Explore the findings from the NI Enterprise Barometer 2025 Survey.
Explore the findings from the NI Enterprise Barometer 2025 Survey.
The Business Hub will expand its offering with the launch of ABH Consulting, a specialist consultancy service delivered by a team with decades of real-world experience across multiple sectors and stages of business. This new initiative will provide tailored, high-level support to help businesses navigate growth and strategic challenges.
The organisation will also undertake a Feasibility Study to explore how its site can best support economic development, entrepreneurship and social value in the local area. With a particular focus on start-ups and early growth businesses, this work will help shape the future direction of the Hub and its contribution to the local economy.
Since launching in August 2024, Ards Business Hub has already made a meaningful impact within the local business community. A key initiative has been the Business and Community Fund, which has awarded £25,000 in grants to 13 individuals, helping to turn ideas into action and support early-stage ventures at a critical point in their journey.
The organisation has also taken important steps to advance inclusive entrepreneurship through a research partnership with Ulster University. This project is focused on improving business mentoring for entrepreneurs who self-identify, suspect, or have a diagnosis of neurodivergence, ensuring that enterprise support is accessible, effective, and tailored to a wider range of needs.
Bringing people together has remained central to the Hub’s approach. Throughout 2025, its Mingle events created valuable opportunities for connection and collaboration, culminating in the Jingle Mingle Christmas event at Parliament Buildings, which welcomed over 60 clients, staff, directors and MLAs.
Nichola Lockhart, Chief Executive, Ards Business Hub, said: “Since launching in 2024, we have been focused on creating meaningful opportunities for people to start and grow their businesses, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see the impact already being made through initiatives like our Business and Community Fund.
“Our partnership with Ulster University reflects our commitment to ensuring enterprise support is inclusive and accessible to everyone, particularly those who may face additional barriers. By improving how we deliver mentoring, we can better support a diverse and innovative business community.
“As we move into 2026, the launch of ABH Consulting and our planned feasibility study mark an exciting next phase for Ards Business Hub. We are committed to continuing to evolve, listen and respond to the needs of entrepreneurs, ensuring we provide the right support, in the right way, at the right time.”
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