Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging: What Northern Irish Businesses Need to Know
As the UK moves closer to a circular economy, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging is reshaping how businesses manage and report the environmental impact of the materials they use. If your organisation produces, imports or supplies packaging, these...
Competing for talent: Keep yourself on the right side of the law
Join the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in partnership with the CIPD Northern Ireland Reward Network for an important session on how to remain compliant with competition law in recruitment and employment practices. 📅 Wednesday 22 October 2025🕙 10:00–11:30am...
Rural Business Development Grant- Open Now
The Rural Business Development Grant Scheme is now open and will close at 12 noon on Thursday 30 October 2025. Grant aid of between £500 and £7,500 is available for projects costing up to £30,000. Capital grants of up to a maximum of 50% are available to existing...
Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards 2026- Enter Now
This is a reminder that nominations for the Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards 2026 (NIAA2026) are currently open. These awards recognise excellence in apprenticeship delivery and participation across Northern Ireland, and we encourage you to submit your...
Innovation Vouchers- Open for Applications
Is your company looking to innovate? Invest NI's £5,000 Innovation Vouchers can unlock expert knowledge and accelerate your projects. Open to SMEs and Social Enterprises across Northern Ireland, this funding supports collaboration with public sector knowledge...
NI Skills & Labour Market Intelligence October 2025
The latest NI Skills & Labour Market Intelligence report (October 2025) highlights both opportunities and challenges for Northern Ireland’s economy, with clear implications for the manufacturing sector. Employment in NI stands at 898,000 (71.8% rate), the third...
MakeME Academy Launches in Derry
On 25 September, GemX launched the MakeME Academy at the Waterfoot Hotel, Derry, bringing together 14 local schools and companies. Keynote speakers included Stephen Kelly, Gavin Killeen, Alistair Cameron, Jennifer Neff, Brendan McGinn, and the Mayor of Derry City and...
Sixmilecross Man Retires from Finlay After 45 Years
Local man David Lyons has retired from Finlay after a long-standing 45-year career, marking the end of an era for both the man and the brand he helped shape. David joined Finlay, the Omagh-based brand of mobile crushing, screening and conveying equipment, in August...
Good Jobs Employment Rights Bill- Roundtable Breakfast Discussion
Mid-Ulster District Council, in partnership with NILGA and the Department for the Economy, will be hosting a Roundtable Discussion Breakfast Seminar on the Good Jobs Employment Rights Bill: The Way Forward. This session will take place on Wednesday 1 October 2025 at...