Menu
23/07/2004
Business start up programme helps create 8,000 new jobs
Two Mallusk entrepreneurs have set up the 5000th new business to be started through the Start a Business programme, which has generated an estimated 8,250 new jobs across Northern Ireland.
Oliver McErlane took part on the programme with business partner Tim Swann, before setting up their electronic marketing company, TxtFlow. Both are experienced web application developers and aim to help smaller businesses run marketing campaigns via e-mail or by using mobile phone messaging.
Commenting on his new company, Oliver McErlane said: “TxtFlow will be different from its competitors because we will put the business owner in control. There will be no account managers running marketing campaigns for clients; instead the technology will enable companies to create and send their own messages by accessing a web browser.”
Talking about Invest NI's Business Start Up programme, he added: “We found the Start a Business Programme to be excellent. It gave us a good grounding in all the key areas of running a business and helped us to clarify our ideas and approach to promoting the business. It’s also great to have the ongoing support of a business adviser to help in the early days of running a business, when things don’t always go according to plan!”
Graham Davis, Director of Local Economic Development in Invest NI, said: “We’re delighted to be marking the 5000th new business created through the Start a Business Programme. New business ventures generate wealth and employment for the Northern Ireland economy.
"Our Accelerating Entrepreneurship Strategy and related Go For It campaign is encouraging people to turn their business ideas into reality and as a result we’re seeing a steady increase in numbers interested in starting a business.”
The fundamental aim of the Start a Business Programme is to stimulate enterprise by supporting individuals to become entrepreneurs and provide them with professional advice from the idea generation stage through to when they first start trading and beyond.
The Programme is part of a suite of services offered by Invest NI to assist Northern Ireland entrepreneurs create successful businesses operating in local, export and global markets.
(MB)
Oliver McErlane took part on the programme with business partner Tim Swann, before setting up their electronic marketing company, TxtFlow. Both are experienced web application developers and aim to help smaller businesses run marketing campaigns via e-mail or by using mobile phone messaging.
Commenting on his new company, Oliver McErlane said: “TxtFlow will be different from its competitors because we will put the business owner in control. There will be no account managers running marketing campaigns for clients; instead the technology will enable companies to create and send their own messages by accessing a web browser.”
Talking about Invest NI's Business Start Up programme, he added: “We found the Start a Business Programme to be excellent. It gave us a good grounding in all the key areas of running a business and helped us to clarify our ideas and approach to promoting the business. It’s also great to have the ongoing support of a business adviser to help in the early days of running a business, when things don’t always go according to plan!”
Graham Davis, Director of Local Economic Development in Invest NI, said: “We’re delighted to be marking the 5000th new business created through the Start a Business Programme. New business ventures generate wealth and employment for the Northern Ireland economy.
"Our Accelerating Entrepreneurship Strategy and related Go For It campaign is encouraging people to turn their business ideas into reality and as a result we’re seeing a steady increase in numbers interested in starting a business.”
The fundamental aim of the Start a Business Programme is to stimulate enterprise by supporting individuals to become entrepreneurs and provide them with professional advice from the idea generation stage through to when they first start trading and beyond.
The Programme is part of a suite of services offered by Invest NI to assist Northern Ireland entrepreneurs create successful businesses operating in local, export and global markets.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 April 2024
NI Civil Service Launches New Neurodiversity Toolkt
As part of Autism Awareness Month, the Civil Service has announced the launch of a new Neurodiversity Line Manager's Toolkit. As an equal opportunities employer the Civil Service has said that it is committed to creating diverse and inclusive workplaces supporting and promoting neurodiversity in the workplace is a key part of their commitment.
NI Civil Service Launches New Neurodiversity Toolkt
As part of Autism Awareness Month, the Civil Service has announced the launch of a new Neurodiversity Line Manager's Toolkit. As an equal opportunities employer the Civil Service has said that it is committed to creating diverse and inclusive workplaces supporting and promoting neurodiversity in the workplace is a key part of their commitment.
06 November 2012
Arlene Foster Praises Mid-Ulster Success
Arlene Foster has praised the successful "entrepreneurial spirit" of Mid Ulster. The Enterprise Minister was addressing the Magherafelt Chamber of Commerce at their Business Breakfast. She said: "Building a strong business base in Mid Ulster takes not just ambitious and talented entrepreneurs - it also requires a strong support network.
Arlene Foster Praises Mid-Ulster Success
Arlene Foster has praised the successful "entrepreneurial spirit" of Mid Ulster. The Enterprise Minister was addressing the Magherafelt Chamber of Commerce at their Business Breakfast. She said: "Building a strong business base in Mid Ulster takes not just ambitious and talented entrepreneurs - it also requires a strong support network.
09 October 2012
Business Start-Up Support Launched
Arlene Foster has announced a new programme of support for people who want to start their own business. The Regional Start Initiative is the new support programme from Invest NI, which has been implemented as a means to encourage young entrepreneurs and aspiring business professionals in Northern Ireland.
Business Start-Up Support Launched
Arlene Foster has announced a new programme of support for people who want to start their own business. The Regional Start Initiative is the new support programme from Invest NI, which has been implemented as a means to encourage young entrepreneurs and aspiring business professionals in Northern Ireland.
11 April 2024
Over 40 Belfast Organisations Back 'Inclusive City' Initiative
More than forty organisations from across Belfast have backed an initiative designed to help create a 'better, more inclusive city'. The organisations have signed up to the Belfast Business Promise, embarking on their journey to become accredited and share good practice.
Over 40 Belfast Organisations Back 'Inclusive City' Initiative
More than forty organisations from across Belfast have backed an initiative designed to help create a 'better, more inclusive city'. The organisations have signed up to the Belfast Business Promise, embarking on their journey to become accredited and share good practice.
08 February 2024
Online Business Ideas Gaining Traction In Northern Ireland
Are you looking for a new business venture that can be operated from the comfort of your own home? The rise of the internet has provided countless opportunities to start an online business and reach customers from all over the world.
Online Business Ideas Gaining Traction In Northern Ireland
Are you looking for a new business venture that can be operated from the comfort of your own home? The rise of the internet has provided countless opportunities to start an online business and reach customers from all over the world.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A fine dry days weather with sunshine quite widespread, particularly from mid-morning. Temperatures best across southern districts. North to northwesy breezes occasionally freshening around the coasts. Maximum temperature 15 °C.Tonight:Most dry with good clear spells bringing a rural frost in the south for some. Cloudier around northern coasts where the odd light shower may develop. Northerly breezes persisting. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
