Barclay Communications Launches Apprenticeship Programme

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Growing Belfast-based telecoms firm launches apprenticeship programme aimed at NI school leavers

A dedicated apprenticeship scheme for the telecoms industry has launched at Belfast-based Barclay Communications.

The first intake of the scheme, which will see apprentices earn a competitive salary while they work towards gaining a City & Guilds Level 3 qualification in ICT Systems and Principles, will take place mid-July.

The goal of the scheme is to give school leavers the opportunity to earn and learn in one of the fastest growing sectors.

It will also nurture the talent pool for the burgeoning Barclay Communications which has recently experienced a surge in clients.

The apprenticeship scheme will launch with an intake of two trainees with plans to increase that number at the beginning of each new apprenticeship term.

It is open to anyone with an interest in developing their skills, with a particular focus on those who have or are about to leave school.

The minimum requirement for entry onto the programme is a pass in Maths, English and ICT grade C at GCSE level or an equivalent qualification. Applicants must not hold a third level qualification in any ICT or related area.

The scheme will involve classroom training in an affiliated college throughout the year, with a specific focus on IT and Telecoms engineering. Apprentices will be able to gain practical training with experienced engineers on customer premises, as well as classroom training in-house, giving an insight into the platforms used, expected standards, problem solving, trouble shooting and demonstrating high level of customer service.

Training and development will take place through set and dedicated courses such as health and safety, working at heights, cabling and partner programme accredited training courses, all of which helps apprentices become experts in their field.

Upon completion, candidates will receive a Guilds Level 3 qualification in ICT Systems and Principals. They will also be offered a full-time role within the engineering team at the growing Barclay Communications.

Speaking about the programme, Britt Megahey, Founder and Managing Director at Barclay Communications said: “We are delighted to launch our first ever apprenticeship programme that will entice more young people into a flourishing business sector.

“Our goal behind this launch is to invest in the youth of Northern Ireland by giving them a job that includes learning a dedicated skill with training and development as they go through college.

“We are keen to hear from anyone with an interest in developing their skills, especially those who have or are about to leave school.”

Mr Megahey said apprentices will be based at the company’s head office in Belfast but the scheme is open to applicants from across Northern Ireland.

He said: “We would love to see the programme reach a wide geographical demographic. Already, on our team, we have engineers from all four corners of NI, including Armagh, Bangor and the North West.

“This apprenticeship scheme is not just open to those who reside close to our head office but anyone who has an interest in learning about the sector and building a career within it.”

Apprentices will assist Barclay Communications’ telecoms engineering team to complete installation of internet telephony (VoIP) within businesses, the technology that allows you to make voice calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a traditional (ISDN or PSTN) phone lines, which will soon become obsolete.

They will also assist with site surveys, under the direction of a Senior Engineer at customer premises, liaise with customer and sales teams throughout the projects and more.

Mr Megahey continues: “Our team wants to see young people develop and thrive within their roles. By applying for this programme they will benefit from on-the-job training and solve real-world business problems.

“Our goal is to encourage them to be the best they can be.”

The launch of the programme comes as Barclay Communications experienced a surge in demand for cloud telephony systems since BT announced its intentions to switch off all traditional ISDN and PSTN lines by December 2025.

It has recently secured some of its biggest contracts to date including work with Cambridge University and firmus energy as well as renewing an extensive contract with Irn Bru.

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Ballymena-based CIGA Healthcare has secured supply contracts worth more than $5m in new markets for its home diagnostic devices and kits in Europe and the Middle East including Turkey and Egypt.

The supplier of blood monitors, pregnancy tests, urinary tract infection detectors and other personal health equipment under the Suresign brand says the new business which includes supplying digital thermometers and glucose monitors follows an assertive international marketing strategy embarked upon last year.

CIGA Healthcare has also secured CE certification for their fertility products which means it can ensure conformity with all EU-wide requirements which are also adopted by other international markets.

Company founder and CEO Irwin Armstrong says the wins are a welcome sign of confidence in the sector.

“We have been facing strengthening headwinds in

CIGA Healthcare Opens New Markets In Europe And The Middle East In The Face Of Strengthening Headwinds

recent months with transport and distribution delays and rising costs,” says Mr Armstrong. “Trading conditions are particularly volatile yet our marketing efforts at home in the Irish and British retail markets as in the international sphere have been paying off.”

CIGA Healthcare recently attended the Arab Health exhibition in Dubai with assistance from InvestNI. Mr Armstrong says the mood of confidence at the exhibition among all the major health equipment players in the world was very evident.

“Health will always be a key growth market,” he says. “But it is extremely competitive and to succeed requires flexibility, understanding of the latest in regulatory compliance, medical developments, participation in research and a robust supply chain.”

CIGA Healthcare is represented on various research bodies including the Connected Health Innovation Centre in Ulster University.

CIGA Healthcare is now exporting to 72 countries and is now planning a major drive to expand its distribution in the Far East and South America.

BGF Makes £10m Follow On Investment In Lisburn-Based Mzuri Group

BGF, the UK and Ireland’s most active growth capital investor, has made a £10m follow-on investment into Lisburn-based Mzuri Group, one of the leading companies in the window blind industry, to support its ambitious growth plans and future acquisitions.

Founded more than 40 years ago and previously trading as Decora, the Mzuri Group is an established leader in the design, engineering, manufacturing and distribution of window coverings, serving customers in the UK, Europe and Australia. It employs 1,500 people at its headquarters in Lisburn and other facilities across the UK. Having first backed the company in April 2020, the new funding round brings BGF’s total investment in the company to £20m.

Since the original investment, Mzuri has grown its revenues from £70m to £195m through a combination of the organic growth of its core business and the acquisition of ten other companies.

BGF’s funding will be used for further targeted acquisitions to enable Mzuri to continue building out its European sales and distribution platform.

Stuart Dickson, Managing Director of Mzuri Group, said: “Mzuri has significantly expanded its business since BGF first invested in the company and we view this latest round of funding as a tremendous endorsement of our plans for further growth in the years ahead. As well as its substantial capital support, access to BGF’s network and its expert advice has been invaluable as we have assessed acquisition opportunities and moved into new markets. We look forward to continuing to work closely with BGF’s investment team in the future.”

BGF is the UK and Ireland’s most active and dynamic investor of equity capital in growth economy companies, backing entrepreneurs and innovators. It has now invested c.£60m into Northern Irish businesses, making it one of the most significant investors in the region.

Graham Clarke, Investor at BGF and Board Member of Mzuri, said: “It has been really exciting for us to be part of the Mzuri journey over the past two years. The team has done a brilliant job building what is now a business of significant scale and one of the leading players in the window coverings market across the UK and Europe. It is fantastic to announce this significant follow-on investment in Mzuri Group, which will support the continued growth of the company as it builds on its current platform and extends its European presence even further.”