Leader+ Awards 2006
LEADER+ held its first ever Annual Awards ceremony on 23 March 2006. The awards provide an opportunity to promote the success of the many businesses that have received support through the LEADER+ Programme.
Dungannon company, CK International, celebrated success
at the first Northern Ireland LEADER+ Awards on 23 March 2006
In the first “Oscars” type event for the Leader scheme in Northern Ireland, the overall winner was Dr Paul Conlon of CK International, Dungannon.
The Tyrone company, CK International, won the top prize at the awards ceremony. The company specialises in the production of recycling equipment such as balers for cardboard, paper and plastic. It also manufactures machinery for breaking oversized stones. With the assistance of LEADER+ funding, the business has expanded and as a result is employing an additional 13 people. In the past 12 months the business has doubled production and increased exports by 70%.
Congratulating the winners, Deputy Secretary at Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), Roy McClenaghan said:
“This is an outstanding achievement both for CK International and the LEADER+ programme. The LEADER+ awards have provided a great opportunity to promote the array of talent in the rural community in Northern Ireland.”
Leading the Way: Winners and sponsors celebrate success from the first
LEADER+ Awards at Glenavon Hotel Cookstown, 23 March 2006
A total of 68 small rural businesses that have received support through the LEADER+ programme have progressed through local heats to the final stages of the 2006 Northern Ireland LEADER+ Awards competition.
LEADER+ is an integral part of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme and is worth £21m to Northern Ireland’s rural economy. Its primary focus is the development of micro-businesses in the private sector. Support is provided through financial aid, training and business development support.
Other winners on the night are summarised below:
| Category | Winner | Business |
|---|---|---|
| Female Entepreneur | Bridgeen Mallon | Giggles Daycare Centre, Camlough |
| Young Entrepreneur | William Gilpin | Gilfresh Produce, Loughgall |
| New Business Start-Up | John & Kerry Donald | Cheeky Chimps, Coleraine |
| Farm Diversification | Robert Carmichael | The Jungle Paintball, Moneymore |
| Export Development | Dr Paul Conlon | CK International, Dungannon |
| Positive Environmental Impact | Patrick McCartan | Equestrian Rubber, Castlewellan |
| New Technology | Fearghal MacNeice | Blue Eagle Precision Ltd, Portadown |
For further information on Leader+ contact:
Rural Development Division
Room 145
Dundonald House
Upper Newtownards Road
Belfast, BT4 3SB
Phone: 028 90525435
Fax: 028 90524776
Fax: 028 90524776