Expanding businesses into new markets

Craigavon Borough Council is helping to extend the supply chain in the life sciences sector.

Businesses within Craigavon and six other council areas across the East Border Region have a unique opportunity to expand their company into a new market and make more money through a new business support programme.

Led by Craigavon Borough Council in partnership with East Border Region Ltd and funded by the European Union’s INTERREG IVA cross border programme (managed by the Special EU Programmes Body), the ‘Life Sciences Supply Chain Project’ helps businesses expand their existing skills, products and services within their current market to business in the Life Sciences sector.

This sector, which includes pharmaceuticals, medical devices and medical diagnostics is continuing to grow rapidly. Currently lots of products and services are imported when they could instead be sourced locally.

Existing large global companies Almac, Randox, Heartsine, Intelesens and Clonallen Laboratories are committed to this project and are keen to support local companies as they venture into this area.

Many businesses may think that supplying this sector is not a possibility for them. However there are opportunities open to companies of small to medium size in a range of areas including plastics, design, packaging, fabrication and software development.

JH Labels in Lurgan currently designs and prints labels for the food and beverage market but having signed up to the Supply Chain Project is aiming to print labels for the pharmaceutical world.

“The Supply Chain Project is a brilliant way for businesses to diversify into a new market area that they have probably never considered before,” commented the Chair of Craigavon’s Development Committee Councillor Carla Lockhart.

“We are urging businesses to contact us about the Supply Chain Project so that we can advise on how to use this project giving your businesses an extra competitive edge.

“JH Label Solutions in Lurgan is a perfect example of how a business can diversify from an area that has nothing to do with the science world. With guidance from the experts they can use their existing equipment to broaden their horizons. We hope many more will see this and take note that they can do it too.”

The Life Sciences sector is strictly regulated so the Supply Chain Project will help businesses to gain the particular skills and accreditations needed to meet these regulations.

Businesses can receive mentoring, workshop experience; meet the buyer opportunities, increase supply capabilities, practical hands on help and lots more.

Kerry Lyle, Corporate Marketing Executive at Almac, states: “We will support BioBusiness as the project delivery partner, lead council Craigavon Borough Council with East Border Region council partners to identify opportunities for local participating businesses to supply to the Life Sciences sector. Almac are keen to support indigenous companies where possible and believe that this project has the potential to bridge an existing gap by facilitating their development in the sector.”

There are many exciting opportunities for a variety of businesses. For further information please contact Louise Cushnahan, Life Sciences Project Manager, on 028 3831 2408 or email louise.cushnahan@craigavon.gov.uk