Down Business Centre have successfully launched the second phase of the Beyond Network and is currently planning a full schedule of business events and networking opportunities to help boost local businesses across Down District.
Current mentors are now live and details will be available soon on all upcoming events on the website:
Speaking at the launch at a BBQ event at Down Business Centre, the Centre General Manager Janice Symington said: “We are delighted to  launch the second phase of Beyond this evening and it will be an exciting time ahead as local businesses engage with the programme and get a much needed boost.
[caption id="attachment_51709" align="alignleft" width="390"]
Kieran McMahon, Down Business Centre Board member, Cllr Terry Andrews, Down District Council Chairperson Cllr William Walker, Janice Symington, Down Business Centre general Manager, Michael Forster, Down District Council Business Support Co-ordinator, and Cllr Dermot Curran.[/caption]
“The Beyond programme has a lot to offer and is free to join so I would encourage all businesses in Down District to sign up to it. It is targeted to small businesses and we hope by the end of the year that many across the district will in different ways have benefitted from their involvement.”
Down District Council Chairman Cllr William Walker added: “As Chairman of Down District Council, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the launch of the Beyond Network’s second phase. The Network has been successfully providing a very high standard of tailored support to existing businesses across Down District since 2010.
“Business events such as this, are just one example of how Down District Council, through the Beyond Network encourages businesses located in the district to work together, to build on existing business knowledge and skills and in doing so develop a local economy that provides sustainable business growth in our local area.
“Creating and facilitating opportunities for local businesses to raise their profile and discuss key issues has been a core element of the network and I wish the appointed delivery agents for the new phase, Down Business Centre every success in recruitment and delivery.
[caption id="attachment_51710" align="alignright" width="390"]
Francis Tumelty of H J I’Boyle Training with Down Council Chairman Cllr Billy Walker at the Beyond launch.[/caption]
“Beyond is part funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland. I acknowledge that you have taken time to attend this evenings launch and hope that you find it informative and beneficial in helping to develop your business,” Â added Cllr Walker.
Beyond is a flexible Business Support Network designed for local businesses in the Down District Council area. The network aims to improve the level and quality of business development support to existing local businesses in Down District. The majority of Down District’s businesses are small-scale (under 10 employees) and typically do not qualify for start-up support or other assistance from Invest NI.
Support is available for those operating a business from home or from premises on either a full time or part time basis. One person businesses through to those employing up to 250 people are eligible for support through the Beyond Network. The network currently contains over 550 members and is funded by Down District Council and Invest NI and delivered by Down Business Centre. The Beyond network provides: * Networking & Collaboration Opportunities * Specialised Mentoring * Workshops and Seminars throughout the year (details available soon) * Specialist advice and information from funders and other support organisationsFor more information about the Beyond Network and how it can benefit your business visit the Beyond website:
or contact Down Business Centre on 028 4461 6416.
Registration is free. REGISTER ONLINE(This project is part financed by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland).
