BELFAST BRIEFING:When entrepreneurs meet up, they find they compete globally rather than against each other

STEPPING ABOARD a former cargo barge now moored permanently near Belfast’s Waterfront Hall might not seem the most obvious move for budding entrepreneurs. Given Belfast’s historic misfortune with stormy waters and ambitious vessels, it might seem for some like a potentially bad omen.

But the barge, MV Confiance, which is now home to the Lagan Legacy, Belfast’s own floating maritime museum, could actually this week throw some small businesses in the city a lifeline.

It is the first venue for the Belfast Entrepreneurs’ Network which on Thursday kicks off a new season of free events in the Lagan Legacy – itself the brainchild of local entrepreneurs.

The network, which is part-funded by Belfast City Council, aims to help business opportunists navigate stormy economic seas while mapping out new ideas.

It is specifically aimed at small businesses and hopes not only to be a catalyst that promotes trade between them but also to facilitate a forum where they can help each other.

If it seems like just another talking shop – and Northern Ireland has no shortage of these (every business organisation, every trade body and even lobby groups have their own networking events) – think again. New research from Belfast City Council shows that the network has delivered tangible results in the four years since it was established.

Many businesses that have participated in one or more of its events have secured firm orders – boosting turnover and helping to secure local jobs. Even if they did not win any new business, many people said being part of the entrepreneurs’ network provided real benefits in the form of new contacts and the “education” they get from the programme and other participants.

Debra McVicker who, with her sister Tracey, owns the online boutique Hampton Blue, said taking part in the network helped reshape her business. The sisters, who share a passion for travel and “little adventures”, decided to set up their own online business in 2009 after years spent browsing stores from Italy to New York.

It launched to enthusiastic reviews but then recession hit and they decided to reshape their business concept. They continued to operate their online boutique but also started selling accessories and gifts at specialist markets.

McVicker says they had other ideas kicking around but it was not until they attended one of the network’s events that any took shape.

“We had thought about opening Hampton Blue concessions within established stores but it was on the long finger. Then we took part in one of the seminars and we realised exactly why it was a good idea. We went ahead and did it and we now have four concessions up and running.”

McVicker says one of the invaluable benefits of networking events is that they bring business people together.

“Running a business, particularly an online business, can be quite isolating. You don’t have the opportunity to get out and about to talk to other business people about issues you might have.

“Not only does the Belfast Entrepreneurs’ Network actually provide some great advice and help, but it is also very social – it is a chance to talk to people who are in the same situation as you are.

“Sometimes if you are suffering a bit of self-doubt or you are worried about your business, you can go along and talk to people who have been in the same boat and have come through. I could not endorse it enough,” she adds.

In the past, business, networking might have been associated with warm glasses of bad wine in a very tired hotel function room. Today it is a completely different concept with even the most hi-tech-savvy businesses in Northern Ireland enjoying a chance to indulge in the old-fashioned approach of meeting face to face.

Liam McGarry, one of the founders of Wee Man Studios which specialises in iPhone and iPad games, said events such as those organised via the network give companies like his the opportunity to learn from other businesses.

“We are big fans of the likes of Twitter and we are getting into Facebook more and more, but sometimes it is really good just to meet up in person with the people you connect with online. It is good to develop the relationship in person which can, in turn, be very good for your business.”

For McGarry and McVicker, a particular advantage to networking in Northern Ireland is its size – it is small enough so you can really get to know the people that matter.

McGarry says: “In terms of the digital and creative networks here, it is easy to get to know people and, once you know them, they are more than willing to help you.

“People in this industry are beginning to realise that we compete globally, not against each other.

“If networking teaches you anything, it is that there is an amazing amount of talent in Northern Ireland.”