BUSINESS NEWS

Manufacturing Under Pressure As Finance Gaps Widen Across Northern Ireland

By Mark Johnston, Johnston Financial Solutions New research published by Manufacturing NI, confirms what many businesses are already feeling on the ground: Northern Ireland’s manufacturing sector is under strain.  Despite contributing more than £16 billion to the economy through direct, indirect and induced impact, manufacturers are grappling with rising costs, sluggish productivity and an investment […]

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Businesswoman Tackling Hotel Accessibility With Help From Explore Enterprise

Shelley Cowan knows all too well the challenges that come with trying to find accessible accommodation in Northern Ireland. After spending more than a decade as a wheelchair user due to severe ME and complex health needs, she experienced first-hand the difficulties of navigating the hospitality sector when mobility is restricted. With support from the

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Northern Ireland Female Founded Tech Firms Winners At TechFoundHer Summit Breakthrough Awards

Northern Ireland women tech entrepreneurs have come out winning two out of three prizes  at the recent TechFoundHer Summit 2025 Breakthrough Awards  – sponsored by InterTradeIreland. The inaugural TechFoundHer Breakthrough awards recognised women founders who participated in the TechFoundHer Innovation Labs programme last year. TechFoundHer is a platform supporting women tech founders across Ireland and

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Northern Ireland SMEs Face Ongoing Finance Challenges And Opportunities As New Report Reveals Shifting Landscape

The recently published Northern Ireland SME Access to Finance Report 2025, developed by the British Business Bank in partnership with Enterprise Northern Ireland, offers a detailed picture of how small and medium-sized businesses are managing, seeking and accessing finance.  With 1,014 responses gathered across all council areas, it provides a statistically significant view of the

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“Let’s Redefine Tech Innovation” Says Women In Tech Group Founder At 2025 Summit

Women in tech advocate and founder of TechFoundHer Máirín Murray has called on global leaders in the tech space to “redefine tech innovation”. Speaking at Women Innovators Rise at the recent TechFoundHer Summit 2025 at the Mansion House, Dublin she said it’s time to “change the narrative about what a tech innovator looks like”. Máirín

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Inspecvision Wins Prestigious King’s Award For Enterprise For International Trade

InspecVision, a leading manufacturer of precision inspection systems for quality control, has  achieved the highest business honour in the UK for it’s outstanding export performance. Announced this week, InspecVision is one of 197 organisations nationally -and one of only two in Northern Ireland – to be recognised with a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise. The

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Why NHS Suppliers Must Take Cybersecurity Seriously In 2025

Cybercrime is a growing threat in every industry in 2025, particularly in healthcare. As a result of this, it is vital that NHS suppliers understand the threat of cybercrime and know what steps they can take to protect themselves. This post will look at the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures for NHS suppliers in

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Northern Ireland Logistics Firm Levels Up With Cutting-Edge Tech Through DTFF Support

A Northern Ireland warehousing, logistics and shipping firm showcased how the introduction of emerging technologies into their operations has enabled them to “run shoulder to shoulder” with companies “three, four, five times the size” of theirs. SJ Henderson Fulfilment is just one of 172 businesses across the country who have benefited from support from the

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InterTradeIreland Join Sponsor Lineup For TechFoundHer Summit

InterTradeIreland has signed up as a lead sponsor of the TechFoundHer Summit 2025, powering the event’s inaugural Breakthrough Awards for women innovators at the upcoming all-island gathering. The announcement comes as final preparations are underway for the high-energy, purpose-driven event, which is expected to attract over 300 women-led startups, funders, and tech allies from across

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Carlingford Adventure Centre Launches New Corporate Team Development Programme

Carlingford Adventure Centre has officially launched a new Team Development Programme, offering a dynamic learning experience aimed at helping corporate teams, educators and professionals strengthen communication, boost collaboration and unlock leadership potential. Marking a significant milestone in its 35th year of operation, the Centre has expanded its offering with a bespoke initiative that blends hands-on,

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The Future of Electronics Design: How AI & Automation Are Changing PCB Development

Electronic circuits are a relatively recent development. They’ve progressed considerably over the last century, thanks to the advent of the printed circuit board, pick-and-place assembly, and a progressive shrinking of components. Given that all of these developments defied prediction, it’s difficult to be certain about what the future holds. Nevertheless, a few possibilities suggest themselves.

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American Investors Set For Dublin TechFoundHer Summit Alongside Showing Of International Show Her The Money Documentary

International investor and star of the critically acclaimed Show Her The Money documentary Wendy Ryan is set to take to the stage at the forthcoming TechFoundHer Summit 2025 in Dublin next month. Wendy, CEO of Kadabra based in Silicon Valley, will join fellow US investor Lata Shetty for an exclusive panel discussion that will include

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Belfast Lawyer Appointed Global DEI Chair Of Lewis Silkin

A partner in Lewis Silkin’s Belfast office has been announced as the new chair of diversity, equity and inclusion for the firm covering Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Ireland and Hong Kong. Paul Gillen is a partner in the Employment team in Lewis Silkin’s Belfast office. Having spent over 12 years in HR management and now

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Accessibility Consultant Launches New App To Help People With A Disability Travel With Confidence

TravelEase app helps users find and book verified accessible accommodation with confidence Accessibility consultant Shelley Cowan has launched a new web app to help people with a disability find and book accommodation that meets their access needs. TravelEase is the latest initiative from Shelley Cowan, a tech founder and accessibility consultant whose work is rooted

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Global Women Tech Leaders To Take To Stage At TechFoundHer 2025 Summit

Global female trailblazers in technology, innovation, and investment are set to take to the stage next month for the third annual TechFoundHer Summit. The event will take place on May 14 at the Mansion House in Dublin with a series of Runway to Summit events happening in advance including a dynamic lunchtime Town Hall in

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Deadline Extended For Survey Responses And Two New Consultation Events Announced To Support Newcomer Communities

Individuals from Newcomer Communities are being urged to take part in a Belfast City Council consultation, as the deadline to complete the survey has been extended and two additional in-person events will take place this week. The Mind Tribe UK, who are leading the research, are encouraging anyone with lived experience or working with Newcomer

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Jet2holidays to help independent travel agents open a retail shop in latest campaign!

‘Scale Up Your Street’ competition will see Jet2holidays help up to ten agency partners open a new retail shop, with support including a potential six-figure financial contribution in total 28th March 2025: Jet2holidays has announced details of a brand-new campaign called ‘Scale Up Your Street’, which will see the company help up to ten agency partners open a new retail shop, with

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BELFAST CITY AIRPORT FLIES HIGH AS UK’S MOST PUNCTUAL AIRPORT 2024

Belfast City Airport has been confirmed as the UK’s Most Punctual Airport for the second year in a row, according to the latest data from the Civil Aviation Authority. The airport continues to lead the way with an exceptional on-time arrivals and departures performance, ranking top across the 25 major UK airports surveyed. Mark Beattie,

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Mid Ulster Clinic First in UK and Ireland to Launch Specialist Scalp Care Treatments

Private healthcare facility the Mid Ulster Clinic has become the first clinic in the UK and Ireland to offer the Capilo scalp and hair care range, a dermatologically certified treatment developed by Spanish brand Eva Professional and exclusively distributed by Antrim-based Savvy & Shine Professional Haircare. The introduction of Capilo marks a significant step in

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Former Citibank Employee Settles Sex Discrimination Case For £215,000

A former Citibank N.A. United Kingdom employee has settled her sex and disability discrimination cases against the company for £215,000. The cases were supported by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. Maeve Bradley worked for Citibank in Belfast as an Assistant Vice President. In the spring of 2023, she went on maternity leave and believed she

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Belfast City Council Launches Consultation On Entrepreneurial Support For Newcomer Communities

The Mind Tribe UK have been appointed by Belfast City Council to lead a new research and consultation project aimed at identifying the barriers faced by individuals from Newcomer Communities in accessing entrepreneurial support. The project will involve 8 consultation events, a mix of virtual and face-to-face sessions, along with a digital survey engaging individuals

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Upstream Secures £150m Funding For Local Businesses After Successful MBO

Upstream assumes full local ownership and wins backing from Pollen Street Capital to help power local businesses. Belfast-headquartered asset-based lending (ABL) specialist, Upstream, has successfully completed a management buyout (MBO) of the business, bringing it back into full local ownership. The MBO team, led by original Upstream founder, Judith Totten MBE, has secured an agreement

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Arts Care Launches Skylarks Programme to Bring Joy and Creativity to Older Adults Across Northern Ireland

Arts Care, Northern Ireland’s leading arts in health charity, is delighted to announce the launch of Skylarks, a vibrant new creative programme designed to bring joy, connection, and creative engagement to older adults, including those living with dementia, in residential and day care settings across Northern Ireland. Supported by £8,500 from the Arts Council of

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Create Gifts Launches New Website Offering Personalised Gifts with a Social Impact

Larne social enterprise Access Employment Limited (AEL) has announced the launch of their new website creategifts.co.uk to expand their range of personalised and customised gifts. Since its establishment two years ago, Create Gifts has focused on supplying bulk merchandise, corporate gifts, and awards to businesses.  The launch of its personalised gifts range marks a significant

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NI Digital Employment Platform Goes Live For Ethnic Minorities

A new digital platform designed to empower and support ethnic minority professionals in their employment journey has launched in Northern Ireland. The launch event took place at MCS Group offices in Belfast and attendees included representatives from Queen’s University, Belfast City Council, Ulster University and Work West Enterprise Agency.   The Minorities Business Network NI (MBNNI)

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New Enterprise Events To Help Local Communities in Lisburn and Castlereagh Turn Business Ideas Into Reality

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has launched the Go Succeed in the Community programme of events starting on Friday January 31.   This free community enterprise outreach programme is aimed at supporting and encouraging individuals to start or grow a business through a series of roadshows, networking events and coffee mornings. Alderman Grehan, Chair Regeneration &

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Co Antrim Man Darren Crawford Turns Unemployment into a Thriving Cleaning Business with Enterprise Support

After months out of work, Co Antrim man Darren Crawford has turned his experience in hospitality cleaning into a successful business, building a thriving company that has already secured major contracts. Originally hailing from Ballymena and now living in Randalstown, Darren struggled to find employment that was flexible enough to cater to his partner’s health

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TechFoundHer Successfully Pilots Programme To Empower Women Entrepreneurs To Build Tech Products

Women in tech organisation TechFoundHer has successfully piloted the Innovation Labs programme – an inaugural, first of its kind initiative to advance 35 women founders from across the island to innovate with tech.  Over the course of eight weeks, the programme has advanced women entrepreneurs to bring their tech ideas to life by developing tech

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New Report Reveals Majority of NI Electrical Workers Suffer Electric Shocks

An alarming 80% of electrical workers in Northern Ireland have experienced electric shocks on the job, with nearly three-quarters of incidents going unreported, according to a groundbreaking report by the Electrical Training Trust (ETT).  The findings, unveiled at the organisation’s annual ‘Stay Connected’ event for the NI electrical industry at Galgorm Resort & Spa, shed

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Ballymena Businesswoman To Speak At Entrepreneurs Unleashed Conference

Ballymena businesswoman Rachel Doherty has been confirmed as a speaker at this month’s upcoming Entrepreneurs Unleashed conference. She is the founder of Inspired Business Consultancy, a business growth consultancy based at the new Space business hub in Antrim and will be sharing her top tips to help entrepreneurs get ‘tender ready’. The event, which will

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Derry/Londonderry Financial Expert To Speak At Entrepreneurs Unleashed Conference

Mark Johnston, a commercial finance expert from Derry/Londonderry, has been confirmed as a speaker at this month’s Entrepreneurs Unleashed conference. The event, taking place at the Cathy Short Theatre in North Belfast on November 28, is designed to inspire and empower entrepreneurs with the practical knowledge and insights needed to elevate their businesses. Run by

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Newtownabbey Investor & Businesswoman To Speak At Entrepreneurs Unleashed Conference

County Antrim investor and business advisor Jenny Ervine has been confirmed as one of the speakers at the forthcoming Entrepreneurs Unleashed conference. Originally hailing from Carrickfergus and now living in Newtownabbey Jenny Ervine, CEO and Co-Founder of Raise Ventures will share her expertise on creating an innovative mindset within your business to drive growth, efficiency,

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Co Down Podcaster & Marketer To Speak At Entrepreneurs Unleashed Conference

Co Down-based podcaster and marketer Esther Ocampo has been confirmed as a speaker at this week’s Entrepreneurs Unleashed conference. The inaugural event, which will take place later this month at the Cathy Short Theatre in North Belfast on November 28, promises to be an exciting day of learning and networking for entrepreneurs looking to take

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Bangor Businessman To Speak At Entrepreneurs Unleashed Conference

Bangor businessman and Northern Ireland director of Toastmasters International Kevin O’Reilly is set to take to the stage for the inaugural Entrepreneurs Unleashed conference later this month. The event, which is taking place at the Cathy Short Theatre in Belfast on November 28 at Jennymount Business Park, is designed to ignite entrepreneurial spirit and provide

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Lisburn Marketer Ruth Young Set To Speak At Entrepreneurs Unleashed Conference

Lisburn entrepreneur Ruth Young has joined the line-up for the inaugural Entrepreneurs Unleashed Conference.  The event, which is taking place at the Cathy Short Theatre in Belfast on November 28, is designed to ignite entrepreneurial spirit and provide actionable insights to growing businesses. Organised by media and marketing agency Excalibur Press, the conference is set

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East Belfast Marketer To Speak At Entrepreneurs Unleashed Conference

East Belfast marketer Stefany Watson has joined the line-up for the inaugural Entrepreneurs Unleashed Conference.  The event, which is taking place at the Cathy Short Theatre in Belfast on November 28, is designed to ignite entrepreneurial spirit and provide actionable insights to growing businesses. Organised by multi-disciplinary media and marketing agency Excalibur Press, Entrepreneurs Unleashed

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Neurodiversity In The Workplace Discussions To Take Centre Stage At Entrepreneurs Conference This Month

The topic of neurodiversity within the entrepreneurial journey and in the workplace will be just one of the many topics of discussion happening at a new conference happening in Belfast this month. Entrepreneurs Unleashed, which takes place at the Cathy Short Theatre at Jennymount Business Park in Belfast on Thursday November 28, will be tackling

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Electric Shock Report to Launch at Northern Ireland’s Premier Electrical Industry Event

A new report aimed at tackling the widespread underreporting of electric shocks within the electrical industry in Northern Ireland will be launched later this month, as part of the Electrical Training Trust’s (ETT) ‘Save Our Sparks’ campaign.  The report, titled Ending Shock Silence, is based on findings from the Electric Shock Survey, a recent study

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Courage, Confidence & Competitions: How Explore Enterprise Helped Charmaine Humphries Progress Professionally and Personally

Charmaine Humphries’ step into the beauty business world was one she never thought possible, but with the help of the Explore Enterprise Support Service, her vision of starting her own company became a reality. The Dungiven native, who previously held a successful career in the care sector for nine years, stopped working in order to

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