By Business & Finance 
A record number of group leaders from multinational companies in Ireland have signed up for the Plato programme, a peer-to-peer support business forum.
Multinationals such as Microsoft, IBM, Ericsson, Pfizer and Dell have all signed-up to Plato Dublin, a programme in which group leaders from bigger companies partner up with owners of small Irish businesses to provide management expertise and advice.
According to a recent survey of Plato participants by the DCU Business School, 93% of small businesses are better equipped to plan specific management practices, thanks to the advice of bigger companies.
A unique aspect of Plato is the participation of large local parent companies that offer Plato members access to their full range of management expertise.
Marion Walshe, manager, Plato Dublin, said: “Plato group leaders come from some of Ireland’s most successful and dynamic companies and they bring great insight and experience with them, to pass on to Irish small businesses. Our survey also shows that small business owners are responding to peer-to-peer support, reporting increases in turnover, productivity and performance, through the Plato programme.”
The application stage for the next the next 18-month programme opens in January, with details available through the Plato website.
Plato Dublin is supported by the Local Enterprise Offices in Fingal, Dublin City, South Dublin and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and is open to all businesses in the Dublin who have been trading for at least two years.
