it@cork

IT Industry Benefits from South Cork Enterprise Board’s Second Information Technology Business Development Programme

Wednesday, September 16th will see the South Cork Enterprise Board host an Awards Ceremony in the Maryborough Hotel in Cork, for the seven IT companies who have successfully completed its 2009 IT Business Development Programme.

The seven IT companies who will be receiving awards are; Brendan Dempsey, Managing Director of DPI; James Morris, Director of Emoh; Frank Sharpe, Managing Director of Genesis Circuits; Kieran Moore, Director of ImokillyWebs; Ivan Murray, Director of InVates; Tricia Balfe, Director of Nomos Software; and Martin Connolly, Managing Director of Vertoda.

Programme mentor, Tom Connolly of itac enterprises says, 'In the toughest economic climate most of us have experienced, it is even more critical to focus unremittingly on the key benefits one’s business brings to customers, and to diligently direct the bulk of one’s time and effort towards making sure the business can always deliver those benefits cost-effectively. The programme gave the business owners the opportunity to seek objective advice, help and information over a 9 month period as they competed in the marketplace.'

According to Tim O’Leary of Derryshal Sales Consultancy, who has more than 15 years’ experience of successfully selling technology products internationally, 'No matter what the economic conditions may be, it is still possible to generate sales if one can clearly articulate the business value proposition of what one is selling.'

The aim of this programme is to significantly increase each company's project management and selling abilities by the end of the 9-month period. 'The programme design of delivering best practice workshops along with highly focused one-to-one mentoring meant that the participants received much more than just a standard training course; it is really an individual development process that will benefit each participant long term' says O’Leary.

The programme consisted of best practice workshops in sales, marketing and project management as well as one-to-one mentoring over a nine month period. Participants also underwent a business audit prior to joining the programme to ensure the programme would satisfy their needs plus drive the direction of the programme to the requirements of the clients.

The programme is funded by the Irish government and part-financed by the European Union under the National Development Plan 2007-2013.

The South Cork Enterprise Board have seen a large increase in technology start-ups over the past number of years and felt it needed to ensure that these businesses were given every chance to succeed in this very competitive environment. The board, while recognising the technical capability of the start-ups, felt it was very important to provide focus on the commercialisation aspects and the time it takes to bring products to market.

Board executive Joe Burke said the highlight from this year’s programme for him was the Dragons’ Den type session where the participants were invited to pitch their businesses for investment from two well known businessmen and the Business Angels Network Regional Director.  'The programme is always evolving which makes it fresh and appealing', said Burke.

The board is currently recruiting for the next IT Business Development Programme. A maximum of just eight participants will be allowed on this Programme. Due to the limited number of places, potential participants will be required to complete a detailed IT business audit before being considered for the programme.

For more information please contact Joe Burke, South Cork Enterprise Board on 021 4975281 or Email joe@sceb.ie