A new Business and Retail Summit taking place in Sligo this January aims to support local economies across the North West by helping businesses plan, adapt and futureproof for the year ahead.
The North West Services Summit will take place on the 26th January 2026 at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Sligo, bringing together retail, service, public sector and community leaders from across Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, and Mayo.
The one-day event is focused on strengthening regional economies by supporting the businesses that play a central role in town and community life. Retail and service businesses are key drivers of local employment and footfall, with a direct knock-on effect on hospitality, tourism, and other service industries.
The Summit will be MC’d by local business owner Brendan Tierney and will feature a strong local case study with Sligo entrepreneur Kevin Egan or Kevin Egan Cars, who will share insights into building and growing a successful car dealership in Sligo.
A major highlight of the event is a 90-minute practical workshop with Retail Strategist Miriam Simon, designed to help retailers and service businesses strengthen their Spring trading performance. Unlike traditional conferences, this Summit is structured to focus on inspiration and industry insights in the morning, followed by a hands-on strategy session in the afternoon, allowing attendees to put learning into practice immediately.
The programme will explore the impact of AI and Technology on retail and services, alongside the importance of people skills, training and workplace culture. Organisers say the timing is deliberate, with January being a key planning period for businesses facing rising costs, skills shortages and rapid technological change.
Speaking ahead of the event, the organiser, Patricia Lynch said:
“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 apply straight away, at a time when many are under increasing pressure.”
The North West Services Summit is aimed at Retail business owners, service providers, SME’s and anyone involved in customer-facing or people-led organisations across the region.
Further information and booking details are available at www.northwestservicessummit.com
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