Belfast-based electrical engineering company B.I. Electrical Services is to create 26 new jobs at its facility in Mallusk as part of an expansion into Asia-Pacific, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
B.I. Electrical, a specialist in commercial and industrial electrical installation, said its plans include the establishment of a partnership network in the region, which will operate under the B.I. Electrical Services brand.
The company also intends to create a three-year apprenticeship scheme to attract new talent to the firm.
Northern Ireland’s Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said B.I. Electrical Services joins an increasing number of local companies who recognise the importance of taking advantage of the opportunities that exist around the world.
“It is important that we continue to build strong economic relationships with trading partners in international markets,” Foster said yesterday, ahead of a three-day trade development mission to the UAE.
“Export-led economic growth is critical to our future prosperity and I would encourage our businesses to explore the possibilities which new and emerging markets present.”
Opportunities at home and abroad
B.I. Electrical Services founder Ian Humphreys said he believes that despite the significant challenges faced by the electrical engineering sector, opportunities exist locally and globally for the electrical engineering services provided by his company.
Humphreys’ sentiment is echoed by newly appointed board member Jim Speirs, with respect to Saudi Arabia and the Asia-Pacific region.
“Both regions have fast-growing economies and this is creating opportunities for electrical engineering that B.I. Electrical services are ideally placed to take advantage of,” Speirs said.
“The quality management that B.I. Electrical Services brings will create a significant differentiation from which we are confident of securing new business.”
To help B.I. Electrical Services secure new customers in its target markets, Invest NI has offered the company more than stg£49,000 in marketing assistance.