The Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) in conjunction with North City Business Centre arranged an information seminar for employers to explain how the products and services offered by DEL can assist in growing their business. 

The successful event was held in North City Business Centre, Duncairn Gardens on Wednesday 21 September 2011  where members of the local business community got an insight into the diverse range of the Department’s initiatives, including:

• Recruitment service
• The Steps to Work Programme, which includes subsidised graduate opportunities and financial assistance through the employer subsidy
• information on consultancy and training for businesses, including access to up to £1000 for business consultancy 

Hampton Blue is a small, family owned business set up by two sisters with a passion for travel, little adventures and all things nice! Debra McVicker and Tracey Houston set up their online boutique in 2009 after many years of travelling abroad and visiting interesting stores. Customers can now find something different online for that special occasion.

Get ready for the return of the popular Play Resource Community Arts & Crafts Training Course – starts on Thursday 15th September!!

The aim of this course is to build artistic skills, confidence, develop creativity and generate new ideas for those working, or wishing to work, with community groups.  It is a fantastic opportunity for personal or professional development.

Do you have a Business Idea you want to explore or want to gain a Level 2 qualification to improve your CV and get back into employment?

Exploring Enterprise2 Programme is for you!! Next programme starts in January

Within the programme you will achieve an accredited qualification to improve your CV and break down the barriers to employment you may have experienced.

Need free 1 to 1 financial advice for your business?

Date: Wed 15th February

Time: 1pm-5pm

Entrepreneur Brendan McIlveen established BEEMAC in May 2011 and his business has been growing rapidly. With over 18 years plumbing experience Brendan is providing a professional service to local people offering plumbing, gas and oil installation and servicing.

 1. Sell only products you fully understand

(World Wide Web was created mainly to share knowledge. Be an expert in your area and share your knowledge, thatʼs the only way to genuinely improve your ranking in search engines and people will also trust you and buy from you.)

2. Be honest

Global recovery

Global Recovery has entered a soft patch due to headwinds:

• Higher Oil Prices
• The Japanese Earthquake
• Policy tightening in Asia leading to slower growth

We expect global recovery to revive Q3 and continue into 2012. The recovery will continue to be moderate and be fragile in the advanced countries.

Female entrepreneur Roisin Purdy is bringing beauty to the gym. After over 15 years experience within the beauty industry Roisin seized the opportunity to set up her own business in Fitness First, Newtownabbey. Halcyon was launched at the start of 2011 offering a wide range of beauty and holistic therapies to gym members and local people in the area. As a keen gym enthusiast Roisin saw a need for her services, giving members the perfect fitness and beauty package under one location.  

The Business of Finance Programme is an innovative new programme to help small business and social enterprises enhance their potential to become more competitive.

The programme aims to improve companies’ financial competence and to help participants with the skills to approach and meet the requirements of external funders.