Business Development Solutions
A Guide To Achieving Your Business Potential
Introducing our Business
Development Solutions
All the help and advice you need to grow your business potential
If you have the imagination, ambition and energy Our aim is to enable our clients to be entrepreneurial, We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Our
to grow your business in new and exciting ways, innovative and achieve international success. team of Specialist Advisors and Client Executives
this brochure is the perfect starting point. offer a service tailored to your particular business
We do this by providing an extensive portfolio of requirements. However, most programmes have
In it you will find a summary of Invest Northern advice, assistance and support for businesses of eligibility criteria that you will need to meet.
Ireland support across areas such as strategy all sizes within every industry sector.
development, people development, research and Starting with our Business Health Check, we will
development, exporting, energy management and Our programmes have a single, common goal – to put in place a comprehensive plan of action to
e-business. help your business achieve the level of turnover help you increase your competitiveness and
and performance that you believe it is capable of. realise your ambitions.
As Northern Ireland’s leading economic
development agency, we are committed to Business Development Solutions is focused
increasing the wealth and prosperity of Northern on businesses from the manufacturing or
Ireland by delivering expertise and resources to international tradeable service sectors that
accelerate the creation and growth of businesses. have the commitment and capability to grow
in export markets.
Use our extensive
portfolio to energise
your business
At Invest NI we have the expertise to boost
every level of business performance
Here is an overview that will make it easier for you to understand all the ways
we can support business growth and competitiveness.
We have six areas under a central theme of ‘Innovation Through’ and each one details the advice,
assistance and support available for businesses of all sizes within every industry sector.
1
STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT NIBUSINESS PASSPORT TO EXPORT
INFO.CO.UK
BUSINESS HEALTH CHECK EXPORT SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME MARKET RESEARCH
INNOVATION SERVICE IN-MARKET SUPPORT
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME MARKET VISITS
PROPERTY SOLUTIONS GRADUATE PLACEMENT
BUSINESS INFORMATION SERVICES
SELECTIVE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
PEOPLE EXCELLENCE DIAGNOSIS
NEAR-MARKET PRODUCT
AND PROCESS DEVELOPMENT
AWARENESS WORKSHOPS
INNOVATION INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH
PEOPLE EXCELLENCE CONSULTANCY
THROUGH RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE
HUMAN RESOURCE ADVICE
KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER
MENTORING AND NETWORKING
TECHNOLOGY COLLABORATION
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT
TRAINING PROGRAMME
TECHNICAL AND
TECHNOLOGY AND PROCESS DEVELOPMENT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
PROCESS EXCELLENCE
ENERGY
E-BUSINESS AND ICT
ENVIRONMENT
TECHNICAL ADVISORY UNIT
TECHNICAL ADVISORY UNIT
2
Begin with a
Business Health Check
The first step in helping your business grow
The Invest NI Business Health Check is available WHAT IT WILL TELL YOU GET STARTED
to all our clients and will help you create a plan The Business Health Check identifies industry If you believe that your business could benefit
to support the growth, profitability, turnover and benchmarks, key themes and specific areas for from a Business Health Check, please contact
value of your business. It is a vital part of our improvement. This information can then be your Client Executive or Bronagh Doyle,
portfolio and will help you to identify your developed into a personalised improvement plan Business Improvement Services.
corporate goals and priorities. linked to follow-on Invest NI support and advice.
T : 028 9069 8405
Your Client Executive will help you put this plan
HOW IT WORKS E : bronagh.doyle@investni.com
together.
The Business Health Check reviews your
current business performance against similar FREE OF CHARGE
organisations in the UK, Ireland, Europe and The Business Health Check leading to the
beyond. This will identify your strengths and improvement plan will be carried out completely
opportunities for improvement and will help you free of charge. Any Invest NI follow-on support
focus valuable resources on the activities that is subject to further discussion and agreement
will deliver the most benefit. between you and your Client Executive.
By determining what your business improvement
needs are, we can work with you to decide what
level and type of support and advice might
be appropriate.
3
“ We felt the Business Health
Check was a worthwhile exercise,
highlighting areas for improvement
within our business. Our client
“ The Business Health Check
process meant taking the
executive was very helpful
and explained the process
”
time to stand back and look exceptionally well.
at the direction in which the Chris Dees
business is going; that Complete Beverage Service
”
was very useful.
Gary Castles, Director
Geoff Castles Boilers
Real business benefits
Real business feedback
“ The Business Health Check
helped us look at all operational
matters of the business with a
”
fresh pair of eyes.
M Ferguson, Director
Vector Environmental
4
1. STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT
06
07
2. PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT
08
09
3. TECHNOLOGY AND PROCESS DEVELOPMENT
10
11
4. TECHNICAL AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
12
13
5. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
14
15
6. PASSPORT TO EXPORT 16
17
Strategic Development
Most businesses manage their day-to-day operations well. What is difficult
is finding the time to step back and look at the longer-term strategic issues,
both internal and external. And yet, if a business does not devote time and
attention to such issues, it leaves itself vulnerable.
Business Challenges Business Benefits Target Audience
The rapid globalisation of commerce All businesses can benefit from developing The portfolio works best for management
is creating both huge opportunities and or refining a strategy that differentiates teams who recognise the need to address
considerable threats for Northern Ireland them from the competition. The planning the strategic issues affecting their business.
businesses. If you ignore opportunities, you process itself will mean gathering key The most successful will be those who are:
may limit the growth of your business and information about the industry sector
• willing to learn;
lose out to competitors who make the most or global trends that may affect the
of such chances. Worse still, ignoring the business’s future. • receptive to guidance from business
threats is a sure route to failure, whether specialists and industry experts; and
through one quick disaster or slow decline. Introducing a culture of continuous • prepared to invest in developing the
development at all levels, identifying how necessary teams at all levels within
Our Strategic Development portfolio helps and where to innovate, improving design their business.
businesses to recognise important strategic competence or securing medium-term
For more information, please contact
issues and develop the skills and processes property needs for business expansion
Denzil Morrow.
to deal with them successfully. Invest NI are just some of the other benefits of
specialists can advise you and help you developing a holistic business strategy. T : 028 9069 8391
access development programmes, market E : denzil.morrow@investni.com
research, business sector information and
For more information on Selective Financial
financial support.
Assistance, please contact your Client
Executive.
6
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT DESIGN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME SELECTIVE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
To help you develop a sound strategy Invest NI Effective design is a powerful business tool. We offer Invest NI will help clients to explore all commercial
offers one-to-one consultation with a strategy a range of initiatives and programmes that will help funding sources before committing our resources.
expert who will work with you and your you develop design knowledge and skills. Support will be directed towards:
management team over a period of time.
Our Design Development Programme team will Projects which have:
The aim is to develop a strategy that will highlight provide advice on how to harness design to • a strategic focus on markets outside Northern
company strengths and areas for improvements, deliver considerable commercial advantage by Ireland;
and differentiate you from competitors. This will differentiating products and services and by • increased employment, new skills or growth
bring long-term profitability in an increasingly building brand recognition and reputation. in value-added opportunities;
competitive environment. • innovation, advanced technologies and
strengthened design capability;
A key element is developing the strategy skills PROPERTY SOLUTIONS
• accelerated growth or production targets;
of your team to keep the strategic plan up-to-date
Our Property Solutions team can help you become • new, value-added products or services; and
in the future.
more competitive by working with you to find the • university or research linkages.
best solution for your accommodation needs. Businesses that show:
INNOVATION SERVICE
Our support includes providing property market • continuous commitment to becoming
Innovation is key in helping businesses grow and information, property searches and assistance and internationally competitive;
achieve a strong market position. This service aims to site sales. Assistance can be financial or advisory. • linkages between projects and strategic
demystify and build confidence about innovation. corporate objectives; and
• commitment to international standards of
We can help you to identify the area you need to BUSINESS INFORMATION SERVICES
performance.
innovate in, whether services, products, processes,
people, culture or customer related activities. Businesses need accurate and relevant commercial Projects that have a positive impact on the wider
intelligence to help them compete in an economy by:
The Innovation Service will challenge your
increasingly global marketplace. • having strategic importance for their
perceptions and will show you how to create and
business sector;
sustain a culture of innovation by breaking through Our Business Information Services provide access
• offering opportunities to local suppliers
the barriers to creativity, identifying new business to a wealth of published and electronic business
or distributors;
opportunities and converting ideas into profit. information including industry overviews, key
• locating in areas of greatest social need; and
contacts, market information and company profiles.
• focusing on high growth sectors.
7
People Development
Establishing a good strategy with appropriate goals is an important first step
on the path to business success. However, implementing this strategy
successfully depends on the people in your business. The solutions offered
under our People Development portfolio are designed to improve the
competence and motivation of your staff.
Business Challenges Business Benefits Target Audience
Businesses in Northern Ireland can no The benefits of a well-managed and Our portfolio of People Development
longer compete on price alone. To survive motivated workforce include lower staff services will benefit businesses that:
and thrive, businesses must move up the turnover, higher morale and higher
• recognise their people are their best asset;
value chain and offer specialist goods and productivity levels. You can also increase
services that lower-cost competitors cannot. your profitability by differentiating your • plan to maximise the contribution
business from the competition through from them;
This can only happen if staff at all levels excellent customer service. • are receptive to guidance and advice; and
are clear about what they have to do, are
• will invest in and develop the necessary
competent to do it, and are motivated to Excellent customer service depends on
teams at all levels within the business.
perform effectively and to the best of their your people being highly competent and well
abilities. motivated, which, in turn, depends on good For more information, please contact
people management. So to improve your Karan Donnelly.
A workforce that is continuously improving bottom line and business performance, good
T : 028 9069 8398
standards of quality and service will help people management skills are essential.
E : karan.donnelly@investni.com
you stay ahead of your competitors.
This, in turn, will help you achieve longer-
term strategic goals such as customer
satisfaction and increased profitability.
8
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
• human resource strategy; • a highly experienced Interim Manager to deliver
PEOPLE EXCELLENCE DIAGNOSIS
• family business matters; key projects without significantly increasing
The first step in developing people excellence is to overheads;
• recruitment and selection;
identify the people management issues that you • one-to-one executive coaching for Managing
• corporate social responsibility;
need to address. An Invest NI Business Advisor will Directors;
• diversity and work-life balance;
meet with you to discuss this and – using a diagnostic • strategic links with other businesses or people
process – will draw up an action plan listing the • total compensation strategy and systems;
in the private sector;
key areas and solutions for you to prioritise. • benchmarking, networking and HR metrics; and
• collaborative networks to enable small businesses
• best practice training, development and combine their resources to win new business; and
AWARENESS WORKSHOPS Investors in People.
• mentoring programmes for management,
and trade and marketing teams.
Following the diagnosis of your needs, the HUMAN RESOURCE ADVICE
Business Advisor may recommend that you attend
Invest NI has a small team of HR Advisors,
one of our awareness workshops. These are BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT
all of whom have experience of HR management
delivered by external consultants taking an ‘action TRAINING PROGRAMME
in the Northern Ireland private sector. These
learning’ approach and cover:
Advisors can provide you with advice, guidance The Business Improvement Training Programme
• best practice; and signposting on all the main HR issues. can help you improve business performance by
• leadership and strategy; They will also guide you through the support providing practical and financial support for
available in our People Development portfolio. training and development activities. These aim
• performance and reward; and
to raise the skill levels and motivation of your
• compliance, including health and safety, managers and workforce.
recruitment and selection, and employment law. MENTORING AND NETWORKING
Assistance is only available for projects which
Our Business Advisors will provide follow-up support. We can help your business by drafting in experts demonstrate the potential for significant business
to help overcome a problem or barrier to growth improvement.
PEOPLE EXCELLENCE CONSULTANCY such as:
• Non-executive Directors helping companies
If you have a particular people-related issue, we excel in key areas;
can provide experienced industry practitioners to
• advice and signposting for small businesses
support you on a one-to-one basis on a range of
from industry experts;
topics such as:
9
Technology and Process Development
It is widely recognised that improving processes and using resources in
the most productive way will increase capacity and boost the profits of any
business. Our Technology and Process Development portfolio can help you use
business improvement techniques, and deal with e-business, information and
communications technology (ICT) and technical issues.
Business Challenges Business Benefits Target Audience
Businesses trading in a global marketplace Successful businesses increase productivity Our Technology and Process Development
must take advantage of any technology, and efficiency while minimising investment portfolio will benefit businesses that
techniques or new thinking that can sharpen in plant, machinery and equipment. By recognise that improving their processes
their competitive edge. The increasing improving processes and investing in relevant and ICT will help them get the most out
emphasis on environmental issues is also technologies your business will benefit from: of available resources.
affecting both working practices and • increased throughput;
profitability. • increased turnover through release
The support provided by our E-business and
of capacity;
Technical Advisory teams is available to all
Although most businesses can see the businesses in Northern Ireland.
• improved lead times and on-time delivery;
advantages of streamlining processes and
• reduced WIP, scrap, raw material stock
improving systems, they are cautious For more information, please contact
and re-work;
because of the cost implications, concerns Lynne Williams.
over disruption, and a lack of understanding • improved quality and reliability
of processes;
T : 028 9069 8407
of proposed technologies.
E : lynne.williams@investni.com
• improved supplier performance;
The challenge is for businesses to embrace • improved customer relationships and
change and take advantage of the tools that management; and
will deliver success. • improved morale and involvement
of all in continuous improvements.
10
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
PROCESS EXCELLENCE E-BUSINESS AND ICT TECHNICAL ADVISORY UNIT
We can help you choose the right techniques E-business is all about finding smarter ways Our Technical Advisory Unit (TAU) can help you
to improve the performance of your business. to work by using ICT to make your business with technical issues relating to:
These techniques can help you with every aspect processes run more smoothly and efficiently.
• health and safety;
of your operations from customer relationship
You can improve the way you interact with your
management, waste elimination and quality • environmental regulation;
customers and increase customer retention by
management, to supply chain management • engineering and manufacturing; and
using technologies that have a direct impact on
and maintenance of equipment.
the capability of your business and your ability • product and process control and development.
Specific techniques that we can help you to grow.
implement include: The TAU also carries out technical audits,
Invest NI can help you identify and quantify the and can help with sourcing raw materials, product
• Six Sigma; potential benefits that embracing ICT and testing, compliance, quality control, CE marking
e-business can offer. and developing technologies.
• Lean Manufacturing;
Our ICT Advisors offer free practical and impartial If you need information about patents, trademarks,
• Balanced Scorecard;
advice to businesses considering investing in ICT, intellectual property, or industrial standards, you
• Theory of Constraints; helping you to get the hardware and software can also use our Technical Information Service.
• Self Managed Teams; solutions best suited to your particular business With access to over 2,000 commercial databases,
needs. this is a unique business resource for businesses
• Business Improvement Agent;
Our E-solutions Centre gives visitors the opportunity requiring answers to technical questions in a hurry.
• Capability Maturity Model Integrated
to experience hands-on demonstrations of a range
(CMMI); and
of information and communication technologies
• Quality Management Systems, including relevant to business. You will also have the
European Framework Quality Model (EFQM), opportunity to discuss your ICT requirements in
BS 7909 Security Standard or detail with an expert from the E-solutions Centre
ISO 14000 Environmental Standard. to help you decide your next step.
11
Technical and Sustainable Development
Our Technical Advisory Unit (TAU) and Energy and Environmental teams
offer free advice and services to business to help them solve technical,
energy efficiency and environmental problems. We also encourage and support
businesses in implementing best practice to achieve sustainable development.
Business Challenges Business Benefits Target Audience
Businesses in Northern Ireland face Businesses can make substantial savings by The portfolio of services is aimed at
increasing legislative, financial and customer reducing waste and introducing best businesses that want to make cost savings
pressures, forcing them to identify their practice in the areas of energy usage and and become more efficient.
energy usage and environmental impact environmental impact. By being able to
and take action where necessary. access information on environmental All private sector businesses and voluntary
legislation, companies can also ensure that organisations with annual energy costs of
Despite recognising the potential financial and they are legally compliant. more than £50,000 can use the services.
ecological benefits, small and medium-sized Those spending less than £50,000 per
enterprises sometimes struggle to take the We also offer a scheme which encourages annum can get helpline advice from
practical measures necessary to align their the use of local technology suppliers, an Energy Consultant.
processes with current legislation and ensuring that emerging technologies are
efficiency thinking. promoted and that Northern Ireland Technical advice is offered free of charge
businesses can benefit. to all businesses seeking assistance with
This is often due to time constraints, a lack product and process development,
of resources, or not being aware of their The TAU provides professional and impartial engineering, CE marking, health and safety
obligations. This is compounded by the fact advice on a wide range of technical, or regulatory problems.
that product and process development and environmental and regulatory issues.
intellectual property rights (IPR) have For more information, please contact
become increasingly important and can The Technical Information Service can Colin Frazer.
present barriers to business growth. assist with comprehensive advice on IPR
T : 028 9069 8773
and standards.
E : colin.frazer@investni.com
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AREAS OF EXPERTISE
ENERGY ENVIRONMENT TECHNICAL ADVISORY UNIT
Reducing energy use can increase the profitability Our environment-focused services include the Our Technical Advisory Unit (TAU) can help you
of your business. Our Energy team delivers Green Technology Initiative, which offers three- with technical issues relating to:
seminars and workshops on energy related topics year, interest-free loans of up to £50,000 towards
• health and safety;
and also provides independent design advice the cost of capital equipment to improve air
about energy-efficient building design. quality, and reduce emissions and pollution. • environmental regulation;
Free on-site energy surveys will help you assess We also provide advice via the Environmental • engineering and manufacturing; and
the overall energy use of your business. Our team Enquiry Point (0800 262227) and the • product and process control and development.
also provides advice on potential areas of savings www.niwasteworks.com website.
and offers additional consultancy support for The TAU also carries out technical audits to test
This is a waste directory for businesses, featuring the health of your business in areas such as
more detailed assessment on specific areas such
everything from waste management options to energy and environment, waste management,
as the feasibility of combined heat and power.
best practice information. effluent treatment, production and process
In association with the Carbon Trust, we offer control and water usage.
interest-free energy efficiency loans of between
£5,000 and £200,000 to established businesses If you need information about patents,
planning to replace or upgrade existing equipment trademarks, intellectual property, or industrial
with a more energy-efficient version. standards, you can also use our Technical
Information Service. With access to over 2,000
You can get immediate specialist advice by ringing commercial databases, this is a unique business
our free Energy Helpline (0800 085 2005) or resource for businesses requiring answers to
consulting our large library of independent technical questions in a hurry.
technical publications on energy efficiency,
many of which can also be downloaded from the Also available is a free British Standards loan
Carbon Trust at www.thecarbontrust.co.uk/energy. service for small businesses interested in
accessing this information.
13
Research and Development
Research and development (R&D) and the commercialisation of science and
knowledge are key drivers of industrial competitiveness. To develop a successful
economy we need businesses to invest in R&D, and we need collaboration
between industry and the universities to ensure effective knowledge transfer.
Having the right supporting infrastructure in place is also vital.
Business Challenges Business Benefits Target Audience
The pace of technological change means that Businesses that invest in knowledge creation Support is targeted at Northern Ireland
R&D should be central to the strategic and exploitation are in a better position to based businesses and universities with
development of every business. However, compete in a global marketplace and often strengths in technologies that have global
many businesses are reluctant, in the face of experience higher than average growth rates. opportunities.
the perceived high risks involved, to invest in As innovation is a complex process, easy wins
strategic or pre-competitive R&D. can be gained from accessing knowledge Projects can either be company-only projects
through collaboration with others. or partnership projects and will be critical to
The delay in commercial return of such the participant’s business development
research often makes it unattractive to Investing in industrially relevant research will objectives.
private sector investors and makes it difficult drive forward innovative areas of R&D, which
for businesses to raise the necessary capital could lead to new industries. R&D can include For more information, please contact
to carry out the project effectively. technology development for improving Andy Reilly.
products or processes, or it can solve specific
T : 028 9069 8765
Higher Education Institutions also have a key technical problems.
E : andy.reilly@investni.com
role to play in promoting future economic
growth through their R&D activities, but Centres of Excellence are pivotal to achieving
the challenge remains to translate these commercial and market-orientated collaboration
activities into commercial applications. between industry, academia and government.
As well as building business competitiveness,
the Centres will increase the number of skilled
researchers in Northern Ireland.
14
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Industrially relevant linkages with organisations
NEAR-MARKET PRODUCT RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE
outside Northern Ireland can be achieved through
AND PROCESS DEVELOPMENT
The establishment of Centres of Excellence our Research and Technological Development
We want to change attitudes to research and stimulates leading-edge, commercially-focused Networking Programme, which assists local
development and show businesses the benefits research, which will improve the competitiveness businesses and research organisations to access
of keeping pace with technological developments. of Northern Ireland industry. state-of-the-art technologies and expertise.
One of our key objectives is to increase the These Centres are currently working on
number of well-designed, commercially successful cutting-edge research in many areas including TECHNOLOGY COLLABORATION
Northern Ireland products introduced in both engineering, functional genomics and proteomics,
If you have developed an innovative technology
home and export markets. pharmaceuticals and nanotechnology.
or process, we can help you locate European
This area of support focuses on helping businesses The Centres of Excellence are a partnership organisations interested in using your technology,
carry out R&D that will result in a marketable between government, businesses and the science or assist you in further development.
product. Both financial and advisory assistance base to maximise the impact of investment in R&D.
This collaboration may lead to licensing,
is available which is tailored to the size and needs
They also provide high-technology business commercial agreements or technical assistance.
of individual companies.
incubators and showcase best practice.
INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH
KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER
If you want to undertake a research project that
Knowledge transfer can improve the innovation
will help you gain new knowledge which will
performance of any business. Successful
ultimately lead to the development or
knowledge transfer requires effective linkages
improvement of products or services, we may
between third-level education and industry.
be able to offer financial assistance.
Our Knowledge Transfer Partnerships bring
together businesses, research bodies and recent
graduates to work on mutually beneficial
company-based projects.
15
Passport to Export
Success in export markets is crucial to the long-term growth of local businesses
and the economy. Northern Ireland needs a strong, vibrant business sector with
the commitment and capability to operate in an increasingly challenging global
environment. Passport to Export is a range of services and programmes to help
businesses access world markets.
Business Challenges Business Benefits Target Audience
Trading overseas can be daunting and Passport to Export offers a comprehensive Passport to Export will benefit those
whether you are exporting for the first time range of support and advice tailored to the businesses that have a strong desire to grow
or expanding into new markets, there is a lot growth objectives of your business. in export markets and are willing to invest
to learn and often a lot at stake. the necessary time, resources and money
The portfolio has been developed in to achieve this.
Many businesses offer products and services conjunction with the Northern Ireland
that are highly attractive in world markets, export community and it provides assistance Passport to Export is designed to support all
but they lack the knowledge and resources in areas businesses really need such as Northern Ireland exporters, but with special
to exploit export opportunities. training, planning and ongoing market provision for first-time exporters and more
support. experienced exporters seeking to enter
Your decisions need to be supported by new markets.
expert advice, reliable data and professional You can increase your chances of export
and accurate research – all crucial when success by developing a sound knowledge of You may need to satisfy eligibility criteria
trying to gain a foothold in an overseas current and potential customers and markets, to access certain services and programmes.
market. and focusing resources on the most
commercially viable markets. For more information, please contact
Christine Browne.
T : 028 9069 8034
E : christine.browne@investni.com
16
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
You can also get specialist market research
EXPORT SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE MARKET VISITS
by accessing the services of UK Trade and
Building capability in exporting is a key priority for Investment and the Overseas Market Introductory Taking part in overseas events is a very effective
many exporters whatever their track record. Service, which is available in over 200 markets. way for new or inexperienced exporters to test
Staff based in embassies, consulates and high markets, gather intelligence, attract customers,
We offer a series of one-day specialist workshops
commissions can provide market assessments, appoint agents and ultimately make sales.
which give participants the skills and confidence
to enter and develop export markets successfully. advice on market approach and can identify We can support your taking part in a trade mission
agents and distributors in your target market. or being part of a delegation to an exhibition. As
The workshops are organised under two
well as financial support, we provide a high level
categories, Core Export Knowledge for those
IN-MARKET SUPPORT of practical support including briefings before you
developing an export strategy, and Essential
go, and mentoring in the market.
Export Skills for those responsible for day-to-day
Once you have decided on a target market,
export activities. They cover topics ranging from Selected events are covered each year and are
a well-connected presence on the ground is
export market planning to practical export outlined in our Trade Events Programme.
essential. Our In-market Support teams provide
administration.
local knowledge and contacts, and the Trade
Advisory Service offers personalised guidance. GRADUATE PLACEMENT
MARKET RESEARCH
If you are interested in growth through partnership Exploring new markets can consume considerable
You will increase your chances of winning new with overseas businesses, our Strategic Business resources. Our graduate placement programmes
business overseas by having a thorough Alliance service can facilitate introduction. can help you approach new markets by using the
understanding of the market. Serviced workspace and meeting facilities are skills of talented graduates. You can use the nine-
available in a number of Invest NI overseas offices month placement to gain valuable market
Our Business Information Services offers free for businesses to use on market visits. intelligence such as information on competitors,
advice on how to set about export market
Finally, for businesses interested in establishing distribution, pricing and legal requirements.
research. Our European Information Centre, part
of a network of 200 centres throughout Europe, a market presence in the United States and the We offer two types of graduate placement:
has an extensive collection of reports with Middle East, the Northern Ireland Technology and Connections operates in Great Britain or Ireland,
statistical, market and sector information. Development Centres in these countries provide while Explorers looks at placements in the rest
business incubation services. of the world.
17
Keep up to speed with
practical business advice
NIBUSINESSINFO.CO.UK is a website that provides
businesses in Northern Ireland with free access to the key
information, advice, funding and training that can deliver
business success.
With over 5,000 pages of relevant business information,
the site has been written by business people for business
people and is endorsed by all government agencies
and departments.
18
NIBUSINESSINFO.CO.UK
From June 2006, NIBUSINESSINFO.CO.UK will provide small to medium-sized enterprises
with a single point of access to information and services, making it easier to find the
information they need online in one co-ordinated source. This frees up time for
entrepreneurs and business people to concentrate on running their business.
The benefits to businesses include: Simplifying people management There are 11 key topics that are covered by the site:
Helping you to reach your potential Entrepreneurs will be able to find out how to STARTING UP
and boost your growth better manage their payroll and human resources These guides aim to provide an understanding
through simple guides and tools. of the many things you need to think about when
NIBUSINESSINFO.CO.UK has an easy-to-use
you are running a business. They cover areas such
searchable database of over 2,600 government Local content as reasons for going into business, funding, taxes
funded business support products ranging from
and managing a business.
grants and loans to consultancy support. There is Readers will find information that is specific
also a training directory featuring over 500,000 to Northern Ireland including trading with the
Republic of Ireland and locating property for sale TAXES, RETURNS AND PAYROLL
courses, events and seminars.
or rent. Access to details of over 40,000 Northern Understanding annual tax, VAT returns, National
Reducing the time spent researching Ireland companies will also be available. Insurance and ensuring that you pay your
employees properly are fundamentals for every
rules and regulations
Interactive features business. Whether you are starting a business,
Businesses will be able to find out quickly and employing people for the first time, setting up a
easily what regulations apply to them and what There are over 50 interactive business tools to limited company or growing your business, you'll
action, if any, they have to take. make life easier for small businesses, such as the find tax planning advice and information here to
facility to register for important business point you in the right direction.
information updates, or to download an
employment contract.
19
NIBUSINESSINFO.CO.UK
EMPLOYING PEOPLE IT AND E-COMMERCE GROW YOUR BUSINESS
Whether you are looking at taking on your E-commerce is a term for all business Businesses need to find ways to grow. Fast-
first employee or already have a team of done electronically and includes computer changing markets mean you can never rely
workers, this section will help you find the systems, databases, e-mail, websites and upon a loyal customer base and you should
information you need. using business software. The decisions made never ignore opportunities to extend market
about business technology will be among the share or develop new lines. You will find
HEALTH, SAFETY AND PREMISES most important your business will ever take. information here to help you plan growth
Health and safety at work is a major carefully.
consideration and every business must be SALES AND MARKETING
aware of health and safety legislation that Getting your sales and marketing right is BUY OR SELL A BUSINESS
applies to them. This section highlights many crucial for a successful business. This section Whether you are thinking of buying a
of the health and safety issues that affect can help develop a sales and marketing plan business or selling your own business,
your business. and provide tips for taking action. These it is essential that you know what your legal
guides contain a wealth of practical advice requirements are and what obligations you
EXPLOIT YOUR IDEAS and information on establishing successful have to employees. Find out the details in
sales and marketing methods and policies. this section.
New products and services are the lifeline
of all businesses. Investing in research and
INTERNATIONAL TRADE YOUR TYPE OF BUSINESS
development is crucial to business growth.
This section provides information on R&D, The decision on whether to import or export A key section that allows you to see the
help for inventors and advice about needs to be given careful consideration. This regulations, licences, and key trade bodies
protecting your intellectual property. section provides practical advice and basics that apply to your business.
for trading internationally.
20
Contact Information
STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT TECHNICAL AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Areas of Expertise Contact Name Telephone E-mail Areas of Expertise Contact Name Telephone E-mail
Strategy Development Denzil Morrow 028 9069 8391 denzil.morrow@investni.com Energy Sam Knox 028 9069 8851 sam.knox@investni.com
Innovation Service Simon Quinn 028 9069 8403 simon.quinn@investni.com Environmental Fiona Walker 028 9069 8787 fiona.walker@investni.com
Design Development Technical Advisory Unit Heather Mawhinney 028 9069 8798 heather.mawhinney@investni.com
Programme John McAleavey 028 9069 8810 john.mcaleavey@investni.com
Property Solutions Lucy McCann 028 9069 8282 lucy.mccann@investni.com RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Business Information Services Johanna Lagan 028 9069 8126 johanna.lagan@investni.com
Areas of Expertise Contact Name Telephone E-mail
Selective Financial Assistance Please contact your Client Executive.
Near-market Product and
Process Development Andy Reilly 028 9069 8765 andy.reilly@investni.com
PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT Industrial Research Colin McManus 028 9069 8775 colin.mcmanus@investni.com
Areas of Expertise Contact Name Telephone E-mail Research Infrastructure Mark Berry 028 9069 8823 mark.berry@investni.com
People Excellence Diagnosis Karan Donnelly 028 9069 8398 karan.donnelly@investni.com Knowledge Transfer Roisin Goodwin 028 9069 8846 roisin.goodwin@investni.com
Awareness Workshops Karan Donnelly 028 9069 8398 karan.donnelly@investni.com Technology Collaboration Mark Berry 028 9069 8823 mark.berry@investni.com
People Excellence Consultancy Karan Donnelly 028 9069 8398 karan.donnelly@investni.com
Human Resource Advice Karan Donnelly 028 9069 8398 karan.donnelly@investni.com PASSPORT TO EXPORT
Mentoring and Networking Alan Ritchie 028 9069 8396 alan.ritchie@investni.com Areas of Expertise Contact Name Telephone E-mail
Business Improvement Export Skills
Training Programme Karan Donnelly 028 9069 8398 karan.donnelly@investni.com and Knowledge Christine Browne 028 9069 8034 christine.browne@investni.com
Market Research Christine Browne 028 9069 8034 christine.browne@investni.com
TECHNOLOGY AND PROCESS DEVELOPMENT In-market Support Christine Browne 028 9069 8034 christine.browne@investni.com
Areas of Expertise Contact Name Telephone E-mail Market Visits Christine Browne 028 9069 8034 christine.browne@investni.com
Process Excellence Lynne Williams 028 9069 8407 lynne.williams@investni.com Graduate Placement Denzil Morrow 028 9069 8391 denzil.morrow@investni.com
E-business and ICT Jane Thompson 028 9069 8806 jane.thompson@investni.com
Technical Advisory Unit Heather Mawhinney 028 9069 8798 heather.mawhinney@investni.com
21
Local Office Network
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22
If you require this brochure in an alternative format
(including Braille, disk, audio cassette or in minority
languages to meet the needs of those whose first
language is not English) then please contact:
Invest NI’s Equality Team
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Textphone: 028 9069 8585
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www.investni.com