05/12/2002

Performance First graduates celebrate success

The first graduates of the Performance First strategic development programme have celebrated their success at a ceremony hosted by the Bank of Ireland.

The programme, which is funded in partnership by Invest NI and Bank of Ireland, is aimed at business owners and entrepreneurial managers from growth companies throughout Northern Ireland. The successful participants can expect to be awarded a Diploma in Management Practice by the University of Ulster.

The first participants began the programme in September 2001 and came from 16 local companies operating in a wide variety of business sectors. Companies include Acheson & Glover Ltd, Bass Ireland Ltd, Environmental Fabrications, Moy Park Ltd and the Wellington Park Hotel.

Each participant took part in a series of management development workshops and benefited from six half-days of consultancy support and a series of lectures from guest speakers.

With mentor support, each participant worked to make planned improvements to customer service, production efficiency, IT systems along with a host of other issues that effect businesses. As a result each has developed practical management tools, including marketing and leadership techniques.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, David Service, Director, Bank of Ireland Corporate and Business Banking, said: “Bank of Ireland has a long history of supporting education and training and our involvement in such an innovative and rewarding programme aimed at delivering real value to the local business community is a key part of that.

"Each participant has a common desire for success, not only for themselves, but also for their company.”

(MB)

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