Hilden targets business in Boston

Ireland’s oldest independent brewery, won the First Time International Exporter Category in the International Export Challenge delivered by Invest Northern Ireland and British Airways.

Businesses were asked to provide details of export plans in a bid to win a unique package of support.

Hilden Brewery, who looking to identify and develop new market opportunities in Canada, Europe, Russia and the USA will receive free market research, two return flights to their selected export market, free accommodation for up to four nights and support with arranging and executing a market visit schedule.

Lisa Maltman from Hilden Brewery said: “We are delighted to win this package of support and will use it to visit Boston to explore potential business opportunities there.”

Alastair Hamilton, Invest NI Chief Executive, said: “The response to the competition shows that an increasing number of Northern Ireland companies are looking at international markets to help grow their business.

“Small businesses are sometimes daunted by the idea of exporting. That’s understandable, as there is a lot to consider, but we offer a wide range of support to help businesses target export markets and the rewards are worth the effort.

“Invest NI is delighted to have had the opportunity to work with British Airways on

delivering this unique competition.”

Brenda Morgan, British Airways Partnership Manager for Northern Ireland, said: “At British Airways, supporting the growth of the business community in Northern Ireland is very important to us.

“With our daily service of up to six flights from Belfast City to London Heathrow, we aim to make doing international business easier and more accessible for local companies. We recognise that the route is a vital artery for the flow of business and commerce and it offers excellent connectivity to our global network of almost 130 destinations worldwide.”