Belfast-based specialist training and technical services provider Dangle has received a £60k investment from the Investment Fund for Northern Ireland, managed by Whiterock, to support continued expansion of its operations, training capacity, and technical services capability.
The company’s Belfast training centre, Dangle Academy, opened its doors in September 2025. It offers accredited training in rope access (IRATA), safety and rescue for the onshore and offshore wind sectors (GWO), and tower climbing and rescue for telecommunications and utilities (EUSR). The investment has supported the development and fit-out of the training centre, recruitment of qualified instructors and expansion of its training provision. Funding is also supporting the purchase of additional equipment, allowing training courses and technical projects to operate simultaneously, while helping the company expand the range of training courses available.
It also covers wider workplace health and safety, including First Aid, fire safety, manual handling and dealing with hazardous substances, among other courses, helping people build their skills and careers as well as employers investing in their teams. As well as training, Dangle provides specialist inspection, maintenance, repair and access services across renewable energy, industrial facilities, marine environments, and infrastructure.
Operated by the British Business Bank, the £100m Investment Fund for Northern Ireland offers a range of commercial finance options including debt finance and equity investment to support businesses from all sectors in Northern Ireland at different growth stages. Invest Northern Ireland has also committed £29.2m to the Investment Fund for Northern Ireland through its Access to Finance portfolio of loan and equity funds.
Simon Dunn, Managing Director and Founder of Dangle, said: “Northern Ireland’s infrastructure and emerging industries need skilled people and specialist technical expertise. Belfast gave us a strong base to grow from, and with no dedicated specialist training facility, there was a big opportunity. Demand since opening Dangle Academy in September 2025 has exceeded our initial expectations. Our accredited courses help people build on transferable skills, demonstrate competence, and enter new careers with confidence, giving employers assurance in their capabilities. Together with our technical services, this helps develop the workforce and deliver projects. This investment from Whiterock will help us grow both sides of Dangle, building on Belfast’s proud industrial heritage while supporting Northern Ireland’s future industrial ambitions.”
Jacob McConkey, Investment Manager at Whiterock, said: “Dangle Academy has excellent growth potential with a niche offering to its customers, enabling them to skill-up and prepare for the future demands of high-growth sectors such as the film and television industry, renewable energy and marine services. Whiterock aims to support companies who share our vision for future growth, industry leaders scaling their company to enter new markets and grasp new opportunities. We are delighted to be working with Simon and his team as they begin the next, exciting stage of their impressive business journey from a start-up to a leading player in workforce skilling.”
Sue Barnard, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank said: “Dangle Academy is filling a clear gap in Northern Ireland, giving people the accredited skills they need to succeed. This support from the Investment Fund for Northern Ireland, managed by Whiterock, will help Simon and his team build on the strong demand they have seen since opening. It’s a great example of the fund backing ambitious local businesses to scale and creating opportunities across Northern Ireland.”
Steven Scullion, Director of Corporate Finance at Invest NI, said: “We want to help ambitious Northern Ireland businesses grow. Dangle Academy has benefited from finance through the Investment Fund for Northern Ireland, complemented by our further Invest NI support for the development of specialist wind and renewable energy safety training. This latest investment will help Dangle expand its training capacity and technical services, pursue new opportunities and continue its growth”.