Bank of Ireland holds business breakfast

Dr Simon Grattan, DETI, Hazel King, Lisburn Council, Belinda O'Neill, Bank of Ireland, Bill Scott, Invest NI, and Sean Sheehan, Bank of Ireland, attending the Bank of Ireland's business breakfast at Cafe Vic Ryn, Lisburn, as part of UK Enterprise Week. Picture: Cliff Donaldson

Sean Sheehan, Regional Manager Northern Ireland, Bank of Ireland UK addressed the audience of customers and non-customers and spoke about the bank’s desire to see enterprise being encouraged, supported and helped.

He underlined the importance of initiatives, such as Enterprise Week, in ensuring that local businesses – both established and starting-up – can get access to expert advice and guidance on financing.

Under the theme, ‘Enabling Enterprise and Access to Finance’, three speakers shared their expertise on what funding streams are available for SMEs with ambitions to grow their business and, most importantly, how to access the funding.

The keynote speakers were Bill Scott, Executive Director Regional Business, Invest NI, Hazel King, Economic Development Manager, Lisburn City Council and Dr. Simon Grattan from the Access to EU Funding team who explained how businesses can qualify and apply for EU funding.

Speaking at the event, host, Belinda O’Neill, Commercial Branch Manager, Lisburn, Bank of Ireland UK said: “‘Enabling Enterprise’ is the theme of Enterprise Week so I am delighted we could hold today’s event which offered real insights and practical advice around finance.

“Our guest speakers, each of whom are specialists, helped the audience to successfully navigate their way through the various funding processes that can often seem complex and confusing.

“It’s a further demonstration of how the bank is supporting business in Lisburn, especially those who have growth in their sights.”

With a general theme of ‘Enabling Enterprise’ this year’s Enterprise Week has seen Bank of Ireland UK host more than 20 networking events, seminars and clinics with business leaders and experts across the region to provide the kind of relevant support local business is looking for, including finance, expertise, advice, practical help and support.