Minister Arlene Foster welcomes Co Antrim jobs boost

A Co Antrim electrical engineering firm is creating 26 jobs with an expanion plan.

BI Electrical, which specialises in commercial and industrial electrical installation, will serve the Asia Pacific region and the Middle East.

Company founder, Ian Humphreys said a non-executive director had been appointed to lead the project.

“This year has been a remarkable period of growth for BI Electrical Services, allowing us to strengthen our local operations and to explore opportunities in the global markets,” he said.

“As part of the expansion we have strengthened our leadership team through the appointment of Jim Speirs who is known across the world as an advocate for high quality standards across the industry.

Mr Speirs was previously a chairman of the Ascertiva Group, the industry body which oversees certification, training and safety for the industry.

BI Electrical also plans to set up a three-year apprenticeship scheme and it has been offered more than £49,000 of marketing assistance from Invest NI.

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said the business joined an increasing number of local companies who recognise the importance of looking beyond local markets to take advantage of the opportunities that exist across the globe.

“It is important that we continue to build strong economic relationships with trading partners in international markets.

“I welcome the opportunity to return to the United Arab Emirates to further develop these links and promote Northern Ireland’s tourism offering,” she added.