NEWRY, Mourne and Down Council has launched a new initiative designed programme to provide businesses with the confidence, skills and tools they require to benefit from the rapid growth of digital and emerging technologies.
The Digital NMD programme, which will be launched next week and delivered in association with the South Eastern and Southern Regional Colleges, will highlight the importance of innovation and growth.
It will also provide an opportunity over the next 12 months for businesses to explore technologies such as augmented virtual reality, immersive video content, 3D printing and big data.
Council chairwoman Roisin Mulgrew described Digital NMD as the next “logical step” in ensuring local businesses are as fully equipped as they can be to tackle what has become a highly competitive business environment.
“I hope business owners and managers take the opportunity to join us next week and see what is on offer and how it may benefit their business,” she said.
The project will be open to all business sectors but will concentrate on exploring new solutions for creative industries, tourism and hospitality, retail, agriculture, construction and the manufacturing sectors.
Digital NMD will focus on setting up innovative clusters to stimulate and highlight the business opportunities emerging technologies can bring and will deliver expert one-to-one mentoring, workshops, seminars and digital diagnostics on the subject.
Ken Webb, South Eastern Regional College principal and chief executive, said the college was “delighted” to be part of a unique collaboration to help develop the digital skills of the region.
“The programme will enable businesses to fully harness the opportunities from digital emerging technologies and aims to provide participants with the distinct skills required to take up new opportunities in this rapidly growing area,” he added.
The new programme will be officially launched next Wednesday, March 21, in the Burrendale Hotel, Newcastle. To register for this event and for more information on emerging technologies and support on offer, visit www.digitalnmd.org.