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NI firm to source mansion art

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The walls of an opulent Dutch mansion are being brought to life with almost 100 fine art pieces tracked down by a Co Tyrone company.
The walls of an opulent Dutch mansion are being brought to life with almost 100 fine art pieces tracked down by a Co Tyrone company.

Spires Arts in Omagh has secured a contract with a major interior design house in Amsterdam to provide the pictures for the upmarket home in Holland's largest city.

The deal, which was announced on Monday, was clinched after the business took part in the Invest NI-organised trade visit to the Netherlands last Christmas.

The company, which employs 11 people and has a 20-year track record in sourcing and supplying artwork to hotels, hospitals, homes and public spaces, secured a contract for 97 large format pictures from L&P Design in Amsterdam.

Spires Art managing director Colm McRory said the entry into the Dutch market came as business slowed in the UK and Ireland.

"While we still have good business in both (home markets), I saw a need to widen our markets to counter-balance an anticipated slowdown in buying decisions in these areas," he said.

"The Dutch initiative was excellent because it enabled us to access the services of a consultancy in Amsterdam which had vast experience of market conditions and business practices there, as well as a network of contacts.

"The consultancy produced some excellent potential customers, including L&P Design, and helped us with our pitch."

Dr Vicky Kell, Invest NI trade director, said its support in the Netherlands was geared towards new or inexperienced export companies.

"Spires Art is yet another success story resulting from Invest NI's focus on offering support in the Netherlands," she said.

"It shows that local companies which are offering expert services in activities such as design and the sourcing of artwork, can compete successfully in this challenging marketplace.

"Most of the companies, including many smaller firms, which have accessed Invest NI support in this market over the past three years are now doing business there. Others have gained the confidence to explore successfully other neighbouring markets such as Belgium, Germany and France. The Netherlands has become an important springboard for smaller companies eager to explore opportunities outside Northern Ireland.

"The achievements of Spires Art demonstrate that companies that are determined to do business in the Netherlands, and are prepared to respond positively and quickly to the specific requirements of individual customers, can succeed there."

© Press Association

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