Ballymena firm CreevX awarded Heathrow grant to boost global water safety exports

Ballymena-based CreevX has been named one of a select group of UK small businesses to benefit from Heathrow Airport’s prestigious World of Opportunity programme, aimed at supercharging British exports.

CreevX, a leader in intelligent water safety solutions, joins eleven other innovative SMEs from across the UK selected to receive support designed to help expand their reach into global markets.

The World of Opportunity initiative, run in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), is backed by the Department for Business and Trade.

Each of the winning companies will receive a £2,000 cash grant and expert advice tailored to boosting international trade. The funds are earmarked for essential activities such as trade missions and staff training, while government support will assist in connecting firms with further export opportunities.

Matthew Nelson, Commercial Director of CreevX, said:

“We’re absolutely delighted to be named a winner of Heathrow’s World of Opportunity programme. As we continue to scale, having the backing and expertise of Heathrow is an incredible opportunity to accelerate our entry into new markets and further our impact in the aviation sector.”

CreevX delivers automated, intelligent water safety systems designed to streamline compliance with legionella regulations. Their technology continuously monitors water temperatures and automates system flushing—minimising manual input, reducing water and energy waste, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

With remote access to live data and digital audit trails, the system significantly eases the operational burden on large and complex estates.

Their growing list of high-profile clients includes Dublin Airport, Cork Airport, and global aerospace giant Boeing, all of whom rely on CreevX’s scalable and robust solutions to ensure water safety across their facilities.

The initiative showcases the diversity and quality of UK enterprise, with this year’s cohort of winners including artisan food producers, game developers, outdoor tour operators, and specialist manufacturers.

Nigel Milton, Heathrow’s Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer, praised the calibre of the winners:

“We have so much quality and ambition in small businesses across the UK. It has been so exciting to meet the SMEs that are ready to take their products and ideas to the next level.

“There is world of opportunity for SMEs to tap into through Heathrow’s unrivalled network and we’re proud to play our part in helping UK businesses to grow through trade.”

The airport, which is responsible for facilitating over £200 billion in British trade annually, offers direct flights to 92% of the world’s economy, making it a crucial launchpad for firms like CreevX looking to scale globally.

Business and Trade Minister Gareth Thomas also welcomed the announcement:

“Helping more small businesses across the UK to export is a key priority for this government and Heathrow’s World of Opportunity programme aligns with our commitment to removing barriers to international trade for SMEs.

“These grants enable promising businesses from every corner of the country to access global markets and showcase British innovation worldwide. By working in partnership with industry, we can ensure that small businesses - the backbone of our economy - have the tools they need to expand their reach and drive economic growth.”

FSB’s Northern Ireland Chair, Alan Lowry, added his congratulations:

“It’s been a privilege to work with Heathrow Airport on this important competition supporting small business exporters from here in Northern Ireland, and I’m delighted on behalf of FSB to congratulate CreevX.

“Exporting means growth, and I hope today encourages more small business owners across our region to consider going global, themselves.”