The most frequently asked questions asked by business people within the Banbridge District are as follows:

Q1. I am interested in setting up a business in the Banbridge District. Who should I first contact for advice and support?
A1. You should contact the Banbridge Enterprise Centre on 028 4066 2260 for expert advice on setting up a business in the local area. The Centre can provide free, professional advice on any aspect of setting up or expanding a business.

Q2. Who can I contact to find out about available business space?
A2. Again, you can contact Banbridge Enterprise Centre to find out about the possibility of renting a low-cost business unit. Alternatively, if you can contact a local estate agent if you wish to rent or purchase a business property in the local area.

Q3. What are the main advantages of setting up a business in the Banbridge District as opposed to any other part of Northern Ireland?
A3. One of the main advantages of setting up a business in the Banbridge area is its proximity for trading to both the north and south of Ireland as well as Great Britain.

Q4. How do I find out about funding opportunities available for new and existing businesses?
A4. Visit the 'Funding' link within this section for a brief overview of what opportunities are currently available. For more detailed information about funding opportunities and eligibility criteria, contact Banbridge Enterprise Centre.

Q5. The local council is responsible for supporting local businesses. How does it actually do this?
A5. Banbridge District Council helps local businesses through a range of programmes offered in partnership with Banbridge District Enterprise, Invest NI and SEED. For more information on these individual partnerships, you can contact the Council's Economic Development Officer (John O'Hare) on 028 4066 0635.

Q6. Is it expensive to setup and run a business in the Banbridge District?
A6. No. Our rates are amongst the lowest in Northern Ireland. This means the cost of setting up and running a business in the Banbridge District Council area is as competitive as any other area in Northern Ireland.

Q7. What major investment projects are currently underway in the District?
A7. The Banbridge District has attracted many major international and local investors in recent years. The major projects ongoing at present include Bridgewater Park, Gilford Mill Hotel, Dromore Town Heritage Initiative, Gilford Castle Golf Complex and Rathfriland Enterprise Centre. For more information on some of these developments, please refer to the ‘Major Investments' link within this section of the website.

Q8. Is there a local Chamber of Commerce?
A8. There is a Chamber of Commerce in Dromore. Whilst there is no Chamber of Commerce in Banbridge, a group of local businesses and traders have established 'Banbridge Community Regeneration Limited' in order to promote the urban regeneration of Banbridge Town.

Q9. Is there a database of businesses in the Banbridge District? If so, how can I get my details added to this?
A9. Yes, the Council has developed a local business directory which holds key information on all existing businesses that operate within the District. This database is available on-line via the link 'Business Directory'. You can get your details added or amended at any time by completing the on-line 'Contact Us' form or emailing marketing@banbridge.gov.uk

Q10. How can I find out about local training opportunities?
A10. Banbridge District Council in partnership with local training providers has produced a booklet on local training opportunities in the District. This booklet is available upon request from the Council or can be downloaded via this site. Alternatively, visit the 'Training' link within this section of the website.

Q11. I want to recruit staff cost-effectively but I am not sure who to contact for help with this?
A11. You should contact the Jobs and Benefts Office on 028 4062 0800 for professional low-cost recruitment advice and services.

Q12. My company wants to engage in e-commerce. How can the local Council assist us?
A12. The Council is a partner in the cross-border electronic trading platform ‘Tradenet’. Membership of this e-commerce trading site is free for all local companies. Tradenet will provide you with a corporate presence on the worldwide web for electronic trading.

Q13. How can I submit or ask a question about economic development?
A13. You can submit a question by selecting the 'Contact Us' link in the left hand navigation listing. Alternatively, you can contact the Council's Economic Development Officer directly on 028 4066 0635.