The company is using an Invest NI Innovation Voucher to build on the success it is already experiencing from the launch last year of a range of organic fruit and vegetable purees for weaning babies aged between four and six months.

The Innovation Voucher enabled Heavenly Tasty Organics to access expert advice and support from the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise at Loughry Campus, Cookstown in developing a range of new meals for babies aged from six to 12 months. The company is now based at Omagh Business Centre.

The Innovation Voucher support for the work with Loughry was announced by Olive Hill, Invest NI’s Head of Innovation and Technical Development, during a visit to the company’s stand in the Food Pavilion at the Balmoral Show.

Heavenly Tasty Organics was founded in November 2010 by Shauna McCarney, the Managing Director, and has won a series of awards for its products including a prestigious SMA Nutrition Maternity and Infant Award in the Republic of Ireland last year.

Mrs Hill said: “Heavenly Tasty Organics has developed into one of our most innovative companies in a relatively short space of time. The company’s initial range of products has been well-received here and is attracting attention in markets outside of Northern Ireland largely because of a growing demand for ‘free-from’ products among parents of babies.

“The new products being developed with an Innovation Voucher will enable this ambitious company to offer a portfolio of organic meals for the crucially important first year of a baby’s life. The voucher is enabling the company to develop and taste test the new recipes and to look at other important issues such as shelf-life and packaging opportunities, areas in which staff at Loughry have vast experience and tremendous knowledge.

“This expertise will also assist the company as it seeks to bring the new meals to market as quickly as practicable.”

Ms McCarney, outlining the company’s latest developments, said: “Our move into a new range of baby meals has been influenced by customers of our existing purees who wish to continue to wean children in their most formative years with meals that are allergen-free. There’s now a greater awareness especially among new and young mothers about allergies.

“As a mother of two young children, I know that finding such organic meals for babies on the shelves and fridges of supermarkets can be extremely difficult.

“What we are creating with Loughry College and Jane McClenaghan, our nutritionist, are two ranges of baby meals that can be used during the first 12 months.

“All our products have organic accreditation through the Soil Association and will be packaged for convenience and will include nutritional information and guidance on preparation on the labels. The meals we are developing include shepherd’s pie and a mild chicken curry. All are free from lactose and gluten.

“The Innovation Voucher scheme is very worthwhile and is making it easy for us to learn and benefit from the knowledge and skills of various technical teams as well as the excellent facilities at Loughry. As a small and recently established business, we wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford the expert services the college provides.”

Source: investni.com

Location: Omagh Enterprise Company

Times:

Session 1 -  9:30am-10:30am

Tea/Coffee & Networking - Use this opportunity to swap business cards – 10:30am – 11:00am.

Session 2 - 11:00am-12pm

Speaker: John McNamara

A Little Bio on John

John McNamara is the CEO of www.sendmode.com an award winning online mobile marketing company. A software architect by trade, John has overseen the growth of SendMode from startup in 2009 to an online application performing 8 million transactions per month. SendMode currently has over 3,000 clients worldwide. Prior to Co-founding sendmode.com, McNamara co-founded Daytatree Ltd, an Alcohol and Drug Testing Software Company which was sold in June 2008 to C-Net Technologies in the US. John McNamara graduated from Dublin City University with a first class honours degree in Computer Applications.

What will Session One Cover?

Mobile Marketing is one of the most effective ways to communicate directly with your customer base. Targeted Mobile Marketing yields a 10-32% return on investment, far beyond that of email and traditional marketing channels which yields 1-5%. This hour long presentation will cover permission based marketing, bulk-text marketing, mobile websites, mobile shortcodes and data protection responsibilities.

What will Session Two Cover?

All websites must convert visitors to sales, your website is a member of your sales team. This hour long presentation will run through looking at your website from customers perspective, funneling customers to free trial and purchase, tracking conversions – Google Analytics, International SEO – moving into different markets .

All businesses welcome! Attendance at all events is FREE, however registration is necessary.  To register your attendance at any of the above events, please email sharon.tracey@omaghenterprise.co.uk or contact 028 82 249494

This project has been part-financed by the European Union’s INTERREG IVA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB)

Featuring seminars and showcasing opportunities for local business owners, the popular initiative will run from tomorrow (May 18) until next Friday May 25.

More than 2,000 businesses have taken part in Bank of Ireland’s Enterprise Week since it was launched in May 2010.

Open to both customers and non-customers of the bank, the week is being held as part of Bank of Ireland’s ongoing commitment to actively support business growth by providing them with the necessary financial support and practical advice, according to Omagh branch manager, Eugene Kearney “For many people the heart and soul of Enterprise Week is the show your business element which gives businesses, both customers and non-customers, a platform to promote their products and services in branches and to network with other businesses.

“There are so many exciting and innovative businesses in Northern Ireland and they each have three things in common – commitment, drive and innovation.

“The staff in our branches across Northern Ireland will be on hand to offer advice, support and finance to these customers and this year we expect even more businesses to get involved and we are determined to make it the best show your business yet.”

This year’s events include a flagship seminar at the home of Ulster Rugby, Ravenhill, along with a series of ‘show your business’ events across the bank’s branch network.

One of the local businesses taking part in the Omagh event is registered charity, Camphill Communities Clanabogan.

Established in 1984, Camphill Communities offers a unique way of living in a life-sharing, sustainable community for adults with a learning disability and associated needs.

The charity demonstrates pioneering entrepreneurial activities in many different areas which include crafts, biodynamic agriculture, care farming and the use of renewable energy sources.

Speaking ahead of a week of enterprising events, Martin Strum of Camphill Communities in Clanabogan said, “Enterprise Week is a great opportunity for Camphill Community Clanabogan to raise our profile and display some of the products produced in an ‘inclusive community setting.

“It is another opportunity to engage with the local community in a meaningful way and possibly share the important work carried out in the communities and make further contacts which will be mutually beneficial.”

INITIATIVES

Pat Byrne, regional manager of the Bank of Ireland said Enterprise Week represents one of the bank’s range of initiatives to reach out to businesses and work with them.

“Our flagship seminar at Ravenhill will focus on using technology to grow your business and will offer companies valuable insights into how rapidlygrowing technologies can help them expand their businesses both at home and abroad.

“Speakers include Colin Cassidy, SME business and distribution lead at Microsoft Ireland and Shane Logan, chief executive of Ulster Rugby, which is using technology to boost its commercial success.”

Pat continued, “Our commitment to helping businesses to grow is demonstrated not just by Enterprise Week but by other developments such as the launch of a £50m agri business fund and our export initiative to help exporters with the financial challenges of selling overseas.

“We have also introduced a simple, three-step process to make applying for credit easier. Over the past three months our approval rate for new credit applications has remained consistent at over 90 percent.”

Source: ulsterherald.com

In recent months there have been a number of reports confirming high levels of unemployment and the difficulties facing the economy. During the same period there have also been a number of reports announcing increased company profits and the creation of new jobs and investments aimed at improving the economy.

The contrast and timing of the reports is difficult to understand, as they are in direct conflict with each other. It would appear therefore that we are experiencing two different economies as the same time.

Traditionally, we are more used to and comfortable with economic commentary that is either positive or negative, rather than the conflicting reality of what is currently happening.

There is no doubt jobs are being lost in the economy and people are feeling a greater sense of anxiety and uncertainty about the future. Similarly, there is no doubt that some companies and sectors are growing, gaining new markets and creating jobs.

Within Europe we have the contrasting situation between what is happening in Greece and what is happening in Germany. Greece continues to struggle to provide basic services for its people while Germany pushes ahead with an increasingly strong economy.

It seems difficult to believe that both types of economy are happening in parallel. Yet, it reflects the reality of what appears to be the emergence of two very different groups within society and it is likely to continue.

One group possesses the skills, education and abilities needed to participate in the new growth economy. The other relies on skills tied to the old economy and suffers from its lack of growth and opportunity.

SO, we will continue to receive conflicting reports on the economy, as it appears we have entered a new phase of parallel stagnation and growth.

What do you think? Which economy are you experiencing? Get in touch! If you have any comments contact Nick on 028 8224 9494 or via Twitter @nick_oec.

InterTradeIreland, in conjunction with the European Commission Office in Northern Ireland, is holding a conference on the 7th June 2012 at the Titanic Belfast, to promote  EU funding opportunities for collaborative research available to companies, academics and interested organisations from Northern Ireland and Ireland.

Spaces are limited, so early booking is advisable.

REGISTER NOW!

The conference will: Highlight the opportunities for SMEs within the ‘Research for the benefit of SMEs’ and ‘Research for the benefit of SME associations’ call.

• Allow the research community direct access to engage with SMEs and larger companies
• Give an introductory overview of the new mechanisms of the EU Horizon 2020.
• Provide maximised opportunities for focused networking in an interactive and dynamic environment.

Why should you attend?

• To listen the key note presentation of the European Commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn
• To find out about the funding and support available from InterTradeIreland, Invest Northern Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and other FP7 supporting agencies
• To hear and learn from other FP7 participants
• To meet and network with other potential collaborative partners.
• To avail of one to one meetings with FP7 supporting agencies (Can be booked online at registration)

So whether you are new to EU funding, a previous applicant or simply interested in meeting with other potential collaborative partners from across the island and the EU, there will be something for you at this conference.

Source: intertradeireland.com

Software firm Lakeland Computers, based in Irvinestown, have their systems running the Farm Shop on the Queen’s Estate at Windsor Castle. It has been supplying the Estate since 2002.

Source: BelfastTelegraph.co.uk

Location: First Floor Office

Description: 251 sq ft

• Located on First Floor
• Modern Open Plan Office
• Lift access to First Floor.
• Beside the Great Northern Road (A5) approx 1 mile from Omagh Town Centre.

Comprehensive business accommodation package including:

• Flexible lease agreements with no long term commitment
• Competitive Pricing
• Easy access in an ideal business location
• 24hr hour / 7 day a week access
• Excellent Security
• Electricity and phone points installed
• Adaptable to suit a range of purposes
• Free on-site car parking
• On-site Restaurant
• Secretarial Support
• Internet Access
• Situated in a Business Hub ideal for Networking
• Beside the Great Northern Road (A5) approx 1 mile from Omagh Town Centre.

For further information on our premises or to arrange a viewing please contact Una Chism on 028 82 249494 or vial email at una.chism@omaghenterprise.co.uk

A local business woman has beaten off competition from around Northern Ireland to become Belfast Telegraph Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

Shauna Gallagher, who lives outside Dromore, decided to set up Nature’s Inspiration, a business producing natural beauty products, when she realised that existing products on the market did not work for her.

The 23 year-old said she saw a gap in the market for a venture making natural beauty products which were affordable, used only the finest natural ingredients – sourced ethically from around the world – and furthermore, utilised organic products when they can be sourced at a reasonable price.

“I am absolutely thrilled to have won and the support I have received from customers and stockists has been fantastic,” the local lady exclaimed. “It’s been a great year for me and Natures Inspiration and this put the icing on the cake.”

Shauna, a trained beautician, currently offers a range of 13 skincare products which include cleanser, toner, floral waters, facial clay, moisturisers, lip balm, body scrubs, and she has just introduced a range of mineral make up which includes foundations, blushers, bronzers and eye shadows.

Natures Inspiration products are available in Nature Trail Omagh, the Nu2U Boutique Clogher and the Nu U Hair & Beauty Salon Clabby.

She added, “The company ethos is that ‘Natures Inspiration products are good for your skin, good for the environment and good for your pocket!’”

Initially, Shauna sought support from Fermanagh Enterprise to develop her business idea, and participated in the Exploring Enterprise Programme, gaining a Certificate in Business Enterprise.

Following this she took part in the Tradelinks Programme which provided her with new ideas, new skills and contacts.

Fionna Martin from Fermanagh Enterprise stated, “We at Fermanagh Enterprise are delighted for Shauna and her success.

“She is a hardworking and determined young woman who has been a pleasure to work with and is an inspiration to anyone who wants to set up and develop a business.”

For further information log onto www.naturesinspiration. co.uk.

Source: ulsterherald.com

Date: 17th May 2012

Venue: An Creagan Visitors Centre Creagan, Omagh

Natural Assets: Tourism & the ICBAN Region

9.30 am – Registration & Tea / Coffee / Scones

10.15 am – Welcome – Cllr David Alcorn, Chair, ICBAN Board

10.30 am – Introduction & Context Setting – Colin McKenna – Development Manager, ICBAN

10.45 am – Evidence to Support Policy & Decision Making – NI Perspective – Kathryn Thomson Chief Operating Officer, Northern Ireland Tourist Board

11.00 am – Evidence to Support Policy & Decision Making – ROI Perspective – Aidan Pender, Director of Strategic Development, Fáilte Ireland

11.15 am – Local / Regional Perspective – Cllr Sean Clarke, Chairman, Cookstown District Council and Chairman, Sperrins Tourism

11.35 am – Tea / Coffee & Networking

12.00 pm – Over to You!

Discussion workshops focusing on the current hot topics around tourism

1.00 pm – Lunch

1.45 pm – European / Global Perspective – Richard Watson, Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark

2.05 pm – Regional Perspective – Sports Tourism: A Regional Enabler – Mark O’Connell, Focus Consulting

2.25 pm – Question & Answer Panel – With today’s guest speakers

 2.55 pm – Closing remarks – Shane Campbel

A little bio on the Guest Speakers

Wesley Atchison, Conference MC, has served as editor of the Omagh-based Tyrone Constitution – the oldest newspaper in County Tyrone – for the past 15 years and, in all, has been a journalist with the paper for about 38 years. Under his editorship, the newspaper has won awards at Northern Ireland & UK level. A former pupil of Portora Royal School, Enniskillen, he has played an active role in community life over the years. A past vice-president of the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster – being particularly involved in public speaking, debating & drama circles, he is also a former president of Omagh Junior Chamber (of Commerce). He is an active member of the Rotary Club of Omagh.

Kathryn Thomson was appointed Chief Operating Officer in December 2007 following three years as Director of Finance & Business Planning at NITB. She oversees Corporate Development and Organisational Development Directorates, building an effective organisation that both supports and delivers for the tourism sector in Northern Ireland. Working closely with the Chief Executive this includes strategy development, corporate engagement, governance and operational effectiveness. Kathryn holds a BCom (Hons) degree in Business Studies from the

University of Edinburgh, completed her accountancy training at PriceWaterhouseCoopers and has a professional qualification as a Chartered Accountant with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA). Previously Kathryn worked in the senior finance team within NHS Greater Glasgow.

Aidan Pender is Director of Strategic Development at Fáilte Ireland (The National Tourism Development Authority). He works with teams of colleagues in four distinct areas – Destination Development, Product Investment & Development, Research & Policy, and Standards, Food, & Tourism Education. As a part of this portfolio, Aidan also works with a range of stakeholders in the support and development of Ireland’s key heritage and culture assets. Before joining Fáilte Ireland in December 2003, Aidan worked for twenty years as a management consultant with PA Consulting Group (London), Management Centre Europe (Brussels) and the Institute of Public Administration (Dublin). He is a graduate of UCD and holds Bachelor of Arts, Master of Public Administration, and Master of Economic Science degrees.

Cllr Sean Clarke became Cookstown District Council Chairman in June 2011 having been elected as a Sinn Fein Councillor in May 2005. He is a member of several Council Committees including Sperrins Tourism Partnership, Development Committee, Policy Resources & Services Committee, Tourism Sub-Committee, Sport & Leisure Committee and RDP Local Action Group. Councillor Clarke has a long connection with the GAA as both a player and an administrator and has been extensively involved within the Community Sector, Credit Union movement and Community Development. An avid historian Councillor Clarke has extensive knowledge of the history of his local area which stretches back 7000 years. A qualified Tour Guide he specialises in facilitating interested parties in his home area of the Sperrins.

Richard Watson is Manager of Marble Arch Caves, (Fermanagh District Council) since 1985, has been instrumental in developing one of Northern Ireland’s leading tourist facilities and also overseeing the development of Cuilcagh Mountain Park, Derrygonnelly Field Studies Centre and the wider Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark. Richard is a member of UNESCO Global Geoparks inspection panel, the Coordination Committee of the European Geoparks Network, the UK Field Studies Council, the Speleological Union of Ireland and the Irish Cave Rescue Organisation. Richard has first hand experience of many geoparks, national parks and other scenic areas in most European countries and further afield in China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Fiji, Australia and New Zealand

Mark O’Connell is Associate Director with Focus Consulting, based in Dublin and Limerick. He has worked extensively on sports and tourism assignments in Ireland and UK with a focus on strategic planning and economic, social and profiling impact measurement of sports tourism on host events. He has created the Sports Tourism Event Assessment Model and has worked with leading sports, tourism and economic development organisations that include Munster Rugby, Thomond Park, Llanelli Scarlets, Shannon Development, Fáilte Ireland, Limerick Regeneration and Special Olympics Ireland on sports and tourism event impact assessment. He was previously Marketing and Consulting Director with BDO.

Patrick Sanders is an illustrator and cartoonist and has worked across Ireland, UK and beyond. He creates visual representations of workshops, discussions, key note speakers, processes and more. Based in Belfast, he has worked with the Centre for Excellence in the Creative & Performing Arts at Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland Theatre Association, European University Association and with Green Hat on several projects, most recently at the first two ICBAN Conferences in this series.

POLITICAL & CIVIC COLLABORATION PROGRAMME

The Political & Civic Collaboration Programme is a major strand of ICBAN’s work and has been partfinanced by the European Union’s INTERREG IVA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). It is being undertaken as part of a wider Central Border Region Spatial Planning Initiative. This Initiative is a cross-border collaborative project which aims to ensure regional commitment to joined-up planning practices amongst stakeholders and seeks to maximise future investment in and development of the ICBAN region.

Between 2011 and 2013, the programme will deliver 2 conferences and 4 training seminars per year (3 in year 1), on relevant topics primarily targeting political elected representatives and council staff, as well as representatives from local business, community and voluntary sectors. The aims of the programme are to:

• Enhance capacity of elected representatives (& other stakeholders) to engage with policy and practice issuesBuild knowledge of issues around the Central
• Border Region Spatial Planning InitiativeIntegrate meaningful civic & political engagement to the INTERREG IVA Programme
• Support & influence spending priorities on development and infrastructure in the Central Border Region
• Increase cohesion in representing the needs of the region and its communities at local,regional, national and EU levels
• Create opportunities for inter-sectoral contact & collaboration
• Use such collaboration to facilitate complementary and value-added impact on spatial planning, strategic development and local government reform processes on both sides of the border
• Consider & learn from other models of best practice, from elsewhere within the island of Ireland and also from within the EU, on approaches to capacity building which have made a real impact on the planning development of a region.

ICBAN

The conference is being promoted by the Irish Central Border Area Network (ICBAN) Ltd, a crossborder, local authority led organisation, comprising of 10 member Councils in this region, five from each jurisdiction. The area constitutes a large portion of the North West region of the island of Ireland.

The mission of ICBAN is about “improving the quality of life and prosperity of the Central Border Region”.

The Councils which constitute ICBAN are Armagh City & District, Cookstown, Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough, Fermanagh and Omagh in Northern Ireland (NI) along with Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan and Sligo in the Republic of

Ireland (RoI). The areas within the ICBAN region share many characteristics, including social, political, economic and administrative. The many challenges and opportunities for the region are also shared. These challenges include the region’s remoteness from both jurisdictions decision-making heart and location on the periphery of the island of Ireland, UK and Europe, changing population, decline in traditional industries, rural tourism, communities emerging from conflict and years of back-to-back development. The region also shares natural heritage and geographical features and these lakelands, hills, mountains and rivers also present unique challenges.

ICBAN’s Spatial Planning Initiative has four key aims:

•  Addressing social & economic inequalities
• A collective voice
• Joining up development
• Promoting our regional identity

Green Hat is organising this conference on behalf of ICBAN. It is a community consultancy delivering three key areas of services: Project management, research & evaluation and training & development. Green Hat works exclusively with the public, community and voluntary sectors, and has a wide range of clients from grassroots community groups through to local authorities and national charities. Based in Co Fermanagh, the organisation undertakes assignments throughout Northern Ireland, border counties and north Midlands.

Empty premises relief

Business ratepayers who move into premises which were previously unoccupied for 12 months or more can claim a one year concession, during 2012/13, that will allow 50 per cent empty property relief to continue for a year. To receive the 50 per cent relief, ratepayers must submit an application to Land & Property Services (LPS) with evidence that the property, when last used, was used for retail purposes.

Speaking about the Empty Premises Relief, Finance Minister Sammy Wilson said: “I have listened carefully to concerns from the local business community about the high number of empty shops in our town centres. Local traders are not only continuing to face harsh economic times, but also a revolution in retailing, with online shopping and bigger stores taking an increasing share of consumer spending.

“This relief is unique in the UK and it’s to encourage long term empty shops and other retail premises back into business. I urge anyone thinking of setting up a businessin an empty retail unit to consider applying for this concession, to help them get established in the difficult first year. The new business doesn’t have to be retail, it doesn’t have to be town centre and the premises don’t necessarily have to be a traditional shop. Just ask Land & Property Services and they will be happy to advise you about applying.”

Supporting business start up

Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association said: “These proposals for first year 50 per cent rate relief for companies taking up empty retail proprieties will help both address the problem of vacant shops and support new start businesses in their first critical year of trading. Both this initiative and extending the Small Business Rate Relief schemes are strongly welcomed from our members given the challenging economic climate.”

Joe Jordan, President of Belfast Chamber of Commerce added: “The Chamber was delighted with the Minister’s response to the consultation for the rating of commercial properties. In particular we would like to remind allpotential investors to the city that they can avail of 50 per cent rates reduction for one year providing that the property has been vacant for a period of 12 months or more and when last used was used for retail purposes. This is a substantial financial incentive for businesses seeking to locate in one of the most exciting and dynamic regional cities in the UK and Ireland.”

Owners of empty properties were sent details of the Empty Premises Relief and application forms by LPS at the beginning of May. Application forms are available by calling the LPS helpline on 0300 200 7801 or can be downloaded from nibusinessinfo’s guide – Help available for business rates.