Menu
10/02/2012
CIS Oncology Sees Promising Opportunities In South Africa
CIS Oncology in Belfast is being assisted by Invest Northern Ireland to pinpoint opportunities in South Africa for its sophisticated software for cancer treatment.
The company, part of the CIS Healthcare operation, is following up its participation in the Invest NI's 'Going South Africa' initiative which culminated in a trade mission to South Africa in December, by returning to the market this month.
During this follow-up visit the company has a series of meetings with potential clients interested in its unique ChemoCare software, an electronic prescribing system and management technology for cancer patients.
CIS Oncology was among the first local companies to sign up for the first Invest NI 'Going South Africa' initiative, which is designed to encourage and assist Northern Ireland companies to grasp the extensive business opportunities developing rapidly in South Africa.
Assistance to support CIS Oncology's focus on South Africa was announced by Dr Vicky Kell, Invest NI Trade Director, during a visit to the company's offices in Titanic Quarter, where she was briefed by Business Development Consultant Kerry Brown.
Dr Kell said: "CIS Oncology identified the potential in South Africa for its products from the nation’s extensive expenditure on healthcare and has worked with us to develop increased detailed market knowledge and to pinpoint potential clients. Our advisors there have also helped the company with up-to-date market trends, performance information and knowledge, and are continuing to work with the company to deliver market success.
"Currently, South Africa is spending 8.5 per cent of GDP on health, well ahead of other parts of Africa. It has developed sophisticated health facilities particularly in urban centres such as Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban but has still much to do across a huge nation. South Africa is well aligned to Northern Ireland businesses as this is a nation in which English is the language of business and with financial and legal systems shaped by its historic relationship with Britain and Ireland. Also there is never more than a two hour time difference from Northern Ireland.
"These features make South Africa an ideal base for our companies, both large and small, seeking to grow business through exports. Our ‘Going South Africa’ initiative was designed to encourage our companies to explore the extensive business opportunities there," added Dr Kell. "We also run a similar initiative in Holland, 'Going Dutch' which has resulted in great successes for participating Northern Ireland companies."
Mr Brown, outlining the company's plans, said: "We had been aware of possible opportunities in South Africa before the Invest NI concept was introduced. When it was launched, I jumped at the opportunity that it offered to take advice and the practical support that Invest NI’s advisors provide.
"ChemoCare is designed for specialist cancer hospitals and clinics and is highly complex. It requires significant commitment from our customers to purchase and implement, therefore securing business always involves lengthy negotiations which means spending considerable time in the market."
(CD)
The company, part of the CIS Healthcare operation, is following up its participation in the Invest NI's 'Going South Africa' initiative which culminated in a trade mission to South Africa in December, by returning to the market this month.
During this follow-up visit the company has a series of meetings with potential clients interested in its unique ChemoCare software, an electronic prescribing system and management technology for cancer patients.
CIS Oncology was among the first local companies to sign up for the first Invest NI 'Going South Africa' initiative, which is designed to encourage and assist Northern Ireland companies to grasp the extensive business opportunities developing rapidly in South Africa.
Assistance to support CIS Oncology's focus on South Africa was announced by Dr Vicky Kell, Invest NI Trade Director, during a visit to the company's offices in Titanic Quarter, where she was briefed by Business Development Consultant Kerry Brown.
Dr Kell said: "CIS Oncology identified the potential in South Africa for its products from the nation’s extensive expenditure on healthcare and has worked with us to develop increased detailed market knowledge and to pinpoint potential clients. Our advisors there have also helped the company with up-to-date market trends, performance information and knowledge, and are continuing to work with the company to deliver market success.
"Currently, South Africa is spending 8.5 per cent of GDP on health, well ahead of other parts of Africa. It has developed sophisticated health facilities particularly in urban centres such as Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban but has still much to do across a huge nation. South Africa is well aligned to Northern Ireland businesses as this is a nation in which English is the language of business and with financial and legal systems shaped by its historic relationship with Britain and Ireland. Also there is never more than a two hour time difference from Northern Ireland.
"These features make South Africa an ideal base for our companies, both large and small, seeking to grow business through exports. Our ‘Going South Africa’ initiative was designed to encourage our companies to explore the extensive business opportunities there," added Dr Kell. "We also run a similar initiative in Holland, 'Going Dutch' which has resulted in great successes for participating Northern Ireland companies."
Mr Brown, outlining the company's plans, said: "We had been aware of possible opportunities in South Africa before the Invest NI concept was introduced. When it was launched, I jumped at the opportunity that it offered to take advice and the practical support that Invest NI’s advisors provide.
"ChemoCare is designed for specialist cancer hospitals and clinics and is highly complex. It requires significant commitment from our customers to purchase and implement, therefore securing business always involves lengthy negotiations which means spending considerable time in the market."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 June 2017
Trade Mission To South Africa & Nigeria Announced
Invest NI have announced a Trade Mission to South Africa and Nigeria from 11 – 15 September, 2017. Businesses are invited to join the mission and take advantage of the business opportunities within the region. South Africa and Nigeria are both emerging and import dependent markets offering a multitude of export opportunities for local companies.
Trade Mission To South Africa & Nigeria Announced
Invest NI have announced a Trade Mission to South Africa and Nigeria from 11 – 15 September, 2017. Businesses are invited to join the mission and take advantage of the business opportunities within the region. South Africa and Nigeria are both emerging and import dependent markets offering a multitude of export opportunities for local companies.
19 September 2013
Edge Innovative (NI) Scoops Business In South Africa
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has announced that Edge Innovate (NI) has won business worth around £2m in South Africa. The Minister, who is leading an Invest NI trade mission to South Africa, announced the new business during a visit to the Dungannon company's stand at the Bauma Africa exhibition in Johannesburg.
Edge Innovative (NI) Scoops Business In South Africa
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has announced that Edge Innovate (NI) has won business worth around £2m in South Africa. The Minister, who is leading an Invest NI trade mission to South Africa, announced the new business during a visit to the Dungannon company's stand at the Bauma Africa exhibition in Johannesburg.
03 August 2012
BRS Drives To Success In South Africa
BRS Golf in Belfast has won its first business in South Africa for its innovative software technology after visiting the market with Invest Northern Ireland.
BRS Drives To Success In South Africa
BRS Golf in Belfast has won its first business in South Africa for its innovative software technology after visiting the market with Invest Northern Ireland.
29 May 2012
Export Deal In Mozambique For Mindmill In Carrickfergus
Mindmill, the Carrickfergus-based company specialising in recruitment profiling technology, has won business in Mozambique with help from Invest Northern Ireland.
Export Deal In Mozambique For Mindmill In Carrickfergus
Mindmill, the Carrickfergus-based company specialising in recruitment profiling technology, has won business in Mozambique with help from Invest Northern Ireland.
16 September 2013
Minister Helps NI Businesses To Grow
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster will be in South Africa this week in a bid to help Northern Ireland businesses gain a foothold in what is a growing export market. The Minister is leading an Invest Northern Ireland trade mission to South Africa, which is seen as a gateway to the wider sub Sahara region.
Minister Helps NI Businesses To Grow
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster will be in South Africa this week in a bid to help Northern Ireland businesses gain a foothold in what is a growing export market. The Minister is leading an Invest Northern Ireland trade mission to South Africa, which is seen as a gateway to the wider sub Sahara region.
-
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.
