Armagh City // Banbridge // Craigavon
BUSINESS WELCOME PACK
armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk
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CONTENT _ Welcome 04 Background 05 Borough Profile 06 Why do business here 08 Armagh City Centre Management 10 Portadown Chamber of Commerce 12 Banbridge Chamber of Commerce 14 Business Partnership Alliance (BPA) 16 Business Support Programmes 18 - 26 - Go For It Programme 18 - Life Sciences Programme 20 - Business Engagement Programme 22 - Growth Driver Innovation Programme 24 - Digital Transformation Programme 26 Regeneration Schemes 28 - 34 - Shop Front Improvement Grant Scheme 28 - Empty to Occupied Scheme 30 - Armagh City Townscape Heritage Scheme 32 - Lurgan Townscape Heritage Scheme 34 Broadband 36 Business Rates 38 Planning 40 Evening Economy 42 Tourism 44 - Accommodation // Events 46 - Food Heartland 48 List of Contacts 50
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welcome
WELCOME TO ARMAGH CITY, BANBRIDGE AND CRAIGAVON BOROUGH // We would firstly like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough. We have created this pack to provide you with some useful contacts and information that will help support your business. We aim to welcome and introduce ourselves to all new business in the borough as soon as possible, if you have not yet received a visit please contact our Regeneration team on 0300 0300 900 and this will be arranged.
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borough background
BOROUGH BACKGROUND _ Formed in 2015, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council is situated in a strategic location on the North-South and East-West economic corridors. The borough is in close proximity to airports and ferry ports and has excellent road networks. It is located 30 minutes from Belfast, 1 hour from Dublin and 45 minutes from Northern Irelands two main airports. The borough covers 554 square miles and consists of 3 major urban centres, 6 local towns, 29 villages and 66 small settlements. The urban centres are Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon urban area including the three elements of Portadown, Central Craigavon and Lurgan. The six local towns include Dromore, Tandragee, Keady, Rathfriland, Gilford and Markethill. The borough has a strong and diverse economy, it is home to innovative businesses operating on a global platform. It is the Food Heartland of Northern Ireland and is deemed the best place to live and work in Northern Ireland. This area is a hub for the life sciences, agri food and advanced manufacturing sectors and boasts a high calibre, well-educated and specialist workforce.
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borough profile
BOROUGH PROFILE _ • The borough has a population of 210,300 residents and 8,275 businesses and is the largest council area in Northern Ireland after Belfast. • The borough boasts a workforce of over 75,100 • It is already home to over 8,000 VAT-registered businesses. • We are a hub for the life sciences and advanced manufacturing sectors and are the food producing Heartland of Northern Ireland, supporting many internationally recognised brands including Almac, Moy Park, Irwin’s, Ulster Carpets, Thompson Aeroseating and Fane Valley. • We are officially the best place to live and work in Northern Ireland with affordable housing, low commuting times, high
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employment, low crime rates, good schools and local services within easy reach. • With significant land zoned for economic development, a number of existing enterprise areas and our strategic location on the Belfast/Dublin and Belfast/ Enniskillen economic corridors, we are ideally located both for inward investment and indigenous business growth. • We have a solid skills base and a robust research and development focus including skills and apprenticeships provision. • This is facilitated by the business-led approach adopted by our schools and further education colleges. • The borough’s population is expected to increase by 14.3% by 2030 (approximately 30,000 people)
borough profile
a hub for the life sciences and advanced manufacturing sectors welcome pack
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why do business here
key international business linkages with Europe, the USA and Asia.
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why do business here
WHY DO BUSINESS HERE? _ Business is at the heart of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough. It has a real commercial advantage. The borough offers: • • • •
A supportive and welcoming environment. An integrated and flexible business support framework. A strong skills and knowledge base. Local colleges, specialising in trade and academia, are highly responsive to the emerging and future needs of the local industry and work closely with businesses to address their needs. • A wealth of internationally-recognised knowledge and sector-focused support organisations. • A great central location in Northern Ireland. • Superfast broadband connectivity. • Project Kelvin - the borough is a strategic hub for a direct high speed fibre link to North America. • Excellent development sites and a range of high quality ready built business premises. • Key international business linkages with Europe, the USA and Asia.
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armagh city centre management
ARMAGH CITY CENTRE MANAGEMENT _ Armagh City Centre Management committee (ACCM) is a public/private partnership set up to direct the planning, implementation and management of regeneration activity in Armagh City Centre. Working together, the partnership aims to retain, enhance and develop Armagh City Centre for the future success of the city. In partnership with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, ACCM has delivered a number of key achievements to date, including a comprehensive Environmental Improvement scheme, the delivery of tailored business development programmes for local businesses and the further development of a city centre events strategy, aimed at driving footfall and generating additional business to Armagh City centre. The committee is always keen to welcome new members from various business sectors across Armagh city centre. If you are a business owner or manager and would like more information on how to get involved please contact: Armagh City Centre Manager p 0300 0300 900
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armagh city centre management
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portadown chamber of commerce
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portadown chamber of commerce
PORTADOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE _ Founded in 1910, for 100 years Portadown Chamber of Commerce has been the real authentic voice of Portadown’s traders, business people and industrialists and is registered with the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The Portadown Chamber of Commerce meets once a month, with meetings held in different businesses around the town. Business functions are organised on a regular basis. For further information or to join, contact: Adrian Farrell p 028 3836 3000
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banbridge chamber of commerce
BANBRIDGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE _ Banbridge Chamber of Commerce is the voice for all businesses in Banbridge town centre. The chamber works to support local business by creating networking opportunities, lobbying for change and the promotion of the town as a place to live, visit, work and invest. To find out more about the work of Banbridge Chamber of Commerce or to find out how you can become involved in Chamber projects, visit: w banbridgechamber.org or e info@banbridgechamber.org
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banbridge chamber of commerce
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business partnership alliance
influence and help shape the development of a strong, profitable and sustainable local economy 16
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business partnership alliance
BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP ALLIANCE (BPA) _ The Business Partnership Alliance (BPA) is the strategic business partnership that provides a coherent, independent and representative voice for businesses across the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough. The BPA is committed to working constructively in partnership with others locally, regionally and nationally in order to identify strategic business needs and priorities, and to influence and help shape the development of a strong, profitable and sustainable local economy. The BPA was officially launched in Craigavon in September 2017. They have set ‘Developing the Evening Economy’ as their main priority and focus. They are also interested in the potential development of Business Improvement Districts in the borough. The BPA meet on a quarterly basis and welcome new members from the borough. For further information or to join, contact Chair of BPA Adrian Farrell p 028 3836 3000
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business support programmes
GO FOR IT PROGRAMME _ We deliver the Go For It programme free of charge through highly experienced business mentors in our wide network of enterprise agencies. Go For It provides individuals who wish to start a business with advice and capability to produce their own business plan and register for self-employment. Register now to get: • • • • • •
A one-to-one assessment meeting with a business advisor Tailored guidance to develop your business plan A finance and business planning workshop Advice on how to access grants and funding A one-to-one finance and business planning meeting Best practice guides, tools, videos and more to help get you started
For more information on the Go For It Programme visit: p 0800 027 0639 w goforitni.com Go For It is part funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth & Jobs Northern Ireland (2014 2020) Programme. Business advice can be obtained from our enterprise partners Armagh Business Centre // Banbridge Enterprise Centre // CIDO // Mayfair Ltd. Brownlow hub
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business support programmes
best practice guides, tools, videos and more to help get you started
These projects are part funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth & Jobs Northern Ireland (2014-2020) Programme.
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business support programmes
organising events that allow local businesses to showcase and / or understand innovative technology
These projects are part funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth & Jobs Northern Ireland (2014-2020) Programme.
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business support programmes
LIFE SCIENCE PROGRAMME _ Our council is committed to growing the life & health sciences sector locally. The council’s Life & Health Sciences Strategy & Action Plan will support the sector by: • Bringing key sector representatives together regularly so that knowledge and opportunities for growth can be shared; • Organising ‘meet the buyer’ events so that more local businesses have the opportunity to provide goods and services to the Life & Health Sciences sector; • Organising events that allow local businesses to showcase and / or understand innovative technology or research that affects the Life & Health Sciences sector; • Bringing local businesses and academic representatives to see state of the art facilities elsewhere across the UK; • Testing the feasibility of new Life & Health Sciences infrastructure in the Borough; • Educating careers advisors and students about the variety of potential careers in the Life & Health Sciences sector. Whether you are a business owner wanting to find out more about the council’s ‘meet the buyer’ or ‘ innovation’ events, a teacher or careers advisor interested in knowing more about the skills research, or simply an interested individual, please contact: Jonathan Hobson e jh@perspectiveeconomics.com
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business support programmes
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business support programmes
BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMME _ This programme supports SMEs across the borough to develop their business through bespoke one-to-one mentoring in specific interventions relevant to their sector. Each business can receive: • Up to 20 hours one-to-one tailored mentoring, covering all business needs • Signposting to other economic development programmes • Effective engagement with local council officers To arrange an initial baseline meeting and to discuss eligibility criteria. Please contact: Business Engagement Programme Manager p 0300 0300 900 e bep@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk
These projects are part funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth & Jobs Northern Ireland (2014-2020) Programme.
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business support programmes
free specialist support to help businesses increase sales and profits through innovation
These projects are part funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth & Jobs Northern Ireland (2014-2020) Programme.
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business support programmes
GROWTH DRIVER INNOVATION PROGRAMME _ The Growth Driver Innovation Programme offers free specialist support to help businesses increase sales and profits through innovation and product sourcing. It is designed to help businesses plan, manage and implement innovation projects and can help to improve products and services or identify efficiency savings within the business, and find new customers and suppliers. If you are an ambitious, growth-ready business looking to thrive internationally this programme is for you. For further information and eligibility criteria contact p 028 3082 1100 e enquiries@growthdriver.co.uk
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business support programme
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION PROGRAMME _ Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s Digital Transformation Programme will assist 100 businesses to transform digitally by delivering two distinct elements of support. Digital Marketing Support will be delivered to 50 nondigital ‘traditional’ businesses across the Borough and will focus on Facebook, Google advertising, SEO, Analytics and Content Marketing. The aim of this element is to deliver measurable transformation and business growth, using digital platforms and technologies, resulting in enhanced customer engagement, increased sales and ultimately, job creation.
Digital Innovation Support will be delivered to 50 digi-tech businesses across the borough and will focus on development and implementation of digital technologies including the Internet of Things (IoT), cyber security, Big Data, gamification, virtual reality, augmented reality and 3D modelling. The aim of this element is to accelerate business growth and ultimately, job creation, using digital devices and platforms.
How to apply: To be eligible for the Digital Transformation programme, as of December 2017, your business must: • Be located in the Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough • Employ fewer than 50 people • Be actively trading and • Not currently receive similar support elsewhere If your business meets the above criteria and you are interested, visit digitaltransformationprogramme.com to learn more about the application process. 26
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business support programme
These projects are part funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth & Jobs Northern Ireland (2014-2020) Programme.
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regeneration schemes
quality of shop fronts is of great importance to both the character of the borough and the vitality of local business 28
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regeneration schemes
SHOP FRONT IMPROVEMENT GRANT SCHEME _ Business property owners and tenants are encouraged to apply for grant assistance to undertake external property improvement works to enhance the streetscape frontage of shops and businesses in the Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council area. The quality of shop fronts is of great importance to both the character of the borough and the vitality of local business and retailing. The aim of this grant scheme is to assist business property owners to invest in their buildings and improve the quality of the building stock in the borough. This will in turn make our towns and villages more attractive for people to visit and invest, shop and live in. The grant offered will fund 50% of project costs up to a maximum of £1,500. Applicants must fund 50% of the project costs up to the maximum award and any further costs exceeding £3,000. NB: There is no minimum level of grant award. For further information and eligibility criteria contact: Regeneration Department p 0300 300 900
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regeneration schemes
EMPTY TO OCCUPIED PROGRAMME _ We are committed to improving our town and village centres and we recognise that the quality of properties made available to let in the borough is of great importance to encourage business growth, and adds to the special character of a place. The ‘Empty to Occupied’ programme is open to owners of long term vacant commercial properties who wish to undertake internal and external property improvement works to enhance the appearance of the property, improve its quality and make a long term vacant property fit for rental. For further information please contact: Regeneration Department p 0300 300 900
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regeneration schemes
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regeneration schemes
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regeneration schemes
ARMAGH CITY TOWNSCAPE HERITAGE SCHEME _ Armagh City Townscape Heritage Scheme (TH) is a Heritage Lottery Funded Regeneration Programme. £6.3m in funding has been secured for the Armagh City Townscape Heritage project which consists of funding of £2m from ABC Council, £1.92m from Heritage Lottery Fund and the remainder from private property owners. The ambitious five-year project will regenerate the economic heart of Armagh City, through restoration and regeneration of 26 priority properties. This will include building repairs/restoration works/public realm works & new build work to a gap site. This will preserve and enhance buildings located within the city centre conservation area. For further information please contact: Armagh Townscape Heritage Project Manager p 0300 300 900
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regeneration schemes
LURGAN TOWNSCAPE HERITAGE SCHEME _ The Lurgan Townscape Heritage Scheme is a Heritage Lottery Funded Regeneration Programme which will support the repair and conservation of twenty-five historic properties within Lurgan’s Conservation Area, bringing back into sustainable use much-needed, valuable commercial floor space and providing new residential accommodation opportunities. A programme of fifty events and activities will help attract new visitors to the town centre to celebrate its unique heritage, revitalising the area and repositioning Lurgan as a vibrant place to live, work and visit. This heritage-led regeneration scheme will transform Lurgan’s historic streetscape, helping to attract new residents and businesses to the town centre and boost the local economy. For further information please contact: Lurgan Townscape Heritage Project Manager p 0300 300 900
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regeneration schemes
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broadband
In 2018 we secured a ÂŁ2.4 million investment boost from the UK government to help drive up broadband speeds and increase digital connectivity. 36
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broadband
BROADBAND _ Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area is also one of only 13 regions in the UK which is set to benefit from the first wave of funding available from the Government’s £190 million Local Full Fibre Network (LFFN) capital grant programme, which is designed to help deliver the fastest and most reliable digital networks available. The projects funded will enable gigabit capable connections to key public buildings and businesses, with the expectation that this leads to broadband providers creating additional connections to local homes and businesses. For further information please contact: The Economic Development Department p 0300 300 900
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business rates
BUSINESS RATES _ In Northern Ireland, rates are a property tax based on the capital, or market value of homes. Rates of non-domestic properties, such as businesses and offices, are based on the rental value of your property. Each year the council estimates the income and expenditure for the next financial year. Based on these estimates, a district rate is set for that financial year. This is the amount of money the council will need from ratepayers to deliver planned services. The district rate is fixed annually by the council. (This is part of the regional rate set by central government for services including health, education and roads) For further information please contact: Land and Property Services Rates Collection Department p 0300 200 7801
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business rates
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planning and building control
most people realise that they may need approval for their proposed building work but don’t always understand the difference between building regulations and planning permission 40
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planning and building control
PLANNING AND BUILDING CONTROL _ You might need to avail of guidance and information from the planning and building control departments before you start any work. Planning is interested in the way our City, towns and countryside is developed. This includes the appearance of buildings, the use of land & landscaping considerations, highway access and the impact that the development will have on the general environment. Planning permission is NOT usually required for most internal alterations, for some extensions, some loft conversions or some garages. Building Regulations deal mainly with health and safety matters in the interest of the people who will use the building. They also include requirements to ensure that fuel and power is conserved and facilities are provided for people, including those with disabilities, to access and move around inside buildings. If you are in any doubt about whether you need to apply for planning permission or building regulations approval, please check with us before you start any work. The type of work you intend to carry out will determine if you need planning permission, the type of application you need to make and if you need building regulation approval. For further information please contact: Planning or Building Control Team p 0300 0300 900 w armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk welcome pack
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evening economy
EVENING ECONOMY _ In October 2016, in partnership with the Department for Communities, the Council commissioned Place Solutions and The Mosaic Partnership to carry out research and prepare an overarching strategy to develop the evening and night time economy (ENTE) sector for the Borough, supported by individual action plans for each of the 6 urban centres - Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon, Dromore, Lurgan, and Portadown. Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council is keen to support the evening economy as an area for growth with a rich mix of activity not simply limited to pubs, clubs and bars but incorporating retail, arts, culture and leisure. The Strategy and Action Plans will build on a range of successful regeneration initiatives to date, including major public realm investments across the Borough, re-development of public parks and shared spaces and introduction of new Public Art. The Borough has a number of flagship events such as the 7 Hills Blues Festival, the Food and Cider Festival, Country Comes to Town, Buskfest and highly popular Twilight Markets which are already providing a firm foundation for enhanced evening entertainment opportunities. Projected tourism growth and the creation of a distinctive tourism proposition and world-class visitor experiences will drive increased visitor numbers and spend, stimulating new demand for accommodation and hospitality provision.
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evening economy
We have created a 5 year strategy supported by action plans that contribute to the wider regeneration of the urban centres, drawing together the separate elements of product, customer service and vibrant events and positioning the evening economy within the context of the wider offering of the Borough and the individual urban centres. The ENTE sector is contributing to the diversity of many city and town centres, is a new stimulus for investment and economic growth and is a significant part of the visitor offer. For further information please contact: Regeneration Team Evening Economy Officer p 0300 0300 900
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tourism
our borough is the destination of choice for international visitors 44
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tourism
Tourism _ Embrace the distinctive charm of the majestic City of Armagh, immerse yourself in the renowned cultural heritage of Banbridge and explore the sublime beauty of Craigavon’s expansive landscape on the Southern Shores of Lough Neagh. Armagh City has an extraordinary heritage. No other city in Northern Ireland has been so distinguished since ancient times, first becoming the seat of royalty and then the most important religious centre in Ireland. As a city with thousands of years of history, Armagh’s heritage is central to its identity and character. One of our Community Plan 2017-2030 aspirations is to capitalise on the borough’s unique assets and events to become internationally renowned as a destination within Northern Ireland. The long term outcome of the plan is that: ‘Our borough is the destination of choice for international visitors.’ The destination sales team
actively promotes the borough at a range of overseas platforms in conjunction with Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland and actively engage in ‘meet the buyer’ events which provide opportunities to meet with international travel buyers. The council’s Regeneration and Development Strategy (R&DS) 2015-2020 also outlines a vision for our area with the target of increasing the borough’s tourism revenue by 10% annually. The borough already welcomes thousands of visitors, including international visitors, each year. For further information please contact: Tourism Department p 0300 0300 900 w armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk
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accommodation // events
ACCOMMODATION _ Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon borough hosts a varied range of accommodation, with something for all budgets and interests. The selection boasts a wide variety of hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfasts, hostels and self-catering, camping and caravanning. Many of our accommodation providers have won multiple awards for their services so visitors are promised a quality experience wherever they stay. For further information please contact: Tourism Arts and Culture Department p 0300 0300 900 w visitarmagh.com // visitbanbridge.com // visitcraigavon.com
EVENTS _ The borough hosts a wide and varying range of events which include festivals, markets, concerts, tours and workshops. Go to visitarmagh.com, visitcraigavon.com or visitbanbridge.com to sign up for our email newsletters and stay connected with regular updates. Hear about our latest news, events, campaigns, impacts and other activities.
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accommodation // events
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foodheartland
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foodheartland
FOOD HEARTLAND _ The borough of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon is the Food Heartland of Northern Ireland. An area characterised by a rich environment of good agricultural land, making it the natural home to an abundance of specialist artisan food & drink producers as well as household names including: Tayto, Avondale Foods, Moy Park, Irwin’s Bakery, Cottage Catering, Linwoods, White’s, Fane Valley and Wilson’s Country. The borough is also home to 2 of the 3 world renowned, PGI (protected geographical indication) products in Northern Ireland, namely Lough Neagh Eels and Armagh Bramley Apples. Central to the this work is the Food Heartland Forum. The Food Heartland Forum meets quarterly and to be a member you simply have to be a food or drink producer located in the borough. The Forum, facilitated by Food NI, aims to encourage innovation, entrepreneurship, driving forward quality & reputation, as well as enhancing the tourism experience and expanding agri-food exports on a global platform. For further information please contact: Economic Development Department p 0300 0300 900 w foodheartland.com
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Useful contacts
CONTACT NUMBERS _ ORGANISATION
CONTACT NUMBER
DETAILS
Central Council
0300 0300 900
Building Control, Environmental Health, Environmental Services, Licencing, Planning and other council departments
BT
0800 800 151
Crimestoppers
0800 555 111
Education Authority 028 3751 2200 Armagh
Fire, police and ambulance
999
Emergency calls only
Flooding
0300 2000 100
Reporting serious flooding incidents (24 hours, 7 days a week)
GP Out of Hours Service
028 3839 9201
For URGENT medical assistance outside normal GP hours, usually after 6pm Monday to Friday and all day Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays
Land and Property Services (Rate collection)
0300 200 7801
Northern Ireland Electricity
0345 7643 643
Reporting faults to supply
Northern Ireland Housing Executive
0344 8920 900
Northern Ireland Water
0345 744 0088
For emergencies including flooding as well as day to day enquiries such as emptying septic tanks etc.
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Useful contacts
CONTACT NUMBERS _ ORGANISATION
CONTACT NUMBER
DETAILS
Northern Ireland Water (Leakline)
0800 028 2011
Reporting water leaks in the mains water supply (24 hours, 7 days a week)
PSNI NonEmergency number
101
Non-Emergency calls
Rivers Agency
028 3839 9111
Reporting flooding from overflowing rivers and watercourses (24 hours, 7 days a week)
Southern Health and Social Care Trust / Craigavon Area Hospital
028 3833 4444
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Transport NI (Southern Division)
0300 200 7892
Reporting faults with street lights, pot holes, traffic lights etc.
Armagh Business Centre
028 3752 5050
abcarmagh.com
Banbridge District Enterprise
028 4066 2260
bdelonline.com
CIDO
028 3839 6520
cido.co.uk
Mayfair Ltd
028 3839 1666
Brownlow Ltd
028 3834 4908
brownlowlimited.co.uk
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p e w
0300 0300 900 info@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk nibusinessinfo.co.uk Find us on Facebook and Twitter
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