Business Innovators Win Accolade

Some 35 companies from across Northern Ireland were this week recognised as InterTradeIreland Business Ambassadors.

The event was at a special ceremony at Parliament Buildings hosted by Minister for Enterprise Trade and Investment, Arlene Foster.

The Ambassadors were nominated as companies that had successfully embraced innovation; developed new cross-border markets or secured venture capital through InterTradeIreland's support.

Companies included Lisburn-based software and electronics firm Marturion, which was supported by InterTradeIreland to develop a point-of-care diagnostic reader instrument which could take testing out of the laboratory and onto hospital wards and bedsides.

The product makes fast and accurate diagnosis available to medical professionals, it also has applications outside of the healthcare, for example it could be used by police forces to test for drugs at the roadside.

Fermanagh-based Kettyle Irish Foods - which serves award-winning meat to some of the finest dining tables in Ireland, the UK and Europe - was supported by InterTradeIreland to increase their sales in Ireland.

Maurice Kettyle of Keyttle Irish Foods (shown here on left with Liam Nellis of InterTradeIreland and Minister Foster) commented: "Year on year we have doubled our turnover and now 33% comes from the Irish market worth four million pounds in sales. Without InterTradeIreland's Acumen programme, I don't think it would have been achievable."

Other Business Ambassadors came from across Northern Ireland and included Antrim-based skincare firm Vita Liberata.

Working with their team of biochemists, the company takes cosmetic skincare from concept to shelf and has earned a celebrity following which includes Yasmin Le Bon, Louise Redknapp and a host of X-Factor contestants.

InterTradeIreland helped the firm to develop its business in Ireland and the company’s turnover has grown three-fold in just two years.

Speaking at the event, Minister Arlene Foster said: "I am extremely heartened by the shining examples of enterprise and innovation that are represented by the companies here today. Stimulating enterprise and supporting businesses, particularly in these difficult times, remains a constant focus for me and my Department.

"Our future prosperity depends on our ability to increase, and sustain, a high value-added, internationally competitive, export-led economy and I am encouraged by the contribution made by both InterTradeIreland and the companies here today in striving to achieve this goal."

Since 2003, InterTradeIreland has helped more than 15,000 companies with cross-border information and services and supported over 1,800 SMEs through its trade and innovation programmes.

As a result, in excess of £400m worth of business value been generated with additional returns forecasted as projects complete and benefits are realised. In addition, over 900 jobs have been created or sustained through its programmes. For every £1 invested in InterTradeIreland, it provides an eight-fold return in business development value.

Speaking at the event, InterTradeIreland Chief Executive Liam Nellis said: "We have supported companies right across Northern Ireland, in every county and constituency and we are extremely proud of the shining examples of enterprise and innovation that are represented by our group of InterTradeIreland Business Ambassadors.

"We hope that through highlighting the achievements of our SMEs across Northern Ireland, we will inspire other businesses to seek support from InterTradeIreland to take advantage of cross-border opportunities."

(BMcC/GK)