It often only takes one big contract to alter the fortunes of a struggling company - that much needed fresh business agreement or stepping stone to recovery.
When two contracts arrive at the same time then, it is perhaps not just a case of fortune changing, but fortune being on your side.
A recent article on the BBC website entitled 'Bus firm in major Asian contract' documented the change in luck for one particular Northern Irish bus supplier.
The Wright Group, based in County Antrim, secured two major international contracts at a time when the extra business was much needed.
Earlier this year, the company was expecting to put 235 members of its staff out of work. There simply wasn't enough business to keep employee numbers at pre-recession levels.
However, as of only two weeks ago, the group has suggested that less than 100 staff will lose their jobs as a result recession-related cutbacks.
Quite simply, the two major deals saved over 100 employees from the chop.
Those who have been fortunate to have kept their jobs will work on the supply of 210 buses to Asia.
SBS Transit, a Singapore-based transport company, has ordered 150 buses from The Wright Group. This deal is in partnership with Volvo.
A further 60 buses will be shipped out to Hong Kong to the Kowloon Motor bus company.
While the contracts have contributed to saving a significant number of jobs, their significance in terms of the company's overall future should not be underestimated.
Major investments such as these not only reinforce the company's market position but allow it to ride out the recession.
Mark Nodder, managing director, said: "These contract wins come at a very important time for our company and reflect the hard work of all our staff to pursue new markets around the world.
"We are keen to develop ourselves as global leaders in bus design, and will continue to actively pursue all opportunities available."
Mr Nodder's global vision for the company is something shared by Invest NI chief executive Alistair Hamilton, who said: "This shows their customer focus, speed of response and world-leading reputation for innovation."
Major business orders can help to achieve employee and company security as well as place those businesses in the media spotlight – particularly the firm that is selling.
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