Since its inception in 2023, Northern Ireland’s business and entrepreneur support service Go Succeed has been working with manufacturers and entrepreneurs in every part of the region to help them unlock their future growth potential.
The service isn’t just about supporting start-ups or those considering setting up a new company, but it is also helping to grow and scale businesses, large and small, throughout their life cycle, through our ‘Start’, ‘Grow’ and ‘Scale’ offerings.
It could be that your business is already established and while you are now ready to expand, growth is slow and you’re not sure how to progress. For those wishing to grow, it could be about increasing your workforce, creating a new product or embracing new digital technology to streamline processes.
Or your company may already be well ahead on its growth journey, but you need guidance, support or resources to take it to the next level, locally and internationally.
Assistance is completely free of charge and is delivered by the 11 councils in Northern Ireland, meaning you are never far away from local help that understands the particular requirements of your business.
Go Succeed has been designed to provide entrepreneurs and businesses with the right tools to help make that happen, grow their organisations, and boost the wider economy.
These tools – which include mentoring, peer support networks, an extensive programme of masterclasses, as well as opportunities to access grant funding and a business plan – are tailored to support the needs of the specific service users.
We’ve also recently launched an exclusive Members Area for those that have signed up to Go Succeed or that have already completed their Go Succeed Journey. Members have access to helpful business templates and bitesize but insightful business tutorials, all delivered by industry leading experts.
Businesses are also able to access our newly developed Business Benchmarking tool, designed to help their development in areas that are specifically relevant to them. It provides a great way for them to gain insights into other similar businesses and reflect before seeking advice and support, if that works best for them.
For manufacturers, we can connect you to experts that understand your needs – whether it is identifying ways to reduce waste, keeping on top of legal requirements regarding chemicals and hazardous waste, innovation, or improving energy efficiency.
But don’t just take our word for it, read some of the real-life stories of manufacturers that have transformed their businesses through Go Succeed:
CASE STUDY 1 – Demanu Manufacturing and Design
Ballymena-based Demanu Manufacturing and Design supercharged its growth plans after receiving support from the government-backed Go Succeed enterprise service. An innovator in manufacturing solutions, the company provides product development and manufacturing consultancy services as well as full-scale manufacturing, helping to bring its customers’ products from conception to reality.
Founder JB Dobbin said assistance received from Go Succeed is helping drive Demanu’s growth and further solidifying its position as a market leader in the manufacturing and design industry. He said:
“At the start of the journey it was just me and I reached out to some past colleagues and some friends, and they pointed me in the direction of Go Succeed.
The main benefits of the Go Succeed programme for me was the mentorship.
Previously I didn’t have any marketing or finance experience and I needed to round out my skills on that.
From that mentorship we were pointed in the direction of the Go Succeed grant which we’ve been successful in applying for.
We’ve put that towards equipment to grow our business and increase our manufacturing capacity.
At the start of a company’s journey they need as much advice as possible and Go Succeed were really helpful at supercharging my one-person team.”
CASE STUDY 2 – Driftwood CNC Services
Bespoke joinery company Driftwood CNC Services, based in Dunloy, Co Antrim, unlocked expansion plans after receiving grants from Go Succeed and the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund (DTFF).
The company supplies unique pieces for businesses and people’s homes, working across shop and hospitality fit-out, office and industrial installations, creating bespoke panelling, cabinet doors, wardrobes, and beyond.
Owner Michael Doherty, who participated in a mentorship programme through Go Succeed, said:
“The money we have received has helped to purchase upgraded equipment for our main workshop that will significantly speed up processing times, allowing us to provide unique pieces to more customers, and faster.
We have also invested in a range of portable handheld cutting and finishing devices to use on site allowing us to achieve the same quality of woodwork and joinery that we can in the workshop, anywhere across the country.
This is a growing industry as more people seek unique solutions that will set their homes or businesses apart.
By embracing more advanced technology, coupled with the grants, we are now in the best shape ever to service that market.”
Northern Ireland has long enjoyed an international reputation for the exceptional standard of our manufacturers, as they make a mark on the global stage that belies the region’s small size.
And while the products we make may have changed dramatically over the last century, with our industries like ropeworks and linen having made way to others like advanced manufacturing, renewables and others, the quality – and Northern Ireland’s reputation – remains.
With the right support, the future for our manufacturers looks incredibly bright. We’d love to come on the journey with you.
To find out more about Go Succeed, the help on offer, and to see a calendar of upcoming events and workshops, visit www.go-succeed.com, or call 0800 027 0639.
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