Do you know what Facebook, Twitter and other social media can do for your business? With over 500 million active users on Facebook alone, can you afford not to? Beyond, the new support programme for existing businesses in Down district, can help.

Beyond will open its arms to the business community in Down district for the first time on Thursday 16 September, when experts from across the business spectrum will converge on Down County Museum from 1.00pm to 7.00pm for an impressive launch event which will leave businesses in no doubt about what social media, amongst other things, can do for them.

One such expert, Adrian Wilson, Creative Director of Green17 Creative, will take a look at social media marketing with a focus on Facebook, the world’s biggest social network. Adrian will offer useful insights into the power of ‘online conversation’ and ‘social offers’, and share his expert knowledge of the digital tools and statistics which can help deliver exceptional business performance.

A highly skilled and experienced graphic and web designer, Adrian has worked on branding and strategic design in both web and print for local and international clients including, Mazda, BBC, Victoria Square, French Connection, Deanes, Northern Bank, Sanderson, Joe Swail, InterTradeIreland, Lisburn City Council, Music Matters, UniSlim, Institute of Contemporary Music and Ulster Museum.

Also taking part in the Social Media Workshop will be Tim Glasgow of ButterSideUp Communications. For several years Tim has been providing business content, marketing communications and social media advice to businesses across Northern Ireland. Tim’s approach is highly sales oriented, where every written word works hard to build brand appeal, excite customers and improve profits. Focusing on digital communications and its relevance today, Tim will show how website content and social media go hand-in-hand.

The Social Media Workshop which will take place from 3.30pm – 4.30pm on Thursday 16 September, is just one element in an exceptional itinerary of networking, seminars and workshops to mark the launch of this exciting new business support programme. An Expert Advice Clinic will kick off at 2.30pm and run for the duration of the event, offering companies the opportunity for one to one business advice. Other workshops on the day include Marketing and Advertising on a Shoestring from 2.30pm, Getting Online with an eCommerce Shop from 4.30pm and Business Opportunities using Renewable Energies and Technologies from 5.30pm, topics which are all highly relevant to businesses today.

All businesses operating in Down district are invited to attend the Beyond launch event. Admission is free, but places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. For further information or to book your appointment with a business expert, please contact Elaine Rodgers or Michael Forster on 028 4461 9870, or email beyondni@downdc.gov.uk