Menu
23/09/2004
Businesses must focus on innovation, says Minister
Enterprise Minister Barry Gardiner has called on businesses to focus more on innovation in order to achieve faster economic growth.
During a visit to Newtownards yesterday, Mr Gardiner met with Mayor of Ards, Councillor Hamilton Gregory, and Council representatives to discuss local economic development opportunities.
The Minister said: "Ards Borough has several companies that are already competing successfully in global markets, and has also seen the number of new business starts rise from 32 in 2001, to 146 in the past year.
"My department and Invest NI are working to create a support infrastructure through which these achievements can be built upon. We have ensured that businesses in Ards have widespread access to broadband technology – a key tool in ensuring competitiveness in today’s global marketplace."
The Minister later visited Sepha Ltd, which develops and markets equipment for customers in the international pharmaceuticals industry, in 84 countries.
Speaking at Sepha, Mr Gardiner said: "This is a good example of a smaller Northern Ireland company that is achieving success within a fast moving global industry through a dedication to new product development for customers in a niche market.
"Sepha’s success is based on comprehensive market knowledge that enables it to develop new products and provide innovative and effective solutions in its target markets.
"The work that it is carrying out with Invest NI, to pinpoint new business opportunities and product development, will help to ensure the company’s growth in sales and profitability," he added.
(MB)
During a visit to Newtownards yesterday, Mr Gardiner met with Mayor of Ards, Councillor Hamilton Gregory, and Council representatives to discuss local economic development opportunities.
The Minister said: "Ards Borough has several companies that are already competing successfully in global markets, and has also seen the number of new business starts rise from 32 in 2001, to 146 in the past year.
"My department and Invest NI are working to create a support infrastructure through which these achievements can be built upon. We have ensured that businesses in Ards have widespread access to broadband technology – a key tool in ensuring competitiveness in today’s global marketplace."
The Minister later visited Sepha Ltd, which develops and markets equipment for customers in the international pharmaceuticals industry, in 84 countries.
Speaking at Sepha, Mr Gardiner said: "This is a good example of a smaller Northern Ireland company that is achieving success within a fast moving global industry through a dedication to new product development for customers in a niche market.
"Sepha’s success is based on comprehensive market knowledge that enables it to develop new products and provide innovative and effective solutions in its target markets.
"The work that it is carrying out with Invest NI, to pinpoint new business opportunities and product development, will help to ensure the company’s growth in sales and profitability," he added.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 March 2006
Company offers businesses 'Fluent' statistics
A small, local internet and e-business consultancy is set to create five jobs as it becomes a specialist provider of software solutions that will trade in global markets. Assisted by Invest NI, Fluent Technology has launched 'Origin', an innovative, web-based decision support software in the UK and Europe.
Company offers businesses 'Fluent' statistics
A small, local internet and e-business consultancy is set to create five jobs as it becomes a specialist provider of software solutions that will trade in global markets. Assisted by Invest NI, Fluent Technology has launched 'Origin', an innovative, web-based decision support software in the UK and Europe.
03 April 2014
Contractor Appointed To Strabane Bridge Project
A contractor has been successfully appointed for the £3.2m bridge project planned for Strabane, County Tyrone. Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland and Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy have welcomed the news. The Strabane Pedestrian Bridge project will receive £2.
Contractor Appointed To Strabane Bridge Project
A contractor has been successfully appointed for the £3.2m bridge project planned for Strabane, County Tyrone. Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland and Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy have welcomed the news. The Strabane Pedestrian Bridge project will receive £2.
17 June 2003
Invest NI reveals £600m commitment in past year
During 2002/3, Invest NI gained commitments from client companies, universities and other economic bodies to spend over £600m across a range of activities. Invest NI contributed towards these investments by offering £138m in finance, advice and other support programmes.
Invest NI reveals £600m commitment in past year
During 2002/3, Invest NI gained commitments from client companies, universities and other economic bodies to spend over £600m across a range of activities. Invest NI contributed towards these investments by offering £138m in finance, advice and other support programmes.
23 June 2009
'Onus On Minister' For Housing Pledges
An SDLP assemblyman has called on the Finance Minister to increase the housing budget in order to meet housing need and help secure maintenance contracts. Thomas Burns, the SDLP's housing spokesman, (pictured) said Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie does not have the power to increase her own allocation.
'Onus On Minister' For Housing Pledges
An SDLP assemblyman has called on the Finance Minister to increase the housing budget in order to meet housing need and help secure maintenance contracts. Thomas Burns, the SDLP's housing spokesman, (pictured) said Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie does not have the power to increase her own allocation.
09 March 2016
Coleraine Firm Secures Four US Orders
A Coleraine-based firm, which develops and sells geographic software solutions, has secured four orders in the United States. Spatialest won the deal for its 'Community' product, which makes government data available to the public in an easy to access format.
Coleraine Firm Secures Four US Orders
A Coleraine-based firm, which develops and sells geographic software solutions, has secured four orders in the United States. Spatialest won the deal for its 'Community' product, which makes government data available to the public in an easy to access format.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
