The Bank of Ireland UK has strengthened its partnership with the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry to set up a new Scaling for Growth programme, designed to support small and medium-size businesses that are looking to expand their operations.

Gavin Kennedy, the Bank of Ireland UK’s head of business banking (Northern Ireland), said: “This new programme will provide a comprehensive package of support that will include a business assessment, mentoring for business professionals, and workshops tackling the challenges that SMEs face in scaling up.”

He added: “As a leading business bank, we provide much more than finance to local companies that want to develop new products and explore new markets. The launch of the Scaling for Growth programme demonstrates our commitment to helping businesses achieve their ambitions.

“We are delighted to have joined forces with the Chamber to fund this innovative programme to help businesses seize new opportunities for growth and meet their expansion objectives.”

Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Ann McGregor said: “Our absolute focus and priority is supporting businesses to grow and ultimately export, and we are delighted to be working with Bank of Ireland.”