The Enterprise Resource Centre in Downpatrick Street, Rathfriland, is now open for business.

Managed by Banbridge District Enterprises Limited on behalf of Banbridge District Council, the new enterprise resource centre has all the essential equipment, technologies and services of the modern office and offers the ideal working environment for anyone setting up a business, working from home or travelling a lot as part of their work.

Facilities include a meeting area, business information library, onsite business advisor and free car parking. Desks can be hired by individuals or community groups on an hourly, half-day or full-day basis. Competitive rates are also available for frequent users.

Speaking at the official opening on Monday, John Hanna, Chairman of Banbridge District Council, said: "Our new enterprise resource centre offers employers, employees and the self-employed living and working in the Rathfriland area and further afield the flexibility of being able to rent a computer workspace in a fully serviced office environment. The biggest benefit for satellite workers is the time and money they save travelling to and from their place of work every day. In addition, the full facility can be hired by community groups or businesses for training and meeting purposes."

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Ciaran Cunningham, who will manage the new enterprise resource centre, added: "Rathfriland's indigenous business growth has been hindered by the absence of adequate business support. This much needed facility will be a great boost to local businesses. In particular, it will support those businesses that take up a unit within the town’s new enterprise centre when it opens in June next year giving them complete office services and meeting facilities without the financial commitment of full-time premises. I hope to see many business people taking full advantage of this facility and the services we are offering."

Ian Kidd, Measure Leader of EU Programmes, said: "On behalf of the European Union, we are delighted to have supported this worthwhile project and look forward to the people of Rathfriland and the surrounding area availing of this innovative facility."

The enterprise resource centre was jointly funded by Banbridge District Council and the European Union through its Building Sustainable Prosperity Programme. For further information about the centre or hiring a workspace, contact Banbridge District Enterprises Limited.

(GK/JM)