NWLLA Blog

Open Coffee Limavady has been quiet in recent weeks, for this we apologise! Rest assured we are working hard to make the next event even better!

This months round of OpenCoffee Limavady will be on the 20th April 2010 in Lucillie’s Kitchen, Newtown Square, Central Car Park Limavady. It is from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. We look forward to seeing you there. If you need directions or any further information give us a call +44(0)2877764429

Following the recent poor weather conditions, I wondered if it was wise organising Limavady’s first OpenCoffee of 2010 so early in the new year?  My spirits were however lifted when the first egar beaver arrived having braved the cold.  Some new contacts were made!  A big thank you to all who attended!

Members enjoying a coffee and a chat

The next OpenCoffee Limavady will be held on Tuesday 9 March 7 pm – 9 pm in:

 Lucilles Kitchen
Newtowne Square
Central Car Park
Limavady, BT49 0HW
028 7776 8180

Or Contact NWLLA 02877764429

After the success of the first OC Limavady a date has been set for the next evening to be held in Northwest Lifelong Learning Association www.nwlla.org.  The event is planned to conenside with Global Entrepreneural Week between 16th – 22nd November and will take place on Wednesday 18 November between 7 pm & 9 pm

There were no name badges or schedule of speakers, just plenty of enthusiastic entrepreneurs eager to spread the word about their business.  The recent networking event Open Coffee Limavady – was courtesy of Northwest Lifelong Learning Association and was the first of its kind in the Roe Valley Town.

 NWLLA assistant manger, Peter Boyle says such event work in other towns and cities, including Coleraine and Derry.  Now it was Limavady’s turn.  “It was a huge success with businesses coming out in force to see what all the fuss was about”.  Said Mr Boyle.

 “Both coffee and tea were in steady supply throughout the event, with all money raised going to charity.  ”He added:  “Feedback was very positive in a very relaxed and informal atmosphere people where able to talk about aspects of business with no pressure or deadlines.  It was successful and we will be hosting it again.  With word of mouth it can only get bigger.”

Limavady businessman Colin Hartin was impressed with the event and is looking forward to the next one.  “I thought it was a good opportunity”.  Said the owner of Cohesion Computing, a computer repair and sales business.  “It was a great way to meet more people.  It’s good to have someone’s business card so if something ocmes up it might be useful.”

Cherith McArthur and her husband Simon who runs Alpine Decking near Garvagh were also impressed and are eager to go along to another.  “We didn’t know what to expect.  It was a decent, healthy turnout and it was good to share experiences and let people know we exist. 

By Sheena Jackson

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Peter Boyle with Jason Bell & Christopher Palmer

By Sheena Jackson.

A Limavady charity is opening its doors to people in business in a bid to see how they can help each other.

 Northwest Lifelong Learning assistant manager Peter Boyle Says Open Coffee events are working in other towns and cities including Coleraine and Derry.  Now is it time to try it out in the Roe Valley.

 “Open Coffee events are a no pressure chance for like minded people, both in businesses or indeed any other field to meet up, have an informal chat over a cup of coffee or tea, share ideas and see what, if anything develops.” He said.

 “The only snag being you have to pay for the tea or coffee”.  After attending a recent Open Coffee in Coleraine and meeting with a “great bunch of people”, Mr Boyle believed a similar event would help ‘re-energise the networking potential within the borough”.

 Limavady Borough Council’s Economic Development manager, Paul Beattie paid tribute to NWLLA “This is an opportunity for local businesses to network without the formal constraints of name badges and speakers”.  Said Mr Beattie.

 “I also hope to be meeting more of our local entrepreneurs.  Things have been difficult lately for traders and business people and I would like to hear any ideas they may have about programmes that Council can put in place for training and support”.

 Open Coffee Limavady is on Wednesday September 23 between 7 pm – 9 pm in the NWLLA Training complex at 63 Irish Green Street Limavady.  For more information check out www.opencoffeelimavady.com