Cockpit Arts, a renowned hotbed of creative talent, is focused on nurturing and supporting talented designers and artisans with a craft basis to their work. To date they have helped 165 resident designer-makers to grow their businesses and hundreds more through dedicated professional development workshops including Jewellers Angie Boothroyd and Jane Adams, Silversmith Ndidi Ekubia, Lush Designs, Thornback & Peel homeware designs and Milliner Karen Henriksen . They work with both new and established businesses aiming to increase profitability without compromising on creativity.

Ellen O’Hara, Head of Business Development at Cockpit Arts
Since 2006 Ellen has worked with over 300 designer-makers to grow their businesses. She is an accredited business coach and holds a degree in Economics from the University of Birmingham, with a postgraduate diploma in administrative management and has previously worked for The Princes Trust, Arts Council England and Andersen management consultancy. Read some of Ellen's top tips for designer-makers at Cockpit's Blog.

The seminar will give tailored advice on how to organise your business resources including tenancy management, employment and suppliers. You will also gain an understanding of the legal and regulatory requirements on tenants and landlords, HR issues and employer requirements and how to maximise relationships with suppliers for improved purchasing margins and security of supply.

The seminar runs from 11am – 1pm with an opportunity to hear direct from Ellen about her first-hand experience of growing craft businesses. Participants can also access some 1:1 input with Ellen and Francis from 1-2pm. The seminar is part of Craft NI's Business Support Programme.