Month: March 2024

Mums At Work Elevate Your Business Event to Inspire Businesswomen Across Northern Ireland

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Mums At Work CIC will be showcasing a full day of inspiring speakers at their flagship event Elevate Your Business, later this month.

Taking place from 10am-4pm on Monday March 25 at the Tullyglass Hotel in Ballymena, the event is designed for business women who want to take their business to the next level. 

Speakers at the event will provide inspirational stories of business growth, resilience, personal brand and transformation among other things.

The event is the brainchild of energetic and passionate businesswoman Sinead Norton who created the network and its events as a way to help support and nurture women in all types of roles and businesses across the country.

Sadly Sinead passed away last November following a battle with cancer, however, speaking about the network she previously said: “I’m a mum of seven and when I owned a large thriving and multi award winning wedding business, I quickly realised that survival is dependent on past brides and other suppliers referring you. 

“I wanted to create a space where businesswomen working on their own could come together to stay motivated and work towards their dreams as I know how lonely it is when you start out and how hard it can be to achieve a good work-life balance.” 

Elevate Your Business has become an annual Mums At Work event attracting hundreds of like-minded women who attend the event, speak at it and who exhibit their businesses in the trade area.

According to Director Danielle Norton, Sinead’s daughter, it’s an opportunity for women to “exchange ideas, share experiences, and learn from one another”.

She added: “The purpose of the Elevate Your Business events is for women to have a chance to meet other women who are looking to grow their businesses. 

“It is a welcoming and supportive environment for women to feel comfortable and gain confidence. 

“We hope the attendees will make new connections, receive referrals and increase their brand visibility. We also hope they leave feeling inspired and motivated from our keynote speakers who will give valuable insight and tips on how to take your business to the next level.”

Before she passed Sinead was keen for the Mums At Work Network to continue supporting women across the country and put in place robust plans to ensure the network continued to thrive in 2024 and beyond.

Danielle explained: “Once my mum found out about her diagnosis of Pancreatic cancer, a new primary cancer, she knew she had to take a step back. 

“By doing this, she allowed others in the network to help run Mums at Work. The ambassadors were a great help in this.

“She also set up Mums at Work to be able to run itself, alongside a committee of her choosing. The committee is now up and running, and each committee member was hand selected by Sinead herself.

Sinead always wanted Mums at Work to go on even after her passing because it is a community for business women to come together for support, advice, knowledge and networking.

For more information, to book a ticket or a stand at the Elevate Your Business event on March 25 go to >> https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/elevate-your-business-tickets-644795178737?aff=PressRelease or https://bit.ly/MAWelevatePress

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 4 – 10 March

  1. Belfast Children’s Festival, Belfast, County Antrim, 8 – 10 March. As part of this year’s circus themed festival, more than 100 events and performances are taking place in venues including The Lyric, The MAC and the Crescent Arts Centre. This is not just for the young but the young at heart. There will be local, national and international performances and events to entertain, surprise and delight all who attend.
  1. Kinbane Castle, Ballycastle, County Antrim. While there’s not much left of this historic monument, it offers spectacular views of Rathlin Island and Dunagregor Iron Age fort. Resting on headland between Ballycastle and Ballintoy, the path up to the castle is narrow and stepped. The name translates as white head and refers to the white limestone on which the ruins stand. A very atmospheric spot.
  1. Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea, Ballynahinch, County Down, 9 March. Treat your mum to a delicious afternoon tea in the elegant Montalto House. Feel like a Georgian guest in the exquisite drawing room, as you enjoy a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, miniature pastries and sweet treats, all accompanied by loose leaf tea or freshly brewed coffee. There will also be some live music as a special backdrop to what promises to be a delightful experience.
  1. Spring Spectacular, Hillsborough Castle, County Down, 9 – 10 March. See the gardens of Northern Ireland’s royal residence turn to gold and be dazzled by over half a million daffodils in bloom. This really is a beautiful sight to behold and trumpets the arrival of spring. Wander with friends and enjoy some delicious homemade refreshments in the café afterwards.
  2. World Book Day Storytelling Sessions – Mount Stewart, Newtownards, County Down, 9 March. Celebrate World Book Day with interactive storytelling sessions and a story inspired trail around the lake. Embark on an unforgettable journey where parents and children alike become part of the story and are surrounded by the magic of sound, fun, and laughter. Author Tessa Ann invites you to dive into the heart of her whimsical world, meeting the incredible instrument characters that come to life in her brand-new book, Magical Sounds. This event is perfect for families with children aged 5-11, but younger children are welcome too.
  1. Home of St Patrick Festival, Armagh, County Armagh. 10 March. Armagh’s Home of St Patrick Festival returns with an exciting programme of music, art, theatre, film and dance. Reflect on the legacy of St Patrick and have fun celebrating his influence on history and culture. As the ‘Home of St Patrick’, Armagh is the place where St Patrick began his mission. Don’t miss the vigil walk which takes place between the city’s two St Patrick’s Cathedrals! The perfect day out for friends and family.
  2. Todds Leap Activity Centre, Ballygawley, County Tyrone. Let the adventure begin! With over 20 action packed activities available including off road driving, a 500m zip line, a giant swing, a free fall drop zone, paintballing, splat master, woodland trails, archery and a climbing wall, there is no shortage of fun to be had. The perfect destination for any adventure seeker!
  1. Phil Coulter and Guests, St Columb’s Cathedral, County Londonderry, 9 March. St Columb’s School of Music welcomes the return of its very own musical talent, Phil Coulter. Returning  to the town he loves so well, this is a follow up to his ‘Phil Coulter at Eighty’ national tour of 2023. One of the city’s most famous sons, he will join some special guests to play and share his stories, and memories, from his 55 years at the top of the music game.
  2. Castle Caldwell Forest Park, County Fermanagh. Explore this lovely old broadleaved forest full of ash, beech, holy and oak on the northern shores of Lower Lough Erne. Castle Caldwell is an outstanding site, for not only its peninsular position on the rugged shoreline but also for the unrivalled views of the remnants of the castle estate itself. There’s plenty of car parking with three walking trails to choose from. The Beech Wood Walk takes you along the peninsula shore, with views towards Boa Island before the path drifts into forest.
  3. Lavery On Location, Belfast, County Antrim. Don’t miss the chance to see more than 70 pieces of art by Belfast born Sir John Lavery on display at the Ulster Museum. This homecoming follows a successful run at the National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin. Born in North Queen Street, Lavery had a deep regard for his native city, gifting 34 of his paintings to what is now the Ulster Museum in 1929. Here, you can see highlights of the people and places he encountered during a life filled with travel. View landscapes from as far afield as Morocco and Palm Springs to Lough Derg in County Donegal.

For more information on what’s on, or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/

Offers of the week from Discover Northern Ireland

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Stormont Hotel, Belfast, County Antrim

  • Nestled on the east side of the city, just opposite the imposing parliament buildings with beautiful parkland. This is a perfect location for a quiet and relaxing overnight, and just bus ride or drive from all the best attractions Belfast has to offer. Along with the perfect night’s sleep, you’ll receive a bottle of Prosecco in your room, and awaken the following morning to a full breakfast. From £165 per room per night. Visit https://www.stormonthotelblefast.com for more information.

Corrigans Shore House, Bellanaleck, County Fermanagh

  • This four-star traditional country style B&B rests on the shores of Upper Lough Erne and has beautiful views. This is a comfortable quiet, spot which will leave you feeling rejuvenated. Enjoy tea and coffee along with home baked goods on your arrival. You are also conveniently located near National Trust Properties and the wonderful Marble Arch Caves. Stay three nights and get 15% off your stay. Visit https://www.corrigansshore.co.uk for more information.

Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.

For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/

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