Minister visits the Workspace Group
October 29, 2010
Minister for Social Development, Alex Attwood, has paid a visit today to The Workspace Group, Draperstown, to see at first hand the local social enterprise and economic regeneration group. The event marked the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the group in the area.
The group was formed to improve the local economic situation initially by establishing workspace units and office space for small local companies in the early 1980’s. The Workspace Group has broadened its range of activities to include: employability programmes; home insulation; recruitment consultancy; energy efficient lighting; recreation centre: after school club and a trust for grant funding for local community groups.
Acknowledging the significant positive contribution made by the group to the local community during its period of operation, Minister Attwood said: “I would like to congratulate the Board and the management of the Workspace group on their achievements. Down the years the group has worked extremely hard to promote economic and social renewal in partnership with the local community, creating opportunities for employment and nurturing businesses and entrepreneurs through some difficult trading periods.”
“I know the local community is proud of the contribution made by the Workspace group to the local economy and I look forward to hearing more about its successes in the future.”
The Workspace Group based in Draperstown employees 84 full-time and 19 part time staff with offices in Magherafelt, Castledawson, Cookstown, Letterkenny and Wrexham.
Workspace Chairman Michael McAllister said: “We are delighted to welcome the Minister. Workspace works in partnership with DSD to deliver a number of contracts which have real local impact and it was very useful for the Minister to see some of this work at first hand.”
