Business owners were urged to use every opportunity to grow their networks to find new ways to market, at a series of events across the country in May.
Bank of Ireland hosted over 750 events as part of its 14th National Enterprise Week, aimed at supporting SMEs and start-ups by providing business owners with opportunities to network, share insights and compare business experiences.
Speaking to over 400 business owners, Republic of Ireland soccer manager, Martin O’Neill stressed the dedication and drive the Irish team need to succeed at UEFA Euro 2016 this summer. O’Neill was one of a range of high-profile speakers, including Kilkenny hurler Henry Shefflin, and industry experts, who addressed SME owners attending the Bank of Ireland series of events from May 13th to 20th.
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The theme of this year’s event, “Let’s Connect” proved particularly apt for Jenny McCormack, of Thurles-based start-up Jenny’s Jams, who discovered the value of connecting through a chance meeting with a fellow local business owner. McCormack met a local butcher who offered to stock her goods, while showcasing her range of jams, preserves and chutneys, previously sold only at local farmers’ markets. “It has given me the confidence to approach other retailers in the town,” she said.
Supporting business is a key focus according to David Merriman, Bank of Ireland’s Head of Enterprise Development; “Bank of Ireland is Ireland’s largest lender, providing more than half of all new lending to Irish SMEs. Through its 250-strong branch network, Bank of Ireland is a core part of the communities we serve, and we are committed to supporting economic growth. The enterprise programme is an important part of how we do this and aims to support established and fledgling businesses.”
Throughout National Enterprise Week, businesses had the option to showcase in branches around the country, with some opening pop-up shops in one of the 250 branches around the country. Almost 3,000 businesses took advantage of these in-branch opportunities to promote and sell their products or services by connecting with potential customers.
Branches also hosted a number of other initiatives, including networking events and a Multicultural Day celebrating diversity in the community.
"We are very committed to helping our customers find new ways to market through connecting and learning from their peers," said David Merriman.
"Since 2009, our National Enterprise Week programme has grown to become one of our flagship business promotion initiatives annually, helping small and medium enterprises in practical ways by showcasing their products and services, and connecting them with mentors and fellow entrepreneurs. We are committed to supporting this networking activity, alongside our banking support for our business customers nationwide."
During National Enterprise Week, Bank of Ireland’s Enterprise Town programme held 18 events to showcase SME activity in towns around the country.
David Merriman said the feedback from communities involved in the Enterprise Town programme had been overwhelmingly positive. “Through Enterprise Town, local residents work collaboratively to produce an event that connects businesses, social and sports clubs, schools and organisations in one location, often for the first time.”
Community support was crucial in helping photographer Michael Keane, from Ashbourne, Co Meath, to change course in his career. After a 22-year career in Waterford Crystal, where he was a highly skilled master glass maker, Keane was one of hundreds to lose their job when the factory closed. After a period of uncertainty, he decided to change course and study photography at the Dublin Institute of Technology. Now, in addition to being a professional photographer and documentary photojournalist, he is a fully qualified trainer who has just opened his own studio in Ashbourne. The type of community support fostered by Bank of Ireland’s National Enterprise Week gave Keane the confidence to pursue this new path. “There have been a lot of people who have stepped in to support me along the way, whether it is providing sound business advice or encouragement to keep going, and this has made a big difference,” said Keane.
Read about Alan O' Mahony's story: Enterprise Town event connects entrepreneur to local customers
For more information about this initiative, which happens twice annually in May and November, visit bankofireland.com/letsconnect.
Enterprise Week in numbers
250 Branches
1,600 Bank of Ireland staff across 250 branches helped deliver National Enterprise Week, supporting SME customers and the communities in which they operate.
2,915 Businesses showcased
2,915 customers - and non-customers - showcased their products and services at Show Your Business events in branches around the country.
750+ Events
More than 750 events took place including business seminars, networking events, school enterprise talks and workshops.