Elaine Upskills with SERC Innovate Us

SERC's Innovate Us programme has allowed local businesswoman and owner of Yoga for Health NI, Elaine Magowan, to effectively adapt to changes to her business caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.  

Elaine made the decision to shut the doors of her business on March 19 to protect her clients and herself from COVID-19. Through the Innovate Us programme, Elaine had the confidence and skills necessary to keep her business thriving through these difficult economic times. Less than a week after closing, Elaine was back in business online, providing virtual yoga classes to new and old clients.  

The Innovate Us programme, which is offered across Northern Ireland through the six FE Colleges, is a fully funded skills development programme which provides small business with less than 50 employees with the capacity to innovate across a range of business development activities.   Elaine’s Mentor, Phillip Johnston, kept in contact with her during this transition to ensure she was receiving the support needed.  

Elaine Magowan commented, “SERC and Innovate Us have allowed me to adjust to the new needs of my business. Through the mentoring programme I had developed the skills and confidence to respond to the market changes.”  

“I would encourage all new and existing businesses to connect with SERC and the Innovate Us programme. With personal one to one mentoring I have a greater knowledge and confidence necessary to develop and grow my business.”  

Elaine Flynn, Head of Commercial Contracts at SERC said: "We support and provide the necessary skills for local businesses to allow them to stay one step ahead of the competition, and opportunities presented by emerging technologies to attract and build new business. I would encourage SME’s to take advantage of the Innovate Us funding to up-skill their staff and I encourage all employers to contact their local provider about their training needs, since this is a real opportunity for their employees to gain new skills.”

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