Technology-led companies becoming a driving force

Companies in niche technology markets are increasingly driving the transformation of Northern Ireland into a knowledge-driven economy.

This was the message from Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ian Pearson, who was speaking during a visit to Invest NI client companies, Consilium Technologies in Antrim and ICS Computing based in the Harbour Estate in Belfast.

Mr Pearson said: “I’ve been impressed by the enterprise and innovative technologies of Northern Ireland companies in the short time I’ve been here.

“These companies have the smart ideas and the global outlook that the Northern Ireland economy needs to achieve faster growth rates.

“I know from my recent discussions with Leslie Morrison, Chief Executive of Invest NI, that the organisation is focusing resources on growth companies and putting in place sector strategies that will assist them to add value to their business in areas such as marketing, R&D, finance, and continuous improvement techniques.

“Invest NI’s support for ICS Computing and the Consilium Group in a number of key areas, including export marketing initiatives and ongoing product research and development, reflects the importance placed by the agency on knowledge-based companies and the key role they play in the local economy."

Consilium Technologies specialises in web-based software products and service solutions for the local government market and has developed a number of leading-edge software products in response to the drive towards e-government.

ICS Computing provides a range of IT solutions including accounting systems and services, payroll and human resources solutions, software development and business intelligence. The company is currently developing new products in the areas of electronic and web-based business systems.

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