Representatives from South West College ‘Rural Economic Accelerator Programme (REAP)’ attended the recent Anchor High Summit hosted by Manufacturing NI at the Galgorm Hotel on Thursday 12th May. The summit provided details on the latest opportunities within the manufacturing sector in Northern Ireland.

The summit afforded the College the opportunity to increase awareness on ‘Strand 2’ of the REAP Programme which aims to support local businesses with sustainability projects and developments which will help propel their business and the UK towards Net Zero by 2050. Under the programme which is supported by UKCRF 9 companies operating in the Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Mid Ulster District Council areas will be supported with up to 25 days of Sustainability Research and Innovation Consultancy.

Dr John Harrison, Rural Economic Accelerator Programme Strand 2 lead said:

‘South West College was delighted to attend and sponsor the Anchor High Summit and promote the Research and Innovation for decarbonisation opportunities which exist as part of the REAP Programme and were developed partly through the recently concluded Renewable Engine Project which was also led by South West College. Together with project partners including Southern Regional College and Queens University Belfast we will assist businesses across Northern Ireland in key lighthouse projects that will be transformative and guide the way in for other organisations to enable to the ultimate goal, the achievement of Net Zero carbon by 2050’