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Masos Wine Nights

Posted on by tasmin abh

David Mason's Entrepreneurial Journey with Ards Business Hub

David Mason embarked on his entrepreneurial journey in June 2023, venturing into the world of wine events and curated tastings. Reflecting on his journey so far, David notes, “My first event was in June 2023 and the business has generally got busier throughout the year. The months I expected to be quieter have been but not to the extent I anticipated.”

 

Motivated by a desire to secure his financial future after experiencing the unexpected closure of his previous workplace, David shares, “The closure was unanticipated and with no money for redundancy made me realize my position was vulnerable and over-reliant on others.” Drawing from his 30 years of experience in hospitality, David identified an opportunity to blend his expertise with his passion for wine, creating a unique offering for the market.

 

David’s services range from ticketed wine events to intimate private tastings, catering to both individuals and corporate clients seeking innovative networking experiences. “I offer wine events and curated private tastings. These events can range from intimate private tastings at home, to large corporate events that will provide a unique experience to guests,” he explains.

 

In David’s entrepreneurial journey, the support received from Ards Business Hub played a pivotal role. “Go Succeed has been a tremendous help,” David emphasises. “Just having someone outside your own circle look at your idea and affirming its potential, was truly an amazing experience for me.” He highlights the mentorship, training, and credibility gained through the platform, particularly during presentations to corporate clients.

 

Reflecting on his experience, David offers valuable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs. “Talk to Go Succeed as soon as possible,” he urges. “Take everything offered and have a vision of how you want the business to work for you.”

 

David cherishes the unique opportunities presented by operating in the Ards and North Down area. “The best thing about running a business in Ards & North Down is the scope,” he enthuses. “We have major towns and a new city in the borough, offering diverse locations and seasonal advantages.”

 

Despite his successes, David acknowledges ongoing challenges typical of any business. “Current challenges are the same as any business,” he admits. “Getting the word out there about the offering, cash flow from corporate clients, and trying to make each event feel unique and special for the guests.”

 

Looking to the future, David remains open to further support and networking opportunities. “I look forward to attending the seminars and networking events,” he affirms. “It is great to have a hub where I can meet other new business owners and learn from each other.”

David’s journey epitomises the spirit of entrepreneurship, fuelled by passion, resilience, and unwavering support from Ards Business Hub.

 

You can find out more about Masos Wine Nights here.

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Business Book Review: Confessions of an Entrepreneur by Chris Robson

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Confessions of an Entrepreneur (Chris Robson)

Business Book Review by Anne Murphy, Business Advisor

This one is an oldie, I first read it back in 2011 when I’d started a business and I recently reread it in the haze of my new role as a Business Advisor at Ards Business Hub. I like the honest nature of it, the realism and the passion that bounces off the page.

 

I’ll admit that I don’t love business books that are how-to’s. I have many of them but I couldn’t read them cover to cover, they’re more like reference books. I enjoy an autobiography (sports, music, politics, business-there are business lessons in them all), I like the first person storytelling and the anecdotes so this is a good crossover of both and I did read it cover to cover!

 

The business leaders anecdotes really add weight to Chris Robsons observations and experiences and are interesting and reassuring that even these millionaires have had many of the challenges we have as start ups and as people with families and bills to pay.

 

The business stories still hold water more than ten years after I first read it but there are some things that would be big no no’s today. Like when hiring people “test the uncertainty by asking them to do something for free. See if it’s any good.” That might work for suppliers but in today’s candidate led market I don’t see it ending well when trying to hire staff.

 

There is lots of practical advice and stories of success and failure. Here are some takeaways from the chapter “In the red or in the black” where he talks openly about mistakes he made and lessons he learned about money!

  1. Economise from day one, assume you will run out of money
  2. Leverage the incredible free resources for entrepreneurs online (everything from accounting software to training seminars)
  3. Work on the key financial success metrics from day one
  4. Fix a sum that you are prepared to spend then add 30% contingency. Then aim to spend no more than half of that. Then you have a significant buffer.
  5. Focus on sales from day one. Try to get an early revenue

 

That’s good advice for any start up!

 

I will finish with one final quote that resonated with me “Turnover is vanity, margin is sanity.”

 

Good luck with your business venture, you’ve got this!

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How to Organise a Successful Meeting

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How to Organise a Successful Meeting

By Helen Graham, Property & Conference Coordinator

Planning a productive meeting is essential for any small business owner. Whether it’s a team huddle, a client presentation, or a strategy session, the right environment and planning are key to ensuring a successful meeting. Here are our top tips to make your meetings engaging and efficient, along with how our team and conference facilities at Ards Business Hub can support you:

 

  1. Set Clear Objectives Before the meeting, define what you want to achieve. Clear objectives guide the agenda, keep discussions on track, and ensure everyone knows the meeting’s purpose. Share these objectives with attendees in advance so they come prepared.

How We Can Help: Our meeting rooms are equipped with presentation tools and audio-visual equipment to help you communicate your objectives clearly and effectively.

 

  1. Choose the Right Venue The venue sets the tone for your meeting. A professional, comfortable, and well-equipped space can enhance focus and participation.

How We Can Help: Our conference facilities in Newtownards offer modern, spacious rooms with flexible seating arrangements to suit any meeting type. From our Meeting Room to our Training & Seminar Room, we have the perfect venue for your needs.

 

  1. Plan the Agenda A well-structured agenda is the backbone of a successful meeting. Include time slots for each topic, allocate time for discussion, and stick to the schedule.

How We Can Help: We provide customisable room setups and time management tools to help you stay on track and make the most of your meeting time.

 

  1. Ensure Technical Support Nothing de-rails a meeting faster than technical difficulties. Ensure all equipment is working and have a backup plan in case of issues.

How We Can Help: Our facilities include state-of-the-art technology to  ensure your meeting runs smoothly. We have a selection of equipment on hand if needed. Just let us know and we will ensure the room has all that you need.

 

  1. Provide Refreshments Keeping participants refreshed can improve focus and productivity. Offer coffee, tea, water, and light snacks.

How We Can Help: We can facilitate any catering request you may have for your meeting. From scones with jam and butter for morning meetings to full hot and cold lunch platters, we are happy to work with you on your catering requirements to keep your team energised and ready to contribute.

 

  1. Foster Engagement Encourage participation from all attendees. Use interactive elements like Q&A sessions, brainstorming activities, or breakout groups.

How We Can Help: Our versatile spaces and breakout rooms are perfect for facilitating interactive sessions and small group discussions, fostering collaboration and engagement. Do you have guests who cannot attend in person? We have video conferencing equipment available; no one has to miss out!

 

  1. Follow Up After the meeting, send a summary of key points, decisions, and action items. This reinforces what was discussed and ensures everyone is on the same page moving forward.

How We Can Help: Our staff can assist with administrative support, so you can focus on your business goals.

 

 

By following these tips, you can ensure your meeting is both productive and effective. At Ards Business Hub, we provide the perfect environment and support to help you ensure a successful meeting. Contact us today to book your next meeting and experience the difference a professional venue can make!

View our meeting spaces here.

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5 Reasons You Should Become an Entrepreneur

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Five Reasons You Should Become An Entrepreneur

By Anne Murphy, Business Advisor

 
  1. Control your work-life balance

Let’s face it. You are so passionate and excited about your business you will likely put in way more hours than you intended. However, it’s YOUR CHOICE, YOUR RULES TO BREAK and YOUR REWARD to enjoy. Having flexibility is often enough to make it feel like you have the balance you want.

 

  1. Do it your way

No more half measures to meet unrealistic targets or time constraints. No more sloppy service or old fashioned techniques.  Running your own business means you get to decide on what you want your customer experience to be. But, don’t forget to listen to customer feedback and make sure it’s the experience they want.

 

  1. Learning never stops

Whether it’s planning a new product, developing a new process, bringing in your first employee or getting a new piece of software, you are always learning and developing in your company.  From informal desk research, information you pick up from networking, talking with a supplier or from customer feedback, to taking your skills to the next level with executive learning or gaining a qualification, you are always developing your skills and experience. It’s empowering!

 

  1. Financial Independence

Getting your business started may take a little time to fly but once off the ground you have the opportunity to set your own limits. Some business owners scale up, export or develop new products to grow their business.  Others plan from conception to sell their business to make their fortunes. 

 

  1. Personal fulfilment

When you start your own business, your skills, experience, drive and ambition all come together to make something amazing – a sense of achievement. Nothing is more fulfilling than feeling like you have created something that is valuable to others and enhances their lives in some way.

 

If you have a business idea and want to talk to our business advisors about getting it off the ground, get in touch with us today.

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JLJ Autorepair

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Meet one of the businesses at Ards Business Hub...

Meet Josh Johnston, local man from Newtownards and founder of JLJ Autorepair, one of the exciting businesses at Ards Business Hub.

 

Josh embarked on his journey into the motor trade when he was just 16. He recalls, ‘I have been interested in cars and motorbikes since I was a teenager. After completing my certifications in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair, I started an apprenticeship in 2014 in a local garage, Fosters Garage. I left there in 2020 and worked for a few other repair garages where I continued to develop my skills and gain more experience. I decided to set up my own business, JLJ Autorepair, at Strangford Park in January 2024.’

 

JLJ Autorepair offers a wide variety of services to suit all your vehicle needs, from routine maintenance to complex repairs. Josh highlights that his ‘commitment to quality and customer satisfaction’ is at the centre of everything he does and drives his business forward.

 

Josh states that starting his business in Ards was an easy decision, ‘As soon as I heard the unit in Strangford Park was available, I jumped at the opportunity. Being from Newtownards myself, I couldn’t have asked for a better location to set up my business, and it’s an added bonus that my unit is conveniently placed near the MOT Centre.’

 

Josh describes his experience as an entrepreneur, ‘My favourite thing about owning a business has probably been the flexibility and independence that comes from being my own boss. I get to decide what hours I work and can manage my time better. Plus, most of the customers I get are from Newtownards. It has been great getting to know and make connections with local people.’

 

Josh shares his experience since moving into his unit at Strangford Park, ‘I have really enjoyed setting up my business here at Ards Business Hub. There is a real sense of community at Strangford Park, the tenants here have been very welcoming and friendly. The team at Ards Business Hub have been great. They were so helpful during the process of moving into my unit and continue to offer support for my business.’

 

Based on his own experience, Josh shares his advice to anyone thinking of starting a business, ‘If I could give advice to someone thinking of starting a business, I would say don’t be afraid to take the leap and get started. Embrace the challenges and seize every opportunity that comes your way. Having my own business has been great, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for JLJ Autorepair. I am already expanding my team and have a job opportunity available for anyone thinking of working in the motor trade.’

 

Helen Graham, our Property and Conference Coordinator, oversaw Josh’s move into his unit in January. Helen says, ‘Josh and his business, JLJ Autorepair, have been a great asset to Strangford Park. Josh is a lovely guy and it’s wonderful to see how successful his business has been already. I can’t wait to see how his business continues to grow over time.’

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Meet Our Property & Conference Coordinator

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Meet Our Property & Conference Coordinator

New team member at Ards Business Hub supports local businesses

 

Ards Business Hub has appointed a new Property and Conference Co-ordinator to support its mission to develop the local economy.

 

Helen Graham, who is originally from Montreal but now a long-time resident of Donaghadee, brings a wealth of knowledge to the role.

 

She will be looking after tenants at the three sites – Sketrick House, Strangford Park and Nendrum Park – as well as the meeting rooms and conference facilities.

 

As a social enterprise, Ards Business Hub aims to deliver real social results and impact to the community.

 

Nichola Lockhart, CEO of Ards Business Hub, said that Helen will be a real asset to the organisation and to the Ards business community.

 

“Helen has tremendous energy and is such a people person; she really cares about helping others. At Ards Business Hub we feel we have a great offering – superb commercial and industrial units, spec office space and free on-site parking but it’s also our team that make such a tremendous difference to our clients,” Nichola said.

 

Helen is looking forward to working with the diverse and exciting range of businesses that make Ards Business Hub their home.

 

“I love working with people and want to make sure that I’m adding value to everything I offer the local business community. Ards Business Hub is so much more than just the fabulous offices and commercial units. It’s the wealth of free business advice and support that makes it truly special,” she said.

 

With years of experience in sales and customer service, including locally with Green Man Packaging in Bangor, she also has first-hand knowledge of running her own computer gaming business, Good Game, from 2019-2022 in the centre of Newtownards.

 

“I understand what it’s like for entrepreneurs and business owners who are having to do all the work and make all the decisions themselves. The pressure is enormous but having a community of supportive professionals and being surrounded by other like-minded businesses can make all the difference,” she said.

 

Having moved from Canada in 2003, Northern Ireland is now firmly home.

 

“I love living here. And while I have just joined the team at Ards, I feel immediately like one of the family,” she said.

 

In her spare time, Helen sells craft items she makes herself on Etsy and is studying Business Management at the Open University.

 

Read more about our latest news here.

Pictured above (left to right): Nichola Lockhart, CEO, and Helen Graham, Property and Conference Coordinator. 

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Available Office Space – B2

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Available Office Space

Are you a small business owner in need of an office space to start expanding your business?

 

Strangford Park offers a range of industrial units, with sizes ranging from 330 to 1600 square feet, and office spaces ranging from 60 to 450 square feet, catering to the needs of start-up and SME businesses across various sectors.

 

New unit available at Strangford Park;

 

Unit number: B2
Size: 1071 sq ft
Rent (Ex VAT): £452.50

 

Would you like to find out more about our available unit? Please complete our Property Enquiry Form, and someone from our team will be in touch with you as soon as possible.

View Brochure

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ITNI and EPOS NI

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ITNI & EPOS NI

In 2013, Ben Nesbitt arrived at Ards Business Hub for support setting up a new business plan for his company ITNI. Ten years on, he has two fast growing businesses.

Meet the Business:

 

Ben Nesbitt had always wanted to be self-employed so when he and his wife had their first baby, he decided it was time to pursue his dream. Having built up years of experience in IT systems, he knew he had the skills and contacts to create a solid business. He came into Ards Business Hub on a start a business programme and Nichola Lockhart helped him develop his business plan.

 

He set up ITNI, which offers a one-stop service for business computer and IT needs – including phone lines and systems, broadband, networking equipment, PCs, servers, mobiles as well as offering installation, maintenance and support. Customers responded to his hands-on service and dedicated support and soon he was working with businesses of all sizes across the UK and Ireland.

 

“It gives me so much satisfaction helping people with their computers. We all rely on IT so much that it’s essential to choose the right technology for your needs and when something goes wrong, it’s a huge relief to have someone that will deal with the issue straight away,” he said.

 

As ITNI grew, he spotted another opportunity to support his hospitality clients with their EPOS (electronic point of sale) systems. These computerised systems not only take payments but have functionality that links sales and stock levels with each company’s back office giving a clear overview of business performance, which can help to spot trends and manage stock among other things.

 

Ben travelled to the Isle of Wight for specialist training on these systems and started EPOS NI. The two companies now have a total of eight staff and have moved into four office units in Sketrick House. One of their units is a specialist EPOS showroom so that clients can come in, view all the options available, try them out and see which suits best.

 

 

What they say about Ards Business Hub:

 

Ben loves the space in Ards Business Hub and he is potentially looking to expand further as the business continues to grow. He was attracted by the handy on-site car parking and 24-hour access as well as the flexible lease and the support from the staff at the centre.

 

“We’ve developed a great relationship with the team at Ards Business Hub that started a decade ago with that very first business plan. We really like the flexible lease as it offers us the potential to quickly and easily move into bigger space without being tied down to a contract that no longer suits. To us, the Hub feels like home.”

 

 

What we say:

 

Ards Business Hub Chief Executive, Nichola Lockhart said: “When I first met Ben, I knew he had the determination and energy to create a strong, successful business. Not only did he provide his customers with such high-level IT support but he had the foresight to develop his skills and expand into EPOS. We look forward to seeing what this great company does next.”

 

 

Find out more about ITNI or about EPOS NI.

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Monty & Carlo

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Business Support Case Study

Monty & Carlo - Gary Patterson

Gary Patterson, the founder of Monty & Carlo, embarked on his entrepreneurial journey in October 2023. Although it’s still early days, he has found the experience of starting his own business exhilarating.

 

Motivated by a health scare and driven by a strong work ethic, Gary was inspired by a documentary on global waste and his two daughters’ passion for making a positive impact on the environment. He believed that an individual could make a difference, and he set out to prove this through his business.

 

Monty & Carlo is an independent clothing brand with a strong focus on sustainability. Their ecommerce website offers quality organic clothing, with the circular economy at its core. Gary’s commitment to sustainability and his desire to create a positive environmental impact are evident in every aspect of his business.

 

During his entrepreneurial journey, Gary received valuable support for his business from Ards Business Hub. This support provided him with a solid foundation of knowledge, giving him the confidence to grow his business independently. The support he received acted as a stepping stone, helping him develop his business idea and providing him with essential knowledge and tools.

 

Reflecting on his experience, Gary shares a piece of advice he wishes he had known earlier: “Keep it simple – don’t over complicate your idea.” He emphasises the importance of breaking down your business goals into achievable steps, celebrating small successes along the way. Gary also encourages small business owners not to fear making mistakes but rather to learn from them and keep moving forward.

 

When asked about his top tip for aspiring entrepreneurs, Gary urges them to just get started. He highlights the importance of taking that first step, learning as you progress, and not trying to cover every eventuality before launching. “You learn more by just doing it!” he states.

 

Gary appreciates the opportunities that come with running a business in the Ards and North Down area. While Monty & Carlo operates primarily online, the support and guidance he received from Ards Business Hub were instrumental in building his confidence and laying the foundation for his business. He emphasises the importance of information and research, urging aspiring entrepreneurs to gather knowledge and dive into their ventures.

 

Currently, Gary’s main challenge lies in gaining brand recognition in the vast online world. However, he is determined to tackle this challenge head-on. To continue building his business, he seeks support in social media marketing to raise awareness and is focused on embracing confidence in what he has created and not being afraid to shout about it.

 

Gary’s journey with Monty & Carlo is an inspiring testament to the power of individual action and the impact it can have on the world. Through his commitment to sustainability and his drive to make a difference, he is set to create a successful business that resonates with customers who share his values.

 

 

Find out more about Monty & Carlo here.

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Sketrick House
16 Jubilee Road
Newtownards
Co. Down
BT23 4YH

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