Community Projects Officer (CFNI).

That was the message from Enterprise Minister, Arlene Foster, when she officially opened the 8,500 square foot development, today. 

The Minister said: “The creation of these nine new workspace units provides the potential for 35 new jobs and allows Workspace Draperstown to continue its support for local enterprise in the area.

“Such workspace developments are an example of the important contribution that European funding makes to the economic regeneration of communities across Northern Ireland.”

Arlene Foster stressed the need for the continued growth and success of local businesses, particularly during the current economic downturn.

She said: “Encouraging the growth and development of local businesses is a key element in maintaining a sustainable economic future for Northern Ireland. While there is no quick fix to the global economic recession, the measures currently being put in place will take time to have an effect. 

“However it is my firm belief that workspace developments such as this in Draperstown, provide the facilities that local entrepreneurs need to start or grow their enterprises. It is vital that businesses receive support now so they can position themselves effectively to take advantage of the upturn when it comes.”

The workspace units have been developed by Workspace (Draperstown) Ltd at a total cost of £752,989.  The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) provided support to the project with EU Peace and Reconciliation (Peace II) assistance of £300,000.  Significant funding of £250,000 was also secured from the International Fund for Ireland (IFI).

Speaking at the official opening, Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland, Denis Rooney CBE, said: “I am delighted to be here to celebrate the completion of this project which I have no doubt will have a very positive impact on the village of Draperstown and its further economic development.

“These new units are vitally important for both business start-ups and established small businesses that need affordable, high-quality workspaces. I am pleased that five of the nine new units are already occupied, and this is testimony to the need for this type of high quality workspace and to the industry of the local community’s small-business sector.

“My congratulations go to all those who have turned the vision for this project into a reality.”

Speaking at the ceremony, Workspace Chief Executive, Brian Murray said: “I am delighted to see these new units operational and to see five already occupied, with some 25 people employed in these businesses already.  This is particularly good news given the current economic environment and is extremely positive for the Magherafelt area.

“These businesses are also exporting products and providing work in export markets, which is of great benefit. I would like to thank our funders for supporting this project and look forward to working with them on more initiatives in the future.”

Commenting on the official launch of the workspace development Howard Keery, Director of the Joint Technical Secretariat with the Special EU Programmes Body said:

“This project epitomises the core objectives of the PEACE II Progamme and has helped stimulate economic renewal thereby reducing social deprivation in areas affected by the legacy of conflict. In supporting local business start-ups, such as those operating from the workshop development, we are creating a solid base of local employment that will provide greater social stability, peace and prosperity.”

Workspace Group staff have clubbed together to provide an automated external defibrillator for the use of the local community.

Their fundraising effort of £1200 means the defibrillator has been purchased and fitted to the rear wall of the Backrow Recreation Centre in the town where it can be accessed 24/7 by fully-trained members of the community. A list of all trained personnel is posted on the box as well as in Toners shop, Maxol garage.

Patricia Murray of the Backrow Centre said: “Having the defibrillator there in a central location will enable trained personnel within our community to apply it to members of the public who have had a cardiac arrest. The appliance will literally ‘restart’ the heart prior to the patient obtaining medical assistance”.

Mrs Roisin McKenna, Principal of St Colm’s High School in Draperstown said: “The defibrillator is an invaluable piece of equipment in our school community which is easily accessed. This life saving device is there for the benefit of all, young and old”.

An Automated External Defibrillator is a portable electronic device which applies an electric shock to the patient’s heart so that it can re-establish an effective rhythm.

The St. Vincent de Paul branch in Draperstown has had its coffers increased with a very welcome £1,000 donation from the Workspace Group.

Explaining the donation Workspace Chief Executive Brian Murray commented “traditionally we have given key customers Christmas gifts, this year we decided to use that money for charitable purposes. In addition staff from our offices in Draperstown, Magherafelt, Letterkenny and Glasgow kindly contributed to bring the overall donation to £1,000″.

Patsy Cassidy, member of St. Vincent de Paul said “I am happy to receive this cheque on behalf of Ballinascreen St. Vincent de Paul. This generous donation will enable us to provide as well as sustain the level of support to the needy within our community”.