Celebrating the Success of the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund at SJ Henderson Fulfilment

Department for Economy (DfE) Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), visited SJ Henderson Fulfilment on Thursday 8 May, to celebrate the success of the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund (DTFF). 

SJ Henderson Fulfilment Ltd, based in Kilkeel, Co Down, is a third-party provider of warehousing, logistics and shipping services. They specialise in all aspects of online fulfilment, including e-fulfilment, warehousing and storage, pick and pack, distribution and returns management. The company’s receipt of a DTFF Letter of Offer places it among a growing number of businesses benefiting from the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund capital grant. 
This achievement represents a significant step in SJ Henderson Fulfilment’s digital transformation journey, utilising advanced 3D scanning and data to enhance accuracy in warehousing and courier mapping while highlighting the DTFF programme’s crucial role in driving digital innovation amongst small and micro businesses and social enterprises.

The £7.5 million DTFF programme is unique, operating across all City and Growth Deals in Northern Ireland, reflecting a shared ambition between central and local government to deliver digitally driven innovation to accelerate business growth and regional economic development.

Now in its fourth funding call since its launch in November 2023, DTFF has issued over 172 Letters of Offer worth £2.5 million. It has been instrumental in empowering businesses to adopt emerging technologies such as AI, Robotics, Immersive technologies and Big Data. As one of the first initiatives delivered through the complementary fund, the programme is already making a tangible impact on the ground.

DTFF is part-funded by the NI Executive, UK Government, DAERA and all local authorities in Northern Ireland. The programme is delivered by all 11 Councils under the Full Fibre Northern Ireland Consortium (FFNI) and is led by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, with support from Invest Northern Ireland. The fund is part of a broader digital ecosystem that serves as a stepping stone for businesses seeking additional Growth Deal funding to grow and develop their ideas. 

Highlighting the programme’s significance, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne said, "The Digital Transformation Flexible Fund is not just about technology adoption; it’s about ensuring that businesses, regardless of size, have the opportunity to innovate, streamline operations and unlock new growth potential through digital transformation. SJ Henderson Fulfilment is a successful rural business in Newry, Mourne and Down and DTFF is a testament to our commitment to driving digital ambitions and supporting our local businesses as they embrace the future."
Dr Caoimhe Archibald, Economy Minister said, “The Digital Transformation Flexible Fund provides funding for small and micro businesses across the north to engage in transformative digital solutions, which will drive innovation and boost productivity.

“SJ Henderson Fulfilment Ltd is a great example of a company which has taken the first step to automate its processes, which will pave the way for further digital transformation. This investment will make the company more efficient and allow it to fulfil more orders, increase its ability to meet the needs of more customers and grow its business.  

“With £5 million of funding still available through this initiative, I encourage businesses across the north to seize this opportunity to increase transformation, boost competitiveness and accelerate economic growth.”

Martin McKendry, DAERA’s Head of Food, Farming and Rural Affairs Group, said, “I am delighted to be here today on behalf of Minister Muir.  It is interesting to see how the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund investment has helped SJ Henderson Fulfilment Ltd transform its business in terms of providing a new digital storage and retrieval system for all its customers.  The company has ambitious plans for growing its business over the next five years in terms of improving productivity, increasing revenue and providing additional employment and this investment has certainly helped it to start its growth journey.  

“DAERA’s investment of £1.1m in the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund ensures that rural businesses such as SJ Henderson Fulfilment Ltd are given greater access opportunities for digital innovation support.  I wish SJ Henderson Fulfilment Ltd every success in the future.”  

DTFF is delivered in a series of closed calls with a further three calls planed up to March 2026. For more information visit: www.dtff.co.uk.