20th November 2024

Supporting SMEs to accelerate productivity and growth

Wednesday, November 20 · 6 - 8pm | Ulster University York Street, Belfast, BT15 1ED

To celebrate our 10th Anniversary, join us for an exclusive evening reception hosted by members of the Small Business Charter at Ulster University Business School on 20th November.

A panel of distinguished business leaders and economic experts will discuss some of the challenges unique to the Irish economies and what support SMEs need today and in the future to help them accelerate productivity and growth.

This unmissable gathering will dive into the unique challenges faced by small businesses on the island of Ireland and explore the support available to drive growth. 

Expect insights from our keynote speaker, entrepreneur and small business advocate, Tina McKenzie MBE, one of Northern Ireland’s most influential voices. As the Chair of Policy and Advocacy for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Tina has been a relentless champion for SMEs, shaping policies that impact businesses across the UK and Ireland. She brings a wealth of experience to the discussion on navigating today’s economic landscape in order to drive economic growth.

Alongside her will be:

  • Professor Gillian Armstrong MBE, Pro Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean, Ulster University Business School

  • Dr Karen Bonner, Principal Economist at Ulster University Economic Policy Centre

We will also hear insights from three business leaders working with our SBC accredited members in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland:

  • Iain Wilson, CEO of IBC-Music and a Help to Grow: Management Course alumnus, will share learnings from leading an international musical instrument business, which has recently picked up a King’s Award for export.

  • Rosy Temple, CEO of Magee Clothing leads her family’s heritage brand in Donegal with a vision for sustainability. Discover how Rosy balances a 150-year-old heritage with modern manufacturing practices.

  • Colette Johnston, Company Secretary of InspecVision, will discuss how their partnership on a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) as well as completing the Help to Grow: Management Course has helped drive growth through marketing and sales support.

This is a FREE event and a fantastic opportunity to connect with thought leaders, business influencers, and expert business schools, and see how we can collectively continue supporting our vibrant small business economies across all Ireland.

Tina Mckenzie MBE

CEO of Staffline Recruitment Ireland

Professor Gillian Armstrong MBE

Dean, Ulster University

Dr Karen Bonner

Principal Economist

Rosy Temple

CEO of Magee Clothing

Iain Wilson

CEO, IBC Trading

Colette Johnston

Company Secretary

Upcoming events

November 27th, 2024

Empowering Small Business Success: A Lord David Young Talk

Milton Keynes (UK)

November 20th, 2024

Small Business Charter: Assessment Workshop

November 7th, 2024

Small Business Charter: Reassessment Workshop

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