The Road to the Belfast Business Centre through the Power of Social Media!

Belfast Business Centre's latest client proves Social Media is 'Good for Business!'

We would like to welcome Stephen and Big Wet Fish to the Belfast Business Centre and thank him for the testimonial below!

Big Wet Fish was established as a hobby when I was Head of IT in Carrickfergus College and rapidly grew into a company hosting over ten thousand websites for local, national and international clients.

In late 2010 I knew the time was right to move into this full time as managing a team of contracted employees and teaching full time was becoming impossible. Initially I worked from home with a ‘Virtual Office’ in Belfast. A medium term goal of the company was to move some of our 24/7 remote contracted support ‘in house’ and this could only be achieved through having office space locally.

While having a conversation with a local Carrickfergus Councillor on Facebook to ascertain if he had any contacts in the local area for office space. Sarah Brownlee Deputy Manager of the Belfast Business Centre, a mutual Facebook friend of the Councillor sent me some details of the Business Centre

So I made an appointment to look at the available spaces in ‘Cathedral House’ and I signed to take an office. Been a week so far and I have absolutely no regrets. Through the power of Social Media and especially Facebook this came about...as a business we have embraced the power of Twitter with 1600 twitter followers and finding this office space through a Facebook Wall post shows the power of Social media.

We are a full service hosting company offering a range of hosting solutions tailored to every budget - visit www.bigwetfish.co.uk or call into Cathedral House and talk to Stephen any time:

• Shared hosting plans starting at £2.49 per month or £21.99 per year
• Business hosting plans starting at £9 per month or £75 per year
• Reseller hosting plans
• Virtual Private Servers
• Cloud Servers
• Dedicated Servers
• SSL Security Certificates
• Backup Accounts

Growing your business during a recession Event

North City Business Centre are running an event called 'Grow Your Business During a Recession' this Monday, 21st November from 12:30pm- 1:30pm.

'Growing your business during a recession' is delivered by Philip Bain, Co-Founder and Director of Shredbank. The seminar will focus on key areas that all businesses need to address in order to survive through difficult economic times. The seminar is highly interactive, informative and practical.

Philip Bain and his business partner James Carson established ShredBank just after the collapse of Northern Rock and the beginning of one of the deepest recessions since the 1930’s. ShredBank entered a document shredding market dominated by well established multi-nationals and a deteriorating economic climate. Despite this, under Philip’s commercial leadership ShredBank has become a fast growing multi-award winning company that has experienced high double digit growth year on year and disproved the notion that success in a recession is impossible.

Having recently won Entrepreneur of the Year 2010 and Young Businessperson of the Year 2011, we are delighted that Philip has agreed to share his thoughts and experiences on what it takes to start-up, grow and succeed in tough financial times. He will reflect on the importance of marketing, selling, innovation and having a business model that works.

John Simpson, Journalist and Chair of Judging Panel for Belfast Telegraph Awards, stated:

“The judges were impressed particularly by a younger entrepreneur who has almost made a household name of his business: ShredBank”

(Free entry)

If you would like to attend please contact angela.frizzell@north-city.co.uk

Seventh Anniversary!

The Belfast Business Centre is celebrating its seventh anniversary!

Since opening in November 2004, the centre has gone from strength to strength and we would like to thank all of our clients, past and present for making the company such a success.

Over the years we have seen many changes as the centre has evolved to meet new client needs and we will continue to invest in new technology and develop additional services through the excellent committed Management team which has been in place since day one.

A special thanks goes to Clare, who since joining us in July 2009 has brought a fresh and vibrant energy to the centre's Reception!

Want Free Business Banking?

Ready for your First Business Bank Account?

Thinking of Switching Business Bank Accounts?

Need a Sterling Business Bank Account?


HSBC can offer Free business banking at HSBC.

Contact Elaine for the referral details.

The Belfast Business Centre received free business banking from HSBC for the first 18months and managed correctly we continue to receive free business banking into the future.

Thank you

The Belfast Business Centre would like to thank all the clients who attended our lunch on 9th September 2011.

The lunch was very successful with some new connections being made and very enjoyable for the staff to see all their hard work come together.

The Prize Draw was won by Claire from Access Recruitment - your voucher will be on its way to you soon!

Client Lunch 09/09/11 update

Since our last post the following people have confirmed that they will be attending our client lunch.

DPP - Karen McKay

HSBC - Maureen Devine

Mitchell + Kane - Anthony Ward

Nitec

Shred IT - Keith Pryde

Shred IT - Eileen Morgan

Universal Coaching Services - Leah McStravick

Waterman Boreham - Colin Bell

Your Local Broker - Clive McBride


If you haven't already confirmed your attendance please contact Sarah or Elaine on 02890 43 93 93 or by emailing info@belfastbusinesscentre.com

Client Lunch 09/09/11

Thanks to those of you who have already confirmed your attendance at the Belfast Business Centre Client Lunch on 9th September 2011.

Accenture - Paula Delaney and Michael Connelly

Aegon - Joanne Brown

All Electrical Recycling - Niamh O'Sullivan

All Electrical Recycling - Brian Johnstone

Belfast Metropolitan College - Rosemary Martin

Brady Solicitors - Angela Brady

C+M Cleaning Service - Mark Graham

Conceptroom - Stephen Broad

Diatec - Kieran Murphy

Exornia - Malcolm Dryburgh

Festo

Gibson Wealth Management - Jayne Gibson

Harlequin Ltd - Paul Campbell

Independent Search Solutions - Patrick Fitzmaurice

McGarry Consulting - Liam McGarry

Messianic Testimony - Dr Sam Gordon

ML2 - Julie Hansen

Monetary Intelligence - Will Hawkes

North City Business Centre - Farah Chowdhury

North City Business Centre - Andrew Cousins

People 1st - Caroline Bell

Rubycard - Una Daly

Towry Services - Tereen Lester

Towry Services - Neil Torney

If you haven't already confirmed your attendance please contact Sarah or Elaine on 02890 43 93 93 or by emailing info@belfastbusinesscentre.com

August 11 Current Availability

Congratulations to Harlequin Ltd on their expansion! Their move to a larger office leaves us with availability.

Please see our website for further information http://www.belfastbusinesscentre.com/officeavailability/

New Client Welcome!

We would like to welcome the following new clients to the centre:

TTRSA

Standard Control Systems

Windsor Hill Physiotherapy

SMS Electrical

ITAP

Your Local Broker

Harlequin Ltd

Festo Limited

Dufay

KPM Property Rentals

Fleet Economy Solutions

Northern Ireland Special Offers

AR Business Consultants - Low Cost Tax&Accountancy Service

AR Business Consultants provides a simple, easy-to-use, fixed fee, low cost tax and accountancy service with no need for long face to face meetings and the soaring hourly charges usually associated with traditional high street accountants.

We know running your own company can be painful, hard work and time consuming leaving you with little time to concentrate on your business. By using our service you leave the hassle to our highly experienced professionals to assist you with your bookkeeping, taxation and accounts.

Our Accountants have broad and lengthy experience in the key accountancy areas of:
• Tax Advice & Planning
• Bookkeeping
• Accounts Production
• Payroll & VAT
• Company Formation

Based on this experience, we believe that we can offer you a highly cost-effective service because:

• Our fees will be FIXED for a year, based upon a detailed assessment of your requirements, applied to our very accurate calculation processes. There will be NO HIDDEN EXTRAS but additional work can be costed very accurately as and when required.

• We specialise in working with SME businesses, especially start-ups, and can offer sound financial advice to maximise profits

• We can analyse performance on a quarterly basis when doing VAT Returns to ensure good planning and investment advice

• A Value-based Audit is not just about Compliance but provides advice at the end of the audit to improve systems and procedures

• A 6-monthly Tax Health check ensures further control over the timing of decisions, optimising financial benefit

There is no technical talk from us. We speak to you openly and honestly and promise not to blind you with jargon. We want you to feel comfortable to pick up the phone to us whenever you need, for whatever you want and know you will get good sound understandable advice. We will work with you in the way that suits you - in person, on the phone or online.

If you would like to discuss anything you have read here please contact us at our Belfast office on 02890 437006.

Current Office Availability Update

We are pleased to announce that with the arrival of Harlequin Ltd the Belfast Business Centre has no availability.

The website will be updated as soon as an office becomes vacant or alternatively contact Elaine or Sarah and they will be able to keep you informed.

Contact:
Elaine or Sarah

Telephone: 02890 439393
Email: info@belfastbusinesscentre.com

Do Your Terms of Business Protect How You Do Business?

Most businesses will either not have any terms of business or will have a set of terms put together at some point in the past which have never been looked at again. However, in these difficult times having a set of terms and conditions that have been tailored to your business and the market that you operate in may make all difference in getting paid or in dealing with a dispute with a customer or supplier.

Ideally your terms and conditions should set out:
• what your product or service is;
• the procedure for delivery of your product or service;
• the time and method of payment;
• the circumstances in which the contract can be terminated or brought to an end; the consequences or termination;
• the limits as to what you will be liable for;
• if court action does become necessary, that your case will be brought in the Northern Irish courts. This last matter can become important if you export even if it is to ROI or GB. If you do not specify that any dispute will be dealt with by the NI courts then you could be faced with the added expense of bringing or defending proceedings in the country where your customer is situated. You can also include a provision for Alternative Dispute Resolution in your terms and conditions such as mediation or arbitration. This can keep the costs of a dispute down as well as keeping the dispute more private.

Of course if your customer is a large multiple then it’s probably the multiple’s terms and conditions that will apply. But this does not mean that they should not be looked at. It is important that if you enter into a contract with a large customer, such as a multiple, that the terms are reviewed by a solicitor. The review may enable you to better negotiate certain terms with the customer and even if there is no room for negotiation, you should always go into a contract knowing exactly what the duties and obligations are for both you and the customer and what options may be open to you if the commercial relationship goes sour. You can also then make use of that information in your management of the job.

Terms and conditions can also be used as part of your effective credit control system.

Terms and conditions should also be periodically reviewed to ensure that they always reflect and protect the way you do business.

Angela Brady is Principal of Brady Solicitors. Brady Solicitors focus exclusively on advising and providing legal services to business clients. She offers a free one hour consultation and can be contacted at a.brady@bradylegalni.com or on 07834321482.

Meeting Room Special Offer!

We have just added our Meeting Room Special Offer to our website !

The Belfast Business Centre have four ground floor meeting rooms available in a variety of layouts.

To see how you can use these rooms to your advantage at the best price contact us on 02890439393 or info@belfastbusinesscentre.com

Image Development Evening with Universal Coaching Services & HQ Hair&Beauty!

We would like to thank Leah from Universal Coaching Services and Donna from HQ Hair&Beauty for a very good evening. The whole event was relevant, up to date & fun! We are really looking forward to Leah providing us with our individual Image Development Makeover's next week & the chance to have her on a one to one basis as our personal shopper!

Have you got the spark to run your own business? Find Out With Advantage's IGNITE Programme

Here’s the problem – you’re under 25, you’re thinking of starting or growing a business and you’ve a list as long as your arm of unanswered questions. You want to do it right and you want to be taken seriously. Time is tight, money’s tighter and you just wish there was one place you could get all the help you need…

There is. Advantage’s IGNITE programme provides you with comprehensive support through a series of unique, specifically tailored services. So, whether you’re just exploring the idea or you’re already up and running, IGNITE’S got it covered. We have some of the best resources in the world and Support Packs for Pre Start, Start and Growth ready and waiting for you on our website.

Ignite includes:

· Find an Idea – access to over 500 profiled business ideas.

· Business Information Bank – a one-stop shop for advice on every aspect of business.

· Connect Forum, Video Case Studies & Podcasts – connect with other young entrepreneurs and free thinkers.

· Export Entry Guides – profiles of target markets for growing your business

· Ask The Expert – any question you have on starting or growing your business answered.

And much more… to get started, head to www.advantage-ni.com

Or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/advantageni

Or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/advantageni

Current Office Availability Update March 2011 (2)

On 15th March 2011 we informed you that Lough Shore Investments and World Desk had secured their own permanent premises and would be leaving the centre in mid April.

We are pleased to announce that Ruby Card, an existing client, has confirmed that they will moving into the Grosvenor Suite at this time.

This reduces our availability to a two person office in the Glengall Suite. Anyone wishing to view the office should contact Elaine on 02890 43 93 93.

For further information please visit our website.

Belfast Business Centre Client Off The Wall Creations wins major contract with international hostel group in Dublin

We would like to congratulate Off The Wall Creations on winning a major contract in Dublin with Generator Hostels with support from Invest Northern Ireland.

View the full article here

Present with Prezi - Thursday, May 19, 2011 at 11:00 AM

Prezi is a refreshing alternative to the standard type of presentation software traditionally used by speakers, trainers and presenters.

Do you want to learn something new, fresh and up to date?

Do you need to create presentations that are visually stimulating and engaging?

Do you want to have fun while working?

Explore your creative side?

Add ideas as they come to you?

Create a structure afterwards?

To read more and register, click here.

Belfast Business Centre Client Louise Anderson in Charity Marathon Run

Louise Anderson from Amaze Technology has asked us to let everyone know about her participation in the Belfast Marathon for charity.

Myself (Louise) and 4 other friends are running the Team Relay at the Belfast Marathon taking place on the 2nd May 2011. Whilst we all love running we wanted to help a local charity benefit from the cause. Therefore we will be running in aid of Armagh Junior Gateway Club.

A little information about the club:
Armagh Junior Gateway Club is a voluntary organisation for children and young people from 7-18 years who have a learning +\or physical disability. Services available to these young people are limited and it takes great dedication and time from those volunteers involved to keep the club available. The club offers the young people an opportunity to socialise, build their confidence, self-esteem and independence while developing many interpersonal skills. It also provides parents and carers with a period of respite. If you would like to know more please get in touch.

If anyone would like to sponsor us and have a spare penny or two to give, however small the amount the club and ourselves would very much appreciate it. If you wish to donate, please ask at the Belfast Business Centre Reception and they will contact me.

Thank you for your time and support.

Louise Anderson
email: lou_anderson84@hotmail.com

Cool Art NI Shortlisted for Belfast Business Award!

Congratulations and Good Luck to Cool Art NI who have been shortlisted for Best Social Economy Business Award Category within the 2011 Belfast Business Awards.

NEW BUSINESS INFORMATION PACK

We would like to thank Michelle Kidd for redesigning our Business Information Pack.

The new Business Information Pack can be viewed on our website .

Business Centre clients and past clients, can advertise their companies within the Information Pack free of charge.

If this is of interest to you or your company please contact Elaine or Sarah on 02890439393 or email us on info@belfastbusinesscentre.com .

Current Office Availability Update

With the confirmation of Lough Shore Investments & World Desk securing their own permanent premises, we have updated our Office availability.

Please see the website for further information.

PayPal Trial For Client Payments

We have now set up a PayPal account as an alternative method for clients to make payments.

This service will run for a 3 month trial, during this time we will monitor its effectiveness and costs.

Should you wish to use this method of payment, we would advise you to check your businesses PayPal account terms and conditions in relation to any charges that they may make to you.

Our PayPal account information is: info@belfastbusinesscentre.com .

BCA Regional Meeting - London

We would like to thank Jennifer Brooke and Adele Walker of the Business Centre Association for making us feel so welcome at the Regional Meeting in London on the 17th February.

We found all the information very useful and look forward to receiving further information on the training courses the BCA are running.

Current Office Availability Update

We are pleased to announce the arrival of Lift and Electrical Services into the York Suite Office.

At present the Belfast Business Centre has no availability. The website will be updated as soon as an office becomes vacant or alternatively contact Elaine or Sarah and they will be able to keep you informed.

Contact:
Elaine or Sarah
Telephone: 02890 439393
Email: info@belfastbusinesscentre.com

Belfast canvas bags exclusive to CoolArt NI

CoolArt NI celebrates all that is great about Northern Ireland. From stunning massive canvas art with iconic images of NI to contemporary canvas bags that say 'wow' !

The 'Belfast Collection' presents the capital city in contemporary images. Imagine massive canvases or stunning wall murals to create amazing public spaces and unique interiors. Cool Art NI also create bespoke art for city apartments and businesses.

Belfast canvas bags are all exclusive to CoolArt NI and can only be bought in shops across Belfast , supplied by CoolArt NI, or on-line at the CoolArt NI website.

NITEC SOLUTIONS AND OUR FIXED LINE BROADBAND

We would like to welcome our new IT company NITEC SOLUTIONS !

Nitec came to us highly recommended by BT and have successfully provided us with uninterrupted service on our new fixed line broadband since their arrival.

They are continuing to update and improve the Belfast Business Centre's IT provisions and we look forward to providing our clients with fast and reliable Broadband and IT support in the future.

Is Water Damage Disrupting Your Business?

For £50 a day you can utilise a work station within the Centre for your key member of staff.

Full Broadband access will be available and your business calls can be diverted by your telephone provider to the Belfast Business Centre.

For further information please contact Elaine on 02890 439393 or email info@belfastbusinesscentre.com