Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Visits Cookstown Enterprise Centre

Friday April 11th 2025

On Friday 28th March 2025, Minister Fleur Anderson MP accepted an invitation from Cathal Mallaghan MP to come to Cookstown Enterprise Centre (CEC).

Minister Anderson who spent two hours at the company’s Derryloran Industrial Estate Head Office was welcomed by the Chair, Trevor Wilson and Vice-Chair, Elizabeth Kearns

Mrs Kearns provided a brief account of the background of the company which was established as a social enterprise in 1992. She explained that CEC has been a registered Charity with accreditation since 1996. The Board comprising six volunteer directors provide strategic direction to the management and small team of loyal, long-term staff.

The General Manager, Jim Eastwood, delivered a presentation outlining the progress the company has made during its thirty-three years. He stressed the importance of rental income generated from the CEC owned and managed property portfolio located at six sites within Cookstown.

He explained that the company had undertaken six major capital property projects since 1992 and the impact which CEC has made on the micro and small business sector locally.

The company provides a range of space for various local small businesses with an average occupancy of 95% consistently achieved.

Mr Eastwood went on to outline the most recent property acquisition which is the vacant Social Security offices located in the town centre at Fairhill Road. Plans to refurbish the derelict listed building are at an advanced stage with its important heritage being retained and displayed for the public.

This initiative represents a further investment of just over £1 million in Cookstown with essential funds being sought from several sources to match CEC’s own investment.

Following a positive round table discussion during which the Minister agreed to keep CEC updated with any significant potential funding opportunities, the Minister agreed to take a short tour of the CEC facilities. She was particularly impressed with the new CEC Flexi Space, a co-working facility which the company launched in 2023.

Minister Anderson wished the organisation continued success and congratulated the directors, management, and staff of the Enterprise Centre, for their entrepreneurial initiative and innovation that has benefited the local community.