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."



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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.



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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.



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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

Speakers revealed for Business of Finance Conference 2014

Speakers revealed for Business of Finance Conference 2014.

The full list of speakers for Insider's Northern Ireland Business of Finance Conference to be held on 27th March 2014 has been revealed.



The Business of Finance Conference, now in its fourth year, is a firm fixture in the business community’s calendar. This year's conference will focus on growth, exports and foreign direct investment.

It will bring together some of the biggest, most authoritative and influential voices of the NI business community.

Speakers already confirmed include:

• Martin Symington, founder of Pure Roast Coffee Ltd
• Jayne Brady, partner, Kernel Capital
• Colin Walsh, founder, Crescent Capital
• Darrel Connell, senior investment manager, Foresight Group
• David Issot, associate director, HG Capital

Other speakers will be announced soon.



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Ardean ¦ Funding

"Business finance picture improving" James Caan

Access to finance is becoming less of a barrier to business growth with the investment environment becoming "a lot stronger", former Dragons' Den star James Caan has told Insider.

Caan, the chairman of the government's Start Up Loans scheme and chief executive of private equity firm Hamilton Bradshaw, was speaking after figures released by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) last week suggested that the UK's economic recovery is set to gather momentum this year.
"I don't think [access to finance] is a huge barrier any more, as the investment environment is a lot stronger these days. There are more options, for example crowdfunding, and I believe that a good business will always be able to raise money," said Caan.
The BCC survey, which polled 8,000 businesses, indicated the overall economy grew by about 0.9 per cent in the three months to the end of December 2013.
Caan agreed with the survey's assessment: "I think we are turning the corner now, especially when you consider where we were just a couple of years ago. Sentiment plays a big role in the economy and the general outlook is a lot more positive which is in turn helping businesses." Read More >>>

Ardean ¦ Funding

The Government is lending £20m to British businesses through Funding Circle 
Be your own bank - Funding Circle is a marketplace where individuals lend to businesses at a rate that suits everyone.
By cutting out the high costs and complexity of banks, both sides are better off. Apply now

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