Speaking at the event, Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry said: “My Department is focused on supporting and developing further education’s links with small businesses. This innovative programme is part of the Department’s key strategic focus on economic development with the activity delivered through the programme forming a critical strand of the economic engagement theme under the emerging FE strategy.
“Further Education colleges deliver a range of support and programmes to upskill existing employees and enable those in the workforce to gain new skills, talents and competences. I welcome the InnovateUS showcase event this evening which demonstrates Northern Regional College’s close links with local employers. This provides opportunities for small businesses, many for the first time, to acquire the skills to engage in innovation activities, and help them move forward to develop new products, new services and new ways of working.”
Clare O’Neill, Head of Business Development, NRC said, “This programme has made a real difference to the 158 SMEs and micro businesses that have taken part. It has allowed them to tap into the knowledge and expertise of technical experts at NRC to build their skills base and implement innovative techniques within their business. This has led to increased efficiency, new product development and reaching new markets, which creates a vibrant economy.”’
The InnovateUS programme provides focused support to local SMEs and microbusinesses in the Engineering, Food, Drink & Tourism and Renewables sectors as well as others seeking ICT based solutions. The support facilitates skills development enabling growth in the business through product innovation, services, marketing techniques or improvements to business operations and processes.
Employers who showcased at the celebration event included, Alive Surf School based in Portrush and 493K Limited based in Ballyclare.
