Over 100 small businesses in Fermanagh have taken advantage of a special package specifically designed for small start-up and growing businesses. That figure is expected to increase in the coming year.

Launched in April 2008, the Bank of Ireland's 'Essentials for Business' is designed to support new and established enterprises through a mix of funding and targeted support services.

The bank's commercial manager, David Mathews said the small business sector in Fermanagh appeared resilient in the face of the overall downturn.

"In 12 months more than 1,400 businesses across Northern Ireland with more than 3,000 employees in total have taken up the package", Mr Mathews reported.

"However, some 90% of VAT registered businesses in Northern Ireland have a turnover of less than £1million.

"We recognised a year ago that businesses such as these need support which amounts not only to finance but to hands-on advice in critical areas such as accounting, employment law, website development and telecommunications.

"Because small businesses are so important to creating a strong economy in Northern Ireland, we are pleased the reaction to our package of assistance has been very positive.

"There is no shortage of funding from Bank of Ireland for good business ideas, so we are planning for increased demand for our Essentials for Business package over the next 12 months. "

"With a figure of over 10 businesses a month in Fermanagh taking advantage of 'Essentials for Business', Mr Mathews said this demonstrated that small business was proving resilient.

"In spite of the economic gloom over the past year, there has been no let up in demand for bank services, funding and advice. As a bank deeply involved at a local level in providing finance for growth, our commitment to this sector is as strong as ever and we continue to make improvements to our package of help."

'Essentials for Business' includes free current account banking for two years and unsecured or secured loans, plus the support of a number of partners who are experts in areas vital to small businesses such as employment law, website development, telecommunications, accounting software and insurance.

Further information on Essentials for Business is available from Bank of Ireland branches or business centres.