The Digital Circles Podcast

On our brand new series of podcasts we kick off with two brand new guests. Aveen McVeigh is the Head of regeneration and Business Development with Newry, Mourne & Down District Council.And from the Maiden City we are joined by the founder of the brand new Derry City Bus Tours, Ciaran Devine.Aveen is currently the lead person within Newry Mourne & Down for the Go Succeed Programme.Ciaran came through the programme after having a strong and well founded business idea based on his experience with Visit Derry, Ciaran signed up and received free mentoring and financial support that allowed him to set the wheels in motion on his fabulous immersive concept.Go Succeed & Derry City Bus Tours – Supporting a Great Business IdeaThe conversation highlights the journey of Derry City Bus Tours, a local company offering immersive guided tours around Derry City, showcasing its rich history and cultural heritage.Key Points Discussed:Business Concept & Vision:Ciaran shares the inspiration behind creating a tour business that would offer locals and tourists an in-depth look at the city’s historical landmarks, while also providing a unique, personal experience. The vision was to create an inclusive, community-centered business that would allow visitors to explore Derry’s most iconic sites in a fun and informative way.Role of Go Succeed:Aveen explains how Go Succeed played a crucial role in turning Ciarans vision into a reality. She outlines the specific support they received, including business mentorship, funding advice, and strategic planning. Go Succeed’s guidance helped Ciaran refine the business model and structure, ensuring he was well-prepared to launch successfully.Overcoming Challenges:Ciaran discusses some of the challenges he faced in the early stages—such as navigating the complexities of required certifications and establishing partnerships. He explains how Go Succeed’s resources, such as networking opportunities and marketing strategies, provided valuable tools to tackle these obstacles.The Impact of Support:Both Go Succeed and Derry City Bus Tours emphasise the importance of having a strong support system when starting a business. Ciaran credits Go Succeed for not only helping him secure financial backing but also for offering ongoing support as they scaled the business.The episode highlights how Go Succeed’s tailored support can empower local entrepreneurs and help turn promising ideas into successful businesses. It showcases the value of collaboration, mentorship, and community-driven entrepreneurship in building a sustainable, impactful business

The Digital Circle podcast recently went on the road to meet another podcast guest.Nick Durbin who hails from Merseyside has taken a hobby and developed it into a business. Mr Drone, as he is now commonly known has become a massively popular source of visual information on his Youtube channel. With over 36,000 subscribers on his channel Nick combined his part time hobby with another passion, Everton Football Club.The building of Everton's new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock in Liverpool peaked Nicks personal interest in the build itself. Taking his drone down to what originally started as a traffic cone on the ground, Nick has followed every part of the build and brought the footage online to a raft of passionate Evertonians, general football fans, architectural enthusiasts and beyond. People wait on each update week by week and become consumed by the building process. Brick by brick the supporters get to see their clubs new home taking shape.It also gives great coverage to the many contractors involved and a lifetime visual representation to their work which will stand long after they lay down their tools.Nick has managed to monetise his Youtube channel through the sheer volume of subscribers and in turn has been approached by local councils to cover other building works.Hobbies and passion combined can become both lucrative in monetary terms and in personal achievement.To check out Nick's Youtube channel go tohttps://www.youtube.com/@misterdroneuk

This weeks guest is Bob McGouran from Strangford Roastery and The Coffee Port in Strangford, County Down.In trying to help his daughter find a little part time income Bob decided why not set up a coffee hatch next to his family home in Strangford just a stones throw from the ferry port.The passing trade and the fantastic location right next to queues of cars waiting to board the short trip across The Narrows to Portaferry meant that very quickly Bob and his full family were all hands on deck trying to make coffee before the sound of the ships horn on its regular departures.Taking his background in engineering and combining it with his entrepreneurial mind Bob decided it would make sense to purchase his own roaster and roast his own brand of coffee beans that would supply his own business and if all went well many others.Fast forward and Bob now has a successful family business both supplying and making coffee under his Strangford Coffee branding.A recent agreement means you will be seeing Bob's products in a very well known Supermarket across the island of Ireland.We talk to Bob about how he finds working in the coffee business and randomly about his Columbian supplier. You can find out more about Strangford Roastery here https://strangfordcoffeeroastery.com/Like this episode please subscribe to out podcast or follow us on Youtube.https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIg_3swzIiLBBqPxE9s_WqA

On this weeks Circle Back Show we cover our previous guest Alan Teggart from Sport Changes Life.We discuss how the age old schooling system isn't for everyone and discuss how sport can be a great pathway for young people to greater things.There is lots of other nonsense about part time jobs and cooked ham, along with this weeks town of focus, Cookstown.

Ever feel your child more sporty than academic? Embarking on a compelling mission in Northern Ireland, The Sport Changes Life Foundation uses the power of sport to steer young people and recently, more mature individuals, away from conventional education struggles and towards personal advancement and community spirit. The foundation’s attention to holistic development has led to a focus not only on physical health enhancement but on significant improvements to educational attainment, employment prospects, and overall mental wellbeing through their various programmes.Traditionally seen as a mere physical activity or game, sport has a unique capacity to unite, motivate, and serve as a medium for personal and community advancement. The Sport Changes Life Foundation exploits this unique power of sport, using it to inspire social improvement. The Foundation’s engaged and targeted programmes focus on four key areas: education, employment, health and wellbeing, and peace and reconciliation, with the ultimate goal of aiding those reaching for larger life objectives.Here, their CEO Alan Teggart chats with us about their work across Ireland.

On this weeks show we talk about our previous guests Lee Opticians and give some random facts about eyesight.Our town of interest this week is Ballymena. Know what a poghle is? Listen to the podcast and you will.Our favourite businesses also get a mention, all in this week Circle Back Show.To find out more about Digital Circles go to www.digitalcircles.co.ukIf you'd like to be a guets on the show contact yes@digitalcircles.co.uk

This week welcomes a father and son combo.Michael and Jack Gilsenan from Lee Opticians.Qualifying as an optometrist in London, Michael returned home to Newry to work under the guidance of Michael Lee the owner of Lee Opticians.After acquiring the company and opening a number of other successful stores in Camlough, Crossmaglen and Warrenpoint, Michael and Jack talk to us about their work and some of the new technological advancements around eyesight.They also explain how they are coming across more young people than ever before with myopic issues that may be attributed to the amount of screen time the younger generation now experience in their day to day lives.Also, have you ever heard of night vision lenses? Turns out you don't need to be a Navy Seal to wear them.Michael and Jack explain how a groundbreaking advancement means that if you are shortsighted you can now wear contact lenses during your sleep that allow you to ditch your glasses during the day.Michael also discusses his work around eye stress and in particular how many young people in schools are affected by eyesight deficiencies that may be going unnoticed or unseen if you pardon the pun.#eyesight #opticians #optometrysolution #ocular #myopiamanagement #myopia #podcast #foryouYou can find out more about Lee Opticians services via https://www.leeopticians.com/If you like Digital Circles you may also want to listen to The Players Podcast where we interview a range of local sporting legends.https://open.spotify.com/show/4KNY5fFkGMweo7fVz7jHbNSponsor:Over reliant on the Hight Street? Have you thought about taking your products online? Whether it's looking at your website and advising on how to set it up for the ultimate consumer experience or advising you on how to sell your products on online stores such as Amazon, Ebay, Shopify etc.Private Label People takes care of all of that.They can look at any product and advise if there is a demand online, help with listings, help with orders, help with shipping and fulfilment, opening up a whole new revenue stream for your business.Go to www.privatelabelpeople.com to find out more

Here we go, it's The Circle Back Show.On this weeks podcast we cover a range of topics.Where was that one place your parents dragged you to when you were young that you hated more than anything?We kick off our Big names from small towns section with the wonderful Cathedral City of Armagh in the Orchard County of Ulster.Robert tells us about his love for shopping checkout roulette and Paul shares his love for planting unexpected items in unsuspecting shoppers trolleys.We speak about how kids these days seem to get everything they want on a given weekend.Following on from last weeks business guest Chris Morgan, we discuss How leisure wear changed over the years and how it is now seen an something you can go to the office in and not just the gym.Our local businesses this week are Helens Bay Organic, the age old institution that is Barrys in Portrush now known as Currys much to Roberts disapproval, The Grand Opera House and Cloud 9 restaurant in Newtownards.Over reliant on the Hight Street? Have you thought about taking your products online? Whether it's looking at your website and advising on how to set it up for the ultimate consumer experience or advising you on how to sell your products on online stores such as Amazon, Ebay, Shopify etc.Private Label People takes care of all of that. They can look at any product and advise if there is a demand online, help with listings, help with orders, help with shipping and fulfilment, opening up a whole new revenue stream for your business.Go to www.privatelabelpeople.com to find out more

Ever felt like your passion for sportswear is more than just a hobby? You're not alone. 😎 From the office to the footy pitch, sportswear has become a lifestyle. But here’s the twist – imagine if your love for the game could directly fuel grassroots sports? 🚀Gone are the days when sportswear was just for the gym or the pitch. Today, it's not only about brands like Nike; it's about lifestyle. From walking into the office to grabbing a pint with mates post-match, sportswear defines versatility and style.👕 Whether you're cheering at a football game on Saturday or facing a Monday meeting, your sportswear is your statement. It’s more than a kit; it’s part of your identity. It’s not just about supporting your local club; it’s about wearing that pride every day.🚀 Clubs and communities have embraced this shift, turning tracksuits and club badges into symbols of unity and pride beyond the game. It's a movement that's brought us closer, turning casual wear into a badge of honour you wear with pride in every walk of life.Chris also shares an insightful journey of how collaboration with the FA and support from Nike has launched a game-changing initiative: providing bursaries for 60-70 coaches in the last 18 months alone. These coaches now boast qualifications they dreamt of, without the financial burden.In the early days, it wasn't just about hitting financial targets but living the day-to-day grind, accepting mistakes, and daring to dream big despite the hurdles. Chris Morgan's reflections remind us of the importance of resilience in the face of challenges and the power of mentorship to steer through stormy weathers.As ClubSport NI celebrate 🎉 10 years in business, we're reminded that success isn't just measured in numbers, but in the lessons learned, the relationships built, and the ability to stand tall after every fall.#DecadeOfSuccess #BusinessJourney #Gratitude #GrowthMindset #MentorshipMattersSponsor:Over reliant on the Hight Street? Have you thought about taking your products online? Whether it's looking at your website and advising on how to set it up for the ultimate consumer experience or advising you on how to sell your products on online stores such as Amazon, Ebay, Shopify etc.Private Label People takes care of all of that. They can look at any product and advise if there is a demand online, help with listings, help with orders, help with shipping and fulfilment, opening up a whole new revenue stream for your business.Go to www.privatelabelpeople.com to find out more