The Manufacturing Task Force (MTF) was set up by Mid & East Antrim Borough Council to address the effects of the closures of JTI Gallaher and Michelin in Ballymena. In January 2018, the MTF commenced a process of engaging with manufacturing leaders and stakeholders to determine how best to drive sustained productivity growth in the sector. One of the key outputs from the research and engagement was the establishment of five sub-groups to develop actions based on recommendations agreed – Skills and Talent Pipeline, Innovative SME’s, Collaborative R&D, Productivity & Digitisation and Supply Chain.

One of the key outputs from the research and engagement was the establishment of five sub-groups to develop actions based on recommendations agreed – Skills and Talent Pipeline, Innovative SME’s, Collaborative R&D, Productivity & Digitisation and Supply Chain.

The supply chain sub-group seeks to explore a company led opportunity, not to replace company procurement decisions, but to investigate the appetite and capabilities of local suppliers in Northern Ireland to respond to the procurement needs of some of the largest manufacturing firms.

The development of a buy and supply NI wide portal, supported by appropriate skills development programmes, aims to increase the nimbleness and responsiveness of procurement through the identification of potential local suppliers. The anticipated benefits to the larger manufacturing firms involved could include:

  • Reduced costs of sourcing materials and components;
  • Reduced lead time for delivery of finished goods; and
  • Greater ability to manage and communicate with suppliers.

 

The benefits for the local suppliers and the NI economy is increased local GVA and increased job creation in local SMEs. If we were to facilitate an increase of 1% in purchases bought locally by large manufacturing companies, according to The University of Ulster Economic Policy Centre economic analysis, this has the potential to increase GVA in the NI based supply chain by c£590m over the next 15 years.

What is Different?

Unlike other portals of this nature this underlying database within the portal monitors the capability gaps between what buyers need and what suppliers can provide. This will enable council to target resources in order to bridge the capability gap this includes supporting new business start-up as well as development of existing companies.

Taking the complexity out of the buying process.

Our dedicated portal enables you to source your manufacturing product needs online from local suppliers.

Simplifying the process of supplying to manufacturing companies.

Our dedicated portal enables you to link your company and products to a wide range of buyers in the manufacturing sector.