Centres of Excellence in Traded Services
(Feasibility Study)

Ref: 007265

Lead Beneficiary: Cookstown District Council

Project Partners: Cavan County Enterprise Board, Cavan County Council

Beneficiary Council Areas: Cavan & Cookstown

Funding Amount: £27,273 stg

Overview
The overall aim of the feasibility study is to consider the establishment of 2 ‘pilot centres’ in order to showcase the ICBAN region as a viable location for ‘Internationally Traded Services Companies’. The development of these centres will be subject to the recommendations contained within the feasibility study.

1. It is envisaged that Consultants would be appointed to carry out a feasibility study with the support of the Development Agencies, North and South, and will address the following issues.

2. Assess the contribution that Tradable Services Demonstration Centres would make to the two pilot areas of Cookstown / Mid-Ulster and Cavan and posit the wider benefits of such Centres across the Mid-Border Region.

3. Assess the possibility that these operations could include both FDI and homegrown companies capable of operating in the international market.

4. The establishment of a range of services that could be provided in Demonstration Centres to enhance the offering of the region as a location for such activities, taking into account best practice from other regions.

5. Recommendations on the physical infrastructure needed to support Demonstration Centres together with the appropriate staffing and contracted services required.

6. Recommendations on the need to provide specific labour market interventions such as training / re-skilling programmes to elevate the skills base of the catchment areas.

7. Assess overall budget and costs for developing centres.

Traded Services Project Steering Group.