Business

Women in Business retreat on track

TWENTY-five of this year's finalists in the Women in Business NI awards visited the Ulster Bank headquarters in Dublin for a motivational retreat and networking afternoon ahead of the awards ceremony at the Culloden on November 21.

Change-management expert Fidela Greene spoke to the finalists about 'Leading a new economy' while image consultant Frances Jones shared with the guests how they can best 'look the business'.

Ulster Bank representative Geraldine o'Donoghue spoke about the women-led initiatives at Ulster Bank including Business Women Can.

Women in Business NI chief executive Roseann Kelly said: "The event provided each of them an opportunity to network and make new business connections - taking a day out of their busy schedules allowed the finalists to take stock of their achievements and learn from one another's successes. "We've found from previous Women in Business ni events that networking on the train journey to Dublin gives people time to really connect with one another and build on their networks. We would like to thank Ulster Bank and Translink for kindly hosting such a valuable event."

Geraldine o'Donoghue, senior ambassador for Business Women Can, said: "This initiative was launched by Ulster Bank last year to support women in business by building a reputation as a partner to women in business that understands their needs and offers relevant supports to them. "Every year more and more women take the step of starting their own business. They are also increasingly taking up senior roles in established small and medium enterprises.

We are leading the way in supporting female entrepreneurship and female business leaders."

Louise Scott from Translink, which hosted the Women in Business finalists on board the enterprise rail service to Dublin as part of their retreat, said: "We recently launched a new 'Life's better' campaign to highlight the benefits of using passenger transport, and this event demonstrates the train's suitability as an excellent business discussion platform as our carriage in 1st Plus was buzzing with the sound of ladies networking!" some of the finalists who attended the event were inspired by the day and shared what the experience meant to them. Shelly Taylor of Taylored Workwear Ltd, a finalist in the Best small Business Category, said: "The day was fantastic. Meeting other women in my position was a treat. i enjoyed every minute, especially the networking on the train." Eithne Kelly from Keystone Group, finalist in the outstanding Management/ Leadership Category, said: "The informality of the day helped everyone relax and open share their business experiences. There are so many talented and focused individuals in this group, and i'm honoured to be a part of the 2013 finalist group." Tickets for the Women in Business ni awards Gala on november 21 are available at £95 VaT. Visit www.womeninbusinessni.com for more information and to book.