Micro-businesses must invest in leadership skills to lead NI economy

Investing in leadership skills will help Northern Ireland's largest business sector to realise its full potential.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Feb 2016, 06:36 BST
Updated 17th Feb 2016, 06:23 BST
John Armstrong and Jayne Taggart of Causeway Enterprise Agency with Donal Doherty, proprietor of Harrys Shack, PortstewartJohn Armstrong and Jayne Taggart of Causeway Enterprise Agency with Donal Doherty, proprietor of Harrys Shack, Portstewart
John Armstrong and Jayne Taggart of Causeway Enterprise Agency with Donal Doherty, proprietor of Harrys Shack, Portstewart

That is the belief of the organisers of a brand new conference for entrepreneurs that is set to take place in Coleraine later this month.

The Lead2Grow micro business conference, organised by Causeway Enterprise Agency, will be held on Tuesday February 23 at the Causeway Coast Vineyard Conference Centre. It marks the beginning of the Lead2Grow leadership skills programme funded by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, the first of its kind funded by the body in Northern Ireland.

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Jayne Taggart, Chief Executive of Causeway Enterprise Agency said: “Micro businesses - those that employ less than 10 staff - make up 95 per cent of Northern Ireland’s business population.

“By their nature these businesses have limited capacity to develop the leadership skills to grow their enterprises and are often family run by owners who do not even view themselves as leaders.

The Lead2Grow conference will launch a programme of activities, prioritising a new leadership development agenda for the 112,000 strong micro business sector.

“With this event, we are reaching out to micro business leaders, encouraging them to develop their leadership skills and realise their potential.”

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The event, hosted by broadcaster Jim Fitzpatrick, is expected to host 150 micro business owners.

BBC’s The Apprentice: You’re Fired panellist and serial entrepreneur Lara Morgan will share her leadership advice with delegates while Harry’s Shack proprietor Donal Doherty will tell the story of his rise to success on Portstewart Strand.

The Lead2Grow event has been funded by Causeway Enterprise Agency, the Department for Employment and Learning, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, the Chartered Management Institute, Invest Northern Ireland and Ulster University Business School.

For more information visit www.causeway-enterprise.co.uk/events

Related topics:Coleraine