High performance culture key to NI economic success

A high performance culture, both in government and in business circles, is key to Northern Ireland’s economic success.

This was according to Sir Reg Empey, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, who was speaking at the third annual Belfast Telegraph Northern Ireland Business Awards at the Ramada Hotel, Belfast.

Sir Reg was there to congratulate the award winners for their achievements and contribution to increasing the prosperity of the Northern Ireland economy. Andor Technology was voted the overall winner as Northern Ireland Business of the Year at the awards.

The Minister also spoke of changes within Government aimed at supporting Northern Ireland business in achieving excellence.

He added: “Over the past twelve months there has been much structural change in the way that government supports economic development.

“However, the most significant change I envisage both within my Department and within Invest NI, is the creation of a culture of ‘can do'.

“If we are to achieve all goals we must capture the zeal and zest of entrepreneurship both within government and in the wider business community.”

Highlighting the role of Invest NI the Minister said: “Invest NI is sponsoring the Best Small to Medium Sized Enterprise Awards tonight and this is symbolic of the organisation’s focus on SMEs, which are the backbone of Northern Ireland’s economy.

“Innovation is a further feature of Invest NI. Although the innovation process may seem complex, its aim is simple and clear, to turn knowledge into products and profits over and over again.

“Invest NI will be on hand to support companies through this inventive, creative process.

“Other critical features of the new Agency include increased use of IT. For example, Invest NI will boost customer relationships through an enhanced customer information base. This will provide client companies with critical timely data."

The Belfast Telegraph Northern Ireland Business Awards, which this year are sponsored by Energia, recognise and reward business in each of nine categories, with an overall award for Belfast Telegraph Northern Ireland Business of the Year.

Among the other winners at this year's awards were: Andersonstown News (Community Award); Schrader Electronics (New Product/Service); TR Shipping Group (Use of IT); Biznet & Northbrook Technology NI (Expansion); Genesis Breads of the World (Marketing Achievement); Nicobrand (SME); Ulster Carpets (Environmental); and Botanic Inns (Training).

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