Local businesses from across the North West will have the opportunity next week to hear from some of the biggest names in business when Enterprise Week 2014 gets underway at a whole host of venues across the city.
Alan Chambers.
One of the most exciting events in the business calendar, Enterprise Week will from Monday, 24 to Friday,28 February, and is part of the Business Opportunities Programme led by Derry City Council and part funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland.
Throughout the week, businesses will be able avail of free advice from a specially selected team of leading experts in a range of fields, who will deliver a series of talks and workshops focusing on everything from the art of networking to finance.
Keynote speakers at this year’s event include top hospitality critic John McKenna, founder of the Bridgestone Guides, Polar explorer Alan Chambers, digital and media trends expert Christher Holloman, and leadership and team-building expert Rob Lewis, who is currently working with crews in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.
Speaking ahead of Enterprise Week, the Mayor, Cllr Martin Reilly, encouraged local companies to avail of some of the expert mentoring and advice available.
He said: “Based on the success of last year’s event Enterprise Week 2014 is open to even more local companies, and offers them the chance to become part of a growing network of successful businesses throughout the North West.
“By joining the Business Opportunities Programme, local enterprises can benefit from a wide range of services, including mentoring from leading figures across a broad spectrum of industries.
“I would urge anyone hoping to boost their business, or perhaps in need of a hand getting off the ground, to sign up and find out what free advice and practical assistance is on offer. It could just set your business on the path to success.”
The week begins with a focus on the Food and Hospitality industry, opening with a talk by hospitality expert John McKenna.
There will be the opportunity to meet with other food tourism professionals, including producers and suppliers.
The afternoon sees the focus shift to retail, when expert Des Mulholland will be on hand to give his advice on overcoming some of the challenges affecting trading in the hospitality sector.
Tuesday is Digital Media day, for all those businesses who want to explore new ways to enhance sales and marketing performance by harnessing the latest digital technologies.
Wednesday’s programme tackles Finance and Market Trends and aims to guide businesses through the finance application process, and how to source the best training and employment subsidies.
In the afternoon, hear from the man who has played a key role in the success of Selfridges, international business guru Alan O’Neill.
Procurement is the hot topic on Thursday, beginning with a special Meet the Buyer event offering SMEs the chance to link up with other businesses, and learn more about successfully tendering for contracts with larger companies.
The afternoon session will provide an insight into branding and demonstrate effective ways to make your business stand out from the crowd.
Friday rounds off the week with an in depth look at Leadership and Personal Development beginning with a talk by Polar explorer and adventurer Alan Chambers, who will be joined by leadership expert Rob Lewis, whose company Mission Performance is currently studying the teams involved in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, developing psychological strategies which can be applied to enhance performance in the boardroom.
For more information about Enterprise Week, and to sign up on-line, simply go to www.derrycity.gov.uk/businessopportunities, or e-mail [email protected], or telephone (028)7136 5151. You can also follow all the news about the Business Opportunities Programme on Facebook at www.facebook.com//DccBusinessOpportunities.
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