An Oranmore business has scooped a coveted national award from InterTradeIreland for their commitment to innovation.
Atlantic Prosthetic Orthotic Solutions (APOS) is one of six businesses in the country to receive the innovation award from the cross-border business body.
In business for over two decades, the firm manufactures prosthetic and orthotic products, including prosthetics to replace lower and upper limbs, such as shoulders and hands.
The project with InterTradeIreland’s Innovation Boost programme involved funding for a graduate to work in the business, as well as providing a partnership with Queen’s University Belfast to build additive manufacturing and 3D printing capabilities into the business.
General Manager Darren Mathews says participation in the Innovation Boost programme has made a real difference to the firm.
“We’ve always been a very customer focused company and we always will be, but this type of collaboration has given us even more confidence to go out and seek further solutions for our clients.”
“I’d recommend Innovation Boost to anyone who wants to focus on research and development to move their business forward. We’ve embedded what we’ve learned into the business and we will continue to innovate.”
InterTradeIreland has been helping small businesses in Ireland and Northern Ireland explore new cross-border markets, develop new products, processes and services and become investor ready for over two decades.
Based in Newry, the agency’s services include supporting sales growth and innovation, as well as providing funding for SMEs that are looking to expand.
Janet Toal, Innovation Manager at InterTradeIreland said, “APOS are to be congratulated. They have now built innovative processes into their business, which enables them to take a strategic approach to business growth.”
“This has helped to future-proof their business. InterTradeIreland is delighted to award APOS Exemplar Status.”
“It is important that we recognise the success of APOS, which we hope will encourage other SMEs to participate in the Innovation Boost programme. It’s easy to apply for and can improve productivity and increase revenue potential.”
