Derry City shows support for local businesses

Derry City shows support for local businesses

An impressive line-up of business events was revealed today as part of the programme for Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Enterprise Week 2019.

Planning for the week-long schedule of events scheduled for 04-09 March is well underway and some of the highlights were announced by the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr John Boyle just weeks ahead of the biggest week in Derry’s business calendar.

Enterprise Week is organised by the Council’s Business Support team and is now in its seventh year, working in conjunction with a range of stakeholders and partners to meet the needs of local businesses through a range of events to assist them with promoting their business and sharing their experiences and stories.

The five day agenda features a series of workshops, seminars and networking events with a number of influential figures in the business industry among the keynote speakers.

Launching the programme Mayor Boyle said: “This year’s programme is very impressive with a large number of very interesting and informative events that are designed specifically to assist local businesses and encouraging them to learn new skills and practices that will help get their product into new markets and audiences.

“As part of our Strategic Growth Plan we outlined our commitment to reinforcing the message that Derry and Strabane are really good places to do business and this week-long series of events is evidence of that. The range of events organised will help existing businesses and those thinking of setting up in the region with a wide range of support services and advice by providing the skills, infrastructure, digital technology and support needed to establish, sustain and grow their business

“Enterprise Week is a fantastic opportunity for local enterprises to engage with one another  and learn from some of the best people in the business,” he said.

Business Manager with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Louise Breslin said: “We are delighted to take an active role in supporting businesses. Following on from the successes of previous years and the feedback we have received, we have tailor made the programme to meet the needs of our businesses. We have been working diligently to ensure that the events scheduled as part of Enterprise Week are beneficial for local business to network and access crucial information that benefit their business.”

The calibre of keynote speakers is extremely high and will feature influential figures including: Invest NI Entrepreneur Ambassador Eleanor McEvoy; Irish Fairy Door Company founder Niamh Barry and Dave Linton from Madlug, who will be taking part.

Among the highlights of the week include an interactive Q&A session with local entrepreneurs, a Business Breakfast to promote Apprenticeship schemes, a Perfect Pitch event aimed at helping businesses to pitch their business to investors and customers, as well as a Northern Ireland Chambers Regional Networking event.

There will also be a strong emphasis on Women in business with a series of events organised to coincide with International Women’s Day.

These are just a few highlights in a packed programme of events spanning five days from March 04-09 and anyone interested in taking part in any of the events is urged to register in advance. To find out how your business can take part, more information on the programme and to register for individual workshops go to www.derrystrabane.com/enterpriseweek