Derry firm Blockception leads global Minecraft building boom

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Derry company Blockception is taking the world by storm with its virtual creations for blockbuster game ‘Minecraft’. The Campsie-based company was recently honoured as ‘North West Creative Industries Business of the Year’ in recognition of its leadership in a global marketplace for Minecraft ‘maps’.

The business essentially creates sets of Lego-like virtual building blocks and items to enable Minecraft gamers to build different environments from their imaginations. “If you can dream it, we can make it,” explains 21 year-old Derry man Jonathan Black who, along with joint Managing Director Alex Bellavita (24), formed Blockception in 2015. The whizzkids hit the mother lode last year when their company was one of only nine pioneer Minecraft partners selected from around the world by Microsoft to launch its Minecraft Marketplace Programme.

Blockception’s limited edition creation, Lost Civilisation, was downloaded more than 1.1 million times over the Christmas period – with 850,000 in a single day. Jonathan explains: “Lost Civilisation was part of a 12-day marketing campaign by Microsoft around Christmas. Microsoft wanted to release a free product from one of their partners and ours was chosen. “It was a set based on a Machu Picchu-inspired world that the user could explore. For Christmas, we added snow to give it a festive feel.”

Prior to the approach from Microsoft, the business was being sustained by local projects including a virtual recreation of Derry’s Guildhall. “Culture Tech asked us to do a project on the ‘Four Wonders of Northern Ireland’: The Guildhall, Mussenden Temple, Harland and Wolff and Belfast City Hall. We also recreated 17th century Carrickfergus for Carrickfergus Museum. “But the jobs were not flooding in and we were putting a lot of effort in for very little return. A week before Microsoft approached us, we had agreed to hand over to another company. Just a day before the handover, Alex got the email about Lost Civilisation,” Jonathan says. Alex explains: “We were so close to moving away from Minecraft. It seems unthinkable now. We got an email and everything kicked off again.

After Lost Civilisation, Microsoft came calling once more. “We were asked to help launch a new programme – a completely new revenue model for Minecraft. The Minecraft Marketplace Programme would not launch until June 2017 and we were very privileged to get in at the start,” Alex adds. Blockception was registered as a limited company on March 2, 2017. Trading became very brisk after the Marketplace launch. Alex and Jonathan have themselves enjoyed playing Minecraft for many years and that now allows them to create maps that have real appeal for gamers. Jonathan explains:

“We’ve been playing Minecraft for a long time – I started playing it at 14. We’ve had a long time to learn things from a consumer point of view. We’ve now gone full circle – ‘players to providers’.”

Blockception has a Minecraft build team of more than 50 environment designers, programmers and field experts, in countries around the world. Jonathan says: “The vast skill of our team allows us to tackle all types of Minecraft maps and achieve the ambitions of our clients, however imaginative. “We create custom-built maps that include but are not limited to minigame maps, adventure maps, hubs, concepts and film sets. “Our aim is always to produce fun-filled, immersive content, which is distributed at affordable prices and enjoyed by millions globally, regardless of language or age.”

Blockception was invited to the world renowned Gamescom in Cologne last August to showcase a project named ‘Kingdom Assault’. Another of the company’s offerings, ‘Whiterock Castle’, topped the Marketplace Purchases League Table for four out of the first five months that it was first listed on the Minecraft Store in September, 2017.

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Meanwhile, Blockception shared the North West Business Awards honour for Creative Industries Business of the Year at last Friday night’s ceremony hosted by the local Chamber of Commerce and City Centre Initiative at the City Hotel. Jonathan said: “It is a great achievement for such a young company and wouldn’t have been possible without such a talented and dedicated workforce.” For more, check out blockception.com

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Innovation at the heart of North West Brewery

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Innovation at the heart of North West Brewery

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Walled City Brewery, located in Derry’s exciting new cultural quarter Ebrington Square, has been assisted by Invest Northern Ireland to develop a new craft beer.

Master Brewer, James Huey used an Invest NI £5,000 Innovation Voucher to develop the recipe for its ‘1689’ Mumm ale, which comes from a recipe dating back to the Siege of Derry.

Dr Vicky Kell, Invest NI’s Director of Innovation, Research & Development said: “Walled City Brewery is an example of a small company with big ambition. The Innovation Voucher enabled Walled City Brewery to work with the Foodovation Centre at North West Regional College, perfecting the first alcohol product to be developed at the state-of-the-art new food technology facility. Using the Voucher to access relevant expertise at an early stage has greatly increased the focus and potential success of the product.

“Our Innovation Voucher programme is a valuable assistance mechanism for ambitious companies who wish to explore an idea that could help them compete more effectively in global markets.”

The company also benefited from Invest NI’s technical advice to assist with intellectual property, legislation and design issues.

Master Brewer, James Huey explained,“With the help of Invest NI and an Innovation Voucher, I am delighted Walled City Brewery has produced a product that the city can be proud of, that is immersed in history and reflects the fantastic array of local ingredients that we have in the North West.”

The Innovation Voucher facilitated recipe formulation, ingredient selection, testing and shelf life. From research it was established that the original recipe had more than 77 different herbs and spices and more than 30 per cent of the ingredients were extinct with a further 20 banned by World Health Organisation. And with the help from the innovation voucher, alternative ingredients were found.

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Ulster University and Randox to invest £5m in a new Industrial PhD Academy

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A major boost for Northern Ireland’s future economy, life sciences industry and global patient healthcare through a collaboration between Randox and Ulster University.

Carla Harkin, PhD student, Professor Alastair Adair, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr Peter FitzGerald, Founder, Randox and Tara Moore, Professor of Personalised Medicine. (Photo: Nigel McDowell/Ulster University)

Carla Harkin, PhD student, Professor Alastair Adair, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr Peter FitzGerald, Founder, Randox and Tara Moore, Professor of Personalised Medicine. (Photo: Nigel McDowell/Ulster University)

Ulster University and Randox Laboratories Ltd have launched a £5 million skills development initiative to support up to ten individuals annually through PhD level study in the Life Sciences sector.

The Randox-Ulster University-Industrial PhD Academy, which aims to encourage the development of advanced, higher level skills in key industry sectors, will further reinforce Ulster University’s position as one of the top universities for biomedical related research impact and, enhance Randox’s competitiveness in the growing global healthcare sector.

Up to ten PhD researchers will be supported annually, including Randox employees and individuals from the wider sector, who are working on a range of scientific projects, with the ultimate goal of new product development. They will have the opportunity to work on new research projects, driven by industry and jointly supervised by Ulster University and Randox, to enhance their own individual skill sets whilst delivering groundbreaking advances in the life sciences sector. Ulster University and Randox will each fully fund up to five PhD researchers annually.

To date PhD researchers enrolled in this new programme of Industrial Research have started exciting projects in areas of medicine including mental health, diabetes and cancer, with more projects being developed. All projects share the common goal of delivering new diagnostic approaches for early detection of disease and earlier intervention where possible.

Professor Alastair Adair Deputy Vice-Chancellor Ulster University said:

“Ulster University is renowned globally for research in personalised medicine, cancer, diabetes and mental health and this makes us the perfect fit for a global industry leader like Randox. Ulster University and Randox have a longstanding partnership built around research, knowledge sharing and collaboration which has placed both organisations at the forefront of diagnostics and health research globally.”

Ulster University Professor of Personalised Medicine Tara Moore, said:

“The life sciences sector is of critical importance to our economy and health. To truly maximise our contribution to the economy and to fully exploit new advances in science and technology we must focus on advancing the skills of our workforce, ensuring the most talented people reach their full potential by working with partners to tackle new challenges and drive new discoveries. A strong and growing life sciences sector ensures patients will continue to benefit from new technologies which will help to improve diagnosis getting them the treatment they need quickly.”

“This new Industrial PhD Academy is a further step forward in our commitment to respond to national priorities such as the Industrial Strategy, aligning the research community with industry to drive innovation, building on the world-leading reputation of Randox and supporting a new generation of researchers in this strategically important sector.”

Dr Peter FitzGerald, Managing Director of Randox Laboratories, said:

“At this time of rapid and significant change in the UK, it is critical that the next-generation can meet industry’s ever-changing demands. The current STEM skills shortage costs the economy £1.5bn/year and will only be resolved if all companies in the sector recognise they have a role to play now too.

“In the last 4 months, we have made significant investments within Northern Ireland, in both R&D infrastructure and now in helping aspirational scientists at Ulster University to develop the critical skills to make a positive difference to patient healthcare around the world. We are unapologetically ambitious in our determination to cement Northern Ireland’s reputation as a global hub for life sciences and our own position as a worldwide leader.”

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KES Group to build state of the art manufacturing facility at Strabane Business Park

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KES Group to build state of the art manufacturing facility at Strabane Business Park

L-R Des Gartland, North West Regional Office Manager, Invest NI and Conor McCrossan, Managing Director, KES Group.

L-R Des Gartland, North West Regional Office Manager, Invest NI and Conor McCrossan, Managing Director, KES Group.

KES Group is to make a multi-million pound investment in a new, purpose built, manufacturing facility at Strabane Business Park. The company has purchased circa 3.5 acres of land on the Invest Northern Ireland owned Business Park to accommodate their first phase of development.

Conor McCrossan, Managing Director, KES Group said: “This is a very exciting time for our company. This new manufacturing facility at Strabane Business Park will be where we design, manufacture and develop our innovative products. We look forward to bringing our SmartBuild and Energi divisions under one roof.

“Providing a turnkey solution is integral to our business strategy. Each SmartBuild is bespoke in nature and designed to suit individual customer’s needs. Our Energi division operates a class leading service supplying packaged plantrooms to some of the most prestigious commercial contracts throughout the UK and Ireland.

“We approached Invest NI when it became apparent that our current facilities where no longer suitable due to the increase in demand. Invest NI offered Strabane Business Park as an option, and due to the location and infrastructure available it was in our best interests to invest in this area.

Invest NI has been a great support and any advice we have received from them has made a great difference. We have been able to expand our team, grow our business and this now gives us the confidence to invest in our new state of the art factory.”

Des Gartland, INI North West Regional Office Manager said: “This new 40,000 sqft factory is a significant investment by KES Group and will be a fantastic asset to Strabane and the surrounding areas.

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Derry City and Strabane District Council and Invest NI International Team Stakeholder Lunch

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Derry City and Strabane District Council and Invest NI International Team Stakeholder Lunch

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Derry City & Strabane District Council invites you to attend the Invest NI International Team Stakeholder Lunch. Join us on Monday 4th June 2018 for access to Invest NI’s International team (approx. 100 staff from across the globe) as well as members of the business team at DCSDC.

This free to attend event will be of interest to companies already exporting who may be looking to expand to new markets as well as first time exporters seeking advice or scoping markets. Members of the Invest NI team will be at hand to network and provide advice on the day. A complementary lunch will also be served.

Attendance at this event is expected to be at capacity. Register Now!

When?
Monday 4th June 2018, 12:30 – 14:00hrs

Where?
Corinthian Suite, City Hotel, Queens Quay, Derry ~ Londonderry BT48 7AS

Reply?
RSVP to investment@derrystrabane.com by Thursday 31st May to confirm your attendance.

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Foods Connected to create 20 jobs in the North West in major investment

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Foods Connected Ltd is making a £1.7million investment and creating 20 new jobs to help it increase its export sales and keep up with the growing demand for its services.

The Londonderry based software firm provides a range of cloud-based software tools to help companies in the food industry manage processes and information across Supplier Approval, Quality and Trading, resulting in reduced costs and increased profitability.

Welcoming the investment, Des Gartland, Invest Northern Ireland’s North West Regional Manager said: “Foods Connected is an export focused company which is making a major investment in the North West and creating 20 new high quality jobs. The new team will be recruited over the next two years and once in place, will generate over £800,000 annually in additional salaries to the local economy.

Invest NI has offered Foods Connected support of £157,000 to help create the new jobs. Roles include systems developers and project management & business development roles.

Gary Tyre, Co-Founder and System Development Director of Foods Connected said: “This investment forms part of our long term growth strategy to become a market leader in management tools for the food sector. We’ve been delighted with the practical support and expert advice provided by Invest NI which we have used to redesign our brand through the Design Active Programme, and support our company expansion plans.

“Over the last few years, demand for our products has grown rapidly with projects well underway with major food processors and retailers in the UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Recruitment for the new jobs is underway and will give us the resources to keep up with demand and ensure we are well positioned to take advantage of the wide range of growth opportunities we have identified over the coming years.”

Foods Connected currently employs 19 staff and is located in The City Factory, Londonderry with additional offices in Belfast and Sydney.

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AXA Insurance to create 60 new jobs at their offices in Derry

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AXA Insurance to create 60 new jobs at their offices in Derry.

The insurance firm AXA is creating 60 new jobs at its offices in Derry.

AXA have local branches nationwide, with the Derry branch providing insurance products such as car, home, travel, van and business insurance.

The AXA offices are located in the Springtown Centre at the Elaghbeg Business Park on the Northland Road.

A spokesperson for the firm said: “We are excited to announce that AXA Insurance is creating up to 60 new jobs at our offices in Derry/Londonderry.”

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NWRC launches Northern Ireland’s first ‘Science Exchange’ project

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NWRC launches Northern Ireland’s first ‘Science Exchange’ project
North West Regional College (NWRC) has officially launched a new partnership with Ulster University that will allow students of Science to gain valuable experience in industry, researching and working on problem based projects.

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‘The Science Exchange’ which is funded by Connected NI, and was officially launched by the Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council Maoliosa McHugh at NWRC’s Strand Road Campus, is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland and provides a unique opportunity for students and local business to participate in mutually beneficial projects.

The scheme will also provide advice and support to Life and Health Science companies, and companies with Life and Health Science problems or issues that require knowledge based creative solutions.

Based in Derry~Londonderry’s city centre, The Science Exchange will meet the requirements of local employers, provide work based learning and scholarships for students, and implement staff development for all parties.

Francine Moran, Lecturer in Science at NWRC and Project Manager of The Science Exchange explained that the scheme will initially target students enrolled on the college’s Foundation Degree in Medical and Applied Sciences and offer an additional research component.

She added: “These projects will have a strong innovation slant which will be of benefit to local business and provide an enriched experience for the students who undertake them.

“Industry involvement and the problem based nature of the projects is the cornerstone of the programme strengthening existing links with industry while creating partnerships.

“The programme will provide both short and long term benefits to the local and broader community. In addition to undertaking problem based projects of immediate benefit to local industry, students completing this programme will ultimately graduate having a greater understanding of the needs of the workplace.”

Dr Le Roy Dowey, Ulster University, and Project Manager of The Science Exchange said: ”The partnership approach towards the delivery of the Science Exchange project will help drive innovative solutions for companies and aid the development of the local knowledge based economy. Supporting confident career paths remains at the heart of what we do at Ulster University and this hands on opportunity for students will help create the relevant knowledge, skills and confidence to excel in professional life.“

Mayor of Derry and Strabane Maoliosa McHugh said: “I am to delighted launch The Science Exchange which will see students from the North West get the opportunity to develop further skill sets that will be at the forefront of advancements in industry. I wish the project managers Francine Moran at NWRC, and Le Roy Dowey at Ulster University and their teams all the success with The Science Exchange and I look forward to attending future events for industry and students alike in the new premises.”

The scheme is being supported by NWRC’s Business Support Centre, Connected NI, Invest NI, Derry City and Strabane District Council, and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

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40 new jobs after O’Neills international sportswear announces major outlet to open in the city

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40 new jobs after O’Neills international sportswear announces major outlet to open in the city

THE sportswear brand O’Neills is to create 40 jobs through a city centre store in Derry. The Irish sportswear firm was looking at opening up a new branch at the site of the former SuperValu store in Waterloo Place, which closed at the beginning of March.

The new Derry store will measure 20,000 sq ft. Commenting, Stephen Thompson from O’Neills, said: “Celebrating 100 years in the sportswear business, O’Neills is proud to announce that one of the country’s most historic, vibrant and dynamic cities, Derry, is to be the location of our latest retail venture, creating around 40 new jobs.”

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“The 20,000 sq ft store looks forward to welcoming eager customers, both new and old, to this latest destination. The store will breathe energy, heritage, authenticity and originality showcasing how far the brand has evolved during its 100-year history,” he added.

The new Derry store marks the latest expansion for the site after Derry City and Strabane District Council issued planning approval for a major new development at the O’Neill’s site in Strabane last month.

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Magic thermal ink tells us when food is fresh

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Magic thermal ink tells us when food is fresh

Every time we buy food, we’re given an indication of its freshness through a measure of time – a best-before date.

“Temperature is a more important indicator than time – whether that food has been transported and stored at the required freezing, or chilled, temperatures,” says the man who has led Nuprint for more than 20 years, Gavin Killeen. Nuprint, a labelling producer, has a new R&D project to create temperature-sensitive inks for food labels. The project is part of the ‘North West Centre for Advanced Manufacturing,’ EU funded under the INTERREG programme.*

Owing to food warming up to ambient temperatures when it shouldn’t, the World Health Organisation found that 25% of food products in the US are beyond their best – before they hit the supermarket.

Gavin said, “Temperate-sensitive labels have been possible for some time, but it’s been cost-prohibitive. Food products are fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). We could use copper-etched circuit boards and RFID tags, but the cost is too high for FMCG. We need an inexpensive ink capable of carrying a charge or a circuit.”

 

He explained, “In the case of a frozen chicken, its label would be stamped with a thermochromic ink stating ‘Not Suitable for Human Consumption.’ That warning would only become visible if the chicken is exposed to ambient temperature for long enough, say it was left out of the freezer, or the refrigerator was shut off during transit.”

Presumably it isn’t good enough to have this label on bulk packaging, with several chickens inside, because a consumer won’t see that?

Gavin said, “It needs to be on individual food items. Therefore it may only be for expensive cuts of meat, maybe not a container of coleslaw. The question is, what are consumers prepared to pay for?”

Nuprint’s academic partner is the University of Glasgow. What is the scope of the research?

Gavin said, “We’ll have a fulltime PhD student researcher, with a few senior academics involved.

What’s your proposed timeline for a commercial outcome?

“I’m hopeful that in two or three years we’ll have something that can be marketed,” said Gavin.

He described some of the challenges they face. “It’s a classic chicken-and-egg; how do we get the price low if we don’t have high volume, but we can’t achieve the volume until we get the price down.”

Gavin continued, “The question is how to bring the technology onto flexible labels and packaging.”

The next phase for a longstanding Derry~Londonderry firm

Nuprint has been in business since 1984, and Gavin has led it into the future. “We’ve invested £2.5m over the past 18 months, bringing in new digital printing technology with variable data, new sleeve labelling technology, and other technology. We’ve also invested heavily in our staff. We work with global brands like Coca-Cola and local brands such as Linden, Willowbrook and Dunbia.”

I read Nuprint has a goal to expand to 50 staff this year; how are you doing against that target?

“We’re currently at 43 staff members and we’ve very committed to our people,” he said.

How does Northern Ireland rank when it comes to food, and food safety?

Gavin said, “Northern Ireland is second-to-none when it comes to food. Maybe we don’t sell ourselves as well as we could, when it comes to premium Northern Irish beef for instance. Other regions have perhaps sold themselves better, without having our high standard of quality. This means there’s a global opportunity for Northern Ireland’s food producers.”

*More about Interreg EU

Catalyst Inc is the lead partner in an €8.5m INTERREG EU funded project ‘North West Centre for Advanced Manufacturing’ (NW CAM) that links Northern Ireland, Ireland and Scotland to deliver 15 research projects that are meeting industrial need within the Life and Health Science sector. The project has six industrial partners of which Nuprint is one.

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