Pennsylvania Expansion Potential for Local Companies

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Pennsylvania expansion potential for local companies: Business representatives from Pennsylvania have said there could be major opportunities for Derry-based businesses to expand into what has become one of the world’s largest economies

Talks have also been taking place around partnership work with Ulster University about trans-Atlantic collaboration. Joseph Burke, Deputy Secretary for International Business Development at the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development, and Richard Kilner, Managing Director, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania European Investment Office, delivered a presentation on potential investment at a Council meeting on 14/03/17 . Addressing Derry & Strabane Council’s Business & Culture Committee, Mr Burke said they saw:

A lot of opportunity on the island of Ireland north and south”

He elaborated that their work centered on attracting business investment into Pennsylvania – the 19th largest economy in the world- and growing the export market. He said that one of the biggest business opportunities in the state revolved around the shale gas natural resources located there and said that fracking has been ongoing for the past 10 years amid tight regulations. Mr Burke said that this was “Creating a new renaissance in Pennsylvania manufacturing.

Other major industries in the State include life sciences, agribusiness and pharmaceutical manufacturing, mirroring some of the biggest employment sectors in Ireland. At present there are 13 businesses from the north of Ireland operating in Pennsylvania, including Almac and Primark, as well as many others from the south. There are now opportunities, Mr Burke said, for joint international ventures. He said that engagement with Derry & Strabane Council has been ongoing since October, with plans to strengthen ties between the two regions.

Sinn Fein Councillor Mickey Cooper said that formalising a mutually beneficial relationship was now “key”, and said there were opportunities for local businesses and the tourism sector to tap into a whole new market. “In many ways there is an open door we can exploit as much as possible,” Colr. Cooper said. “This is opening up opportunities for other organisations- the local university here is very much based on research work, and very much dependant on EU funding, and that’s going to be a problem as well.

“We think there is a lot of untapped potential here.” SDLP Councillor John Boyle said it was “encouraging” that the Pennsylvania representatives were considering that “companies in our part of the world can be of use in what is obviously a very strong and vibrant economy in Pennsylvania”. “We have many talented individuals in this part of the world. One of our problems is we export people,”

Colr. Boyle said, adding it would be better if the region was exporting knowledge and trade. “If your door is open we will be more than happy to facilitate companies from here expanding their business and their presence in Pennsylvania. What we are effectively opening up is that entire area,” he said. UUP Councillor Derek Hussey said that the research and development potential in conjunction with Magee and the North West Regional College was of particular interest. Mr Burke said he has met with the Ulster University representatives on several occasions, including in San Diego and Chicago. “On the life science front I think there’s a lot of synergy,” he said. “The desire is to continue that conversation.”

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Cognitive Analytics Research Lab launched with £4m Investment in Derry

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Magee Campus

Ulster University Magee (HQ) Cognitive Analytics Research Lab (CARL)

Cognitive Analytics Research lab launched with £4m investment in Derry. Ulster University today cemented its reputation as a global leader in data analytics research with the launch of Northern Ireland’s first data analytics institute, creating 12 new research level posts and delivering £4 million in salaries over the next 5 years.

Bringing together businesses, government and advanced research expertise, Ulster University’s Cognitive Analytics Research Lab, will build upon the University’s existing internationally renowned research expertise in data analytics. It will be headquartered at Ulster University’s Magee campus with offices in Belfast campus.

With 90 per cent of the data in the world today being created in the last two years, data analytics research and the development of cognitive applications to support rapid decision making has never been more important. The global potential is vast across multiple domains including health and medical research, financial technology, international finance, advanced manufacturing and energy, media, and increasingly, government policy and decisions.

The Cognitive Analytics Lab will harness the full potential of over £30 million already recently invested by the University into data analytics related research projects.

It will consolidate existing and future high-quality skills and resources to drive the local research agenda and enhance Northern Ireland’s international competitiveness.

Across Ulster University, 60 research staff are already engaged in data analytics related research, representing a diverse range of sectors from personalised medicine to financial technology. Recruitment will now begin immediately for the additional 12 new academic posts, based across both sites, which will deliver in excess of £4 million in annual salaries into the local economy over the next 5 years.

Ulster University is partnering with Catalyst Inc to engage with the wider community and create an entrepreneurial eco-system. Letterkenny Institute of Technology is supporting skills development and delivery of increased research capacity on a cross border basis.

Ulster University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paddy Nixon, said:

The Cognitive Analytics Research Lab, conceived and built from the ground up through collaborative consultation with our industry and civic stakeholders across Northern Ireland, will consolidate the internationally renowned expertise already evident throughout the University. Its founding principles reflect both Westminster and NI industrial strategy priorities; to put in place the foundations of competitiveness and ensure that as an internationally focused University, that we stand ready to maximise our contribution to economic prosperity. Through the lab, we can ensure that we maximise our industry partnerships and academic collaborations to deliver even greater economic and societal impact with pioneering solutions. Importantly, one of our key priorities will be to ensure that the lab leverages the potential of open government data, enabling our research to inform public policy and transform the lives of our citizens.

I am proud of our long history of expertise in Data Analytics and the contribution Ulster University researchers have made to core industry sectors, healthcare and beyond. From our Centre for Stratified Medicine to research into Functional Brain Mapping, our Capital Markets Collaboration to most recently, our INTERREG-supported Centre for Precision Medicine, Ulster University is ensuring that the potential to harness the power of data and develop computer systems with cognitive thought processes can be fully realised.”

The key focus for the centre will be application of research in Cognitive Analytics in a number of domain areas including (but not limited to):

  • Health
  • Financial Technology
  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Media
  • Energy
  • Civic Society and Public Policy
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U.S. Packaging Company Chooses Londonderry for 95 Job Business Services Centre

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Bemis invests in Derry - Londonderry

JOBS: Bemis Company’s Marty Scaminaci, left, with Invest NI chief executive Alastair Hamilton

U.S. Packaging Company, Bemis Company, Inc., is establishing its European Business Services Centre in Campsie, Londonderry, creating up to 95 jobs by 2021.

Headquartered in Wisconsin, the global polymer-based packaging company is setting up this new Business Services Centre in Northern Ireland to support its European operations. It already has an established healthcare packaging manufacturing facility in Campsie.

Bemis is planning to create up to 95 new positions in Finance and IT over the next five years, offering competitive salary and benefit packages. Recruitment could extend to other functions in the future.

Invest NI CEO Alastair Hamilton said:

“Bemis Company makes a valuable contribution to Northern Ireland’s vibrant Life Sciences industry, employing over 200 staff at its manufacturing facility. This investment to establish its European Business Services Centre here is a significant coup for Londonderry”.

“A number of other locations were considered for this project, but as a result of the collaborative efforts of Invest NI and Derry City & Strabane District Council, we successfully pitched the city as an attractive investment location.

Bemis Company, Inc., a NYSE listed business, delivers flexible and rigid plastic packaging for food, consumer products, medical, and pharmaceutical companies around the globe.

Marty Scaminaci, Bemis Company’s Vice President of Global Business Services said:

“Establishing our European Business Services Centre in Londonderry is a strategic investment to help drive efficiencies and standardise our processes. We have successfully operated a manufacturing facility in Northern Ireland since 1996, and know it to be a great location to do business. The availability of skilled graduates in the area, engagement of local council representatives, and the support offered from Invest NI were all critical factors in our decision to locate this centre in Northern Ireland.”

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Derry to London Stanstead Air route Announced

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City of Derry Airport

bmi regional to operate two return flights per day between City of Derry Airport and London Stanstead

Derry to London Stanstead Air route: 23/02/2017.  The UK Government has today announced £3.8 million for a Derry to London air route. bmi Regional has been chosen as the preferred operator for the route between City of Derry Airport and London Stansted, following a competitive tender process by Derry City & Strabane District Council.

Flights will begin on 02nd May 2017. The new service will include two return flights each day, except for Saturdays which will have one flight each way. The route, which is a public service obligation, or PSO, has previously only been operated on a daily basis.The new bmi regional service will be twice daily every day except Saturdays (when there will be one flight each way) and timed to compliment business schedules Secretary of State James Brokenshire MP said

“£3.8 million in UK Government funding will allow 13 return flights to connect Londonderry to London every week. The new service will allow business passengers to get to central London and complete a full day’s work before returning home”.

Jochen Schnadt, chief commercial officer of bmi regional, commented:

“The North West region of Ireland is undergoing a sustained period of economic growth, and has received significant investment in new jobs and growth projects over the past 12 months. It is important for businesses that the region is well connected to the UK capital and bmi regional is proud to be bringing its quality, premium product to this route. Whereas previously business travellers between Derry and London have had to stay overnight in the city, they will now be able to commute there and back in a day, saving both money and time, and hopefully resulting in continued economic growth for the Derry region.”

Northern Ireland’s second city, Derry is an economic, creative and cultural hub. In 2013, it was named the UK City of Culture thanks to its winning combination of rich cultural heritage and vibrant social scene. The only completely walled city in Ireland and the UK, it is a bustling, youthful city with great restaurants, bars, museums and more. It is also the gateway to the wider North West and its spectacular coastline, which is regularly used for big film productions including the latest Star Wars franchise and Game of Thrones.

The new route will go on sale 09 March 2017, with fares starting from £44 one way. All bmi regional fares include 23kg of hold luggage, allocated seating, complimentary in-flight drinks and snacks and speedy 30 minute check-ins.

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Launch of Legal Innovation Centre

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Legal Tech

Legal Innovation Centre

 

 

 

 

 

 

Legal Innovation Centre launched at Ulster University. The Legal Innovation centre at Ulster University brings together the law school, school of computing and intelligent systems, and global law firms Allen & Overy and Baker McKenzie. The centre – which have received financial backing from Invest Northern Ireland as well as the two law firms – aims to provide education and training to equip law students and legal professionals “with the tools to navigate the emerging tech-driven legal services market”.

“The Centre will also enable those interested in LawTech, whether legal professionals, law students or others, to study the technological transformation of legal practice, and the implications of this change. In this way it will foster the emergence of legal technologists, ready for the challenges of legal service provision in the information age.

The Centre will be led by three Ulster University academics: Professor Eugene McNamee (Law) Professor Kevin Curran (Computer Science) and Centre Director, Dr Catrina Denvir. The Centre will give students and lawyers the opportunity to familiarise themselves with different types of legal technology software provided by the University’s academic partners, Clio and Caselines. Clio is the world’s leading cloud-based law practice management platform and Caselines is the market-leading service for the preparation of legal bundles and electronic presentation in the court room.

It is also undertaking research for industry clients, the public sector and the academic community, to explore and better understand the impact of legal technology, and developing technological innovations through partnership with stakeholders in order to capitalise on the benefits of tech-enabled practice. There are similar centres already in the US.

The Legal Innovation Centre welcomes opportunities for collaboration, partnership and knowledge-exchange, and looks forward to working with partners to realise the benefits of technology in enhancing the work of the legal services profession and promoting access to justice.

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New £5million state of the art office space in Ebrington can make it an economic hub

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First Minister, the Rt. Hon. Arlene Foster and the deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness today provided details of their plans to construct high quality office accommodation for Ebrington.

invest in derryFirst Minister, the Rt. Hon. Arlene Foster and the deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness today provided details of their plans to construct high quality office accommodation for Ebrington. The Department of Finance approved the Executive Office business case for the development of modern, high quality, high specification, Grade A office accommodation on Ebrington.

The new 62,000 sq ft office which the Executive Office is backing by investing up to £5 million will be built above the existing underground car park on Ebrington on what is already established as a landmark site for the City. First Minister, Arlene Foster said: “This is a great opportunity for the Northern Ireland Executive to provide practical support for the business community and the North West. Developing high specification office space on a key site in Londonderry will allow potential investors to now consider the North West as a viable option. We want to create more and better jobs for the people of Northern Ireland and we must ensure the correct infrastructure is in place.

 

An artist's impression of what the office space could look like.

An artist’s impression of what the office space could look like.

The deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness said: “This new Grade ‘A’ office space which could cater for up to 500 people will enable the Ebrington site to become an economic hub for job creation and economic generation. “The new premium office space will not only create and sustain jobs in the construction phase but is an incentive for potential investors to locate here. Quality accommodation will help us in our drive to attract investment to the North West and creating a ‘pro-business’ environment and jobs for our people.”

Source: The Executive Office News

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Hamilton welcomes continued export success in Northern Ireland

Economy Minister, Simon Hamilton MLA, has welcomed a continued increase in the strong export performance of Northern Ireland companies in today’s HMRC export data.

Commenting on the results, Minister Hamilton stated: “These latest results from the HMRC which show a 6% increase on a rolling 12 month period is extremely welcome. This is particularly encouraging, given that once again we are the leading region of the UK in terms of export growth and with only marginal growth of 0.2% across the UK as a whole being reported.

“I commend our local businesses as they have embraced the Executive’s focus on exports by expanding into new markets and developing existing relationships further. I am convinced that this continued export performance demonstrates that we are on the right path to establishing Northern Ireland as a truly globally competitive economy.

“I want to build on this firm foundation of strong export performance and that is why I recently launched the Trade Accelerator and a new International Trade Plan, both of which will help exporters take full advantage of opportunities in external markets.”

Source: Invest NI News

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North West in strong place to respond to Brexit

Over 150 people attended today’s Driving Growth in the North West conference in An Grianan Hotel, Burt to consider the region’s response to the challenges and opportunities of Brexit.

Speaking at the conference, Dr Frances Ruane urged the North West region to have a ‘no regrets‘approach when it comes to responding to the Brexit challenges.

Dr Ruane, who is a former Director of the Economic and Social Research Institute, said: ‘I am very impressed by what the North West region is doing and how well it is set up. All macro economics is ultimately micro and the North West region should do all they can at this point in time to realise their vision for the North West City region, irrespective of Brexit. ‘

Donegal County Council’s Cathaoirleach Cllr Terence Slowey in his opening address said: “Our region is at last beginning to get its just recognition whether it’s the many attributes and successes of the city or indeed my own Donegal being named last week by National Geographical on The Cool List of 17 of 2017.

“We are looking forward to a hugely successful year for tourism in the north west and today’s conference will help us realise this potential.’

(Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

(Photo – Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Alderman Hilary McClintock, referring to the recent joint trade delegation to Boston said: “the visit and the outcomes from it served as a very strong signal of the potential that exists in the north west region at this time. Our region has very ambitious and resilient businesses. It has excellent colleges and a university who work hard to ensure that the skills needed are being developed at this important time.’

Setting the scene for the conference both Chief Executives of Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council outlined the new and innovative working arrangements that allow both Councils to work collaboratively and to engage in a meaningful way with Central Government on both sides of the border.

Loretta McNicholas from Donegal County Council and Michael Gallagher from Derry City and Strabane District Council outlined the findings of a Scoping Exercise undertaken recently to provide the local context for the challenges and opportunities that Brexit presents.

The conference also heard from Dr Katy Hayward from Queen’s University of Belfast on the impact of Brexit on the free movement of people across our border and made a number of suggestions of innovative arrangements and solutions that could be considered for this region.

Ulster University’s Dr Eoin Magennis said he believes that the border can act as a bridge for opportunities and that the North West region is unique because of its travel to work areas that are not replicated in other parts of the island.

He urged both Councils to continue with their collaborative approach and referred to tomorrow’s inaugural meeting of the North West Strategic Growth Partnership, which will see senior government officials from north and south, meeting with both Councils to agree strategic growth priorities for the region.

The conference concluded with a panel discussion that engaged audience members along with contributions from chambers of commerce together with business representatives from both sides of the border and representation from organisations against Brexit.

In his closing address Seamus Neely, Donegal County Council Chief Executive thanked those who attended and said that this is only the beginning of the conversation.

Mr Neely said: “Today’s speakers have provided us with food for thought that will help us continue to develop our views and thoughts that will allow us to develop a collective response to the challenges and opportunities presented by Brexit for this region.”

Source: Donegal Daily

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Derry firm GoTalkWalk sets up Boston office

DERRY firm GoWalkTalk which develops management software for healthcare workers has set up an office in Boston.

It represented one success of an economic link between Massachusetts and the north-west of Ireland.

Donegal firm Gartan Technologies also formed a partnership with US company Adashi Systems.

GoWalkTalk’s new Boston office was announced by the city’s mayor Martin Walsh at the recent Golden Bridges conference.

He said the investment provided evidence of a positive partnership arrangement with Massachusetts and the north-west region of Ireland.

The Ireland North West delegation, the first of its kind to travel to Massachusetts, was led by the Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Mayor Hilary McClintock and the Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Terence Slowey among other officials, colleges and 17 businesses.

Derry and Strabane Council chief executive John Kelpie said: “We told delegates about our unique offering and the fact that Ireland North West, that includes the fourth largest city on the island of Ireland, is a very attractive location for international business partnerships because of its hugely talented skills base, competitive operating costs, advanced telecommunications infrastructure and excellent education and business linkages.

“A key selling point for us was our unique location and our close connectivity to Europe, our very youthful and talented population, and excellent skills base.

“We were very forthright about our ambitious plans for the future and told them about how we are investing multi-millions of pounds in our road, rail and air infrastructure and connectivity over the next five to 10 years, that will see the expansion of our university, the development of a graduate medical school and major redevelopment of the city sites including investment in housing, office and retail space and leisure service provision.”

Source: Irish News

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£5.6million investment and 100 new jobs announced in Londonderry and Strabane

Economy Minister Simon Hamilton MLA has hosted a special event in Londonderry to acknowledge the growth and investment of businesses in the North West. Ten businesses, two of which are new investors, are creating 100 new jobs and investing over £5.6million in the local economy.

With the support of Invest Northern Ireland, Mechanical Installations & Maintenance, Meritcom, Precision Group, Retail Systems Technology Limited, Junk Kouture, Click Energy, Gradon Architecture and FAST Technologies have each been working on growth projects.

Two GB-based software businesses, Launch Pad and Peoplesafe, are also establishing offices in the city and plan to create a total of 16 new jobs over the next 12 months. Speaking at Invest Northern Ireland’s Timber Quay offices, the Minister said: “This multi million investment by indigenous businesses and UK investors is positive news for Londonderry.

“The 100 new jobs being created span a range of roles and industries including software development, engineering, marketing and finance, and once in place will contribute over £2.5million in additional salaries to the local economy. “Invest Northern Ireland has offered £578,400 to support the growth of these businesses who by doing so are committing to both their future and the sustained economic growth of the local area.”

Economy Minister Simon Hamilton has announced ten businesses, two of which are new investors are to create 100 new jobs in the North West an investment of over £5.6million in the local economy. Speaking at Invest Northern Ireland’s Timber Quay offices the Minister said: “This multi million investment by indigenous businesses and UK investors is positive news for Londonderry. The 100 new jobs being created span a range of roles and industries including software development, engineering, marketing and finance, and once in place will contribute over £2.5million in additional salaries to the local economy.” Pictured with the Minister are Des Gartland, Invest NI North West Regional Manager, Conleth Doherty from Factory Automation Systems Technologies Ltd and John Deery from Mechanical Installations & Maintenance both of who announced they would be recruiting as part of their investment plans. Photo by Simon Graham/Harrison Photography

Economy Minister Simon Hamilton has announced ten businesses, two of which are new investors are to create 100 new jobs in the North West an investment of over £5.6million in the local economy. Speaking at Invest Northern Ireland’s Timber Quay offices the Minister said: “This multi million investment by indigenous businesses and UK investors is positive news for Londonderry. The 100 new jobs being created span a range of roles and industries including software development, engineering, marketing and finance, and once in place will contribute over £2.5million in additional salaries to the local economy.” Pictured with the Minister are Des Gartland, Invest NI North West Regional Manager, Conleth Doherty from Factory Automation Systems Technologies Ltd and John Deery from Mechanical Installations & Maintenance both of who announced they would be recruiting as part of their investment plans. Photo by Simon Graham/Harrison Photography

 

 

The Minister added: “Every business plays a role in our economic success and strengthening and growing Northern Ireland’s private sector requires all stakeholders to work in partnership towards the achievement of a common goal. I welcome the joined-up approach to economic development in the North West and the contribution the Council and local stakeholders such as the Chamber the Council are making, alongside Invest Northern Ireland, to rebuild and rebalance our economy.

Source: Invest NI News

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