New jobs lead to new business for Newry Firm

Blockbusters Environmental Services based in WIN Business Park, Newry have recruited six new staff with support from Invest Northern Ireland and has just won a new contract in Great Britain as a result.

The company who currently employ 18 staff will be providing its specialist drainage and environmental services to an award-winning UK construction and fit-out contractor for its London based construction projects.

Blockbusters specialise in drainage maintenance, civil works, oil contamination and no-dig pipe rehabilitation technology. The company provides a range of services to both private and commercial customers including CCTV drain surveys, septic tank and sewer cleaning, drain unblocking & repairs, and grease trap cleaning.

Speaking about the company’s rapid growth, Co-Owner Antoin Smyth said: “Hiring six additional staff increased our capacity to take on more work. We have been able to invest more time and energy into building relationships and following up leads among water and utilities companies in Great Britain. Without this additional workforce we would not have been able to secure this new business.”

The company’s success follows trade support from Invest NI which included meetings with potential buyers in GB.

“Working in partnership with Invest NI enabled us to explore opportunities in London and make valuable contacts which helped us win this new business,” adds Antoin. “The advice and guidance we are receiving, as well as financial support, is hugely important, helping us build our profile and maximise the opportunities identified in our target market.”

Invest NI has offered Blockbusters Environmental Services over £30,000 in the last three years towards job creation and market development activities. The company has also benefited from technical support to gain ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 accreditations.

Mark Bleakney, Invest NI’s Southern Regional Manager added: “It has been a good year for Blockbusters Environmental Services and I’m delighted that the firm’s business development strategy is delivering results.

“Our support has helped the company create employment opportunities in Newry, Mourne & Down and pursue valuable sales opportunities outside of Northern Ireland. It’s a great example of how a company can use a range of our support to grow.

“The company is well positioned to build on this success and grow its customer base in Great Britain.”