GEMX and BORMAC collaborative 'Now, How, Wow' programme proves positive and encouraging

Over the past six months companies from Derry, Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo have engaged in a series of facilitated workshops and last week they presented their findings as a common voice at the Springtown Campus of NWRC.

The 'Now, Wow, How' programme has enabled a ROI cluster, BORMAC (Border Region Manufacturing Cluster), and an InvestNI collaborative network, GEMX (Generating Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence) to work together to achieve common objectives, addressing generic problems in the north west.

The 'Now, Wow, How' project has been delivered with support from the cross-border trade and business development body InterTradeIreland through their Synergy initiative.

It aims to scale cross border collaboration among SMEs and other players such as universities, third sector organisations and government agencies using cluster and networking supports.

The event was attended by a range of company representatives and stakeholders from education and industry.

Paul Kirkpatrick from DuPont who is the Chair of GEMX said: “It is great to hear some of the practical changes that companies have already made because of the programme. One company has even introduced a 4-day week after listening to what their employees said!”

Maggy McCartney from Flemings said that she now feels more confident in her own ability to do her job.

Gavin Killeen, NuPrint chatting to, from left, Maria Doherty, ETB, Wendy Gibbons, NWRC and JoAnne Kilmartin, ATU at last Friday’s GEMX event at Springtown.

“It is great to see an industry-driven programme that focuses on positivity and encourages companies to promote the strengths of life, employment and employment practices within the region”, commented Tina Gillespie from Derry City & Strabane District Council.

Group pictured on Friday last at the NWRC’s Springtown Campus for the 'Now, Wow, How' programme finale event. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)

Employees from companies including GES, Maydown, Inishowen Engineering, Buncrana and Flemings, Newbuildings enjoyed the opportunities to network with people facing similar operational issues within the advanced manufacturing and engineering sector.

Davy Paul, representing The Lycra Company, Maydown commented on how large companies can use the experiences of SMEs to examine their approach to employee engagement, and Mark McDowell from Zeus, Letterkenny reinforced this thought.

Representatives from NWRC, ATU and ETB recognised the need for all employers and stakeholders to listen to the voice of young people.

Joanne Sweeney, Project Director of GEMX commented: “The programme delivery has been enhanced throughout by the inclusion of young people from a range of educational routes.

Thanks everyone for your constructive input today. Great collaboration from cross border companies from GEMX & BORMAC . Thanks @nwrc for hosting! @leo_murp @NuPrintTech @gavin40911964 @nwrc_bsc @DuPont_News @LYCRABrand @Seagate @fleming_agri @InvestNI @Inter_Trade @ATUDonegal_ pic.twitter.com/0Lg80F76ko

— GEMX North West (@GEMXNW) February 24, 2023

“Many of these individuals have already agreed to support future GEMX and council events by acting as ambassadors and creating informative, interesting material in the correct format to inspire people to join this sector.”

Contact joanne@gemx.uk for more information.