Main Menu
Bank of Ireland launches first Northern Ireland Enterprise Week
17th May 2010
Bank of Ireland today [17 May 2010] launched its first Enterprise Week in Northern Ireland which will feature a series of tailored advice seminars and showcasing opportunities for small businesses across its branch network.
Bank of Ireland today [17 May 2010] launched its first Enterprise Week in Northern Ireland which will feature a series of tailored advice seminars and showcasing opportunities for small businesses across its branch network.
The week-long initiative from May 24 to 28, which is open to both customers and non-customers, is part of the Bank’s commitment to actively support recovery and growth in the SME sector by providing both financial support and practical advice.
The advice element of the initiative will see a range of experts and business owners provide guidance on issues such as innovation and entrepreneurship, cross-border trade, the impact of economic changes on business and funding for local enterprise. Enterprise Breakfasts or Enterprise Evenings will be hosted by Bank of Ireland branches in Belfast, Derry, Newry, Omagh and Magherafelt.
New to Northern Ireland will be the Bank’s “Show your Business” events which will allow small businesses to promote their products and services in 21 bank branches, providing a new marketplace for firms and opportunities for them to network with other business owners.
A broad range of customers have come forward to promote their businesses. In Belfast the exhibitors include cycling specialist Bike Dock, the food company Cookie Box and the internationally renown Belfast-born artist Rita Duffy. Elsewhere, local jet-ski and boat dealer Kilmore Jetworks is among several businesses promoting products in Lisnaskea, while Newry exhibitors include renewable energy heating systems firm, Alternative Heat.
The bank’s initiative has been recognised as part of European SME Week 2010 which takes place across Europe between 25 May and 1 June.
Pat Byrne, Bank of Ireland’s Regional Manager for Northern Ireland, said: “The feedback we are getting from businesses and local communities highlights the importance of offering tangible help, such as advice and information, to local SMEs as well as supporting the financial needs of viable businesses through challenging times.
“Smaller companies have a pivotal role to play in sustaining and growing the economy of Northern Ireland and all the evidence points to the existence of a strong and dynamic SME sector. Since Bank of Ireland launched its Essentials for Business package of finance and advice for new and existing small businesses almost two years ago we have assisted more than 3,000 people – well exceeding our target of signing up 100 new businesses a month – approving £14.2m in new overdrafts and loans for these customers.”
Mr Byrne said research among the Bank’s managers and business advisors in Northern Ireland indicated that progressive and more innovative businesses that had adapted to changes in the marketplace as early as possible were best positioned to take an advantage of an upturn in the economy.
“Many businesses still perceive credit as unobtainable. Our message to them is that if you have a viable business – with a good business plan, sound knowledge of the market and a capacity to meet repayments – we will support your financial needs. We have a number of funds available to assist SMEs including the Essentials for Business package, the Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme, and our recent €100m European Investment Bank loan facility.
“Bank of Ireland’s commitment to the SME sector remains steadfast and we continue to approve four out of every five loan applications we receive. We’ve also been focused on supporting customers in difficulty, making sure we have our most experienced bankers available to help businesses in areas such as working capital requirements.”
For the most up-to-date information on events during Bank of Ireland’s Enterprise Week log on to www.bankofireland.co.uk/business-banking/ or contact your local branch.
ends
© Bank of Ireland 2012
