Quad X Going Global
August 6, 2014
Congratulations to Ballymena based Quad X who have been named the regional winner of an innovative export programme.
The Grow Global Programme involved 30 local companies from the Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne areas developing and pitching their export plans in a Dragons’ Den scenario. It is part financed by Invest Northern Ireland and European Development Fund under the Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland.
Businesses in each region were competing to win £5,000 to help them achieve their export plans.
The Grow Global Programme was offered free to companies by the North East Economic Development Forum – comprising the Councils of Ballymena, Larne and Carrickfergus.
Gillian Bonnar from Quad X explained: “We were delighted to be named the regional winners of the Grow Global Programme. Although we have always exported we’ve now developed new products and want to explore exciting opportunities in the French market. The £5,000 prize money will go a long way in helping us prepare materials and undertake a market visit over the coming months.
“We’re a young dynamic team and we’re passionate about innovating to stay ahead of the market and our competitors. Our vision is to become a major European manufacturer and this award win is another step on our journey.”
Quad X was established in 1993 and designs, develops and manufactures all-terrain machinery for quad bikes and utility vehicles.
Moira Loughran from Invest NI said: “Taking advantage of international business opportunities will ensure that Northern Ireland businesses enjoy rapid and sustainable growth. Invest NI is committed to helping local businesses achieve their full potential in markets beyond Northern Ireland and we’re delighted to support them as they explore new opportunities.”
Jacqueline Reid from Ballymena Borough Council added: “Quad X are following in the footsteps of many of our most successful companies who have identified opportunities outside Northern Ireland. I wish them every success as they embark on this stage of their exporting journey.”
All participating companies were mentored and prepared for the Dragons’ Den event by Full Circle Management Solutions. Pauline Wylie from Full Circle explained: “We worked on a one-to-one basis with all the companies and held interactive workshops to help them prepare for the Dragons’ Den event. We’ll continue to work with each of the regional winners as they prepare to visit their chosen market as well as running three additional export skills development workshops for all participating companies.”
BigWetFish Hosting, a web hosting company, were announced the regional winners for Carrickfergus and Resto Coatings, manufacturer and distributor of paints and associated accessories, won the Larne regional event.
Wave 2 of the Grow Global programme will run from October 2014 – June 2015 and recruitment of a further 30 companies opens on 1st August 2014. If your business is based in Ballymena, Carrickfergus or Larne and you would like further information on the programme please contact Conor Boylan, Tel. 028 9069 1027 or email conor@fullcircle.eu.com
Congratulating Gillian Bonnar (centre) from Quad X on being named the regional winner of the Grow Global Export Programme are (L-R) Pauline Wylie, Full Circle Management Solutions and Jacqueline Reid, Ballymena Borough Council. As winners Quad X receive up to £5,000 to spend on export activities.
