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29/07/2011
Manufacturers Back Gas As Energy Choice
Natural gas supplies in NI were in focus this week as the Stormont Enterprise Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster launched a new guide - jointly published by Manufacturing Northern Ireland and the Carbon Trust.
It has been designed to help local industry buy and use natural gas more efficiently.
Speaking at the launch the Minister said: "Over recent months, energy costs on world markets have been increasing and rising prices have impacted on the competitiveness of Northern Ireland companies.
"This new guide is a useful tool in helping businesses buy and use natural gas more efficiently. It highlights the importance of seeking quotations from a number of energy suppliers and provides helpful information on how to negotiate with them," she said.
Noting that manufacturing companies in NI collectively use more than 1,000 gigawatt hours of natural gas every year - that produces more than 184,000 tonnes of Co2 annually and is estimated to cost around £30m - the Chief Executive of Manufacturing NI, Bryan Gray (pictured, left) said: "Energy use is one of the most significant costs for the manufacturing industry in Northern Ireland.
"The cost of energy in the local market can make the difference between success and failure for a business.
"Competitive and stable energy costs are an absolute necessity in ensuring the cost base which manufacturing needs to help them compete globally.
"Northern Ireland needs manufacturing growth to help renew the local economy, restoring the growth we need to provide the jobs we need and pay for the better public services we deserve," he said, adding, "Manufacturing NI is a not-for-profit trade association which represents the interests of 500 local manufacturers across all sectors throughout Northern Ireland."
Significant
James Dunlop, Client Manager, Carbon Trust Northern Ireland (also pictured at the launch) said: "The Carbon Trust recognises that manufacturing companies play a significant role in the Northern Ireland economy.
"We are working with Manufacturing Northern Ireland (MNI) to better understand and support the opportunities for energy, cost and carbon savings in the sector.
"Improved natural gas procurement and best use of natural gas will lead to cost savings and improved competitiveness for local manufacturers," he concluded, adding that The Carbon Trust receives funding from Government including the Department of Energy and Climate Change, the Department of Transport, the Scottish Government, the Welsh Assembly Government and Invest Northern Ireland.
(BMcC/GK)
It has been designed to help local industry buy and use natural gas more efficiently.
Speaking at the launch the Minister said: "Over recent months, energy costs on world markets have been increasing and rising prices have impacted on the competitiveness of Northern Ireland companies.
"This new guide is a useful tool in helping businesses buy and use natural gas more efficiently. It highlights the importance of seeking quotations from a number of energy suppliers and provides helpful information on how to negotiate with them," she said.
Noting that manufacturing companies in NI collectively use more than 1,000 gigawatt hours of natural gas every year - that produces more than 184,000 tonnes of Co2 annually and is estimated to cost around £30m - the Chief Executive of Manufacturing NI, Bryan Gray (pictured, left) said: "Energy use is one of the most significant costs for the manufacturing industry in Northern Ireland.
"The cost of energy in the local market can make the difference between success and failure for a business.
"Competitive and stable energy costs are an absolute necessity in ensuring the cost base which manufacturing needs to help them compete globally.
"Northern Ireland needs manufacturing growth to help renew the local economy, restoring the growth we need to provide the jobs we need and pay for the better public services we deserve," he said, adding, "Manufacturing NI is a not-for-profit trade association which represents the interests of 500 local manufacturers across all sectors throughout Northern Ireland."
Significant
James Dunlop, Client Manager, Carbon Trust Northern Ireland (also pictured at the launch) said: "The Carbon Trust recognises that manufacturing companies play a significant role in the Northern Ireland economy.
"We are working with Manufacturing Northern Ireland (MNI) to better understand and support the opportunities for energy, cost and carbon savings in the sector.
"Improved natural gas procurement and best use of natural gas will lead to cost savings and improved competitiveness for local manufacturers," he concluded, adding that The Carbon Trust receives funding from Government including the Department of Energy and Climate Change, the Department of Transport, the Scottish Government, the Welsh Assembly Government and Invest Northern Ireland.
(BMcC/GK)
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Goods with a total value of over £1.2bn are awaiting completion in Northern Ireland manufacturers' warehouses because of supply chain delays, according to a new report released by Barclays Corporate Banking. The 'Chain reaction' report focuses on manufacturing businesses with over ten employees and looks at the impact of supply chain issues.
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28 August 2024
3D Technology Expands Into Northern Ireland
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27 January 2006
Jobs go at Lisburn factory
A thread factory in County Antrim is to close with the loss of 85 jobs. Coats Barbour thread factory at Hilden, just outside Lisburn, has been in operation for over 170 years. The parent company, Coats UK, said it regretted the decision but that a declining local market and the need to cut costs meant it had to restructure.
Jobs go at Lisburn factory
A thread factory in County Antrim is to close with the loss of 85 jobs. Coats Barbour thread factory at Hilden, just outside Lisburn, has been in operation for over 170 years. The parent company, Coats UK, said it regretted the decision but that a declining local market and the need to cut costs meant it had to restructure.
08 January 2014
NI Car Sales Increase By 10%
A new study by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has said the number of new cars registered in NI increased by more than 10% in 2013. Last year, it said there were 52,460 new registrations compared to 47,519 in 2012, but is still lower than a peak of 68,000 in 2007. In total, 2.26 million vehicles were registered in 2013, a 10.
NI Car Sales Increase By 10%
A new study by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has said the number of new cars registered in NI increased by more than 10% in 2013. Last year, it said there were 52,460 new registrations compared to 47,519 in 2012, but is still lower than a peak of 68,000 in 2007. In total, 2.26 million vehicles were registered in 2013, a 10.
01 February 2012
UK Business Secretary Visits Northern Ireland
The importance of advanced manufacturing in growing the UK economy was the focus of Vince Cable’s first visit to Northern Ireland as Business Secretary.
UK Business Secretary Visits Northern Ireland
The importance of advanced manufacturing in growing the UK economy was the focus of Vince Cable’s first visit to Northern Ireland as Business Secretary.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
