Alderman Arnold Hatch, ECR Group Member, as the President of the Northern Ireland Local Government Association received the 2015 European Entrepreneurial Region Award. The prize was awarded in the Hemicycle of the European Parliament on the occasion of the 107th Plenary Session of the Committee of the Regions.

 "It is a great honour to be recognised for our entrepreneurial work. Bringing business and research and innovative solutions forward is key to achieving sustainable growth and creating jobs" said Arnold Hatch. He added that "Northern Ireland's entrepreneurs will sustain our economies, whether these are film makers, artisan bakers, micro brewers, bus and coach manufacturers, or medical technology specialists. If we give them support, Northern Ireland has a bright future with jobs, growth and prosperity replacing conflict. EER gives us focus and motivation. Our work plan will be testimony to Northern Ireland's enterprise and our untiring work ethic. We thank President Valcárcel, his officials, our three MEPs, fellow CoR members, NILGA and Invest NI".

The EER award aims to promote dynamic, green and entrepreneurial regions in Europe. It is given to the region with the most convincing entrepreneurial vision on contributing to the implementation of the Small Business Act for Europe and making optimal use of public funding, irrespective of their size, wealth and competences. The winners of the award were announced by Mr. Ramón Luis Valcárcel Siso, the President of the Committee of the Regions.