DESCRIPTION

Have you considered turning what you love into what you do?

Find out what you need to know to kickstart your business journey. This workshop is ideal for anyone considering starting a new business – part time, full time or in your spare time!

The workshop will contain 2 individual sessions on the following areas:

Introduction to business planning – Sandra Young

• Importance of business planning
• Business planning structure
• Presenting a business plan

Market Research – Margaret McCabe

• Why Market research is vital
• Target markets and profiling
• Research market size and trends

Your Speakers

Sandra Young is an experienced business adviser working with both new and established businesses throughout all of N Ireland for over 5 years. Previous to this she has gained 30 years retail experience working at a senior level with both High St multi-nationals as well as a local independent department store group.

Although Retail and HR are her mains specialism she has worked across all sectors as a mentor on many business development programmes including the Go for It programme, Strategy in Business and social entrepreneurship programme. This has given her the opportunity to work with the key people in each organisation, both start-ups and more established businesses, to develop sales, increase market share and improve profitability.

Margaret McCabe is a highly experienced business advisor with over 14 years’ experience working daily with business clients of all growth levels. Margaret has vast range of experience in supporting business start-up across a wide range of industries with both service and product based focusses from sole traders through to large charities, social enterprises and limited companies. As such, Margaret can offer mentoring support and advice across a spectrum of areas including finance, marketing, HR, routes to market and strategic development.

Prior to her current role, Margaret worked with Bank of Ireland in their corporate banking sector allowing her to draw upon a wealth of experience for any business interested in this specialist area. Margaret can advise and guide upon best practices based on her experiences but also tailored projections and budgeting for specific businesses. In addition, her work with the bank gives her a unique perspective on products available to assist in daily cash flow management and budgeting.

The Go For It programme gives you access to free business planning and mentoring through dedicated business advisors. Before and after the session you will have an opportunity to speak to the advisors about the support on offer.