The Workspace Group

Workspace was established in 1985 to stimulate social and economic regeneration in the Magherafelt area by initially providing enterprise units, business support services and employability initiatives. We are now regarded as one of Northern Ireland’s leading social enterprises. Our Mission Statement is “Passionate about Business, Delivering to our Community”. This reflects the social enterprise model that we use – providing a range of commercial ‘business’ activities the surpluses of which are used to partly or wholly fund non-commercial social activities. Born out of necessity, and the need and desire to do something about the crippling external, economic, political and social factors of the late 70s and early 80s, our ongoing success bears testimony to our vision, determination and will to succeed. Over the years Workspace has been instrumental in the creation of hundreds of jobs; generated previously unthought of business opportunities and energised the community’s self help mentality to create infrastructure that benefits young and old, female and male alike. Today, in addition to providing business support services and business property, the Workspace Group is also involved in: recruitment; training and employment initiatives; energy efficiency and insulation; heat recovery; childcare; and recreational activities. These commercial activities are pursued to generate profits that are then used to benefit the local community. For instance Workspace has built a Recreation Centre in Draperstown and offers small grants to community and voluntary groups in the Magherafelt District Council area to help support projects that otherwise would not happen. We also provide a much needed After Schools Club facility in Draperstown.