On Thursday 30th May 2024, the education sector launched the Biggest Business Breakfast event. An event for local businesses to hear about the diverse range of funded support initiatives on offer and highlight how this support can transform business.
At Southern Regional College’s event on the Newry campus, speakers included Breda McAteer, Quality & Environmental Manager at OHMG Group and Grace Magill, Research & Development Manager at Mount Mills. Both Breda and Grace could vouch for the support provided to both businesses by the further education sector and how it has improved business productivity and operations. Also speaking at the event was Brian O'Connor from Mintel, the global market intelligence agency and Tracy Rice, Head of Business Support at Southern Regional College.
OHMG Group are a leading infrastructure, construction and property development company headquartered in Newry, Co. Down. At the event Breda McAteer emphasised the company’s success through responsiveness, adaptability, and strategic partnerships.
OHMG has partnered with SRC to develop its workforce and remain at the leading edge of training and skills development. The Group has hired multiple Higher Level Apprentices and Women Returners through the College. Furthermore, the Group has availed of Knowledge Transfer Partnership funding, available through the College and funded by InnovateUK. Knowledge Transfer Partnerships connect academic expertise to deliver innovative projects. This has helped the group with the development of complex energy efficient buildings and led onto awards and accolades within the engineering and construction sector.
Also speaking at the event was Grace Magill from Mount Mills, another business local to the Newry area. Grace shared insights into the business’s journey, originally focused on cold-pressed flax oil for equine and canine use, Mount Mills diversified its product line to include offerings for human consumption. Research revealed that Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to maintaining normal blood cholesterol levels and benefit patients with skin conditions, joint pain, and multiple sclerosis The creation of these new products was following assistance through an Invest NI Innovation voucher, available via the College.
Lastly, Brian O’Connor representing Mintel, rounded up the event with insights on Artificial Intelligence’s (“AI”) impact on consumers and innovation. AI simulates human intelligence and problem-solving capabilities, with the potential to affect jobs to a degree. AI is a disruptor, with people fearing its potential, however AI has led to the production of new products, again transforming how businesses operate.
Tracy Rice, Head of Business Support at Southern Regional College expressing her enthusiasm for the event commented:
“SRC was delighted to be part of NI’s Biggest Business Breakfast showcasing the great work of the Further Education sector in providing meaningful solutions to business. SRC offers a range of innovation, upskilling and reskilling services as well as support to recruit Apprentices and Higher Level Apprentices. SRC is open for business, so get in touch with the Business Support and Innovation team to take your business to the next level.”
The Biggest Business Breakfast Event at SRC received support from The Connected Project, which is fully funded by the Department for the Economy.
For more information on business growth support, contact the College’s Business Support team by email at betterbusiness@src.ac.uk or by phone on the numbers 028 3025 9664 / 028 3839 7778.
