Author: Tina Calder

Co Antrim Man Darren Crawford Turns Unemployment into a Thriving Cleaning Business with Enterprise Support

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After months out of work, Co Antrim man Darren Crawford has turned his experience in hospitality cleaning into a successful business, building a thriving company that has already secured major contracts.

Originally hailing from Ballymena and now living in Randalstown, Darren struggled to find employment that was flexible enough to cater to his partner’s health needs. 

For Darren, self-employment presented the perfect opportunity for a flexible career path that he could be truly passionate about, so he signed up to the Enterprise NI Explore Enterprise Support Service.

Although the idea of setting up Auburn Cleaning Services was daunting at first, Explore Enterprise helped the 33-year-old transform his past experience with cleaning hospitality venues into a viable company.

According to Darren, being able to explore the early stages of the business was invaluable in helping him find his feet.

He explained: “The bread and butter of the background of the business is where I didn’t really have any experience, because I had experience in cleaning but I didn’t have any knowledge about running my own business. 

“So Explore Enterprise helped me in getting the first parts sorted and telling me the kind of things that I needed to run the business officially.”

After settling on a cleaning company, Darren started building a customer and client base for all areas of the business, including both corporate and domestic jobs in Northern Ireland.

“Most of my work is domestic cleaning regularly for customers on usually a weekly or fortnightly basis” he said. 

“There have also been a couple of things that I’ve done outside of that, such as builders’ cleanses, deep cleans and end-of-tenancy projects.” 

The business has seen several successes since it began operating in January 2024, a testament to the hard work and commitment of both Darren and his Antrim Enterprise Agency business adviser, Karen Wilson.

Despite having less than one year’s experience in running Auburn Cleaning Services, Darren signed a contract with Bann Limited, a national construction company based in Portadown to clean 46 student accommodation units over the summer.

Speaking on his business relationship with Bann Limited, Darren believes that this opportunity would not have been a viable scenario without the help of Enterprise NI and, more specifically, his business adviser Karen.

He said: “I think the service was quite instrumental in me getting it simply because Karen had done some advertising on the Enterprise page.

“Karen had just helped me receive a small grant to get some uniformed wear as well as printed leaflets out, so she decided to do a promotional post where I had the uniform on.

“That’s where Bann Limited saw me because most of my advertisements up to that had usually been to domestic customers and it wasn’t a terribly long time after that advert went out that I heard from Bann with the offer.

“I was expecting the business trajectory to be a fairly slow but steady expansion, so when they approached me for that contract, it was a huge achievement and I didn’t expect such a large contract so soon.

“I don’t think I would have gotten that if it wasn’t for the Explore Enterprise Support Service.”

Darren initially wasn’t sure what to expect from the service, but he quickly found it to be more than just a simple startup guide, gaining invaluable knowledge about the often-overlooked aspects of running a business.

From sorting the necessary insurance to managing finances and tax records, Darren learned the fundamentals of establishing a solid business infrastructure.

One of the most surprising aspects of the service, according to Darren, was the depth of support available, receiving help in every imaginable area relating to the world of business.

He said: “The amount of advice and services that were offered was incredible and if there was ever a question they didn’t know the answer to, they found someone who did.”

The added exposure from the Explore Enterprise programme, including assistance with branding and marketing, has helped him establish a professional presence in the market.

Reflecting on his experience, Darren believes that the Explore Enterprise Programme was crucial for his success since he began Auburn Cleaning Services 11 months ago. 

“The service exceeded my expectations, from the grant support to the marketing advice, and it has given me the tools to succeed” he said.

“The fact that there was always someone to help me with everything from A to Z was a huge relief.

“The support I’ve had has made all the difference. It’s not always easy, but it’s been worth it.”

Darren’s success story is just one of many that Enterprise Northern Ireland is proud to support. Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Explore Enterprise Support Service helps ambitious entrepreneurs like Darren turn their dreams into thriving businesses.

For anyone considering starting their own business, Darren’s advice is simple: “Take the leap. 

“There’s a lot of support available, and if you have a dream, just go for it. The service  is there to help you every step of the way.

“It does take a bit of courage to start your own business because there are a lot of risks, especially when you’re just starting out, but when you have something like the Explore Enterprise Support Service, there is constant help available. 

“Sometimes it feels like you are on your own, but if you contact your local enterprise centre, it’ll really help in addressing whatever concerns you have and getting the business set up in a way that’s more official so that you have less worries. 

“I would highly recommend working with them, because to me it was invaluable and I don’t think I would have gotten to where I am today without that assistance.”

For more information on Enterprise NI go to www.enterpriseni.com

4 Corners Festival Bringing Young People Together Through Sports

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The 2025 4 Corners Festival is set to bring young people from local communities across Belfast together through the medium of sport.

Now in its 13th year, the 4 Corners Festival was conceived as a way to inspire people from across the city to transform it for the peace and wellbeing of all.

The festival, which features a range of music, discussion, sport and faith-inspired events, will run from January 31 to February 9, 2025 in venues in all four corners of the city. 

One of the many activities taking place within the festival is the Game of 4 Corners on Wednesday February 5 from 6-9pm, which sees young people from all areas of Belfast brought together through the power of sports.

PeacePlayers NI are facilitating the event, open to all young people aged 11 to 14, of sport and team activities, focusing on positive lessons and outcomes, on and off the court.

Games such as Gaelic football, soccer, basketball and rugby will be played by integrated teams from Belfast as well as having on-site PeacePlayers Coaches and mentors to help participants throughout the 3-hour long event.

During the event the young people will hear inspiring stories from local sportsmen and women and be encouraged to consider how they can contribute to a positive culture on and off the pitch. 

Gareth Harper, PeacePlayers Managing Director, said he’s delighted to once again work with the 4 Corners Festival team to co-design an exciting and high energy event.  

He said: “PeacePlayers coaches will be on hand to lend their expertise of facilitating fun, engaging and inclusive peace building through sport activities, to exploring, through a sporting lens, this year’s theme of home.  

“We are super excited to support and to be a part of what will be an amazing event.”  

Pre-registration is required for this event which is open to individuals and youth groups from across Belfast. Visit the 4 Corners Festival website for details on how to register.

Ed Petersen of Clonard Monastery, representing the 4 Corners Festival, explained that the event is aimed at bringing young people from all communities, backgrounds and corners of the city together.

He said: “I love the overall ethos of the 4 Corners Festival to encourage all of us to get out of our corner of the city, not only just the geographical corner of the city to experience other parts of Belfast but also just around other ideas and opportunities.

“Young people can meet new people and explore various different subject matters together with people from different areas of Belfast or even beyond.”

This year’s programme revolves around the central theme of HOME?, an exploration of the complex and multifaceted idea of a place which holds both connection and disjointedness.

According to the organisers 2025’s theme of HOME? is deeply rooted in Scripture, offering a spiritual dimension to the conversation, with passages like Psalm 68:6 and Revelation 21:3 forming an inspiring foundation for many of the festival’s events.

4 Corners Festival is supported by The Executive Office’s Central Good Relations Fund, The Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund and Belfast City Council Good Relations Fund, St Anne’s Cathedral Sitout and Linen Quarter BID.

For more information about the festival and to keep up to date with programme updates go to 4cornersfestival.com

TechFoundHer Successfully Pilots Programme To Empower Women Entrepreneurs To Build Tech Products

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Women in tech organisation TechFoundHer has successfully piloted the Innovation Labs programme – an inaugural, first of its kind initiative to advance 35 women founders from across the island to innovate with tech. 

Over the course of eight weeks, the programme has advanced women entrepreneurs to bring their tech ideas to life by developing tech and product skills to scope and build their solutions in practical workshops.  

A highlight of the programme was the Belfast workshop, hosted at Ulster Bank Coworking HQ, focused on using low-code and no-code tools to create AI-powered technology products. 

Facilitated by Laura Richards, a low code no code expert, the session demonstrated how founders can leverage available tools to build impactful tech solutions, even without a coding background. The workshop included hands-on activities, guiding participants through database design, building front-end screens, and creating their own AI-powered apps.

The final in-person workshop took place recently at Platform X, KPMG in Dublin and covered busting tech jargon, how to chart a product roadmap and an opportunity to craft and share product stories with funders and techies. 

A team of tech champions from KPMG participated in the workshop along with Áine Denn, Jenny Ervine, Evelyn Nomoyo and Niamh Donnelly with support from Breda O’Callaghan of KPMG. 

Speaking of the programme’s impact, Breda O’Callaghan, Managing Director at KPMG Ireland and head of KPMG’s Technology Enablement practice, said: “KPMG is passionate about supporting women in technology, both internally and externally. 

“As a partner to TechFoundHer, we are delighted to support these founders as they develop their ideas into practical realities. Hosting these labs and acting as champions for the participants is something we are incredibly proud of.”

TechFoundHer founder, Mairin Murray, said the feedback to the programme from the women has been incredible. 

“They don’t want it to end. The women have been sharing with me how the Innovation Labs programme has broken down barriers for them. Demystifying the process of building a tech solution and busting tech jargon has been huge for them. 

“The real game changer has been the realisation from founders that they can build their own prototype straight away and that nothing is holding them back.

“We’re supporting all women regardless of their tech background, and providing them with the tools they need to turn their ideas into usable products. 

“You don’t need to be a coder to create a tech solution service – low code and no code tools is a game changer and making creating tech products accessible for everyone.”

The TechFoundHer Innovation Labs Programme included in-person labs alternating between Dublin and Belfast, alongside online webinars and mentoring sessions.  It was supported by InterTradeIreland (In partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and  Enterprise Ireland) under the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme  –  with lead sponsor KPMG Ireland,

The virtual sessions covered a range of critical topics, from leveraging AI tools, bootstrapping to creating robust product roadmaps, and were facilitated by experts and women tech founders including Dr. Patricia Scanlon, Jenna Farrell, Jemma Simpson and Tina Calder. They provided participants with additional insights and practical guidance to complement their in-person learning experiences. The programme featured facilitators from TechFoundHer’s global faculty of trainers, including leading industry leaders.

With a focus on fostering collaboration, innovation, and confidence, the Innovation Labs programme has provided participants with the practical skills and network necessary to navigate the tech world and bring their ideas to life. The conclusion of the programme marks the beginning of the next chapter for these women founders as they continue their journey in tech innovation.

For more information go to techfoundher.com 

New Report Reveals Majority of NI Electrical Workers Suffer Electric Shocks

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An alarming 80% of electrical workers in Northern Ireland have experienced electric shocks on the job, with nearly three-quarters of incidents going unreported, according to a groundbreaking report by the Electrical Training Trust (ETT). 

The findings, unveiled at the organisation’s annual ‘Stay Connected’ event for the NI electrical industry at Galgorm Resort & Spa, shed light on critical safety failings within the industry, highlighting what ETT has termed a culture of ‘shock silence.’

The report summarises the findings of a survey completed by almost 350 electrical workers from across Northern Ireland, with 80% revealing they have experienced an electric shock at work and 40% at least three shocks in their careers to date. Of those who have experienced an electric shock, 89% sustained an injury and almost all (95%) required time off work.

Despite the frequency of electric shock incidents, almost three-quarters were not reported to employers. This trend of underreporting has been termed ‘shock silence’ by the organisation, with the survey finding company culture, ineffective reporting procedures, and time pressures as the three most common reasons staff failed to report an electric shock at work. 

Chief Executive of ETT NI, Charlotte Bamber, said: “The findings outlined in the Ending ‘Shock Silence’ report should serve as a wake-up call to the electrical industry, revealing disturbing statistics that simply cannot be ignored.  Electric shocks can lead to severe and life-changing injuries or fatalities. The figures in this report represent real people and real families. It’s time for the industry to act.”

Speaking at the report launch, the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland’s Deputy Chief Executive, Dr Bryan Monson, added: “HSENI is deeply concerned about the alarming number of electrical workers experiencing electric shocks and related injuries, as revealed by the findings of the Ending ‘Shock Silence’ report. HSENI fully supports the Electrical Training Trust in their vital work to highlight these dangers and implement strategies to prevent such incidents.”

The report has already sparked important conversations and actions. One of the key findings from the report is the failure to carry out safe isolation procedures using ‘lock-off’ kits – a key safety measure in electric shock prevention. As a result, the UK-based charity, Electrical Safety First (ESF), has partnered with ETT to provide free safe isolation ‘lock-off’ kits to all first year Level 3 Electrical Installation apprentices in NI. 

“As an industry, we must work towards creating a safety conscious culture where all electric shock incidents are reported, investigated, and prevented in the future. Every report of an electric shock is a step towards a safer working environment for everyone” said Charlotte.

“ETT aims to engage with industry to create an action plan to not only target underreporting, but to significantly reduce the number of electric shocks occurring in the first place. The Ending ‘Shock Silence’ report launch demonstrated the collective determination of our industry to prioritise safety and protect lives. Together, we can and must do better.”

To obtain a copy of the Ending ‘Shock Silence’ report, or to find out more about the industry-led working group developing the action plan, email info@ett-ni.org. 

4 Corners Festival Set To Return In 2025 With New Theme ‘HOME?’

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The annual 4 Corners Festival is back for another packed lineup of events next year.

The organising committee has announced its dates for 2025 and a new thought provoking theme HOME?

The festival, which will feature a range of art, music, discussion, sport and faith-inspired events, runs from January 31 to February 9, 2025 in venues across the city. 

Now in its 13th year, the festival was conceived as a way to inspire people from across the city to transform it for the peace and wellbeing of all.

The 2025 4 Corners Festival is once again set to inspire connection, reflection and community through a dynamic lineup of events spanning a wide range of disciplines, such as art, music, discussion, sport and other activities.

Held throughout the city, this year’s programme revolves around the central theme of HOME?, an exploration of the complex and multifaceted idea of a place which holds both connection and disjointedness.

According to the organisers 2025’s theme of HOME? is deeply rooted in Scripture, offering a spiritual dimension to the conversation, with passages like Psalm 68:6 and Revelation 21:3 forming an inspiring foundation for many of the festival’s events.

Speaking on what the upcoming theme means for the organisation, Steve Stockman, 4 Corners Festival co-founder, identified that the focus is rooted in Belfast and its community.

He said: “Home is a powerful metaphor, used by poets, preachers, politicians and others seeking to paint a picture of a sense of belonging to a place. 

“The idea is also used in various encouraging and challenging ways within the Old and New Testament scriptures, but not all homes are happy.

“From the beginning of the 4 Corners Festival we have aimed at encouraging people to get out of the physical corners of this city we call home, and to feel more at home in different parts of their own city; to realise that their home is bigger than they thought.

Fellow festival co-founder Father Martin Magill, hopes the theme of HOME? will bring awareness to the city’s residents, not just shedding light on the encouragement of tourists to the area.

Martin said: “The strapline for Belfast City Council’s current tourism strategy is ‘Make Yourself at Home’, with a laudable emphasis on inclusion. 

“But what about those who already call Belfast their home – be they people whose families have lived here from before it became a city, to those who have settled here from all over the world for all kinds of reasons; those who rarely leave their corner of the city, to those who left it years ago but love to come ‘home’ for special events, including the 4 Corners Festival; those who live in a comfortable home in a vibrant community, to those who are some of the many unseen homeless in our city, not just those who sleep on our streets; those who know every nook and cranny of our city and its complex history, to those who feel uneasy with the direction that the city seems to be heading in the future?”

4 Corners Festival will encompass a wide variety of talks, discussions, practical workshops and more, spreading the word of local and global contextual issues across its ten day run. 

Aimed at broadening perspectives and helping people to think about bigger issues, such as homelessness, the care of our common home, the earth, transport and accessibility within our home city, these heavy integral topics are interwoven together with lighthearted festivities like music, poetry, drama and the visual arts.

The event’s schedule of activities will also challenge attendees to step beyond the physical and psychological ‘corners’ of Belfast, discovering new parts of their city, fresh perspectives and meaningful connections.

4 Corners Festival has always sought to transform Belfast into a city of deeper connections and shared humanity, with part of the festival acting as a bridge to bring people together, facilitating a celebration of diversity and sparking essential conversations.

As always, all 4 Corners Festival events are free of charge, though advance booking is required and tickets will be available to book online via the website.

Reflecting on 4 Corners’ outreach and its intention, Father Magill added: “We want this festival to be a celebration of our home city.

“As ever, it is not an end in itself but seeks to highlight what is already happening in the 4 Corners of our city, and perhaps to initiate further creative conversations on how we might all contribute to making our home an even better place to live.”

4 Corners Festival is supported by The Executive Office’s Central Good Relations Fund, The Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund and Belfast City Council Good Relations Fund.

For more information about the festival and to keep up to date with programme updates go to 4cornersfestival.com

Neurodiversity In The Workplace Discussions To Take Centre Stage At Entrepreneurs Conference This Month

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The topic of neurodiversity within the entrepreneurial journey and in the workplace will be just one of the many topics of discussion happening at a new conference happening in Belfast this month.

Entrepreneurs Unleashed, which takes place at the Cathy Short Theatre at Jennymount Business Park in Belfast on Thursday November 28, will be tackling a number of subjects that are key to the entrepreneurial journey.

From finance and marketing to tendering, sales and leadership, the inaugural conference of its kind promises a packed schedule of speakers from across the country.

Joining the bill are PHD researcher Gary Gates and recruitment director at HAYS Recruitment Cara Marks, founders of Neurodiversity SPARK. 

Gary, an entrepreneur and marketer himself, said: “Often the pathways into recruitment and the cultures within the workplace can have many barriers for people who are neurodivergent when you compare with their counterparts.

“This, along with added vision, unique perspectives and creative mindsets results in many entrepreneurial people to set up their own businesses rather than use their ability to think innovatively to contribute within the workplace as intrapreneurs.

“As a society we are in crisis and we’re at a crossroads where we need to decide how to change the rigid, outdated business practices in favour of diverse environments that nurture and actively seek out creative, innovative and unique approaches.

“This must start with the entrepreneurs themselves, neurodiverse or not, because these people are shaping the future of our workforce.”

And, for many entrepreneurs learning how to harness the potential of their neurodiversity is just the first step on their journey.

At the conference Gary and Cara will also be discussing how neurodiverse managers and leaders can learn to thrive as well as helping entrepreneurs consider how they can best support their neurodiverse employees to unlock their potential as well.

Cara explained: “Working within recruitment and employment I have first hand experience of understanding the benefits of a neurodivergent workforce 

“Increasing research reveals strong links between neurodivergence and entrepreneurship, with higher rates of neurodivergence seen among entrepreneurs. This isn’t surprising, as many qualities common in neurodivergent individuals—such as a strong tolerance for risk, unique creativity, exceptional problem-solving skills, and resilience—are also the very qualities that drive entrepreneurial success.

“Organisations, too, can thrive when they embrace and value differences within their teams. Inclusive environments that harness neurodivergent strengths can unlock new avenues for innovation, bringing fresh perspectives and transformative problem-solving approaches to complex challenges. 

“As our understanding deepens, it’s becoming clear that neurodivergent individuals are not only an asset to any team but are often drivers of creativity and growth.”

Entrepreneurs Unleashed, sponsored by Belfast City Council, promises a diverse and dynamic lineup of speakers who will share their expertise on a wide range of topics essential for entrepreneurial success.

Tina Calder, chief vision officer at Excalibur Press and the driving force behind the event, explained the inspiration behind the conference: “Excalibur Press works with dozens of entrepreneurs each year and the one things we realised was there wasn’t an event completely dedicated to those small to medium businesses who wanted to find ways of taking their business to the next level. 

“We are lucky to have a fantastic array of corporate partners, consultants, and associates we work with on a regular basis so we decided to incorporate the fantastic expertise and knowledge they bring to our extended team.”

The conference will cover a wide array of topics, from leveraging AI to drive innovation and growth, to mastering marketing strategies, finance, tendering and fostering inclusivity in the workplace. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from leading industry figures, including Tina Calder herself, alongside Gary Gates & Cara Marks (Neurodiversity Spark), Ruth Young (Ruthless Media), Michael McAdam (Movie House Cinemas), Adam McBride & Carole King (Excalibur Press), Kevin O’Reilly (Toastmasters), Lisa McCaul (Belfast Met), Katie Matthews Furphy (Mind Tribe UK), Chiho Tang (Oranga), Jenny Irvine (Raise Ventures), Mark Johnston (Johnston Financial Solutions), Lisa Strutt and Sinead Sharkey Steenson (Career Reboot) and Amy Martin (Scaffold Digital) among others.

Speaking of the content of the conference Tina added: “This conference brings together a diverse panel of industry experts to share insights on a wide range of topics crucial for entrepreneurial success.

“From sales and marketing strategies to leadership development, navigating the startup landscape, and protecting your business from cyber security attacks, Entrepreneurs Unleashed covers it all.”

Highlights of the event will include learning effective strategies for using AI in marketing, amplifying your brand presence using social media and Google Ads, fostering innovation and creativity within your business and much more.

Attendees at Entrepreneurs Unleashed will not only gain valuable knowledge from expert speakers but will also have the opportunity to network with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and explore new business opportunities. 

The conference is tailored to cater to both those just starting out and seasoned business leaders looking to elevate their ventures to the next level.

Entrepreneurs Unleashed has been sponsored by Belfast City Council, Belfast Met, MovieHouse, MCS Branding, Oranga Creative and Excalibur Press.

Entrepreneurs Unleashed Conference will take place on Thursday November 28, at the Cathy Short Theatre, Jennymount Business Park, Belfast, tickets are available from entrepreneursunleashed.co.uk 

Electric Shock Report to Launch at Northern Ireland’s Premier Electrical Industry Event

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A new report aimed at tackling the widespread underreporting of electric shocks within the electrical industry in Northern Ireland will be launched later this month, as part of the Electrical Training Trust’s (ETT) ‘Save Our Sparks’ campaign. 

The report, titled Ending Shock Silence, is based on findings from the Electric Shock Survey, a recent study conducted by ETT to understand the frequency and culture of reporting electric shocks at work.

The Stay Connected event will take place on Wednesday November 27 at Galgorm Resort & Spa. Now in its 3rd year, Stay Connected is widely recognised as the leading event for electrical contractors in Northern Ireland, bringing together industry leaders, employers, and supply chains for a day full of insights, networking, and continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities. 

Designed to provide attendees with a unique opportunity to stay up to date on the latest industry trends, products, and legislation, the event will also help attendees learn about the latest technical updates and business advice – all in short, bite-sized sessions. 

Throughout the day, attendees can engage with electrical suppliers, wholesalers, and industry experts, with various practical demonstrations. 

This year’s event will also feature the official launch of the Ending Shock Silence report, which includes the highly anticipated findings of the organisation’s recent Electric Shock Survey. 

Supported by the Health & Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) and UK-based charity, Electrical Safety First (ESF), the Electric Shock Survey and resulting Ending Shock Silence report is part of the wider Save Our Sparks campaign, an initiative inspired by Michael’s Story, a 26-year-old qualified and experienced electrician, who tragically died due to electrocution at work. 

ETT’s Chief Executive, Charlotte Bamber, said: “Stay Connected continues to grow each year, proving to be an invaluable opportunity for the electrical contracting sector to come together and tackle evolving challenges and opportunities, providing an ideal forum for attendees to exchange ideas, build new relationships, and explore potential partnerships.

“This year’s event also sees the launch of the Ending Shock Silence report, which highlights the findings of an important piece of industry research conducted by ETT into the frequency of electric shocks at work in Northern Ireland and the culture around reporting them.

“We look forward to welcoming attendees from across the industry to what will undoubtedly be a valuable and informative day and sharing the findings of our research with the launch of the Ending Shock Silence report.”

For more information on the Stay Connected programme and to book your tickets, go to ett-ni.org

Courage, Confidence & Competitions: How Explore Enterprise Helped Charmaine Humphries Progress Professionally and Personally

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Charmaine Humphries’ step into the beauty business world was one she never thought possible, but with the help of the Explore Enterprise Support Service, her vision of starting her own company became a reality.

The Dungiven native, who previously held a successful career in the care sector for nine years, stopped working in order to foster her two nephews, which became a full-time job in itself and decided not to return to her previous employment.  

Following undertaking a funded makeup course, Charmaine decided this was the direction she wanted her career to take, ultimately creating her own business, Blissful Beauty by Charmaine, earlier this year.

Speaking on why she chose to get involved, Charmaine said: “I was new in opening a business and I went in completely blind.

“It was brilliant because just having the support there was great.”

Supported by Roe Valley Enterprise business mentor Alice Quinn, Charmaine received insight into various aspects of a business, including better understanding of the financial side of running the company and building a customer base.

Charmaine’s professional partnership with Alice quickly became one of her highlights, explaining that the duo clicked immediately and formed a fast friendship.

She said: “For me the best part was building a friendship with my mentor, as she’s so positive and welcoming and she makes me feel like this is something I can do.

“I think from day one when we first met, she broke everything down and just made me feel so at ease.”

“She’s helped me gain the confidence I needed.”

Despite Charmine being initially unaware of the service programme, her time within Explore Enterprise helped her passion project grow exponentially to the point where it was a profitable, sustainable business.

She said: “I didn’t expect to receive the mentoring that I got or the support and I wasn’t aware so much help and advice was available to me being a new business. 

“In doing so my business is starting to thrive: since opening my salon, I was nominated as a finalist for Best New Salon in the UK and I placed in the top 40.

“I feel that without the background, support and funding from Explore Enterprise, to get extra support either through education or just getting equipment, I don’t think the business would be doing as well.”

As well as being recognised in top 25 for Best In Brows within the United Kingdom, Charmaine still has lots of upcoming competition entries in which she hopes to flourish.

Funded by the UK Government, the Explore Enterprise Support Service supports entrepreneurs from across the country to reach their full potential, providing timely support, informed guidance, s and advice to anyone ambitious enough to simply give it a go.

The Explore Enterprise Support Service has received £1.8m from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.  

Following on from the success of her own business, and the extremely positive experience she had, Charmaine encourages anyone considering being part of the service to get involved.

Charmaine said: “It has given me a lot more courage. If you have it as a dream, definitely take the risk and go for it, it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. 

“Now, it’s not all rainbows and butterflies, far from it, but you have to work at it to reap the rewards, and when you do, it’s life-changing.”

Charmaine Humphries is just one of the successful business owners helped by Enterprise NI, with more than 3,500 small, micro and self-employed enterprises being supported each week, bridging the gap between business ideas and entrepreneurship.

For more information on Enterprise NI go to www.enterpriseni.com

TechFoundHer Innovation Labs Programme Launches With First Workshop In Dublin

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Women entrepreneurs from across the island of Ireland from Cork to Antrim gathered recently at KPMG’s Platform X in Dublin’s IFSC for TechFoundHer’s Innovation Labs.

A cohort of 35 female founders are on a journey to create, develop and deliver innovative tech products to the market and in the process connect with other women entrepreneurs North and South!

The closed session involved the founders getting hands-on and mapping their tech solution facilitated by experts Miriam Elst and Máirín Murray with support from the KPMG team.

The TechFoundHer programme, now in its fourth week, is designed to support women founders who may not come from a tech background but are ambitious to develop and lead tech-driven products. 

The eight-week programme, funded through the Shared Island initiative and supported by InterTradeIreland, Invest Northern Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, with lead sponsor KPMG Ireland, includes in-person labs alternating between Dublin and Belfast, alongside online webinars and mentoring sessions.

Each in-person and online lab is facilitated by one of the TechFoundHer global faculty of trainers including leading global innovation experts AI ethicist Dr Lollie Mancey and radical innovation leader Dr Tamara Carleton.

Speaking of the importance of the Innovation Labs programme Dr Mancey said: “Empowering women founders through technology is an imperative for fostering innovation, inclusivity, and impactful entrepreneurship.

“By dismantling traditional barriers and providing access to resources, technology becomes a powerful tool for women to build disruptive solutions and scalable ventures that address global challenges.”

The first session, facilitated by Miriam Elst, an Innovation Consultant, focused on mapping out the key features of tech solutions. Participants were guided through the hands-on workshop to get their idea out of their head and to make it real.

Miriam, a strong advocate for women’s leadership in tech, said: “Women lift change and transformation to another level that usually has a broader approach, is more inclusive, allows for diversity and embraces agility.

“It’s in our DNA. Being more than 50% of the humans on this planet, I’d love to see what this shift to 50% more women leading tech companies will bring.”

TechFoundHer CEO, Máirín Murray, said the programme was “empowering women to build tech and product competence and of course confidence, no matter their previous experience”. 

She added: “We’re breaking down the myths surrounding making tech products supporting all women regardless of their tech knowledge, and providing them with the tools they need to lead their projects from concept to implementation. 

“You don’t need to be able to code to start a company that creates a tech-driven product or service.”

With support from InterTradeIreland and KPMG Ireland, TechFoundHer’s Innovation Labs is fostering a collaborative environment where women founders can share ideas, tackle challenges, and develop tech solutions that drive positive change. 

This first in-person lab marked a significant moment in the journey for these founders, who are building the confidence and practical skills necessary to lead in tech innovation.

The next Innovation Labs session will take place in Belfast on 22nd November hosted by the Ulster Bank Accelerator. 

TechFoundHer Innovation Labs is a programme supported by InterTradeIreland (in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland) under the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme and sponsored by KPMG Ireland.

Lord Mayor Celebrates Belfast Entrepreneurs At Launch Of Conference

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Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, has called on entrepreneurs from across the city to get together for a unique conference aimed at supporting their business journey.

Entrepreneurs Unleashed will take place this month at the Cathy Short Theatre in Jennymount Business Park, lower North Belfast.

Councillor Murray, who is originally from the area, said he was delighted to see an event supporting local entrepreneurs and business people from across the city taking place in the York Road area.

He said “Our council is delighted to support the Entrepreneurs Unleashed Conference, having committed to enabling local businesses achieve their full potential as part of the Belfast Agenda, our city’s community plan.

“This is an exciting opportunity for individuals with business aspirations to connect, learn and be inspired to progress on their business journey – and even better that it’s taking place right in the heart of the community.” 

The day-long event is intended to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit of local professionals, offering a cohesive space for networking and development.

Entrepreneurs Unleashed will feature a diverse panel of industry experts sharing insights on a variety of crucial topics for entrepreneurial success, including AI usage, marketing strategies, tendering and more.

Attendees will also have the chance to network with like-minded professionals, gain actionable insights, and be inspired by success stories from fellow entrepreneurs.

Organised by Tina Calder, Chief Vision Officer of multi-disciplinary media and marketing agency Excalibur Press, Entrepreneurs Unleashed promises to bring together both aspiring and established business leaders on Thursday, November 28.

A North Belfast native herself, Tina Calder said Entrepreneurs Unleashed was a particularly poignant project for her to be organising.

She said: “Whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your business, Entrepreneurs Unleashed is your gateway to unlocking new opportunities. 

“We are excited to offer a platform for learning and collaboration that will supercharge your entrepreneurial journey.

“Thanks to sponsors and supporters such as Belfast City Council, Belfast Met, Movie House Cinemas, Oranga Creative, MCS Branding and others we are delighted to be able to support entrepreneurs across the city.”

Registration is now open, and interested participants are encouraged to sign up early to secure their spot.

Entrepreneurs Unleashed Conference will take place on Thursday November 28, at the Cathy Short Theatre, Jennymount Business Park, Belfast, tickets are available from entrepreneursunleashed.co.uk

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