Silversmith Samantha tames the dragons

Facing stiff competition from four other entrepreneurs, Samantha was triumphant in showcasing the potential of her business in a tough economic climate and won £1,000 to aid the development of her business.

Entering the ‘Dragon’s Den’, each contestant faced a Lisburn version of the popular TV series, with three local dragons listening carefully to their business proposal, all in front of an invited audience. MC for the evening BBC presenter Lindsey Armstrong and guest speaker leading enterprise educator, David Gibson of Queens University Belfast, opened the evening and provided encouragement to the contestants.

Alderman Jim Dillon, Chairman of the Council’s Economic Development Committee, and taking on the role of one of the ‘dragons’, said: “This year’s event coincided with Global Entrepreneurship week, and we believe the event highlighted the attractive proposition that self-employment can offer to graduates. Congratulations to Samantha who delivered a very compelling pitch.”

Pitching against Samantha for the £1,000 prize were Grainne Phillips of Little Green Allotments, champion of organic growing; Gareth Haughey of Bad Banana T-shirts, an award winning graphic designer and t-shirt printer; Darren Porter 3D Animation & VFX, who recently had work shown on the BBC Big Screen; and Emma Nicholl of Tailored Ink Publishing, a free educational magazine for KS2 children.

Each of the five contestants was quizzed on the workings of their business and all three dragons - Philip Bain, MD of Shredbank, Andrew Robinson, MD of Boomer Industries and Alderman Dillon - were not afraid to ask pertinent questions relating to financial viability and growth potential.

Organised as part of the Council’s ‘Graduate into Business Programme’, the competition aims to highlight the enterprising efforts of local graduates. The programme which is part financed by the EU Sustainable Competitiveness Programme NI 2007 – 2013, is delivered by Lisburn Enterprise Organisation and to date over 50 graduate entrepreneurs have benefited from specialist mentoring support.

If you would like further information on the programme contact [email protected] or log on to www.lisburngraduateintobusiness.co.uk