DUP MLA tours local academy providing creative media training to disadvantaged young people
Philip Brett, Economy spokesperson and DUP MLA has praised the positive impact of local business support after visiting the Belfast Electronic Arts & Music Academy (BEAMA), a non-profit social enterprise based in North Belfast which has benefitted from tailored assistance through Northern Ireland’s enterprise support service, Go Succeed.
During the visit, Mr Brett met with founder John O’Neill and toured the academy’s premises in Mallusk Enterprise Park, where BEAMA delivers creative media programmes in mediums such as DJing, sound recording, filmmaking, animation, coding, and music. The organisation works with vulnerable and at-risk groups, local schools and community organisations, helping to develop skills, confidence and career pathways for disadvantaged young people.
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Speaking about the visit, Mr Brett, said:
“BEAMA is a fantastic example of how entrepreneurial talent can be used to uplift local communities and provide real opportunities for young people.
“It was inspiring to meet with the team and see firsthand how they are using creativity, technology and training to change lives. Go Succeed is clearly playing a crucial role in supporting social enterprises like BEAMA grow and thrive here in Northern Ireland.”
Through Go Succeed, BEAMA received financial support and one-to-one mentoring, helping the organisation develop its strategy, strengthen its operational model, and expand its community outreach.
Reflecting on the support, founder John O’Neill said:
“Go Succeed has been instrumental in helping us build a more sustainable and scalable organisation. The mentoring support gave us valuable guidance on everything from business planning to funding – all of which has helped us increase our impact in the local community.”
BEAMA’s mission is to create employment and self-employment opportunities for disadvantaged young people, especially those outside of formal education, through access to quality training in the creative industries.
Go Succeed is delivered through Northern Ireland’s 11 local councils and offers a wide range of fully funded support including mentoring, masterclasses, business planning advice, peer networks and access to grant funding.
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The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick said:
“Social enterprises like BEAMA are a vital part of our council area’s economic and social fabric. Their work empowers young people, builds skills, and creates opportunities where they’re needed most. We’re proud to support organisations that are not only innovative but also deeply rooted in the community.
“Go Succeed has been instrumental in helping BEAMA scale its impact. It's fantastic to see how collaboration between local enterprise, community organisations, and government programmes can drive real, positive change.”
Go Succeed is funded by a £9.2 million investment from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and will run until March 2026. In its first year, the programme supported almost 27,500 individuals and businesses and delivered over £2 million in grant funding.
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