Foster opens broadband advice centre for businesses

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster today, officially opened a broadband advice centre and mobile unit in Omagh for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

The centre and the mobile unit are part of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment’s (DETI) £3.9million, Log on-NI programme, which is designed to deliver free broadband advice to Northern Ireland’s SMEs, enabling them to take advantage of the potential benefits of broadband.

The programme is co-financed under the European Regional Development Fund Sustainable Competitiveness Programme 2007-2013.

Speaking at the centre in Omagh, the Minister said: “The Log on-NI programme is now fully operational, with 10 trained broadband advisers already active in delivering broadband action plans to participating SMEs.”

Arlene Foster continued: “We can now offer a truly flexible programme where businesses can either visit these facilities at Gortrush Industrial Park in Omagh, or visit the mobile unit as it travels across the whole of Northern Ireland. Alternatively, a broadband adviser can go to an individual business premises to offer advice on site.

“This is a key front-line service for SMEs and is one of a number of actions being taken under the Programme for Government to capitalise on Northern Ireland’s world-class telecommunications infrastructure.”

Commendium Limited, the company chosen to deliver the programme on behalf of DETI, has previous experience of working with SMEs to stimulate take-up and high value use of broadband.

Richard Walters, CEO of Commendium said: “We are, ourselves, a SME and we are very aware of the challenges faced by businesses and the impact that broadband can have on their development. We are delighted to be involved in this important project and to have the opportunity to participate in the development of the Northern Ireland economy. Our experience and work in other parts of the UK shows that economies that have fully embraced ICT and broadband are faring better in this current economic climate that those that have not.”

Peter McDermott, Managing Director of Pat Kirk Limited, a local business participating in the programme, said: “We are working closely with the Log on-NI team and value the advice we are receiving on our options for a new internet telephony system to develop our business and improve our commitment to customer care. Broadband is critical to the success of our business.”

Log on-NI aims to stimulate take-up of services and to demonstrate how high value, innovative use of broadband by SMEs can deliver business expansion, increase competitiveness and market share, secure reductions in business overheads and increase productivity.

Outlining the importance of the programme to the potential development of businesses, Arlene Foster said: “Although prevailing economic conditions are challenging, they also present a significant opportunity for businesses to consider alternative ways to deliver their core business.

“Through this programme we will show SMEs how to exploit the efficiencies that can be achieved from on-line sales, purchases, marketing and through full e-business activities. I urge SMEs, the councils and all other stakeholders to engage positively with Commendium to ensure that this project contributes to the economic development of Northern Ireland.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Commendium Limited is an SME with headquarters in Cumbria and offers consultancy and business services. Following its success in winning this contract, it has separately established a local office in Belfast.

2. Further information on the company may be obtained from its website

3. Details on project log on-NI are available by request directly from Commendium, telephone 028 9052 9560, or by accessing the website at www.logon-ni.co.uk .

4. Media enquiries please contact DETI Press Office, telephone 028 9052 9297. Outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.