Menu
03/02/2012
Sammy Wilson Visits One Of Northern Ireland’s 'Most Promising Successes'
Finance Minister Sammy Wilson visited the Northern Ireland Science Park (NISP) in Queen’s Island, Belfast, to find out about its work and its plans for the future.
The Minister was greeted on arrival by the Chairman Frank Hewitt and met with Board members where he was briefed about the work of the NI Science Park.
Sammy Wilson said: “I was most impressed with what I heard and saw. The innovative work that goes on in the Science Park is one of Belfast’s best kept secrets, yet it is a striking example of how the NI economy can move forward in difficult times, by developing the talents of our people and turn these into flourishing businesses that are internationally respected.
“The Science Park provides the perfect environment for new creative businesses to spark off one another; providing not only support and nurture but direct access to equity finance.
“We, as an Executive also need to examine ways that we can further support these sorts of business in the high risk early years, when the good ideas are trying to evolve into viable businesses, that can then go on to attract funding. We need to ensure the scientific and engineering talent we have supported through our schools and universities doesn’t leave Northern Ireland but stays here to help grow our economy.”
The Minister also heard about the proposals and ambitions of the Board to develop a satellite site in the North West.
The Minister said: “It is clearly evident from the facilities provided at the NISP in Belfast - which has over 100 companies, employing over 1,500 people and with an impressive occupancy level of nearly 100% - that it is already making a valuable contribution to the Northern Ireland economy. It is proving its success and an extension to the Londonderry area could provide a real boost to the economy and fully exploit the intellectual resources of the North West.
“The top priority of the Executive’s Programme for Government (PfG) is about rebalancing and rebuilding our economy and the businesses such as those within NISP will only continue to add value and complement the strategies detailed in the PfG securing and developing Northern Ireland’s reputation as a source of high quality, high value-added business.”
(GK)
The Minister was greeted on arrival by the Chairman Frank Hewitt and met with Board members where he was briefed about the work of the NI Science Park.
Sammy Wilson said: “I was most impressed with what I heard and saw. The innovative work that goes on in the Science Park is one of Belfast’s best kept secrets, yet it is a striking example of how the NI economy can move forward in difficult times, by developing the talents of our people and turn these into flourishing businesses that are internationally respected.
“The Science Park provides the perfect environment for new creative businesses to spark off one another; providing not only support and nurture but direct access to equity finance.
“We, as an Executive also need to examine ways that we can further support these sorts of business in the high risk early years, when the good ideas are trying to evolve into viable businesses, that can then go on to attract funding. We need to ensure the scientific and engineering talent we have supported through our schools and universities doesn’t leave Northern Ireland but stays here to help grow our economy.”
The Minister also heard about the proposals and ambitions of the Board to develop a satellite site in the North West.
The Minister said: “It is clearly evident from the facilities provided at the NISP in Belfast - which has over 100 companies, employing over 1,500 people and with an impressive occupancy level of nearly 100% - that it is already making a valuable contribution to the Northern Ireland economy. It is proving its success and an extension to the Londonderry area could provide a real boost to the economy and fully exploit the intellectual resources of the North West.
“The top priority of the Executive’s Programme for Government (PfG) is about rebalancing and rebuilding our economy and the businesses such as those within NISP will only continue to add value and complement the strategies detailed in the PfG securing and developing Northern Ireland’s reputation as a source of high quality, high value-added business.”
(GK)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 September 2009
'Hottest Intellectual Property' Applauded
The Northern Ireland Science Park (NISP) CONNECT's search for 'the next big thing' has concluded – and a team from the University of Ulster last night walked away with a £10,000 cheque as overall winners of the entrepreneurs £25k Award.
'Hottest Intellectual Property' Applauded
The Northern Ireland Science Park (NISP) CONNECT's search for 'the next big thing' has concluded – and a team from the University of Ulster last night walked away with a £10,000 cheque as overall winners of the entrepreneurs £25k Award.
06 August 2009
Tesco Cuts Out Landfills
Retail giant Tesco has diverted all of its Northern Ireland waste away from landfills over the last 12 months, it has been revealed. Tesco bosses have also implemented several 'environmentally friendly' solutions into store nationwide.
Tesco Cuts Out Landfills
Retail giant Tesco has diverted all of its Northern Ireland waste away from landfills over the last 12 months, it has been revealed. Tesco bosses have also implemented several 'environmentally friendly' solutions into store nationwide.
31 May 2002
Trade Awards mark North South co-operation
The InterTradeIreland All-Island Trade Awards in the Waterfront Hall marked the increasing importance of the contribution of cross-border businesses throughout Ireland.
Trade Awards mark North South co-operation
The InterTradeIreland All-Island Trade Awards in the Waterfront Hall marked the increasing importance of the contribution of cross-border businesses throughout Ireland.
07 December 2001
Northern Ireland likely to avoid worldwide economic slump
Northern Ireland’s economy is likely to avoid the worst effects of the global economic slowdown, the First Trust Bank has said.
Northern Ireland likely to avoid worldwide economic slump
Northern Ireland’s economy is likely to avoid the worst effects of the global economic slowdown, the First Trust Bank has said.
08 September 2010
Robinson And McGuinness Open £93m Coca-Cola Plant
The new £93million Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland manufacturing plant was officially opened in Lisburn today. Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland is part of the Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, the world’s largest producer of Coca-Cola branded beverages with a presence in 28 countries, employing 45,000 people and serving 560 million consumers.
Robinson And McGuinness Open £93m Coca-Cola Plant
The new £93million Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland manufacturing plant was officially opened in Lisburn today. Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland is part of the Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, the world’s largest producer of Coca-Cola branded beverages with a presence in 28 countries, employing 45,000 people and serving 560 million consumers.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry and quite chilly overnight under prolonged clear spells and light winds. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. Winds light and variable in direction. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
