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).

A new workspace development in Draperstown could create up to 35 jobs and help to stimulate economic growth in the local area. 

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”.

Teenager Patrick Cassidy from Maghera has been named Northern Ireland’s Shell Livewire Young Entrepreneur of the Year at a prestigious gala event at the Culloden Hotel in Belfast in October 2008.

Patrick, the youngest ever winner of the award, picked up a £5,000 cheque and will go forward to the All-Ireland final of the Shell Livewire Competition on October 30th, when he will face other entrepreneurs from across Ireland.

The Livewire programme, supported worldwide by Shell and which is partnered locally by Invest NI, celebrates the spirit of enterprise in young people aged 16-30.

Patrick’s interest in computers started at a very young age and he had built his first desktop unit at 11 years of age. This thirst for everything I.T. culminated in him starting C3 Computers in March of 2008.

Patrick took full advantage of the Business start up programme delivered by Workspace in Draperstown and gained valuable knowledge and skills through this initiative.

Patrick noted that “The Business start up programme give me that extra bit of confidence that I was making the right decision in starting my own business. Workspace has been very supportive of my business start up and i can only thank them for all the help that they have provided to C3 Computers”.

His firm - C3 Computers, which is based in Maghera - now employs five people and has customers throughout Ireland, UK, Europe and America.

If you are interested in starting up your own business or would like information on the Start a Business Programme, contact Enda Daly on 028 7962 8113 or email enda.daly@workspace.org.uk

Workspace has announced that they have new office and industrial units to let in Draperstown.   Located at a prominent area of the Tobermore Road in Draperstown, these newly built units are available to let from only £49 per week. 

There are 9 units to let in total. 5 high spec,  turn key office units, all c 800 sq ft each, with their own kitchen and WC.

The 4 available industrial units range in size from c400 - 1,500 sq ft and they also have their own office/kitchen and WC.

For further information about the units or to arrange a viewing contact Enda Daly at 7962 8113 or email enda.daly@workspace.org.uk

The new Back Row Sports Hall in Draperstown is funded by £730k from the Big Lottery Fund’s PE and Sport programme, £30K from the London Drapers’ Company and over £125K raised by the local community. It officially opens its doors on 9 April to local primary schools from both sides of the community, the local secondary schools as well as the wider community including sporting and other groups.

Workspace Chief Executive Brian Murray said: “Although this project has taken a while to come to fruition it has been worth the wait. We are delighted the Big Lottery Fund has got behind such an important community centred facility, and we also are delighted at the response of the London Draper’s Company and the generosity of the local community. It has been a combined effort and we look forward to all the local school kids making use of the facility as well as the local clubs and other sporting groups that do so much for the people of the area.

Breidge Gadd, Big Lottery Fund NI Chair, said: “I am delighted to be in Draperstown to launch the superb Back Row Sports Hall facility. I am sure that local pupils and the entire local community will enjoy the benefits of it.”

She continued: “The National Lottery grant shows how investing money in sports facilities available both to schools and local people can transform the quality of life in communities. The PE and Sport programme is already having a major impact on tackling disadvantage and bringing positive changes to people of all ages across Northern Ireland. The new facilities at the Back Row Sports Hall are the next step in bringing greater access to physical activity to many more people.”

Roisin McKenna, Principal of St Colm’s High School in Draperstown said:
“The Sports Hall is a fabulous addition to our existing facilities. We are absolutely delighted to have access to the Hall, and it means we can broaden the range of physical activities we offer the pupils at St.Colm’s with all the attendant benefits for their health. This large venue also gives us the opportunity to host inter school events”

Mr Stephen Foakes Master of the London Drapers’ company said:

“We have had a long standing and historic association with Draperstown and we are delighted to be in a position to help fund such a landmark facility. For many years we lost our direct links with Draperstown - that is no longer the case as we have a very healthy and rewarding relationship with the local community that has led to our direct involvement in initiatives such as this.”

Ann Crossett, Principal of Kilross Primary school said:

“This is a true cross community initiative. The children will really enjoy going over to the Back Row Sports Hall and really, it’s the sort of facility we would never have been able to build ourselves but to have the use of it is unbelievable - and we will make good use of it!”

This centre will be a catalyst in Draperstown, introducing a range of new opportunities to the town.  Workspace have appointed a Recreation Manager who is already putting in place a whole range of sporting and recreational activities for all of the local community to avail of.

The project is being assisted by the International Fund for Ireland which is contributing £250,000 to the scheme, the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment which is providing £300,000 and a £100,000 bank loan via UCIT.  The remaining funding is being raised by Workspace.

Project facilitators was set up in 1982 to promote employment and assist with the economic regeneration in the Draperstown area through the promotion and support of the small business sector and the provision of affordable workspace units for start-up and established businesses.  The organisation has assisted 1,000 new business start-ups in the Magherafelt District Council area since its inception.

Work has already started on the new building, which is expected to be complete by October 2008 and will bring the total number of workspace units in the Business Centre in Draperstown to 30 with the potential to employ over 200 people.

Speaking at the official launch, Anne Henderson said, “Creating conditions where businesses can flourish has been a key area of activity for the Fund.  The Board of Workspace has already shown that enterprise can be nurtured through the provisionof affordable workspace.  I am positive that this new expansion will act as a catalyst for continued investment in the area and will stimulate the growth of both new and established businesses.

 ”The International Fund for Ireland has enjoyed a long and successful relationship with Workspace since it was established in 1982 and we are delighted to be here again to give our wholehearted support to the group.”

Brian Murray, Chief Executive of Workspace, said:  “We are delighted to be progressing with this development which creates very modern and high tech space for the new types of businesses we now see being set up in this area.  The extension will improve the overall micro business sector in the District which is critically important to the local economy.  We acknowledge the support of our funders in making this project happen.”