Enterprise Week 2023

6th 6th - 10th - 10th March 2023 

#EW2023 

ALANNAH CAMPBELL 

FOUNDER, OFF YOUR PLATE 

DIGITAL MARKETING & BRANDING

MAYOR’S WELCOME 



6th 6th 6th - 10th - 10th - 10th March March 2023 

2023 

Dear Business Partner, 

Looking ahead to the much-anticipated Derry and Strabane Enterprise Week 2023, I am 

delighted to introduce this year’s theme - ‘Seeds of Change’. 

Derry & Strabane has become an exciting and vibrant location promoting social, cultural 

and enterprise development. The 2023 Enterprise Week theme ‘Seeds of Change’ 

celebrates the diversity of Micro-Businesses and SMEs in the North West that have grown 

with purpose, led by talented and experienced local entrepreneurs focused on driving 

sustainability, digital technology, growth and innovation. 

Seeds of Change will explore the business lifecycle, drawing on the experiences of 

business role models and offering peer networking opportunities, centering on the core 

themes of Innovation and Inclusion. 

You will have the opportunity to hear industry leaders deliver keynote presentations, as 

well as useful panel discussions and local success stories which will inspire and motivate 

you on your business journey. The 2023 programme will offer a broad spectrum of expert 

advice and provide practical sessions led by some of the most successful local industry 

leaders. 

If you have a fantastic business idea that you can’t wait to get off the ground, or you’re 

taking the first steps in your business venture, or perhaps you’re an established business 

looking for some new ideas – this specially tailored programme will provide bespoke 

advice and information to meet all your business needs. 

I wish you every success in your entrepreneurial journey and look forward to seeing you 

at Enterprise Week 2023. 

Yours truly, 

Councillor Sandra Duffy 

Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council 

2

EVENT SCHEDULE 

DATE / TIME EVENT VENUE REGISTRATION DETAILS 

MONDAY 06 MARCH 

9.30am - 3pm MEET THE BUYER ALLEY THEATRE, STRABANE 

5.30pm - 8pm SOCIAL MEDIA SUPPER 21 TRAINING, STRABANE 

TUESDAY 07 MARCH 

9.30am - 10.30am 

10am - 1pm 

2pm - 4.30pm 

WEDNESDAY 08 MARCH 

8.30am - 10am 

9.30am - 4.30pm 

THURSDAY 09 MARCH 

LET’S MAKE IT TECH COMPETITION 

YOUNG ENTERPRISE NI 

THE FUNDING GAME: ACCESSING 

BUSINESS FINANCE 

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE - 

BE THE CHANGE 

STRABANE BUSINESS BREAKFAST - 

NWRC BUSINESS SUPPORT CENTRE 

START UP LAUNCH PAD 

NORTHWEST PITCH COMPETITION 

ONLINE ON DEMAND 

THE GUILDHALL, MAIN HALL, 

DERRY-LONDONDERRY 



THE ALLEY THEATRE, STRABANE 

FOYLE THEATRE, NWRC, STRAND ROAD, 


Register online at 

derrystrabane.com/enterpriseweek 



Contact YENI 









9.30am - 3pm 

CATALYST, GENERATION INNOVATION 



Contact Catalyst 

10am - 4pm 

BUSINESS SUPPORT DROP-IN CLINIC 

FOR PRE-START AND START-UP 

BUSINESSES 

STRABANE ENTERPRISE AGENCY, 

ORCHARD ROAD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, 

STRABANE 

No registration required 

10.30am - 

12.30pm 

LABOUR RELATIONS AGENCY, 

THE EMPLOYMENT LIFECYLE 

3rd FLOOR, RICHMOND CHAMBER, 

THE DIAMOND, DERRY-LONDONDERRY 



12.15pm - 2pm 

LONDONDERRY CHAMBER PRESIDENT’S 

LUNCH, CELEBRATING INNOVATION 

CITY HOTEL, DERRY-LONDONDERRY 



FRIDAY 10 MARCH 

10.30am - 1.30pm 

A CELEBRATION OF INNOVATION, 

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION 

THE EVERGLADES HOTEL, 




ON DEMAND 

AVAILABLE FROM 

06 MARCH 

WOMEN IN ENTERPRISE, SUCCESSFUL 

GRANT APPLICATIONS 





06 MARCH 

WOMEN IN ENTERPRISE, BUILDING 

UNSTOPPABLE CONFIDENCE 





06 MARCH 


RECRUITMENT & SELECTION - 

ATTRACTING TALENT 





06 MARCH 


HYBRID WORKING 




HEADLINE EVENT 

3

9.30am - 3pm 

THE ALLEY THEATRE, STRABANE 

DERRY & STRABANE 

MEET THE BUYER 2023 


Opening this year’s Enterprise Week, Derry City & Strabane District Council are delighted 

to announce the return of the popular ‘Meet the Buyer’ event. This event will offer small 

and medium enterprises the opportunity to increase sales; network and establish 

connections with large public and private sector organisations with good buying capacity. 

WHY ATTEND? 

This event will provide a platform and great opportunity for SMEs to showcase their 

products and services to organisations. Small and medium sized enterprises wishing to 

take part as a Supplier in a series of pre-arranged 1-2-1 meetings, must pre-register via the 

details provided below. 

BUYERS ALREADY CONFIRMED TO DATE: 

Arolco Engineering; Atlantic Technological University Letterkenny; Bishop’s Gate Hotel; 

Causeway Coast & Glens Council; City of Derry Airport; Coca-Cola; Da Vinci’s Hotel; 

Donegal County Council; Derry City & Strabane District Council; Frylite; Hastings Hotel 

Group; Houston Engineering; Health and Social Care Northern Ireland; KES Group; MFC 

Sports; Millennium Form; Northern Ireland Water; North West Regional College; Rutledge; 

Seagate; Translink; Ulster University and Visit Derry. 

PREPARING FOR THE EVENT 

To help you get the most from this key event as a supplier, Council is delighted 

to announce the launch of the ‘Sales Accelerator Programme’. This dynamic new 

programme will provide 50 new Business Innovation and Growth (BIG) clients with two 

days of 1:1 mentoring and access to three special sales-oriented workshops. Businesses 

can also avail of pitching workshops to hone their ‘Elevator Pitch’ in advance of this 

unmissable event. 

Meet the Buyer meetings are scheduled according to buyer and supplier profiles. 

Pre-registration is essential and will close on 17 February 2023. To register your 

interest visit: www.derrystrabane.com/enterpriseweek 

4

5.30pm - 8pm 

21 TRAINING, STRABANE 

SOCIAL MEDIA SUPPER 


Helping business owners to grow their business online and stop wasting time on social 

media with Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. This event offers a great opportunity to 

learn how social median management can deliver business growth, sales, and customer 

loyalty. Participants will explore effective use of social media platforms for business; 

digital marketing strategy; and best practice to find the right audience online. 

Hayley Quinnell, Founder of Digi Media Management, helps businesses to grow their 

brand and increase their reach for potential and existing customers online. Hayley will 

use her vast experience in helping businesses market their business online, creating 

social media strategies and utilising social media tools to improve businesses’ ROI 

through their social media efforts. 

This workshop will start with networking and light bites. 

Click here to attend 

in partnership 

with Strabane BID 

9.30am - 10.30am 

ONLINE 


LET’S MAKE IT TECH COMPETITION 

YOUNG ENTERPRISE NI 

YENI invites pupils from Primary 6 and 7 classes within the Derry City and Strabane 

District Council Area to participate in a unique classroom challenge. Pupils will have the 

opportunity to transform an ordinary everyday item into a digital technology product, 

impressing a panel of local entrepreneurs who will serve as judges for the competition. 

WHO CAN APPLY? 

This will be open to all Primary 6 and 7 classes within the Derry City and Strabane District 

Council Area. 

HOW TO APPLY 

Registration details will be sent to all schools within the District. For further information 

email Sharon.barrett@yeni.co.uk 

5

10am - 1pm 

THE GUILDHALL, DERRY-LONDONDERRY 


THE FUNDING GAME: ACCESSING 

BUSINESS FINANCE 

Join industry experts who will equip you with knowledge and confidence to navigate 

the financial landscape to support your venture. With advice on funding models and 

potential opportunities, including Commercial Debt and Equity Funding, Business 

Support Grants, Angel Investors, as well as new ways to overcome financial hurdles, you 

will receive a wide range of support to boost your business. 

MC: JOHN FERRIS, REGIONAL ECO-SYSTEM MANAGER, ULSTER BANK 

KEYNOTE: THE FUNDING ECO-SYSTEM IN NI 

SUSAN McKANE, SENIOR MANAGER NI, BRITISH BUSINESS BANK 

Susan will set the scene by providing an NI economic overview 

of support for SMEs and provide an outlook of all the necessary 

economic factors when taking the next steps in your business 

development journey. 

PANEL DISCUSSIONS with: 

COLIN GORMAN 

CEO, PNEUMA 

HEALTHCARE 

SUSAN KELLY 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE 

OFFICER AT 

RESPIRATORY 

ANALYTICS - AFLO 

PATRICIA KELPIE 

CO-FOUNDER/CEO, 

STAR 3 GROUP LTD 

JIM NASH 

CO-FOUNDER, 

WILD ATLANTIC 

DISTILLERY 

STEPHEN TOLAND 

FOUNDER, SOCIAL 

SCRIPT 

SHARON SMYTH 

LENDING MANAGER, 

NI START UP LOAN 

FUND 

NETWORKING CLINIC & OPPORTUNITIES with: 

WHY ATTEND? 

• Learn how to apply for grant funding, commercial credit finance and equity finance 

• Private Face to Face meetings available on the day 

• Build knowledge and confidence of the financial landscape 

• Participate in Q&A with panel of experts 

• Networking opportunities 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? 

This event has been designed to support business at all stages of development from start up through to growth, 

innovation and diversification. 

6

2pm - 4.30pm 

THE GUILDHALL, DERRY-LONDONDERRY 

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE - BE THE CHANGE 


Social Enterprises in the UK contribute £60 billion to the economy, employing around 

two million people. Social Enterprises offer a different approach to business, one that 

prioritises both people and the planet. This event celebrates the power and impact of our 

social enterprise economy and provides an understanding of the benefits of creating an 

economy with social value at its heart, delivering real change within local communities. 

MC: BRIAN O’NEILL, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT & ENTERPRISE, ENTERPRISE NW 

KEYNOTE: MADLUG’S JOURNEY TO 100,000! 

DAVE LINTON, FOUNDER, MADLUG 

Dave will present how Madlug linked a community interest company and a 

registered charity around one central purpose. Both committed to the same 

mission with different roles. Hear how Madlug are ‘Making a Difference’ by 

giving 100,000 pack away travel bags to children in care across the UK and 

Ireland by April 2024. 

KEYNOTE: MAKING PROFIT FOR SOCIAL CHANGE 

NIGEL HAMPTON, incredABLE 

Nigel will present how incredABLE has grown from one small project 

working with a group of 20 adults to what they are today, a charity with 

over 80 employees. incredABLE delivers quality projects and services 

to over 600 individuals every year with an annual turnover of 

approximately £2 million. 

PRESENTATIONS and PANEL DISCUSSIONS from: 

COLIN JESS, 

CEO, SOCIAL 

ENTERPRISE NI 

TRISHNA NATH, 

PORTFOLIO LEAD, 

UNLTD 

CATH McBRIDE 

DIRECTOR, 

IN YOUR SPACE 

URSULA DOHERTY 

MANAGER, STRABANE 

COMMUNITY PROJECT 

WHY ATTEND? 

This event will inspire anyone who is interested in finding out more about Social Enterprise as a potential 

business model, as well as established Social Enterprises and charities seeking to achieve their growth goals. 

Industry experts will provide information on current and future support. Learn how to develop, grow and 

sustain your organisation, opportunities relating to grant funding and information on alternative finance. 

7

4pm - 5pm 

ONLINE 


SUSTAINABILITY FOR START-UPS 

PRESENTER: CARL SOUTHWELL 

Join this session with Carl, founder of Start-up Street to support your learning and 

understand the opportunities you have around the significance of changes required on 

how we do business to impact climate change. This will be an essential part of all start 

strategy in the future, including: 

• 3 Quick wins to boost sustainability 

• Understand the 3 pillars of Sustainability for your start-up 

Carl has supported startups, colleges, and universities to improve their entrepreneurial 

skills and mindset for over 10 years. More recently, he has been focusing on sustainability, 

and social impact support as this becomes more critical for start-ups and their customers. 

Available from Monday 6th March. Click here to register 

8

8.30am - 10am 

ALLEY THEATRE, STRABANE 


STRABANE BUSINESS BREAKFAST 

NWRC BUSINESS SUPPORT CENTRE 

North West Regional College’s Business Support Centre invites you to a FREE Business 

Breakfast in partnership with Enterprise Week 2023. Whether you are an entrepreneur, or 

running a large company, there are a range of FREE support programmes that can help 

your business grow. 

With Invest NI Innovation Vouchers worth up to £5k, 60 hours of funded support through 

the Department for the Economy’s (DfE) InnovateUs and the DfE Skills Focus upskilling 

programme for employees, this event will set you on the right pathway to support from 

NWRC’s Business Support Team. 

We will also offer a FREE SKILLS NEEDS ANALYSIS for attendees - please allow some 

extra time for this exercise if you wish to avail of it. 

Places are limited, so reserve your place today. 

WHY ATTEND? 

This event is aimed at all entrepreneurs and businesses who wish to find out more about 

the range of FREE support programmes to assist with business growth. 


9

9.30am - 4.30pm 

FOYLE THEATRE, NWRC, DERRY-LONDONDERRY 

START UP LAUNCH PAD: 

SUCCESS SHOWCASE 


Start-ups will have the perfect opportunity to pitch their ideas to industry experts, high 

profile media, and creatives from across NI. Successful start-ups from across the North 

West will set the scene by sharing their personal success stories, revealing how they 

realised their ambitions and developed the mindset needed to progress their ideas. 

Speakers will provide information on the current opportunities to harness the vast 

knowledge, services and expertise available within the sector to ensure your start-up 

business has the best possible chance of success. 

MC: JENNIFER McKEEVER, CURRENTLY A VISITING PROFESSOR OF ULSTER UNIVERSITY & 

CHAIR OF THE NORTH WEST REGIONAL COLLEGE 

KEYNOTE: CHALLENGE CURVE GLOBAL 

SUCCESS IN THE NORTH WEST 

PAUL NELIS, DIRECTOR, CHALLENGECURVE 

Paul shares his passion for digital innovation and reveals how Challenge Curve have 

realised their global ambitions to succeed from their headquarters in the North West. 

Click here to attend morning event 

START UP LAUNCH PAD: NORTH WEST PITCH 

COMPETITION 

Shortlisted start-up founders will pitch to win their share of the £15k prize fund. Come 

along and vote for your favourite pitch. The competition comprises an open Seed Funding 

Competition, and a closed Strabane BID competition. In addition, four special category 

awards: Social Impact; Youth Entrepreneurship; Student Entrepreneur; and the Welcome 

Home will recognise entrepreneurial spirit in the North West. 

WHY ATTEND? 

This is an unmissable event for budding entrepreneurs, students and all those with an 

innovative idea. The audience will also have a chance to vote for the winning pitch, come 

along and support our start-ups to succeed. 

Cliick here to attend Pitch Competition 

Supported by: 

Find out more at: www.derrystrabane.com/launchpadNW 

10

9.30am - 3pm 

GUILDHALL, DERRY-LONDONDERRY 


GENERATION INNOVATION YOUTH EVENT 

A one-day, fully immersive design thinking experience for groups of students aged 

16-18-years-old (5th years to upper 6th years). Catalyst will take the students on a design 

thinking journey that will lead them from identifying a problem, working through several 

stages to iterate and design a prototype/solution, all in one day. 

On this journey, students will learn important skills at each stage, including usercentered 

design, working in a team and critical thinking. The impact day will also help 

foster soft skills such as empathy, emotional intelligence, and resilience. During the 

design sprint, there will be creative icebreakers and fun games to stimulate ideas and 

keep the energy alive. 

Catalyst will finish the day with a visit from a number of our partner companies who will 

demonstrate some innovative technology and share their own start-up journey. Students 

will become part of the Generation Innovation community and will be given branded 

merchandise to remember the experience alongside resources to continue their journey. 

For more information contact Catalyst 

Supported by: 

11

10am - 4pm 

STRABANE ENTERPRISE AGENCY, STRABANE 


BUSINESS SUPPORT DROP IN 

CLINIC FOR PRE-START & START UP 

BUSINESSES 

Strabane Enterprise Agency will open its doors to offer a day long business support 

drop in clinic. No appointment is necessary, and experienced advisors will be on hand 

throughout the day for one-to-one meetings to discuss the array of support available for 

pre-start and start-up businesses. 

For more information contact Strabane Enterprise Agency 

10.30am - 12.30pm 



THE EMPLOYMENT LIFECYCLE 

Let the Labour Relations Agency take you through the key stages of the employment 

lifecycle and find out how they can support you on your journey as an employer. 

Whether you are a new business owner or an existing business seeking new ideas and 

approaches guaranteed to boost your performance, this session will equip you with the 

knowledge you need. 


12

12.15pm - 2pm 

CITY HOTEL, DERRY-LONDONDERRY 


LONDONDERRY CHAMBER 

PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL LUNCH - 

CELEBRATING INNOVATION 

Attracting an audience of 200 guests comprising of representatives from the business, 

political, educational, and civic life of the region, this event is a key event in the North 

West business calendar. President, Selina Horshi, has chosen the theme of Celebrating 

Innovation for her year and in particular this first major event of her tenure. 

The event is kindly sponsored by AIB Merchant Services and Selina’s chosen charity this 

year is La Dolce Vita Project. 

Over many decades, business in Derry has demonstrated amazing tenacity and 

assuredness in bringing growth and prosperity to the region no matter what external 

pressures prevail. Chamber’s vision is to be at the heart of a creative, innovative, 

competitive and confident region to shine a spotlight on the successes of members and 

celebrate our innovators, in order to both inspire other local businesses and to showcase 

the North West to potential investors. 

We are honoured to welcome keynote speaker, Liam Maguire, Pro Vice Chancellor - 

Research at Ulster University and MC Jeananne Craig. 

For more information contact Londonderry Chamber of Commerce 

13

10.30am - 1.30pm 

FRIDAY 10 MARCH 

THE EVERGLADES HOTEL, DERRY-LONDONDERRY 

KEYNOTE: A CELEBRATION OF 

INNOVATION, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION 

JUDE MORROW, NEURODIVERSITY TRAINING INTERNATIONAL 

Derry City & Strabane District Council, in collaboration with our partners, will host a oneof-a-kind 

event this year celebrating Innovation, Diversity, and Inclusion. This event aims 

to shine a light on inspirational business leaders who have planted the seeds of change in 

society through innovation and entrepreneurship. 

The event will include a key note address from Jude Morrow as he shares how 

entrepreneurial spirit propelled his international success. Jude will host two panel 

discussions highlighting funded support for businesses to become more accessible and 

inclusive for all. The second discussion will feature guest speakers Gary Rutherford and 

Kate Mitchell sharing their story of entrepreneurship and innovation driving change in 

our society. 

PANEL DISCUSSIONS with: 

GARY 

RUTHERFORD 

DIRECTOR, ARC 

FITNESS 

KATE MITCHELL 

CIRCUS EDUCATION 

DIRECTOR, IN YOUR 

SPACE 


Supported by: 

14

ONLINE EVENTS 

EW2023 ON DEMAND 

SUCCESSFUL GRANT APPLICATIONS 

PRESENTER: BRENDA PLUMMER 

Brenda is a committee member for Women in Enterprise and a skilled grant writing 

consultant with a particular focus on small businesses and has a proven 

track record of securing funding for her clients. The presentation will offer advice on: 

• What is a grant? 

• What types of grants are available? 

• Where can you find grant opportunity announcements? 

• Completing and submitting your application - the DOs and DON’Ts 

• Managing your grant award successfully 


BUILDING UNSTOPPABLE CONFIDENCE 

PRESENTER: CATRIONA JONES 

This webinar is presented by Catriona Jones an International Author, Female 

Empowerment Coach and Motivational Speaker. Whether you are presenting a business 

plan, meeting a prospective client or simply doing your elevator pitch, exhibiting 

confidence is a necessary and obtainable skill towards success. 

This presentation will: 

• Explore the impact of confidence on communication 

• Give tips and advice to build personal confidence 

• Offer a valuable toolkit to support personal growth 

• Inspire confidence and prosperity 


15

ONLINE EVENTS 

EW2023 ON DEMAND 

RECRUITMENT & SELECTION - 

ATTRACTING TALENT 

PRESENTED BY LABOUR RELATIONS AGENCY 

This session provides an overview of recruiting staff for your business. Participants will 

gain the following to assist in recruiting and retaining the best talent; 

• an understanding of the legal implications of the recruitment and selection process 

• an awareness of the Codes of Practice 

• Best Practice examples of attracting talent 


HYBRID WORKING 

PRESENTED BY LABOUR RELATIONS AGENCY 

Working environments have fundamentally changed post COVID-19. This session aims to 

cover the key concerns for Employers in facilitating and managing staff remotely. 

This webinar provides an overview to employers considering introducing hybrid working 

in their organisation. It complements the Labour Relations Agency ‘Practical Guide to 

Hybrid Working’, available to view or download free from our website. 


16

THE FUNDING GAME 

SPEAKER & PANELLIST 

BIOS 

JOHN FERRIS 

John launched a wifi 

software technology startup 

in 2013, which was 

used in restaurants, cafés, 

hotels, stadia and vehicles 

around the world. John 

joined Entrepreneurial 

Spark in 2015 to help 

support ambitious start-ups 

throughout Ireland. The 

social enterprise was bought 

over by NatWest, RBS and 

Ulster Bank in 2018. Since 

joining the team John has 

worked to support 7000+ 

startups across the country. 

Those businesses have 

raised £35m+ in investment 

and created more than 1000 

jobs. 

SUSAN McKANE 

Susan is highly respected 

across NI’s financial 

ecosystem and has 

extensive experience 

working in the banking 

sector within NI. She is 

passionate about supporting 

entrepreneurs and helping 

smaller businesses grow 

and develop. As part of 

the UK Network team, 

Susan’s remit includes 

working with local finance 

markets to shape the British 

Business Bank’s support for 

smaller businesses to grow 

and prosper and inform 

government policy. 

FERGAL TUFFY 

Fergal is Business Support 

Centre (BSC) Manager at 

the North West Regional 

College (NWRC), managing 

a team of 25 staff in 

industry-focused projects. 

This includes programmes 

such as Knowledge Transfer 

Partnerships (KTP), Invest 

NI Innovation Vouchers, 

and the Department for the 

Economy’s (DfE) InnovateUs 

Programme as well as DfE 

Skills Focus, Skill Up and 

Assured Skills programmes. 

The NWRC has Innovation 

Centres of Foodovation, 

Product Design Centre (PDC), 

XR Hub for augmented 

and virtual reality and the 

soon to open Industry 4.0 

Centre. The BSC assists 

business to tap into funding 

programmes to undertake 

innovation, upskilling and 

training. 

KATHLEEN GARRETT 

Kathleen manages Techstart 

Ventures’ £4.5 million Proof 

of Concept Grant Fund, 

working with and supporting 

local entrepreneurs and 

early-stage businesses 

throughout Northern Ireland. 

Prior to joining Techstart 

Ventures, Kathleen worked 

for a London-based Venture 

Capital & Fund Management 

Company. She is passionate 

about connecting people, 

ideas and technology. 

STEPHEN TOLAND 

Stephen is a community 

pharmacist with 15 years’ 

experience in the sector and 

holds a Masters in Pharmacy 

(Queens University). 

Stephen is the co-founder of 

Socialscript, a health-tech 

startup aiming to improve 

health and wellbeing 

through innovation. Stephen 

is currently navigating 

the financial landscape 

as a start up founder and 

will share insights into his 

experiences. 

PATRICIA KELPIE 

Patricia is Co-founder of Star 

3 Group Ltd and winner of 

both a Catalyst Co-Founder 

£10K Grant in 2021 and 

Techstart £35K Concept Plus 

Grant in 2022. Originally a 

marketing executive from 

New York, Patricia has 

invented an educational tool 

to help learning disabled 

and Autistic children, and 

believes the entrepreneurial 

ecosystem in Northern 

Ireland is ripe with 

opportunity. 

JIM NASH 

Jim is Co-founder of 

Wild Atlantic Distillery 

with brother in law and 

longstanding friend Brian. 

Both are passionate about 

maintaining the long history 

of independent, traditional 

and craft distilleries in 

Ireland. Jim will share his 

first hand experience of 

funding the distillery from 

start-up to scaling, including 

grants, angel investments 

and their recent success 

with Crowdcube. 

COLIN GORMAN 

Dr Colin Gorman is a Clinical 

Psychologist, lecturer at 

Ulster University, founder 

and CEO of Pneuma 

Healthcare, with 25 years’ 

experience in mental health 

services, in roles within 

the NHS, prison service, 

C&V sector. A member of a 

steering group supporting 

individuals impacted by the 

Northern Ireland Troubles, 

he has published on a 

range of topics including 

Dementia Caregiving, Breast 

Cancer Checking Behaviour 

and Step 2 mental health 

services in NI. 

CLARE McGEE 

Clare is a Proud #Derrygirl 

and Co-founder of Innovate- 

NI and AwakenHub. A 

management consultant 

and mentor with 20 years 

experience working with 

pre-start, start-up and 

businesses with high growth 

potential. Clare is past 

recipient of Digital DNA’s 

‘Northern Ireland Business 

Personality of Year Award’; 

recognising her outstanding 

track record, approach to 

innovation, dedication 

to developing talent and 

contribution to the local 

economy. 

SUSAN KELLY 

Susan Kelly is Chief 

Executive Officer at 

Respiratory Analytics - Aflo 

which uses AI, sensors and 

hyper-personalised data 

to control life-threatening 

symptoms for people with 

asthma, COPD and cystic 

fibrosis. Aflo aims to 

improve the management 

of respiratory conditions 

for patients and clinicians, 

saving lives, reducing costs 

and improving outcomes. 

SHANE O’HANLON 

Shane joined 

InterTradeIreland in 2018 

as Manager of the Funding 

for Growth team. He and 

his team assist early stage 

businesses secure equity 

investment through a suite 

of supports and events 

including Equity Advisory 

Clinics, the Seedcorn 

Investor Readiness 

competition & the annual 

InterTradeIreland Venture 

Capital Conference. Shane 

has extensive experience 

of helping fund growing 

businesses having spent 15+ 

years in a range of business 

support roles within AIB and 

Ulster Bank. 

SHARON SMYTH 

Sharon, a native of 

Castlederg, is currently 

engaged as a Lending 

Manager with the NI Start 

Up Loan Fund. Sharon’s 

background is Banking. 

She availed of early 

retirement from her role as a 

Relationship Credit Manger 

some 10 years ago, before 

opening her own Business 

& Financial Consultancy 

Business. Sharon is an 

Associate Business 

Mentor for Enterprise NI 

and delivers the ‘Go for 

It programme for several 

Agencies throughout NI. 

She has a keen interest in 

Agriculture and currently 

serves as a Business Mentor 

for Rural Support. Sharon 

has also spent 6 years 

as Non-Executive Board 

Member of AFBI . 

17

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE 


BIOS 

BRIAN O’NEILL 

Brian is the Director of 

Development and Enterprise 

at Enterprise North West, 

a leading enterprise 

agency that specialises in 

business support, economic 

development and social 

enterprise development in 

the North West of Ireland. 

Brian is actively involved in 

the economic development 

agenda across the North 

West and has held a number 

of strategic positions within 

local, regional and national 

bodies and organisations. 

DAVE LINTON 

Dave a social entrepreneur, 

innovator and founder of 

the award-winning Madlug 

C.I.C which won the Social 

Enterprise UK Consumer 

award in 2018. In 2019 Dave 

went on to win the prestige 

titles of GBEA Entrepreneur 

of the year for Northern 

Ireland and Entrepreneur 

for Good for the UK. Dave 

is extremely passionate 

about influencing a new 

young generation of social 

entrepreneurs. 

NIGEL HAMPTON 

Nigel is Chief Executive 

of incredABLE and board 

member of several charitable 

organisations. Under Nigel’s 

leadership they have grown 

from a small project to a 

charity of 80 employees, 

delivering projects to over 

600 individuals every year 

with an annual turnover of 

approximately £2million. 

COLIN JESS 

Colin is a former Council 

Member of NI Chamber of 

Commerce and in December 

2020 was appointed to the 

reconstituted Procurement 

Board by the Minister of 

Finance to represent the 

social enterprise sector. 

He is passionate about the 

benefits of social value in 

procurement. Colin also 

sits on the High Street 

Taskforce Forum as well as 

the Belfast City Councils, 

Growing the Economy & City 

Development Board. He is 

a member of The Resurgam 

Trust Advisory Panel and 

is formerly Chair of the 

Finance and Governance 

Committee of Women in 

Business. 

TRISHNA NATH 

Trishna works within 

UnLtd investment team as 

Portfolio Lead, responsible 

for portfolio management 

of the organisation’s 

existing ventures as well 

as building pre and post 

investment support for 

the recently launched 

Growth Impact Fund. Prior 

to joining UnLtd, she was 

investment manager on 

the Nesta, Arts and Culture 

Finance team responsible 

for business development 

and outreach, overseeing 

the due diligence processes, 

developing proposals for 

large, complex deals and 

overall management of the 

investment portfolio. 

CATH McBRIDE 

Cath is the Company 

Director for In Your Space 

Circus (IYSC), the North 

West’s leading Circus School 

and Street Theatre Company. 

The Company has grown 

significantly and current 

annual programming 

includes leading roles in 

Derry’s major civic events 

(Derry Halloween, Spring 

Carnival and Maritime 

Festival); producing work 

for NI wide events; and 

delivery of the Company’s 

own annual headline event, 

Carnival of Colours. Cath 

has significantly developed 

the work of IYSC’s Circus 

School which works with 

children from the age of 4 to 

adult, providing structured 

programmes. 

URSULA DOHERTY 

Ursula is the Manager of the 

Strabane Community Project 

which operates the Grass 

Roots Café and Food Market 

located in Strabane Town 

Centre. The project also 

offers training opportunities 

and cooking workshops for 

people in the local area. 

INNOVATION, DIVERSITY 

AND INCLUSION 


BIOS 



JUDE MORROW 

Jude is an autistic bestselling 

author, entrepreneur, 

philanthropist from 

Derry, Northern Ireland. 

Jude travels the world to 

showcase through his talks 

that autistic children can 

grow up to live happy and 

successful lives. Jude is the 

founder of Neurodiversity 

Training International, the 

world’s premier autistic-led 

training and consultancy 

firm to global non-profits 

and Fortune 500 companies. 

Jude is also a 2-time TedX 

speaker and nurtures 

parents and teachers. 

GARY RUTHERFORD 

Gary is a registered 

mental health nurse 

professional, and Director 

of ARC Fitness a nonprofit 

addiction recovery 

organisation, that supports 

individuals and families 

impacted by substance use 

through physical activity, 

professional support, and reconnection 

with community. 

ARC Fitness is the only 

UK based organisation 

to use physical activity 

as a treatment option for 

addiction recovery. His work 

has been recognised by the 

Royal College of Nursing, 

awarding him ‘RCN Nurse of 

the Year’ 2022. 

KATE MITCHELL 

Kate is the Circus Education 

Director with In Your Space 

Circus. Kate first ran away 

with the circus in 2013 when 

she began training aerial 

silks and hula hoops in Cork 

and has gone on to become 

a performer, tutor and now 

Circus Education Director at 

IYSC! Kate graduated from 

University College Cork in 

2019 with BA in youth and 

community. Her passion is 

delivering circus to as many 

people as possible through 

classes and performance. 



18

PITCH COMPETITION 

JUDGING PANEL 

JENNIFER McKEEVER 

Jennifer was a founding 

Director of the Airporter 

coach service, connecting 

Derry/Londonderry to the 

Belfast airports, from 1996 

until it was acquired by First 

Group plc in 2022. During 

that time, Airporter carried 

over 2 million passengers, 

travelling for work, leisure 

and study. She served as 

a Board member of the 

Londonderry Chamber of 

Commerce from 2013 until 

2022 and as President in 

2018. She is currently a 

Visiting Professor of Ulster 

University and the Chair 

of the North West Regional 

College. 

PAUL NELIS 

Paul is Co-founder of 

Challenge Curve and is 

a hands on practitioner, 

advising and helping clients 

deliver their businesscritical 

applications. 

Paul has over 30 years’ 

experience of the IT 

sector, having worked as 

a developer, application 

architect and in sales. Paul 

has worked for clients 

in Europe, the USA and 

Australia. He has a passion 

for innovation and delivery 

and is currently focussed 

on helping ChallengeCurve 

become the #1 QA and 

Testing consultancy. 

ANNA DOHERTY 

Anna was appointed Chief 

Executive of Londonderry 

Chamber in March 2022. 

Prior to this, Anna held 

various roles with British 

American Business and 

the American Chamber in 

London. Prior to 2013 Anna 

ran her own food business 

producing delicious readymade 

cooking sauces for 

sale throughout Donegal and 

owned and ran the awardwinning 

Rusty Nail Pub and 

Restaurant in Clonmany 

with her husband. 

ANDY SHEEN 

Andy is Managing Director 

at Wurkhouse, a creative 

digital agency based in 

Derry, Northern Ireland. 

Andy first set up his own 

graphic design business in 

2007 in England, followed by 

a move to Northern Ireland. 

Now leading a team of 18, 

Andy has built a vibrant 

agency with a passionate 

global team with hybrid 

working from Brazil, Mexico, 

Czech Republic, England, 

Ireland and, of course, 

Northern Ireland. Andy 

is also a member of the 

Entrepreneurs’ Organisation 

Ireland and volunteers at 

the Sion Mills Buildings 

Preservation Trust to help 

protect the local heritage. 

PETER McDERMOTT 

Peter is Managing Director 

of Pat Kirk Motors and Board 

member of the Strabane 

Business Improvement 

District. Peter was 

responsible for expanding 

the family business into 

Omagh, building a stateof-the-art 

multi-franchise 

showroom. Growing from 

strength to strength, Pat 

Kirk Ltd currently have 

two locations (Omagh and 

Strabane) and employee over 

50 people. 

EMILY McCORKELL 

Emily McCorkell is the 

founder of LegenDerry street 

food business Lo & Slo and 

currently serves as the Chair 

of the Legenderry Food 

Network. A Philadelphia 

native Emily was inspired 

to experiment with family 

recipes creating two original, 

award-winning sauces. A 

previous runner up of the 

Start Up Pitch competition, 

Emily’s strength and passion 

has propelled her business 

growth. This spring marks 

another expansion of the 

Lo & Slo range with the 

introduction of the Urban 

Foraging tour experience 

and 5 new products adding 

to the food trucks delicious 

locally sourced offering. 

ON DEMAND EVENTS 

DELIVERED BY: 

BRENDA PLUMMER 

Brenda is a committee 

member for Women in 

Enterprise and holds 

a Master’s in Business 

Administration and a 

BSc in Business and 

Marketing. With over 20 

years of experience in the 

education sector, Brenda 

has a proven track record 

of effectively managing 

the finances of both public 

and charity grants. She 

is a skilled grant writing 

consultant, particularly for 

small businesses, and has a 

history of securing funding 

for her clients. 

CATRIONA JONES 

Catriona Jones is an 

international author, coach, 

motivational speaker, and 

runs a successful coaching 

academy in Derry. With 

her extensive experience 

as a life coach, intuitive 

healer, and teacher, 

Catriona has created a 

comprehensive approach 

to help individuals tap into 

their power and achieve 

their goals in life. Through 

her self-development book 

“Bloom Girl,” she promotes 

mindfulness, connection 

with nature, and spiritual 

growth. 

CHRIS BEAN 

Chris is Co-founder of 

ChallengeCurve, overseeing 

the financial and operations 

side of the business since 

its inception in 2015. Chris is 

an IT practitioner who has 

led many software projects 

across industries including 

finance, oil & gas, retail, 

travel & leisure through 

to smart cities. Chris 

has significant FinTech 

experience and has worked 

on several banking startups, 

supporting the early 

stages of regulatory licence 

application, mobilisation 

and launch. 





19

6th 6th - 10th - 10th March 2023 



Enterprise Week 2023 is brought to you by Derry City and Strabane District Council in collaboration with a 

strong network of enterprise support partners. 

Catch up with Enterprise 2023 content after the event at 

www.derrystrabane.com/enterpriseweek

Enterprise Week 2023

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