PLATO Belfast has confirmed the appointment of Brian Donaldson as Chairman with overall responsibility for providing the strategic direction and sustainability of the organisation and delivering business growth for participating SME's.    

Donaldson, who is currently General Manager - Marketing and Retail of the Maxol Group and Managing Director of Maxol Direct (NI), is a Bradford University business studies graduate with over 20 years business experience in both Northern and Southern Ireland.    

Welcoming Donaldson, Brian Hunter, Regional Manager of PLATO Belfast, said: "Many SME's in the Belfast region are benefiting from the Plato ethos. The biggest success of the Plato network is that it has enabled the collective intelligence of business leaders in Northern Ireland to be harnessed and shared for the benefit of individual local companies. Brian is one of Northern Ireland's most respected business leaders and we are delighted to have him on board."  

Brian Donaldson said: "Maxol has had a long association with PLATO both in Belfast and Dublin and I am honoured to undertake this role. PLATO delivers real tangible benefits to participating SME's in the form of business intelligence and experience. The support, encouragement and assistance it offers serves as a catalyst for business growth and will play a vital role in the future economy of Northern Ireland."   

PLATO Belfast is a two year small business development programme which matches top level executives with new entrepreneurs. The organisation is funded by Belfast City Council, Intertrade Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland.