First Minister visits Dromore business

(l-r) Cllr Paul Rankin, First Minister Peter Robinson, Brenda Hale MLA and Alderman Allan Ewart with owner and representatives from Cottage Catering

Representatives from Cottage Catering, who recently secured a major contract to supply eight dessert products from its range of cheesecakes and trifles, met Mr Peter Robinson, last week when he was visiting a number of leading businesses across Lagan Valley.

MLA, Mrs Brenda Hale, who has been has been championing the vision and tenacity of a number of local businesses during the last year invited Mr Robinson along.

She said: “Everyone knows that businesses still face some tough financial ‘hills’ but one of my main focuses in 2014 has been to help local businesses who may have issues with funding, planning or getting their message out, whilst ensuring that they can help grow sustainable jobs back into the community.”

“I know having worked with many of these local businesses that they provide much needed investment into both the Dromore and Lisburn areas and sometimes smaller issues can prevent them from reaching their full potential,” she said.

Mrs Hale continued: “I am very proud and indeed privileged to have helped supported a number of local businesses over the last number of years and I know they will continue to grow and provide prosperity into the Lagan Valley area.

“I am especially delighted that the First Minister has taken the opportunity to visit a number of leading businesses across Lagan Valley and to support further the wonderful work they do in creating a sustainable economy and jobs within their local communities.”

Speaking about his visit Mr Robinson said: “I was delighted to take up the invitation from Brenda to come to Lagan Valley.

“For the businesses I visited it was particularly heartening to hear of success stories such as Cottage Catering in Dromore who have grown from a business started in a domestic kitchen to where they are now sending their products as far away as Holland, Denmark and have recently won business in the United Arab Emirates.”

He added: “It is also positive that our local MP, MLAs and Councillors are working to assist businesses who face challenges as they seek to grow and expand.

“We have witnessed great success stories in Northern Ireland of inward investment, with large multi-nationals choosing to establish bases here.

However, local indigenous businesses not only still from the backbone of our economy, but they are at the heart of the community.”