A new technology business that is focused on innovative software for the aerospace industry is being assisted by Invest Northern Ireland to grow exports.

Maghera-based NC UK Services, formed by Kevin Quigley, an experienced consultant in aerospace software, is investing almost £35,000 to develop its business with key suppliers to the aircraft industries in Great Britain and Germany.

Invest NI has offered the start-up business assistance worth £13,920 towards the cost of expanding its expertise in developing sophisticated software for computer controlled cutting machinery.

Support for the investment was announced by Des Gartland, Invest NI's North West Regional Office Manager in Londonderry during a visit to NC UK, where he was briefed by Mr Quigley on the company’s export marketing activities.

Mr Gartland said: "This is an important investment by a small and ambitious company operating within aerospace, a key industry for Northern Ireland and a leader in advanced manufacturing. It joins several successful aerospace engineering businesses already operating in the North West and will, in time, offer additional employment opportunities for skilled personnel.

"Our initial support has been shaped to help an entrepreneurial, innovative and export-led company to establish its position in a marketplace that Mr Quigley knows extremely well and has worked in for some considerable time.

"He now has excellent contacts with leading component manufacturers," he said.

"We are keen to work with Mr Quigley as he implements an extensive marketing campaign in Britain and other parts of Europe, particularly Germany, to secure new business projects from existing clients and identify potential customers.

"In addition to the financial assistance, we are advising the company in areas such as information technology systems and recruitment practices."

Originally from England, Mr Quigley, outlining NC UK's business plan, said: "While this is a new company in Northern Ireland, I have been operating as a programming and consultancy business to major manufacturers on Computer Numerical Control (CNC) cutting technology in Britain and Germany for over seven years and have over 20 years experience in the aerospace manufacturing industry.

"I was attracted to Northern Ireland by the region's reputation as a centre of aerospace excellence based on the position of Bombardier Aerospace and a cluster of engineering suppliers including Moyola Precision in Castledawson, Maydown Precision in Derry and JHE in Greyabbey.

"Invest NI has also been immensely encouraging and supportive. I believe there are huge opportunities for my company and other businesses in the sector in Northern Ireland across a very broad range of technologies and engineering activities," he continued.

"I am keen to work further with Invest NI and also with the Aerospace Defence and Security Northern Ireland group and Queen's University in developing my business and contributing to the further development of what is a very strategically important industry both here and in Europe.

"I am sure that my knowledge, experience and contacts will bring tangible benefits to the industry here."

(BMcC/GK)