SMARTER Surfaces NI, a specialist business in innovative painting and wall-covering technology, has achieved significant growth by bringing office space to life for companies across Northern Ireland.
Established in 2016, the company has capitalised on a niche sector in the north with unique reusable whiteboard, chalk or flat magnetic surfaces driving the business forward, achieving over £120,000 turnover in its first trading period.
Part of the entrepreneurial community based at Innovation Factory on Belfast's Springfield Road, owner Darren Toner established the Smarter Surfaces franchise in Belfast, the first of its kind in the region.
It has already delivered bespoke solutions to a range of companies including Kainos, McAvoy Group, Lagan Products, CDE Global and Innovation Factory itself.
“There has been a significant demand for our products in Northern Ireland as businesses realise the benefits of interactive, smart surfaces," Darren said.
"Workforces have experienced increased productivity and creativity as they use the surfaces around them to write, plan, draw and visualise their ideas and strategies.”
With the added support and assistance from Innovation Factory, the company has been able to grow its workforce, with further plans to expand its team this year.
Darren added: “The professional environment and business mentoring from Innovation Factory have enabled us to scale up quickly.
"No one team is ever the same and we work closely with companies to fully understand their needs, from creative design companies to finance and tech firms.
"We ensure that the installation provides maximum value to the workforce and encourages productivity and creativity, with minimal disruption within an office or studio.”
Majella Barkley, innovation director at Innovation Factory, said: “Having installed Smarter Surfaces NI products in the entrepreneurial hub, many of our customers have benefitted from the creative wall solutions, from forward planning sessions, to team creative workshops.
"We are delighted it has joined the IF community, and are looking forward to working with Darren and the team to provide on-going business support and guidance to achieve continued business growth throughout 2018.”
The £9.1m Innovation Factory, owned by Belfast City Council and managed on its behalf by Oxford Innovation, is a flexible business hub which aims to provide support to up to 100 new hi-tech businesses and create an estimated 400 jobs.
