Bank of Ireland UK lifts growth prospects in week-long initiative to boost enterprise

Bank of Ireland UK lifts growth prospects in week-longinitiative to boost enterprise

Bank launches Northern Ireland Enterprise Week with news of strong growth in lending approvals

Bank of Ireland UK today launched its latest Enterprise Week programme which will run from May 15- 22, 2015. The highly successful initiative will see the bank host a week-long series of events to support the growth ambitions of small and medium sized businesses throughout Northern Ireland.

Announcing details of its eleventh Enterprise Week programme, the bank said demand for business lending continued to grow strongly. In 2014 Bank of Ireland UK approved £600m in new lending to Northern Ireland businesses which was up 20% on the previous year and this momentum is continuing into 2015 with lending approvals of more than £200m for Q1.

Some 1,000 small and medium sized businesses are expected to get involved in Enterprise Week by engaging in 37 events where they will get practical support and guidance which could help their businesses to grow.

The Bank’s Show Your Business initiative, which enables small businesses to display goods and services in bank branches, will have a cross-border flavour.  Businesses on either side of the border will be able to use branches in either Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland as a shop window.

Ian Sheppard, Regional Director of Business & Corporate Banking Northern Ireland, Bank of Ireland UK, said: “Enterprise Week is taking place at a time when we are seeing strong signs of economic growth, particularly in the small and medium sized business sectors.

“While businesses still face challenges, growth in our lending approval figures indicate rising demand for credit and we’re pleased to be approving 95% of all applications.

“This week-long initiative uses the theme of “Let’s Connect for Growth” and is all about giving businesses practical support and great networking opportunities. By opening our branches and running a series of clinics and inspirational speaker events, we have a packed programme to suit ambitious businesses from small start-ups to larger corporates right across Northern Ireland.”

Bank of Ireland UK has an extensive network of local experienced business managers and advisers who can support local companies deliver their growth ambitions.

Finn Lough Ltd. a holiday village situated in the Fermanagh lakelands is one local business Bank of Ireland UK is supporting as they push forward their plans for growth.

Brother and sister Michael and Gillian Beare returned to Northern Ireland three years ago after enjoying careers and travel overseas to take on the running of the family business, that was established by their parents, more than thirty years ago.

They both shared a vision for their unique Lakeland resort and were brimming with ideas to create a holiday destination fit for the 21^st century. After completing a renovation of the holiday cottages in July 2014 and creating a new forty seater restaurant late last year they are now turning their attentions to phase two of their investment which will include development of a forest spa; glass domed ‘Sleep under the Stars’ style accommodation and a new activity centre.

Michael Beare says: “Since Bank of Ireland UK came on board they have been brilliant to work with.  They have provided the funds to redevelop and extend the holiday village. They were by far the most pro-active bank we spoke to and crucially they had local decision makers on the ground who could provide us with the speedy decisions we needed. They share our passion and enthusiasm for the business and we couldn’t be in better hands as we build our business both in the home market and for visitors from across the UK, Europe and Asia.

“I’m delighted to be taking part in Enterprise Week as a speaker at the Enniskillen event in May and to be using my own experience with Bank of Ireland UK to encourage others to benefit from their enterprising approach to business.

“Bank of Ireland UK’s Enterprise Week is a fantastic platform for businesses like ourselves wanting to reach out, network and engage with the wider business community and I’m very much looking forward to the event.”

#LetsConnectNI

For more information head to bankofireland.co.uk/business 

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