Enterprising designs on business success

Enterprising Belfast is encouraging young people to set up their own businesses as an alternative option to seeking employment when they complete further education.

Enterprising Belfast is a citywide project designed to generate awareness about the support available to those wishing to set up or develop their own businesses. The programme funders, Invest Northern Ireland and International Fund for Ireland, consider this investment as having a positive impact on the local economy.

Under the Enterprise Awareness programme WorkWest and East Belfast Enterprise have been working together to promote self-employment in Belfast in partnership with Townsend Enterprise Park, Ormeau Business Park, North City Business Centre and Ortus. The agencies offer a range of programmes, which aim to stimulate new ideas and develop business skills.

One success of the scheme saw 29-year-old Conor McNally as the owner of the only design company in West Belfast, Design & Display. After completing a degree in graphic design four years ago, Conor worked as a designer for a Belfast sign maker, always playing with the idea of becoming self-employed.

Through market research Conor identified West Belfast as the ideal location for his business and so Design & Display was born. The company began its life in Conor's bedroom but with a growing workload had to be transferred to Work West Enterprise Agency premises.

In the premises Design & Display has the advantage of a wide range of support from Enterprising Belfast, including training and information provision and signposting to relevant business support agencies.

Commenting on Conor's business success, Claire McManus, Enterprise Co-ordinator with Enterprising Belfast said: "Conor McNally is an excellent example of a young entrepreneur. In Design & Display, Conor has taken a very proactive approach to setting up the business that he wants to work in and is now reaping the benefits.

"Many young people do not realise that setting up your own business is a viable career option at school or university leaving age. With support agencies like Enterprising Belfast along with a bit of hard work and dedication, being your own boss can actually become a reality."

Enterprising Belfast will be hosting a number of information seminars targeted at 18-30 year olds over the coming months.

For further information contact 028 9061 00826 or 028 90445 5450.

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