Athlone Bank of Ireland to host Enterprise Week 2010

Bank of Ireland has launched its second National Enterprise Week which will feature over 60 tailored advice seminars along with showcasing opportunities in branches for business owners, taking place across its retail branch network from Monday to Friday May 24 to 28. The week-long initiative, which is open to both customers and non-customers, is being held as part of the bank's ongoing commitment to actively support business recovery in the SME sector by providing them with the necessary financial support and practical advice during the current challenging trading environment. This two-stranded approach aims to provide advice events for businesses with an opportunity to meet with leading industry experts, and learn from their experiences, while the 'Show your Business' element will give businesses a platform on which to promote their product/service in our branches to a new marketplace and to network with other businesses who face similar challenges. The initiative has been recognised as part of European SME Week 2010, which takes place across Europe between 25 May and 1 June. The advice events will take the format of breakfast briefings, enterprise evenings, presentations and seminars. Athlone branch will play host to a number of local businesses who will be showcasing during the week. Businesses exhibiting will include: Anna Gunning (laser and skin clinic), photographer Corin Bishop, beautician Karen Cunnane, cakes by Anita Flynn, and soapmaker Deirdre Brady. Little Luxuries will be displaying some of their range - the business makes scented candles to order, traditional boiled sweets incense, handcrafted soap bath bombs and a variety of other products. According to Dermot Horan, Commercial Manager, Bank of Ireland Athlone: "The extensive positive feedback we received from businesses and local communities following the inaugural event last year and the two subsequent 'Show your Business' weeks held in October and December, served to highlight the importance of continuing to offer tangible advice and information to SMEs, along with supporting the financial needs of sustainable and viable businesses through these challenging times. For the most up to date information on events taking place across the country during National Enterprise Week log onto www.bankofireland.ie/business (click on business events) or contact your local branch.