LEDCOM celebrates 40 years of economic transformation in Larne and Ballyclare

(L-R) Catherine Anderson, Business and Marketing Executive, Ken Nelson MBE, Chief Executive, and Dr Norman Apsley, OBE, Chairman.

In a milestone moment for Northern Ireland’s business community, the Larne Enterprise Development Company (LEDCOM) celebrated its 40th anniversary on Friday, 30th May, marking four decades of fostering economic growth and supporting entrepreneurship in Larne and Ballyclare.

Since its inception in 1985, LEDCOM has been a cornerstone of regional development, contributing approximately £119 million to the local economy through the creation of over 2,400 businesses and 3,650 jobs.

The celebrations highlighted LEDCOM’s remarkable journey, which began in 1984 when a group of 15 local visionaries, including Arthur Henderson, came together to address economic challenges in Larne.

“BACK in the summer of 1984, myself and 14 local men came together with a shared vision of improving the Larne area through job creation and supporting business enterprise and just one year later, what we now know as LEDCOM was officially established,” said Henderson, a member of LEDCOM’s first voluntary Board of Directors.

“I’m exceptionally proud to say that 40 years on from our initial goal, LEDCOM has not only achieved this but has had a profound impact on the local economy in Larne and further afield.”

A Legacy of Business Support and Growth

From left, Arthur Henderson, one of LEDCOM’s founding board members, Catherine Anderson, Business and Marketing Executive, Dr Norman Apsley, OBE, Chairman, Alderman William McCaughey, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Ken Nelson, MBE, Chief Executive and John Shannon, a founding board member. 

LEDCOM’s story began with the opening of its Bank Road premises in Larne in September 1987, designed to provide affordable workspace and business support for start-ups.

From housing 14 businesses employing 38 people in its early days, the enterprise centre quickly grew, supporting 27 businesses by 1988. Over the next two decades, LEDCOM’s blend of managed workspaces and tailored mentoring programmes became a catalyst for economic development, creating 500 businesses across diverse sectors and delivering around 5,000 mentoring sessions.

“We achieved a great deal in the early days, and it has been a privilege to see it grow to become the supportive centre that it is today – helping to promote and encourage local businesses, bolstering the economy in turn – which is exactly what we set out to achieve 40 years ago,” Henderson added.

Today, LEDCOM’s influence extends across 100,000 square feet of lettable space in four properties: Bank Road Business Park and Willowbank Business Park in Larne, and Foundry House and the Work Cube in Ballyclare. These facilities provide modern office spaces and training opportunities, fostering a vibrant business ecosystem in South and East Antrim.

According to research from Queen’s University, Belfast, LEDCOM’s efforts have resulted in over 2,400 new businesses and social enterprises, alongside nearly 17,000 business mentoring and planning sessions.

Driving Regional Prosperity

Marking LEDCOM’s 40th anniversary are grandfather and granddaughter, Arthur Henderson and Catherine Anderson. Arthur served on LEDCOM’s first Board of Directors and Catherine is currently appointed Business and Marketing Executive. 

LEDCOM’s achievements align closely with the Northern Ireland Programme for Government, which prioritises a competitive and sustainable economy.

As a key member of the Larne Community Wealth Building Partnership, LEDCOM is playing a pivotal role in the Economy Minister’s Sub-Regional Economic Plan for Larne and Ballyclare. Its work supports local entrepreneurship and regional prosperity, ensuring rural economies thrive.

A shining example of LEDCOM’s impact is Raptor Photonics, a Larne-based company that started at Bank Road in 2006 and expanded to Willowbank Business Park in 2010. Now employing 30 staff and serving global clients with low-light camera solutions, the company credits LEDCOM for its success.

“Over the last 19 years, our company has grown from employing four people to a thriving business with 30 members of staff, servicing global clients,” said Liam Mulholland, COO of Raptor Photonics.

“LEDCOM has played a key role in our success through offering a state-of-the-art office space, alongside training and support throughout all phases of our business expansion.”

Mulholland also highlighted the importance of local infrastructure:

“Perhaps equally important is that we have been able to scale at pace whilst remaining in Larne, which proves that you don’t necessarily need to be located in a city in order to grow a successful global business – we’ve found the talent, support and infrastructure right here on our doorstep, which is essential to ensure that a rural economy can prosper.”

A Bright Future for Local Business

LEDCOM’s four properties currently house 81 tenants, employing 350 staff, with occupancy levels reflecting strong demand for its services.

Ken Nelson MBE, LEDCOM’s Chief Executive, emphasised the organisation’s ongoing commitment to the community.

“It’s very clear to see the valuable impact that LEDCOM has made on the locality – both in Larne and in Ballyclare,” Nelson said.

“Our passion is to inspire and to provide a launchpad for entrepreneurs in the area, and we are very pleased to have created a business community where our tenants and those who complete our training programmes, are supported at every stage of their journey.”

Looking ahead, Nelson is optimistic about LEDCOM’s role in shaping the region’s economic future.

“LEDCOM will remain a champion of business and the rural economy well into the future. I’m looking forward to seeing what the team and our local entrepreneurs can achieve over the next 40 years!”

A Model for Rural Economic Success

LEDCOM’s 40-year legacy underscores the power of community-driven enterprise to transform rural economies. By providing affordable workspaces, expert mentoring, and tailored support, the organisation has empowered thousands of entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into thriving businesses.

Its £119 million economic impact reflects not only job creation but also the creation of a sustainable business community that continues to drive prosperity in Larne and Ballyclare.

For more information on LEDCOM’s services, including workspace solutions and business support programmes, visit www.ledcom.org.