Wednesday, 10 July 2024
Inishowen Innovation (ii) and Forward Emphasis International (FEI) are delighted to announce that their strategic partnership has resulted in a significant increase in employment in the area. The collaboration has enabled FEI, an indigenous Inishowen-based company, to advance its strategic growth plans, which will see its workforce more than double over the next few years.
The partnership between ii and FEI began in January, when ii hosted FEI’s leadership training sessions provided by ATU Donegal. This initial collaboration sparked a strong relationship between the two organisations, leading to FEI taking up dedicated space within the ii hub in Buncrana. This move has provided FEI with a collaborative environment to focus on innovation and development activities, tap into the ii’s ecosystem of disruptive technologies and skills, and accommodate its growing resource demand. FEI has already seen a significant increase in employment as a result.
Fiona Burns, CEO of FEI, said, “The partnership with Inishowen Innovation has provided us with the perfect environment to focus on our growth plans, and we are excited to see the continued impact it will have on our business and the local community.”
JP McGonigle, Head of Business Improvement, added “Being part of the ii has been an absolute gamechanger for us. It has allowed us to meet our strategic growth goals this year and significantly increase our footprint in the North West region, as it has given us access to a much wider talent pool”.
“We are thrilled to see the positive impact that this partnership has had on employment in the area,” said Anne Marie McLaughlin, Innovation Manager at ii.
“Over forty FEI staff are now regularly working in the ii and this of course has a positive impact on the local economy as well. Our goal at the ii is to foster employment opportunities for the people of Inishowen through innovation and collaboration, and this relationship with FEI is a significant step in achieving that mission.”
This partnership is a powerful example of the benefits of collaboration between the hub and local businesses. By providing a supportive environment, access to business and growth supports and to disruptive skills and technologies, ii has enabled FEI to drive growth and job creation in the area.
