InterTradeIreland’s latest quarterly Business Monitor (Q2: April – June 2015) has indicated that 83% of businesses are stable or growing but that the recovery is driven by just 40% of firms with manufacturing and business service firms the two biggest growth sectors.

However, while businesses continue to experience recovery across the island, it is at a slower pace than in recent quarters, where in the first quarter of 2015, 88% of businesses were stable or growing.  

After the phenomenal success of the 2014 event, InterTradeIreland along with its partners is holding another Meet the Buyer event in Dublin at the CityWest Hotel on the 21^st October.

If last year was anything to go by, large numbers are expected again at this year's event.

The event provides SMEs with a unique opportunity to meet and engage with Public Sector Buyers from across the island all under one roof - and the event is free to attend.

The closing date to enter the Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards is Friday 25th September 2015.

SMEs have just a few more weeks to be in with a chance to win a €50,000 advertising bursary; business mentoring; a full service communications workshop by leading PR and marketing professionals, networking opportunities, a specially commissioned video, press coverage and a big Gala night out.

Florencecourt man John-Ross Armstrong, Managing Director of Greentown Environmental,won the 2014 Northern Ireland young business leader of the year.

Greentown Environmental, a weed control and grounds maintenance company was established in 2010 by John-Ross. He  was “delighted” to win the award which recognises exceptional leadership skills and a flair for business.

“You need to enjoy running your own business because it’s 24-seven,” comments John-Ross, who was recognised as a Business Ambassador by InterTradeIreland in June 2014 for his cross-border success and also achieved the highly sought after Investors in People Award in April 2014.

You’re starting or have started a business. There are always a million and one things to do, some comfortable and others less so. All of these activities need to be captured and a plan of some kind set around them, it might be as simple as a ‘to do’ list or indeed a more formal document.

So whether it is a business plan, growth plan, activity plan, sales plan,  marketing plan, investor plan, finance plan you are considering - here are some useful guides to get you started!