Tourism is growing year on year and once our visitors are here, we need to provide them with fabulous hospitality.  This sector provides some of the most exciting and varied careers imaginable!

Course Content

• Best practice visits to local Hospitality Champions to inspire and ignite your interest in the sector.

• An opportunity to develop your skills and knowledge to gain employment or self-employment within the hospitality sector

• Training will be interactive and bespoke to participants with role model speakers who have real life experience and knowledge of the sector.

• Core training will include WorldHost Principles of Customer Care, Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work and Level 2 Food Safety.

• Individual pathways for sector specific training that can help you towards your employment/self-employment journey including taster Barista and Bar Tending training.

• Fully funded course, no cost to you other than your time and commitment.

• One to one mentoring throughout the programme to develop your confidence and provide flexible support at every stage

of your journey to employment/self employment.

•Development of Enterprise Action Plan, Business Plan or Personal Development Plan to help you pinpoint your next steps and goals

Who can apply?

Mid & East Antrim residents aged 17 years and over who are economically inactive, long-term unemployed, under-employed (typically working less than 30 hours) or those wishing to upskill.

Candidates do not require any qualifications to be eligible for a place on this course; however, candidates must show commitment to take part in all relevant opportunities the programme provides.

Start Date & Venue

February 2026 workshops will be held in venues throughout Mid and East Antrim and will be confirmed depending on where participants are mostly based.  Attendance is fully flexible, but you must take part in at least two of the training days to gain your qualifications.

This is an exciting time to be in hospitality!  For more information or to register please contact: E: melissa@ceal.co.uk, T: 028 9336 9528 or E: lmp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

The post Hospitality Taster Programme appeared first on Carrickfergus Enterprise.

A fresh season of support is here for female entrepreneurs in the Mid and East Antrim area, as Enterprising Women launches its Autumn/Winter programme of events and networking opportunities.

Through tailored events, training and networking opportunities, Enterprising Women helps local women at every stage of their business journey. This Autumn/Winter schedule, which runs until January, has been designed in direct response to member feedback, ensuring that topics and speakers reflect the needs and interests of the group. Sessions will include workshops on mindfulness, confidence building, successful branding, and a variety of networking opportunities.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, said:

“Enterprising Women is a shining example of the positive impact that can be made when we invest in our local entrepreneurs. By supporting and connecting women across our Borough, this network is helping to build confidence, create opportunities and strengthen our local economy. I’m delighted to see the Autumn/Winter programme launch and look forward to seeing even more women benefit from this fantastic initiative.”

Kelli McRoberts, CEO of Carrickfergus Enterprise, added:

“We are delighted to launch our Autumn/Winter events schedule for Enterprising Women. This year, we have put together an exciting programme of events shaped by the feedback of our members, ensuring the topics and speakers truly reflect what matters to them. It’s inspiring to see our network continue to grow, and I look forward to welcoming both familiar faces and new members to what promises to be a fantastic season ahead.”

Local members are already feeling the benefit of the network. New member Paula Fallon, founder of Soul Essence, Healing by Paula, shared:

“I recently signed up to join Enterprising Women. Having just set up my own angelic reiki healing business, I thought it would be a fantastic opportunity to meet some lovely like-minded women – and I wasn’t wrong.

“My first event was such a beautiful morning in nature. I got to meet the best group of ladies, and we shared stories, business pages and laughs. I thoroughly enjoyed the event and was made to feel so welcome by everyone.

“I am very excited about the amazing line up of events for Autumn/Winter and sharing these experiences. I am so glad to have found this amazing group.”

Facilitator and member Karen Mulvenna, founder of Wildflower Yogi, expressed:

“I’m always open to exploring opportunities that allow me to share my passion for all things wellness. I became a member of Enterprising Women when I opened my yoga and wellness studio, Wildflower Yogi, to build a valuable support network as I navigate entrepreneurship.

“I was delighted to facilitate one of my ‘Morning in Nature’ events, a beautiful opportunity for members to pause, connect and recharge. Bringing a morning of health and wellness to this entrepreneurial community was a pleasure, allowing me to support women in nurturing themselves so they could return to their businesses feeling refreshed and inspired.”

Melanie Christie-Boyle MBE, Chief Executive of Ballymena Business Centre, said:

“Ballymena Business Centre is delighted to partner with Carrickfergus Enterprise as they roll out an exciting schedule of events for local enterprising women this Autumn and Winter season.  By joining forces, we provide the necessary support and inspiration to help build personal confidence and explore networking opportunities to flourish in business.”

Enterprising Women, a dedicated female business network funded by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and managed by Carrickfergus Enterprise in partnership with Ballymena Business Centre, has been supporting new and established female entrepreneurs since 2018. The network now boasts over 150 members across the Borough working in sectors ranging from retail and tourism to artisan and professional services.

For more information on Enterprising Women or to join the network, visit Enterprising Women.

The post Enterprising Women Launches Autumn/Winter Events Programme appeared first on Carrickfergus Enterprise.

Hosted by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, the academy was delivered by Carrickfergus Enterprise as part of the Go Succeed business support service, led by Northern Ireland’s 11 local councils and funded by the UK Government.

The event was specially designed to appeal to those in the Mid and East Antrim area who wanted to develop skills and knowledge to gain employment or self-employment within the tourism sector.

Over a three-month period, participants attended over 10 diverse training sessions, combining industry-specific qualifications with hands-on practical experience.

Training highlights included World Host Principles of Customer Service accreditation, emergency first aid, food safety, and an introduction to Ulster Scots.

More focused training was offered through a Taste of Tourism Day and a Story Telling masterclass with renowned storyteller Liz Weir, MBE. 50% of participants gained three separate certifications, with 25% earning five or more industry recognised qualifications or certifications.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, comments: “I am delighted to see participants were inspired and empowered through the initiatives of our local Tourism Academy.

“The programme provided invaluable insights and experience, encouraging many to transform and develop their innovative ideas.

“The programme not only fosters economic growth but also highlights Council’s commitment to nurturing talent and supporting local enterprise.

“Together, we are building a brighter, more prosperous future for all residents.”

“The Tourism Academy has been transformational to our participants with many lacking confidence and direction at the start and with the right support and encouragement they have moved to self-employment or new employment after completion of the training” said Kelli McRoberts, CEO of Carrick Enterprise.

“This cohort proved the value of co-creating training from the ground up, tailored to the local market and shaped around the participants’ goals.

“The level of growth, confidence and connection that emerged from this series is truly inspiring.”

Attendees benefited from hearing from industry role models with speakers including Yvonne McIlree, General Manager of Whitehead Railway Museum and Go Succeed graduate Lucinda Graham, owner of Galgorm Melts.

Both provided a unique insight to commercialisation within the industry underpinned by their love for promoting Northern Ireland to visitors through the service or products they provide.

Graduate Elizabeth Skillen credited Go Succeed for giving her the confidence and direction she needed to start her career in the Tourism Sector.

Speaking about her upskilling experience she said “I learned so much about the different aspects of the tourism industry as well as attaining qualifications in practical skills in first aid and food safety.

“The course gave me the confidence to enrol in a level 3 Tour Guiding course and to consider going self-employed as a tour guide.

“I will explore this further with the help of the Go Succeed series.”

Fellow Graduate Susan Nicholson who had a background as a nutritionist joined the academy to help her bring her accommodation business to market.

She is working alongside her husband to create a number of self-catering properties in Cairncastle, the first of which is a converted stone outbuilding.

Speaking about increasing her knowledge of starting and growing a business she said ‘I had limited knowledge about setting up an accommodation business before commencing the academy.

“Through the knowledge and expertise of speakers, established tourism providers and Carrickfergus Enterprise I have learned about commercialisation opportunities and product bundling, something I was not aware of beforehand.

“I now have a real understanding of accommodation rates and adding value that will allow me to increase my sales potential and business viability.

“My confidence has greatly improved too.”

Launched November 2023, Go Succeed represents a multi-million-pound investment in local entrepreneurs and businesses.

It provides a holistic approach to government support services with a focus on providing a tailored service to suit individual needs in a bid to foster enterprise across the region.

The service supports entrepreneurs, new starts and existing businesses with easy-to-access advice and support including mentoring, masterclasses, peer networks, access to grant funding and a business plan, at every stage of their growth journey.

For more information about the service or to see a list of future events, visit www.go-succeed.com.

The post Budding Entrepreneurs in Mid and East Antrim find out how to ‘Go Succeed’ in business appeared first on Carrickfergus Enterprise.

Established in 1981, the registered Charity was set up to address massive job losses, when around 6000 jobs were lost with the closure of a number of key employers including ICI and Courtaulds.  Carrickfergus Enterprise has been located at their current site since 1994 and over the last thirty one years have developed over four phases of workspace.  The total space now includes thirty nine units, nineteen high tech offices and sixteen secure storage units.  Since then, their mission has remained unchanged, to create opportunities, provide affordable space, and support local people to start and grow their own businesses.

The organisations Board of Directors recognise the importance of continuing to provide space within a supportive and nurturing business environment with Rental and Space one of the Charities strategic themes.  The Social Enterprise has been looking at enhancing their space over the last fifteen years both at sites adjacent to their current site as well as Carrickfergus town centre.  Building costs have quadrupled in that time and feasibility studies carried out on sites at West Street and High Street were deemed not to be financially viable. As a responsible charity, they have to make decisions that balance community benefit with sustainability. Simply put, they cannot deliver uneconomical projects that risk their ability to support businesses long-term.

The development of twelve office pods on the site provides a viable solution to meet continued demand for start up and grow on space. The existing site continues to be 100% occupied with many tenants locating at the site due to flexible and affordable rentals, close proximity to rail and road links, but most importantly, access to timely business support, mentoring and skills development offered by Carrickfergus Enterprise.

The new pods at their fully occupied Meadowbank Road site offer a practical and impactful solution to meet increasing demand for flexible workspace. Market research showed strong local appetite for such space, with over 30 expressions of interest received. The pods will provide bright, modern offices ideal for creatives, freelancers, and small businesses.  They are small in size, suitable for one or two staff to operate from.  All within a supportive environment that includes mentoring, training, and business advice.  Feedback from local business owners included

Rachel Doherty of Inspired Business Consultancy indicated ‘As a business consultant involved in the entrepreneurial and business support ecosystem, I’m heavily involved with start-up, growing, and scaling businesses, and very aware that there is a lack of suitable and affordable commercial properties outside of the Greater Belfast Area with full management support and wrap-around supports, which are crucial to business success’

Ruth Young of Ruthless Media  said ‘An excellent idea! I can’t wait to see this in action!

Perfetto Balloons stated ‘It seems a great opportunity for a startup in a business nurturing environment, with potential growth and future relocation opportunities to bigger premises’.

Carrickfergus Enterprise remain committed to exploring future opportunities within Carrickfergus town centre and across Mid and East Antrim. They are passionate about supporting entrepreneurs, just as they have for over three decades, and they are proud of the role they continue to play in strengthening the local economy.

Kelli McRoberts, CEO of Carrickfergus Enterprise said ‘We have been providing start up and grow on space for entrepreneurs for over 30 years and are frustrated that we have been unable to find suitable town centre develop projects.  However we believe the introduction of space such as the pods at our current site provides that nurturing environment that small business need to get established and grow.  We continue to work with local stakeholders to identify suitable projects, however just as we encourage our small business owners to do so, we ourselves need to ensure any project is financially viable with potential revenue higher than any potential outlay’

If anyone wants to view the plans or express interest in the project, please contact Kelli McRoberts at kelli@ceal.co.uk

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Enterprise NI & our Local Enterprise Agencies are delighted to be delivering the pre-start, start-up and early stage business support!

https://go-succeed.com

#GoSuccceedNI #UKSPF

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