NI Firm Wins First Business in Kurdistan

Northern Ireland-based Lignum Interiors, a joinery business specialising in bespoke furniture particularly for high-end hotels, has recently secured a six figure contract in Northern Iraq.

The company is fitting out a luxury apartment complex in Northern Iraq and secured the deal with advice and networking assistance from Invest Northern Ireland. This support helped the company to compete in this developing marketplace.

Lignum Interiors is working in association with leading international architects on the important project, the Northern Ireland company’s first in the Middle East.

Dr Vicky Kell, Invest NI Trade Director, during a visit to the company’s manufacturing operation on the outskirts of Downpatrick, said:

“This is a very significant and substantial contract which will help to strengthen Lignum Interior’s position in this particular region of Iraq and, of course, the wider Middle East marketplace. Our marketing teams in Belfast and Dubai assisted the company with advice and very practical support on doing business especially in this area.

“We identified market opportunities in this region of the Middle East around five years ago and have been supported by the Ministers in fostering trade and other exchanges with the local regional authority. Leaders from Northern Iraq have also visited Northern Ireland for discussions on areas of mutual benefit.”

Lignum Interiors was founded by Ciaran McMenamin and Simon McAllister. Mr McMenamin said:

“The contract at the complex is exceptionally important for us at this stage in our development as an internationally focused supplier of bespoke joinery services.

“We secured the business on the back of the successful completion of contracts, particularly in the US, for a leading architectural practice. Their office in the Middle East approached us to work with them on the design, manufacture and installation of furnishings for the luxury apartment complex.

"It’s an immensely prestigious complex that along with bespoke items of furniture and joinery work has involved extensive glass and marble features. There will be benefits for another local company, Lamont Stone, which will supply the marble.

“Invest NI’s guidance on business procedures and contacts in the region were extremely important and helped overcome initial reservations about operating in this part of the world. There are huge opportunities there for our expertise and we now have the confidence and knowledge to exploit these.”

(Source: Invest NI)