NEW JOBS FOR REDUNDANT MAINTENANCE WORKERS
12th August 2009
There was some good news on the employment front today when it was announced that 35 of the 50 workers made redundant last week when east Belfast company Central Group Services went bust had been employed.
Contract Services NI which carries out electrical, mechanical and maintenance work from its base in Dundonald outside east Belfast has taken on the workers and is hopeful of taking on the rest in the near future.
Managing director Rory McNaughton said he had taken on 90% of the contracts previously operated by Central Group Services.
"Its good to have a bit of good news. We have offered immediate employment to 35 of the staff and we do envisage that when several more customers come on board we will offer further jobs to the workers.
"Their business model and our business model fit very well."
He said the CGS had been a good and profitable businesses that had got into short term financial difficulties and the banks had pulled the plug on them.
First Minister and East Belfast MP Peter Robinson said he was delighted at the news.
"In these difficult economic times this is some good news and I hope that more jobs will follow.
"I have discussed the situation with the managing director Rory McNaughton in the last few days to offer whatever assistance that could be provided and I am grateful for the role that Invest Northern Ireland are playing to help secure these jobs.
"I am confident that even in the present economic climate this business can go from strength to strength."
Contract Services NI provide a one-stop installation and maintenance service catering for clients' needs and adding the new workforce will improve what the company had to offer and add strength and diversity to their existing business.
Mr McNaughton added: "This is a very proud day for me and the rest of the team at Contract Services, last week was a very poor week for jobs and I am only too glad to welcome this new workforce to our team.
"We are not only providing security for these people but by adding these employees we will be able to compete on a larger scale, giving us opportunities for further growth and would envisage a further increase in new jobs in the coming financial year".
"We met with Invest NI only yesterday to discuss our future plans and they have been very supportive. We will continue to work with Invest NI to access support and advice relevant to our future development."
Meanwhile in Co Tyrone BA Components is creating 15 jobs after winning a £7.5 million contract from a major kitchen supplier.
The Cookstown company manufactures high quality MDF-wrapped doors and accessories for the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom sectors.
The new contract will se the company provide a range of products over the next three years to the trade-only supplier who has depots throughout the UK and France.
The contract came after BA Components invested more than £3 million over three years in marketing and staff development.
Managing director Brian McCracken said they were seeing the start of a return of customer confidence following the months of economic downturn.
"The recession has impacted severely on some retail markets, including the home improvement sector that we target.
"However we have remained adaptable and are now beginning to see signs of consumer confidence returning. This is being reflected in the orders we are receiving from retailers."
He said the company's success in securing the contract was thanks to a range of improvements they had implemented in recent years with the financial and advisory support of Invest NI.
Congratulating the company during a visit Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said: "BA Components operates in a highly challenging and competitive sector and, despite the overall economic downturn, has consistently grown its turnover in recent years.
"This latest contract will help continue this trend and is testament to the company's ethos of efficiency and innovation in both product development and processes."
Later the minister opened a new workspace development in Draperstown, Co Londonderry which could create up to 35 jobs.
The 8,500 sq ft development offers nine workspaces and has been built to stimulate economic growth in the area.
Mrs Foster said: Encouraging the growth and development of local businesses is a key element in maintaining a sustainable economic future for Northern Ireland.
"While there is no quick fix to the global economic recession, the measures currently being put in place will take some time to have an effect."
She added: "It is my firm belief that workspaces developments such as this in Draperstown, provide the facilities that local entrepreneurs need to start or grow their enterprises.
"It is vital that businesses receive support now so they can position themselves effectively to take advantage of the upturn when it comes."
