Almost £40m To Be Invested In Causeway Coast And Glens, Creating 199 Jobs

Invest Northern Ireland has offered over £4m of financial support to businesses in the Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council area, which will lead to a total investment of almost £40m in the local economy. 

78 businesses in Causeway Coast and Glens were offered support by Invest NI between April 2024 and March 2025, enabling them to invest in productivity, grow exports and increase innovation. The investments by local businesses will create 199 new jobs in Causeway Coast and Glens in sectors including advanced manufacturing and engineering, life & health sciences, agri-food, and financial and professional services. 

Des Gartland, North Western Regional Manager at Invest NI, said: “The North West is home to a strong economic development ecosystem, with growing clusters in advanced manufacturing, technology and business services. We’ve supported 115 growth projects in Causeway Coast and Glens in 2024-25, which will increase innovation and productivity and help businesses become more energy efficient. These investments will ultimately strengthen the local economy and create more opportunities for local people.

 “Regional balance is one of our strategic priorities and we want to see businesses of all sizes prosper. We are working closely with stakeholders such as Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, Causeway Chamber, our further education providers and local  enterprise agencies to grow the economy in this area.”

Basalt Distillery in Bushmills is one business investing to grow its exports and increase its production capacity. Martha Garbe, Director, said: "Invest NI has supported us to develop our award-winning gin and vodka, grow our sales and create three new jobs including a lead distiller. We’ve worked with Invest NI’s team in Canada who have recently assisted us to secure a new distributor agreement for our products. We’re also growing sales locally, in Great Britian and Republic of Ireland through partnering with retailers.”  

 Invest NI is also working with Coleraine based luxury fashion brand Hope Macaulay, whose knitwear has been worn by celebrities including Jennifer Hudson. Founder Hope said: “Hope Macaulay has grown and grown since I started the business in 2020, and Invest NI has supported our journey, helping me to develop and trademark the brand.  

“Its support also enabled funding for key management roles, such as operations and marketing, which has been vital to the growth of my business. The supply chain programme gave us expert guidance to help streamline our processes, and the research and development will play an important part in the development of our local Irish yarn.”

Kilrea based Hutchinson, which designs and manufactures high integrity fabrications, is also driving productivity. The company announced it was making a significant investment in new equipment, supported by Invest NI, including a large laser cutter and robotic welding systems which will significantly increase revenue and create 57 new good jobs.

As a result of the companies’ investments, 199 new jobs will be created in Causeway Coast and Glens with roles including managerial and professional roles, skilled trades occupations, machine operatives and customer service positions.  

Des added: “Our North Western regional team is here to support businesses at all stages. Whether you’re looking to scale your business, increase productivity or reach new markets, we would love to discuss how we might be able to work together with you.”