Case study - Strategy in Business Initiative

The Strategy in Business Initiative helps small Belfast-based businesses to develop the practical skills necessary to think strategically and to develop realistic plans for future growth.

Frank Design

Frank is an award-winning design consultancy specialising in brand identity, motion graphics and interactive design.

Director of Frank, Damian Cranney said: “The Strategy in Business Initiative was a vital burst of intensive, but equally rewarding, insight and learning. I found the programme invaluable in its contribution to our growth through the use of diagnostic tools and an introduction to critical forecasting and performance improvement tools.

"We took part in the programme to get objective and expert business training which was attractive because of its relevance to our sector and due to the fact that it was subsidised by Belfast City Council.

"We got an insight into new processes, best practice and added incentive to take the training to the next level.

"It was an opportunity to take time out and reflect on what we're doing right, areas for improvement and new processes. I also found it very valuable to network with other businesses and learn from their experiences.

"I would recommend the programme to any small business interested in growth through quality and better customer service."

Stage Crew

A Belfast business that set up stage for the U2 concerts in Dublin recently and has provided crew and production service to major concerts, conferences and corporate events across Ireland over the last 20 years, is looking forward to even more success after taking part in a business development programme, run by Belfast City Council.

Stage Crew’s owner Damian Cullinan participated in the council’s Strategy in Business Initiative last year. The programme helps small businesses in the city develop the practical skills to think strategically and plan for future growth. Delivered by TIME Associates on behalf of the council, the programme includes interactive strategy workshops and business mentoring from experienced business consultants.

Damian said: “Being on the road a lot with my work and in different towns and cities across Ireland and the UK, I sometimes don’t have a lot of time to sit down and look at important aspects of the business like planning ahead, marketing the business and more effective time management.

“However I found the Strategy in Business Initiative to be very beneficial in that it provided me with a mentor who came in and gave my business a ‘health check’ – casting an independent and critical eye on all its workings.

“I was given advice on areas of the business that could be improved such as doing market research to analyse my customer base, taking a look at the work of competitors and creating further opportunities for my business. I gained valuable tips on promoting my business by developing a mini-marketing strategy – updating and developing Stage Crew’s website and producing flyers and other literature about the business to deliver to potential clients and events’ organisers.

“Having taken part in the programme, I’ve now realised that no matter how busy I am with work, by devoting five minutes of my time every day to look at the administrative side of the business like accounts, time management and planning ahead, you can make your business that even more of a success.”

More information

If you’re interested in knowing more about this programme, please contact

Lisa McCartney
Economic Development Officer
Telephone: 028 9027 0736
Email: mccartneylisa@belfastcity.gov.uk