New Board Members
We are delighted to announce the appointment of six new Directors to the Board of Down Business Centre.
Down Business Centre operates as a charity and is one of Northern Ireland’s most successful enterprise agencies, offering advice and support to the business, voluntary, and community sectors. The new faces bring the company’s board numbers up to 12 directors, all of whom act in a voluntary capacity and provide expertise across a range of professional disciplines.
Alison Matthews is the founder of VirtuAli Admin Solutions, which helps business owners to streamline their administrative processes. Drawing on over 25 years’ experience in worldwide roles, Alison was ahead of the curve and became a ‘virtual’ PA in 2015. She is also on the Committee of the Belfast PA network – a support group for business professionals.
Brendan Lowry currently works as Innovation Partner at Digital Catapult, accelerating the adoption of digital technologies throughout Northern Ireland and the UK. Brendan works with SME’s and large corporates, focusing on specialist technologies such as Nanotechnology, Photonics, Immersive Technology, Artificial Technology, Machine Learning, Blockchain and 5G.
Elaine Flynn joins from a background in Further Education. She is head of Business Services and Commercial Contracts at SERC and has an extensive career in senior public and private sector management with notable successes in managing key contracts in youth training, welfare to work, business growth, and social inclusion.
Damian Campbell is a founding director of Core Growth with over 25 years of experience in supporting SME’s to define and deliver their growth ambitions. He specialises in strategic planning, marketing, and sales strategies with a strong focus on implementation.
Gareth Sharvin is a local councillor who specialises in computing and information technology. He has worked in the technology, banking and aerospace industries across his professional career and is currently a Program Manager at a multinational technology corporation.
Philip Campbell, also a local councillor, has worked in the charity sector for over 20 years and since 2008 has been the Project Manager for Down Community Arts. Philip is a passionate advocate on the benefits of participatory arts and making them accessible to all.
The new appointments have been welcomed by the chair of the Company, Mr Michael Morrissey. “We are extremely fortunate and honoured that so many talented and committed people have joined our ranks. Their experiences and commitment will ensure we will continue to deliver a high-quality diverse range of support to the business community.”
Alongside Michael Morrissey, the Business Centre’s other directors are Mary-Lou Press, Linda Beers, Joe McCoubrey, Mark Murnin, and Patrick Brown.
