Customers are travelling from all over Northern Ireland to visit Manila, the Filipino Store. What brings people from Londonderry, Omagh, Limavady and Portadown? A friendly, family run business offering a wide variety of Filipino foods.

After living in the Philippines for many years, Enrique and Veronica moved to Northern Ireland in 2001. Enrique was faced with redundancy from the car industry in 2009 and saw the gap in the market for a Filipino Store. The opportunity arose to set up their business after walking through Smithfield market and observing an empty unit.  This location was perfect as it is situated behind Castle Court, a busy shopping centre in the heart of Belfast city centre.

Are you the Young Entrepreneur of the year? Are you between 16-30 years of age and running your own business for less than three years?

The Young Entrepreneur Awards is a programme which recognises and rewards the achievements of young people in business. Finalists and award winners will receive excellent media coverage on their business through regional, national and trade press and there's the opportunity to become an enterprise role model. Participation can give your business a great stamp of credibility.

North City Business Centre welcomes The Jobs Plan, a joint policy document created through an alliance of eight leading Northern Ireland business organisations. Their vision is to “create a balanced, competitive and sustainable economy with increasing job satisfaction.” 

Faced with many economic challenges this agenda sets out to make a real change in the local economy in Northern Ireland. Reducing the rate of corporation tax will be key in creating the anticipated 94,000 jobs, along with a creative entrepreneurial driven economy, wider access to finance and reduction in employment regulation costs. Strong leadership is required from the Executive and Assembly in order to create long term change.

A group of nine people embarked on a new journey in 2010 when they joined the Final Exploring Enterprise Programme. North City Business Centre provided the perfect opportunity to gain an accredited qualification; Level 2 RVQ Certificate in Business and Enterprise. This free programme enabled participants to learn business skills for the first time with the chance to set up their own business and gain sustainable employment. It is open to people of all ages who are unemployed or working part time.

James Watson is baking his way to success. After establishing cakesbyjames in May 2010 the orders for wedding cakes, novelty cakes and cupcakes have flowed in.  James has a unique skill; he combines his love of art with baking, creating delicious works of art.

His passion for baking began in London when he worked in Bea’s of Bloomsbury. The owner of a high end tea room/cake shop invested time in teaching James her secret recipes. After discovering his artistic flair, James quickly became the main cake decorator in the tea room. Wedding cakes and cupcakes became his speciality as he could express his individual style.

North City Business Centre has teamed up with the Belfast Business Centre to host a series of free drop-in advice sessions in Belfast city centre for anyone who is thinking of starting up or growing a business.

A team of industry experts will be on hand to offer information in a series of sessions entitled ‘New Year New Start’ and ‘Hit the Ground Running in 2011’. The programmes have been specially developed to facilitate those who are working or shopping in the city centre and want to hear more about starting or growing a business.

Diane McAllister, an experienced counsellor (BACP Accredited) established her business in March 2010. CORE NI Creative Counselling and Life Coaching have had a positive influence within the local community helping people with difficulties such as abuse, bereavement, depression and suicide.

North City Business Centre has been an asset to CORE NI. Diane was able to attend many training courses and also is one of their tenants within the business park. She has been involved in counselling for over 12 years and decided it was time to take the step towards self employment. Diana sought independence and the advantages associated with being your own boss.

New Year/ New Start?

Now is the time to turn your busness idea into reality or expand your existing business. Come along to our events and talk to our advisors. Drop in at anytime to gain valuable advice and information all free of charge.

Local female entrepreneur, Lisa Chan is living the dream. After establishing Lisabella last year, the business has grown from strength to strength. Shining ahead of retail stores, Lisabella create handmade jewellery, headpieces and clips for weddings and special occasions. Swarovski Crystals and sterling silver provide the perfect combination for any bride.  Each piece is tailor made and unique; what every woman wants.

Norbert Laposa first found a passion for web design and development while studying at University. During a time of growth in the internet revolution, Norbert saw the opportunity to make extra money while studying a degree in Civil Engineering. It wasn't long before he was running his own web company.