Innovation Factory marks 10 years after supporting 916 businesses and more than 2,000 jobs

Belfast’s Innovation Factory is celebrating its tenth anniversary after supporting 916 businesses, contributing to the creation of more than 2,000 jobs and facilitating 313 work placements. The west Belfast business hub has also contributed almost £1 million to the Northern Ireland economy.

The Innovation Factory Belfast, located on Springfield Road, is celebrating ten years of helping local entrepreneurs, start-ups and established businesses grow.

Since opening in 2016, the business centre has supported 916 businesses, contributed to the creation of more than 2,000 jobs and facilitated 313 work placements.

The centre has also contributed almost £1 million to Northern Ireland’s economy, including approximately £250,000 directly within west Belfast, according to figures released for its anniversary.

The milestone was celebrated at a special event bringing together business leaders, entrepreneurs and representatives from organisations involved in supporting the centre.

From former Mackie’s factory to thriving business hub

The Innovation Factory was developed on part of the former Mackie’s engineering factory site at Forthriver Business Park on Springfield Road.

The facility is owned by Belfast City Council and operated by Oxford Innovation, which has managed the centre since 2016.

A Belfast City Council report published in March 2026 highlighted the centre’s role in encouraging entrepreneurship and supporting the regeneration of the former industrial site.

Originally developed to stimulate business growth and employment in west Belfast, the Innovation Factory now accommodates 65 businesses across more than 100 offices.

Companies operating from the centre work across a range of industries, including technology, film, engineering and professional services.

The centre offers flexible office accommodation, meeting rooms, conference facilities, hot-desking and business support services.

Almost £1 million contributed to Northern Ireland economy

Speaking at the anniversary event, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly, praised the Innovation Factory’s contribution to economic growth.

She said:

“The success of the Innovation Factory shows what can happen when investment in a place is matched by investment in people.”

The Lord Mayor highlighted how the former industrial site had been transformed into a modern business centre supporting jobs and entrepreneurship.

She added:

“Ten years ago, this was a former industrial site. Today, it is home to ambitious businesses creating jobs, developing ideas and contributing almost £1million into the Northern Ireland economy, with around £250,000 directly into west Belfast itself.”

She said the benefits extended beyond the building, with successful businesses and new employment opportunities helping strengthen the wider community.

Invest NI highlights support for local businesses

Invest Northern Ireland has played an important role in supporting the Innovation Factory and the businesses operating within it.

Susan O’Kane, Head of Regional Business for the Belfast City Region at Invest NI, said the centre had provided a valuable location for business lunches and advice clinics.

These initiatives have helped businesses access advice and support relating to finance, research and development, exports and networking.

O’Kane said strong partnership working had helped create an environment where businesses could establish themselves, grow and expand within west Belfast.

Businesses seeking similar assistance can explore the Invest NI Belfast regional office for information about available programmes and advice.

Former tenant Angel Eyes NI shares success story

Among the businesses and organisations to benefit from the Innovation Factory is Angel Eyes NI, founded by Sara McCracken.

The organisation initially moved into the centre as a small charity advocating for visually impaired children and their families.

During its time at the Innovation Factory, it developed projects including Empatheyes, a virtual reality simulator designed to improve understanding of visual impairment.

McCracken said the centre had offered more than just office space.

She explained that the connections, support and sense of community had helped the organisation develop its ideas and expand its work.

She described the Innovation Factory as somewhere that encouraged collaboration and innovation, rather than simply a location to rent an office.

Innovation Factory looks towards its next decade

The tenth anniversary event also provided an opportunity to consider the Innovation Factory’s future.

Centre operator Oxford Innovation Space reaffirmed its commitment to working with Belfast City Council and local communities.

The focus will include encouraging entrepreneurship among young people and helping more businesses develop in west Belfast.

Cara Dallat, Centre Director at Innovation Factory, said:

“We are incredibly proud of the contribution Innovation Factory has made over the last ten years – and we’re even more excited about what the next ten could bring.”

She said the centre’s achievements should be measured by the success of the businesses it supports and the contribution they make to the local community.

With opportunities for further development across west Belfast, the Innovation Factory hopes to continue supporting entrepreneurship, employment and economic growth.

How to contact Innovation Factory Belfast

Businesses and entrepreneurs interested in office space, meeting facilities or business support can contact the Innovation Factory directly.

Address: Innovation Factory, 385 Springfield Road, Forthriver Business Park, Belfast BT12 7DG

Telephone: 028 9590 2800

Website: www.innovationfactoryni.com

Enquiries: Contact the Innovation Factory

For more local business news, community developments and upcoming events, visit the Northern Ireland Online Belfast page.

Local businesses can also explore the Northern Ireland Online business directory to discover opportunities to increase their visibility across Northern Ireland.