Sustainable Jobs & Tourism

1. Grow, support and sustain new and existing businesses through Council and other initiatives.

2. Position MEA as a dynamic, outward-looking region which welcomes and supports inward investment.

3. Enable entrepreneurs to deliver economic growth through partnership and other supports.

4. Attract more visitors to stay longer and spend more through the delivery of our tourism strategy.

5. Create a compelling tourism and economic proposition by developing and investing in our unique heritage and assets.

• Between April 2022 and March 2023, Council provided over 6,719 local businesses with bespoke mentoring support valued at over £303,356.

• Council’s Tourism team successfully delivered 9 public workshop events at Arthur Cottage and Andrew Jackson Cottage covering a variety of themes such as ‘Folktales by the Fire’, ‘Wreath Making’ and ‘Burns Night Celebration’.

• Plans to regenerate the town of Carrickfergus moved a step closer after a funding agreement was sealed for £42m. A key strand within the Belfast Region City Deal under the ‘Tourism and Regeneration’ pillar, the Carrickfergus Regeneration is one of three projects in Mid and East Antrim that will collectively benefit from more than £80m investment.

• Through Pop Up Shop activities Council were pleased to offer 27 businesses and individuals the opportunity to ‘test trade’ in town centre retail premises.

• Working in conjunction with the museum department a new