Women Targeted As Entrepreneurs

Northern Ireland women’s increasing contribution to business and commerce is being highlighted by Invest Northern Ireland.

The development agency is organising a series of events as part of Enterprise Week, 12-16 November that will promote the important contribution women can make in business.

Maggie Philbin, former presenter of BBC’s Tomorrow’s World programme, will be in Belfast to launch the Pathbreaking initiative at the Mothers of Invention – Women, Innovation and Business in Northern Ireland event.

The events will encourage a higher percentage of women to increase their participation in starting businesses or expanding existing companies.

There will be keynote speakers, including television and radio personality Maggie Philbin, who will provide help, advice and inspiration to local women to take the next step.

By promoting female role models and innovative thinking, the initiative aims to encourage women to start a business and increase their contribution to existing businesses by developing new ideas.

Additional events will also be held in Dungannon and Ballymena to promote entrepreneurship among women in rural areas.

Beryl Otley and Sarah Rhodes of successful firm Get Ahead Hats will talk to local women about how they have built their business from a single outlet in rural Yorkshire to a nationwide co-operative with over 20 outlets.

(BMcC)