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US Special Envoy, Joe Kennedy III led a trade delegation to Newry this week. The aim of the visit was to strengthen ties and identify potential investment opportunities with local businesses trading at an international level. The event held on Tuesday 24 October saw the delegates attend an event at First Derivative in Newry where he met the Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Cllr Valerie Harte.
Ingenuity and innovation are in abundance locally, from groundbreaking start-up companies to established industry leaders and Newry is perfectly positioned on the Dublin – Belfast Economic Corridor.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte had an opportunity to address the delegation and promote the district as a sound place for investment, at a special event hosted by First Derivative in their offices. In attendence were Intertrade Ireland, Invest NI, Newry Chamber of Commerce, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and staff from First Derivates as well as a wide range of local partner and business representatives.
Cllr Harte said, “Our district boasts a thriving community of groundbreaking start-ups and established global leaders. Its strategic location, skilled workforce and excellent infrastructure is a testament to the opportunities and advantages that it offers renowned companies such as First Derivative, Glen Dimplex Group, MJM Marine, Norbrook, Stat Sports and Collins Aerospace.
“The Council is at the forefront of a public/private sector collaborative approach to transforming the district through the delivery of key infrastructure projects. This includes a public sector investment in the Newry area of up to £200 million over the next five years through funding from the Belfast Region City Deal and complementary funds.”
Cllr Valerie Harte concluded, “I invite you to be a part of this success story, to invest in a district that is not only rich in history and culture but is also a fertile ground for innovation, collaboration and expansion. We are ready for investment, where existing global businesses are thriving and numerous indigenous businesses are growing.”
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is leading on digital infrastructure development and a £23.1m full fibre project with local partners, linking public sites with fast fibre. It is also implementing a Digital Technology Flexible Fund to help businesses adopt technologies like artificial intelligence, immersive technologies and data analytics, boosting their competitiveness and success. This creates a vibrant and robust digital innovation ecosystem across the region.
The Council’s collaboration with employers and colleges focuses on improving Newry, Mourne and Down’s employability and achievements in business and technology.
Speaking at the event First Derivative CEO David Collins said “The possibilities of having a successful operation in Northern Ireland needs two key ingredients – the people and a commitment to their development.”
The US is the largest source of foreign investment in NI with First Derivative playing a key role in this through their work with one of the world’s largest investment banks, handling all of their market data streaming. This speaks to the magnitude of the work that can be accomplished here in NI.
David also spoke about the Belfast to Dublin corridor and the great position that First Derivative are in to continue to grow and thrive within the most important economic region.
