NDDO Business

19/10/2026

19/10/2026

Planning a seasonal sort out? ♻

Ards and North Down Borough Council is pleased to be partnering with Habitat for Humanity to help local families get quality, affordable pre-loved toys for their children.

If you are doing a clear out and have any gently-used toys, please consider donating these to the Pre-loved Toy Scheme so that they can be enjoyed by another family.

📅 Donation Dates - Monday 26 October to Saturday 12 December 2026

📍Toys can be donated directly to Habitat ReStore, Portaferry Road, Newtownards or taken to Balloo Household Recycling Centre and deposited in the Reuse Container (Booking required via HRC booking system).

All toys must be clean, complete and in good working order. Boxed toys and games must be in original packaging.

For full details of what is accepted, please visit 👉https://www.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/Toys

Habitat ReStore Newtownards

19/10/2026

Have you any plans for Tuesday 10th November?

no ...... come along for a coffee and chat, stay for Frank Given’s short presentation ‘Selling is helping' and other nuggets from 20 years in business.

Twenty years ago, Frank discovered that being good at what you do and being able to sell it are not the same thing.

In this short and practical session, he'll share lessons learned from two decades of self-employment on building relationships, creating trust and winning work without feeling like a sell-out.

To register:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/venture-coffee-morning-tickets-1992564384713?aff=oddtdtcreator

19/10/2026

Great to welcome some fantastic entrepreneurs from across Ards and North Down to Bangor Castle earlier this month for the local heat of Go Succeed’s Ultimate Pitch!

It was wonderful to meet and chat with people who have ambition, fresh ideas and a real determination to turn those ideas into successful businesses.

One of my priorities as Mayor this year is promoting Ards and North Down as a place to start a business, grow a business and invest. Meeting people like this reminds me just how much talent and potential we have right here on our doorstep.

Congratulations to everyone who stepped forward to pitch, and a big thank you to the judges, Go Succeed team and Ardmore for making it happen.

16/10/2026

Come join us for Venture’s next coffee morning!

Come for a coffee and chat, stay for Frank Given’s short presentation of ‘Selling is helping' and other nuggets from 20 years in business.

Twenty years ago, Frank discovered that being good at what you do and being able to sell it are not the same thing.

In this short and practical session, he'll share lessons learned from two decades of self-employment on building relationships, creating trust and winning work without feeling like a sell-out.

Get your ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/venture-coffee-morning-tickets-1992564384713?aff=oddtdtcreator

14/10/2026

The best way to access opportunities for your business. Book and manage events, apply for funding, and track your progress.

13/10/2026

Is your business ready to grow into new markets?

Groundwork for Growth supports ambitious and innovative local businesses with the potential to sell outside Northern Ireland. Each successful applicant can receive up to £15,000 in funding to help accelerate business growth.

We’ve designed the programme to help you target new markets, get your products export ready and upskill your team so you can compete on a global stage.

Successful applicants will also be able to connect with other like-minded business owners.

The application call for Groundwork for Growth will close on Monday 2 November 2026 at 12 noon.

The best way to access opportunities for your business. Book and manage events, apply for funding, and track your progress.

12/10/2026

Adam Lockhart takes the win in Ards and North Down! 🎉

Congratulations to Adam Lockhart of ParkinSense, who has been crowned winner of the Ards and North Down Borough Council heat of Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch.

Adam impressed judges with his innovative technology designed to improve the diagnosis and management of Parkinson's disease, securing £1,000 investment and a place in the regional final this November.

Read more about Adam's inspiring journey and the other fantastic local entrepreneurs 👉 https://pulse.ly/wpnkhq3lw2

09/10/2026

Adam Lockhart takes the win in Ards and North Down! 🎉
Congratulations to Adam Lockhart of ParkinSense, who has been crowned winner of the Ards and North Down Borough Council heat of Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch.
Adam impressed judges with his innovative technology designed to improve the diagnosis and management of Parkinson's disease, securing £1,000 investment and a place in the regional final this November. Ards and North Down Borough Council
Read more about Adam's inspiring journey and the other fantastic local entrepreneurs 👉 https://pulse.ly/wpnkhq3lw2