India, a global agricultural powerhouse, is the primary source of livelihood for 55% of its population. It is the world's largest producer of milk, pulses, and spices, and it has the world's largest cattle herd (buffaloes), as well as the largest area under wheat, rice, and cotton. The Indian agricultural industry has evolved, embracing cutting-edge technologies, data-driven precision, and high-tech, sustainable farming. Agriculture in India is becoming increasingly environmentally friendly and effective because of technological developments like IoT devices, crop management powered by AI, and vertical farming. Our Spotlight on India | Agri-Tech webinar on Thursday 7 November is a unique opportunity for Northern Ireland's Agri, Agri-tech and allied industries. It will not only shed light on the scope of opportunities in India but also provide crucial insights into future developments, equipping you with the knowledge to make informed decisions. 10:00-10:05 | Opening Remarks 10:05-10:15 | Agriculture in India – Present and Future Growth 10:15-10:30 | Report findings and opportunities for Northern Ireland businesses 10:30-10:40 | Q&A 10:40-10:45 | Closing Remarks

Expand your knowledge of Supply Chain Support. Invest NI is hosting a series of regional Lunch & Learn workshops on Supply Chain Support. These informal workshops will highlight the importance of the supply chain to your business. You will gain practical insights on how to reduce costs, improve supply chain performance and enhance your overall competitiveness. They will be of particular interest to small or medium sized business looking to streamline operations and reduce costs. There will also be opportunities for networking and company specific one to one discussions with Invest NI Supply Chain experts. This workshop will be held at Invest NI’s Southern Regional office at Drumalane Mill, Newry. Please arrive at 11:45 for Registration / Tea & Coffee. Event will start at 12 noon and will be followed by a light lunch.

At this workshop you will gain an insight into the tools and techniques used by learning and development professionals to develop, cost and budget training plans. This will enable you to plan, scope and manage training and development plans for your organisation while maximising return on investment.

Invest NI in conjunction with Innovate UK is hosting a series of webinars to explain the funding and support opportunities available to NI Business through Innovate UK. They will benefit local businesses who want to grow through the development and commercialisation of new products, processes, and services. This is the second webinar of the series. At this webinar on Wednesday 13th November 2024, 10:00 to 10:50, we will • Explain eligibility criteria and how to assess your suitability for different Innovate UK funds. • Outline how to approach completing an Innovate UK application. • Give tips on how to answer the 10 standard questions for innovation grants. • Describe the help available from Invest NI to support your Innovate UK application, This webinar is primarily aimed at businesses who are unfamiliar with Innovate UK or would like to improve their success rate with Innovate UK grant applications. Speakers: Stephen McComb, Knowledge Transfer Adviser, Innovate UK Business Connect Lisa Braniff, Funding Liaison Manager, Invest NI Q&A: After the webinar, you will have an opportunity to have your specific questions answered.

Many products are covered by these directives and, to be placed on the European and GB market, must bear the 'CE' or ‘UKCA’ mark - it's a legal requirement. With Brexit completed it will still remain vitally important for companies to make sure that their product technical files and Declarations of Conformity are comprehensive, up to date and clearly documented whether products are being sold to GB customers or to EU markets. This seminar is based primarily on the Machinery Directive. It provides guidance on compliance and assists participants to determine the route that is most appropriate, cost-effective and efficient for their product. For the majority of companies, CE and UKCA marking is a self-certification process and involves an evaluation of the product or machine using risk assessments and relevant standards. The course will be interactive and participative, with opportunities for discussion. On completion, participants should: • Have gained an understanding of the statutory requirements involved; • Understand technical requirements and interpret compliance standards; • Be able to apply risk assessment techniques relevant to CE and UKCA marking; • Understand the relevant marking process and identify the best route to compliance. 09:30 Welcome 09:35 Background to CE & UKCA marks 09:45 Which directives apply to a product 09:55 Questions 10:00 The Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC 10:30 Technical File 10:55 Questions 11:00 Break 11:15 Essential Health & Safety Requirements (EHSRs) 11:45 Practical risk assessments 12:00 Questions 12:05 Manufacturing processes and Design revisions 12:15 Standards & other directives 12:30 Declaration of Conformity 12:40 The new Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 12:50 Questions 13:00 Close

We are hosting a series of regional Lunch & Learn workshops on Market Research and Business Advice. These informal workshops will equip you with the tools you need to access market research, company databases, and other invaluable business intelligence. You will also learn about the support available to discover new markets, identify business opportunities and attract new customers. We will also introduce you to nibusinessinfo.co.uk, your one-stop shop for business support. This website is: Your dedicated adviser: Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, nibusinessinfo.co.uk has the answers you need. Packed with expert advice: Find the latest business support, insightful resources, and practical guidance – all at your fingertips. A gateway to new opportunities: Discover funding options and connect with valuable business networks. This workshop will be held at Invest NI’s Western Regional Office at Kevlin Buildings, Omagh. Please arrive at 11:45 for registration / tea & coffee. Event will start at 12 noon and will be followed by a light lunch. This workshop is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.