Business news archives

Latest News - February 2025

Environmental Governance in Northern Ireland consultation

Views sought on the current environmental governance arrangements and options for improvement.  

Ecosystem Development Programme

Grant funding to grow the space sector and strengthen the whole-UK space ecosystem.

Pay increase for agricultural workers from April 2025

Proposed increases to the minimum wage rates for agricultural workers from 1 April 2025.

Breakfast event: Reduce energy costs with net zero action

Breakfast briefing event to help businesses in the mid-south west region of Northern Ireland save money on their energy bills.

Expressions of interest open for AI Growth Zones

The UK government is inviting industry and local councils to express interest in developing AI Growth Zones.

Employer opportunity at Ards and North Down Job Fair

Employers interested in exhibiting should register their interest by Friday 21 February 2025.

UK Games Fund: EOIs open for Prototype Fund grants

The UK Games Fund invites expressions of interest for Prototype Fund grants, offering up to £30,000 for early-stage game development.

Belfast 5G Innovation Showcase

Register for the Belfast 5G Innovation Region Showcase event on 5 March 2025 and find out how 5G can support your business. 

Consultation: HSENI Market Compliance Chemicals

Short survey to help understand the chemical landscape across Northern Ireland business.

Inclusive tourism programme for Mid and East Antrim accommodation providers

This programme provides expert training and on-site accessibility audits to help accommodation providers enhance their services for visitors with disabilities.

AI Acceleration Tour 2025

Workshops to help businesses explore the opportunities of artificial intelligence.

High Growth AI Accelerator for construction sector

Support is available to help you develop scalable AI and ML solutions in the construction sector.

Protect your IP with the IPO's new step-by-step toolkit

The UK Intellectual Property Office has published a comprehensive resource to help businesses tackle infringement of their intellectual property.

QEST grants open for application: Spring 2025 call

Eligible craftspeople can apply for funding through the QEST Scholarship, Emerging Maker Grant and Apprenticeship programmes.

Webinar: GPSR impact on NI visual artists and craft makers

Join a webinar and learn compliance essentials on how the General Product Safety Regulation impacts creative businesses in Northern Ireland.

AI management standards training from BSI

Build trust and confidence in your AI systems with BSI's training courses, free for SMEs within Innovate UK's BridgeAI programme.

Lunch and learn regional business workshops

Lunchtime workshops taking place throughout Northern Ireland will help businesses get to grips with a range of topics.

Ending Violence Against Women and Girls: funding for Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon

Financial assistance for the voluntary, community and social enterprise sectors to help prevent violence against women and girls.

Free 5G workshop for Belfast businesses

Join Digital Catapult’s workshop to discover how 5G can improve operations, enhance productivity, and boost your business.

Smart Manufacturing Summit 2025

Discover innovative technologies, connect with industry experts, and gain practical insights to drive your manufacturing success.

BridgeAI workshop on risks and rewards of AI

Innovate UK is hosting an online workshop to help businesses manage the risks and rewards of using artificial intelligence.

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Business Awards 2025

These awards celebrate the vibrant and diverse business landscape of the region, recognising excellence across various sectors.