The members of the Donegal Business Network (
The business networking group is made up of 15 full-time members, who worked together to create €1.2 million’s worth of business for the local economy, the majority of which remained in Donegal.
The Donegal Business Network group meets each Wednesday from 7 – 9am in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny to discuss key trends and business successes and glean knowledge from different sectors.
Michael MacGinty, of MEANit Web Design Agency, is a full-time member of the networking group; he says it’s about local businesses working together to keep revenue, jobs and expertise in the county:
“It’s great to see business booming in Donegal. Despite many difficult factors, such as poor infrastructure, emigration and issues around Brexit, it was fantastic to see the group achieve a total turnover generation of €1,277,421 in 2019. Most members do their business in or around Donegal, with some working with clients throughout the country and in Northern Ireland. Some DBN members also work with clients in Canada, USA, UK and central Europe, which is the great benefit of having broadband and access to the world from your PC.
“One of the best things about the turnover is that the vast majority stays in Donegal which in turn creates jobs and spending power in the county. Donegal Business Network members live in the county, work in the county and reinvest in the county.”
As well as its 15 full-time members, Donegal Business Network also has ten active Lite members, who attend once a month and assist with the running of the network. New visitors are encouraged to attend to learn about the networking group and gain insights into how it can help their business.
Network Director Heather Peoples of Minding Me says: “There are some fantastic benefits to joining the Donegal Business Network; from creating new working relationships and investigating new opportunities, you can also expect referrals for new business, while learning about key trends in the business sector.
“We’re always open to new members, but more importantly, if anyone is interested in coming along as a visitor, we’d be very happy to welcome you.”
Adding to this, Garry Clarke of Lanigan Clarke Solicitors said: “While there is a strong social element to the networking group, we also have a serious role to play in working together to identify key trends and to help each other overcome any challenges facing us as Donegal businesses.
“The collective group has seen a visible swing towards online enquiries and sales and cloud-based services in sectors such as accounting, security, advertising, training and learning. Although Donegal has a bit of work to do to catch up with the rest of the world in utilising online, we believe that online sales will only increase. 2020 has already had a very busy start, so we’re very excited to see what the rest of the year has in store for the Donegal Business Network.”.
TWILIGHT NETWORKING EVENT
Donegal Business Network will host a Twilight Networking event on Wednesday 11th March from 6 – 7.30pm in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny.
The networking evening is a great opportunity to meet like-minded professionals, expand networks, explore new opportunities and learn from local businesses. The event costs €10 and includes tea, coffee and biscuits on arrival, followed by four-star finger buffet. Places are limited so early booking is advised. See Eventbrite or Facebook for details to book.
To find out more about the Donegal Business Network and to organise a visit, see www.donegalbusinessnetwork.ie or call Michael MacGinty on 086 2510117.
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