The first Night Czar of London, who is responsible for ensuring London is a thriving city at night-time, and the owner of a Michelin-starred restaurant will share their own experiences of working after dark at a special event in Cork city next week. Enterprise After Dark is one of seven events organised by Local Enterprise Office (LEO), Cork City for this year’s Local Enterprise Week.
The programme of in-person and online events runs from Monday, March 3rd to Friday, March 7th. All events are free to attend but people need to book online in advance.
Enterprise After Dark takes place at the Clayton Hotel on Lapp’s Quay on Tuesday, March 4th and is aimed at businesses that work after dark. Keynote speakers, restauranteur and author, JP McMahon, and Night Czar of London City, Amy Lamé, will join Night Time Economy Advisor for Cork City Council, Fiona Collins, in examining some of the needs of businesses that work into the night.
Another highlight of the week is a workshop where attendees will use LEGO bricks to encourage creative thinking, problem-solving and collaboration. Building your Entrepreneurial Mindset with LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® will be facilitated by Dr. Briony Supple, a Senior Lecturer in Design Thinking at the School of Education, University College Cork. It is aimed at people who want to enhance their problem-solving, creativity, and adaptability skills and takes place on Wednesday, March 5th in 1 Horgan’s Quay.
Dr. Niall O’Keeffe, Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office, Cork City, said: “What we try to do every year is to organise events that meet the needs of businesses that are facing significant challenges from all quarters. So, we endeavour to give tips and ideas on how to drive down costs and how to increase revenues and there’s a mix of programmes like that. We have a couple of novel events this year. One in particular is a speed mentoring event in City Hall where you can meet up with experts in particular areas. We also have a range of information sessions around starting a new business, innovation and creativity. All our events are free to attend but pre-booking is essential as places are limited.”
The Business Advice Clinic is online via zoom on Monday, March 3rd and runs from 9am to 4pm.
Working Smarter, Not Harder is taking place on Tuesday, March 4th at the Talbot Hotel in Ballincollig where attendees can hear the real life stories of people who have transformed their business by cutting waste, increasing efficiency and boosted productivity as a result.
Two local businesses – Izz Café and Wave & Cave Clothing – will share their story of starting and growing their business while availing of the supports available to them at an event on Thursday, March 6th. Stepping Stones to Self-Employment and Beyond takes place at Republic of Work on South Mall and is aimed at anyone who is considering setting up their own business or who is trying to figure out the next step to develop their enterprise further.
Businesses will get an opportunity to talk to three experienced business mentors at the LEO, Cork City’s first ever Speed Mentoring, which is taking place at Millennium Hall, Cork City Hall on Friday, March 7th. Attendees will get 15 minutes with three mentors and will have an opportunity to talk about any challenges they may be facing in growing their business.
Trying to find a healthy work life balance can be a trying task for many entrepreneurs and LEO, Cork City is running an event called Health on the Go which will be online on Thursday, March 6th. Dr. Fiona Barry will be discussing why so many of us feel ‘tired but wired’, the impact of chronic stress on our health and what we can do about it.
Lord Mayor, Cllr. Dan Boyle, says it’s an important week as it highlights the critical role of local enterprise in Cork City. He said: “The ability to upscale, the ability to know how and from whom and the whereto – that’s why the Local Enterprise Office exists and we’re quite proud of the services that are offered by the Local Enterprise Office here in Cork City. I think the week itself is an opportunity for those we want to see operating more efficient businesses, and indeed more businesses, to learn from the direct experiences of people in the Local Enterprise Office and those who are involved in the local economy already.”
For further information on LEO, Cork City’s complete programme of events for Local Enterprise Week and to book your place online, visit www.localenterprise.ie/cork city
Photo: Local Enterprise Week takes place from Monday, March 3rd to Friday, March 7th. Pictured at the Clayton Hotel, Lapp’s Quay, Cork City are (Left to Right)
Bojana Vilhelm, LEO, Cork City; Lorraine Walsh, Cork Arts Supplies; Laura Jane Redmond, Wave & Cave; Ita Madden LEO, Cork City. Credit: Clare Keogh
