Last Chance To Enter Remarkable Marketing Awards

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There’s just one day left to enter Northern Ireland’s inaugural marketing awards aimed at recognising the talent and hard work of individual marketers across the country.

Nominations for the The Remarkable Marketing Awards are now open until midnight 14th March. It’s completely free to enter and there are just three questions to answer, which will be judged by a panel of industry experts from outside of Northern Ireland. 

The Remarkable Marketing Awards which are the brainchild of marketer Treena Clarke, founder of the hugely popular annual Big Marketing Meet Up conference will be held on Friday 31st May at the Europa Hotel in Belfast.

Speaking of the extension for nominations, Treena said: “We’re not surprised by the interest in the awards, the Northern Ireland marketing industry has been crying out for a way to acknowledge the fantastic work done by individuals across the sector.

“We want to make sure everyone who wants to enter is given the opportunity.”

Hosted by communicator and presenter, Emer Maguire, the RMA’s are calling on all marketers and their teams to blow their own trumpets and nominate themselves or their colleagues to be recognised for their creativity, innovation and marketing successes.

Leading the judging panel is Walter Campbell, one of the most award-winning creative thinkers and inspirational ECD’s in advertising. Best known for his TV work, his film “Surfer” for Guinness was voted Best Commercial of All Time by the UK public. 

Walter is joined by judges from across Europe including Sara Riis-Carstensen, who has worked with iconic brands including Lego, DeBeers and Lufthansa and Steve Brown who led the comms strategy for Absolut Vodka as well as previously judging the Drum Marketing Awards.

Asked what he’s looking to see from the entrants, Steve said: “I’m looking for bold and impactful actions that demonstrate a clear and nuanced understanding of target audiences and showcase your remarkable work over the last 12 months.”

With 20 categories to choose from across 15 business sectors and five team and individual marketer awards, there is something for everyone at the RMA’s. Awards include categories for Technology and Innovation Sector, Charity and Not for Profit Sector and Media and Creative sector among others.

About the awards, Treena said: “The Remarkable Marketing Awards are a celebration of the people behind groundbreaking initiatives. These awards are not about brands, channels or tactics, they’re about you – the visionary marketer.” 

Expected to be a night of fun and excitement, the night begins at 6pm for pre-event drinks before the ceremony begins at 7pm. After the event, guests are more than welcome to stay for some entertainment and music from The String Ninjas until midnight. 

If you’re a class first marketer producing class remarkable work, then entering this event should be a no-brainer. You can also nominate a worthy colleague, make a name for yourself and enter today.

The RMA’s are sponsored by headline sponsors Card Group Research and Insight, along with category sponsors Excalibur Press, Horrible and Mrktsearch. 

To enter, buy tickets or find out more go to remarkableawards.com

Performance & Fitness Speakers To Take To The Stage At Mums At Work Business Event

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Motivational speakers Susan Steel of Performance Breakthrough and Grace Smith of Forge Female Fitness have been added to the speaker lineup of the forthcoming Mums At Work Elevate Your Business event.

Mums At Work is a Community interest company dedicated to empowering women in business, their Elevate Your Business events aim to uphold the vision of its late founder, Sinead Norton, by providing a supportive and nurturing environment for women in business. 

Susan Steele, the Director of Performance Breakthrough and Grace Smith, founder of Forge Female Fitness will be taking to the stage on Monday, March 25th, at the Tullyglass Hotel in Ballymena.

Susan Steele has over 14 years of experience through her own company Performance Breakthrough, which was born through her own experiences with her two sons. After experiencing first hand what happens when children do not reach their full potential, Susan knew something had to change. 

Performance Breakthrough is a company dedicated to unlocking the potential of children and adults who want to enhance their performance in sports and education, while also dealing with the root cause of emotional and behavioural issues.

In her interactive talk, “Perform It Better”, Susan will be explaining why some children have great difficulty concentrating on tasks and why some get very frustrated or anxious about the little things. She will give you practical tips on how to create a calmer home. 

Speaking about her talk, Susan explained: “I want people to come away from my talk with three main things: relief that they are good parents and that there is a scientific reason for the challenging traits their children display. 

“An understanding that there is a natural solution that will produce permanent, positive results for their children and family as a whole. And excitement that their wonderful, intelligent child can have a bright, happy future.” 

Also speaking is Grace Smith, the founder of forge female fitness. 

After losing her father at 21, and losing 156lbs within 12 months, Grace decided to help others achieve their goals and now runs three successful coaching businesses, transforming thousands of women’s lives over the last 8 years.

Forge Female Fitness is the North Coasts No.1 Ladies Training Studio, sculpting confidence, building strength and fostering community. We help women restore their confidence, health and happiness, and make positive long-term lifestyle changes, so they can take on life feeling mentally and physically strong, energised and fulfilled.

In her talk, “From Transformation To Triumph”, Grace will share how to use your background, experiences, and personality to boost your business and build a loyal community.

Speaking about her talk, Grace said: “I want people to feel inspired to use their experience and unique personality to further build their brand and business and not be scared to take risks and back themselves, along with practical tips on how to take what they’ve learnt and apply it straight into their business.”

According to Mums At Work Director Danielle Norton, Elevate Your Business is 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 by our speakers who will give valuable insight and tips on how to take your business to the next level.”

For more information, to book a ticket or a stand at the Elevate Your Business event on March 25th go to >> https://bit.ly/MAWelevatePress or search for the event on Eventbrite.

From Motherhood to Entrepreneurship: Kerri Thompson’s Journey To Launching Visual Aids Business

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By Rebecca Sayers

It was once Kerri Thompson began raising her son, Harrison, that she discovered how she could turn the challenges they faced into a way to help others. 

Having just completed the Northern Ireland Explore Enterprise Support Service (NIEESS) last year, Kerri is gearing up for her visual aid business to take off. 

With her son on a waiting list for an autism diagnosis, Kerri, 31, began thinking of ways to make his life easier, which led her to the idea of a visual aid business. 

She explained, “I started designing visual aids for his use, and I saw how well they worked and realised if they work for him then there’s other families out there that would benefit from them too.”

The service was set up by Enterprise NI and the Prince’s Trust. The service aims to help people across Northern Ireland who are economically inactive to develop their entrepreneurial and employability skills. ‘The Explore Enterprise Support Service has received £1.8m from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund’.  

Glengormley based entrepreneur Kerri had her son Harrison, 5, in 2019, and that was when she made the decision to come out of work. She said: “He’s on a waiting list for an autism diagnosis and was having quite a lot of struggles. Even around him being in a playgroup or nursery, trying to find a job that would fit around that was impossible.” 

With NIEESS aimed at individuals who have been out of employment and those who are currently unable to start a new position due to personal circumstances, it was the perfect decision for Kerri.

Speaking about what attracted her to the service, she said: “It was Louise at Mallusk Enterprise who told me about it. I had done other programmes in the past but I still felt like I needed help and advice, so when this was brought to my attention I decided to go for it, especially as it was focussed on what I needed the most help with.

“I feel like it was really helpful. You get such a thorough look into businesses and the structure of how they’re run. Then being able to ask questions, it’s just like being in the classroom and properly learning it.” 

Designing has always been something that Kerri loved to do. Even prior to having her son, she had studied design in University, before taking a role as a visual merchandiser after graduating. 

The idea of creating her own business is something that she had thought of for a while, but kept putting it off, until six months had passed and she realised that it was time to actually do something about it. 

Talking about her business, she said: “I finally launched the business in November, with just a few products. We’re still in the testing period, but I’m mainly focusing on getting as many new products designed as possible, so that I have a bigger variety.”

Kerri knew, however, that starting a business would be difficult, but her biggest challenge was the business side of things. 

She said, “I’ve never run a business before. I had no idea about the steps to take or the different types of sole traders or legalities, so it was good to be able to get an understanding of it and support”. 

As a part of the Explore Enterprise Support Service each individual is provided with a mentor, whose role is to offer support through one on one meetings, while contributing advice and encouraging decision making. For Kerri, she believes she would have given up without the help of her mentor. 

She explained: “You get around 20 hours of one-on-one meetings so being able to go back to Louise if I haven’t got a clue about something, she will always be there to point me in the right direction and help me”. 

“If I didn’t have the support for the business side of things I would have given up.” 

Already looking ahead at what she can achieve in the future, she believes partnering with businesses and schools would be a good way to ensure neurodiverse children get as much independence as they can. 

“I would love to be able to get into schools and give them hand washing visuals and toilet visuals”, she said. 

“Even for other businesses based around neurodiversity, I would love to be able to help them out by giving them some because I know what that feels like to want the help.”

From her son being on the waiting list for a diagnosis, Kerri can see similarities in his routine within her own lifestyle. 

“I have done so many training courses for ADHD and autism and I’m seeing the similarities within my life. I use a lot of the visual aids myself, so if we need it, then I’m sure there are others that need it too.” 

The personal attachment to it, meant that Kerri was more passionate and determined to make it work, with the Explore Enterprise Support Service there to support her every step of the way. 

She explained: “Even on just a normal day here things will come up and I think of a visual aid that will help the situation so I go to my sketchbook and sketch it out. I could think of hundreds of things that would help, so my main goal at the moment is getting as much as possible, as quickly as possible, from my sketchbook to the physical copies.”

Without Explore Enterprise Support Service Kerri would have had no idea where to begin but now she is on the way to making sure it can be a bit easier for neurodivergent people to live their everyday life. 

For more information about the Northern Ireland Explore Enterprise Support Service (NIEESS) go to enterpriseni.com 

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 11-17 March

 

  1. Fairy Lore & The Glens – Causeway Coast and Glens Walking Festival, Cushendun, County Antrim, 15 March. Take in the fresh Spring air with this moderate looped walk on the steep tracks of Ronan’s Way. Part of a series of walks for the annual festival, the trails showcase the environmental and human heritage of the Glens of Antrim. This 6K walk is suitable for anyone with a good general fitness (£10).
  2. St. Patrick’s Day Céilí, Belfast, County Antrim, 17 March. This green themed céilí on St. Patrick’s Day is for everyone, whether you’re a total newcomer to Irish dancing, or an experienced feisanna champion! Hosted by SBIDA at the Europa Hotel, this event promises huge levels of fun for all attendees. Listen to live tradtional Irish music, watch talented Irish dancers and join in on group dances. There will also be a special performance by the SBIDA dancers and a roving professional photographer to capture everyone in all their glory.
  1. Patrick’s Day Parade, Downpatrick, County Down, 17 March. Led by St. Patrick himself, this parade offers a feast for eyes and ears as swirling dancers, community floats and costumed characters entertain the crowds. Enjoy festive live music and dance, a Ceili and Artisan Market and lots of children’s activities. Don’t miss the face painters, kite making workshops, arts and crafts by Makes and Bakes, Clayrazy clay modelling, a chance to have a go at the climbing wall and much more. A fun day for all the family to enjoy!
  2. Stargazing Evening, Armagh, County Armagh, 15 March. Join Armagh Observatory and Planetarium for the last evening in their series of stargazing evenings that are out of this world! This session will feature a talented team of experts to help you navigate the night sky using your telescopes (weather dependent). You will also get a chance to see a dome show in the digital theatre and listen to guest speaker Paul Evans (President of the Irish Astronomical Association).
  1. Coracle Building Workshop with Valkyrie Craft, Castlerock, County Londonderry, 16 March. Enjoy a full day introduction to the universal and ancient art of skin-on-frame boat building. John from Valkyrie Craft will guide you through the process of building the most simple of traditional watercraft, starting with the materials and tools, and finishing with a functional small boat. Learn about the nature and characteristics of wood for bending, appropriate timbers to use, the various materials used in different places and times, how to care for your finished product and most importantly, how to paddle it!
  2. Clogherny Wedge Tomb, Plumbridge, County Tyrone. This well preserved and unusual monument is in an extensive area of blanket peat near the Butterlope Glen, just four miles north of Plumbridge. The wedge tomb is surrounded by an elegant stone circle of eleven tall schist stones. Wedge tombs are generally considered to span the late Neolithic and early Bronze Ages and this site may have been built around 2000BC. Travel back in time and visit this scheduled historic monument.
  3. St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 16-17 March. Visit Northern Ireland’s only island town for a unique St. Patrick’s weekend celebration. There are a variety of events on St. Patrick’s Day eve, including a viking walking tour, storytelling, a colouring in competition and a community park run. On Sunday, celebrate with face painting, balloon modelling and bouncy castles, mingle with walkabouts or get snapped with some of the some of the hairiest folklore heroes on four legs. This weekend is packed with fun for everyone!
  1. Spring Carnival 2024, Derry~ Londonderry, County Londonderry, 17 March. Celebrate the arrival of Spring in all its colourful splendour with a magical programme of music, dance, food and folklore this St. Patrick’s Day. Immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds of Derry~ Londonderry’s renowned music scene, featuring a lineup of exceptionally talented local musicians. From soulful ballads to foot-stomping jigs, experience the diverse musical tapestry that defines Derry~ Londonderry. Discover the magic of Irish-inspired culinary delights from some of the finest Legenderry traders including Lo&Slo, Doherty’s Meats, La Tia Juanas, and Offing Coffee. This is not one to miss!

 

  1. Davagh Night Walks, Davagh Forest, County Tyrone, 16 March. Join this special night time walk and talk, under the darkest of skies with Davagh Nightwalks. Your adventure will begin at Ceoldán the Davagh Giant, where you will stroll through the forest breathing in all the sounds and sights nature has to offer. This gentle walk consists of forest terrain and a boardwalk leading to the ancient Beaghmore Stone Circles. After you finish your exploring, enjoy a seasonal supper made by a local chef and baker from County Tyrone at the OM Dark Sky Park & Observatory. This experience includes hand warmers, torches and supper.

 

  1. St. Patrick’s Day at the Giant’s Causeway, Bushmills, County Antrim,17 March. Enjoy a fun-filled day at the Giant’s Causeway celebrating St. Patrick in the land of legends. Don’t miss the chance to take part in the Leprechaun Trail and find the clues hidden at the secret doors on route to the world-famous stones, in the hope of finding a pot of gold. After your adventure, enjoy cookie decorating and get your face painted beside the sea for the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day celebration!

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

Deadline Extended To Enter Remarkable Marketing Awards

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Organisers behind Northern Ireland’s inaugural marketing awards have extended the deadline for nominations.

The Remarkable Marketing Awards have been so well received according to organisers they have been inundated with requests to extend the deadline.

Nominations are now open until midnight 14th March. It’s completely free to enter and there are just three questions to answer, which will be judged by a panel of industry experts from outside of Northern Ireland. 

The Remarkable Marketing Awards which are the brainchild of marketer Treena Clarke, founder of the hugely popular annual Big Marketing Meet Up conference will be held on Friday 31st May at the Europa Hotel in Belfast.

Speaking of the extension for nominations, Treena said: “We’re not surprised by the interest in the awards, the Northern Ireland marketing industry has been crying out for a way to acknowledge the fantastic work done by individuals across the sector.

“We want to make sure everyone who wants to enter is given the opportunity.”

Hosted by communicator and presenter, Emer Maguire, the RMA’s are calling on all marketers and their teams to blow their own trumpets and nominate themselves or their colleagues to be recognised for their creativity, innovation and marketing successes.

Leading the judging panel is Walter Campbell, one of the most award-winning creative thinkers and inspirational ECD’s in advertising. Best known for his TV work, his film “Surfer” for Guinness was voted Best Commercial of All Time by the UK public. 

Walter is joined by judges from across Europe including Sara Riis-Carstensen, who has worked with iconic brands including Lego, DeBeers and Lufthansa and Steve Brown who led the comms strategy for Absolut Vodka as well as previously judging the Drum Marketing Awards.

Asked what he’s looking to see from the entrants, Steve said: “I’m looking for bold and impactful actions that demonstrate a clear and nuanced understanding of target audiences and showcase your remarkable work over the last 12 months.”

With 20 categories to choose from across 15 business sectors and five team and individual marketer awards, there is something for everyone at the RMA’s. Awards include categories for Technology and Innovation Sector, Charity and Not for Profit Sector and Media and Creative sector among others.

About the awards, Treena said: “The Remarkable Marketing Awards are a celebration of the people behind groundbreaking initiatives. These awards are not about brands, channels or tactics, they’re about you – the visionary marketer.” 

Expected to be a night of fun and excitement, the night begins at 6pm for pre-event drinks before the ceremony begins at 7pm. After the event, guests are more than welcome to stay for some entertainment and music from The String Ninjas until midnight. 

If you’re a class first marketer producing class remarkable work, then entering this event should be a no-brainer. You can also nominate a worthy colleague, make a name for yourself and enter today.

The RMA’s are sponsored by headline sponsors Card Group Research and Insight, along with category sponsors Excalibur Press, Horrible and Mrktsearch. 

To enter, buy tickets or find out more go to remarkableawards.com

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First Speakers Announced For Mums At Work Elevate Your Business Event

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Mums At Work, a community interest company dedicated to empowering women in business, is delighted to announce the first two speakers for their Elevate Your Business event later this month. 

The Elevate Your Business event aims to uphold the vision of its late founder, Sinead Norton, by providing a supportive and nurturing environment for women in business. 

Ursula McKinney of Media Lab NI and Lynsey Bennett of Lusson Tan will be sharing their invaluable insights and expertise at the event, scheduled from 10am-4pm on Monday, March 25th, at the Tullyglass Hotel in Ballymena.

Ursula McKinney is a seasoned entrepreneur and marketer with over 20 years of experience in PR, branding, marketing, and event management. With a career that has included collaborations with major global brands such as Hilton, Coca-Cola, and Google, Ursula has earned recognition as a leader in the field. 

As the co-founder of Media Lab NI, a professional content creation and event marketing company, Ursula is well-equipped to share her journey to entrepreneurial success.

In her talk, ‘Creating Your Own Journey’, she will be revealing the key sales and marketing tactics that you can use in your own business to drive more success. 

Ursula said: “I hope that people can be inspired by my story and utilise my business tips and advice to achieve success in their own business. 

“The life of a female entrepreneur can be very isolated but Sinead made Mums At Work a thriving environment that offers unrivalled support and made it cost-effective for every business owner to be a part of.

“It is invaluable for growing your network and your business”.

According to Mums At Work Director Danielle Norton, Elevate Your Business is 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 by our speakers who will give valuable insight and tips on how to take your business to the next level.”

Also speaking at the March 25th event is Lynsey Bennett, a prominent figure in the beauty industry and the co-founder of Lusso Tan, a luxury salon, and at-home self-tanning brand. 

Renowned for her business acumen and commitment to empowering female beauty business founders, Lynsey has built a successful brand in the competitive beauty market. Her accomplishments with Lusso Tan and her advocacy for women in business have established her as a respected figure in both the beauty and business communities. 

Her talk, titled “How to keep going when nothing is going right,” will offer practical strategies for maintaining resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Drawing from her own experiences, Lynsey aims to equip attendees with the tools and mindset needed to navigate life’s challenges and emerge stronger.

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

There is Something for all musical tastes this weekend at The Market Place, Armagh!

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Get ready for an unforgettable weekend filled with Northern-Irish talent! Up and coming local musician, Taylor Lally will take the stage on Friday 9th Feb with support from Market Place favourite, Marty Rafo.

Taylor has recently opened shows for Steve Forbert and Mary Coughlan, receiving standing ovations, and she has been awarded the coveted Artist in Residence spot at this year’s Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival. Marty has also been stirring up quite a bit of interest in the music industry since the release of his first two EP’s, ‘Last Brigade’ and ‘Atlantic Crossing’.

Taylor Lally will be on stage at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre on Friday 9th February at 8pm. Tickets are priced at £11.

Then, the following night, Ulster Touring Opera’s exceptional soloists will take you on a musical journey from aincent Carthage to the factories of Seville via a rather bohemian Parisian apartment.

They will be joined by the talents of the Ulster String Quartet and the passion of Armagh City Choir in for a truly unique event that is also rooted in a very local favourite: cider! Join the Armagh Cider team in the foyer of The Market Place Theatre for a complimentary drink on arrival and the latest news about this home-grown success story.

‘Opera and Orchards’ will be on stage at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre on Saturday 10 February at 8pm. Tickets are priced at £19.50.

Tickets for all shows can be booked online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre or through the Box Office on 03300 561 025.

Experiences perfect for making giant memories this Mother’s Day

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Discover NI’s ultimate gift guide to Looking for a unique gift this Mother’s Day instead of the usual flowers and chocolate? Don’t panic, Discover Northern Ireland has got your back.  

Mother’s Day falls a little early this year on March 10, but instead of burnt toast and crumbs in bed, why not show her just how much you care with an experience she will cherish forever.

In Northern Ireland, you’re always just a small step away from a giant experience. Discover NI has put together this Mother’s Day gift guide to help you show how much her hard work, love and sacrifice is valued by everyone.

Get crafty at Midtown Makers Studio, County Antrim

  • From crocheting, felting, painting with watercolours, to plant and home décor, if your mum is a crafter, you’ll find the workshop for her at Midtown Makers Studio and Shop. Celebrating it’s tenth year in 2024, this handmade craft and gift shop offers a wide variety of workshops allowing your mum the chance meet the makers behind the items on sale and create their very own products. Booking for each workshop is essential.

Take to the water with Island Discovery Tour, County Fermanagh

  • The best way to truly appreciate the majesty of Fermanagh’s Lakelands is from the water, so hop on board and get ready for a private tour of the many islands of Lough Erne. A fully electric passenger boat, Island Discovery will take your mum and your family on a 90-minute journey of cosy comfort as a knowledgeable guide has you laughing and learning about the legends of this picturesque landscape and its people. A delightful way to spend quality time together.

Make fleecy friends at Mourne Alpacas, County Down

  • Enjoy a day out with a difference in Dromara and spoil your mum with a unique fleecy experience at Mourne Alpacas. Home to the largest pedigree alpaca herd on the island of Ireland, get ready for selfies with your new fleecy friends and embrace the adorable sight of the centre’s weanlings and young alpacas. On Mother’s Day, every mother that visits will receive a complimentary glass of bubbles.

Unleash the foodie with Far and Wild, County Londonderry

  • Treat mum to a taste of Derry~Londonderry on Far and Wild’s Foodie City Cycle. Saddle up and indulge the senses as you enjoy the fresh air and local eateries. On this tour your mum will take in two mouth-watering culinary experiences as she ambles along the city’s vibrant streets and experience St Columb’s Park, Ebrington Square, the Peace Bridge and the city’s Walls on two wheels.

Indulge in a luxury at Blackwell House, County Armagh

  • Enjoy an amazing afternoon tea at Blackwell House, a magnificent country house on the outskirts of Scarva. Let your mother unwind in this peaceful haven as you keep mum and serve Thompson’s luxury loose-leaf tea in fine bone china cups, hot seasonal soup, bite-sized pasteries, light-as-air scones and homemade classic finger sandwiches. A special treat perfect for all weathers.

Spend quality time together at Wee Buns Cookery School, County Tyrone

  • A great experience for mum and her little star, the Wee Buns Cookery School near Moy, will teach her and a child aged 7+ how to make the most delicious Victoria sponge cake, vanilla buttercream and buttermilk scones. The relaxed and friendly atmosphere ensures that, whether they’re baking novices or seasoned home cooks, they’ll share an enjoyable day baking together neither will forget in a hurry.

For more fantastic experiences in Northern Ireland perfect for gift this Mother’s Day visit https://discovernorthernireland.com

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/

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