Business

Business diary: Events coming up

Your weekly round-up of conferences, dinners, seminars and charity events

Business  diary
Launching the inaugural NI Dance Awards taking place in October are (from left) Fianna McShane (baby ballerina), Lucy Hagan (hip hopper), Chloe Carnduff (acrobatic dancer) Madison Crawford (ballerina), Irish dancers Ryan Maguire and Youcef Belouazani, Amelia Parks (tap dancer), Taylor Brown (highland dancer), Jacqui Hindes (cheerleader), and Nevaeh Hedges (jazz)

NI DANCE AWARDS

Newry Dance Theatre arts teachers Catherine Hughes and Danielle Hughes Quinn have launched the inaugural NI Dance Awards NI celebrating excellence in Northern Ireland’s dance community. They will take place at the Culloden Hotel on Saturday October 5.

Fuelled by their shared ardour for dance and commitment to providing a platform for commitment and dedication to dance, Catherine and Danielle conceived the idea for a pioneering awards ceremony dedicated to honouring the extraordinary talents and contributions within the region’s dynamic dance sphere.

Catherine said: “We are committed to providing a platform for both exceptional accomplishments and unwavering dedication to dance. Our mission is to applaud the dedication and talent of those who significantly impact the dance industry, from educators and studio proprietors to volunteers and event organisers.”

Danielle added: “The Dance Awards will be a premier gathering, attracting dancers, choreographers, educators, and enthusiasts, and will serve as an essential space for acknowledgment and admiration, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among like-minded individuals.

“Together, let’s illuminate the incredible talent and dedication that define our dance industry, celebrate our achievements and inspire future generations of dancers.”

For more information on the various categories, sponsors and update on how to enter, go to www.danceawardsni.com

Business diary
Pictured with Mid and East Antrim mayor Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna announcing the InterTradeIreland export drop-in clinic in Ballymena on Wednesday June 5 are Denise Marron, trade hub project manager at IntertradeIreland; Stephen Scullion, Ballymena Business Centre manager; Ursula O’Loughlin, head of economic development at Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, and Eva Dobbin, the council's business growth manager (Colm McCann)

DROP-IN CLINIC

InterTradeIreland is inviting businesses in the Ballymena and surrounding areas to their next export drop-in clinic, taking place on Wednesday June 5 at the Galgorm Resort.

The event will provide businesses with a unique chance to explore trading across the border for the first time and growing cross-border sales, with free advice and support available.

InterTradeIreland’s trade project manager Denise Marron said: “The aim of this event is to help local businesses get started on their cross-border export journey and to better understand the opportunities presented by trading cross-border and the support available. Cross-border trade continues to go from strength to strength and we’re excited for businesses to explore their cross-border sales and sourcing opportunities and to support them to grow and develop, every step of the way.”

One-to-one expert advice will be provided in a wide range of areas including creating an export plan, building sales techniques and navigating cross-border trade requirements.

The drop-in clinic will also highlight funding and tailored support available, including InterTradeIreland’s Trade Hub, a comprehensive online hub which contains the latest customs, VAT, regulation and employment information for businesses engaged in, or planning to engage in trade between Northern Ireland, Ireland and Britain.

If your business has cross-border export potential, drop in between 10am and noon, grab a coffee, and the team at InterTradeIreland will be ready to have that all important conversation to start your export journey.

To register free of charge, visit https://intertradeireland.com/events/trade-export-drop-in-clinic-the-galgorm-ballymena-05-june-2024

Business Diary
Announcing details of the NI Social Enterprise Awards taking place on November 8 are (from left) Derry City & Strabane mayor Patricia Logue; Social Enterprise NI chief executive Colin Jess; and Go Succeed enterprise and business growth manager Cathy Keenan (Ricky Parker Photography/Ricky Parker Photography)

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE AWARDS

The Northern Ireland Social Enterprise Awards, in partnership with Go Succeed are back for 2024.

Led by Social Enterprise NI, they recognise and celebrate the remarkable achievements and positive contributions of social enterprises across the region.

Applications are now open, and organisations are encouraged to enter before the deadline of midnight on Sunday July 7 to showcase their impact and key achievements in the last year.

Winners will be announced at a ceremony on Friday November 8, compered by radio presenter and Social Enterprise Northern Ireland ambassador Cate Conway.

The awards shines the light on the talented individuals, teams and organisations who are making a real difference, changing lives, building inclusive communities, and making a positive impact in society, all while making a profit through their respective business. With a wide range of Award categories, they offer the opportunity to highlight success, gain local recognition and enhance credibility.

Awards sponsor Go Succeed is the new go-to business support service that helps local entrepreneurs and businesses including Social Enterprises across Northern Ireland to start, grow and scale their businesses.

Delivered by the north’s 11 local councils, Go Succeed offers a huge range of support, from masterclasses, online workshops and help accessing grant funding to one-to-one mentoring, peer networking and beyond, all free of charge.

To enter the Awards, visit https://socialenterpriseni.awardsplatform.com/

Business diary
This year's Breast Foot Forward Walk sponsored by SuperValu takes place on Friday June 7. Last year 800 women, men and children stepped out in a sea of pink in Belfast to raise awareness and funds for Action Cancer’s life-saving breast screening service (Brian Thompson)

BREAST FOOT FORWARD

A sea of pink will sweep through Belfast again on Friday June 7 as Action Cancer hosts the Breast Foot Forward Walk sponsored by SuperValu.

The charity is encouraging men, women and children of all ages to participate in the fun-filled family event. Walkers will arrive at Belfast City Hall at 6pm to a fun warm up with Fitness Freddie and lots of free goodies. Participants will not only raise much needed funds but increase awareness of breast cancer by choosing to walk either a 5K or a 10K route.

Last year’s Breast Foot Forward Walk was Action Cancer’s most successful to date, hosting almost 800 participants raising an incredible £77,000, ultimately funding potentially life-saving breast screening appointments for 641 local women.

Action Cancer is the only charity to provide this service for free to women aged 40-49 and over the age of 70; outside of NHS screening age range. While each breast screening appointment is free to the user the cost to the charity is £120, which is why participation in this event is seen as so important.

Online registration is now open at £15 per adult and £7 per child, and everyone taking part will receive a drawstring bag for life and complimentary pink t-shirt.

For further information or to register visit www.actioncancer.org, contact Action Cancer on 028 9080 3347 or 07912 066787, or email breastfootforward@actioncancer.org