Description
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council (ABC or "the Council") is the largest local authority outside Belfast, serving a population of over 217,000 residents. The Borough benefits from a strong and diverse economy, with 9,255 VAT and/or PAYE-registered businesses—an increase of 3.6 percent since 2021, representing the highest growth among all Local Government Districts (LGDs) and accounting for 11.7 percent of all such businesses in Northern Ireland. This thriving economic landscape includes a broad range of enterprises, from innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to globally recognised brands. The Council recognises that a skilled, adaptable, and resilient workforce is essential for driving economic recovery, future growth, and long-term prosperity. Our vision is for the Borough to be a place where every individual can access opportunities and realise their full potential, regardless of background or circumstance. This vision reflects the Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting people, families, businesses, and communities to succeed and thrive. To achieve this, ABC Council is actively addressing social and economic barriers to equality and inclusion. We are working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders to promote productivity and inclusive growth through targeted investment in skills development, business support, and people-focused initiatives. Our aim is to ensure the Borough is underpinned by a dynamic, responsive skills system—one that meets the evolving needs of both employers and the workforce, and supports sustainable, inclusive economic development.