Insight to luxury brand success

Kelli Bagchus, manager of Carrickfergus Enterprise and Donal Leahy, Enterprise Northern Ireland with business 'bootcamp' participants. INCT 36-706-CON

The Comet Business Bootcamp programme, which is aimed at those between 16 and 35 years of age, is facilitated in the borough by Carrickfergus Enterprise.

The initiative provides a range of support including Ideas Generation and Enterprise Preparation workshops to help prepare for the initial challenges of starting a business. Participants benefit too from one-to-one business planning, market research and intensive mentoring.

Recently, Carrickfergus participants attended two workshops to help them to develop their ideas further. Those in attendance heard from entrepreneurs Abigail and Ryan Bell of abigail*ryan homewares. The young husband and wife team provided an insight into how they had started their luxury brand of homeware items that includes cushions, kitchen linen and wallpaper. Their products have sold through prestigious stores such as Liberty London and Fenwick’s of Bond Street and also in collaboration with Jo Malone London.

Abigail and Ryan provided the attendees with an insight into their self-employment journey as well as helpful tips on getting a business off to the best possible start.

Kelli Bagchus, manager Carrickfergus Enterprise, said: “It was so inspiring to hear at first hand about the successful local entrepreneurs who were not afraid to ask for help and support along the way.

“Carrickfergus Enterprise has worked with Abigail Ryan on a number of business support initiatives in the past, so it was fitting that they came to provide our delegates with such a practical and inspiring insight to their business.”

Participants also attended a workshop where they got the opportunity to speak to a number of funders including Bank of Ireland, ENI Start Up Loan Fund and Invest NI. Carrickfergus Enterprise will provide support over the coming months to help those taking part to develop their ideas and prepare a plan as well as access a range of mentoring including sourcing funds, marketing and financial administration.

The boot camp is funded through the European Regional Development Fund under Interreg IVA Programme. More information at 028 93 369528 or email [email protected]