Down Business Centre

Equality Diversity & Inclusion Masterclass
2025-05-28 08:00 - 10:30 (Europe/London) | Down

Down Business Centre Networking Event
2025-05-30 09:30 - 11:30 | Down
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!

Go Succeed in Marketing Your Start Up Business
2025-05-30 10:00 - 11:30 | Down
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!!

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

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.

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!

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!

AI for Business – Made Simple!
2025-06-30 09:30 - 11:00 | 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!

AI vs EI: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Effective Communication
2025-09-03 06:00 - 19:30 | Down Business Centre, 46 Belfast Road, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 9UP, United Kingdom
Wednesday 3rd September
6-7.30pm
Down Business Centre
Book Now!
To explore the relationship between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Emotional Intelligence (EI) in business communication, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and how to balance both for effective and ethical communication.
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
ILO1 Understand the core differences between AI and EI in communication.
ILO2 Evaluate the advantages and limitations of using AI tools (e.g., chatbots, auto-responders, content generators).
ILO3 Recognise when human emotional intelligence is critical for effective communication.
ILO4 Develop a strategy to integrate AI into their business communications without losing the human touch.
Book Now!

Down Ladies Business Network Event
2025-09-11 09:00 - 11:00 | Down
Welcome to the Down Ladies Business Network Event! Join us for a day filled with networking, learning, and empowerment. Connect with like-minded individuals, gain insights from inspiring speakers, and grow your business network. This in-person event is a fantastic opportunity to expand your horizons and take your business to the next level. Don’t miss out on this exciting event! More details to follow…

Nail the Message: Brand Identity
2025-09-19 09:30 - 23:30 | Down Business Centre, 46 Belfast Road, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 9UP, United Kingdom
Aim: make your business memorable and relatable through telling your brand storytelling
9.30am- 11.30am
19th September 2025
Down Business Centre
Delivered by Leanne Mallinshaw founder of Leanne’s Co
£12 per person
Book Now!

Mens Health, Wellbeing & Business Event
2025-10-03 11:00 - 15:00 | Ballyhornan Scout Hall, Rocks Road, Ballyhornan, BT30 7PJ
Book Now!
🌊 Seas the Day – Men Only
Date: Thursday 3rd October 2025
Time: 11:00am – 3:00pm
Location: By the sea (with lunch from Davey’s Chippy)
Event Overview
Following the success of our ladies’ Seas the Day in June, this men-only event is designed to encourage business owners and entrepreneurs to invest in their wellbeing. The day combines practical insights from industry experts, powerful networking, and restorative activities that highlight the importance of health, balance, and making good choices as a foundation for long-term success.
Guest Speakers

Jonathan Walsh – Customs & Trade Consultant, Director of Fortior Insight Ltd.
Barry Treacy – Founder of MBH Fitness.

Both will share unique perspectives on resilience, growth, and maintaining peak performance in both business and personal life.
Running Order

11:00am – Meet & Greet
11:15am – Keynote: Jonathan Walsh
12:00pm – Talk: Barry Treacy
12:45pm – Break
1:00pm – Speed Connect Networking Hour
2:00pm – Wellness Session: Sound Baths & Cold Water Dip (optional)
Lunch: Fresh seaside fish & chips from Davey’s Chippy

Purpose
This event is about much more than business connections. It’s a call for men in business to:

Prioritise physical and mental wellbeing.
Make healthier lifestyle choices.
Understand the link between personal health and professional success.
Build strong peer networks in a supportive and inspiring setting.

👉 Seas the Day is your opportunity to reset, refocus, and recharge while connecting with like-minded entrepreneurs who share your drive for both success and balance.

World Menopause Day
2025-10-17 09:30 - 11:30 | Down Business Centre, 46 Belfast Road, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 9UP, United Kingdom
Book Now!!
Event Overview
This event is dedicated to raising awareness, sharing knowledge, and offering practical support around menopause. It brings together expert voices to cover both the legal and lifestyle aspects of menopause, ensuring attendees leave with greater confidence and actionable tools.
Speakers & Focus
Cat Heatley – Menopause Advocate (SERC)

Will address the legal responsibilities of organisations regarding menopause.
Shares action plans for supporting staff effectively.
Interactive quiz element included to keep the session engaging and fun.

Dr Aisling Gough – “Healthy Little Lifter”

Award-winning women’s health and wellness coach, nutritionist, and trainer.
Specialist in menopause support, recognised as Ulster Tatler’s Influential Woman of the Year (2024) for her outstanding contribution to health.
Will guide participants through practical action steps to improve health and wellbeing during menopause.

Key Topics Covered

Menopause Transition: Understanding what happens during this stage of life.
Nutrition: Dietary strategies to support hormonal and overall health.
Exercise: Practical and interactive movement tips to support fitness and wellbeing.
Sleep, Stress & Social Wellbeing: How to balance lifestyle factors that impact menopausal health.

Content Planning
2025-10-20 09:30 - 11:30 | Down Business Centre, 46 Belfast Road, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 9UP, United Kingdom
Book Now!
From content chaos to strategic success.
Master Your 90-Day Content Strategy: Plan, Create, Succeed
Stop struggling with daily content creation and start planning strategically.
This practical 2-hour workshop shows SME owners how to build a 90-day content system that enables you to work smarter not harder.
You’ll Learn;

To create seasonal, authentic content that naturally connects with your customers throughout the year.
To leverage & utilise simple AI tools and free resources that speed up your content creation without losing your authentic voice.
You’ll learn how each platform appeals to your market segments, (& which they actually use) and what types of content they’re tired of seeing. (Are they suffering from content fatigue?!).

Build Once, Use Everywhere: Develop a bank of content ideas that work across your website, social media, emails, and marketing materials.
Stay Relevant Without the Stress: Your framework will be flexible enough to add timely updates and trending topics, but solid enough that you’re never starting from scratch.
Discover the free image sites and easy tools that make professional-looking content achievable.
This session is perfect for business owners who want to get organised with their marketing and team members ready to step up their content game.
Leave with your 90-day plan started and practical resources you can use immediately.

Book Now!

October Netwalk
2025-10-31 09:30 - 11:00 | Finnebrogue Woods, 26 Killyleagh Road, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 9BL, United Kingdom
Netwalk at Finnebrogue Woods
9.30-11am
31st October 2025
Book Now!

Emergency First Aid at Work
2025-11-03 09:30 - 16:45 | Down Business Centre, 46 Belfast Road, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 9UP, United Kingdom
Monday 3rd November
Down Business Centre
9.30am-4.45pm
Book Now!

Price includes registration with awarding body, course manual, and on successful completion of a multiple choice assessment an electronic certificate from the awarding body.

AI for Business Made Simple!
2025-11-06 09:30 - 16:00 | Down Business Centre, 46 Belfast Road, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 9UP, United Kingdom
Down Business Centre
6th November 9.30am – 4pm
£79 per person
Book Now!
Rosemary Morrison from Directus Training and Consultancy will lead this 1-day Masterclass.
A Certified Management Consultant and Fellow of the Institute of Marketing, Rosemary has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs to start up and grow throughout the last 23 years through training, mentoring and coaching, and, after studying AI with MMC Learning, she has recognised that small businesses need practical, jargon-free guidance to harness technology effectively.
Her ‘AI for Business – Made Simple’ Masterclass addresses a real gap as many business owners feel overwhelmed by technical complexity but want to leverage AI’s potential.
This Masterclass bridges that gap by combining traditional business consultancy with cutting-edge AI applications, enabling strategic thinking and planning through modern tools that help businesses compete effectively.
Join her to discover how!
Book onto the next Masterclass ….
Where and when……
What you’ll come away with;
The AI Fundamentals – Understanding the difference between AI and Generative AI, and how both can transform your business operations
Mastering the Art of Prompting – The secret sauce to getting exceptional results from ChatGPT and other AI tools. Specificity is key!
Practical AI Tools for Marketing:Google Alerts for staying ahead of trendsLumen5 for video content creation:Looka for brand design, Canva for visual content, Leonardo and Midjourney for stunning image generation and more
Real-World Applications – From creating marketing plans to generating professional imagery, participants will experience firsthand how AI can streamline workflows and enhance creativity
Future-Proofing Your Business – How to stay updated with the rapidly evolving AI landscape through platforms like Mindstream and HubSpot
The Reality Check – Yes, AI is powerful, but it’s not perfect! We will explore both the opportunities AND the challenges, including the importance of fact-checking and understanding its limitations.

November Netwalk
2025-11-28 09:30 - 11:00 | Finnebrogue Woods, 26 Killyleagh Road, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 9BL, United Kingdom
Netwalk at Finnebrogue Woods
Friday 28th November 2025
9.30-11am
Book Now!

March NetWalk
2025-12-19 08:00 - 17:00 | Down
Book Now
Netwalks – Networking with a Difference
Netwalks are a relaxed and informal way to connect with other business owners. Instead of the usual room full of name badges and introductions, you simply turn up, walk, and have a chat.
This style of networking is ideal for:

New business owners – who may find traditional networking events overwhelming.
Business owners who haven’t networked before – and want to ease into it in a friendly, low-pressure way.
Those thinking about starting a business – who want to “test the water” and get a feel for what networking is really like.

With no pressure, no pitches, and no formalities, Netwalks provide a simple and welcoming way to make connections, share ideas, and build confidence in networking. They are also a great chance to step away from the desk, enjoy some fresh air, and get into nature – the perfect way to round off a busy week or month.

Pop Up Co Working Day
2026-01-14 09:00 - 17:00 | Down Business Centre, 46 Belfast Road, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 9UP, United Kingdom
Beat the January Blues with a Pop-Up Co-Working Day at DBC ☕🥪
Struggling to get back into the groove this January?
Shake off the January Blues and join us at Down Business Centre for a Pop-Up Co-Working Day.
Enjoy a welcoming workspace, Wi-Fi and the energy of working alongside other local professionals — with tea/coffee and lunch provided, so you can focus on what matters most.
Whether you’re a freelancer, remote worker, or small business owner, this is the perfect chance to make new connections and start the year.
Book Now

Export Readiness
2026-01-23 09:30 - 11:00 | Down Business Centre, 46 Belfast Road, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 9UP, United Kingdom
Book Now
Whether you’re just starting to explore export markets or looking to expand further, this practical and interactive workshop will give you the clarity, confidence and connections to succeed in international trade.
This 2.5-hour Export Readiness Workshop is designed to help businesses assess their readiness to export, understand the opportunities available, and develop a tailored action plan to support international growth. Through practical exercises, case studies and guided discussion, participants will gain the tools and knowledge needed to make exporting a viable growth strategy for their business.
The session covers key areas including export readiness, market research and selection, routes to market, operational and compliance essentials, and the wider export support ecosystem. Participants will also explore available supports and funding, and learn how organisations such as Invest NI, InterTradeIreland, UK Export Finance and Go Succeed can support their export journey.
The workshop is highly interactive, encouraging peer learning and reflection, and concludes with participants developing a personalised Export Action Plan with clear priorities and next steps they can take forward immediately.
By the end of the workshop, participants will:

Understand the key drivers and challenges of exporting
Assess their current export readiness
Identify and prioritise potential target markets
Explore different routes to market and partnership options
Build awareness of operational, compliance and financial considerations
Understand the export support available locally and nationally
Leave with a clear, practical export action plan

This workshop is ideal for businesses at any stage of their export journey who want practical guidance and structured support to move forward with confidence.
Book Now

Peer Support For Social Enterprises
2026-01-29 10:00 - 12:00 | Down Business Centre, 46 Belfast Road, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 9UP, United Kingdom
Book Now
Join SEEN – the Social Enterprise Empowerment Network; a series of thematic events for social enterprise businesses across the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area – designed to build confidence, connection and momentum.
This network offers a supportive space for social enterprise leaders to connect with peers, tackle self-doubt, and access the support and opportunities available to them.
What to expect:

Guided peer discussions on shared challenges and mindset blocks
Clear signposting to available and relevant supports
Practical confidence-boosting activities such as strengths mapping and peer reflection

Honest conversations and networking

What you’ll gain:
Greater confidence in your leadership role, stronger peer connections, clearer awareness of available supports, and a set of personal goals and confidence wins to take forward.
If you’re running a social enterprise and want to feel more confident, connected and supported – the Social Enterprise Empowerment Network is for you.

January NetWalk
2026-01-30 09:30 - 11:00 | Finnebrogue Woods, 26 Killyleagh Road, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 9BL, United Kingdom

Sourcing for Success
2026-02-18 09:30 - 11:00 | Down Business Centre, 46 Belfast Road, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 9UP, United Kingdom
Book Now
Importing Products for Resale in the UK: A Practical Guide
Thinking about importing products to sell in the UK but not sure where to start? This practical, jargon-free session is designed to help you understand the realities of importing, avoid costly mistakes, and assess whether importing is right for your business.
You’ll learn how to choose profitable products, find and vet reliable suppliers, calculate true landed costs, and navigate shipping, customs, VAT, and compliance requirements. The session also covers storage, fulfilment options, and routes to market, with a real-world case study showing how an imported product moves from factory to UK customer.
By the end of the session, you will:

Understand the end-to-end UK import process

Know how to assess product suitability and profitability

Be aware of legal, compliance, and VAT requirements

Recognise common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Feel confident taking next steps towards importing for resale

Ideal for: start-ups, small business owners, and anyone considering importing products for resale in the UK.

February NetWalk
2026-02-27 09:30 - 11:00 | Finnebrogue Woods, 26 Killyleagh Road, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 9BL, United Kingdom

International Womens Day
2026-03-04 09:30 - 12:00 | Down
Book Now
More information to follow.
We will have a range of Speakers on the day. All to be confirmed.

Down Ladies Business Network
2026-06-19 09:30 - 12:30 | Journey Community Church, 2 Strangford Rd, Downpatrick BT30 6SL, 2 Strangford Rd, Downpatrick BT30 6SL, Downp, BT30 6SL, United Kingdom
RAISE YOUR GAME
A morning designed to help you step up, stand out and own your success.
Here’s what we have in store for you:
💻 LinkedIn Masterclass with the knowledgeable Louise Brogan. Our expert will show you how to master your LinkedIn presence, make yourself visible online and get noticed by the right people
🎤 Speaking with Confidence — practical tools to help you walk into any room and own it
🧠 Imposter Syndrome — let’s talk about it. Really talk about it. And then let’s kick it to the kerb
🏅 Local Legends — hear from incredible local women achieving and stepping through to personal success 🙌
💪 Mindset Over Everything —honest stories from women overcoming challenges from the inside out and how transforming mindset has changed everything
Date: Friday 19th June
Time: 9.30am- 12.30m
Venue: Journey Community Church, Downpatrick
More details coming very soon — watch this space!

June Netwalk
2026-06-26 09:30 - 11:00 | Finnebrogue Woods, 26 Killyleagh Road, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 9BL, United Kingdom
Netwalks – Networking with a Difference
Netwalks are a relaxed and informal way to connect with other business owners. Instead of the usual room full of name badges and introductions, you simply turn up, walk, and have a chat.
This style of networking is ideal for:

New business owners – who may find traditional networking events overwhelming.
Business owners who haven’t networked before – and want to ease into it in a friendly, low-pressure way.
Those thinking about starting a business – who want to “test the water” and get a feel for what networking is really like.

With no pressure, no pitches, and no formalities, Netwalks provide a simple and welcoming way to make connections, share ideas, and build confidence in networking. They are also a great chance to step away from the desk, enjoy some fresh air, and get into nature – the perfect way to round off a busy week or month.

NetWalk- July
2026-07-31 09:30 - 11:30 | Fodder, 26 Killyleagh Road, Downpatrick, BT30 9BL, United Kingdom
