Workshop Maximising Opportunities - Tourism and the Pub

14 September 2010

Pubs of Ulster and Northern Ireland Tourist Board 'Business Insight' workshop. Hilden Brewery Lisburn, 28th September 9.30am - 1.00pm.

Pubs of Ulster and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board are working to develop quality visitor experiences that generate income and support industry development. The pub trade makes a huge contribution to Northern Ireland tourism, with visiting a pub rated as the most popular activity for tourists to Northern Ireland, and pubs rated as the most popular place to eat. Pubs play a significant part of the visitor experience. We want to ensure that all licensees are taking advantage of the potential for increased visitor numbers to pubs. This workshop event will help you do this by: - Presenting the opportunities in the tourism sector - Informing you who the visitor is and how to tailor your service - Delivering ideas for diversification - Highlighting the benefits of excellent customer service - Prompting you to think how you can attract and provide for visitors There is an opportunity to increase your business's profit by tapping into the tourism market. By attending this workshop event you will be provided with best practice examples of how to do this and encouraged to think of how they could be applied to your business. This is an opportunity not to be missed. Places are FREE but space is restricted. Places will be allocated on a strict first come basis. To avoid disappointment, register your place today. Please click here. GUEST SPEAKERS Colin Neill - Pubs of Ulster Colin joined Pubs of Ulster as their Chief Executive in August 2008, having previously held the post of Economic & Tourism Development Manager with Ballymena Borough Council where he focussed on town centre regeneration. Colin holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Ulster, is a member of the Institute of Directors, and has over twenty years senior managerial experience in both retail and tourism. Stephen Magorrian - Botanic Inns Ltd Stephen is the Managing Director of Botanic Inns, the award winning Northern Ireland Pub Company which currently owns 17 outlets including 2 off-sales and 2 small hotels. Stephen has been working in the Hospitality Industry since 1988 when he joined Guinness Northern Ireland. Stephen spent 15 years with Guinness in a number of roles including Company Accountant, Contracts Manager, and finishing as Sales Director in 2002 when he joined Botanic Inns. Stephen is a member of the Executive Committee of Pubs of Ulster, Chair elect of Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau, Vice Chair of Downpatrick Business Forum, Chair of the Future Skills Action Group for Hospitality and a Board Member of Business in the Community. Paula Mahon - Curran's Bar Curran's Bar and Seafood Steakhouse was built in 1791, situated between Ardglass and Strangford it is set in a rural location and has passed from generation to generation. The pub is steeped in history and in 2003 the present owners employed Drew Henry to carry out extensive renovations. Today it offers a restaurant, bar areas, outside covered and open areas, large children's play area, barbeque facilities, helipads and is licensed for civil weddings. Since its re-launch it has won a number of awards and accolades and is popular with visitors and locals. The current owner is Paula Mahon (nee Curran) who with a small team of staff, continue the family tradition. Paula came back to the business in 2003 after a career in the private and public sectors. In 2000 Paula was awarded an MBE for her voluntary contribution to Rural Development with the establishment of Ardglass Marina. Sarah Cochrane - Pier 36 Situated right on the quayside of one of the most picturesque harbours on the coast, Pier 36 is a fine example of a well-managed family business. From the moment you arrive, the intimate atmosphere and warm welcome from courteous, well-trained staff is memorable. Denis and Margaret Waterworth, joined by sons Lewis and Jody, opened their quayside pub in 1999 and have gone from strength to strength. Commitment to excellence at Pier 36 has led to rave reviews and an unprecedented list of awards in the last few years. The recipe for success at Pier 36 is fresh local produce prepared with a modern twist and exceptional service which takes care of visitors from all over Ireland and much further a field.