US '˜ripe for NI exports' as tech firms bid for business

A 79% rise in sales to one of Northern Ireland's largest export markets is evidence that there is business to be won in the US, Enterprise Minister Jonathan Bell and Employment and Learning Minster Stephen Farry have claimed.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Jan 2016, 18:47 BST
Updated 26th Jan 2016, 18:54 BST
Ministers Jonathan Bell and Stephen Farry pictured with Barry OBrien of the Silicon Valley Bank, and NI Tech Mission participant Rachel Gawley of Belfast based firm AppAtticMinisters Jonathan Bell and Stephen Farry pictured with Barry OBrien of the Silicon Valley Bank, and NI Tech Mission participant Rachel Gawley of Belfast based firm AppAttic
Ministers Jonathan Bell and Stephen Farry pictured with Barry OBrien of the Silicon Valley Bank, and NI Tech Mission participant Rachel Gawley of Belfast based firm AppAttic

The men are travelling with 15 local technology firms pitching ideas to Silicon Valley entrepreneurs in a bid to win lucrative contracts in the United States.

“The US is Northern Ireland’s second biggest export market,” said Mr Bell.

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“In 2014/15 over £1 billion of goods were purchased from Northern Ireland companies, a staggering increase of £461 million on the previous year.

“It is clear, both from these latest figures and the recent examples of companies securing new business here, that there are many opportunities for those Northern Ireland business willing to invest the time and effort.”

Attending missions such as this, he added, provided businesses with the opportunities to develop new contacts and to get invaluable advice from those already doing business here.

“The latest HMRC figures show that this hard work can pay off and we can continue to meet the needs of customers on this side of the Atlantic.”

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Dr Farry said the Tech Mission demonstrated to a wider audience Northern Ireland’s capacity for innovation through research and development in a diverse range of disciplines.

“I am inspired by the number of participating companies which are university spin-outs, further emphasising the calibre of the universities and colleges in Northern Ireland and the skills of our people.

“I am confident this mission will help create additional investment in Northern Ireland and contribute to the growth of our economy, including encouraging further companies to consider Northern Ireland as an excellent place to do business.

“We have extensive support mechanisms available to help companies find the skilled workforce they need to grow and expand.

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“My department’s Assured Skills programme assists potential investors by supporting their business plans and adding value to their training and development activity.”

Ministers Bell and Farry joined the companies on a visit to WeWork, a shared office space in San Francisco. During the visit, organised by Silicon Valley Bank, the companies received mentoring sessions with Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, as well as ‘dragon’s den’ style access to investors.

“Today’s mentoring sessions have provided our tech companies with an invaluable insight into how to succeed in the US, and how to compete in Silicon Valley,” said Mr Bell.

“Building networks through mentorship and learning from the first-hand experience of others will provide our companies with a true insight and give them the best chance to succeed here.”

Related topics:Stephen FarryNorthern IrelandHMRC