Business Insight Programme celebrates fourth year of empowering future leaders
Business Insight Programme celebrates fourth year of empowering future leaders
The Business Insight Programme (BIP), created by leading accountancy firm BDO Northern Ireland in partnership with Queen’s Business School, took place this month, marking its fourth consecutive year and continuing its mission to inspire and develop the next generation of business talent across Northern Ireland.
Since its launch, the programme has engaged more than 400 students from over 35 schools across Northern Ireland, firmly establishing itself as a flagship initiative for young people interested in business, leadership and professional development.
This year’s programme attracted significant interest from students across the region, offering 103 participants the opportunity to take part in a multi-day, multi-location experience designed to bridge the gap between education and the world of work.
Spanning three days, this year’s programme highlighted the resilience and adaptability of both the students and organising teams, as proceedings were disrupted by widely reported unrest and protests across the city. While these circumstances required the final day of the programme to be rescheduled for a later date, the enthusiasm, commitment and positivity of all involved remained unwavering throughout.
Delivered across three dynamic locations, Queen’s Business School Student Hub, BDO Northern Ireland’s offices, and Affidea Stadium, the programme was designed to equip students with practical, real-world skills in teamwork, critical thinking, analytical reasoning and communication. These core competencies are increasingly vital for success in today’s fast-evolving business landscape.
A key feature of the programme was an immersive case study challenge focused on local business success story, Juice Jar. Working collaboratively in teams, students developed strategic recommendations for growth and innovation with final proposals delivered through video presentations and judged by Juice Jar founder, Sam Shephard.
Professor Danielle McConville, Head of Department for Accounting at Queen's Business School, said: “It’s been fantastic to see the continuing growth of the BIP over the past four years. With each cohort it has been a real joy to see the students taking on this transformative opportunity and having great fun! At QBS we are very grateful for our ongoing partnership with BDO Northern Ireland, which allows us to offer such a practical, real world experience.”
Laura Jackson, BDO NI Head of Audit and Honorary Professor at Queen’s Business School, added: “Each year, the Business Insight Programme highlights the remarkable potential within our lower sixth students and the next generation of leaders. Their energy, creativity and ambition are exactly what Northern Ireland’s business ecosystem needs as we look ahead, and it’s a privilege to play a part in nurturing that talent.
“At BDO, we believe in investing in people from the very start of their journey. The Business Insight Programme gives students the space to discover their strengths, explore future career paths and understand how they can grow through the many opportunities at Queen’s Business School and within our own careers programme.”
ENDS
For further information please contact Judith Stewart – Judith.stewart@bdoni.com / Sarah Bell at ElseWhere PR – sarah@elsewherepr.com
Since its launch, the programme has engaged more than 400 students from over 35 schools across Northern Ireland, firmly establishing itself as a flagship initiative for young people interested in business, leadership and professional development.
This year’s programme attracted significant interest from students across the region, offering 103 participants the opportunity to take part in a multi-day, multi-location experience designed to bridge the gap between education and the world of work.
Spanning three days, this year’s programme highlighted the resilience and adaptability of both the students and organising teams, as proceedings were disrupted by widely reported unrest and protests across the city. While these circumstances required the final day of the programme to be rescheduled for a later date, the enthusiasm, commitment and positivity of all involved remained unwavering throughout.
Delivered across three dynamic locations, Queen’s Business School Student Hub, BDO Northern Ireland’s offices, and Affidea Stadium, the programme was designed to equip students with practical, real-world skills in teamwork, critical thinking, analytical reasoning and communication. These core competencies are increasingly vital for success in today’s fast-evolving business landscape.
A key feature of the programme was an immersive case study challenge focused on local business success story, Juice Jar. Working collaboratively in teams, students developed strategic recommendations for growth and innovation with final proposals delivered through video presentations and judged by Juice Jar founder, Sam Shephard.
Throughout the programme, participants also benefited from insights shared by a range of guest speakers and industry professionals, including Alastair Simpson, Dr Darren Devaney and Olivia McVeigh, each of whom provided valuable perspectives on leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation and career readiness.
Pictured L-R: Olivia McVeigh, Professor Danielle McConville, Dr Darren Devaney, Laura Jackson and Sam Shephard.
Professor Danielle McConville, Head of Department for Accounting at Queen's Business School, said: “It’s been fantastic to see the continuing growth of the BIP over the past four years. With each cohort it has been a real joy to see the students taking on this transformative opportunity and having great fun! At QBS we are very grateful for our ongoing partnership with BDO Northern Ireland, which allows us to offer such a practical, real world experience.”
Laura Jackson, BDO NI Head of Audit and Honorary Professor at Queen’s Business School, added: “Each year, the Business Insight Programme highlights the remarkable potential within our lower sixth students and the next generation of leaders. Their energy, creativity and ambition are exactly what Northern Ireland’s business ecosystem needs as we look ahead, and it’s a privilege to play a part in nurturing that talent.
“At BDO, we believe in investing in people from the very start of their journey. The Business Insight Programme gives students the space to discover their strengths, explore future career paths and understand how they can grow through the many opportunities at Queen’s Business School and within our own careers programme.”
ENDS
For further information please contact Judith Stewart – Judith.stewart@bdoni.com / Sarah Bell at ElseWhere PR – sarah@elsewherepr.com