Made in NI – How Go Succeed is championing Northern Ireland’s manufacturing future

Since the Go Succeed service launched in 2023, it has become Northern Ireland’s go-to business and entrepreneur support service for manufacturers in every corner of the region. From Dunloy to Derry, and Bangor to Ballymena, Go Succeed is committed to helping businesses unlock their growth potential – wherever they’re based.

There is the misconception that enterprise support services are solely for people with a business idea or just starting out, but this couldn’t be further from the case with us. At Go Succeed, we help businesses at every stage of their growth cycle, both large and small, through our ‘Start’, ‘Grow’ and ‘Scale’ offerings.

Delivered through Northern Ireland’s 11 councils, Go Succeed offers completely free support – ranging from mentoring and peer networks to grant funding and business planning. Every service is tailored to give you the tools you need to grow and succeed.
For manufacturers, we can connect you to experts that understand your needs – whether it is identifying ways to reduce waste, keeping on top of legal requirements regarding chemicals and hazardous waste, innovation, or improving energy efficiency.
As we partner with Manufacturing NI this month to mark Manufacturing Month, let’s take a look at some local success stories who have grown from strength to strength thanks to support from Go Succeed.

Demanu Manufacturing and Design
Ballymena-based Demanu Manufacturing and Design supercharged its growth plans after receiving support from Go Succeed. An innovator in manufacturing solutions, the company provides product development and manufacturing consultancy services as well as full-scale manufacturing, helping to bring its customers’ products from conception to reality. Founder JB Dobbin said assistance received from Go Succeed is helping drive Demanu’s growth and further solidifying its position as a market leader in the manufacturing and design industry. He said: “At the start of the journey it was just me and I reached out to some past colleagues and some friends, and they pointed me in the direction of Go Succeed. The main benefits of the Go Succeed programme for me was the mentorship. Previously I didn’t have any marketing or finance experience and I needed to round out my skills on that. From that mentorship we were pointed in the direction of the Go Succeed grant which we’ve been successful in applying for. We’ve put that towards equipment to grow our business and increase our manufacturing capacity. At the start of a company’s journey they need as much advice as possible and Go Succeed were really helpful at supercharging my one-person team.”

Driftwood CNC Services
Bespoke joinery company Driftwood CNC Services, based in Dunloy, Co Antrim, unlocked expansion plans after receiving grants from Go Succeed and the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund (DTFF). The company supplies unique pieces for businesses and people’s homes, working across shop and hospitality fit-out, office and industrial installations, creating bespoke panelling, cabinet doors, wardrobes, and beyond. Owner Michael Doherty who participated in a mentorship programme through Go Succeed said: “The money we have received has helped to purchase upgraded equipment for our main workshop that will significantly speed up processing times, allowing us to provide unique pieces to more customers, and faster. We have also invested in a range of portable handheld cutting and finishing devices to use on site allowing us to achieve the same quality of woodwork and joinery that we can in the workshop, anywhere across the country. This is a growing industry as more people seek unique solutions that will set their homes or businesses apart. By embracing more advanced technology, coupled with the grants, we are now in the best shape ever to service that market.”

Northern Ireland has a rich manufacturing heritage and this, coupled with a deep appreciation for the region’s manufacturing community, makes the industry a true force to be reckoned with.

With the right support, the future of our manufacturers looks brighter than ever. We’d love to come on the journey with you.
To find out more about Go Succeed, the help on offer, and to see a calendar of upcoming events and workshops, visit www.go-succeed.com, or call 0800 027 0639.