Enterprising Britain is a nationwide competition, run by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) (previously DTI), to find the most enterprising place in the UK - the city, town, place or area in the Country that is best improving economic prospects and encouraging enterprise.
It aims to identify and recognise successful activities and initiatives undertaken to promote enterprise and entrepreneurship.
Enterprising Britain has two stages:
- A regional competition managed by the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) and Devolved Administrations (Northern Ireland)
- A national competition managed by the Department of Trade and Industry (UK)
On 24 May 2007 the judging panel selected Irvinestown Trustee Enterprise Company Ltd (ITEC) as the Northern Ireland winner of Enterprising Britain 2007.
ITEC aims to increase economic development and employment opportunities in the town of Irvinestown and surrounding hinterland, by active community participation in job creation and the promotion and creation of further job opportunities. Since its inception in 1992, ITEC has generated over 200 jobs across 25 businesses varying from manufacturing to retail and service. Among the businesses operating from ITEC are a niche market textile business, a large furniture retailer, and a rural transport project.
ITEC will compete against the 11 other regional finalists to become the overall Enterprising Britain 2007 winner at the high profile ‘Enterprising Britain 2007 Awards’ in London in September. The winner will go on to represent the UK at the European Enterprise Awards later in the year.
