One-day Sligo gathering will mix market insight with hands-on planning as retailers and service firms prepare for 2026 trading.
Sligo will host a new business and retail summit on January 26, 2026, with organisers positioning the event as a practical springboard for small and medium-sized enterprises across the North West.
The North West Services Summit will run at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Sligo and will bring together leaders from retail, services, the public sector and community groups across Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon and Mayo.
“Having started my working life in small businesses around Sligo town and now as a business owner myself, I understand the pressures local business owners are under”
The programme centres on the day-to-day realities of trading in regional towns. Retail and service businesses are highlighted as anchors of local employment and footfall, with spillover effects on hospitality, tourism and related services.
Sessions will explore the role of technology and artificial intelligence in shop floors and service operations, along with people skills, training and workplace culture.
Small business pressures
Patricia Lynch, the organiser, said the timing is intentional as many owners set plans in January and face rising costs, skills gaps and rapid technological change.
“Having started my working life in small businesses around Sligo town and now as a business owner myself, I understand the pressures local business owners are under. This Summit is designed to provide practical insight and realistic strategies they can be applied straight away, at a time when many are under increasing pressure.”
Brendan Tierney, a local business owner, will serve as MC.
The agenda features a case study from Sligo entrepreneur Kevin Egan of Kevin Egan Cars, focusing on building and growing a dealership in the county. A 90-minute workshop with retail strategist Miriam Simon aims to help owners sharpen spring trading plans. The format places industry insight in the morning and an execution-focused session in the afternoon so that attendees can put ideas to work on the day.
Organisers are targeting retail owners, service providers and SMEs, along with anyone involved in customer-facing or people-led organisations in the region. Tickets are priced at €75 including lunch. Further information and booking are available at the event website.
Event details at a glance
- Date and venue: January 26, 2026, Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Sligo
- Audience: Retail and service SMEs, public and community stakeholders
- Programme: Morning insights, afternoon strategy workshop led by retail strategist Miriam Simon
- Tickets: €75 including lunch, via the official website
Top image: Patricia Lynch, organiser of the North West Services Summit
-
Bank of Ireland is welcoming new customers every day – funding investments, working capital and expansions across multiple sectors. To learn more, click here
-
For support in challenging times, click here
-
Listen to the ThinkBusiness Podcast for business insights and inspiration. All episodes are here. You can also listen to the Podcast on:
-
Spotify
-
SoundCloud
-
Apple
