Services WHERE IS YOUR FOCUS?

Our Export2 trade development programmes are designed to identify and mitigate the risk of entering a new market.

Delivering on market research, competitor analysis, regulatory and customs compliance, logistics planning and new market entry.

From first steps to winning business, we are here to help you win.

For Micro businesses in Ireland and Northern Ireland we are an authorised provider on InterTrade Irelands Elevate Cross Border Trade Programme. A 100% funded programme to help your niche business enter a new market, meaning there is no cost to your business.

Check out here to see if your business can qualify for funding.

Online or offline – if you are focused on growth through online sales then Close Focus can help

Since 2020, our digital sales and digitisation programmes have helped business regroup, recover and reach new heights.

• Using sales and operations focused digital audits to uncover issues and focus on opportunities.
• Giving sound, jargon free, technical advice on implementing digital technologies to support sales growth and operational improvement.
• Realistic Digital Marketing strategies for small businesses, backed up with practical, real world, training, and support to implement new digital skills.

Many of our programmes are fully funded so get in touch to see how we can help.

What our clients think

10/10 “Frank’s support and guidance were invaluable to us during the Covid crisis in helping us figure out the best path forward. He has the relevant expertise and knowledge coupled with enthusiasm for sharing that knowledge. He gives honest and direct feedback enabling us to think through the issues facing our business and come up with solutions.”

Client on the InterTrade Ireland – E-merge Programme

Winning new business in the public sector takes understanding on how to Bid and win Tenders.

We are good at winning tenders, that’s why we help others do the same.

I’ve worked on preparing businesses for new areas in tender competitions that link with our technical background. In particular addressing Social Value and Innovation requirements where you need to maximise scoring potential.

As an authorised provider on local council programmes, including:

• Belfast City Council Business Enterprise Framework,
• Newry, Mourne and Down ‘Tender for Growth’,
• Mid and East Antrim ‘Spark’ Programme and
• Derry City and Strabane District Council ‘BIG’ Programme,

We are able to help sole traders, Micro Businesses and Small enterprises in these areas compete and win.

These are 100% funded programmes provided by local council.

Contact us to find out how.

Were also and approved mentor on the InterTrade Ireland Go 2 Tender programme. For businesses across Ireland, north and South, we can support first steps in tendering and seasoned businesses alike in giving them an edge.

What our clients think

10/10 “Frank facilitated my colleague and I in learning about the procurement process. He successfully “got us ready” to submit to tender and we felt confident in doing so!” – This client won the 3 Lots they tendered for.

Client on Belfast City Council – Think.Do.Be Programme

This is where it all started. Our Focus on developing our clients practical knowledge and applications for a sustainable future.. for all.

Through our business growth programmes, tendering programmes and specific Green For Business and Green for Micro (LEO) programmes, we have developed processes for Carbon Footprint Capture, mitigations and assistance with applying for Certification that will improve tendering prospects and focusing on opportunities for business growth.

Check out our specific sustainability brochure here, and get in touch for a confidential discussion on how we can help.

As an active small business mentor, Close Focus currently works with small business owners across many local council business support programmes.

ANB Council – ASK Programme Mentor – Process/ Systems

ANB Council – Optimal Programme Mentor – Sales, Export and Innovation

MEAB Council – LED Business Escalator Plus Programme Mentor – Strategic Business Growth, Business Planning, Innovation, Sales, Export

MEAB Council – SPARK Programme Mentor – Procurement and Tendering

NMD Council – Business Growth Programme Mentor – Brexit, Efficiency, Operational Improvement & Strategic Planning

NMD Council – Tender for Growth Programme Mentor

Belfast City Council – EU Exit Business Support Programme Mentor

Belfast City Council – Enterprise Framework Programme Mentor – Business Growth & Sustainability, High Growth, Tendering Skills

DCSD Council – B.I.G. Programme Mentor – Brexit, Strategy, Business Planning, Tendering Skills

FOD Council – Innovating Business Growth & Kick Start Programme Mentor

LCC/NMD Council – Sales Accelerator Programme Mentor

Sligo Co Council – Green for Micro, Export Programme Mentor

Louth Co Council – Green for Business Programme Mentor

For eligible businesses these are 100% fully funded, meaning there is no cost to your business.

What our clients think

The results we deliver – through the best and worst of times

10/10 “Frank has helped take the business back from a crash situation- rethink and move forward and I am now looking at £200k value with £100k Investment coming next week. The business will be worth £1 million plus in less than 2 years”

Client on the Newry, Mourne and Down – Business Growth Programme

10/10 “We felt the service was excellent. Frank was always there when we needed support and quick to respond. We had an outcome on our sessions and gained knowledge which will greatly support our business moving forward.”

Client on the Belfast City Council – Think.Do.Be Programme

Brexit, Transition, New Relationship

Ideally placed to support importers and exporters across the island of Ireland, we work out what Brexit means for you and help you plan for future trade.

Close Focus supports business with regulatory compliance – from products to data, customs processes, supply chain, trade flows and logistics.

As an approved provider for InterTrade Irelands Brexit Advisory Service we are able to offer cross border trading SME’s access to 100% costed consultancy service to help plan for Brexit. Find out how to apply for support here

A 100% funded programme to help your business plan and prepare for Brexit and the new trading relationships with Europe, meaning there is no cost to your business.

What our clients think

10/10 “Frank understood the needs of my business quickly from our initial meeting and provided tailored and valuable advice over a range of subjects. Combining this with jargon free and succinct solutions to our knowledge gaps Close Focus delivered far beyond my expectations”

10/10 “Helpful, direct, knowledgeable, results”

9/10 “Frank Given has a background in process engineering. as we are in that sector, we found that his knowledge of our business, and subsequently his advice, was first class.”

Clients on the Brexit Advisory Service