Manufacturers across Northern Ireland are warning that rising energy costs are having a “profound impact” on their operations, with industry leaders calling for urgent government intervention to protect the sector. The warning comes as global energy markets remain volatile, with businesses already feeling the effects of increasing electricity and gas prices. Industry representatives say the […]
When local businesses in Northern Ireland want more enquiries, the first instinct is usually social media. More posts, more reels, more boosting. Social media is useful, but it is also short-lived. A post can do well for a day, then disappear. If you want to be found consistently by people who are actively searching for […]
Self-employment has long been seen as a route to independence, flexibility and entrepreneurial freedom. But recent data and expert analysis suggest that the picture is becoming more complex, with some people leaving self-employment or reconsidering it due to economic pressures, changing labour market conditions and evolving personal priorities. What the numbers tell us Official UK […]
A Northern Ireland manufacturing business has announced a major £9m investment in clean energy technology that will allow it to convert production waste into renewable power. O&S Doors, based in County Tyrone, has installed a biomass-fuelled Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system at its Dungannon site, making it the first company on the island of […]
The Northern Ireland Executive has paused the planned business rates revaluation following strong opposition from the hospitality sector, after warnings that large increases could push many pubs, hotels and restaurants to breaking point. Finance Minister John O’Dowd confirmed that the revaluation process, which would have come into effect from 1 April, has been halted. As […]