LEDCOM unveils £1 million Refurbishment at Bank Road Business Park to boost economic growth

Pictured at the unveiling of the newly refurbished Bank Road Business Park in Larne are, from left, Phelim Sharvin, Head of Community Finance Ireland, Simon McDowell, Kilwaughter Foundation, Aoife Butler, Senior Business Manager at Danske Bank, Dr Norman Apsley OBE, LEDCOM Chairman, Jenny Ervine, Kilwaughter Foundation, Ken Nelson MBE, LEDCOM Chief Executive, Peter Houston, Head of North Business Centre at Danske Bank and Catherine Anderson, LEDCOM Business and Marketing Executive. 

A major £1 million investment by LEDCOM is set to strengthen business growth and job creation across Mid and East Antrim as the organisation unveils its newly refurbished Bank Road Business Park in Larne.

The redevelopment of the long-established business park marks a milestone in LEDCOM’s 40th anniversary year, underscoring its ongoing mission to support local enterprise and economic regeneration in the Larne area and beyond.

The refurbishment of Bank Road Business Park represents a strategic investment in business infrastructure designed to attract and sustain start-ups, growing enterprises, and established firms across multiple sectors.

Collaboration at the Heart of Success

Following a £1m investment, Bank Road Business Park in Larne has undergone a refurbishment. Pictured at the site are, back row, from left, Simon McDowell, Kilwaughter Foundation and Phelim Sharvin, Head of Community Finance Ireland. Pictured in the foreground are, from left, Aoife Butler, Senior Business Manager at Danske Bank and Ken Nelson MBE, LEDCOM Chief Executive. 

The project was made possible through a combination of LEDCOM’s own investment and support from Danske Bank, the Kilwaughter Foundation, and Community Finance Ireland — a partnership approach that reflects LEDCOM’s ethos of community-led growth.

LEDCOM’s Chairman, Dr Norman Aspley OBE, paid tribute to the organisation’s founders and long-serving directors:

“Initiated by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s predecessor Larne Council, LEDCOM’s directors worked in partnership with the Council and other public bodies to develop the Bank Road site in 1987 as one of Northern Ireland’s first purpose-built enterprise centres. Now in 2025 we are delighted to have refurbished the site for future economic growth.”

A Legacy of Enterprise

The Bank Road Business Park holds particular significance as LEDCOM’s first fully owned premises, originally developed from waste ground in 1987.

Today, it is home to around 50 businesses spanning sectors such as automotive, IT, finance, fitness, construction, education, and engineering.

LEDCOM Chief Executive Ken Nelson MBE said the upgraded facilities reflect LEDCOM’s commitment to creating “vibrant, sustainable spaces” that enable businesses to thrive:

“Since our inception 40 years ago, our primary mission has been to support the local area through business start-up and development, with the accompanying training and employment opportunities.

“This project reflects our dedication to creating vibrant, sustainable spaces where businesses can thrive. The improvements will benefit both our established and new tenants, reinforcing our role as a key driver of local enterprise and innovation.”

Endorsement from Local and Financial Partners

Pictured at the unveiling of Bank Road Business Park’s £1m refurbishment, are elected representatives (MLAs and Councillors) from East Antrim and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council areas, alongside Mayor, Councillor Jackson Minford, Dr Norman Apsley OBE, LEDCOM Chairman, Aoife Butler, Senior Business Manager at Danske Bank, Simon McDowell, Kilwaughter Foundation, Phelim Sharvin, Head of Community Finance Ireland and Ken Nelson MBE, LEDCOM Chief Executive. 

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Mayor, Councillor Jackson Minford, welcomed the investment, highlighting LEDCOM’s longstanding contribution to the local economy:

“It’s very clear to see the valuable impact that LEDCOM has had on the area, whether that’s through providing businesses with a premises to grow from, or helping local entrepreneurs to get their companies off the ground through its various programmes, thus consequently boosting employment opportunities.

“This refurbishment project is testament to LEDCOM’s ongoing commitment to regeneration and local enterprise.”

Aoife Butler, Senior Business Manager at Danske Bank, praised the collaboration:

“Helping to drive local enterprise and regeneration is at the heart of what we do, which is why we were delighted to support LEDCOM’s refurbishment project at Bank Road Business Park. Strategic investment can greatly benefit local business growth, and the upgraded facilities will provide tenants with a contemporary space in which to thrive and grow.”

Phelim Sharvin, Head of Community Finance Ireland, also emphasised the social value of the initiative:

“Community Finance Ireland has had a long and positive relationship with LEDCOM, a leading social enterprise. We’re delighted to be part of their latest project as a progressive social finance provider of flexible loans through a responsible, community-centric approach to all voluntary led organisations delivering social impact.”

Future-Focused Expansion

Pictured cutting the ribbon on Bank Road Business Park’s £1m refurbishment is Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Jackson Minford, alongside Dr Norman Apsley OBE, LEDCOM Chairman and Ken Nelson MBE, LEDCOM Chief Executive. Also pictured are elected representatives (MLAs and Councillors) from East Antrim and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council areas, Aoife Butler, Senior Business Manager at Danske Bank, Simon McDowell and Jenny Ervine, Kilwaughter Foundation and Phelim Sharvin, Head of Community Finance Ireland.

The announcement follows news of a further £300,000 refurbishment planned for LEDCOM’s Foundry House in Ballyclare, due to begin later this month.

Ken Nelson added:

“The recent upgrades in both Larne and Ballyclare not only modernise the premises, but create a more connected and collaborative working environment which is essential for our clients.

“We’re proud to provide our clients with exceptional workspaces that help them to expand, innovate and contribute to the prosperity of the wider community.”

Representatives from the Kilwaughter Foundation, Simon McDowell and Jenny Ervine, also expressed their support:

“We’re delighted to see our long term partnership with LEDCOM bearing fruit with projects like this, helping to support local communities.”

A Strong Future for Business in Larne

Looking ahead, LEDCOM plans to continue building on its legacy of enterprise support.

Ken Nelson concluded:

“The Bank Road Business Park is now poised to continue its legacy as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and community development in Larne and beyond.

“As we mark 40 years of service, we remain committed to creating the conditions for business success and economic prosperity across the Larne and Ballyclare areas.”

For more information on LEDCOM and its business services, visit www.ledcom.org.