Over 30 enterprising and motivated local business owners came together in Fermoy's Community Youth Centre on Tuesday night to 'Kick-Start 2013'.

The icy weather didn't deter a great number of people from travelling from all parts of North Cork to attend the networking event organised by North Cork Enterprise Board in association with Fermoy's local referral networking group - NRG.

NCEB have been hosting similar events all over north Cork for the past number of years. Tuesday's nights event however, had the benefit of a high-energy start from Fergal O'Connor of Synergy BDS, who presented a key note address detailing five ways for businesses to kick-start the new year.

He focused on how to establish top priorities for growing business and on how to maintain the momentum and energy to follow through to success. Fergal presented ideas based on practical applications which have been tried and tested rather than grandiose theory. The key message was that everyone has major potential but it takes a little bit of risk, effort and persistence to see that potential materialise.

Fergal's address was followed by a session in which participants spoke on a one-to-one basis with other local business people, sharing with them their type of business, as a means of developing business relationships with prospective new customers, suppliers and general contacts.The event ran later than its scheduled 8.30pm finish time as participants felt it was of such value. Some more informal networking was done over refreshments afterwards.

Business Development Executive with the North Cork Enterprise Board, Joan Kelleher, said it was a privilege to witness such an event.

"You are reminded of the enduring and resilient nature we have as a nation. Here is a group of local business people who have decided not to waste time complaining, not to sit by the phone waiting for it to ring, not waiting for politicians at national and European level to make decisions. They've decided instead to take control of their own future, to get out and meet people, promote themselves and be masters of their own success."

A list of upcoming events including networking opportunities in venues across North Cork is available on NCEB's website www.nceb.ie

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