Ulster Bank is supporting two female entrepreneurs to create 12 new jobs in Belfast with a loan through the Bank of England’s Funding for Lending Scheme.
Elaine Bailie and Sarah Durrant are investing a substantial amount with help from Ulster Bank to establish their academy for rhythmic gymnastics, acrobatics, dance and aerial movement on the city’s Prince Regent Road.
APPA NI Ltd (Academy of Professional Physical Arts) will provide high calibre training for gymnasts, dancers, acrobats and aerialists, and is the first in Northern Ireland to provide such a range of services under one roof. The experienced duo is receiving support from Ulster Bank to help them fit out their new purpose-built East Belfast training facilities to international standards.
Elaine and Sarah expect to employ 12 people at the new centre by the end of 2014 in a range of roles, including full-time instructors in dance, gymnastics, acrobatics, aerial, an apprentice and support roles.
Ulster Bank Regional Director, Business Banking, Andy Mills, says: “Elaine and Sarah have impressive credentials and have both been involved in the physical arts sector at a high level for many years. They are investing to create what is a facility of very high standards. As a start-up business creating new jobs, it is a great example of local entrepreneurship that Ulster Bank is pleased to support.”
According to figures published recently by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, the estimated number of business units in the Northern Ireland creative industries sector was 2,415 in 2013. The number of people in creative employment in 2012 was estimated at 40,000.
Elaine Bailie says: “We aim to provide high calibre artistic physical training for talented gymnasts, dancers and aerial dancers. We were therefore determined to meticulously design and finish the facility to the highest standards and Ulster Bank’s support to make the necessary investment has been absolutely crucial.”
APPA NI delivers training for all ages and abilities in disciplines including ballet, jazz dance, contemporary dance, aerial movement, rhythmic gymnastics, acrobatic tumbling, Barre Plus Fitness, and Pilates.
Elaine Bailie and Sarah Durrant have more than 50 years’ experience combined in teaching, training and judging physical arts at a high level. Elaine’s experience includes as a Great Britain National Rhythmic Gymnastics Judge since 2009 and a British Gymnastics Coach for rhythmic gymnastics.
Sarah has been involved and employed at leadership level in the professional performing arts educational training industry for over 30 years and during much of this time worked as an examiner for the Royal Academy of Dance.
Ulster Bank has now provided over £160million to more than 1,400 companies through the Funding for Lending Scheme.
Further information about APPA NI is available at: http://www.appa-ni.com/
Further information about support that Ulster Bank can provide to SMEs is available at: http://www.ulsterbank.co.uk/
