Invest NI programme creates 160 jobs from Newry to Newtownards
The jobs will be created across 50 companies after taking part in its Ambition to grow programme
Invest Northern Ireland says 160 jobs will be created by a host of companies taking part in its Ambition to Grow programme.
It predicted 50 businesses in its Southern Regional Office Network – which stretches along the southeast corner of Northern Ireland - will reach the job creation target in the next two years.
The programme was started in 2022 and helps micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to create new employment and target customers outside Northern Ireland.
Newtownards interior architecture and design company Nordica Design joined the programme in 2023 and said it had acted as a catalyst for growth at the firm.
“Ambition to Grow has been an important programme for us as we work to deliver ambitious growth targets,” Paul Luney, Director at Nordica Design, said. “We have created five new roles within our workshop and design departments to increase our capacity so we can win new business in GB and RoI.
“With marketing support, we are also building our brand visibility in these markets to increase our sales.”
John McKibben, Southern Regional Manager for Invest NI said: “We created this programme to support businesses right across Northern Ireland to grow their teams and export sales.
“Since 2022, Ambition to Grow has helped over 50 companies across our Southern Regional Office network spanning from Newtownards to Newry. These companies now plan to create 160 jobs and sell products and services into new markets. The new external sales have the potential to generate £17m of new business for these companies by 2027.”