Explore the findings from the NI Enterprise Barometer 2025 Survey.
Explore the findings from the NI Enterprise Barometer 2025 Survey.
A key priority for the year ahead is the continued development of Enterprise North West’s capital portfolio through the lens of Community Wealth Building, ensuring that investment delivers long-term benefits for local people, businesses, and communities. Alongside this, the organisation will continue working closely with enterprise development partners across the Council area while progressing long-term plans for a Social Economy and Innovation Village at its current site.
These ambitions build on significant achievements during the last 12 months. One of the standout milestones was the launch of The PrintWorks, a new business incubator designed to support emerging businesses and entrepreneurs by providing the space, resources and support needed to develop and grow.
Enterprise North West also led the launch of the North West Community Wealth Building Partnership Prospectus, marking the beginning of a Community Wealth Building pilot for the region.
This initiative represents an important step towards creating a more inclusive local economy by retaining wealth within communities, strengthening local supply chains and promoting sustainable economic development.
Another landmark achievement was the completion of the first-ever corporate lending agreement between Enterprise North West, North West Business Complex and Waterside Credit Union.
The agreement represents a significant innovation in community finance and demonstrates the power of partnership in unlocking new opportunities for regional development.
The organisation’s leadership in this area was recognised nationally when Enterprise North West and LEDCOM received a Community Wealth Building Award at the Social Enterprise Northern Ireland Awards 2025, acknowledging the impact of their collaborative work in driving positive economic and social change.
Supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs has also remained a key focus.
During the year, Enterprise North West launched the IgniteED student enterprise programme in partnership with North West Regional College, helping to foster entrepreneurial ambition and enterprise skills among young people.
Charlie Kennedy, Chief Operating Officer, Enterprise North West, said: “Community wealth building has become a central part of our vision for the future of the North West, creating opportunities to ensure that economic growth delivers meaningful benefits for local communities, businesses and residents.
“The launch of The PrintWorks, the development of the Community Wealth Building Partnership Prospectus and the completion of the region's first corporate lending agreement all demonstrate what can be achieved through collaboration, innovation and a shared commitment to creating sustainable economic impact.
“For the remainder of 2026, our focus is on building on that momentum. Whether through developing new enterprise infrastructure, supporting entrepreneurs and social enterprises, or progressing our plans for a Social Economy and Innovation Village, we remain committed to creating opportunities that strengthen the economic resilience and prosperity of the North West for the long term.”
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