Economy Minister NigelDodds today reinforced the importance of small businesses to the local economy.
The Minister was speaking at the official opening of North City Business Centre’s new office facility at Duncairn Gardens.
The newly opened two-storey office facility, the third phase of development at NCBC, comprises ten units of high quality turnkey accommodation for businesses in the area. The construction of the new facility was part funded by the International Fundfor Ireland. 
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the offices, Minister Dodds said: “Small businesses are of vital importance to the economy in Northern Ireland. It is hugely important that we continue to develop sustainable and innovative indigenous enterprises that can achieve export success.
“It is such pioneering companies that provide the employment opportunities and wealth creation needed for the economy to grow.
“In recent years, a number of companies in north Belfast have demonstrated how access to sound practical advice and support has helped them to progress, to become more enterprising and to find better ways to do business. This new facility will ensure that NCBC continues to provide a quality advice and support service to businesses in the North Belfast area.”
Alice Quinn, Chief Executive of the North City Business Centre, said: “The success achieved here at the North City Business Centre since its establishment is testimony to the expertise and dedication of the staff, as well as the entrepreneurial talent that exists in the area.
“Our new building offers increased opportunities for a greater number of local enterprises and will contribute to economic growth.”
North City Business Centre (NCBC) supports the development of small and medium sized enterprises, helping them to remain competitive whilst maximising their contribution to the local economy.
Since its establishment in 1993, it has been successful in transforming an interface area into a thriving commercial hub with more than 40 businesses employing over 500 staff.
The McCorry Building opening was 21st February 2008 by Anna McCorry, in memory of her late husband Michael McCorry, first manager of North City Business Centre.
