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.

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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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A celebration event, held at the historic Dobbins Inn Hotel, marked a significant milestone for the 11 graduates of the programme with the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Alderman Beth Adger MBE, attending to commend their achievements.

The Tourism Academy, funded by Department for Communities and delivered by Carrickfergus Enterprise, was led by CEO Kelli McRoberts and developed to meet the needs of individuals seeking employment or self-employment in the rapidly expanding tourism industry.

Funded by the Department for Communities, Labour Market Partnerships create targeted employment action plans for council areas, allowing for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work.

The course provided participants with a unique blend of industry-specific qualifications and hands-on experience.

Over a period of six months, attendees took part in 15 diverse sessions that covered a range of tourism and hospitality skills.

These included the WorldHost Principles of Customer Service accreditation, food safety certifications, emergency first aid, and an introduction to Ulster Scots.

Additional training included RYA Powerboat Level 2 and peer-to-peer learning sessions focusing on online storytelling techniques used in the Disney Pixar movie-making process.

“This programme partnership was co-created from the ground up and crafted specifically to meet the unique needs of each participant while keeping the requirements of the local market in mind,” said Ms McRoberts.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to watch this first Tourism Academy cohort grow, and it’s encouraging to see the profound and far-reaching impact that the training and support has made.”

Nearly half of the participants received three certifications each, with three individuals earning four distinct accreditations.

In addition, industry qualifications, participants were introduced to the digital design platform Canva and had the opportunity to engage with successful tourism entrepreneurs through guest lectures.

Notable speakers included Adrian Hack, a WWII tour guide at Lead the Way Tours, Norman McBride of NM Hospitality Training and Erica Lutzman, the owner of The Lighthouse Bistro and The Cove,  who shared their experiences of building successful tourism ventures from passion projects.

The celebrations, attended by Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership representatives, included a certificate presentation by the Mayor.

“Tourism is a vital part of our community and economy, providing employment opportunities and showcasing our rich cultural heritage,” Alderman Adger said.

“Programmes like the Tourism Academy, at a time of labour shortage in the industry, prove essential and instrumental strengthening our sector.”

Tourism Academy graduate Jean Caldwell said the programme gave her the support and skills needed to regain her confidence after being made redundant from a long-term job.

“It helped me recover from the shock of redundancy, rediscover my strengths and realise my purpose,” she said.

“I even applied for a job and completed my first interview in over 16 years – and now I’ve landed a role as an Operations Manager.”

Sophie Bagchus (16), one of the youngest on the programme, said it opened new doors to self-employment and career opportunities.

“I gained new confidence as a result of the Tourism Academy,” she said.

“Not only has it helped me grow personally and also gain a number of qualifications, it has opened my eyes to the possibilities of self-employment and led me to a brand new career opportunity.”

A key feature of the Tourism Academy was its focus on fostering connections among participants, who ranged in age from 16 to 65.

Ms McRoberts highlighted the impact of the Tourism Academy.

“Our goal was not only to provide essential skills but to foster a network that would thrive long after the programme funding ends – and we’re already seeing that happen.”

The post Tourism Academy awards over 50 Training Certifications appeared first on Carrickfergus Enterprise.

From artisanal wax melts to unique jewellery and fine prints, the showcase presented a diverse range of top-quality goods, all crafted by women-owned small businesses in the district. Shoppers and visitors enjoyed a lively atmosphere filled with opportunities to meet the makers, learn about their products and stories behind their labours of love, as well as discover meaningful gifts for the holiday season for their loved ones. Visitors even had the opportunity to watch Local Artist Alison Gardner paint a new original fine artwork live.

Speaking on the occasion, Kelli McRoberts, CEO of Carrickfergus Enterprise said: “I am thrilled that we have realised a long-term dream to give our incredibly talented women a platform and space to share their work with the wider community. The response has been incredible and it has been so heartwarming that so many people came out to support our local businesses and discover the unique stories behind each handcrafted item in such a welcoming environment. It has certainly been a true celebration of Northern Ireland’s entrepreneurial spirit, and a great start to the holiday season ahead. And we are proud to have stood alongside these talented women to provide the resources they need to succeed.”

The event received resounding praise from the funder of the female network, with the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Alderman Beth Adger, MBE noting its impact on the entrepreneurial community. “The Enterprising Women Winter Showcase has been a great opportunity to support our local economy and a firm reminder of the creativity, resilience, and ongoing dedication of our local female entrepreneurs even during these uncertain times. Events like these truly embody our community’s collective strength, fostering a spirit of pride and support for homegrown businesses,” the Mayor added.

Amanda Jones of Midtown Makers, Ballymena Business Centre also expressed her delight: “Our goal has always been to empower local businesses, and female entrepreneurs in particular. And this winter showcase has been exceptional in bringing us all together, and highlighting the true essence of our business community. The showcase is a celebration of entrepreneurship, diversity, and the unique talents from all walks of life within Northern Ireland. We are proud to have partnered with Carrickfergus Enterprise with support from the Tower Centre, Ballymena and funding from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to support these incredible women as they grow their businesses.”

For local artisan Lucinda Graham, founder and owner of Galgorm Melts, the showcase was an invaluable experience. “The event has been absolutely amazing,” she shared. “Having a chance to connect directly with the shoppers and visitors alike, to tell them about the story of why and how I founded my small business, and to hear their excitement for my products, has been wonderful and humbling. Events like this give us an opportunity to not only boost our sales, but the enterprising women ladies and I find events like these very encouraging too. It has been an honour and privilege to showcase my products and to represent the entrepreneurial culture and spirit of Northern Ireland.”

With a mission to uplift local talent and provide meaningful holiday shopping experiences, the Enterprising Women Winter Showcase has left a lasting impression on the community of Ballymena and further afield and it continues the work to highlight the talent, dedication, and impact of brilliant local women and the entrepreneurial essence that lives and grows in the local region.

For more information about Enterprising Women or to find out how to become a part of this support network please visit: https://www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/business/amplify-mid-and-east-antrim/employment-and-skills-support/enterprising-women

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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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