April Call for Innovation Vouchers Now Open

April Call for innovation vouchers are now open.  

Innovation Vouchers are designed to enable small and medium-sized Northern Ireland businesses (limited companies, sole traders, partnerships) to access knowledge and expertise to develop innovative solutions to business issues. The programme provides a voucher of up to £4000 to enable eligible businesses to engage with one of the 41 universities, colleges and other publicly funded research organisations throughout Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.



Closing date for applications is 30 April 2014.  Read More >>>>

Ardean ¦ Funding

Early payments platform launches

A new early payments platform has been launched backed by the Department of Business Innovation & Skills and international insurer RSA.

A recent survey of 350 small UK businesses found three in four wanted early payment of invoices, and would take a small discount to get it. But half of them would never ask their customers.

The survey also found:

• 75 per cent expect to grow by more than 5 per cent in the coming year

• 66 per cent don't think their bank would support a loan application

• 82 per cent have suffered extended payment in the past three years

• 49 per cent said they wouldn't need to borrow if their largest customer paid early



URICA has now been launched in a bid to get businesses to pay earlier.



Read More >>>>>

Ardean ¦ Funding

AIM launches loans scheme for music start-ups

Start-ups in the music industry could receive loans up to £25,000 as part of a new government-backed scheme by the Association of Independent Music (AIM). The AIM Start Up Loans initiative will act as a delivery partner for the Start Up Loans Company, a government-backed scheme which has so more than £76m to UK businesses so far. AIM, which represents over 800 music companies in the UK, will independently assess applications and approve business loans ranging from £1,000 to £25,000, which can be paid back in one to five years. The average loan amount is £5,700 and the interest rate is fixed at 6 per cent. Only companies trading for less than a year will be eligible to apply.

Read More >>>>

Ardean ¦ Funding

Agri-food loan scheme opens

A new loan scheme tailored specifically to the agri-food sector has made its first call for applications to Northern Ireland's poultry producers.

The programme was developed by the department of enterprise, trade and investment and a number of banks in response to the difficulties faced by the agri-food industry in Northern Ireland.  Arlene Foster, minister for enterprise, trade and investment, said: "The first phase of the 'Agri-Food Loan Scheme' is open for business and applications are now coming through for approval. We have worked hard to create a 'one stop shop' for producers and I commend the participating banks for their commitment in delivering the scheme, and in helping producers to access finance."

Brian Gillan, head of business banking at First Trust Bank, added: "Being the first bank to sanction funds through the fund highlights our appetite to lend to this sector. The Agri-food loan scheme gives the finance needed for producers to invest in their poultry operations."



Read More>>>>

Ardean ¦ Funding

Innovation Vouchers

A little voucher could make a big difference. What could £4000 do for your business?

A lot more than you might imagine if you’re a small or medium sized business wanting to get that extra edge, or struggling with an issue that needs expert help to solve.



You can apply for an Innovation Voucher worth £4k to allow your business to work with one of our 39 highly respected universities colleges or research bodies.



It will let you tap into specialist knowledge to develop forward-thinking solutions or ideas to expand, improve or create new products, services and processes that will help you compete more effectively.



Please note, however that if there is a solution to your issue that is readily available from the private sector then it is unlikely that a voucher will be awarded.



Read More About The Vouchers Now >>>

Ardean ¦ Funding

Mobile Commerce and Analytics Workshops

Invest NI is continuing its series of practical and interactive ICT workshops with the next two topics focusing on Mobile Commerce and Analytics.

Mobile Commerce

It's fair to say that with the rapid rate of adoption, that mobile is changing things. It's no exaggeration to call it the 7th mass media. So, arguably, mobile is probably no longer a choice. Your customers expect it.

So, where should you start?

This workshop will demystify the hype and buzz and help you define a clear mobile strategy for your company.

Analytics

Without clear objectives, analytics can result in us drowning in data, there's simply too much. What we need to do is focus on the metrics which matter.

This workshop will help you set clear objectives and with this approach you'll move up from ad hoc reporting to insights which lead to improvements in your business.



Book your place now >>>

Ardean ¦ Marketing 

Partnership set to stimulate NI economy

A document has outlined plans to double revenues from the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors in Northern Ireland to over £2bn per year with the potential to create 4,000 jobs.


The Northern Ireland Partnering for Growth strategy is led by aerospace, defence, security and space trade organisation ADS Northern Ireland and was developed in collaboration with Invest Northern Ireland, the department of enterprise, trade and investment and the department for employment and learning.



David Beatty, chairman of ADS Group in Northern Ireland, said: "This is an important step towards making sure Northern Ireland stays ahead of the curve in these high value sectors.  Read More >>>>

Ardean ¦ Business Planning