Bank Of Ireland Launch Fifth Enterprise Week
Today will mark the start of the Bank of Ireland’s fifth Enterprise Week in Omagh.
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
