Economic Development
Economic Development
Indicator: The number of jobs promoted though business start interventions.
From April 2023 to March 2024, 103 jobs were promoted across the borough, 66 through the Go for It programme, and 37 through Go Succeed (which includes Enterprise Pathways participants into employment), 21% over the annual standard of 85.
The Northern Ireland Go for It business start-up programme was succeeded by the newly established Go Succeed Entrepreneurial Support Service in November 2023.
Go Succeed offers a more tailored approach to entrepreneurial support compared to its predecessor, and is structured around the four key pillars of Engage, Foundation, Enabling Growth, and Accelerated Scaling. Each pillar is designed to meet the evolving needs of entrepreneurs. Go Succeed offers specialised business plans tailored to clients’ specific needs, including those anticipating staff recruitment or VAT registration.
Due to a significant bedding-in period from November 2023 to March 2024, a comprehensive performance assessment will only be available after the first evaluation period concludes at the end of March 2025. This timeframe is essential for a thorough analysis, given the 18-month target set for the programme.
We are currently receiving monthly performance data, which is still under verification and therefore not available for publication or cross-council comparison. To ensure the accuracy and reliability of this data, an external evaluator has been appointed.
Ongoing discussions with the Department for the Economy aim to establish more appropriate performance indicators for the new service, although no formal agreements have yet been finalised.
While early results are promising, a clear and complete understanding of the impact and performance of Go Succeed will only be available when the initial evaluation period concludes, and data is fully validated.
The number of jobs promoted through business start interventions – Mid and East Antrim Borough Council (summary trend and comparative analysis)
|
2023/24 Overview |
|||||
|
Standard 85 |
Result 103 |
NI Council Position Not available |
% Against Target 121% |
NI Average Not available |
Status/Trend Not available |
Jobs promoted through business start interventions – Mid and East Antrim Borough Council (annual results)
|
Annual standard |
85 |
|
2019/20 |
122 |
|
2020/21 |
94 |
|
2021/22 |
109 |
|
2022/23 |
124 |
|
2023/24 |
103 |