A Bright Start to 2025
Martin Murtagh, M.Sc. ??
The Growth Network | Marketer, Mentor & Matchmaker (For Entrepreneur-Led SMEs | Non-Exec Director | Part Time Lecturer | BITA Board Member | Driving B2B Partnerships | Let’s Talk!
It’s only January 10th, but?The Growth Network?has already hit the ground running with two exceptional events in Newry and Belfast. These gatherings weren’t just a way to shake off the holiday cobwebs—they were a testament to the strength and ambition of our growing community.
Each event was unique, yet both shared the same spirit: collaboration, learning, and a genuine desire to support one another. Moments like these remind me why I started?The Growth Network.
Here’s a recap of what we’ve achieved and what I’ve learned along the way.
Newry: Resilience, Goals, and Growth
We kicked off 2025 in the familiar surroundings of Finegan & Son in Newry, a venue that feels like home to many of us. Despite the bitter January weather, the turnout was inspiring.
Watching so many of you brave the elements to show up, connect, and learn was a powerful reminder of the resilience and commitment that define this network.
Our first speaker, Nigel McPolin, delivered an insightful talk on resilience—a fitting theme for the start of a new year. With over 25 years of experience as an Occupational Psychologist, Nigel’s expertise spans leadership coaching, employee engagement, and psychometric assessments.
His work has impacted organisations worldwide, from Dell to the Northern Ireland Civil Service, but what stood out most was his ability to connect these big ideas to personal, actionable takeaways.
Nigel posed three questions to the group that sparked lively discussion:
The conversations were thought-provoking and deeply personal. As a group, we explored how resilience combines mindset, skills, and support systems and how we can all nurture it over time.
Nigel’s point about leaders fostering resilience within their teams resonated. He highlighted a shocking statistic: while 32% of managers report feeling overwhelmed by stress, only 20% receive the training and development needed to manage it effectively.
Our second speaker,?Robbie Marsh, took us on a different kind of journey—one rooted in the peaks and trails of the Mourne Mountains.
As a Professional Mountain Leader and founder of Mourne Mountain Adventures, Robbie shared his transformation from overweight to an endurance athlete and entrepreneur.
Robbie spoke candidly about the challenges he faced along the way. From running marathons and completing an Ironman triathlon to qualifying for the prestigious UTMB ultramarathon, his journey was as much about mental resilience as physical endurance.
His key takeaways included:
Robbie’s talk was not only motivational but also a call to action. He reminded us that growth often begins with setting goals that seem out of reach and taking consistent, deliberate steps to achieve them.
The energy in the room was incredible, and the feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. It was a moment of pride and gratitude to see the network come alive with ideas, encouragement, and shared experiences.
Belfast: Connections and Insights
On Thursday evening, we gathered at Pearl Assurance House in Belfast. The atmosphere was electric. This wasn’t just a networking event. It was a meeting of minds, with members eager to collaborate, share knowledge, and make meaningful connections.
We were privileged to hear from three outstanding speakers:
Roisin began by providing an overview of the FSB, its history, and its mission to support small businesses across the UK. She then discussed the practical benefits of membership, including 24/7 legal and HR support and regular networking events and webinars.
What stood out to me was the emphasis on collaboration, not competition.
Roisin’s message aligned perfectly with?The Growth Network's ethos: that we’re stronger when we work together. She also shared powerful examples of how FSB’s services have saved members thousands of pounds, a timely reminder of the importance of leveraging our resources.
Next, Andrew Campbell brought a legal perspective to the evening, focusing on business partnerships, joint ventures, and growth strategies. His advice was straightforward yet profound:
Andrew’s talk resonated with many attendees, especially his emphasis on the role of trust in successful business relationships. His ability to simplify complex legal concepts made the session accessible and engaging.
Finally, Colly Graham closed the evening with a deeply personal and motivating talk. Having run his own business since 1996, Colly shared his journey of overcoming depression, finding spirituality, and building a thriving career in sales.
His advice was practical and refreshingly honest:
Colly’s stories of resilience and curiosity struck a chord. His authenticity reminded us that success isn’t about avoiding challenges; it’s about facing them head-on with determination and a willingness to learn.
Reflections and Next Steps
Reflecting on these two events, I’m grateful for the incredible people who make The Growth Network what it is. These aren’t just events—they’re experiences that bring together ambitious, like-minded individuals committed to growing, learning, and supporting one another.
That said, there’s always room for improvement. Whether better time management events or ensuring everyone feels included in discussions, each event offers lessons that help us grow.
One thing I’ve learned is the power of vulnerability. I’ll admit, I always worry—will people show up? Will they find value in what we’re doing? However, each event reaffirms that?the Growth Network?matters and that these connections make a real difference.
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What’s Coming Up
With such a strong start, I’m excited about what’s on the horizon for The Growth Network. Here’s a look at some upcoming events:
Thursday, 23rd January: Belfast Social Networking
Join us at Revolución de Cuba for an unforgettable evening of social drinks, laughter, and meaningful connections! Whether you want to expand your network, spark new collaborations, or unwind with like-minded professionals, this is the perfect opportunity.
Expect a vibrant atmosphere, engaging conversations, and the chance to deepen relationships with fellow members in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
Friday, 24th January: Belfast Networking Lunch
Step into the historic elegance of Drawing Office One at the Titanic Hotel for an extraordinary Belfast Networking Lunch hosted by the Causeway Ireland Scotland Business Exchange, a strategic partner of The Growth Network.
From 12 noon to 2 pm, this exclusive event offers a delicious two-course lunch in an iconic setting and the perfect opportunity to connect with professionals from diverse industries. It’s ideal for fostering meaningful conversations and exploring exciting opportunities in Scotland/Ireland cross-border trade.
Join us for a memorable afternoon of history, networking, and collaboration—let’s create connections that drive success!
Wednesday, 29th January: Newry Social Networking
We’re thrilled to return to The Oliver Bar and Restaurant for an evening of vibrant social networking in the heart of Newry! This event is your chance to reconnect with familiar faces, build new relationships, and be inspired by our guest speakers: Colleen Lennon, Chef-Owner of The Oliver, and Chiho Tang from Oranga Creative.
Enjoy the warm, welcoming atmosphere as you expand your network and discover new opportunities in this relaxed and engaging setting.
Thursday, 30th January: BITA Birmingham Construction Networking Lunch
As a proud member of the BITA Dublin Board and with The Growth Network as a strategic BITA partner, I’m excited to make the trip across the water with some of our members for this exceptional event in Birmingham.
Join us at the Cosy Club for an afternoon of meaningful connections, engaging discussions on industry-relevant topics, and a delectable three-course lunch. This event is a fantastic opportunity to network with industry leaders, gain insights into the construction sector, and explore new avenues for collaboration.
Tuesday, 4th February: Armagh Event – Building Tomorrow’s Business Today
After the overwhelming success of last year’s event, we’re excited to return to Armagh for an inspiring afternoon in partnership with students from Southern Regional College.
This year’s event is all about shaping the future and fostering connections, featuring seven incredible members as speakers who will share their insights, experiences, and expertise:
? Manus Loughran – Founder of GoClick Media
? Emma Cumming – Founder of The IV Clinic
? Colleen Lennon – Chef and Owner of The Oliver Restaurant
? Josh Watts – Innovate_
? Ruairí [Ru] Cahill – Funk Soul Media
? Chukwuemeka John Nwabueze – Agile and Scrum Coach
This event promises to be a dynamic blend of inspiration, collaboration, and practical takeaways for Building Tomorrow’s Business Today. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with thought leaders and future-forward innovators in Armagh’s thriving business community. Let’s shape the future together!
Thursday, 6th February: Belfast Networking at Pearl Assurance House
We’re thrilled to return to Pearl Assurance House in Belfast for an evening of inspiration, connection, and insight featuring an incredible line-up of speakers:
Maeve Monaghan
Maeve Monaghan is the Chief Executive of the NOW Group, a leading social enterprise that supports individuals with learning difficulties and autism. She oversees initiatives such as Loaf Catering and the JAM Card, which empower over 2,000 people annually. Recognised with an MBE and multiple leadership awards, Maeve is a driving force for inclusion, innovation, and social impact across Northern Ireland.
Carlos Latcham
Carlos Latcham is the Director of Dark Red Design, specialising in taking ideas from concept to manufacture. With expertise in 3D design, engineering, and lean manufacturing, Carlos has over a decade of experience creating innovative solutions for the medical, automotive, and aerospace industries. His passion for creative problem-solving has made him a leader in product development and market innovation.
Tom Bell
Tom Bell is a seasoned business advisor who specialises in helping start-ups and innovative SMEs validate ideas, achieve product-market fit, and develop go-to-market strategies. As an advisor for the Innovate UK ICURe Programme, Tom works closely with university spin-outs and life sciences companies, leveraging his global connections to foster collaborations, secure investments, and drive commercialisation success.
This is a must-attend event for professionals seeking actionable insights from industry leaders while expanding their network in a vibrant and welcoming setting.
Sponsorship opportunities for this event are also available, so please contact us if you’d like to showcase your company.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on these first two events of 2025, I’m grateful for our members' energy, ambition, and openness. It’s been a strong start, but I know there’s so much more we can achieve together.
If you’ve considered joining The Growth Network, now is the perfect time. Whether you want to expand your business, build lasting relationships, or gain valuable insights, our community is here to support you.
Here’s to a year of growth, connection, and meaningful progress. Let’s make 2025 extraordinary—together.
Founder | Postgraduate Degree Honors in Business, Management, Marketing
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