THE Beyond business programme is gearing up again for its winter season in supporting local businesses in Down District with a series of events, seminars and coffee mornings.
Last week (Thursday 20 September) Councilllor Maria McCarthy, Vice Chairperson of Down District Council, launched a business workshop aimed at business owners and senior team members from businesses located in the District.
She said: “Representatives from a number of businesses across the District attended the workshop ‘Are you serious about growing your business?’ which was delivered by business consultant Paul Fieldhouse, principal at Barnett and Fieldhouse (Belfast).
“Since its launch in 2010, the Beyond Programme has been providing a very high standard of tailored support to local businesses. Events such as this are just one example of how the Beyond Programme encourages businesses located in the District to work together, build on existing knowledge and skills, and share experiences.
“In doing so this develops a local economy which provides sustainable business growth for our District. And it is free to join up on the programme although.”
Following on from the seminar presentation held in the Down Arts Centre, Paul Fieldhouse offered all of the attendees a free hour’s consultation. And if you are signed up for the Beyond Programme, you can also avail of Paul or any of the mentors in the panel to address a set of specific business issues you may need help on… and the cost for a one-to-one three hour session by these consultants through Beyond is only £45.
Beyond NI offers a wide range of support to local businesses and on the last Thursday of each month the Beyond Programme runs a networking coffee club designed to facilitate networking amongst the businesses in the district. The Beyond Coffee club is a great chance to network with other businesses in the Down District area.
This month Beyond member and local business owner Jane Waugh of JC Waugh will be giving attendees some tips on how to transform office efficiency to improve performance which in turn can help you free up time to focus on income generating business tasks.
Over the past few months Beyond has invited members attending coffee clubs to take a 60 second slot, introducing their business to other members. Based on feedback from members who have attended these meetings, Beyond has decided that the 60 second slot will become a regular feature at each of our Networking Coffee Clubs.
This month Beyond members will have the opportunity to introduce themselves to other business owners, explain what products/services they can offer and generally update members with their business news and opportunities.
The aim of this particular session will be to help attendees audit what admin is currently in place, identify how you need your office to work for you and put in place processes and systems to make your life considerably easier.
The Audience – Who should attend this event?
Sole Traders and small business owners struggling to keep the paperwork in order and those finding they are spending more time doing admin than building their business.
Jane Waugh’s profile:
Speaking at this month’s coffee club is Jane Waugh, a seriously organised professional administrator, with over 15 years experience across the private, public and voluntary sectors including Help the Hospices, Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Innocent Drinks. Jane established her business JC Waugh, Transforming Office Efficiency in January 2009.
Her work covers project administration within and for small businesses, community, arts and agricultural sectors.
Don’t forget to bring along your business cards.
Date: Thursday 27 September
Time: 10am – 11.30am
Venue: Downpatrick Cricket Club
Speaker: Beyond member and local business owner Jane Waugh of JC Waugh – Transforming Office Efficiency
Cost: Free, tea/coffee and fresh scones on arrival.
To register for the Coffee Club please visit the Beyond website.
