LEP Action Plan Projects

Advanced support for SMEs and social enterprises – including exports, scaling, productivity.  

The programme will help growth-oriented firms improve operational efficiency, access export markets, and achieve measurable output gains. Its focus on sectoral scaling helps businesses transition to the next growth stage, while its emphasis on R&D investment fosters innovation and the commercialisation of new products and processes. 

Grants and advisory support to help SMEs adopt digital tools, pilot AI, and undertake digital transformation. 

This intervention drives productivity improvements by equipping SMEs with digital tools and AI technologies that streamline operations and enhance competitiveness. It supports decarbonisation by enabling firms to deploy digital solutions that reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. The programme enhances SME scaling by using technology to support efficiency-driven growth, while fostering good jobs through the creation of higher-value digital roles and workforce upskilling in data, AI, and automation capabilities. 

Development and implementation of a centralised CRM system for tracking engagement with businesses, managing programme participation, and supporting data-driven decision-making.  

The CRM will also enhance LEP and Council capability to monitor impact and outcomes across business support programmes, inward investment activity, and trade initiatives.

Industrial Decarbonisation NI - Phase 2

ID-NI is an Invest NI initiative bringing industry and local partners together to cut energy use, reduce emissions, and build a greener, more competitive economy. 

The continuation of this initiative in the Lisburn & Castlereagh area supports decarbonisation by assisting energy-intensive industries to reduce emissions and transition towards net-zero operations. It enhances productivity by reducing energy costs and improving resource efficiency, thereby strengthening firm competitiveness. The project also promotes clustering by deepening collaboration between local firms, supply chains, and energy stakeholders, creating shared innovation benefits and a more resilient industrial ecosystem within LCCC. 

Investment in enabling infrastructure (electricity, water, sewage) to unlock and de-risk industrial development sites for commercial investment. 

This project removes critical infrastructure barriers, directly improving productivity by enabling business expansion and new commercial development across the LCCC area. By modernising utilities and connectivity, it supports decarbonisation through more efficient, low-carbon infrastructure systems.

This investment directly supports productivity by providing modern, fit-for-purpose workspace that enables firms to expand operations with a view to increasing output. It will create good jobs through the growth of high-value sectors such as digital, AI, advanced manufacturing and green industries, offering skilled, sustainable employment opportunities. Incorporating decarbonisation principles within the design and build phases ensures energy-efficient, low-emission facilities that reflect best practice in sustainable development. 

This project supports SME scaling by offering flexible grow-on space for emerging enterprises, while advancing inward investment attraction by delivering an investment-ready site that meets the locational needs of incoming firms. It also has the potential to further promote R&D investment through the provision of specialist facilities for innovation, experimentation, and technology development.