Economy Minister Dr has welcomed new trade
successes by local companies in the United States.
Contracts were secured in the US following an Invest NI trade
mission to Chicago and Toronto last September. The Trade Mission
was supported by the then Economy Minister . Belfast-based firms The
Foundation and The Creative Media Company have collectively
secured contracts worth over £200,000, while Seedling and Jo
Hopkins Consulting have signed new distribution agreements,
expanding their reach in North America.
The Minister said: “I congratulate these four companies
on their latest export success. Their ability to compete on the
global stage is testament to their ambition, hard work, and
talent. Companies like this will help us build an innovative,
high-value economy that delivers Good Jobs.”
Northern Ireland remains the only region across the UK to see
export growth. The latest statistics from HMRC show that while
exports from Britain fell by 5%, exports from the North rose by
1.1% to £11.09 billion in 2023-24.
The Minister continued: “Over the last four years
the north has consistently increased its exports, while regions
in Britain saw exports fall. The innovation and commitment of our
companies, our dual market access, and the effectiveness of
Invest NI, have provided a strong basis for export success. Those
strengths will remain despite the more challenging global
economic context created by US tariffs.”
Erin Nixon, Consulting Director at The Foundation, said: “Last
year's trade mission to North America with Invest NI gave us
direct access to potential partners and invaluable support in
navigating the complexities of the US market. That backing has
been instrumental in helping us secure success in Chicago, where
we've won new business delivering brand and go-to-market strategy
within the legal services industry. This is just the beginning,
securing this contract gives us the confidence to expand further
in the US, opening new opportunities for growth.”
The announcement comes as Invest NI launches its 2025/26 trade
calendar to support businesses in identifying and developing
opportunities in new export markets. It includes sector-focused
visits, trade missions, exhibitions and international business
development events across a range of industries and markets.
Anne Beggs, Chief Commercial Officer at Invest NI, added: “The
success of this trade mission is clear; companies like The
Foundation, The Creative Media Company, Jo Hopkins Consulting,
and Seedling have turned initial engagements into tangible
commercial wins. Their achievements reflect the broader export
growth we are seeing, reinforcing Northern Ireland's reputation
as a strong global trading partner. With the right insights and
support, particularly from our offices around the world, our
businesses are proving they can compete and succeed in
international markets.”
