Dougie Adams, founder and chief of Connected Health, will be the keynote speaker at the West Belfast Small Business Breakfast on Tuesday 24 November at An Chultúrlann. The event is convened by Aisling Events.

Adams started his business career as a one-man painting and decorating operation in Ballymurphy. He advertised in a local paper using a neighbour's phone, as his home had no telephone. He travelled to jobs by bus with his ladder and bucket.

Four decades later, he built Connected Health, a domestic care agency, from a small acquisition of a traditional homecare company with 47 staff to a business employing over 2,000 staff across Ireland. Its services include home care, supported living, hospital discharge, and augmented technology care solutions.

Adams says his key message to small business owners is to enjoy the entrepreneurial journey. He believes business owners should be open to learning and not easily offended when customers or team members point out mistakes. He advises listening twice as much as talking and having fun along the way.

In 2023, Adams was nominated for the EY Irish Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. He has praised his employees across Ireland for delivering compassionate, quality care.

Previous speakers at the West Belfast forum include Colm Warren, CEO of Natural World Products; Tina McKenzie, founder of Staffline; and Rich Davey, CEO of the Massachusetts Port Authority.

Tickets for the event are available online.