The first Propel networking event of 2012 was held on 9^th February  in Belfast.  This was an exclusive gathering for the current Invest NI  Propel Programme participants to share their business ideas and  connect with the wider business community.   We were fortunate to  have Dylan Collins give a keynote speech to the group, sharing his 7  steps to entrepreneurial success.

Bill Scott, Executive Director Invest NI, who also addressed the  group, stressed the importance of the programme and its’ positive economic impact.

Those in attendance included current and past Propel Programme participants, investors and a range of business executives from across the region.

Speaking at the programmes inaugural workshop Mr Hamilton said: “The Propel programme offers local entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to turn innovative ideas into high growth, export focused businesses.”

“The 15 companies represent areas of growth for our economy. They include businesses in the renewables and environmental sectors, software and App developers, and niche manufacturing and recycling businesses. Each of them has demonstrated good export potential which we hope this programme will help them achieve.”

“We have already demonstrated that this type of business support is good for our economy. Last year 18 companies completed this programme and already they have created 17 high value jobs, and we anticipate a further 39 new jobs will be created over the next 12 months.  Five of the companies have secured equity investment totalling more than £925,000.”

Janette O’Hagan from Okotech Ltd, which has developed an innovative product to revolutionise the control energy in homes and businesses was one of the successful candidates who made it through to Phase 2. 

Janette O’Hagan said: “Being able to progress with this programme is a fantastic development for our business at this stage. It will allow me to focus my efforts 100% on the continued development of our product and the market potential. Our HeatBOSS product is designed to help our customers to use energy more efficiently, thus saving up to 30% of their heating costs.

“At a time of rising energy prices we can see huge potential for our business both domestically and in overseas markets. I hope that through my participation in Propel that we can bring our product to market within the next six months, something that will ensure we capture a significant share of our potential market.

“Propel has given me the opportunity to learn the business ropes from experienced and successful mentors and also meet many of Northern Ireland’s brightest entrepreneurs along the way.”

Press Release issued by Invest Northern Ireland (Friday 02 September 2011)

To celebrate we are hosting a ‘open house’ between 4-6 this coming Friday, 1st July. Everyone is welcome to drop in and say hello.  There is street parking is available, but there is also ample paid parking to the rear of the office in the car park close to the cathedral.

Map showing 9 St. Colman’s Park Newry BT34 2BX.

Programme helps propel barber to brand leader

An Invest NI-funded boot camp for budding entrepreneurs grooms businesses for success

A 987-mile round trip from Edinburgh to Bristol fuelled by a desire to change “the way men think about grooming” might not seem like the easiest way to get a new business venture off the ground. 

But for Belfast entrepreneur Jason Shankey it is all in a day’s work when it comes to making the transition from “barber to brand leader”.  Shankey, who trained as a barber in London before launching his “men only grooming” concept in 1997, last year decided it was time to build on his brand.

After 15 years at the cutting edge of the men’s grooming sector and successfully building a franchise business across the UK, Shankey decided to launch a range of “Expert” hair and skin hair products. Shankey believed it was a logical step for him to help clients look great not only in the salon but also at home.

Today his products are available in high-end department stores the length and breadth of the UK – hence his 987-mile trip in his Jason Shankey-branded Mini last month to meet all the retailers now stocking his male grooming range.

Read the full article here.

Blog post on syncni.com here.

Propel is a business support programme provided by Invest Northern Ireland designed to help export focused start up businesses. Propel aims to educate, to challenge, to support and above all to get the best out of the business owner and accelerate the growth of their business. Propel is not simply a training course. It is a programme that sets rigorous challenges to the participants. It is designed for entrepreneurs with business ideas that have export potential and the ability to scale up within 12 months. The programme of support will not suit every business. It is specifically for business ideas that are innovative, are knowledge based and can demonstrate the potential to export and create local employment.

Go here to donate

Last year’s conference brought together 80 of Ireland’s angel investment community to share tips, tricks, and experiences of investing in Irelands innovative knowledge sector. The 2011 Business Angel Conference will see contributions from experienced international angels and experts in private equity.

Event Date: Wednesday 23rd March 2011,

Time: 8.30am – 1.00pm

Location: Westin Hotel, Dublin

Find out more here

HBAN said the four syndicates – Irrus Investments, Reddo Partners, the Technology Investment Group, and Clean Technologies – expect to invest at least €10 million between them over the next three years, largely in early stage, indigenous enterprises. HBAN was set up last year as a joint initiative of InterTradeIreland and Enterprise Ireland. To find out more visit the HBAN website.