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Northern Ireland Enterprise Minister, Arlene
Foster has announced a £377,000 investment by an Enniskillen-based
renewable energy firm, supported by Invest Northern Ireland.
Future
Renewables - which designs, supplies and installs
domestic renewable energy solutions - is one of the first
businesses to get support from growth element of the Invest
NI Enterprise Development Programme.
Launched last year by Invest NI, the programme provides free
advice to established businesses which have the potential
to increase production levels, workforce and sales in export
markets.
As a result of the advice received, Future Renewables is
now investing in a £377,000 expansion plan which will help
the firm to move into the Republic of Ireland and UK markets
over the next two years. Invest NI has offered over £35,000,
part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, to
support the project, which will create 10 new jobs.
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said - “Invest NI’s Enterprise
Development Programme can help Northern Ireland businesses
to reach their full potential by providing free targeted specialist
support across key business areas. This is a valuable resource
for small companies with export potential, as it can give
them the confidence and the knowledge to maximise new opportunities
and increase competitiveness.
“This project is an excellent example of how the Programme
can help businesses to progress to the next level. The investment
will enable Future Renewables to take advantage of the increasing
demand for renewable energy solutions, position the business
strongly in target export markets and provide employment for
local people."
Neil Elliot, owner of Future Renewables commented -
“Having developed highly efficient and cost-effective
renewable energy solutions and enjoyed some success in the
local marketplace, I needed wider business advice in order
to plan correctly for my export growth. Future Renewables
has significant export potential, but access to specialised
advice was critical to ensure the correct decisions were made.
“I am delighted with the support from Invest NI as it helped
me to refine my business strategy and identify key areas for
development. As a result, I was then able to access financial
support for my investment project to support product development
and customer service management initiatives, as well as increase
our brand awareness in market.
"I am confident that, by 2012, at least 50% of turnover
will come from customers outside NI.”
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