Training partnerships put NI SME's top of the class

Student training partnership programmes are playing a vital role in helping local SME's to develop and grow their business, according to Paul White, Head of Employer Engagement Unit, Belfast Institute of Further and Higher Education (BIFHE) and Liam Jordan, MD ICONI Software who outlined the benefits of schemes such as SMILE (ANIC) and BIFHE's Collaborate at a meeting of 65 B4B members.

Mr White said: "The old ideas of student placement where companies are expected to take risks facilitating a student are long gone. We can offer a tailored service, which includes a pre-prepared student partnership whether on a remote basis or on site to progress specific projects or assist in the day-to-day running of the business. We also offer a complete business clinic with access to mentoring, support and training for all staff members of your SME."

The recent pilot Programme of Collaborate involved six SME student partnerships and has reported impressive results with a 'win-win' situation for all involved. The student gains valuable industry experience and insight, while the host company benefited from real development - in some cases even leading to job creation.

Chairman of B4B Jack McComiskey said: "The number of SME's in Northern Ireland is growing. In order to remain competitive they need to develop organically and many have limited resources particularly for long-term planning. Projects such as Smile, Collaborate and The Business Clinic are invaluable low-cost resources that will not just assist businesses in this regard but ultimately create jobs in the SME sector and contribute to the Northern Ireland Economy."

With the use of case studies and interactive examples, Liam Jordan demonstrated how the 'Business Clinic' website at ICONI can assist SMEs in identifying their business training/development needs and how the Institute can help address these.

Also speaking at the event were B4B members Orlagh Darling, OMD Consulting and Stephen Thompson, assisted by Jack the Rabbit, from 5pac.

B4B invite members and non-members to join them at the Europa Hotel on Monday April 3 for their business networking event with Richard Buckley, Business Eye who will be discussing 'Your Business and the Media.'

B4B currently has a membership of 120 business owners, managers and entrepreneurs.

(SP/GB)