WHAT are Business Angels? What benefits do they offer? These are just two of the questions to be discussed at an informative lunchtime business networking event in Omagh College on Wednesday, April 18, jointly organised by Omagh District Council and the Institute of Directors.
The event is the second in a series of "Dates for your Diary" events organised for local business people by Omagh District Council. It is also the latest in a series of IoD Vodafone sponsored regional networking events in Northern Ireland. The guest speaker is Dr Bryan Keating, chairman of halo, the Northern Ireland business angel's network, and he will provide an insight into what a business angel can truly offer.
Dr Keating is a successful entrepreneur who carries out a range of voluntary activities in support of enterprise in Northern Ireland. As well as being the managing partner of a company helping to commercialise the intellectual property of high-tech companies, he is visiting professor in Entrepreneurship at the University of Ulster. Dr Keating is also a founding director of Investment Belfast, chairman of the advisory board of the NI Centre for Entrepreneurship and of QUBIS. He has played a major role in spinning out technology from the university, in supporting start-up businesses through finance and mentoring, and in improving the understanding of enterprise, particularly among science and technology graduates.
Linda Brown, Institute of Directors Northern Ireland divisional director, said, "Business angels are quickly becoming a popular and valuable asset for businesses. The aim of this lunchtime presentation is to provide insights into what benefits they really do offer and how businesses can benefit."
Omagh District Council Chairman Sean Begley welcomed the opportunity to work closely with the Institute of Directors to provide a valuable insight into the "Business Angels" concept and their engagement within the business development process.
"This lunchtime event will help local business people to learn of new and innovative supports and I would encourage as many as possible to avail of this opportunity," he said.
Everyone is welcome to attend the event at Omagh College on April 18, although booking is required. The event will commence at 12.30pm and close at 1.30 pm. A presentation, with questions and answers by Dr Keating will be followed by a buffet lunch.
For further details or to register, contact Kieran McCrory, Development Department, Omagh District Council: 028 82245321 ext. 864 or Email: development@omagh.gov.uk or go online at www.iod.com/northernireland/events or contact Lorraine Corry at the Institute of Directors on 028 9023 2880.
