SOUTH Derry commercial electrical contractor Premier Electrics is powering up its operations by taking on ten new staff.
The Bellaghy firm, which already employs 150 people directly and indirectly, is implementing an extensive three-year training programme to develop the skills of its workforce.
And that, it believes, will help drive future growth across the UK, Ireland and Europe as the company currently sits on a pipeline of more than £40 million of work.
Invest NI is offering Premier Electrics £290,000 towards the investment in staff training and job creation.
Premier Electrics - which last year made a profit of £3.2 million on a turnover of £41.8 million - has delivered more than 1,000 projects over the last 25 years across countries including Britain, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Romania, the Netherlands, Austria and Belgium.
The company's managing director Tony Shivers said: “Our staff have played a key role in our year on year growth. We want to recognise that by ensuring they receive the best training possible and support their personal development. Continued investment in our people is a critical strand of our on-going growth plan.
“As well as investing in our existing staff we are also recruiting 10 new roles across a range of functions."
He added: “We're confident this investment will further enhance our position as a leading electrical contractor as we work on a range of exciting projects across various regions.”
Niall Casey, Invest NI’s director of skills and competitiveness, said: “This ambitious three-year training plan and recruitment drive will help Premier Electrics capitalise on opportunities within the commercial and construction markets across Europe and the UK.
“The training programme will build the talent of its workforce by upgrading the technical skills of existing employees and developing the skills of senior, middle and first tier managers.
“The company operates in an extremely competitive and diverse marketplace. We are delighted to be helping Premier Electrics secure the additional resources that will enable it to expand its customer base and help deliver growth."
Premier Electrics delivers electrical fit-out and maintenance projects for clients in the retail, leisure, industrial and commercial sectors.
Its client base comprises a host of household brands including Primark, Asda, Audi, Debenhams, H&M, Heatons, Sports Direct, John Lewis and M&S.
