During the visit to the Farm Family ‘Health and Safety Roadshow’, which was held in the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Hillsborough, the Minister launched a targeted campaign of farm safety visits by the Health and Safety Executive. The programme of visits will take place during November and will focus on main causes of work-related farm fatalities.

The Farm Family ‘Health and Safety Roadshow’ is organised by the Ulster Farmers’ Union in conjunction with South Eastern HSC Trust and the Public Health Agency, with the main aim of providing practical advice to improve the health, safety and wellbeing of farmers and their families.

Arlene Foster said: “Since April this year, nine people have been killed as a direct result of agricultural activities, including working with slurry gas, animals or falls from a height or equipment. Many more have been seriously injured or made ill by work.

“I welcome the focus on farm safety demonstrated here today at this diverse event, particularly at a time when so many farmers have lost their lives in tragic circumstances. It is vital that our shared aim of raising awareness of sensible and practical health and safety precautions for farming families continues to gather momentum.

“I congratulate the Ulster Farmers’ Union and others involved in organising today’s event as we strive to make farms a safer, healthier and happier place of work for everyone in the agricultural community.”

Organisations involved in farm safety, including the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) and NFU Mutual, highlighted the importance of routinely assessing the risks on the farm and encouraging farmers to take farm safety more seriously. The roadshow also hosted a wide variety of health organisations with ‘MOT’ checks for farmers on offer, which included blood pressure and diabetes tests.

“This is another superb achievement by Northern Ireland’s export-focused red meat industry and also for the town of Moira, which has experienced tremendous success in the Great Taste Awards over the past few years.

It builds on the success of McCartney’s Butchers who won the Supreme Champion and Northern Ireland regional titles last year. Hannan Meats also set an all-time record by winning 26 gold stars in 20 categories.

The achievements of Hannan Meats and other local companies in this year’s Great Taste Awards are helping to develop Northern Ireland’s standing as a centre of gastronomic excellence.

Food companies here are now making a significant contribution to the wellbeing of the local economy, particularly in terms of export earnings.

Food and drink processing is currently worth more than £3 billion to the local economy and around 60% of total sales are made outside Northern Ireland. It is a vibrant and innovation-led industry with immense export potential.”

The award to Hannan Meats, led by Managing Director Peter Hannan, recognises the company’s outstanding commitment to innovation in red meat, in the development of a unique Italian style product. Moyallon Guanciale is an unsmoked pork jowel — a cheek dry cured with a blend of herbs, sugar, peppers and spices, garlic and red wine for Italian meals such as spaghetti alla amatriciana and spaghetti carbonara. A unique dry curing technology has been developed, that includes the use of Europe’s only salt chamber comprising salt blocks from the Himalayas in Pakistan.

The product is already attracting the interest of top Italian restaurateurs and chefs in London and other UK centres. The guanciale will shortly go on sale in Selfridges in London. It was previously listed as one of the Top 50 British Foods as part of the UK Great Taste Awards.

“TES has grown from small beginnings in the water treatment sector to a position where it is now acting as the lead contractor on major projects. Its success has been driven by a focus on exports and on product diversification, which has resulted in a substantial increase in sales.

Invest Northern Ireland has offered support through its Jobs Fund to enable the company to recruit additional staff quickly and take the first steps towards achieving the targets set out in its ambitious growth plan, which aims to more than double turnover over the next three years.”

The new jobs will provide additional manufacturing and engineering support, and increase the technical capability of the company to drive its growth in export markets. Brian Taylor, Managing Director of TES, said:

“In recent years we have improved the range and quality of our products and services and as a result have enjoyed sustained growth. We have worked hard to build up relationships with large water companies and now see opportunities to convert these prospects into sales.

The support from Invest NI is essential to allowing us to increase our capacity so that we can service new contracts as they come online.”

TES operates from its own 16,000 sq ft manufacturing facility at Kilcronagh Business Park, and a 8,500 sq ft storage and testing facility at Derryloran Industrial Estate, both in Cookstown.

“Women have traditionally formed a very important part of the social, economic and political fabric of Northern Ireland and continue to do so, whether in industrial and entrepreneurial roles, academia, health, the media and in a diverse range of other fields. We have a reputation for working hard and achieving success.

We should take every opportunity to learn, grow and interact, enhancing the skills required to become effective and influential leaders. It also important to ensure that women have an increasingly strong voice in both the public and private sectors.

It is fitting that an organisation which places innovative thought and achievement among their core values has chosen Belfast to host this forum and particularly with a ‘Made in Belfast’ theme which is so appropriate in this, the Titanic Centenary year.”

The IWF was founded in 1982 with the aim of advancing leadership by connecting the world’s most preeminent women and bringing together a global membership to learn and inspire. The organisation now has a presence in five continents and 26 nations.

During her address to an audience of industry leaders, the Minister acknowledged the difficult economic climate and emphasised the importance of setting challenging targets for growth.

Arlene Foster said: “The agri-food sector is one of the most important sectors within the local economy. It is the largest contributor to sales, external sales and employment in the Northern Ireland manufacturing sector.

“Due to its strong focus on exports, the sector has demonstrated a strong track record of growth even through the global recession. That is why growing exports is a key priority in both the Programme for Government and the Economic Strategy.

“In fact, the Economic Strategy identifies the agri-food industry as one of our priority sectors and it contains a key commitment to develop an agri-food strategy and action plan to drive export-led growth. The recently established Agri Food Strategy Board will also be working to develop a longer term vision for the sector.”

Turning to the employment opportunities that exist within the sector, the Minister continued: “Inputs to the food and drinks sector are mainly sourced from local agriculture and as a result the multiplier impacts of growth in this sector are considerable. For every job created in the food and drinks sector, a further three jobs are created in the wider regional economy.

“Skilled workers are important and I know that some of the businesses here today have availed of support through Invest Northern Ireland’s Jobs Fund which was set up to stimulate job creation in response to the challenges of the global economic downturn. Since the fund began we have already supported over 330 new jobs in the agri-food sector.”

The Minister concluded: “Businesses that can compete successfully on the world stage can contribute immensely to the local economy, and Invest Northern Ireland are helping agri-food companies to focus on the markets that offer greatest potential.”

The pleasure cruiser, owned by Erne Tours, has been rebranded using the ni2012 Our Time Our Place identity developed by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB).  

Welcoming the commitment of Stephen Nixon, Managing Director of Erne Tours, to the NITB marketing campaign, the Minister said: “As a result of Stephen’s  enterprise and investment in tourism , this colourful, eye-catching brand will now be visible on these magnificent lakes.  It’s certainly the most spectacular way for visitors to enjoy all that Lough Erne has to offer.

“The ni2012 branding has been developed to send the strongest possible message thatNorthern Irelandis firmly focused on the future and that the Northern Ireland Executive is determined to create the opportunities which will benefit everyone.

“As she cruises the lakes, the MV Kestrel will surely be one of the most striking symbols of our ni2012 campaign.”

The Minister told other guests at the launch in Enniskillen that she is determined to ensure that benefits, likely to flow from the substantial investment in tourism are shared acrossNorthern Ireland.

“Challenging commitments have been set in the NI Executive’s Programme for Government to grow the tourism economy.  From our consultation with the industry on a strategy for tourism, Fermanagh has been identified as one of nine key Tourism Destinations. I want to stimulate the greater engagement of the local tourism sector and local people and create the conditions needed to meet our PfG commitments and draw many more visitors to Fermanagh and other regions in Northern Ireland.

“We will need everyone in Fermanagh to pull together to ensure that Fermanagh and Northern Ireland as a whole really does achieve its massive potential as a truly global tourism destination.

“If we get it right – and I am confident that we can and will do – tourism has the potential to contribute £1 billion toNorthern Ireland’s economy by 2020, doubling the contribution it makes today, attracting 4.5 million visitors, up from 3.5 million today, and creating thousands of new jobs acrossNorthern Ireland.”

Samuel Beckett, like Oscar Wilde before him, spent his formative years at Portora Royal School. The inaugural HAPPY DAYS ENNISKILLEN International Beckett Festival will take place 23-27 August 2012.
It will be the world’s first annual Festival dedicated to Nobel Prize-winning writer, Samuel Beckett. The Festival will celebrate Beckett’s work and influences and present some of the many international artists, writers, musicians and performers he has inspired.

Some of Northern Ireland’s most extraordinary landmarks will host HAPPY DAYS, including Enniskillen Castle, Castle Coole, Portora Royal School, Mount Lourdes School, Blakes of the Hollow, St Michael’s Church and St Macartin’s Cathedral.  The festival intends to attract Beckett fans and novices from around the world to enjoy the full Fermanagh Lakelands experience.

Tourism Minister Arlene Foster, said: “HAPPY DAYS is the world’s first arts festival dedicated to and inspired by the life and works of Samuel Beckett.  Fermanagh is proud of its association with Samuel Beckett, who attended the Portora Royal School as a boy, and was probably one of the most influential playwrights of the 20th century. Connections such as this give us a real opportunity to create and deliver unique tourism experiences for visitors who are interested in the arts.
 
“The Festival will be a celebration of Beckett’s life and work, featuring a diverse mix of theatre, music, art, film, comedy and conversation, bringing together both local and international audiences and artists. It will take place in various venues across Enniskillen and this is Fermanagh’s opportunity to be part of what is a momentous year for Northern Ireland. Excitement is building and I am particularly looking forward to the world premiere of The Beckett Songbook by musician and composer Gavin Bryars.
 
“With so many outstanding celebrations and commemorations, this is a pivotal year for tourism in Northern Ireland and the Happy Days Festival will contribute to an amazing portfolio of events on offer. NI2012 is our time to shine both close to home and on the international stage.”

Sean Doran, Founder Artistic Director, HAPPY DAYS ENNISKILLEN said:

“The remarkable island town of Enniskillen is the perfect centre for a new festival celebrating Samuel Beckett. It has stolen the march on Dublin, London and Paris and will attract Beckett fans and newcomers to his work from around the world”.

Neill Morton, Headmaster Portora Royal School said:

“It is a cause of pride and delight that the HAPPY DAYS Festival dedicated to Samuel Beckett is grounded in his old school. We believe that Beckett’s incisive intellect was ignited at Portora and his brilliance – globally acknowledged – stands as a measure of the quality of education offered in Fermanagh, in the past, during the present and guaranteed for the future”. 

Sarah Mchugh, of Enniskillen Castle Museums said:

“As the heritage gateway to Fermanagh, Enniskillen Castle Museums is delighted to be hosting events as part of the International Beckett Festival. Representing over 600 years of history, including the oldest buildings in Enniskillen, the Castle will provide a stunning historic setting overlooking the River Erne. Celebrating part of the County’s rich cultural inheritance, the world-class programme includes a wealth of activities to spark the imagination of all ages.”

Jackie Owens, Ardhowen Theatre said:

“We at Ardhowen Theatre are proud to be one of the main hosts for the first annual Happy Days International Beckett Festival dedicated to one of the world’s greatest writers Samuel Beckett. We welcome this major cultural event bringing local and international audiences to the theatre”.

HAPPY DAYS is funded by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Arts Council Northern Ireland, the London 2012 Festival and Fermanagh District Council.

The programme will present a diverse mix of international theatre, music, art, comedy and conversation from world class Irish, UK and international artists and writers. Selected highlights have been announced and include World, UK and Ireland Premieres for which tickets are now on sale. The full HAPPY DAYS programme will be announced in June 2012. More information and tickets available from www.happy-days-enniskillen.com.

As part of the planned investment, Kainos will also undertake a major research and development project at its Belfast office that will create a further eight jobs there and invest almost £4million in staff training.

The company is one of Northern Ireland’s most successful indigenous ICT companies, employing over 300 staff across its offices in Belfast, Dublin, London and Gdansk.

The investments in employment, research and training are being supported by Invest Northern Ireland, which has offered £2.6million of assistance part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Arlene Foster said: “This is an ambitious investment by Kainos which aims to double its revenue over the next few years and further extend its market reach into mainland Europe and the USA.

“The company has built its success on innovation and through this new R&D project will further develop its solutions and services to ensure it maintains its lead in the area of electronic medical records management in the health sector.

“ICT is a key sector for Northern Ireland as it is helping to push economic activity up the value chain. The majority of the new jobs based in Londonderry will pay above the private sector median, contributing £1.6 million a year to the Northern Ireland economy.”

Kainos has maintained very close links with Queen’s University Belfast since its inception and continues to offer highly paid employment for local graduates. Its investment in training will help to increase capability across its entire staff in Northern Ireland.

The company also created 82 jobs in Belfast in October 2011 with support from Invest NI.

Brendan Mooney, CEO at Kainos said: “We specialise in bringing disparate technology systems together and delivering valuable content to organisations wherever it is needed – via secure portal, mobile, or cloud platforms.

“In the last year we have seen significant market traction and take up of our of our healthcare solution, Evolve, and that coupled with a sustained increase in our core services and developing some key strategic partnerships, has opened up substantial opportunities for us across Europe and in North America.

“This investment, supported by Invest NI, will ensure that we can take advantage of these and other opportunities as they present themselves.”

Dairy Farm International has supermarkets in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Congratulating the company, the Minister said: “Securing this contract is a significant milestone for Fivemiletown Creamery and reflects its focus on increasing export sales. It is an excellent example of a well established, forward looking company that has recognised the need to continue to add value to its services in order to remain competitive.

“Fivemiletown Creamery sells 90% of its soft cheeses outside Northern Ireland and this contract shows the importance of local companies seizing the opportunities which are available in new and developing markets.”

The Minister added: “A key thrust of Invest Northern Ireland’s recently launched Boosting Business campaign is enhanced support for local companies, both large and small, to develop opportunities in key export markets.

“I want to see more local businesses, especially small and medium sized enterprises, using the support available in order to achieve growth. By following the example shown by Fivemiletown Creamery in its commitment to innovation, product development and focus on exports, companies can continue to grow and succeed despite the current economic difficulties.”

The Exports Monitor utilises Regional Trade Statistics published by the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to examine Northern Ireland’s exports performance.

Enterprise Minister, Arlene Foster said: “Evidence shows that export led growth is a proven route for small open economies such as Northern Ireland to grow. The latest figures show that international trade is increasing despite the global economic downturn and therefore there are significant opportunities for Northern Ireland exporters to tap into.

“Export led growth is the focus of the new Executive Economic Strategy and the Exports Monitor tool will enable us to track local export performance every quarter.”

The latest edition of the Economic Commentary focuses on a range of annual statistics which provide an indication of how the Northern Ireland economy is performing on the key drivers of growth.

The Minister continued: “The latest figures reveal a very welcome increase in spending on Research and Development last year, reflecting the importance local firms place on innovation to drive and grow their business.

“However, wages and living standards remain below the UK average, which highlights why I and Executive colleagues are not content to accept the status quo. We are determined to transform the local economy and place it on a higher growth trajectory. Through the draft Economic Strategy and by continuing to push for corporation tax powers to be devolved to Northern Ireland, we are rebuilding and rebalancing the local economy.”

The commentary also highlights that while Northern Ireland remains a Small and Medium Sized dominated economy, large and foreign owned companies make a significant contribution to local employment, output, exports and spending on Research and Development.

Arlene Foster concluded: “I am determined to help businesses across Northern Ireland, both large and small, through the current economic difficulties. Invest Northern Ireland’s Boosting Business programme has a range of measures on exports, R&D and skills.”

The DETI Economic Commentary can be accessed at www.detini.gov.uk/deti-stats-index/deti-stats-index-4.htm