Carrickmore Firm Scoops Prestigious Export Award
A Carrickmore company who have worked to develop a significant global distribution network have been awarded with a prestigious export award.
Ecohog, who supply equipment to the waste and recycling sector, were presented with the Innovation in Export award at the iFactory Celebration Conference in Derry last Wednesday night.
The local firm were one of six who had their achievements recognised at the City Hotel in front of 150 participant companies, which have
taken part in the iFactory programme in the last four years.
Among the keynote speakers at the awards were fragrance entrepreneur Jo Malone and coffee entrepreneur Martyn Dawes, who gave the
businesses expert advice based on their own experiences.
The judges were impressed by Ecohog’s entrance into the Finnish marketplace and the firm’s development of a distribution network
across the globe.
The company have recently developed the Ecohog Windshifter, described as the most efficient air separation technology in today’s market.
Ecohog’s director Tracey McNally said, “We supply equipment throughout the world and iFactory provided us with invaluable assistance
on trademarking, IP protection and also with CE Marking to meet relevant legislation.”
iFactory is an EU funded programme designed to provide bespoke innovation support to small and medium companies in association
with the North West Regional College and the Northern Ireland Business and Innovation Centre (NORIBIC).
The £1.65m initiative was funded through the European Union’s INTERREG IVA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body
(SEUPB).
Dr Bernard Toal, Chief Executive of NORIBIC, said, “A wide range of companies from across Northern Ireland and the border counties have
participated on iFactory over the last four years, receiving over 13,000 hours of direct mentoring support.
“Some of the figures so far are very impressive. The top three performers alone have increased their turnover by over £1m and two technology companies have secured over £200,000 in innovation investment from external sources.
“Our clients have opened up markets in 14 export countries, have sustained over 200 jobs and created over 40 new posts.
“We’re delighted that their efforts have been recognised in this celebration conference and awards ceremony and we know that many of
them will continue on their innovation journey and go on to be extremely successful.”
Source: ulsterherald.com
