Woodmarque scoops NI innovation award

The award recognises exceptionally high levels of innovation and collaboration between a company, a graduate and an academic institution as part of InterTradeIreland’s Innovation Boost programme.

The Dungannon business was the only business from Northern Ireland to receive the accreditation.

The other companies acknowledged were CBE, Co. Mayo; KORE, Co. Cavan; ITS, Co. Cork and Midland Steel in Co. Laois.

Between them, the five companies have reported sales of more than £300,000 and savings of close to £900,000 during their Innovation Boost projects. Combined, the five SMEs have anticipated sales of upwards of £1.5 million and savings of over £2 million, over the next three years.

Alan Morrow, assistant director for InterTradeIreland said: “Woodmarque’s success is a great example of what the Innovation Boost programme is about - giving firms the tools to boost their business though innovative collaboration.

“Covid-19 has caused issues for many firms, but innovation is way you can unlock growth.

“You can also directly address challenges in your business by harnessing programmes like Innovation Boost to help you solve problems. It can even help you to anticipate future obstacles and mitigate them. It will assist you to develop solutions.”

Through the Innovation Boost initiative, Woodmarque employed graduate Sean McKenna and benefitted from the services and support of the University of Limerick.

Together this innovative collaboration set about finding uses for wood waste, a by-product of Woodmarque’s work.

Managing director Ronan Quinn explained: “We’ve been in business for over 40 years, and know our industry inside and out.

“We specialise in hotels and apartments and projects that we have worked on include the Chelsea Waterfront in London and the North Wall Quay in Dublin.

“However, this is the first time we have ever worked with someone in academia. It’s been eye opening, in terms of applying innovative research to industry. It brings together the best of both skill sets and helps take an idea and actually turn it into reality.

“Having a dedicated graduate, partly funded by InterTradeIreland was invaluable, as it gave us extra manpower and skills to take full advantage of the project. I would recommend Innovation Boost as it gives you the opportunity to meet customer need and helps to future-proof your business.”

John Spillane from the University of Limerick added: “The level of knowledge which is housed in third level education and research institutions is a resource which is largely untapped by industry.

“These institutions provide a wealth of knowledge and experience. Just reach out to InterTradeIreland and they will link you to suitable academic partners, who have a mutual interest in the areas that you are keen to explore and develop.

“The programme is also an indication of areas in which forward thinking SMEs want to build more expertise.

“For example, Woodmarque is looking at the area of sustainability, which is very high up the business agenda.

“Other winners this year include firms that have used Innovation Boost to gain more experience in robotics.

“If you’re keen to bring cutting-edge innovation to your business but you’re not sure where to start, you should think about the Innovation Boost programme. It’s straightforward to apply for and you get funding for specialist help.

“The 18 month support package is worth up to £56,000. Ultimately it can improve productivity and increase your businesses potential.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper whenever you are able to do so.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper when you can safely.

You can also enjoy unlimited access to the best news from across Northern Ireland and the UK by subscribing to newsletter.co.uk

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Thank you