Businesses in Northern Ireland

[Baileybooks104]

Hi,
I run an online business specialising in Natural Skin Care products. I am based in Belfast Co. Antrim.

If possible I would be very keen to speak to suppliers in NI .

 

[Peter.maddocks]

Hi, I run a cleaning business based in co. down, still in my first year of business but loving the challenge

 

[Baileybooks104]

Hi, I run a cleaning business based in co. down, still in my first year of business but loving the challenge

Hi and welcome.

 

[Ceciliazhu]

Hello, friends, could you tell me some festivals in Ireland? how many days for each festival? thank you so much.
Some of my customers come from Ireland, i want to know more info about Ireland country. so that we could communicate with my customers more better.

 

[Ceciliazhu]

Hi, I run a cleaning business based in co. down, still in my first year of business but loving the challenge

Dear friend,

You will success at one day, you love challenge, you will get good experience from the business.come on, my friend.

 

[sarah deng]

hehe.. i do hope i can sell my products in Northern Ireland. i can imagine how wonderful it is!! my site is www.chuangyue.en.alibaba.com you can check it out if you are interested in it .

thanks

 

[Baileybooks104]

Hello, friends, could you tell me some festivals in Ireland? how many days for each festival? thank you so much.
Some of my customers come from Ireland, i want to know more info about Ireland country. so that we could communicate with my customers more better.

Hi, try the Northern Ireland tourist board - should be able to help you.

 

[NetArt]

Just joined today.

Have a couple of businesses:

Photography - specialising in aerial photography from the ground - Elevated Aspects Ltd (ElevatedAspects.com).

Internet - E-commerce and community websites.

Based in Co.Armagh.

Andrew

 

[Davem1234]

Well, when I started this thread I thought I would get a handful of replies from businesses in Northern Ireland introducing themselves to each other.

The total number of different businesses on this thread is over 30 now so its good to know there are local businesses on this UK site.

Hopefully more will come on board soon so keep checking back to see who is here and you never know they may just have some product or service that can help your business ...

... Keep it local, lets get Northern Ireland's private sector moving!!

Dave

 

[NetArt]

Dave - I agree it is good to see other NI based businesses on here.

Perhaps we could start a thread about issues concerning running a business in Northern Ireland.

For example:

High carriage costs for bringing goods in to NI.
Slow uptake of using the internet by people in NI.
Opening up customer base beyond NI.



I have found (and after speaking to other new business set ups they have found the same) companies in NI are very loyal to those companies they already use - even if a new start up can offer a better service/product at a cheaper rate, the door is still closed. As soon as somebody says, "mention my name", the door opens.


Anybody else noticed this.


Andrew

 

[Davem1234]

Andrew

I think you are right about businesses being loyal to businesses they currently use.

As an example for my business (I am an Accountant), I just did a quick look down my client base and found that 70% of my clients were start up businesses when I met them or they had done their own taxes up to that point and only 30% have come from other Accountancy firms.

This could well mean that people are reluctant to change Accountants (due to loyalty) ... or maybe my advertising hasn't been targeted to existing businesses ... or maybe their Accountants are doing a good job for them!

What are other peoples experiences?

Dave

 

[abpni-computer-solutions]

I.T. Services firm catering home and business users

Based in Carryduff

 

[mikky_uk]

Recently established bookkeeper based in crossgar, Co. Down. Been largely posting and answering accounting and finance queries on the main site.

Regards
Mickey Ghanni

 

[inn0v8]

Hi i am chris and i am from derry, i am new to this forum, i own a small call centre and deal with life insurance, loans, mortgages etc

 

[mikky_uk]

In reply to Dave and Andrew's post about customer loyalty, i would have to agree.

I had a meeting with my mechanic who i had talked to prior to being esatblished and explained how i could help him save money whilst working with his accountant, such as doing his payroll and accounts to trial balance.

He was quite happy with with the idea but after i registered as a bookkeeper and went back to him, he said he would find it too difficult to leave his current accountant as he has been with the firm for over 15 years since he was established.

 

[Admor]

Loyalty is a good thing if it relates to your own customers, however it can become threatened if you do not value them highly enough. The inverse of this is clear where you are targeting other business' customers who tend to remain loyal, although some will move for the right reasons.

This seems to be a very active business forum and I have just signed up. I started 5 years ago offering Business Advice and Mentoring to SME owners, including start ups, specialising on banking / finance issues and specifically how to present Business Plans to banks to improve the chances of securing funding.

I have launched a new website but cannot provide a link so just google 'admor business solutions' and you will get there. Please let me know what you think. I need to link this up to an existing basic Facebook presence and will do soon.

I am based in Belfast, however I cover UK & Ireland remotely in relation to reviewing Business Plans.

Tony

 

[Malcomx]

one here based in mallusk... primarily an online business we are a new fuel agency (agents) for commercial businesses - new concept started two months ago and going well....

 

[Chris Gough]

Hi All, internet based estate agent here, from Lurgan.

 

[fighttalk]

Hi, i run a window cleaning company based in antrim....

 

[crystal-engravers]

Hi,

Just signed up to the Forum last night.

I'm a glass engraver supplying and engraving crystal and glass awards and presentations to businesses, sports clubs, event companies and individuals.

Showroom / workshop based in Belfast and have been doing this for 20 years or so.

My father tells people "I scratch for a living" which is a tad harsh as I sand carve into the the crystal or glass which results in a smooth, clean and permanent inscription.

Sounds good to him though.........

David

 

[Bruceflea]

Hi,

Just signed up to the Forum last night.

I'm a glass engraver supplying and engraving crystal and glass awards and presentations to businesses, sports clubs, event companies and individuals.

Showroom / workshop based in Belfast and have been doing this for 20 years or so.

My father tells people "I scratch for a living" which is a tad harsh as I sand carve into the the crystal or glass which results in a smooth, clean and permanent inscription.

Sounds good to him though.........

David

Welcome to the forum David.

Wherabouts in Belfast are you based? We're on the Lisburn Road.

 

[SmilePrint]

Tony, Malcom(?), Chris & David

Welcome to the forum..

We're seeing more and more NI businesses on here.

Keep posting & connecting on & offline with local users.

Great place to bounce ideas around!

See you all around!

Brendan

 

[Bruceflea]

We're seeing more and more NI businesses on here.

Keep posting & connecting on & offline with local users.

Great place to bounce ideas around!

See you all around!

Brendan

I agree Brendan. Slowly but surely more members from NI are joining the forum which is great to see.

 

[crystal-engravers]

Thanks for the welcomes!!

Aaron - based on the Lisburn Road (37a) down by the City Hospital. Little trade area set back off the road.

If one was of a certain age (ie advanced years) one might remember the site as the old Eglington Bakery which was the first bakery to slice bread in Belfast!!!

Reliably passed on, ahem, by my father......

David

 

[Bruceflea]

Thanks for the welcomes!!

Aaron - based on the Lisburn Road (37a) down by the City Hospital. Little trade area set back off the road.

If one was of a certain age (ie advanced years) one might remember the site as the old Eglington Bakery which was the first bakery to slice bread in Belfast!!!

Reliably passed on, ahem, by my father......

David

lol way before my time David. We're on up beside the Tesco at the Cordia buildings.

hope business is going well.

 

[fighttalk]

Hi im Stephen, i own a window cleaning business based in antrim....

 

[cmooki]

Hi everyone!

I'm internet marketing specialist who focuses on Google local search optimization & social media!

I can see this forum being rather addictive!

Re. loyalty

I think (especially for accountants) hassle is a big factor. Many business owners hate finance and the thought of moving is probably off-putting. However 15year with the same accountant I'm sure this is more a case of loyalty.

 

[Codefixer]

Hello Carley,

Welcome to the forum. Good to have a social media expert on the forum from here

 

[A.McVitty]

Hi Everyone,

I'm Aaron. Currently working for a newspaper publisher in North London on the distribution side of things. But Belfast is home and my family are all still there, so now and again I do some Newspaper and Leaflet distribution work there also for my Father's company.

On the side I also run a production company making short films and music videos for local bands to help them on their journey to greatness.

Looking forward to discovering more Northern Ireland businesses on here as time passes.

Cheers.

 

[Enda]

I run a networking business which involves giving away a free online shopping application that saves the end user money and time.

I can't post the link as I have not posted enough but you can have a look at my Belfast Blog website

 

[Veritas Accountants]

Hi everyone!

I'm internet marketing specialist who focuses on Google local search optimization & social media!

I can see this forum being rather addictive!

Re. loyalty

I think (especially for accountants) hassle is a big factor. Many business owners hate finance and the thought of moving is probably off-putting. However 15year with the same accountant I'm sure this is more a case of loyalty.

Hi Guys, was reading comments and thought I'd make a quick reply regarding accountants and the percieved loyalty where clients usually cant be bothered moving because they think its too much hassle.

The problem is not may people know how to change accountants and how easy it is. I have a link on my website informing people that it is only a 3 step process which does not involve them speaking to their current accountant if they don't want to. Cant post a link so google "Veritas Thinking of Changing Accountants?"

I remember 15 years ago when everyone stayed with the same bank they opened a student account with, despite receiving bad customer service and high fees. It was'nt until HSBC etc arrived and told us that switching was so easy that we all sat up and took notice. Now not many people have a percieved loyalty to their bank, so why have a loyalty to your accountants if you're not happy.

Would welcome anyone's thoughts on this topic, or am I mad!:|

p.s. I have just opened a satelite office in Belfast which is going well, seems people in Belfast are fed up of paying City prices for same work we do in Omagh which is an hour down the road.

 

[seanstudiohall]

How about starting a catering business. cateringbusinesssuccess .com/the-business-side-in-catering/

 

[Rory_G]

Hi Folks,

Posted this on the main page but this thread looks a but more lively!

I'm Rory, I work for Director Development Ireland – a professional coaching and training company. Not sure how many of you this will apply to but here goes!

Thought I'd tell you about a business improvement programme that's fully funded by the Department of Employment and Learning called Impact. At the moment, there are some places left on Impact for leaders and senior managers to avail of coaching and mentoring support in Q1 2011 around the areas relating to strategies for growth. The Impact programme is delivered by experienced business leaders with a proven track record for success.

To be eligible for 100% funding for this opportunity the businesses that wish to take part need to be based in NI with more than 5 employees, whilst not currently being with Invest NI.

Not sure whether that'll be helpful or useful to you. If you'd like more information - just shoot me a PM or call me on 0845 230 5445.

Cheers guys

 

[davidhanna]

Hi everyone.

My name is David Hanna and I work for the University of Ulster Coleraine on a renewable energy project called MicrE.

 

[neilmcanulty]

Hello to all
Just found this forum this morning, I run a cleaning service, based in Newry, primarily I carry out commercial and domestic carpet and upholstery cleaning, but also offer a full one off house cleaning service and hard floor clean and strip and seal services.

Hoping for prosperous 2011

 

[Bruceflea]

Hello to all
Just found this forum this morning, I run a cleaning service, based in Newry, primarily I carry out commercial and domestic carpet and upholstery cleaning, but also offer a full one off house cleaning service and hard floor clean and strip and seal services.

Hoping for prosperous 2011

Welcome to the forum. I hope you find it as helpful as I have.

We look after a number of businesses in Newry and help to reduce their roaming charges for their business mobiles. If we can help at all with yours, please let me know.

 

[connord]

Hey, just logged onto this this morning,

We're a North-west based service for start up companies. Just having a read of the forum now.

 

[VPA-NI]

I am in Newtownards, County Down.

 

[DonMak Marketing]

I work for a local Internet Service Provider in Belfast offering Telecoms & Broadband solutions - specializing in B2B services including Fibre to the cabinet Broadband.

Does anyone know the best people to go to in regards to buying data sets specifically for Northern Ireland that include e-mails for monthly mailshots.

Alternatively if anyone is interested in reducing costs of their telecoms/ broadband services and improving service please PM me.

 

[LicensedToTrade]

I work for a local Internet Service Provider in Belfast offering Telecoms & Broadband solutions - specializing in B2B services including Fibre to the cabinet Broadband.

Does anyone know the best people to go to in regards to buying data sets specifically for Northern Ireland that include e-mails for monthly mailshots.

Alternatively if anyone is interested in reducing costs of their telecoms/ broadband services and improving service please PM me.

It is strange, I can't seem to find any information for Donmak or Donmak marketing in Northern Ireland or any other part of the country. Do you have a website?