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Sponsored by Virgin Media Business, the Women in Business NI Awards celebrate the achievements of female entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland
Forty-five female leaders of businesses small and large across every sector of the Northern Ireland economy gathered recently at the Virgin Media Television studios in Dublin for the Women in Business Awards finalists’ retreat day.
Sponsored by Virgin Media Business, the Women in Business NI Awards celebrate the dedication, hard work and achievements of some of the most successful, entrepreneurial and inspiring business women who make a valuable contribution to the economic life of Northern Ireland. The network provides an opportunity for shortlisted finalists to hear from and take part in workshops with inspirational speakers, as well as network and share insights with each other throughout the day.
The mission of Women in Business Northern Ireland is to equip women with the skills they need to start and grow their own business or develop their careers, rising into senior manager and leadership positions. By positively impacting all its members, WIB aspires to create a new economy, whereby all females in Northern Ireland significantly contribute to the economic success of society.
Collaboration Theme
The keynote speakers at the event included economist, financial analyst and author Susan Hayes Culleton, who specialises in consultancy and content development services in the financial markets, economics and entrepreneurship across Europe and the United States. Hayes Culleton is also the author of textbooks in economics for the Leaving Certificate curriculum. She was joined by Dr Orlaigh Quinn, Secretary General of the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.
Speaking about the event, Seamus McCorry, Regional Director of Virgin Media Business Northern Ireland, described it as very valuable, and filled with strategic insights and practical advice. “Both speakers stressed the need to collaborate and build networks for strong and lasting business relationships.
In Association with
• Full listing of Women in Business Awards 2019 Winners
"Organisationally, leading people is a process of influencing them in line with agreed strategy to work positively together, and pool their collective skills and resources to achieve outcomes for success,” McCorry explained.
“Leaders also need to be able to listen and learn, while seeking qualified advice wherever necessary to inform their decision-making. All too often, entrepreneurs and innovators can get bogged down in operational detail, particularly as a business grows, and attendees heard that delegation remains really important.
"It’s impossible to be an expert in absolutely everything. Surrounding yourself with a really good team, who you can trust to get the job done, is essential, while retaining a 360 degree leadership overview of all matters.”
Promoting Diversity
McCorry added that Virgin Media is an organisation that promotes and thrives on diversity and inclusivity. “We’re delighted to support Women in Business, which is the largest and fastest-growing business network for female entrepreneurs and business leaders in Northern Ireland,” he stated.
“We’re also proud to support business and economic growth in Northern Ireland through our substantial and ongoing investments in broadband digital infrastructure, providing the essential high-speed connectivity that businesses, people and the economy need in order to be competitive and successful for the future.”
Photo (l-r): Roseann Kelly, CEO, Women in Business Northern Ireland; Dr. Orlaigh Quinn, Secretary General of the Irish Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation; Susan Hayes Culleton, Managing Director of the Hayes Culleton Group; Seamus McCorry, Regional Director Northern Ireland, Virgin Media Business.
