Wilson Founded Dies

An icon of NI engineering has passed away. The leading industrialist Fred Wilson has died at the age of 84. He founded engineering firm FG Wilson in 1966 which began with just six employees but grew to become a global supplier of electrical generators. He sold the Larne-based firm in 1995 and retired in 1999. Within a year, he had formed a new golf buggy business. Last year, he was awarded an OBE for his contribution to entrepreneurship and engineering. See: FG Wilson Founder Dies

St Pat's Fundraiser

After the success of a recent Help For Heroes fundraiser at a local Royal British Legion Club - in Whiteabbey - a second event is being organised that will also raise some additional cash for the servicemen and women. Due to be attended by local MP and MLA Sammy Wilson, and his party colleague, the MP and MLA Jeffrey Donaldson, the event is to feature a line-up of acts. Buoyed up by raising a grand total of £1,500 for the injured frontline soldiers' fund during the February event, the St Patrick's Night function - which is a combined UDR and Royal Irish Regiment initiative - will also run ballots and auctions of donated goods on the night. The function - on 17th March - will feature the locally-based traditional drum and flute specialists, the Hounds of Ulster, alongside a troop of Irish dancers.

Farms Funded

The NI Agricuture Minister Michelle Gildernew has announced that payments under the 2010 Less Favoured Area Compensatory Allowances Scheme (LFACA) have started to issue. "I know that these payments, worth some £25m, will be a welcome boost to farmers in the disadvantaged areas. We had hoped to start payments earlier in February but unfortunately we were unable to do so until the necessary legislation was finalised and in place."

Snow Slowdown

Heavy snow has again fallen across much of Northern Ireland causing hazardous road conditions. Most fell in the north and west, with three inches reported at Lough Fea in the Sperrins. The Roads Service said they started to grit the network on Tuesday and continued throughout the night. Snow ploughs were deployed in some areas with all main roads now clear. More snow is predicted tonight.

Investment Locally Praised

Stormont Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has welcomed the publication of a report into public procurement policy and practice which was debated yesterday afternoon in the Assembly. "The Executive is investing record amounts in public procurement. Last year, £2.4billion was spent in procuring goods and services and investing in capital projects across Northern Ireland. This is leading to real improvements for local people as road links are improved, schools and hospitals are built and our town centres are regenerated," he said. See: Wilson Welcomes Public Procurement Report

(BMcC/GK)