Budding entrepreneurs find confidence and careers through Go Succeed Tourism Academy in MEA

(From left) Kelli McRoberts Carrickfergus Enterprise; Simon White; Helen Kane; Elizabeth Skillen; Maggie Binnie; Fiona Lauder; Helen Clarke; Rhonda Lynn Mid and East Antrim Borough Council; Melanie Brolly; Gillian Rea and Susan Nicholson

Aspiring entrepreneurs across Mid and East Antrim are celebrating a boost to their business prospects after completing a bespoke Tourism Academy as part of Go Succeed, Northern Ireland’s free enterprise support service.

The initiative, hosted by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and delivered by Carrickfergus Enterprise, provided hands-on training and expert-led workshops for individuals keen to explore careers or start ventures within the local tourism sector.

Go Succeed is funded by the UK Government and delivered across all 11 Northern Ireland councils to empower individuals on their entrepreneurial journey.

Spanning three months, the academy included over ten diverse sessions combining industry qualifications with practical experience, such as World Host Principles of Customer Service accreditation, emergency first aid, food safety, and an introduction to Ulster Scots.

The programme also featured a Taste of Tourism Day and an engaging storytelling masterclass led by renowned storyteller Liz Weir, MBE.

Notably, 50% of participants earned three qualifications, while 25% achieved five or more recognised certifications, significantly boosting their employability and business readiness.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, said the success of the Tourism Academy exemplifies the Council’s ongoing investment in local enterprise:

“I am delighted to see participants were inspired and empowered through the initiatives of our local Tourism Academy.

“The programme provided invaluable insights and experience, encouraging many to transform and develop their innovative ideas. The programme not only fosters economic growth but also highlights Council’s commitment to nurturing talent and supporting local enterprise.

“Together, we are building a brighter, more prosperous future for all residents.”

(From left) Kelli McRoberts, Carrickfergus Enterprise; Hayley Barr, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council; and Rhonda Lynn, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council

CEO of Carrickfergus Enterprise, Kelli McRoberts, praised the transformative impact of the programme:

“The Tourism Academy has been transformational to our participants with many lacking confidence and direction at the start and with the right support and encouragement they have moved to self-employment or new employment after completion of the training.

“This cohort proved the value of co-creating training from the ground up, tailored to the local market and shaped around the participants’ goals.

“The level of growth, confidence and connection that emerged from this series is truly inspiring.”

Participants also benefited from guest talks by local tourism professionals including Yvonne McIlree, General Manager of Whitehead Railway Museum, and Lucinda Graham, owner of Galgorm Melts and a Go Succeed graduate.

Both speakers offered first-hand insight into developing sustainable tourism products that promote Northern Ireland to a global audience.

One of the programme graduates, Elizabeth Skillen, credited the initiative for shaping her future:

“I learned so much about the different aspects of the tourism industry as well as attaining qualifications in practical skills in first aid and food safety. The course gave me the confidence to enrol in a level 3 Tour Guiding course and to consider going self-employed as a tour guide.

“I will explore this further with the help of the Go Succeed series.”

Another participant, Susan Nicholson, joined the academy to support her transition from nutritionist to hospitality entrepreneur. She and her husband are launching self-catering accommodation in Cairncastle, beginning with a converted stone outbuilding:

“I had limited knowledge about setting up an accommodation business before commencing the academy. Through the knowledge and expertise of speakers, established tourism providers and Carrickfergus Enterprise I have learned about commercialisation opportunities and product bundling, something I was not aware of beforehand.

“I now have a real understanding of accommodation rates and adding value that will allow me to increase my sales potential and business viability. My confidence has greatly improved too.”

Launched in November 2023, Go Succeed represents a multi-million-pound investment in local enterprise. Its holistic approach delivers personalised support to entrepreneurs, start-ups and established businesses across all growth stages.

Services include mentoring, masterclasses, peer networking, business planning, and access to grant funding.

To learn more about Go Succeed or explore upcoming events and training opportunities, visit www.go-succeed.com.