Full house for opening talk

LOCAL Enterprise Week got off to a great start in Creative Spark last week when a capacity audience turned up to hear the talk ‘Could You Be Your Own Boss?’

This was one of a number of talks and workshops that took place during the week which is promoted by the Local Enterprise Office.

Start-up specialist Sarah Maguire, delivered the talk on entrepreneurship and starting your own business. With over 15 years of hands-on experience, she captivated the participants with an engaging, informative and entertaining workshop. Outlining how to think like an entrepreneur, Sarah aimed to unlock the participants potential, and also explained the support available to you and your start-up enterprise. Speaking to a booked out training room, Sarah outlined how to identify and develop your own creativity and skills, overcoming your own personal challenges as well as developing your business idea.

There was an energetic buzz around Creative Spark following Sarah’s workshop as it further highlighted the opportunities that the participants could take advantage of, should they choose to pursue their dream of starting their own business. Creative Spark offers a variety of services such as hot-desking and office space for rent, giving you the perfect opportunity to start your new business venture in a vibrant lively space.

Creative Spark provides a range of services to give entrepreneurs the tools and facilities required to be successful in the business world. To find out more visit www.creativespark.ie or call (042) 938 5720.

AIB Louth has announced its commitment to becoming ‘ JAM Card Friendly’ as the bank continues to support vulnerable customers.

The initiative is part of a wider programme of work by AIB to support customers who are most in need of support.

The JAM Card allows anyone with a communication barrier to tell others they need ‘Just A Minute’ discreetly and easily. It can be used by people with Asperger’s syndrome or autism, those who have a brain injury as well as people who otherwise feel self-conscious about their ability to effectively communicate when engaging with others.

Customers will simply be able to show their card in branch to a member of staff which will discreetly convey their need for more time in communicating or conducting their banking business.

All branch staff in Louth will complete JAM Card eLearning awareness training in the coming months.

SThe JAM Card is available as a physical card or as an app on your phone and will be promoted through AIB branches nationwide.

Mark Doyle, Chief Marketing Officer at AIB said: ‘Disability and communication barriers are often invisible which is why the JAM Card is such a fantastic initiative. This is a way for our customers to discreetly let us know if they need us to take a bit more time with them.

This will help take the stress away from customers and will hopefully make them more confident when banking with us.’