Business news archives

Latest News - May 2026

  • Depot Charging Scheme

    Grant funding for charging infrastructure to help businesses make the switch to electric vans and trucks.

  • IPO updates design protection guidance

    The UK Intellectual Property Office has updated its guidance on designs covering graphic symbols, icons, graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and animated designs.

  • Latest Business Academy webinars

    Upcoming webinars from the Business Academy to help you master the skills you need to reach new customers in the UK and around the world.

Get on in hospitality - social media marketing with Belfast Met

Social media marketing course for tourism and hospitality businesses in Northern Ireland.

UK–India roadshow 2026 - Belfast

Unlock your export growth with the UK–India free trade agreement.

E-DATA Roadshow Spring Series - Belfast

Join this event to learn how digital technologies can improve productivity, reduce costs and support business growth.

Makers Support Programme

New support programme for makers and artisan food businesses has launched in the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area.

Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme 2026/2027 is now open

The Rural Micro Capital Grant is now accepting applications offering up to £2,500 to social enterprises, groups and voluntary organisations.

Business Paint Scheme for Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon

Grant to help local businesses and property owners improve the appearance of their shopfronts.

All-Island Female Entrepreneurs Conference 2026

Join the Women in Business annual All-Island Female Entrepreneurs Conference to gain support, tools, and connections for your business.

Shott Scale Up Accelerator 2026

Deep tech founders and senior leaders can apply for a leadership programme designed to help scale UK engineering businesses.

ICURe Discover Sprint for Women Entrepreneurs

Women researchers can apply for the ICURe Discover Sprint, a three-week programme offering up to £2,500 for market testing and discovery.

Applications open for leadership fellowship

Business leaders in Northern Ireland can now apply for the 2026-27 Centre for Democracy and Peace Fellowship Programme.

DATUM: Support for digital transformation in manufacturing

New €8.3 million cross-border programme has been launched to help manufacturers adopt advanced technologies.

Webinar: Introduction to Horizon Europe

Join a free webinar to learn how to find Horizon Europe calls, connect with partners, and get support for applying.

New AI resources for employers

CIPD and Innovate UK BridgeAI offer resources to help businesses adopt AI and plan workforce skills.

Safety campaign highlights the danger of falls from height

HSENI is urging farmers to think first to protect their family and livelihood.

TechTides to launch Belfast conference in June

A major technology conference, TechTides, is set to take place in Belfast for the first time on 11 June 2026 at ICC Belfast.

Employer event | Shaping better work and wellbeing

Opportunity for employers to influence a new Work and Health Model for Northern Ireland at this Belfast workshop.

New programme to help crafters start a business

A new ‘Craft to Commerce’ programme will launch in Mid and East Antrim in June 2026, helping hobby crafters turn their skills into viable businesses.

Transport Research and Innovation Grants 2026

Businesses can apply for up to £45,000 in funding for innovative ideas to solve real-world transport challenges.

File your 2025-26 Self Assessment tax return early

Filing early has a range of benefits such as knowing sooner what you owe and reducing last-minute stress of meeting the 31 January deadline.

Women in Agriculture Leadership Programme

Support and upskilling programme for women in the Northern Ireland agriculture industry.

National Lottery Project Funding 2026-2027

Support is available for organisations delivering arts activities of up to one year across Northern Ireland.

Employer opportunity at Belfast Job Fair

Employers are encouraged to register their interest in exhibiting at this free Belfast job fair event.