Features - All

As we embark on the uncharted frontier of 2023, the Northern Ireland Space sector is expecting to climb to new heights. In the final weeks of 2022, it was confirmed that Northern Ireland is to host the UK Space Conference for the first time, an exciting event scheduled for 21-23 November 2023. The conference is likely to see astronauts, global space agencies and the wider space community descend on Northern Ireland, with 2500-3000 people to be hosted in our local hospitality sector.

Invest Northern Ireland is delighted to congratulate Belfast-based biotechnologist, entrepreneur, founder, and owner of Born Maverick Food Innovation, Azhar Murtuza on topping the poll in TechRound’s Top 50 BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) Entrepreneurs Under 50 of 2022.

Invest Northern Ireland’s Supply Chain Resilience and Development Solutions (SCRDS) support launched in April 2021 and is designed to help businesses address supply chain challenges.

This feature examines the developing status of five provinces in South and West China, offering cutting-edge insight into regional developments.

Invest NI showcased Northern Ireland’s world-leading life and health sciences expertise to local and international audiences at trade shows and conferences throughout October 2022.

Africa is now home to several of the world’s fastest growing economies and is becoming a continent to watch, leading the Global Trade and Investment Agenda.

To further support Northern Ireland companies in China, Invest Northern Ireland has undertaken a series of research projects to inform and identify high potential opportunities in the region.

Deciding to start a business is a big deal…. you need to put yourself and your business idea out there, test the market and then say to the world "this is what I have to offer" and ask customers to literally buy it!

Invest NI showcased Northern Ireland’s world-leading aerospace and defence sector expertise, promoted collaboration and sustainability and launched the new UK Defence playbook at this year’s Farnborough International Air Show.

Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of our economy providing up to three quarters of all private sector jobs and turnover. Regardless of size or stage of development, to scale to the next level SMEs need funding to achieve growth.

One of the main drivers of a successful economy is partnership working. Invest Northern Ireland is one of a number of partners committed to supporting economic and business growth in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area. Our support is open to any value added business with an ambition to sell its products or services outside Northern Ireland and in the last five years, over 430 businesses in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area have sought our help.

As a region, the North West has many strengths and businesses in the region have always played a significant role in the development of our economy.

While the Belfast area attracts a wide array of large, international investors, the vast majority of Invest NI’s role is supporting the growth and development of our local home-grown businesses – SMEs have received 93 per cent of the offers of support across Belfast in the last 5 years.

2020-21 was the final year of our four year Business Strategy. It was also the year of COVID and EU Exit and our final year priorities adapted to significant economic change.

The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly changed the world and transformed our way of life. From the speedy development of vaccines to a more digitalised approach to working, humanity has learned just how agile it can be in a crisis.

In early June, the Minister for the Economy launch the ‘Trade and Investment for a 10X economy' in which she reflected on Northern Ireland’s rich history as a trading and exporting region, built on the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of its people and set the ambition to apply that spirit with renewed energy and focus as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Saleem Haddad, Regional Manager - Saudi Arabia and Levant Region looks at how Northern Ireland companies have the expertise to play a key role in supporting the Kingdom’s efforts to achieve their Vision 2030 ambitions.

Discover what Northern Ireland will be doing at Expo 2020 in Dubai.

Sheethal Rishi, Regional Director- UAE, Bahrain and Oman looks at how the Middle East is a burgeoning technological hub for Northern Irish companies.

Social distancing, travel restrictions, and world-wide lockdowns: In the first of a three-part feature we look at how COVID-19 has impacted traditional face to face selling approaches, and what steps we’ve taken to ensure Northern Ireland companies are still able to promote their products to potential new buyers.