05/12/2002

Performance First graduates celebrate success

The first graduates of the Performance First strategic development programme have celebrated their success at a ceremony hosted by the Bank of Ireland.

The programme, which is funded in partnership by Invest NI and Bank of Ireland, is aimed at business owners and entrepreneurial managers from growth companies throughout Northern Ireland. The successful participants can expect to be awarded a Diploma in Management Practice by the University of Ulster.

The first participants began the programme in September 2001 and came from 16 local companies operating in a wide variety of business sectors. Companies include Acheson & Glover Ltd, Bass Ireland Ltd, Environmental Fabrications, Moy Park Ltd and the Wellington Park Hotel.

Each participant took part in a series of management development workshops and benefited from six half-days of consultancy support and a series of lectures from guest speakers.

With mentor support, each participant worked to make planned improvements to customer service, production efficiency, IT systems along with a host of other issues that effect businesses. As a result each has developed practical management tools, including marketing and leadership techniques.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, David Service, Director, Bank of Ireland Corporate and Business Banking, said: “Bank of Ireland has a long history of supporting education and training and our involvement in such an innovative and rewarding programme aimed at delivering real value to the local business community is a key part of that.

"Each participant has a common desire for success, not only for themselves, but also for their company.”

(MB)

Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

06 November 2015
Council Hosts 'Small Business Saturday Bus Tour'
Belfast City Council hosted the 'Small Business Saturday Bus Tour' at City Hall on Thursday, 05 November, which is touring the UK to highlight small business success and encourage people to 'shop local'.
15 March 2013
Texam Develops Business Partnership In Germany
Texam in Lisburn, a specialist in the design, manufacture and installation of conveyor systems, has been assisted by Invest Northern Ireland to develop a business partnership in Germany. The Northern Ireland company used the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) at as part of a drive to grow sales abroad.
26 July 2012
Northern Hydraulics Engineers Investors In People Success
Coalisland precision engineering company Northern Hydraulics is one of 37 organisations from across Northern Ireland today awarded with the prestigious Investors in People (IiP) accreditation. Dr Stephen Farry, Minister for Employment and Learning, congratulated those receiving the business award at a celebration event held in Hillsborough Castle.
26 October 2011
Hamilton Reiterates Support For Small Businesses
Strangford DUP MLA Simon Hamilton has told an audience of business people in Lisburn that the Stormont Assembly must maintain its support for Northern Ireland's small business sector during these difficult times.
13 April 2017
HMRC Announces New Small Business Forum
A new Small Business Forum has been launched by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). The forum is a new support channel for individuals to access the help and guidance needed to start, grow and manage a business. The forum also seeks to give participants the opportunity to share their ideas and advice with each other.