Ballynahinch business Nitronica was recognised as an InterTradeIreland Business Ambassador at a special ceremony in Parliament Buildings.
The event, which was hosted by Alastair Ross MLA, Assembly Private Secretary for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, recognised firms that had successfully embraced innovation, developed new cross-border markets or secured venture capital with InterTradeIreland’s support.
Every county and constituency across Northern Ireland was represented by the 35 Ambassadors who were from the full spectrum of industries. Between them, the 35 firms have generated at least £15m in additional business value to the economy so far.
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Pictured with Laurence Lord, Corporate Services Director at InterTradeIreland (right) are from left Business Ambassadors Alan Peters and Seamus Mooney of Nitronica and Ross Blaney and Nikki Blaney of See.Sense.[/caption]
Nitronica services the aerospace, telecoms, audio, energy, defence and industrial sectors, providing expertise in electronic manufacturing requirements in terms of full product build, cabinet integration, cable assembly, electro mechanics and printed circuit board assembly.
Speaking at the event, Alastair Ross MLA said: “It has been the drive, ambition and innovative nature of our entrepreneurs and businesses that has been integral in getting the local economy on the road to recovery. The trading environment over the last few years has not been easy so I am particularly heartened by the success stories of these firms and their tenacity to be able to push through this rough period into the positive business environment that is currently emerging.
”To continue to grow our economy, we must help more businesses to be export-led and internationally competitive. I am encouraged by the contribution made by both InterTradeIreland and the companies here today in striving to achieve this goal.”
To date, more than 25,000 companies have benefited from InterTradeIreland’s information and advice and over 6,000 SMEs have taken part in the business support body’s trade and innovation programmes. As a result, in excess of £700 million worth of business value has been generated.
Commenting on its Business Ambassador nomination, John Mellon of Nitronica, said: “The Acumen Project which partnered us with a graduate, allowed us to grow our market share in the Republic of Ireland from a standing start to 20% within two years. We are working with a variety of companies across the sectors and have further developed our capabilities to meet the demands of the Irish market.
“I don’t believe we would be anywhere close to where we are today in the Irish market had we not taken part in the Acumen Programme. It has definitely accelerated our business and it would have taken us several years to be where we are now if we had pursued the market on our own. Our business is 5% more profitable as a result of participation in the Programme and as growth is a key element to our business plan, Acumen has helped us to lay the foundations to achieve our targets. We know that the market in Ireland will take a few years to realise its full potential but we are more than delighted with the rewards we have reaped at this early stage.”
Also speaking at the event, Margaret Hearty, director of programmes and business services at InterTradeIreland added: “We have supported businesses from a diverse range of sectors right across Northern Ireland, in every county and constituency and we are extremely proud of their achievements. These firms represent many of Northern Ireland’s most resilient and ambitious SMEs that are a testament of what can be achieved through enterprise and innovation. It is important that we recognise their success which we hope in turn will inspire other businesses to seek the support needed to develop and take their business to the next level.
“With cross-border trade on the island valued at €2.8bn, this lucrative market, which is literally on our doorstep, offers tremendous export opportunities and we would encourage more firms to take advantage of the assistance on offer from InterTradeIreland to help them realise this potential.”
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