New business boost at Oakfield

The Mayor of Carrickfergus, Alderman Charles Johnston, invites successful Exploring Enterprise participant Julie Tweedie and Patricia Brennan from LEDCOM to sign the visitors' book at the parlour in the Town Hall. INCT 25-799-CON

Julie Tweedie took the Exploring Enterprise2 Programme delivered by LEDCOM at Oakfield Community Centre. And she is delighted with the outcome, having now started her own business, Interiors by Tweedie.

Julie was made redundant over two years ago but like many people today her time was becoming more consumed with family responsibilities and personal commitments, so she considered the idea of self-employment through the programme.

Julie said: “The best thing about the course is that it covered so many different aspects of starting a business from developing the idea through to finance, customer services and marketing. It also offered great signposting for on-going support and give you the chance to meet people in a similar situation. I learnt such a lot about support networks available on your doorstop.

“Work life balance was a key factor. I needed a job to fit around my growing family. The one-to-one mentoring helped me to explore what would work best for my interior design business, and gave me the knowledge and practical skills to set-up and market the business.

“Having graduated with a degree in Interior Design from Glasgow Art School and having working within the interior design industry, I wanted to use the skills and knowledge I had to make the business work for my lifestyle. Through mentoring I was offered support with logo design, social media management, digital marketing and developing new client relationships.”

The programme is an Enterprise NI initiative, part-financed by the European Social Fund, the Department for Employment and Learning, Enterprise Northern Ireland and Carrickfergus Borough Council.

The Mayor, Alderman Charles Johnston, said: “On behalf of the Council I congratulate Julie and the other participants who have successfully completed the programme in Carrickfergus. Exploring Enterprise is a practical and important programme which makes a positive contribution to individuals.”

The next Carrick course is due to start in September and those interested can register by calling Patricia Brennan on 02828270742 or emailing [email protected]