Officially opening the city’s centre, enterprise minister Arlene Foster says it has the potential to improve Lisburn’s economic wellbeing.

She explains: ‘By providing facilities and services to help small business grow, it can encourage entrepreneurship, create local employment opportunities and support the sustainable development of the area.’

Foster also says that bodies such as the Lisburn Enterprise Organisation, which will run the centre, are important in boosting the regional economies of Northern Ireland, explaining that they encourage employment and training opportunities, support business productivity and strengthen the private sector.

The minister adds that they are key in delivering initiatives such as Invest Northern Ireland’s growth programmes, advice seminars and business masterclasses.

Earlier this week, Foster opened a broadband advice centre in Omagh, which will provide free advice to small companies on how they can take advantage of the digital revolution.