Enterprise Week 2018 rolls out from the 12 to 16 November. Spearheaded by the council and sponsored by Bank of Ireland, the week long programme will see a range of inspirational and informative events take place across the Borough. With drop in clinics, workshops, information seminars and networking events offering support and guidance on a range of business matters such as: financial advice, using immersive technologies to better market your business, and driving diversification and innovation, as well as hearing first hand experiences from industry respected guest speakers, there is something for everyone.Monday 12 November
ACCOUNTANCY CLINIC
1 Bluestone Business Park, Craigavon
10.00am – 4.00pm
Thinking of starting a new business? Worried about keeping the appropriate paperwork? What records and systems should you put in place to cut your accountants bills? What financial considerations do you need think about before taking on additional or new employees? Are you worried about HMRC’s new ‘digital’ requirements? We are offering free appointments with experienced accountants to help address these important financial queries. This service will be provided free by staff of one of our council areas leading accountancy practices Henry Murray & Co. Booking is essential to secure an appointment.
To book your place click here.
MARKETING YOUR PRODUCT USING IMMERSIVE TECHNOLOGY
i² CIDO Innovation Centre, Portadown
10.00am – 2.00pm
Know your AR from your VR? Local businesses will have the opportunity to listen to technology specialists who will share their expertise in the areas of Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence, 360 video and Connected Devices, explaining how these technologies can help you promote your business. This one-day event hosted by Digital Catapult follows a recent Immersive technologies workshop organised by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council in October 2018. This unique opportunity allows SME’s, Large scale enterprises, Sole Traders, Entrepreneurs and anyone interested in finding out more about immersive technology and its application as a marketing tool. Lunch will be provided.
To book your place click here.
DROP-IN BUSINESS CLINIC
Armagh Business Centre
10.00am – 4.00pm
Each enterprise Centre will host a drop-in day during enterprise week where those seeking to start a business can call and get information and advice on the best way forward.
To book your place click here.
Tuesday 13 November
ENTREPRENEURIAL MASTERCLASS
Seagoe Hotel, Portadown
10.00am – 1.30pm (finishing with buffet lunch)
The Entrepreneurship Masterclass introduces young people to specific growth sectors of the economy. It allows the exploration of entrepreneurship and assists in developing creative business ideas to tackle real gaps in the market. This event is coordinated & delivered by Young Enterprise NI. Schools from across the district will attend the event and present the ideas they have developed during the Masterclass.
To book your place click here.
DROP-IN BUSINESS CLINIC
Banbridge District Enterprises Ltd.
10.00am – 4.00pm
Each enterprise Centre will host a drop-in day during enterprise week where those seeking to start a business can call and get information and advice on the best way forward.
To book your place click here.
DIVERSIFY YOUR RURAL BUSINESS
Markethill Courthouse, Markethill
7.30pm – 10.00pm
This informative event will provide guidance into how to make your diversification plans a reality. Find out about the support available for diversifying your rural business and hear from those who have been through the process and gain an insight into their journey. There will be a range of speakers in attendance including rural support organisations and funders plus the opportunity to network with other rural businesses.
To book your place click here.
Wednesday 14 November
READY STEADY INNOVATE
Lower Conference Room
SRC Portadown Campus
8.00am – 10.00am
This event will be a showcase of the innovation support available to SMEs in the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon area. Hear first-hand from local SMEs who have benefited from support to help their businesses to innovate, compete and grow. Innovation is not the preserve of science and technology businesses – all businesses have the potential to innovate. This collaborative and informative event will highlight the types of support available to SMEs to help them take their business to the next level.
To book your place click here.
DROP-IN BUSINESS CLINIC
Brownlow Ltd.
10.00am – 4.00pm
Each enterprise Centre will host a drop-in day during enterprise week where those seeking to start a business can call and get information and advice on the best way forward.
To book your place click here.
RUNNING A BUSINESS IN UNCERTAIN TIMES
The Old Town Hall, Banbridge
11am – 1.30pm
Enterprise week presents this key Enterprise Week event with a fantastic line-up of speakers who will share their knowledge and experiences of running business. Dr Esther Skelly-Smith, from Shanaghan Veterinary Services, operates Northern Ireland’s first equine veterinary referral service which is dedicated to providing an integrated approach to the veterinary treatment and care of horses. Michael McQuillan, Chief Executive of Enterprise Northern Ireland, which represents a total of 28 Local Enterprise Agencies across Northern Ireland. Michael was previously Director of the Business Institute at the Ulster University Business School. An entrepreneur by background, he co-founded The Streat coffee chain in 1999 expanding it through franchising which led to an acquisition by a major food distribution company. Philip Bain is Director and Co-Founder of Shredbank, a multi-award-winning on-site document destruction company based in Northern Ireland. In addition, we will also hear from Alan Bridle, UK Economist and Market Analyst, Bank of Ireland UK, who will provide us with an economic outlook for the months ahead.
To book your place click here.
Thursday 15 November
BREAKFAST WITH FEARGAL MCCORMACK
Mayfair Business Centre, Craigavon
8.00am – 10.00am
Mr Feargal McCormack, is Managing Director of PKF-FPM, a Chartered Accountancy and business consultancy practice with offices in Newry, Belfast, Dungannon, Dundalk, Mallusk and Balbriggan, Dublin. Feargal is currently President of the Chartered Accountants of Ireland. In 1991 Feargal established FPM Chartered Accountants (PKF-FPM Accountants Limited), which has achieved average annual turnover growth of 15% and now has ten equity directors. He is responsible for the strategic direction and leadership of the organisation. Feargal will take this opportunity to look at the main issues facing businesses at this time and how best to deal with those issues. Booking is essential for this event.
To book your place click here.
DROP-IN BUSINESS CLINIC
Mayfair Ltd.
10.00am – 4.00pm
Each enterprise Centre will host a drop-in day during enterprise week where those seeking to start a business can call and get information and advice on the best way forward.
To book your place click here.
SOCIAL ECONOMY EVENT
Ulster Carpets, Garvaghy Road, Portadown
12.00am – 2.00pm
The Social Economy is flourishing in Northern Ireland and to celebrate this, we are hosting a networking event for all businesses with a social purpose. You will hear from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to learn about the various bursaries and awards up to £50K available to start up social enterprise businesses. The local social entrepreneur, ‘Outside In’, providing hats and blankets for the homeless through a novel ‘wear one, share one’ concept. Attendees will have the opportunity to pitch for £700 to help set up or support their own Social Enterprise! Pitchers will have 5 minutes to inform the audience what they can about their social enterprise and why they deserve the prize. To apply to pitch at the event, please contact Cara Dallat of CIDO Ltd. by email or by calling 028 3839 6520.
To book your place click here.
DROP-IN BUSINESS CLINIC
Mayfair Ltd.
CIDO Ltd.
10.00am – 4.00pm
Each enterprise Centre will host a drop-in day during enterprise week where those seeking to start a business can call and get information and advice on the best way forward.
To book your place click here.
Friday 16 November
START A BUSINESS IN A DAY
i² CIDO Innovation Centre, Portadown
10.30am – 3.30pm
We will endeavour to launch 10 new Businesses that have been started through the NI Start a Business Programme. On the day, businesses will be able to avail of a range of professional advice and finalise business plans and projections with their allocated business advisor. Funders will also be available to consult with those starting their business.
To book your place click here.