Down Business Centre

AI for Business – Made Simple!
2025-06-30 09:30 - 11:00 (Europe/London) | Down Business Centre, 46 Belfast Road, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 9UP, United Kingdom
We are running a Go Succeed Masterclass at Down Business Centre. This is one NOT to miss!
AI is present in our world so lets demystify the myths and embrace AI and find out how it can make our lives easier and how it can support and grow your business!
Join us for an in-person masterclass:
AI for Business – Made Simple!
Delivered in partnership with Rosemary Morrison and Down Business Centre, this session is designed to give business owners a clear, practical introduction to using AI — today, not tomorrow.

📅 Event Details:
Date: Monday 30 June 2025
Time: 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Down Business Centre, Downpatrick
🎟 Register now: https://www.glistrr.com/events/e/ai-for-business-made-simple-3586-756

Hope to see you there!

Ladies' Business Day
2025-06-18 13:00 - 15:30 | Ballyhornan Scout Hall, Rocks Road, Ballyhornan, BT30 7PJ
Book Now!
We will have a fabulous guest speaker to inspire you.
All sorts of taster sessions yet to be confirmed .
Will it be Yoga?
Will it be a Sound Bath?
Will it be a Cold Water Dip?
You can be sure it WILL BE great fun!
Book Now!

Mastering HMRC Self Assessment: A Step-by- Step Guide for Individuals
2025-06-11 09:30 - 10:30 | Down Business Centre, 46 Belfast Road, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 9UP, United Kingdom
Book Now!!
11th June 2025
9.30am – 11am
Down Business Centre
Mastering HMRC Self Assessment: A Step-by-Step Guide for Individuals
Target Audience: Individuals new to Self Assessment, self-employed, landlords, or those with additional income
Topics covered at the webinar:-

Who needs to complete a Self-Assessment Tax Return
Registering with HMRC
Key Deadlines & Filing Methods
Record-Keeping Essentials
What to include in your Tax Return
Allowable Expenses and Reliefs
Calculating and Paying Your Tax
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Tools, Help and Support
Q&A Session

Book Now!

Emergency First Aid at Work
2025-06-09 09:30 - 16:45 | Down Business Centre, 46 Belfast Road, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 9UP, United Kingdom
Price includes registration with awarding body, course manual, and on successful completion of a multiple choice assessment an electronic certificate from the awarding body.

Training Needs to Training Plan Workshop
2025-06-03 12:00 - 16:00 | Down Business Centre, 46 Belfast Road, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 9UP, United Kingdom
Register Now!

Do you want to create training plans that make a lasting impact?
Our Training Needs to Training Plan workshops will help you design and implement tailored training plans that maximise your workforce’s potential while balancing time and cost.

What you’ll learn:

How to write clear and measurable training objectives.
How to budget effectively, ensuring maximum value without overspending.
Tools and techniques to evaluate the impact of your training.

You’ll also have the opportunity to share ideas, connect with others and speak directly with our expert People and Skills team.
Please note: Training Needs to Training Plan workshops are the ideal follow-on for our Training Needs Analysis workshops but it is not mandatory to attend both.

Workshop details:
The workshop will begin at 12:30 and finish at approximately 16:00, with registration and lunch starting at 12:00 noon.

If you have already registered for this event, you can view your registration details from the Booked Events page
+ Register for Event

Go Succeed in Marketing Your Start Up Business
2025-05-30 10:00 - 11:30
Business Events & Networking in NI | Go Succeed
Fri 30 May 2025 at 10:00AM
ABOUT THIS EVENT

The Go Succeed Start team hosts this live webinar with Chartered Marketer and SOSTAC® Certified Planner Christine Watson. This online information session will walk new small business founders through the process of successfully marketing their start-ups to reach target customers.
Participants will:

Gain practical insight into what marketing actually is and the steps needed to begin in their journey
Be inspired by real-life local examples of effective start-up marketing
See how new businesses go about communicating online and offline to those they seek to serve
Be walked, step by step, through the essential elements of the marketing mix
Learn how to go about implementing a strategic marketing playbook for their new business
Identify the most important factors when measuring marketing success

Filled with quick, actionable tips, this online presentation includes insights from launch marketing in practice across Northern Ireland as well as signposts to help participants avail of further learning opportunities to assist them in the implementation of specific marketing tools and techniques.

This Go Succeed workshop is open to all individuals in the early stages of their business, throughout Northern Ireland, and is facilitated by Enterprise Northern Ireland.
About the Presenter
Christine Watson BSc (Hons) DipM FCIM Chartered Marketer has been educating people across Northern Ireland and beyond since 2005. As a Marketing Strategist, SOSTAC® Certified Planner, Google Square and WorldHost Licensed Customer Service Trainer Christine guides clients to success using a range of integrated marketing tools, techniques and practices.
Registration instructions: This event is free for individuals and will be hosted online via MS Teams. Please note, your email confirmation, Live Stream link and access code will come from noreply@glistrr.com, please add this to your list of trusted accounts to prevent information landing in your junk folder.
Book Now!!

Down Business Centre Networking Event
2025-05-30 09:30 - 11:30
Down Business Centre’s popular networking event for May will be at The Harbour Inn, 4 South Promenade, Newcastle BT33 0EX Newcastle.
May 30th 9.30-11.30am
Just £8 per person.
Book Now!

Equality Diversity & Inclusion Masterclass
2025-05-28 08:00 - 10:30

Building Your Start Up Business Plan
2025-05-19 18:00 - 19:30
Business Events & Networking in NI | Go Succeed
Mon 19 May 2025 at 6:00PM
ABOUT THIS EVENT

The Go Succeed Start team hosts this online structured session on developing, refining, and optimising your business plan. This workshop is designed for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small business owners either in the early stages of their business journey or looking to enhance their existing business plans. Facilitated by an experienced business professional, it aims to increase your knowledge of:

Understanding the purpose of a business plan.
Clarity in setting business goals.
Conducting market research and validation and interpreting the results.
Operational planning.
Preparation for meeting with a business adviser.
Business plan drafting.
Financial planning.
Sales Forecasting and cashflow.

“Thank you – very informative webinar. Much appreciated. Fabulous – didn’t know about indexing…I’ll look into that”, Business Owner.
This Go Succeed workshop is open to all individuals in the early stages of their business, throughout Northern Ireland, and is facilitated by Enterprise Northern Ireland.

About the Presenter
Peter Hollingsworth has over twenty years of experience working with entrepreneurs across the UK. He holds master’s degrees in Business Administration (MBA), Business Economics, and Marketing and is an SFEFI level five accredited Business and Enterprise Support Services Adviser and Trainer.
Registration instructions: This event is free for individuals and will be hosted online via MS Teams. Please note, your email confirmation, Live Stream link and access code will come from noreply@glistrr.com, please add this to your list of trusted accounts to prevent information landing in your junk folder.
Book Now!!

Accessing Finance for Establishing Start Ups
2025-05-14 18:00 - 19:30
Business Events & Networking in NI | Go Succeed
Wed 14 May 2025 at 6:00PM
ABOUT THIS EVENT

The Go Succeed Start team hosts this workshop, which is a focused webinar designed to assist small business owners, entrepreneurs, and start-ups in navigating the complex financing options available to small businesses.
This workshop provides participants valuable insights, practical knowledge, and actionable strategies to source and apply for the capital to start, grow, or sustain their small businesses successfully. The workshop is typically led by an experienced professional with significant experience in assisting entrepreneurs in accessing finance. It aims to increase your knowledge of:

Understanding Financing Options.
Assessing Financial Needs.
Completing a Personal assessment.
Credit and Financing Eligibility.
Alternative Financing Sources.
Application preparation and writing.

“Thank you, that was very informative, and a lot of great info shared”. Business Owner.
This Go Succeed workshop is open to all individuals in the early stages of their business, throughout Northern Ireland, and is facilitated by Enterprise Northern Ireland.

About the Presenter
Peter Hollingsworth has over twenty years of experience working with entrepreneurs across the UK. He holds master’s degrees in Business Administration (MBA), Business Economics, and Marketing and is an SFEFI level five accredited Business and Enterprise Support Services Adviser and Trainer.
Registration instructions: This event is free for individuals and will be hosted online via MS Teams. Please note, your email confirmation, Live Stream link and access code will come from noreply@glistrr.com, please add this to your list of trusted accounts to prevent information landing in your junk folder.
Book Now!!

Fire Warden Training
2025-05-14 10:00 - 17:00
Fire Warden Training to be held at Down Business Centre 14th May at 10am
£60 per person
Book Now

Idea to Income: Shaping Your Business Vision
2025-05-08 12:30 - 17:00
Business Events & Networking in NI | Go Succeed
Thu 8 May 2025 at 12:30PM
ABOUT THIS EVENT

The Go Succeed Start team hosts this online session designed for those in the early stages of their business who are toying with lots of different ideas.
Take action to bring your ideas to life. In this session, our presenter, Claire, will support participants to appraise their business ideas so that they can choose one idea that will support them in creating a successful business. Claire will guide participants through a series of tools that they can use on repeat to help them choose an idea and remain focused.
The outcome of the session is that participants will learn how to select an idea that will support them to start and grow a sustainable business.
This Go Succeed online webinar is open to all individuals in the early stages of their business, throughout Northern Ireland, and is facilitated by Enterprise Northern Ireland.
About the Presenter
Claire O’Hanlon is an experienced business advisor, trainer & facilitator with an 18-year background in entrepreneurial support, communications, and leadership development.
Claire has worked in both the commercial and third sectors and is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs and organisations to create sustainable income generation projects. As well as running her own business consultancy for the last 5 years, Claire has also developed and delivered a suite of enterprise and business development programmes for individuals and organisations at various stages on their business journeys.
A passionate charity volunteer, Claire is also a Trustee of the charity Muscular Dystrophy UK, she runs a podcast that supports parent carers of disabled children and she is an ardent fundraiser.
Registration instructions: This event is free for individuals and will be hosted online via MS Teams. Please note, your email confirmation, Live Stream link and access code will come from noreply@glistrr.com, please add this to your list of trusted accounts to prevent information landing in your junk folder.

Book Now!!

Generating Impactful Content for Start Up Success
2025-05-07 10:00 - 12:00
Business Events & Networking in NI | Go Succeed
Wednesday 7th May 10am – 12 noon
ABOUT THIS EVENT
The Go Succeed Start team hosts this interactive masterclass, where you will explore:
Video Making and Photography
An introduction to video-making and photography and the essentials you need to think about before you even start. Planning your video/photo shoot, lighting, sound, angles and it also covers where you can buy affordable equipment to hook up with you phone.
CapCut Tutorial (Video editing)
This tutorial teaches you cool editing techniques with special effects and sounds. We’ll cover using dramatic cuts, Insta & Capcut templates, creative transitions, video speeds, sound effects, sourcing trending music and more.
Canva Tutorial (Graphic Design)
How to use the features within the Canva app to design branded artwork for your business.
This Go Succeed workshop is open to all individuals in the early stages of their business, throughout Northern Ireland, and is facilitated by Enterprise Northern Ireland.
About the Presenter
Sinead McKeever is a renowned marketing professional with a specialised focus on social media growth. She graduated with a degree in Marketing from the University of Ulster and has accumulated over 20 years of invaluable experience in the field. She founded SM Marketing in 2013, a digital marketing agency. For over a decade, she has built the business year on year, working with 1000s of businesses and has successfully led an award-winning digital marketing agency.
Throughout her career, Sinead has garnered numerous accolades, including coveted titles such as Marketer of the Year, Best use of Social Media, Digital Agency of the Year, and Hospitality Ulster Marketing of the Year. Sinead McKeever is no stranger to working with micro and macro influencers. Head hunted to work with marketing teams inside multi-million-pound companies, crafting and executing top-tier marketing campaigns and growth strategies.
Registration instructions: This event is free for individuals and will be hosted online via MS Teams. Please note, your email confirmation, Live Stream link and access code will come from noreply@glistrr.com, please add this to your list of trusted accounts to prevent information landing in your junk folder.

Book Now!

Speed Connect
2025-04-17 09:30 - 11:00 | Hillyard House Hotel, 3-5 Castle Lane, Castlewellan, BT31 9DX, United Kingdom
Book Now!!

This event is designed to help you meet, connect and collaborate with other business owners in the area. You have the opportunity to share who you are and what you do, or whatever you want the other person to know.
This unique event offers:
✔ A chance to connect with like-minded business owners
✔ An opportunity to learn about other businesses in the area
✔ A dynamic, fast-paced format to make valuable introductions
Here’s how it works:

Spend 4 minutes one-on-one with another business owner, sharing what your businesses do and how you can support each other.
After the timer ends, move on to the next connection.
At the end of the event, enjoy informal networking to deepen conversations.

This will be charged at £10 per person
This is the ideal event for businesses to learn, connect, and grow together. Come curious and open to something different.

Book Now!!

Netwalk & Talk for the Arts Community
2025-03-28 09:30 - 11:00 | Fodder, 26 Killyleagh Road, Downpatrick, BT30 9BL, United Kingdom
NetWalk & Talk Down Business Centre is working in partnership with Down Community Arts to provide an opportunity for the Arts and Creative community to network and collaborate through a NetWalk & Talk
Artists often work in solitary spaces, pouring their energy into their craft. While this focus is vital for creating, it can sometimes lead to isolation. Gathering as a creative community offers opportunities that go far beyond social interaction Artists shape the identity of a region, and by connecting, they ensure a thriving arts culture that inspires future generations. Creative Connections: East Down Arts Gathering Calling all creatives in the East Down region! Join us for an informal and inspiring get-together designed for artists, makers, creators and visionaries across the creative arts.
Hear from the talented Rene Mullen on her journey and some advice in networking and collaborating with other like minded individuals.
This relaxed event is all about:
Connecting: Meet like-minded people in your local arts community.
Collaborating: Explore opportunities to work together on exciting new projects.
Creating: Share ideas and spark inspiration for future artistic ventures.
Whether you’re a painter, performer, writer, or craftsperson, this is your chance to build meaningful connections and strengthen the creative arts community in East Down. Let’s network, collaborate, and create—together.
📅 Date: 28th March 2025
📍 Location: Fodder NI, Finnebrogue Woods
🕒 Time: 9:30am- 11am
Tea/ Coffee provided, please bring suitable walking shoes and dress for weather conditions on the day.
Book Now!

Get Found Online: Mastering SEO & AI Search for Your Business
2025-03-19 10:00 - 11:30 | Down Business Centre, 46 Belfast Road, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 9UP, United Kingdom
Book Now!

Jonny Davison from Yarn Digital will demystify the world of search visibility for businesses.

Learn the key differences between traditional SEO and emerging AI search technologies and understand how these changes affect your digital presence.

This session will equip you with:

Actionable strategies to improve your website’s visibility on Google
Practical techniques to optimise for both traditional and AI-powered search
Simple methods for effective keyword research and implementation
Guidance on creating content that answers your customers’ questions
Easy ways for local businesses to stand out in search results

You’ll leave with a toolkit of straightforward techniques you can implement immediately to help your business get found online.

Perfect for business owners, entrepreneurs who want to boost their online visibility.
Event Date & Time: Wednesday 19th March 2025 | 10:00am – 11:30am | Refreshments provided
Location: Down Business Centre | Our training rooms comfortably hold around 20 people.
Book Now!

International Women's Day
2025-03-06 09:30 - 11:30 | Fodder, 26 Killyleagh Road, Downpatrick, BT30 9BL, United Kingdom
We are very excited to release our event for International Womens Day! 💃

Join us for International Womens Day!

📆 Thursday 6th March 2025

⏰9:30- 11:30am

📍Fodder NI

We have a fabulous line up of speakers, with a panel discussion and an interactive Q & A session, followed by a self defence demonstration and recognition of local female talent from the sports community.

It will be a relaxed morning, with an opportunity to network and connect with other females in the area.

More details to follow 😀

Places are limited at this event so book early to avoid disappointment

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1245946783369…

Down Business Network_NetWalk
2025-02-28 09:30 - 11:00 | Fodder, 26 Killyleagh Road, Downpatrick, BT30 9BL, United Kingdom
Looking to expand your network and connect with like-minded people?
Join us at Down Business Centre for an informal networking event. Lets build a thriving business community in the East down region.
This relaxed gathering is the perfect opportunity to connect with other local business owners. Build your own network within the district and learn about what Down Business Centre can do for you and your business.
No speeches, no formalities – just good conversations over light refreshments. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or professional in the workplace, come along and say hello!
Book Now!
📅 Date: 28th February
⏰ Time: 9:30am- 11:00am
📍 Venue: FodderNI, Finnebrouge Woods

Level 3 Award in Mental Health First Aid for the Workplace (2 day course) 19th & 26th February 2025
2025-02-19 09:00 - 17:30 | Down Business Centre, 46 Belfast Road, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 9UP, United Kingdom
For 18 year olds and over. 2 day course 19th and 26th February 2025 9am – 5.30pm
A light lunch is included.
£159.00 per person Book NOW!
Mental Health First Aid in the Workplace
The QA Level 3 Award in Mental Health First Aid in the Workplace (RQF) is a regulated and nationally recognised qualification that has been specifically designed for those who would like to raise their awareness of mental health, develop an understanding on how to support, reassure and signpost fellow colleagues to professional support.
Course Overview
Throughout this 2-day course, Learners will develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to actively promote positive mental health in the workplace by covering a range of topics, including: understanding mental health and its importance, own wellbeing as a mental health first aider, how to support those experiencing poor mental health at work and common mental health conditions i.e.

Work related stress
Anxiety
Eating disorders
Depression
PTSD
OCD
Phobias
Bipolar
Psychosis
Suicide
Self harm

Speed Connect
2025-02-14 09:30 - 11:00 | The Barn Country Bar & Restaurant, 37 Mearne Road, Downpatrick, bt30 6SY
Ever been to a networking event and don’t get talking to everyone that you want to? Its annoying isnt it?
Join us for an engaging Speed Connect, and we will make sure you connect with everyone in the room!
This event is designed to help you meet, connect and collaborate with other business owners in the area. You have the opportunity to share who you are and what you do, or whatever you want the other person to know.
This unique event offers:
✔ A chance to connect with like-minded business owners
✔ An opportunity to learn about other businesses in the area
✔ A dynamic, fast-paced format to make valuable introductions
Here’s how it works:

Spend 4 minutes one-on-one with another business owner, sharing what your businesses do and how you can support each other.
After the timer ends, move on to the next connection.
At the end of the event, enjoy informal networking to deepen conversations.

📅 Date: 14th February 2025
📍 Venue: The Barn Country Bar & Restaurant, Saul, Downpatrick
☕ Extras: Light refreshments and plenty of collaborative energy!
This is the ideal event for businesses to learn, connect, and grow together. Come curious and open to something different.
Register your place

NetWalk & Talk for the Arts Community
2025-01-31 09:30 - 11:00 | Fodder, 26 Killyleagh Road, Downpatrick, BT30 9BL, United Kingdom
NetWalk & Talk Down Business Centre is working in partnership with Down Community Arts to provide an opportunity for the Arts and Creative community to network and collaborate through a NetWalk & Talk
Artists often work in solitary spaces, pouring their energy into their craft. While this focus is vital for creating, it can sometimes lead to isolation. Gathering as a creative community offers opportunities that go far beyond social interaction Artists shape the identity of a region, and by connecting, they ensure a thriving arts culture that inspires future generations. Creative Connections: East Down Arts Gathering Calling all creatives in the East Down region! Join us for an informal and inspiring get-together designed for artists, makers, creators and visionaries across the creative arts.
Hear from the talented Rene Mullen on her journey and some advice in networking and collaborating with other like minded individuals.
This relaxed event is all about:
Connecting: Meet like-minded people in your local arts community.
Collaborating: Explore opportunities to work together on exciting new projects.
Creating: Share ideas and spark inspiration for future artistic ventures.
Whether you’re a painter, performer, writer, or craftsperson, this is your chance to build meaningful connections and strengthen the creative arts community in East Down. Let’s network, collaborate, and create—together.
📅 Date: 31st January 2025
📍 Location: Fodder NI, Finnebrogue Woods
🕒 Time: 9:30am- 11am
Tea/ Coffee provided, please bring suitable walking shoes and dress for weather conditions on the day.
Book Now!

Emergency First Aid at Work
2025-01-27 09:45 - 16:45 | Down Business Centre, 46 Belfast Road, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 9UP, United Kingdom
Learn essential Emergency First Aid at Work. Price includes registration with awarding body, course manual, and on successful completion of a multiple choice assessment an electronic certificate from the awarding body.
£65 per person
Book Now!

Go Succeed on Tour- Saintfield
2025-01-22 10:00 - 15:00 | 68 Main Street, Saintfield, BT24 7AB, 68 Main Street, Saintfield, BT24 7AB, United Kingdom
Down Business Centre is hitting the streets of Saintfield to engage with the business community in the Saintfield and Rowallane area.
2025 is going to be a challenging year ahead for businesses so Down Business Centre want to do all we can to support the business community.
We will hold a drop in clinic for anyone that wants to access more information about business support available to local businesses. Register and you will have an opportunity to speak to one of our advisors.
📅 Date: Wednesday 22nd January📍 Location: Alexander Reid & Fraser Offices, 68 Main Street, Saintfield, BT24 7AB🕒 Time: 1pm- 3pm
Register here to speak to one of our Business Advisors

Business Support for Trading Businesses
2025-01-21 09:30 - 11:00
Take Your Business to the Next Level with Down Business Centre and the Go Succeed Programme!
Are you a trading business with 2+ years of experience looking to grow or tackle challenges in a specialist area? We are particularly interested in businesses from the hospitality, food and tourism industry, retail and the fitness industry.
Come along to Down Business Centre’s Information Day to discover the support available to help your business grow.
📅 Date: 21st January 2025
⏰ Time: 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Location: St Patricks Centre, Market Street, Downpatrick.
This informative session is designed for established businesses wanting to grow, or recruit employees. Learn how the Go Succeed Programme can help you. We will also provide attendees with information into other business support initiatives, grants, and funding options you can access to support your business.
You will have an opportunity to meet our business advisors, and find out what Down Business Centre can do for you and your business. We look forward to welcoming you this information day To register your attendance-click on the link in the section below Getting down to business with Down Business Centre.
Register Your Place

Peer Support Network- Professional Services
2025-01-10 10:00 - 11:30 | Down Business Centre, 46 Belfast Road, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 9UP, United Kingdom
Insights & Connections for Professional Services
Panel Discussion & Peer Insight Circle @ DBC
Down Business Centre is delighted to host a series of Peer Support Network events designed exclusively for professional services businesses. This is your opportunity to connect, collaborate, and build a supportive community with fellow professionals in a relaxed setting.
Join us for an engaging morning of insights, discussion, and networking at Down Business Centre! This event features:

Panel Discussion: Hear from 2-3 local business leaders and specialists in how to unlock your potential and be the best version of yourself
Peer Insight Circle: Break out into smaller groups to share perspectives, key takeaways, and real-world experiences with peers.
Networking Mixer: Wrap up the morning with informal networking, fostering deeper connections and collaborations.

Event Details
When: Friday 10th January @ 10:00am – 11:30am
Where: Down Business Centre
Our chosen venue is fully accessible, ensuring that everyone can join us for an inclusive experience. Parking is available on site.
Whether you’re looking for expert advice, peer support, or new business relationships, this event offers a unique blend of learning and community-building.
📩 Reserve your spot now and kick off 2025 with fresh insights and connections!
Book NOW!

NetWalk at Fodder NI
2024-12-13 09:30 - 12:00
Book online using the organiser’s website or by clicking here.
