US centre to assist home grown entrepreneurs

Northern Ireland's first Technology and Development Centre, to assist entrepreneurial technology-led companies grow faster by winning business in North America, has been opened in Boston, by Sir Reg Empey, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment.

The new Technology and Development Centre has been developed by Trade International, the export and trade arm of the Industrial Development Board. The Boston-based facility, which is known in the US as a venture centre, will provide expert advice and offices for innovative businesses seeking a base from which to expand in the huge US marketplace.

Two Antrim companies, Amtec Medical and textHELP, have already signed up to locate in the new Boston facility.

Speaking at the official opening of the centre, which is located in the heart of Boston's business district, Sir Reg said the development reflected his Department's commitment to promote the growth of entrepreneurial activity within technology-driven smaller companies in Northern Ireland.

He added: "The centre will provide a base in the United States, the world's biggest technology marketplace, for our innovative and entrepreneurial companies. Trade International and centre staff will help to identify and work with smart companies with bright ideas, which are best able to benefit from engagement with the entrepreneurial culture in the US.

"We want to encourage entrepreneurial flair and help accelerate the growth of locally-owned businesses, which will play an increasingly important role within our strategy to strengthen the knowledge base of the Northern Ireland economy.

"We hope that the companies which use the centre will act as role models for the new wave of entrepreneurs now emerging from Northern Ireland.”

Sir Reg said the work of the centre would also benefit both Queen's University and the University of Ulster, as both may use the centre as a gateway to promote their research and commercial development in the US. (MB)