Northern Ireland’s fast-growing ranks of female entrepreneurs are being cautioned that they risk getting left behind if they don’t make full use of our world-class digital platform.

That’s the warning from Dr Sinclair Stockman, Executive Director of Digital Northern Ireland 2020 (DNI2020), who in partnership with Women in Business NI is inviting businesswomen to take part in the Digitising my Business and Social Media Masterclass on Thursday 30^th January at 8.30am.

The practical masterclass will be chaired by Dr Stockman, who has over 30 years of technology and operational experience on the global stage including time as CIO of the BT Group, and will see three of Northern Ireland’s most successful tech entrepreneurs Mary McKenna MBE, Mary McCall and Joshua Neilly discuss how technology and the internet can enable businesses to reach their fullest potential.

Dr Sinclair Stockman said, “The innovation, leadership and contribution that women already make to the Northern Ireland economy should not be underestimated, but more can be done. Northern Ireland boasts one of the world’s best digital infrastructures, but it has to be put to use.

“From simply getting online and using business support tools to reduce costs and paperwork to accessing the global marketplace, there are so many ways local businesses can improve their performance. The growth potential for businesses is fantastic with literally billions of people online across the globe, and this practical seminar will hopefully inspire our leading business women to embrace technology and radically change the way they operate.”

Organised by Women in Business NI, the seminar will take place at the Northern Ireland Science Park and is free to members or £30 +VAT for non members.

“We would encourage female business owners, leaders or professionals who are looking to move their organisation to the next level to come along and engage with this great panel of experts,” said Roseann Kelly, CEO, Women in Business NI.

“The opportunities to be gained from understanding and embracing digital technology and the internet through the likes of online marketing and e-commerce will enhance your company and the economy as a whole.”

Mary McKenna MBE

Mary McKenna MBE is a tech entrepreneur and co-founder of successful Derry based Learning Pool, a multi award winning company that has built the biggest online learning community in the UK with one million learners at the latest count. Outside work Mary has a passionate interest in helping start and grow indigenous Irish tech companies and especially in working with very young entrepreneurs.  She has been Chairman of Northern Ireland’s Digital Circle Steering Group since 2010. In the recent New Year’s honors’ list Mary was awarded the MBE for services to digital technology, innovation and learning

Mary McCall is the Founder and Managing Director of TreatTicket.com, an online promotional platform designed to drive digital and mobile footfall into local businesses. In the two years since launch, TreatTicket has gained over 230,000 ‘opt in’ subscribers; sells ‘treats’ in 31 cities throughout the UK; and in 2013 it developed and introduced new mobile ‘self-service’ promotional platforms to the market – TreatTicket Plus & TreatTicket Live.  In addition to launching and growing one of NI’s most innovative and successful e-commerce businesses, Mary has secured £1M in private investment since 2011, despite the challenges presented by the current economic climate.

Joshua Neilly is IT Manager for Franklins International Ltd, one of the largest dedicated woven and embroidered badge suppliers in Europe. Franklin’s supplies youth organisations, emergency services, commercial companies, charities and manufacturers at local, national and international levels within the sports, industrial, fashion, work wear and promotional markets, and services markets all over Europe, the UK and Ireland.

For further information on the event contact Events Manager Laura Dowie: . Taking place at the Northern Ireland Science Park on Thursday 30^th January from 8.30am – 10am and there are just 50 places.