Menu
22/10/2002
New Minister gets down to business
The new Parliamentary Under Secretary of State with responsibility for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Ian Pearson, has stated his commitment to supporting Northern Ireland’s business and industry sector.
Speaking today after visits to two Belfast companies, gem and Northbrook Technology, the Minister said he was keen to reassure business leaders and the Northern Ireland workforce that the momentum gained during the three years of devolution would not be lost.
He added: "It is very important that the economy is not held back. I am determined that the voice of business will continue to be heard and I would encourage business leaders to continue with the partnership approach with government which has worked so well in the past.”
The Minister’s first visit was to gem in Lanyon Place where he was met by chairman and chief executive, Owen Lamont, and chief operations officer, Philip Cassidy.
The global email company is a locally established start-up company, set up in January 2000 to provide an email handling service for businesses. It employs 364 and operates in both Belfast and Londonderry. Gem also has a sales office in Philadelphia.
Welcoming the Minister, Mr Lamont said: “Our local ministers had a great deal of support from the business community and achieved a lot in a short space of time; however we will do everything possible to help the new minister maintain the momentum generated in the past few years.
"We believe this momentum will come not only from direct foreign investment but from indigenous businesses like our own that are growing, creating employment and bringing global businesses like Amazon and Microsoft to Northern Ireland as outsourcing clients."
Later the Minister visited Northbrook Technology, which is also based in Lanyon Place, where he was greeted by managing director Bro McFerran. The company was set up in 1998 to provide software support for its parent company, Allstate Corporation, in Illinois.
Mr McFerran said: “We welcome the opportunity to meet with the new Minister today to discuss various important matters effecting our business. Future development of our business here depends on the support that we receive, not only from Invest NI, but more particularly from our customers.
"Mr Pearson has demonstrated commitment to that development from his willingness to meet with businesses at a very early stage."
(MB)
Speaking today after visits to two Belfast companies, gem and Northbrook Technology, the Minister said he was keen to reassure business leaders and the Northern Ireland workforce that the momentum gained during the three years of devolution would not be lost.
He added: "It is very important that the economy is not held back. I am determined that the voice of business will continue to be heard and I would encourage business leaders to continue with the partnership approach with government which has worked so well in the past.”
The Minister’s first visit was to gem in Lanyon Place where he was met by chairman and chief executive, Owen Lamont, and chief operations officer, Philip Cassidy.
The global email company is a locally established start-up company, set up in January 2000 to provide an email handling service for businesses. It employs 364 and operates in both Belfast and Londonderry. Gem also has a sales office in Philadelphia.
Welcoming the Minister, Mr Lamont said: “Our local ministers had a great deal of support from the business community and achieved a lot in a short space of time; however we will do everything possible to help the new minister maintain the momentum generated in the past few years.
"We believe this momentum will come not only from direct foreign investment but from indigenous businesses like our own that are growing, creating employment and bringing global businesses like Amazon and Microsoft to Northern Ireland as outsourcing clients."
Later the Minister visited Northbrook Technology, which is also based in Lanyon Place, where he was greeted by managing director Bro McFerran. The company was set up in 1998 to provide software support for its parent company, Allstate Corporation, in Illinois.
Mr McFerran said: “We welcome the opportunity to meet with the new Minister today to discuss various important matters effecting our business. Future development of our business here depends on the support that we receive, not only from Invest NI, but more particularly from our customers.
"Mr Pearson has demonstrated commitment to that development from his willingness to meet with businesses at a very early stage."
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 March 2014
NI Posts 'Robust Growth'
Northern Ireland experienced "robust output growth" in February, led by a ninth successive monthly rise in new business, according to the latest Ulster Bank Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI). The private sector saw a further sharp increase in business activity at, aided by another month of strong new order growth.
NI Posts 'Robust Growth'
Northern Ireland experienced "robust output growth" in February, led by a ninth successive monthly rise in new business, according to the latest Ulster Bank Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI). The private sector saw a further sharp increase in business activity at, aided by another month of strong new order growth.
11 February 2011
Border City Wins Major Business Park Boost
A new £38m business park is to be built along the border in South Down, the Stormont Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster and Environment Minister Edwin Poots announced on Friday.
Border City Wins Major Business Park Boost
A new £38m business park is to be built along the border in South Down, the Stormont Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster and Environment Minister Edwin Poots announced on Friday.
19 October 2011
Hollywood Movie-Makers Head For Belfast
Movie-makers are coming to Ulster next month with a group of technology leaders based in California's 'Silicon Valley' leading a delegation from the entertainment and technology sectors to visit Belfast. From November 4th to 6th, the Irish Technology Leadership Group (ITLG) is holding the 'Hollywood Comes to Belfast' event.
Hollywood Movie-Makers Head For Belfast
Movie-makers are coming to Ulster next month with a group of technology leaders based in California's 'Silicon Valley' leading a delegation from the entertainment and technology sectors to visit Belfast. From November 4th to 6th, the Irish Technology Leadership Group (ITLG) is holding the 'Hollywood Comes to Belfast' event.
25 September 2014
Version 1 Announce 50 New Jobs
A total of 50 new jobs are to be created by IT services company Version 1. The investment at the firm's Belfast office will bring its total number of staff in the city to 76. It is understood all the roles will be filled by the end of 2017.
Version 1 Announce 50 New Jobs
A total of 50 new jobs are to be created by IT services company Version 1. The investment at the firm's Belfast office will bring its total number of staff in the city to 76. It is understood all the roles will be filled by the end of 2017.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
-
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.
