Business

Groundwork for Growth programme launched by Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald and Invest NI

October 12, 2026 The Belfast Desk

£2.3m programme launched to help Northern Ireland small businesses grow

A new £2.3 million Invest NI programme will support up to 240 small businesses over three years, with eligible companies receiving up to £15,000 in support.

West Belfast Belfast Innovation Factory on Springfield Road celebrates 10 years supporting local businesses

October 10, 2026 The Belfast Desk

West Belfast Innovation Factory supports more than 2,000 jobs over ten years

Belfast’s Innovation Factory has supported 916 businesses and more than 2,000 jobs since opening on the former Mackie’s factory site in 2016.

Illustrative image of a modern waste transfer facility with a refuse collection lorry, industrial building and waste containers

October 9, 2026 The Belfast Desk

New waste transfer facility proposed for north Belfast

Plans have been submitted for a new waste transfer facility at Duncrue Place in north Belfast, including offices, staff facilities, parking and a service yard.

George McKinney of Invest NI and Brian Graham of Leyton UK and Ireland at the company's new Belfast hub

October 6, 2026 The Belfast Desk

International consultancy chooses Belfast for new hub creating 12 jobs

International consultancy Leyton UK has selected Belfast for a new professional-services hub which will create 12 jobs over the next two years.

Northern Ireland mobile network mast overlooking Belfast

October 1, 2026 The Belfast Desk

Northern Ireland mobile network changes could help unlock £1.4bn economic boost

Proposed changes to Northern Ireland mobile network planning rules could remove infrastructure barriers, with improved connectivity estimated to offer a £1.4bn economic boost over ten years.

Payslip illustrating low-paid work in Northern Ireland

October 1, 2026 The Belfast Desk

New research highlights scale of low-paid work across Northern Ireland

New research into low-paid work in Northern Ireland has highlighted concerns around earnings, working hours, employment security and wider job quality.

Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald with university representatives at the iPHARMA investment announcement

September 30, 2026 The Belfast Desk

iPHARMA investment of £11.7m to boost medicines innovation in Northern Ireland

Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University will deliver the £11.7m iPHARMA project, helping businesses develop innovative medicines and bring new products to market.

City of Derry Airport terminal building and control tower

September 30, 2026 The Belfast Desk

Archibald warns Air Passenger Duty decision could undermine Derry-Dublin air service

Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald has warned that the decision not to exempt the planned Derry-Dublin air service from Air Passenger Duty could undermine the route’s viability.

Northern Ireland co-operatives Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald

September 29, 2026 The Belfast Desk

Northern Ireland co-operatives contribute £1.5bn to economy, new research finds

New research has found Northern Ireland’s co-operative sector contributes an estimated £1.5 billion to the economy, as Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald pledges further support.