Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has officially launched the Makers Support Forum, a new initiative designed to bring together makers, creatives and artisan food producers from across the borough to connect, collaborate and grow.
As Part of the wider Makers Support Programme, the forum will provide a dedicated space for local businesses to access expert advice, share experiences, build connections and develop the skills needed to succeed.
Welcoming the initiative, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Councillor Mary O’Dowd, said:
“The creative and artisan food sectors are a vital part of our local economy and contribute to the unique identity of our borough. The Makers Support Forum will provide an important platform for collaboration, learning and peer support, helping local makers to build confidence, overcome challenges and explore new opportunities for growth. Whether someone is just starting out or already running an established business, I encourage all makers and artisan producers across the borough to make the most of this resource.”
The forum will be delivered through a series of four themed workshops, listed below. Each session will combine expert-led learning, practical advice, peer discussion and networking opportunities, helping participants strengthen their business skills, increase their visibility and explore new routes to market.
| Workshop Details | Workshop Title | Guest Speaker | What will be covered |
| Tuesday 15th September 2026
Portadown Town Hall
6.00pm – 7.30pm |
Scaling your maker business | Olivia Sherry-O’Reilly, Freedom Cosmetics | Practical steps needed to move from small-scale production to a more structured and resilient business model, including understanding demand, planning stock levels, improving production processes, managing supplier relationships and identifying when additional support, equipment or workspace may be required. How to price for growth, protect profit margins, streamline product range and decide which products are best suited to wholesale, online sales, events or collaborative opportunities. |
| Wednesday 4th November 2026
The Market Place Theatre, Armagh
6.00pm – 7.30pm |
Selling online – building digital routes to market | Louise Morrow, Jasmine & Lily at Home. Emma Walsh, Zara & Co Events | Understand how to sell online effectively. Explore pricing for online sales, online customer service, digital marketing and how to choose the right online channel. How to grow email lists, announce new product drops, offer VIP discounts and share your brand journey. Use the right platforms to build your own online shopfront, where you can control the customer experience and keep a larger proportion of the sales. |
| Wednesday 13th January 2027
Banbridge Town Hall
6.00pm – 7.30pm. |
Storytelling – communicating the value of your business | Claire Geddis, Wild Shore. Michelle McGeough, Busy Bee & Co. Sinead McKeever, SM Marketing Services | Highlight the power of storytelling as a way to communicate what makes a business unique, including the inspiration behind the product, the skills and craftsmanship involved, the values of the maker and the journey that has shaped the business. By sharing a clear and compelling story, makers can create stronger brand, stand out in a competitive marketplace and give customers a meaningful reason to choose their product. Additionally, the use of good photography and video tips – using a smartphone. How to maximise value using Apps and AI tools. |
| Thursday 11th March 2027
Lurgan Town Hall
6.00pm – 7.30pm |
Pitching your business – presenting with confidence | Sam Sheppard, Juice Bar Uk & Ireland.
Andrew Cornett local Tax Director. Ciaran Cuningham and Kirsty Corrigan, Enterprise NI Network. |
Explore how to pitch your business clearly and confidently to buyers, funders, collaborators, and potential investors. The session will also help makers understand what investors are looking for, including evidence of customer interest, a strong business model, realistic financial projections, clear use of investment funds and the capability to deliver future growth. |
To register for the above workshops, please contact ABC Council Town Centre Team at .
Participants will also be able to access additional support through the wider Makers Support Programme, including tailored mentoring through Go Succeed and opportunities to showcase and sell products through a series of pop-up retail events across the borough.
The launch of the Makers Support Forum reflects Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting entrepreneurship, encouraging innovation and helping local businesses realise their full potential.
