Newcastle woman joins latest innovation course

Newcastle woman joins latest innovation course

9 July 2014

A NEWCASTLE businesswoman took part in a recent skills programme funded by the Department for Employment and Learning.

Mary Callan, of Mary Callan Knitwear, completed the InnovateUs Employer Support Programme delivered by the South Eastern Regional College.

The initiative provides businesses with opportunities to acquire the skills necessary to engage in innovation activities and research and development across their organisation.

Addressing Mary and other business representatives who took part in the initiative, Stormont Employment and Learning Minister Dr. Stephen Farry said the development of innovative products, processes and services and bringing these to the market, is essential for any business.

“We need to support and provide the necessary skills for local businesses to allow them to stay one step ahead of the competition, and opportunities presented by emerging technologies to attract and build new business.”

Dr. Farry said under the InnovateUs programme, further education colleges are given the opportunity to work with small and medium sized businesses to provide the skills support necessary to promote innovation activities and research and development.

The Minister added: “The South Eastern Regional College has successfully introduced a number of small and medium enterprises to the use of cloud computing, digital marketing and social media.

“The skills acquired through participation on InnovateUs contribute positively to the growth of the business and ultimately continue to underpin and contribute to economic growth across the whole of Northern Ireland.”