Michael Tunney, Head of Enterprise Donegal said the Profitnet model has already proven effective in other sectors: “Over the past 12 years, we’ve brought together 11 Profitnet groups in Donegal, involving some 200 businesses, and the outputs and results have been very positive. The programme has added significantly to the sustainability of the participating businesses and the management capabilities of the participants, and we’re excited to launch a specific programme for food businesses.”
“If you are developing and growing a food business in Donegal” Michael adds, “and want to learn from other like-minded business owners, then Profitnet could be what you need to keep you focussed on your business objectives. Profitnet brings together a group of 15-20 similar businesses monthly to share their knowledge and learnings. The course runs over an 18-month period and the network is made up of business owners or managers who are responsible for making strategic decisions, providing a common ground for all participants and ensuring the cross-fertilisation of their experience and ideas.”
Joseph Doherty of Simply Inish completed Profitnet in 2012 and believes that he learned a lot from the experience: “Listening to the challenges other businesses faced – and learning how they overcame them – helped us learn tips and techniques that were also applicable to our own business. I learned to become more proactive and to face challenges head-on; this means problems facing the business do not get the chance to develop into more serious issues – developing that awareness and proactive mindset was key. I also developed strong business and trading relationships within Profitnet which grew outside of the group and continue to this day. I would recommend it to any business as an excellent learning experience.”
If you are interested in participating in a Profitnet network, please contact Margaret Campbell, Local Enterprise Office Donegal for more information on Margaret.Campbell@leo.donegalcoco.ie or 087 406 8271.
Profitnet is delivered under license from CENTRIM at the University of Brighton, UK.