A number of local companies are aiming to tap in to further success after taking part in a business programme, funded by Belfast City Council.

The 15 businesses have completed the Strategy in Business Programme which encourages small businesses and social enterprises in the city to be innovative and to develop a 'strategy' to grow and take advantage of the opportunities the marketplace will offer.

The programme included a series of practical business development workshops, mentoring support and the development of a two-year action plan for each business.

Representatives from the 15 businesses were at City Hall to mark completion of the initiative at a special event attended by Councillor Deirdre Hargey, Chair of the council's Development Committee.

Congratulating the companies and wishing them continuing success, Councillor Hargey said: "Developing a strategy to grow your business whether you are starting out or an existing business is a very important goal.

"The support the Strategy in Business Programme offers is particularly significant in the current challenging economic climate as it encourages businesses to be innovative and focused on achieving successful outcomes for growth.

"We are also encouraging small businesses in the city to plan for the future and take advantage of the opportunities that the marketplace will bring."

Anne Doherty, Managing Director of Happening Conferences & Events, another participant on the programme, added: "I know it sounds like a cliché but the Strategy in Business programme allowed me to take time to work on my business and not just in my business.

"In our business we are delivering conferences and events for clients throughout the UK and Ireland and often much further afield. We focus, rightly so, on delivering the best for our clients but sometimes we haven’t focused enough on developing our own business."

(CD/MH)