Today marks the start of Bank of Ireland UK’s Enterprise Week, which will see the return of Show Your Business, when the bank invites local businesses, both customers and non-customers, to market their products and services within their local bank branch.

Bank of Ireland UK pioneered Show Your Business five years ago as a way of supporting enterprise in local communities across Northern Ireland. Since then, 2,500 businesses have seized the opportunity to enjoy a high street presence in their locality to boost their profile and sales.

One business owner who knows the value of the initiative is Samantha Bogle of Lily Annabella, a new venture based in Castlederg, who started out specialising in personalising vintage farm items.

The business was set up in October 2013and Samantha showcased her products in four branches across Northern Ireland for the first time last November. Since then, the business has grown with the development of new lines and services including personalised items, moved into permanent premises in GB Landscapes Garden Centre in Castlederg and is now trading online through a newly developed e-commerce website.

From today, Samantha will take part in Show Your Business at Bank of Ireland UK’s University Road branch in Belfast and, because her intention is to break into the Republic of Ireland market, she will also take part in the initiative at the bank’s largest bank branch at College Green in Dublin as well as Galway, Letterkenny and Donegal Town.   

Samantha Bogle said: "Show Your Business was a game changer for my business. It helped me to raise my profile, showcase my products and services, talk directly to potential customers and I achieved sales, which was fantastic.

"Through Show Your Business I’ve made some great contacts with local retailers interested in stocking my products so looking ahead to 2015 I want to grow my retail space in Northern Ireland and establish a foothold in the Republic of Ireland. I have my sights set on breaking into the States too.  I would definitely advise any business to take part in Show Your Business and I’m looking forward to another busy but productive week."

Sean Sheehan, Regional Director, NI Consumer and Small Business, Bank of Ireland UK said:

“Show Your Business is about Bank of Ireland UK adding real value to SMEs. Samantha’s story is one that has been repeated across Northern Ireland as businesses take advantage of the initiative and I am delighted we will once again be opening the doors of our branches to help support and nurture enterprise in local communities across Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland."

For up to date information about Bank of Ireland UK’s Enterprise Week visit www.bankofireland.co.uk

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For further information contact:

John Paice UK Communications Manager, Bank of Ireland UK, M: + 44 (0)773 9332399

Catherine Agnew at Smarts Communicate Tel: 028 9039 5511 Mobile 07779101360 or email [email protected]

About Bank of Ireland UK

Bank of Ireland (UK) plc is a subsidiary of Bank of Ireland Group which has been a leading retail bank in Ireland since it was established in 1783.  Bank of Ireland UK currently employs c 2,200 staff and serves over 3 million customers.  Bank of Ireland has operated in the UK for over 40 years, is a full service retail and commercial bank in Northern Ireland and is the market leader in car finance under the NIIB brand and has built a significant consumer and commercial business through a number of acquisitions including Bristol and West Building Society and through its partnership with the Post Office.

Bank of Ireland (UK) plc offers products in the UK market that are regulated in the same way as products offered by other UK based providers.  Bank of Ireland (UK) plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulations Authority.