‘We help our members grow through a variety of networking opportunities.’

LOCAL BUSINESS WINS PRODUCT AWARD WITH ENERGY CONNECTIONS NI SUPPORT

Warrenpoint based company NuTech Renewables Ltd has improved its manufacturing process and won an award for the best renewable energy product at the SAEI show inDublinlast month, with support from Energy Connections NI programme.

Energy Connections NI is part funded by Invest NorthernIrelandand the European Regional Development Fund under the Sustainable Competitiveness Programme forNorthern Ireland.

Nu Tech Renewables Ltd is a leading supplier and installer of fully integrated Renewable Energy systems.  Nu Tech was actively pursuing new business opportunities and new markets for their patented Solar Enhanced Ventilation and Heating (SEVH) system.Through Energy Connections NI (ECNI) NuTech Renewables Ltd was able to benefit from funding to visit a well know electronic manufacturer inItaly. During the visit the company met with the companies design engineers, gained valuable knowledge and signed an agreement which has helped to reduce the manufacturing time and costs of the NuTech SEVH.  The product is now less expensive to the end user and that will help to increase future sales of the NuTech SEVH.

Mark Forkin, Managing Director of Nu Tech Renewables praised the Energy Connections NI programme:

“Energy Connections have the necessary networks and funding to help you obtain your companies objectives at whatever stage your business is at. It is worth a phone call to find out how they can help you whether through an introduction to a buyer, supplier or help and support from a local renewable energy network. Their support was very valuable to us.”

Energy Connections NI provides free support to small businesses in the SEED Council areas of Ards,Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon, Down and Newry & Mourne Councils including Meet the Buyer events, mentoring and Knowledge Transfer visits.

Through the programme local businesses can receive support to attend relevant trade shows and exhibitions. Energy Connections NI can support up to 75% of travel and exhibition costs to attendRenewable UK’s Global Offshore Wind 2014 event in Glasgow on the 10th and 11th June. The exhibition showcases 200 + high quality exhibitors including manufacturers, developers, service suppliers, consultancies and Government agencies. It represents a perfect opportunity to learn about and do business with the offshore wind industry.

 Amanda Smyth from Newry & Mourne Council which administers the programme on behalf of the SEED Councils encouraged local businesses to get on board the programme.

 “The Nu Tech Renewables experience, like that of other companies who have registered with Energy Connections, shows what can be achieved. All elements of the programme are important and we have identified some very useful and exciting opportunities for our companies to avail of Knowledge Transfer Visits in GB as well as inNorthern Irelandin the weeks and months ahead.

 “Energy Connections runs until June 2015. Any business which has an aim of supplying the renewable sector can contact us through the website, or any of the details below.”

Mark Bleakney, Invest NI’s Southern Regional Manager said: “Energy Connections NI is helping local businesses take advantage of the emerging opportunities in the renewables sector and Nu Tech Renewables typifies the companies benefiting from the advice and support on offer through this programme. I would encourage as many businesses in the area as possible to get involved.”

For more information about knowledge transfer visits through Energy Connections NI please contact Rhonda McDowell by email Rhonda.McDowell@energyconnectionsni.com or to mobile 0757 8334 082