Business Eye Aug Sept 2016

Issue 162 Aug/Sept 2016 £2.50 Voted best Business Magazine in Ireland 2005 and Magazine of the Year for Northern Ireland Shortlisted Magazines Ireland Awards 2011 Business To Business Magazine of the Year

Mark Adrain & Henderson Group...

Largest Ever Investment In Store Network Features: 08

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Hughes Insurance….

New Team At The Top

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Randox….New Direction For Healthcare Giants

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Business Eye Profit 200 - 2016 Edition

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CONTENTS

Aug/Sept 2016 ISSUE 162

Cover Story

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Mark Adrain & Henderson Group... A Growth Agenda

Mills Selig might be a Belfast-based law firm but it’s a firm that has grown to become a serious player on the international stage when it comes to deals, mergers and acquisitions involving its Northern Ireland-based clients.

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Randox... New Challenge For Healthcare Giants

New Team, New Ambitions

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Brian McDowell & A New Era For Hughes Insurance

The remarkable growth story of Randox is moving into a brand new chapter as the Crumlin firm develops a healthcare service based on its diagnostics roots but aimed at the general public through a growing network of Randox Health Clinics. We meet founder Dr. Peter Fitzgerald.

Judith Owens & A Titanic Challenge

The past couple of summers have seen plenty of change at the Newtownards headquarters of Hughes Insurance. Back in 2014, news broke that the family-owned company was to be acquired by US-based insurance industry giants Liberty Mutual. Acquisition now complete, Brian McDowell leads the business forward.

Judith Owens doesn’t have a lot of spare time on her hands. The Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Operations at Titanic Belfast, responsible for all aspects of the busy venue, she’s also heading up the Titanic team’s first ‘export’ contract, to manage the new British Music Experience exhibition on Liverpool’s Waterfront.

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The 2016 Business Eye Profit 200

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Placed For Success

St. James’s Place, one of the UK’s leading wealth management specialists, has expanded its comprehensive network of partners in Northern Ireland with the acquisition of Premier Wealth Management as a partner practice. Headed up by Jim Hughes, Premier Wealth Management ranks as one of the larger independent financial advisers locally.

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Going Local...Vodafone Spotlights NI Market

Eye

Catherine Toolan... New Chief On The Waterfront

Vodafone has been an established brand here for many years. The international communications company has 150 staff here spread across 15 retail outlets and a relatively new headquarters in Dundonald. But the company is changing the way that it works here in the Northern Ireland business marketplace, ushering in a brand new ‘Going Local’ approach.

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Connected....Tag Heuer’s New Era Swiss watchmakers Tag Heuer has entered the digital age with a brand new Connected range of watches combining fine timekeeping with wrist-top technology.

We catch up with the gentlemen from Lunn’s The Jewellers and Tag ambassador, Rory Best.

The Belfast Waterfront adds a brand new dimension to the venues offering in the city, and a new Managing Director has been appointed to lead the centre forward. A Sligo native, Catherine Toolan brings a wealth of international venue and catering management experience to her new role.

Eye on Insurance

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Eye on Agri Food

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Eye on Interiors

76

Eye on Recruitment

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Eye on Technology

43

Eye on Finance

92

Eye on Communications

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Eye on Regional Development

64

Eye on Business Forum

110

Eye on Banking

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Eye on Awards

73

Eye on Events

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Buckley Publications 20 Kings Road Belfast, BT5 6JJ Tel: (028) 9047 4490 Fax: (028) 9047 4495 www.businesseye.co.uk

Editor Richard Buckley Commercial Director Brenda Buckley

Business Development Manager Ciara Donnelly

Design Hexagon Tel: (028) 9047 2210 www.hexagondesign.com

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St. James’s Place Extends Network

Northern Ireland’s Top Performers

Regulars

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Going Global...Belfast Law Firm’s International Mission

From a growing headquarters complex at Mallusk through 230,000 sq.ft of warehousing space and on to more than 300 Spar, Vivo and Eurospar stores all over Northern Ireland... it’s part of Mark Adrain’s remit as Group Property Director at the Henderson Group.

Danske Bank leads the way in the 2016 Business Eye Profit 200, the definitive listing of the top performers in the Northern Ireland corporate sector. Other Premier League local organisations this time around include Moy Park, Shrader Electronics, Norbrook Laboratories and Almac.

Specials

Photography Press Eye 45 Stockmans Way Belfast, BT9 7ET Tel: (028) 9066 9229 www.presseye.com

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The reverberations from the Brexit vote back in late June didn’t last too long, did they?

Comment

“There won’t be any new vote and all the whingeing and handwringing in the world isn’t going to change anything.

There are potential bright sides to what has happened.

Certainly, the much forecast armageddon hasn’t descended upon us yet, and it looks unlikely to do so now.”

Sponsored by

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B

Richard Buckley EDITOR Irish Magazine Editor of the Year 2005

ack on the morning of the 24th June, it felt like we were all hurtling towards the edge of Niagara Falls in a blow up plastic boat. Then there was the anger. Then the recriminations. Then we all headed off to the bank to swap our hard-earned pounds for meagre fistfuls of euros and off we went to Marbella, Mallorca, the Algarve or Donegal.

Truth being told, there is still a strong whiff of uncertainty in the air. The eight weeks of July and August are always a little unreal in any case. So will the whole Brexit debacle come back up to bite us once September kicks in and real business starts up again...?

There are those who think it might. Our leading business organisations have been meeting Ministers and launching research findings that show that quite a few of us remain more than a little concerned.

There are exchange rates, of course, but as any exporter or anyone relying in inbound tourism will happily tell you, there can be upsides to that particular story.

But then there are matters like EU funding or the forthcoming lack of it. Isn’t it amazing that quite a few of those who promoted the Brexit message didn’t seem to have realised that it would spell the end to funding from Europe? How stupid is that?

And there are plenty of questions over how European trade agreements and logistics will shape up once Britain eventually leaves the Euro club.

The British Government under Theresa May has already let it be known that the whole process could take quite a lot of time. Only a few weeks ago, in fact, 2019 was being mentioned as a date for all the ‘i’s’ to be dotted and ‘t’s’ crossed and for the UK to be painted out of the European map.

But it’s very important to note that there are plenty of optimists out there. We hear from some of them in our pages this time around. We’ve got one commercial property player who reckons that his sector is back in its stride once again after a bit of a scare in the immediate wake of the Brexit vote.

Meanwhile, our First Minister continues to put a brave face on it all. But she would, wouldn’t she, having nailed her colours to the Brexit mast during the campaign.

But the challenge right now is fairly simple.

There won’t be any new vote and all the whingeing and hand-wringing in the world isn’t going to change anything. There are potential bright sides to what has happened. Certainly, the much forecast armageddon hasn’t descended upon us yet, and it looks unlikely to do so now.

Challenges lie ahead... but haven’t they always?

The recent furore over alleged coaching of Jamie Bryson when he was preparing to give his evidence to the Assembly’s Finance Committee made for fascinating reading.

But it was little more in substance than an entertaining story, admittedly one that brought a premature end to Daithi McKay’s career as an MLA and Stormont committee chairman.

The politically motivated calls for Finance Minister Mairtin O’Muilleoir to step down are a bit ridiculous. There is no harder-working or more inclusive member of the current Northern Ireland Executive than O’Muilleoir.

Instead, would it not be wiser to consign the whole NAMA Inquiry to the annals of history? It wasn’t really going anywhere in any case.

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Eye on Women in Business

Cathy Magovern Guardian of the Phoenix Brand Brief Professional History/ CV I have worked in a variety of marketing and communications roles, most recently in the utilities sector, previously at PowerNI before joining Phoenix Natural Gas as Marketing Manager in 2015.

Outline of Role & Responsibilities There is great variety in my role, which I thrive on. One day I will be working with the wider team to create our long term marketing strategy and the next I’ll be working with our advertising agency on social media content.

I work closely with internal departments to understand their marketing needs, which varies throughout the year, so I can centralise and unify Phoenix’s outgoing messages effectively.

My main responsibility is being guardian of the Phoenix brand – every communication must serve a purpose.

What are the main challenges of your role?

Natural gas was brought to Northern Ireland by Phoenix 20 years ago this year and since then, as a product, it hasn’t changed.

That is both brilliant and a challenge when it comes to marketing. It is such a reliable product and our best brand ambassadors are those who have made the switch to natural gas over the last 20 years. However, finding new and innovative ways to bring our product to the attention of new audiences can be a challenge.

Our animated ‘Jim & Jane’ characters have revolutionised the way we can communicate with target audiences and talk about the benefits of natural gas.

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How has marketing in general changed in the social media era?

Social media has changed the world of marketing and how business professionals communicate with and market to consumers. Traditional methods of marketing, although still very important, are no longer enough. I believe social media is not only a huge opportunity for any business, but also a privilege. Unlike other forms of advertising, you have to earn the attention of your audience and if they do not like what you are saying, they can simply switch off.

We navigated the launch of a Facebook presence for Phoenix earlier this year with care. As a utility company opening yourself up on such a public platform can be risky as well as rewarding!

However, we have found that this new platform enables us to be creative with the content that we share and perhaps most importantly for the business, we now have the tools to measure and analyse the effectiveness of each post. We can build up a profile of what posts cultivate a personal relationship with our followers and encourage them to engage with our brand.

Is it part of your role to market natural gas as an energy as well as the Phoenix Natural Gas brand name?

Very much so. The foundation of our marketing is promoting the many benefits of natural gas, our brand is the vehicle we use to deliver the messages. Market

research tells us that we are a trusted brand and the success of natural gas in Northern Ireland speaks for itself, achieving 60% penetration across Greater Belfast years before target.

We are now expanding our current network across East Down all the way to Newcastle to bring fuel choice to another 30,000 homes and businesses.

The energy market is particularly competitive now. How do you see it developing?

As Phoenix is regulated it provides reassurance that it gives value for money and will continuously strive for greater efficiencies. I think in the long term people want to know how much to budget for their energy costs and we have seen a rise in the popularity of pre-payment meters so you can Pay As You Go. A number of energy suppliers now offer Dual Fuel tariffs, which can provide savings to those customers who have the same supplier for both their electricity and gas.

What are the key messages being promoted by Phoenix?

Phoenix continues to champion the benefits of natural gas to both the domestic and industrial

and commercial sectors from the instant heat and constant hot water, to the extra space you have from removing the oil tank and hot water cylinder and the constant supply to your property, which means no running out. I could go on and on!

Is CR still an important part of what Phoenix represents as a company?

Since its inception, CR has been integral to Phoenix. We work closely with local communities in which we work in a variety of ways, one being the Energy for Children Charitable Trust, which was set up in 2005 and has since helped over 5,000 local disadvantaged kids.

What are the main targets/ objectives going forward?

To promote the benefits of natural gas and thus making it the fuel of choice.

What are your interests outside of working life?

When I am not playing superheroes with my gorgeous and energetic 4 year old son, I love to shop. Fashion will always be a true passion of mine along with a life-long love of heels!

At the heart of business in Ireland

Š 2016 KPMG, an Irish partnership

Eye on News Belfast City Airport Ranked One Of The Top 10 Airports In The UK For Supporting Passengers With A Disability Or Reduced Mobility Findings from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Report on Accessible Air Travel, which rates airports on quality of assistance for passengers with a disability or reduced mobility, has highlighted George Best Belfast City Airport as one of the top 10 airports in the UK.

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nder European regulations, airports and airlines must provide help and support to disabled passengers and those with reduced mobility, to better enable this group of people to travel by air.

During 2015/2016 the CAA established a new performance framework and worked with 30 of the busiest UK airports to assess each of them against a number of key measures. These include how long passengers have to wait for assistance, levels of passenger satisfaction with the assistance provided, how much consultation airports had with disability organisations

regarding assistance services, what consultation methods were used, if issues were addressed and what, if any, action was taken.

Mark Beattie, Director of Operations at George Best Belfast City Airport, said: “We warmly welcome the findings of this report which ranks Belfast City Airport as one of the top 10 airports in the UK for supporting passengers with a disability or reduced mobility.

“Providing the best possible assistance to all our passengers, including those with mobility restrictions, is of the utmost importance to Belfast City Airport.

“As such, we are delighted that the CAA has recognised our efforts to consistently provide a high level of assistance, maintain regular consultations with disability organisations and to publish up to date information on our website.

“We are particularly pleased that our passenger surveys have revealed a high level of satisfaction with our product and services.

“We look forward to working closely with the CAA in the future to maintain this standard of support.”

OASIS TRAVEL TOP NI CHOICE IN INDUSTRY OSCARS It’s five times lucky as Lisburnheadquartered Oasis Travel has won the Travel Agent Achievement Award for Best Northern Ireland Small Agency... a title the organisation has proudly clinched every year for the last five years!

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he national Agent Achievement Awards reward excellence, performance and achievement amongst UK travel agents and are organised by the respected industry publication, Travel Weekly. This year’s winners were revealed at a glittering gala Awards ceremony attended by The Great and The Good from the world of travel in London’s Park Plaza Westminster Hotel … now a familiar setting to Oasis Managing Director Sandra Corkin.

Accepting the award, Sandra happily admitted that the excitement of winning doesn’t decrease with experience. She says, “I was thrilled five years ago when Oasis first won the first accolade

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in this string of best small travel agency in Northern Ireland awards, and I am just as delighted to receive the honour in 2016! It shows that we are capable not only of achieving exceptionally high standards, but also of sustaining them.

“Receiving such recognition is very encouraging, particularly when the praise comes from industry colleagues who really know the inner workings and understand the demands of the travel sector. Praise from this quarter is praise indeed!

“My thanks go to every member of our award-winning Oasis Travel team at our Travel & Cruise Centres in Lisburn, Belfast (Howard Street and Lisburn Road), Holywood and Bangor. Their travel know-how

Sandra Corkin, Managing Director of Oasis Travel is pictured (2nd from left), at the 2016 Travel Agent Achievement Awards, which took place in London, collecting the award for Best Northern Ireland Small Agency from (l-r) Travel Weekly’s editor-in-chief Lucy Huxley; Angela Day, chief executive of Affordable Car Hire, the category sponsor; and TV personality Stephen Mulhern, the Awards host.

and unwavering commitment to customer care have combined to make us Northern Ireland’s largest independent travel agency and a winner not only with the Agent Achievement Awards, but also and still more importantly, with our thousands of customers right around Northern Ireland.”

The annual Awards attract entries from some of the country’s

top performing independent and multiple travel agents and the competition is recognised as a flagship event of the sector. Travel Weekly Group editor-in-chief Lucy Huxley, said: “The AAAs continue to go from strength-to-strength as we recognise the best agents and agencies in the country, whether they are on the High Street, in call centres, online or based from home.”

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Eye on News

Crumlin Road Gaol Officially Opens New Restaurant On Former Gaol Site

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he team behind Crumlin Road Gaol welcomed special guests earlier this summer to celebrate the official opening of their brand new licenced restaurant, Cuff Bar & Grill. The official welcome was performed by the Director of Strategic Planning Division at Department for Infrastructure, Carol Ramsey, who said the restaurant was a welcome addition to the popular tourist attraction and North Belfast.

The new restaurant, which created 30 jobs, opened to the public at the beginning of July following a £350,000 investment from the award-winning Belfast Tourist Attraction & Conference Centre. It is the latest establishment to boost Belfast’s blossoming restaurant scene and a welcome addition to the North Belfast hospitality industry.

Around 80 invited guests including the Lord Mayor of Belfast Brian Kingston, Broadcaster Adrian Logan and North Belfast MLA’s Gerry Kelly and Nelson McCausland enjoyed dishes from the restaurant’s menu, prepared by head chef Damien Blaney and his team. Damien has worked in several top renowned restaurants around the world including Switzerland, the West Indies and more recently Deane’s in Belfast.

“We want to put a spin on Northern Ireland with all our menus” Said Damien.

“All our ingredients are fresh and sourced locally; we have so much on our doorstep. We have a good relationship with small independent suppliers such as Ewings, Belfast’s oldest fishmongers and local chicken producers, Rockvale. We make

Kieran Quinn, Kevin Quinn and Phelim Devlin, Directors of Crumlin Road Gaol with the Lord Mayor of Belfast Brian Kingston and North Belfast MLA’s Nelson McCausland and Gerry Kelly.

the best of the seasons and have worked hard to create a menu which includes something for everyone”.

Kieran Quinn, Managing Director of Crumlin Road Gaol said, “Crumlin Road Gaol is the ideal location for Cuff Bar & Grill, that we hope will become a friendly face for locals and visitors alike”.

“The building itself is a local landmark, and one of the most popular attractions for tourists visiting Belfast. We look forward to welcoming guests in for a taste of Cuffs Bar & Grill as we are sure the restaurant and the locally inspired and sourced menus will become well-known with the local area”.

The opening of ‘Cuffs Bar & Grill’ is taking place in the Tourism NI’s year of food and drink, 2016, which is celebrating the quality and creativity in our food and drink industry. Open daily from 12pm – 10pm, with exquisite menus created from locally sourced produce, Cuffs Bar and Grill will aim to boost Northern Ireland’s food and drink reputation by putting it at the heart of the tourism experience.

A vast selection of premium wines, spirits, beers and cocktails are also on offer. Special events menus and packages for the regular ‘Live At The Crum’ concert nights will also be available.

La Mon Means Business La Mon Hotel & Country Club is the ideal solution when organising an event or conference.

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Eye on News

Work Starts To Transform New £1.6M Headquarters For Mount Charles Mount Charles has announced a new company headquarters in a £1.6 million pound investment to purchase and renovate its new premises.

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he company, Ireland’s largest indigenous foodservice and outsourced business support organisation, will move into the 10,000 square foot Maxol House on Ormeau Road, former HQ of Botanic Inns.

Mount Charles’ rapid growth trajectory means that the 27-year old company with an almost 2,000 strong employee base has outgrown its current premises, with the decision to purchase rather than rent a larger building based on its commitment to the NI marketplace.

Cathal Geoghegan, Managing

Director of Mount Charles said: “We are very excited about this move, which we view very much as a game changer for Mount Charles. The company has evolved so much in the recent past, with the addition of new divisions and services that have very quickly made a big impact on our market share.

“We feel that a new, state of the art headquarters will much better represent who we are now as a company; and that is a dynamic and innovative locally-owned business that is taking on the multinationals and providing a lot of local employment opportunities.

“Purchasing this building is a big statement of intent from us; that we remain extremely committed to doing business in Northern Ireland, whilst also growing our business outside of Northern Ireland.”

Work has begun to transform Maxol House, with contractors Mascot Construction expected to finish the job by late Summer.

“We are investing significantly to ensure that this new headquarters is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, with a focus on creating an open plan environment with shared spaces and break-out areas that will encourage collaboration between our various divisions.

“We see this as a very positive step forward, and one which

will allow us to target further growth and service development,” Mr Geoghegan added.

Mount Charles recently reported £7.3m of new contracts gained in the past 12 months, boosting turnover from £25.5m in 2014 to £28.1m in 2015. The company has also announced it will recruit more than 200 new employees throughout 2016.

In March 2016, Mount Charles qualified as one of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies by Deloitte for the sixth year running.

BARCLAYS ANNOUNCES £1.5mn FINANCING DEAL WITH BROOKVENT Barclays has announced the completion of a £1.5million financing package aimed at supporting Brookvent, a Dunmurry based pioneer in the field of energy saving ventilation systems.

“W

e are delighted to announce Brookvent as the first local company to avail of our recently launched £100mn loan fund to support small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Northern Ireland. SMEs are the driving force of our local economy and Brookvent is an excellent example of what Northern Ireland design and manufacture has to offer in a global marketplace,” says Adrian Doran, Head of Barclays Corporate & Business Banking in Northern Ireland.

Brookvent has been manufacturing and supplying

energy saving ventilation systems to residential construction sectors in the UK and Republic of lreland since 1984. Exports account for more than 44% of sales and the company has major contracts in Central and Eastern Europe, Australia and New Zealand. In addition, the U.S market is a major focus for growth in 2016 and beyond.

The company, which employs 60 people, also has an office in Wroclaw in Poland, with a new distribution centre scheduled to open in August 2016.

Talking about the financing package, Declan Gormley, Managing

Director, Brookvent, says: “We chose Barclays as a result of their ability to provide a tailored and innovative funding solution capable of meeting our requirements. In a fast growing business it is important to have access to the appropriate banking facilities, and equally important to work with people who understand your business needs. The combination of the expertise of the local team in Belfast backed up by the support of the bigger Barclays network made the decision to avail of the facilities on offer via their new £100m SME loan fund an easy one for Brookvent.”

Christopher Murray of Barclays with Brookvent’s Declan Gormley

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Eye on News

Good News For SMEs As Lender With £300M Pot Launches In NI Capitalflow Commercial Finance began operating in April, already lending £10m to NI businesses.

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new commercial business lender has arrived in Northern Ireland with a £300m budget to lend to small and medium sized businesses across Ireland over the next three years.

Capitalflow Commercial Finance, which has been launched with offices in both Belfast and Dublin, is headed up by Harry Parkinson, who formerly led Northern (now Danske) Bank’s invoice finance operation in Belfast before setting up Close Brothers Commercial Finance back in 2007.

Since opening its doors in April, Capitalflow, funded by London based equity fund specialists Pollen Street Capital, has already lent more than £10m to businesses across Northern Ireland through a mixture of asset finance, invoice

finance and asset based lending.

“We’re very excited about the opportunity we have to help businesses here in Northern Ireland,” said CEO of Capitalflow, Harry Parkinson.

“There is a massive gap in the market for so called ‘alternative’ lenders and the appetite for borrowing is there; which is proven by the fact we’ve already written deals worth more than £10 million to local SMEs. “I have a 22-strong team in place across Ireland and it’s the strength of our collective experience along with a very competitive offering that will set us apart from others in the marketplace.”

Parkinson’s senior team in Northern Ireland includes Sales Directors Diane McGregor (nee Woodside),

and Marc Hawthorne, both of whom have extensive experience in corporate and commercial lending.

“Our focus is on asset and invoice finance but we’re also offering asset based lending (ABL) directly against property and inventory; this offering is unique to the marketplace.

“The other big benefits we’re offering are prompt credit decisions, highly competitive loan to value ratios and the ability to completely tailor a finance solution to suit the individual business. That’s something I don’t think you’ll ever see from the big banks.

“We will lend to a broad spectrum

of SMEs, including start-ups and early stage operators as well as established businesses, it’s a case of looking at the potential of a business and making a decision on that basis.

“We’ve got great support from Pollen Street Capital, who see this market as a huge growth opportunity.

We’re in this for the long haul and we think we can make a big difference to how businesses here are funded.

“We have an initial £300m in the funding pot, but our ambitions don’t end there, we have serious plans for continued development,” added Mr Parkinson.

NEW CONFERENCE TO SHOWCASE EVOLUTION OF CORPORATE COMMS #CommsPRdigital ‘The Communications Revolution’, is an exciting and challenging new conference, launched by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) in Northern Ireland.

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aking place in The Merchant Hotel on Friday, 23rd September, it is set to welcome keynote speakers of international, high-flying and even regal renown from the PR, digital media and communications industries.

With additional special guests and speakers to be announced over the coming months, the CIPR has released an exclusive preview which showcases the high calibre that will allow attendees to gain valuable insight into how the world is adapting to the evolution of media and communications.

Speakers confirmed so far are: Dickie Arbiter, former Press Secretary to the Queen and media manager for Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana, has almost five decades of experience with one of the most

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recognisable “brands” in the world.

Robin Kiely, Head of Communications for Ryanair, now one of the world’s largest airlines, has a wealth of experience in developing effective media strategies to successfully communicate the company’s news and objectives to its 80 million customers worldwide.

Martyn Rosney of Edelman works with some of the biggest brands in the world from the Edelman office in Dublin. Martyn has been featured in PR Week’s ‘30 Under 30’ and as ‘One to watch’ by Marketing.ie and was CIPR’s Young Communications Professional in 2015.

Scott Field, Team GB’s Director of Communications will have just returned from the Rio Olympics, his second Games, and has also worked at previous FIFA World Cups, UEFA

European Championship Finals and Champions League Finals.

Speaking on the launch of this inaugural conference for CIPR NI, Chair Samantha Livingstone said: “In today’s age, how we communicate has changed. The world is now smaller, thanks to advances in technology and the digital world making communicating easier, faster and more reactive. Therefore, we wanted to create a conference that would bring together some of the greatest minds and inspirations from the world of PR, comms and digital media, to discuss and debate the future of this industry.

“In Northern Ireland, we have seen constant increases in the number of practitioners undertaking continuous professional development and becoming chartered, demonstrating a strong desire for agencies, businesses

The Queen’s former Press Secretary Dickie Arbiter, one of the keynote speakers at September’s event in Belfast.

and individuals to invest in the future of this profession. We hope this conference is yet another way to share best practice and to provide a platform for continued growth of the sector.”

For more information on the event and how to register, please visit www.ciprni.com or via ciprnicommsprdigitalconference2016. eventbrite.co.uk

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Eye on Law

BARRISTER-LED MEDIATION CENTRE TO OPEN IN BELFAST The move towards professionally-led mediation as a solution to commercial disputes is to be given a boost with the opening later this year of a dedicated Mediation Centre in Belfast city centre, the brainchild of the Bar of Northern Ireland (the professional body for the region’s barristers).

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he new purposedesigned centre is due to open its doors in the later autumn at The Boat, the eye-catching office/apartment building on Donegall Quay.

“We chose the location carefully. It’s in the centre of the city, it’s within walking distance of the courts and the Bar Library, it’s accessible and close to transport links,” says David Mulholland, the

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Bar’s Chief Executive.

So what motivated the Bar of Northern Ireland to take forward the idea of a Belfastbased mediation centre, and what can businesses expect from the new facility?

“Traditionally, a wide range of business-related disputes have ended up being taken to court for resolution. But it’s clear that many of these cases can be resolved much more quickly

and more cost effectively through a properly-constituted, legally-led mediation process,” says Mulholland.

“It’s a very effective alternative to litigation, which can be facilitated outside the daunting confines of court rooms. So we find that it can be, less time consuming and ultimately, less stressful for the parties concerned....not to mention the cost savings.

“What’s more, if parties can agree in a fairly swift and amicable way, mediation is less adversarial and therefore, reputations and business relationships can remain intact going forward.

It’s no surprise that it has been growing in popularity here in Northern Ireland.”

The growth is being actively encouraged by Northern Ireland’s leading commercial

Eye on Law “ We can process cases a lot more cost effectively here than anyone could hope for in London. It may be considered the premier city for commercial litigation but it is also the most expensive on these islands.”

barristers and QC’s, by the Bar Council and by local solicitors.

They agree that mediation represents a positive alternative in many cases, and that its success will help to take some pressure off local courts.

“Having seen first-hand the improved outcomes achievable through mediation, our own commercial barristers and solicitors specialising in corporate and commercial law are certainly keen to promote to our business clients. Up until now, mediation has grown organically, so we’re confident that the opening of the new centre will make it even more popular as more and more cases are resolved by this route.”

Similar Mediation Centres are already up and running in London, Edinburgh and Dublin.

“We’re keen to promote Belfast as a venue where parties from outside of Northern Ireland can bring their disputes for resolution,” adds David Mulholland. It’s an approach that mirrors the growth of what has become known as ‘legal tourism’, the increased number of commercial cases being brought to Northern Ireland for trial.

“The growth has come about for a couple of very clear reasons. Firstly, we have a very strong legal system and a group of barristers with an excellent reputation far beyond the boundaries of Northern Ireland.

“Secondly, we can process cases a lot more cost effectively here than anyone could hope for in London. It may be considered the premier city for commercial litigation but it is also the most expensive on these islands.”

In fact, David Mulholland is due to join an Invest Northern Ireland-led trade mission to New York and Washington in September to promote Northern Ireland

David Mulholland with David Wright, Director of CBRE, who led the property search

as a ‘come to’ venue for legal representation in all its forms.

“Capitalising on the skills and the ability within the Bar Library, we’ve been working on ways to attract more legal work into Northern Ireland, and this is just another step along the way.

“The Mediation Centre will add another string to our bow and improve the offering that we can put in front of our existing client base and any potential legal visitors.”

So what kind of disputes might be discussed and settled in the rooms of the new Belfast Mediation Centre?

“Any kind of commercial dispute, from elements of mergers and acquisitions to disputes between partners with a lot more in between,” says David Mulholland.

“It has been shown to work.

There is no doubt about that. At the moment, I’d say that it is still underutilised here in Northern Ireland, but it is gaining traction and gathering momentum.”

Away from the world of business, the new Mediation Centre will also be busy handling a wide range of private cases.

It is easy to see, for instance, how it can play a useful role in the many elements of family and divorce law, helping to negate the need for costly court proceedings.

“The Centre will be open to all. It will be completely inclusive and that’s exactly how it should be. We will facilitate it and operate to meet the needs of our barristers and local solicitors.

But it’s the people who use it who will make it work.

“For now, our message is simple. We want more people to consider professional mediation as an effective means of resolving disputes.”

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Eye on Banking

Pictured (L-R) at the Prescription for Growth seminar in Omagh in May 2016 are: Sarah Travers, Bespoke Communications, Kristen Jameson, Brand Development Manager of local business, Heavenly Tasty Organics, Hilary Nelson, Commercial Branch Manager, Omagh, Bank of Ireland UK and Camilla Long, Bespoke Communications.

Bank of Ireland UK Enterprise Week Connecting, Inspiring and Growing Local Businesses Sean Sheehan, Regional Director, NI Consumer & Small Business, Bank of Ireland UK

‘Let’s Connect NI for Growth’ was the call to action made to local businesses by Bank of Ireland UK as they hosted the latest Enterprise Week in May with a packed programme of events to facilitate networking, showcase innovation and inspire new thinking among SMEs.

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o launch the latest initiative, the bank announced it had recently opened the 4,000th new small business accounts for small business growth and start-up businesses. With discounted transactional banking and other benefits the package recently achieved a 5 Star Rating in Moneyfacts annual assessment of the business current account

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market across the UK – the only local bank to be included and recognised as five star.

Sean Sheehan, Regional Director, NI Consumer & Small Business, Bank of Ireland UK, said: “Bank of Ireland UK opened nearly 20% more small business accounts in 2015 compared with the previous year. We are seeing both resilience and a measure of confidence in small businesses.”

While this was the bank’s thirteenth Enterprise Week event, the organisers ensured there were plenty of firsts to excite and challenge local businesses including Ireland’s first Mobile Business Conference held in conjunction with Digital Omagh.

The conference invited delegates to explore how they could run better businesses using a mobile device. As well as practical

Eye on Banking demonstrations, local innovators shared their knowledge and expertise in using mobile apps to improve sales and run more profitable, efficient enterprises.

At the Prescription for Growth seminar in Omagh, the audience heard from award winning marketer Kristin Jameson, Brand Development Manager at Heavingly Tasty Organics which recently signed a £2m deal to supply Waitrose, Tesco and Morrison’s. Kristin shared her insights on success and highlighted to the packed audience the innovative ways businesses can maximise growth using online and social media.

In partnership with the NI Chamber of Commerce through their Connecting for Growth Programme, the bank hosted a major cross-border networking event designed to help increase business between companies from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Guests took part in Meet the Buyer providing the opportunity for interested customers to gain access to 15 large businesses, including Coca-Cola, Tesco, Glen Dimplex, Ulster University, NI Water, Terex and Bank of Ireland.

More than 160 local businesses took advantage of Show Your

Pictured at Ireland’s first Mobile Business Conference held in conjunction with Digital Omagh are (L-R) Daryl Conway, Digital Omagh, Thomas O’Reilly, former Chairman Fermanagh & Omagh District Council along with sponsors of the event Hilary Nelson, Commercial Branch Manager, Bank of Ireland UK and Nicholas O’Sheil, Chief Executive Omagh District Council.

Business, the pioneering initiative which gives small businesses a high street presence by enabling them to display, sell and trade their goods and services in the bank’s branches across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Michael Logan, owner of Fairy Doors Belfast - which makes

Pictured (L-R) is Michael Logan of Belfast Fairy Doors, who took part in the last two Show Your Business events, along with his daughter and Mark O’Brien, Commercial Branch Manager of Belfast City Branch, Bank of Ireland UK.

wooden Fairy Doors as well as designing, building and writing fairy trails with doors and miniature house - exports globally but operates solely online and with the help of social media.

He seized the opportunity to build a stronger local profile by promoting his business at Bank of Ireland UK City Centre branch and indeed last November in the popup market place in CastleCourt.

Bank of Ireland UK was principal sponsor of the Belfast Chamber of Trade & Commerce, Business Awards 2016 recognising, celebrating and championing the achievements of businesses across the city at a Gala event held in the City Hall.

Bank of Ireland UK’s Agri Manager William Thompson joined with Jan Young, Commercial Branch Manager in Ballymena, to host a launch breakfast for the bank sponsored Ballymena Show 2016 with guest speaker Roberta Simmons, President of Young Farmers Club of Ulster (YFCU), Councillor Billy Ashe, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Robert Dick, Chairman of Co. Antrim Agricultural Association and David Perry, President of Co. Antrim Agricultural Association.

Over the course of the enterprise week, more than 1,600 companies responded

enthusiastically to more than 40 events organised by the bank.

The businesses were able to build their networks and develop their marketing opportunities through local PR and increased visibility in broadcast, print and digital media.

In fact, over the last five years, some 10,000 small and medium sized businesses across Northern Ireland have been involved in more than 400 Enterprise programme events to help SMEs make vital connections with local expertise, professional advice and relevant support.

Sean Sheehan concludes: “Our work throughout Enterprise Week 2016 and indeed all year round is rooted in helping businesses of all sizes to benefit from the connections we can offer them through our Local Business Advisers – be it to new customers, new markets, new mentors, new skills and new expertise – all of which will help them to grow.

“If you would like to participate in any of the various events and opportunities in the next Enterprise Week taking place in November, please contact gail.toal@boi.com for further information.”

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Eye on Insurance

Disclosure Is Key With New Insurance Act

Jeff Graham, Senior Vice President, Lockton

Leading commercial insurance broker Lockton Belfast is urging local companies to be vigilant following the roll-out of the new Insurance Act 2015 from 12th August.

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he Act will see the most significant changes to Insurance Law in 110 years and make fundamental changes to what businesses have to do to ensure that their insurance policies are effective and their claims are paid in full.

All insurance policies are currently subject to “utmost good faith” and policyholders have a duty to disclose all “material facts” to their Insurers.

These are long established principles and have been tested in the Courts.

Among other changes, the Act introduces a new duty to make

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a ‘fair presentation’ of risk to insurers and this now includes information known by the “Senior Management” of the company and an additional obligation to make a “reasonable search” for such material information.

Jeff Graham, Senior Vice President, Lockton explains, “The Insurance Act 2015 has brought additional focus on disclosure of material facts and it will take the entire Insurance Industry some time to bottom out what is a “reasonable search,” what constitutes a “senior team” and how businesses fulfil this duty of

“fair presentation of risk”. Clearly this new legislation will have to be tested in the courts to answer these fundamental questions”.

“In the meantime, simply put, all parties seeking insurance cover should be aware of the requirements of the Act and examine more closely possible risks that they face in their business and disclose this information to their Insurer through their broker. The renewal process for a company’s insurances has to now be given more time and approached in a much more structured and strategic manner if a business is to satisfy Insurers that the senior team has been fully consulted and a ‘reasonable search’ for relevant information completed.”

“At Lockton we have a team of associates who specialise in diverse industries and scenarios.

Their familiarity with our clients’ day-to-day operations ensures that we are well placed to help them navigate the new challenges of this legislation.”

What to do next? Seek advice on how these changes will affect how your business purchases insurance. Lockton are currently advising clients on all aspects of the new Act, and can help businesses understand what the changes will mean for them.

For more information on how the Insurance Act 2015 could impact your business or the insurance industry visit www.lockton.com or contact Jeff Graham on 02890 348414 / jeff.graham@uk.lockton.com

Help for the cupcake bakers

Help for what matters Important Information. Ulster Bank Limited, Registered in Northern Ireland No. R733. Registered Office: 11–16 Donegall Square East, Belfast, BT1 5UB. Member of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority, and entered on the Financial Services Register (Registration number 122315).

Eye on Cover Story

MARK ADRAIN & HENDERSON GROUP...

LARGEST EVER INVESTMENT IN STORE NETWORK It’s not hard to imagine how Mark Adrain might have a lot on his plate.

Consider his title - Group Property Director at Henderson Group. Then consider the amount of property that he’s responsible for, from a growing headquarters complex at Mallusk through 430,000 sq.ft of warehousing space and 79 company owned stores on to providing services to more than 300 SPAR, EUROSPAR and Vivo stores all over Northern Ireland.

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nd he’s even busier than normal just at the moment.

Rapidly taking shape at Mallusk is the Group’s new multi million pound headquarters development, bringing together departments currently spread around various buildings at their Distribution Centre. And just across the road the company is also investing £10 million in a remodelled ambient warehouse at the former Marks & Spencer site.

Mark heads up a busy department with a staff of some 50 people responsible also for the acquisition of greenfield retail sites, site feasibility studies, the re-fit and refurbishment of the existing stores, whatever their sizes, and all planned maintenance programmes.

But Mark Adrain’s role goes a lot deeper than the management of major capital expenditure programmes. “As a department, we look after energy procurement for the Group as a whole.

All in all, we’re spending £3.5 million a year on energy, so effective procurement is very important for us. We manage energy policy as well, right down to the use of solar panels on some sites and the installation of energy efficient lighting.”

When it comes to new stores, his department are also responsible for the development, lay out and merchandising of all new store interiors... retail propositions, as they’re known in the business.

That’s meant a strong emphasis in recent times on the Group’s fresh food offering, built around the ‘Famous For Fresh’ strapline. “Our aim across

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the network is to make sure that our stores have a 50% fresh food offering. For us, that means that we have to set up each store to provide the maximum fresh produce impact from fruit and vegetables to serve over and food to go counters.”

The SPAR and EUROSPAR network has also worked hard to extend the scope of its stores to include butchery counters and Subway sandwich outlets. The Group is currently considering new food outlet options including both pizza and street food alternatives.

“If you look at each of our stores as an empty box at the planning stage, we have to develop exactly what goes into each box.....”, Mark Adrain explains.

A 28-year property industry veteran, he spent a large proportion of his career in the residential sector working with housing associations.

“So it was a big step for me to move across to the commercial property sector and to an operation of the size and scale of Henderson Group,” he smiles. “But I’ve enjoyed the challenge right from the start.”

It’s an ongoing challenge. Currently, Henderson Group has around £16.5 million of investment projects ongoing – from its headquarters projects through to retail developments, in addition to the warehouse investments.

“The past year has been our busiest ever in terms of investment in our retail network.

We have projects ongoing in roughly half of our shops across the network. It ranks as our largest ever investment programme.”

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Eye on Cover Story

“ We’re always on the look-out for new sites. That means suitable green field sites, but it also means existing retail businesses. And we look for sites for our own use and for use by our retailers.”

At any one time, some 40 new build or major refurbishment projects will be ongoing around Northern Ireland, with 15 somewhere in the planning process and 25 on site.

“We’re always on the look-out for new sites,” says Mark Adrain. “That means suitable green field sites, but it also means existing retail businesses. And we look for sites for our own use and for use by our retailers.

“What makes a good site? It’s all about convenience. We’re convenience retailers after all. So we look for sites close to homes, close to communities, close to workplaces and, in some cases, on busy roads and arterial routes....sites where we can combine a convenience store with a filling station.

“Then we look at the site itself, how much we can get into the box and how we can provide good access and parking facilities.

Then there’s the question of competition.... what other retailers are in the area. A lot of different factors come into play when we make our decisions and, yes, I suppose we do get a feel for what is a good site and what isn’t.”

The Group’s EUROSPAR network – of larger store outlets ranging from 5,000 – 6,000 sq.ft – has been a major area of focus for the

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company and new EUROSPAR stores are currently under construction.

Mark Adrain and his colleagues keep a close eye not only on what other retail groups are doing on the ground, but also on international best practice and trends.

“We’ve looked at stores in South Africa, all over Europe and, most recently, in Sweden.

There is nearly always something we can learn by visiting different stores around the world.”

The property crash several years ago continues to have something of a negative effect on the marketplace. “There are still a lot of sites around with debt against them, but on the wider front, the number of deals is picking up and the market is starting to improve.

The planning process here is still too difficult.

It’s improved in some local council areas but by no means all of them. It’s something that urgently needs attention. It’s already put some major retailers off coming to Northern Ireland and we’d all welcome an improvement.”

In the meantime, though, life goes on for Mark Adrain and Henderson Group.

“From our perspective, we’re expecting to locate 10 or more green field opportunities over the next 18 months or so.”

Eye on Recruitment

What Is Executive Search And How Does It Work In Reality?

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xecutive search is colloquially known as headhunting, historically referred to locating and recruiting individuals for senior executive and boardroom positions.

At Forde May Consulting we’ve developed that term, and headhunting for us refers to all our recruitment campaigns, regardless of the role’s seniority. Headhunting has been, and always will be, the core element of our work and success. Executive searches are commonly undertaken by specialist recruitment firms with extensive networks and industry knowledge. These networks take time to nurture and develop, making it extremely difficult to readily manufacture those links and associations. To experts like ourselves it is seen as a tailored service to both the client and potential candidate, and not a transactional CV-sending service, which many believe demeans the service good recruitment firms offer. Expert headhunting is much more personal and in-depth, requiring sector knowledge, insight and detailed understanding of a client’s needs technically, regarding the role in question, but also a coherent insight into the business corporately and culturally.

How do headhunters like Forde May Consulting work?

Most job seekers fundamentally misunderstand the role of professional headhunters, and as a result they miss out on countless job opportunities. If we ‘pull back the curtain’ you can understand how executive search operates.

We see ourselves as a vital part of the job search for anyone at the manager level and

above. That’s because we’re paid by companies to recruit the hard-to-fill positions, the roles performed by executives not actively looking for a new job. These executives tend not to apply via advertisements, hence the need to be more proactive in attracting them. Knowing the right headhunters, the company with the extensive networks, access to desirable roles, and of course the right reputation and pedigree, will provide executives with access to the right roles when they come up.

As headhunters, we’re, more often than not, tasked with finding an exact match for each assignment we conduct. I emphasise the phrase “exact match” because it’s probably the most important thing to bear in mind with regards the search process. We have been hired to streamline the hiring process, not complicate it. Therefore, candidates who fall short of the criteria may be discounted, especially when it comes to technical vacancies. Rejection is not personal, and we’ll always personally outline the criteria and reasons for our decisions to candidates. In more economically buoyant conditions, that fastidious adherence to rigid criteria is certainly loosened. Clients have the time and resources to invest in potential, but unfortunately the heady period in the early 2000’s has been and gone, for now.

Should you work with just one headhunter?

As a client using a headhunter, the answer is a resounding yes. When you’ve retained the services of a search firm you should have faith in their ability to network and find the right candidate. If

you’re a candidate considering a career move, the answer is most definitely no. Relying on one search firm to find you a role is possibly the most common misperception that hinders executives.

You must understand that each search firm will have a number of close clients; companies which use their search capabilities and networks over and over again. One search firm won’t work with every employer. This means that you need to be in touch with a select few headhunters, the organisations with the right network and industry insight to suit your needs. Focus on headhunters who frequently fill positions that match your experience. Focus on quality instead of quantity, and you will dramatically increase your chances of a favourable outcome.

As with almost everything in business, it is about relationship building; forging strong connections for years to come.

This will prove dividends over time as we stay in touch over the years and let you know about suitable vacancies as your career develops. Simply put, if you work at the manager level or above, or if you’re a successful business looking for new talent, you can’t afford not to work with us.

Gerry May is Managing Director of Forde May Consulting Ltd. It specialises in executive search.

Feel free to contact him on 9062 8877

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Eye on Healthcare

MISSING TEETH – GET MORE WITH CRANMORE DENTAL IMPLANTS At Cranmore we provide long-term quality solutions for patients with concerns about missing teeth. Our experienced team led by David Nelson are here, when you are ready to talk about your situation. David has a Masters Degree in Dental Implantology and his area of practice is dedicated to dental implant treatment including case selection, advanced treatment planning, implant placement, restoration of dental implants and bone grafting procedures.

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hether your concern is a single missing tooth, multiple missing teeth, no teeth or loose dentures, we pride ourselves in taking care of you and providing a solution that best suits your individual needs. Tooth loss happens for a variety of reasons and as a keen cyclist David understands that accidents and injury can equally occur through sport.

He is currently preparing for a charity cycle in association with Straumann dental implants from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic Coast across the Pyrenees for 5 days. The ride which is scheduled for September will start in Cap D’Adge and finish in San Sebastian with a total distance of approximately 450 miles. It is hoped that the event will raise much needed funds for dental charity Bridge2Aid.

Patient Lounge at Cranmore

With over ten years experience in implant dentistry, David is an accredited International Team for Implantology and Straumann Mentor where he mentors and supports dentists with their implant training.

In addition, he lectures on dental implant treatment at postgraduate level including on the Foundation In Implant Dentistry course in London and he has also established the Cranmore Implant Year Course.

David has a particular interest in the use of digital technology for dental implant treatment. This includes the use of digital treatment planning, 3D radiograph imaging and digital intra-oral scanning to achieve predictable quality solutions.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants are an investment that can help improve your quality of life.

• Allow you to speak naturally.

• Enjoy all your favorite foods again.

• Stable foundation for replacement teeth.

Reception at Cranmore

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What Is A Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a small titanium screw that is placed into the jaw bone to replace the missing

tooth root. Titanium is used as it is generally very compatible with the human body and bone bonds well to it, giving a stable and long-term structure on to which the replacement tooth is fixed.

What Are Teeth In A Day? As the name suggests this treatment involves the placement of dental implants and attachment of provisional teeth restorations within the same day. It usually requires between 4 and 8 implants depending on your individual needs. After the requisite healing time your final restoration is fitted.

Teeth in a day can successfully provide a quick solution for missing teeth without the waiting time associated with traditional dental implant treatment. It is often considered as a solution for a person who has no teeth and is a denture wearer.

What Are Implant Retained Dentures?

Dental implants can be used to secure and provide additional stability for a full upper or lower denture. To secure a denture between 2 and 4 implants need to be placed to give a stable and long-term structure on to

David Nelson, BDS MSc(Imp Dent)

which the denture is fixed. Once healed this artificial root acts as a base for fixing a denture and can lead to highly aesthetic, long- term, functional teeth.

Why Choose Cranmore for Your Dental Implants?

• We have an experienced team of dentists.

• We provide a four-year guarantee for our dental implant treatment.

• We have an onsite cone beam CT scanner.

• We are the only practice in Northern to be a member of the Leading Dental Centers of the World.

• Cranmore is a multi award dental practice and David Nelson was named Winner of the UK Single Implant Award at the Aesthetic Dentistry Awards in 2013.

• Complimentary, non- clinical consultations are available with our Patient Care Coordinators.

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Eye on Insurance

New Team, New Ambition...

Brian McDowell & Hughes Insurance

The past couple of summers have seen plenty of change at the Newtownards headquarters of Hughes Insurance.

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ack in 2014, it was announced that the familyowned company led by the man who gave it its name, Leslie Hughes, was to be acquired by US-based insurance industry giants Liberty Mutual. Last summer, the acquisition was completed. This summer, a brand new executive

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team is bedded in and the firm has ambitious plans for the future.

Those plans include a concerted three-pronged assault on the motor, home and commercial insurance marketplace here in Northern Ireland, and the advancement of plans to assess moving into the GB market and launching health and

life assurance for customers in NI. The new Chief Executive at Hughes Insurance is Brian McDowell, a former senior banker who switched career from banking to insurance seven years ago to become Sales & Marketing Director at Hughes.

A University of Ulster graduate, he started his financial career with Alliance & Leicester, latterly Santander before going on to manage the large-scale Halifax/ Bank of Scotland sales centre in Belfast Gasworks and then joining

Bank of Ireland where he headed up BoI’s retail bank sales lines.

“I met Gareth Brady (Hughes’ former CEO, now Chairman) on a couple of occasions in my Bank of Ireland days” says Brian.

“And I suppose my move from banking to insurance came out of those early meetings. I was inspired by the vision that Gareth clearly demonstrated for the Hughes business.”

He’s passionate about how Hughes Insurance has changed and how it will continue to grow. “We’ve

Eye on Insurance “ Hughes Insurance has a very clear mission. We want to be viewed as the company that protects what is important to our customers... their health, their businesses, their homes, their lives. Not just their cars.”

grown more in the past seven years then we did in the previous 30,” says McDowell. “We’re still best known for motor insurance, but we’ve seen our home insurance grow from 8,000 to 42,000 policies and our commercial business rise by almost 15%. And we’re looking at profit growth as well as premium growth.”

Hughes Insurance might have been given the green light from Liberty to continue to operate as a brokerage, and have an independent executive team and board, but it can still count on the financial backing and clout of one of the world’s biggest insurance groups, as part of the Liberty Ireland operations run out of its Headquarters in Dublin.

“Hughes Insurance has always been innovative. Leslie was a true innovator. He was the first in the business to invest in distinctive TV advertising and he was the first to invest in a full-scale call centre here in Newtownards.

“And we intend to stay as innovators. We’ve got a new executive team in place and we’ve got very ambitious growth plans in place as part of our Core 2020 strategy, a vision for the next four years or so.”

Central to that strategy are a couple of headline objectives – to increase total policy value from £60m to £90m and to bring the total number of policies up to an impressive 225,000 across the areas of motor, home, commercial and commercial vehicle.

“We want to be serious players in the commercial insurance sector, but it’s a more complex product set. At the moment, potential customers don’t go online looking for commercial insurance, but that’s something we’d like to remedy in the future. We’ve a vision of being able to offer our commercial insurance customers a full online facility through which they can self-serve from

a variety of products direct from their laptops or mobile devices.

“We’re realistic enough to know that we can’t play the big names in the corporate insurance space, but we know that we’re well placed to serve the small business (SME) marketplace here in Northern Ireland. And that’s where we intend to become a serious player in the market.”

Hughes Insurance sees opportunities in areas such as liability, motor trade and fleet insurance, the latter clear extensions of their motor insurance expertise.

“We also want to break the bank’s

stranglehold on the home insurance marketplace here. We’re confident that we can offer customers a first-class home insurance product at a significantly lower cost. We’ve already quadrupled the number of home policies, and we’re aiming to double the total again... from 42,000 at the moment to 80,000 by 2020.

“We’ll also continue to look at other possible product lines and other markets.”

“Hughes Insurance has a very clear mission. We want to be viewed as the company that protects what is important to our customers... their health,

their businesses, their homes, their lives. Not just their cars.

“Customer relationships are what it’s all about. In a lot of ways, I’d rather have a smaller total number of customers and a higher number of strong customer relationships spanning our range of products.

“One thing is for sure. This business will look very different over the next five years. We’ve got a new brand, a new executive team and we’re changing the way we do things and the products that we bring to the marketplace.”

“Our employees are engaged with us on this journey, and we’re very excited about the future.”

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ON-SITE SHREDDING IS FOR YOUR EYES ONLY.

OUT OF SITE SHREDDING IS FOR THEIR EYES TOO!

Eye on Communications

Keeping in touch‌ Countrywide

While their core business is crisscrossing the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland on a daily basis collecting and delivering a range of products from as small as a jiffy bag to a fully loaded trailer the need to be in constant contact has never been greater.

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Eye on Communications

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ountrywide Freight Group is a privately owned local transport company which is recognised as the market leader in parcel, pallet and groupage collection and delivery services between the UK and Ireland. The job of keeping the 500 staff, 200 vehicles and 8 depots in constant contact is down to Rainbow Communications, Northern Ireland’s leading independent telecoms provider. For the last 11 years Rainbow Communications has worked closely with the Malluskbased company to ensure that no matter how far they travel supporting the business needs of their clients, Countrywide staff are always connected.

Communicating on the move Stuart Carson, Sales and Marketing Director of Rainbow Communications “Being ‘out of the office’ is an absolutely necessity for the vast majority of Countrywide staff so our main responsibility is to ensure that although they are travelling hundreds of thousands of miles per year, everyone is connected to a system that provides a core communications platform which meets the needs of their expanding business.

“We have developed a bespoke system of land line and smart phone technology to provide Countrywide with a comprehensive telecoms system that consistently covers the whole of the UK and Ireland.

Countrywide customers rely on them to adhere to demanding delivery and collection schedules so one of the key aspects of our service is to ensure that 24/7 communication channels are maintained across the company and its fleet of vehicles, no matter where they are. “ “Co-ordinating such a sizeable transportation fleet to its optimum efficiency takes years of experience and skill and Countrywide has consistently shown their customers that when it comes to getting parcels and other freight from one part of the country to another, few can eclipse their service. Rainbow

“ The job of keeping the 500 staff, 200 vehicles and 8 depots in constant contact is down to Rainbow Communications, Northern Ireland’s leading independent telecoms provider.”

Communications is proud of the part it plays in helping Countrywide to achieve its business success and will continue to integrate the very latest technology to help keep them at the forefront of their industry.”

Tailor made solutions Countrywide Freight Group is a privately owned transport company which has built its reputation on Next Day Delivery from the UK to Ireland and takes great pride in providing a high standard of service and customer satisfaction to its loyal customer base. Their timely collection and delivery of parcels and pallets is achieved through a modern fleet of vehicles operating throughout the UK and Ireland.

Countrywide customers come

from a variety of sectors including the automotive, pharmaceutical, electronic technology, retail and cosmetics industries. They are committed to providing customers with a comprehensive range of collection and delivery services.

Countrywide strives to add value wherever possible and provide customers with tailor made solutions carrying anything from a Jiffy bag up to a full load, transport pallets, parcels and drums.

“As a privately owned local transport company we have built our reputation on Next Day Delivery from the UK to Ireland and we take great pride in providing a high standard of service and customer satisfaction to our loyal customer base.” says Donal McAllister, Countrywide Group Managing Director. “We have been working with Rainbow Communications for over 11 years now and during that time we have been extremely impressed with their professional approach which focusses on tailoring solutions that crucially for us, deliver cost savings and efficiencies, which helps improves our position in an extremely competitive market. They do this in an professional consultative manner which is why over the years we have recommended their services to a number of our customers and business associates,“ Donal added.

Extremely competitive on price “In our business you have to be able to react very quickly to changing circumstances whether that’s mechanical issues, poor weather, road works, the list goes on. Early on in our professional relationship it became clear that Rainbow Communications shares that same ethos when it comes to problem solving, plus it was immediately evident they wanted to build a relationship that would last, so it’s no surprise that our working relationship has developed significantly over the last 11 years. But at the end of the day you have to be extremely competitive on price and service and again Rainbow Communications has shown their business acumen on these important issues. As a lot of our drivers say, when you’re a long way from home its reassuring to know that there’s always someone there to help look after things and when it comes to telecoms we know we’re with the best people in the business.”

Rainbow Communications info@rainbowcomms.com 0800 018 8082 www.rainbowcomms.com.

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Eye on Finance

The True Spirit of Entrepreneurship As banking increasingly embraces and enhances digital services to meet the changing needs of our customers, it’s natural to look at the many lessons that can be taken from dynamic and fast-moving Silicon Valley tech start-ups and the staggering scale to which some of them have grown, with many of them now household brands. But looking beyond their products, what really inspires me – and what I think is so valuable to each of those businesses that has succeeded – is the culture they manage to create which sustains such endeavor among their people, even as they have grown so large.

W

hen we hosted our first banking hackathon last year, I was struck not just by the innovation that was offered by the participants, but also the single-minded focus that they brought to bear in designing and delivering a banking or payments innovation within a strict time window. Harnessing that spirit to the engine of a large bank can bring about truly amazing results. I’ve already seen that happen first-hand in recent years, whether

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through our customers being able to log in to their accounts with a fingerprint, or apply for a loan through a mobile app. These are transformative changes. However, they don’t represent the sum total of what we need to do as an organisation. Every single interaction, every conversation with a customer needs to have the same intensity brought to it – every tweet, every text, every time someone holds a door open for a customer. Our brand is what we do.

The reason for this is simple - the challenge I face and relish is to make Ulster Bank the number one bank for trust. Businesses the length and breadth of Northern Ireland harbour similar mission statements, whether it’s to be number one for exports, grow their market share by a certain amount or inspire passion and demand for the things that they make and do. Ambitious objectives such as these require tenacity, consistency and application every day – they can only be met with focus and an obsession with customers.

You can’t switch that on and off just for the big set-pieces. It needs to be engrained.

I think it’s really interesting to look at how Northern Ireland businesses approach this.

The local businesses that I talk to are very pragmatic – they look to get things done and

would rather ‘walk the walk’ than ‘talk the talk’. But I think true success comes from doing both and being completely effusive about what your business values are. Doing so creates an ethos that is self-reinforcing with your people. It means that everyone in your business has a simple test to tell whether they are contributing and it is scalable across every single interaction.

Every day, I ask myself about my decisions ”does this build and foster trust?”

Showing that zeal delivers benefits for customers because it means that your people truly care and seek to actively iron out the small problems or pain points that cause customers to fall out of love with a brand. It means that they work harder to put themselves in the customers’ shoes, and design better products that fit the lifestyles of those customers. At the Entrepreneurial Spark Hatchery, I’ve been working with early stage businesses to help them understand how being able to clearly and succinctly articulate your vision and values and how this translates into an offering that customers truly value isn’t just an add-on to your idea – it’s an essential part of being able to grow in a sustainable and successful way.

Eye on Law

The Apprenticeship Levy: why it pays to be prepared

From April next year, a new Apprenticeship Levy will be introduced in the UK, affecting hundreds of businesses across Northern Ireland. Emma-Jane Flannery, Employment Law Partner at leading law firm Arthur Cox, discusses the challenges posed by the levy and highlights the urgency for firms to take action now to ensure they are fully compliant.

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he waves of uncertainty from the Brexit vote are still resonating, but businesses need to ensure they remain prepared for the new Apprenticeship Levy which will still be introduced in April next year.

In November 2015, the former Chancellor George Osborne

announced the new levy which will require all employers operating in the UK with a pay bill exceeding £3 million per year, i.e. earnings subject to Class 1 secondary National Insurance Contributions, to invest 0.5% of their payroll in funding apprenticeships (a levy allowance

of £15,000 will be afforded to businesses to offset the reform).

The reform aims to address and transform a perceived economic weakness in the skillset training of UK plc, through placing the burden of costs on large businesses.

Addressing these skill shortages is undeniably important and has been welcomed by some business owners who have talked openly about the difficulties in finding a skilled workforce locally. However, for many, the levy is yet another unwelcome financial burden, particularly following the introduction of the new National Living Wage.

Many ‘red tape’ measures have recently been lifted in GB, which has freed up HR budgets that had previously been allocated to defending employment claims and which can now be reallocated more strategic initiatives to include funding the impending levy. This isn’t the case in Northern Ireland which hasn’t had the same relaxation as GB, so the province’s employers will have to look elsewhere to find budget for the levy.

Local business owners are urged to consult with the Executive to explain the challenges presented by the levy. Perhaps unsurprisingly, these revolve around its financial implications and effect on budgets, recruitment and staffing costs.

A worry that employee headcounts will remain stagnant is another concern, as firms may be forced to upskill internally rather than hire new employees particularly in the aftermath of the Brexit vote.

The referendum result means that a skilled UK workforce will be needed more than ever, so the target of 3 million apprenticeships by 2020 takes on a new significance.

However, perhaps the biggest concern for local business owners is whether or not it is guaranteed

the levy will be spent exactly as it is intended. The available information is focused on England; in Northern Ireland, employment law remains a devolved matter for which the Assembly has full legislative powers. The Assembly must therefore reassure the levy-paying business community with guaranteed access to these funds. It is imperative in the coming months that Ministers work collectively with businesses to address their concerns, and to provide not only answers but also guidance.

In preparation, companies should consider conducting a full workforce audit to find and address skills gaps where potential new talent needs developed. Businesses should seek advice from professionals in order to discuss their individual requirements and to ensure they are prepared come April 2017.

Whilst business groups are providing a much-needed platform for enterprises to discuss their challenges and concerns, this is just the beginning of what will be an ongoing consultation process to ensure employers are well placed to adopt the new levy.

There are a number of unanswered questions regarding the introduction of the levy, but one thing remains certain and that is its introduction in April 2017.

There will be no delay in its enforcement despite the Brexit vote, and local companies must prepare now to ensure the levy does not have a detrimental effect on their budget or business.

The wide range of advisory teams at Arthur Cox are well positioned to advise on all areas of employment law in Northern Ireland. For further information, please call EmmaJane on +44 28 9023 0007

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Deals & Dealmakers Mills Selig take the lead in game-changing NI acquisitions >

Mills Selig might be a Belfast-based law firm but it’s a firm that has grown to become a serious player on the international stage when it comes to deals, mergers and acquisitions involving its Northern Ireland-based clients.

The Belfast firm’s top corporate lawyers have found themselves

for client First Derivatives Plc on a series of transformative

leading deals as far afield as China, Canada, Australia and both

acquisitions (with a value of c. £65m) including its acquisition

coasts of the USA in recent times and more international legal

of Kx Systems Inc, the California-based software company

work is in the pipeline.

specialising in high performance data technology. It’s a deal

“We’ve always been a firm focused on corporate, commercial property and litigation work. We’ve never done any criminal,

matters through to their conclusion.

legal aid or matrimonial work,” explains Managing Director,

Mills Selig also acted for the shareholders of Toomebridge-

John Kearns.

based Retlan Manufacturing Limited (the parent company of

“We might be based here in Belfast but we work anywhere that we need to work for our clients.”

And those clients range from major Plc’s, private equity providers, banks and private companies to large-scale property developers, leading retailers and international media organisations.

Along with fellow Corporate Directors at the firm, Chris Guy and Kathryn Walls, he’s been clocking up the air miles of late, working

21 Arthur Street, Belfast, BT1 4GA, Northern Ireland T. +44 (0)28 9024 3878 E. info@millsselig.com 34

that saw Kearns spending two weeks based in Palo Alto to see

SDC Trailers Limited) in its acquisition earlier this summer by China-based CIMC Vehicles. And it was instrumental in the multimillion pound deal which saw Newtownards-based Hughes Insurance being sold to US insurance giants Liberty Mutual.

The Belfast law firm has just been given a comprehensive rebrand and John Kearns says that it comes at a good time. “We’ve maintained our guiding principles as a firm but our new brand reflects the profile of the firm more completely,” he says. “We’ve

HUGHES INSURANCE got a much younger average age amongst our lawyers now and

Mills Selig has made six lateral hires (hiring lawyers from other

we’ve also grown beyond recognition from when I joined in the

law firms, in other words) in recent times to take its fee-earning

mid-1990’s.”

team to 27. It’s a team that increasingly includes solicitors with

“We are an energetic, innovative and dynamic team and one

GB qualifications as well as NI ones.

with plenty of technical expertise and experience. It’s this

“Our clients doing business internationally really don’t want to

combination that makes us stand out”

have to work with London-based lawyers or with law firms based

Away from high end international corporate work, the Belfast law firm does plenty of work in its own jurisdiction for its business clients.

Areas of particular expertise include licensing. It provides licensing related legal work for Wine Inns Ltd, one of Northern

in other jurisdictions,” Kearns says. “They appreciate being able to work with a local firm that they’re used to working with.

“So that means that we have to take control of each brief and become the point of contact for our clients right through the legal process....wherever it is taking place.

Ireland’s largest retail drinks groups, as well as for establishments

“In short, we’re working with leading Northern Ireland

like the Galgorm Resort near Ballymena.

companies and Northern Ireland individuals who are active on a global basis.”

millsselig.com 35

Eye on News

NEW MACHINERY TO BOOST HUHTAMAKI OUTPUT BY 25% Huhtamaki Lurgan, the molded fiber packaging specialist, has unveiled new state of the art machinery which will increase capacity by as much as 25% significantly boosting the company’s market share.

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he purpose built machinery, which was part of an investment in excess of £5m by the Huhtamaki Group, will also lead to a considerable boost in energy efficiency whilst allowing the company to expand its molded fiber product range.

To date, this has been one of the Huhtamaki Group’s largest single investments within its molded fiber segment.

Installation of the fully automated and entirely bespoke machine commenced in November 2015 creating twelve new full time jobs. Employee headcount at the plant, which has been manufacturing molded fiber products such as cup carriers, egg cartons and egg trays for 80 years, is now in excess of 200.

Philip Woolsey, General Manager at Huhtamaki Lurgan, said: “This new machinery not only secures

Stephen Kelly of Manufacturing NI (left) with Philip Wooley and Petr Domin of Huhtamaki.

jobs, but attracting such significant investment from the wider Huhtamaki Group is also a huge vote of confidence in our staff and their ability to produce a world class product in Lurgan.

“It will enable Huhtamaki Lurgan to achieve future growth in the UK market and to further improve our offering to our customers. It is also one of the largest investments the Group has made on machinery within its molded fiber segment which has a total of 11 plants across four continents.

“This is particularly significant given that we contend with higher energy costs here in the UK than any of our global counterparts. Over the last five years we have improved our energy efficiency by more than 12% and this new machinery will help us to further enhance this.

Installation of the machinery at the Dollingstown plant, which processes more than 25,000 tonnes of recycled paper every year, also provided employment to over 100 contractors appointed within the local area.

Linwoods Link Up With Champion Boxer Linwoods, producers of the internationally acclaimed Linwoods Health Food range, is stepping into the ring as the Official Health Food Partner of Michael Conlan, the Commonwealth, European and recently crowned World Boxing Champion.

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oining the champ at a training session at the Ulster Boxing High Performance Centre at Ulster University Jordanstown Campus, Sarah Shimmons, Head of Marketing, Linwoods commented: “To be in partnership with Michael Conlan, one of Ireland’s most successful sportsmen, and the first Irish boxer to lift a World Boxing Championship title, is a fantastic endorsement of our Health Food product range.

“In recent years we have expanded our business to create our internationally acclaimed range of healthy seeds and berries, which today deliver accessible nutritional benefits to markets right around the world.

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“Very few of those who enjoy our products could even aspire to a fitness regime like Michael’s, but today all sorts of people want to enjoy healthier, more active lifestyles and a healthy diet is a great starting point.

“For those who love their sport, nutritious, natural foods are at the heart of building the strength and stamina vital for success, which is why so many of our sportspeople have already chosen to make Linwoods seeds and berries an integral part of their training regime.”

Launching the partnership, Michael Conlan said: “They say there is no glory in training, but without

Patrick Woods, Director Linwoods watches as Michael Conlan the Commonwealth, European and recently crowned World Boxing Champion goes through his paces during one of his training sessions.

training, there is no glory. That – and the passion I have for my chosen sport – is what keeps me in the gym.

But there are many elements to an athletes’ training regime, one of which is a perfectly-balanced diet.

Choosing the right nutritional ‘fuel’ is vital to fuelling success in the ring, which is why I am delighted to partner with Linwoods, making their healthy seeds and berries range an

important part of my training regime.”

Sarah concludes: “I would like to congratulate Michael on his many world class sporting achievements. He is an inspiration and role model to all those sportsmen and women whose ambition it is to be the very best that they can be. All of us at Team Linwoods are thrilled to be backing Michael, and we wish him every success in attaining his ultimate dream when he goes for gold.”

Eye on Entrepreneurs

RANDOX...

NEW CHALLENGES FOR HOMEGROWN HEALTHCARE GIANTS The Randox story has been told quite a few times before now. The one about how scientist Dr. Peter FitzGerald set up the medical diagnostics company in a converted hen house on his family’s land on the shores of Lough Neagh, and about how Randox grew to become a global leader in a number of specialist medical technology fields.

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ut its a story that’s already moving into a brand new chapter as Randox develops a healthcare service based on its diagnostics roots but aimed at the general public through a growing network of Randox Health Clinics.

“The rationale is simple,”

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says the company’s founder.

“Randox has been built around the science of testing blood for diseases and we’ve grown to become volume manufacturers in a number of key areas.

“This next step takes that expertise and applies it directly to the consumer marketplace.

Put simply, we do the tests in one of our centres and we can quickly analyse the outcomes and provide a full report to our customers/patients within hours if necessary.”

FitzGerald reckons that Randox could already be indirectly saving five or six lives every week.

“Our tests can pick up anything from a fairly simple vitamin deficiency which can be easily remedied but make a big difference to someone’s quality of life right through to major lifethreatening diseases like cancer.

“And, as we all know now, early detection of any major illnesses

Eye on Entrepreneurs can make a huge difference to the patient’s chances of making a full recovery.”

Having started life in that loughside hen house with just six employees, Randox nowadays has a headcount of 1400 or so, the majority of them dotted around five sites within striking distance of the village of Crumlin. But it also has manufacturing plants at Dungloe in the Donegal Gaeltacht, in India and (due to open this autumn) in West Virginia, USA. And work is also well underway at the former Massereene Army Barracks on the outskirts of Antrim, a brand new research and manufacturing site, named the Randox Science Park, which will be the result of a £160 million plus investment by the company.

It sells to 145 countries worldwide, sends 95% of its finished products to markets outside of the UK & Ireland and to single out on product line, supplies 10% or the world’s cholesterol testing kits. The biggest markets are the USA and China, followed by India and the UK. Randox racked up an £18 million profit in its last annual figures, a figure which pleased its managing director.

“Yes, we’re profitable, but we put most of those profits back into a company that demands a high level of investment in research and development not to mention marketing,” he says. Through the years, he reckons that some £225 million has been pumped into vital R&D at the company as a whole.

Through those years, Randox developed and marketed a growing range of clinical biochemistry tests, and went on to develop the world’s first biochip array technology in 2002. BAT, in layman’s terms, allows for a range of tests to be carried out from one single patient sample.

“Coming up with the technology was one thing. Getting it to market was another,” says Dr. FitzGerald with characteristic simplicity. “It took a while to make it a commercial reality, and it was a process that involved us applying for something like 200 different patents. I reckon that if we had private investors, I’d have been sacked before the end of that process.....!”

Dr. Peter FitzGerald (centre) at Aintree with the racecourse’s Managing Director John Baker and Chairman Rose Paterson.

The end result represents something of a medical revolution.

Peter FitzGerald likes to describe what Randox Health offers as ‘personalised medicine’ and it’s not a bad description.

“The healthcare system can be really frustrating,” he says. “There is no doubt that people continue to lose their lives simply because of a reluctance on the part of the current system to carry out tests.”

The growing network of Randox Health Clinics counter that problem but this is private sector medicine as well as personalised medicine. Access to testing on demand, which is exactly what Randox offers its customers, will never be part of the NHS. Randox set up its first testing clinic, open to anyone who wanted to find out more about their health and any underlying conditions, on its home patch in Crumlin. “It was a very modest start, but it turned out to be really popular, and that was all the encouragement we really needed,” adds Peter FitzGerald.

Next stop was a clinic attached to the spa at the Culloden Estate & Spa outside Holywood, and there are now firm plans for clinics in London, Liverpool, Manchester and as far afield as Dubai and the Los Angeles suburb of Beverly Hills.

The consumer-facing outlets are backed up by a team of scientists and doctors at Randox able to provide rapid analysis of the results of each sample.

“That’s another of our USP’s” says FitzGerald. “The fact that we can provide results and analysis much quicker than normal results will come through.

“The whole Randox Health concept is still in its relative infancy. It could still not work out for us, I suppose, but I really don’t think that’s going to happen.

The signs are good and the customer demand is even better.”

The move from the relatively closed world of medical technology and hospital diagnostics to a consumerorientated offering means that a company which used to be shy and retiring has had to embrace the concept of aggressive marketing.

“We realised fairly quickly that we’d have to get out there and get the Randox name in front of people. It’s vital for us going forward that Randox becomes a name that everyone associates with high-quality medical testing.”

And the company hasn’t done things by halves. While others might have indulged in spot of advertising and picked up the

odd sponsorship here and there, Randox took what amounts to a giant leap from a sponsor of very little to the new title sponsor of the world’s most famous horse racing event.

It takes over in early April 2017 (8th April, to be precise) as the sponsor of the Grand National at Aintree. It’s the first time a Northern Ireland company has ever sponsored a sporting event of this magnitude.

“We thought that, if we were going to get into high profile sporting sponsorship, we might as well do it with as much impact as possible. The Grand National will put our brand in front of millions of TV viewers and others all over the UK and beyond.”

Dr. FitzGerald has an interest in matters equestrian. He’s a keen polo player and the organiser of an annual polo event locally which carried the Randox name.

Unlike others around the Northern Ireland business community, he’s not a racehorse owner but admits to more than a passing interest in racing as a sport.

“We’ve already got a small team of people working on the Grand National sponsorship. It’s a very big move for us, but it’s also a move that we want to make the very best of. We’re really looking forward to next April.”

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Eye on Agri Food

WHY MARK IS CRAZY ABOUT GRIDDLE BAKING Sam Butler talked to Mark Douglas about his unique Krazibaker bread business and bakery school in Dromore, Co. Down that’s reviving interest in traditional Irish griddle bread.

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razibaker Mark Douglas is helping to revive interest across Ireland in traditional Irish bread through participation in markets, workshops, and other events and also by means of his unique bakery school in Dromore, Co. Down. His commitment and skills have also been harnessed

by Tourism Ireland for travel trade showcases in London and Dublin as part of Year of Food and Drink.

Invest NI and Food NI have also turned to him to help promote the bakery industry here to top food writers from Britain. His skills also led to a major award at this year’s RUAS show at Balmoral Park.

And the original bread he produces, such as potato apple, treacle farls, soda bread and butter shortbread, have won acclaim for their outstanding taste in prestigious competitions such the UK Guild of Fine Foods in the annual Great Taste Awards.

Mark, a baker by trade with experience stretching over 30 years, is now part of an enthusiastic group of talented artisan food businesses here.

He specialises in “anything that can be baked freshly on a griddle” On his stall are freshly baked soda farls, potato and apple cakes, scones and fluffy pancakes. The bread is all baked with local ingredients such as Neill’s Flour, Drayne’s Farm buttermilk, Abernethy Butter, Dromona cheese and Armagh apples. He’s even used award winning guanciale from Peter Hannan of Hannan Meats in his sodas. None of them need yeast or preservatives. There’s little point in adding preservatives because all the bread he bakes sells as quickly as he can make it.

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“While Northern Ireland, unlike Great Britain, has managed to preserve a heritage in home bakeries, I noticed that griddle baking at farmers’ markets was declining steadily. The days when traditional potato cakes and soda farls were regularly baked in many homes have long gone.

It appeared to me that the skill was in rapid decline, and that’s sad because griddle bread is tastier. This led me to try to keep the tradition alive,” he says.

“What also encouraged me to set up my own artisan business was my experience visiting markets around Europe on city breaks. I saw that most sold local artisan bread brought into the markets from bakeries elsewhere. It seemed to me that baking on-site might just appeal to shoppers now more concerned than ever about how the food they consume is produced,” he continues.

Krazibaker, his alter ego, was coined by a friend who wasn’t convinced his venture would work. But it has turned into an outstanding success, and Krazibaker has emerged as one of the heroes of the current ‘Year of Food and Drink’.

Mark’s range of traditional bread is expanding all the time. He does soda bread, wheaten and treacle farls, apple and cinnamon pancakes, plain pancakes, potato bread, and potato and apple bread. He’s now also using vegetable and cheese fillings. He’s recently launched a new sourdough loaf in response to the growing demand here for a type of bread favoured by the UK’s Real Bread Campaign.

“Winning my first Great Taste Award in 2014 was a tremendous endorsement of my products and

Mark Douglas, the Krazibaker is succeeding in his mission to reviving the Northern Irish griddle baking tradition

business model,” he adds. “The endorsement by an expert panel of food writers and high-end of my potato apple as excellent and has encouraged me to push ahead with plans to develop the business especially through participation at farmers’ markets and other food events here, in Britain and the Republic of Ireland.”

Mark is also active on social media, using the medium as part of his drive to expand awareness of griddle baking both here and abroad.

Further Great Taste gold stars followed in 2015, for Traditional Irish Shortbread made with Abernethy handmade butter, and, this year, for treacle farls and a soda side laced with raisins soaked in Irish whiskey!

Earlier this year, the entrepreneurial craft baker took another step forward with the launch of Northern Ireland’s first bakery school dedicated to spreading skills in traditional Irish bread making. It followed requests from foodservice organisations here to demonstrate his skills. “Setting up a bakery school had long been an ambition. I realised that there was a gap in the market,” he explains.

He set up the school in Dromore, his hometown, and has been busy running classes for those fascinated by traditional Irish bread.

The Krazibaker is clearly succeeding in his mission to revive interest in the Northern Irish griddle baking tradition.

Eye on Travel

Air Connectivity Remains Key Katy Best, Commercial and Marketing Director at George Best Belfast City Airport, who sits on the board of Visit Britain and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, discusses Northern Ireland’s thriving tourism industry and how strategic air connectivity is key to maintaining that.

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ollowing an extremely strong summer across both domestic and European routes, we are looking forward to a similarly busy winter period at Belfast City Airport.

Visitor numbers to Northern Ireland hit an all-time high in 2015, according to tourism statistics from the Office of National Statistics. This is steadily increasing in 2016, according to latest figures from government body NISRA Northern Ireland has reported an 8% jump in tourists from outside the country to 400,000 in the first three months of 2016 compared to the same period last year.

In 2015, Belfast City Airport reported a 5.4% increase in annual passenger figures, with 2.7 million people using our airport for both business and leisure purposes.

A further increase in passenger figures is expected for 2016.

Belfast’s appeal as both a tourist and business destination has grown considerably over the last number of years, with the region hosting world-class events and attracting investment from international corporations which have set up bases in the city.

The re-energised interest in the region attracted the attention of the Routes Europe organisers who have decided to host the conference in Belfast in April 2017. The event, which will see 1200 delegates descend upon Belfast for at least three days, is the largest European forum for aviation professionals to decide on future air route networks, and will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase the region to more than 100 airlines.

Whilst Brexit has cast a shadow of doubt for some, it is certainly too early to be seeing the impact, if any, it will have on passenger figures.

Outbound demand for direct connections to key destinations across Europe is still rife and the proof is in the pudding with continued high load factors on KLM’s daily service from Belfast City to Amsterdam, and the month on month increase in passenger figures using the five-times weekly Brussels Airlines service to Brussels.

We are seeing an increase in both inbound and outbound passengers using the European hubs as a stopping point to connect to onward destinations across the world.

KLM has an international network of more than 600 destinations, with Brussels Airlines, through its membership of Star Alliance, famed for its connectivity to onward destinations across Europe, particularly France, Germany, Italy and Scandinavia which aren’t widely served from Northern Ireland.

Due to Northern Ireland’s location and population, the region will continue to rely on connectivity through hubs to facilitate frequent access to mid and long haul destinations. Moving forward, I believe all three hubs will remain as vitally important as they are now in facilitating travel for outbound passengers, but also providing convenient access to Northern Ireland for overseas business and leisure passengers.

The concerns regarding capacity at London’s airports remain rife and Belfast City Airport has joined the likes of Glasgow, Aberdeen, Liverpool and Newcastle airports in openly pledging support for expansion at London Heathrow.

If the hub’s proposed plans for a third runway were to go ahead, we could see an additional 40 long haul destinations added to its route network.

With approximately 73 million travellers using the airport each year, expansion at the hub would see Belfast City Airport, which is connected to Heathrow by up to nine daily flights, become more accessible for larger numbers of tourists and business travellers than ever before.

A number of our partner airlines have been successful in confirming codeshare agreements this year which again provides our passengers with more convenient access to onward destinations.

Flybe, which facilitates blanket coverage across the UK from Belfast City, has entered into codeshare partnerships with Air India and Virgin Atlantic which provides further alternatives for international passengers.

More recently, Brussels Airlines have agreed a codeshare with bmi regional on the Belfast City-Brussels route.

Whilst the long term effects of Brexit are as yet unknown and that shadow of uncertainly will continue into 2017, what we do know is people will continue to fly.

With the pound weakening slightly, we may even see a further influx of European passengers choosing Belfast for city breaks.

At Belfast City Airport we will remain committed to developing our domestic and European network not only to facilitate outbound travel but also to provide convenient access for inbound business and leisure traffic.

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Eye on News

MBE For Contribution To Charities In NI Businesswoman Sandara Kelso-Robb has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for her dedication to supporting charitable organisations in Northern Ireland.

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he Straid woman has many roles within the third sector. As Executive Director of Halifax Foundation for NI (formerly Lloyds Bank Foundation) she is responsible for distributing over £1million of grant aid each year to grass roots charities aiming to improve life within communities right across Northern Ireland.

She is also Strategic Advisor to Giving Northern Ireland, an organisation that promotes philanthropic giving on a strategic level and is a founding member of Give Inc an all-female giving circle that has raised over £60,000 Sandara is the Northern Ireland Ambassador for The Diana Awards, which recognises and

celebrates the work of young people across the UK. Recently she set up her own trust, The Hope for More Foundation, with the aim of encouraging children and young people to embrace the concept of giving by funding initiatives and activities that will bring them closer to giving opportunities.

“I feel passionately that you can really make a difference to society by giving your time and skills to help others. You don’t need to be a millionaire to be a philanthropist,” she says.

She began her working life as a milliner, ironically making designer hats for Princess Diana and the Duchess of Kent. She went back to university to complete her

post graduate work and took on her first Third Sector role in marketing and fundraising with the Simon Community. She found her niche in charitable work and went on to become CEO of NIMBA. “It’s been a privilege working

with so many people over the years and I feel that what I do is more of a vocation than a career. I’m delighted to have been recognised particularly for the Queen’s 90th birthday,” she added.

TUGHANS MAINTAINS TOP ADVISOR RANKING Belfast based law firm Tughans has topped the Experian Deal Review and Advisor League Tables for the number of deals done in Northern Ireland in the second quarter of 2016. The Experian Deal Review Report indicates that Tughans was the most active legal advisor in terms of volume for the first six months of 2016 participating in 27 out of a total 93 deals.

T

he report was carried out by the UK and Ireland division of global information services company Experian and the Northern Ireland League tables formed part of a detailed review of deal transactions in eleven UK regions and the Republic of Ireland.

Whilst the 93 deals in Northern Ireland represent a 13.41% increase over the same period in 2015 and as such the highest volume total ever recorded by Experian, the total deal values were down approximately 36.5%

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to £798 million. Put in context the results are still very positive given that H1 2015 was one of the best performing six months on record.

Manufacturing remains Northern Ireland’s busiest sector for M&A activity with volumes up almost 30%. The wholesale and retail sector has also seen a substantial 170% increase in activity with 27 recorded transactions.

John George Willis, Head of Tughans Corporate Department commented, “As a firm we have experienced an active first half

of the year as evidenced by our deal tally. The last quarter saw a number of major transactions completed including the purchase of Delta Print and Packaging by Huhtamaki for £80m, the sale of PathXL to Philips and the sale of Sophia Search Ltd to Mixaroo Inc – all major international companies investing in Northern Ireland.

“Confidence in the local market has been growing, and while the Brexit vote has created uncertainty, we believe our home-grown companies will

John George Willis of Tughans.

do what they have always done and get on with growing their business in domestic and international markets. We have a strong pipeline of work which is testament to the quality of our lawyers and ambition of our clients both locally and internationally, and it is their ambition that will enable our economy to continue to strengthen and grow throughout the rest of this year.”

Eye on IT

Xperience Cloud enables next-generation collaboration for Ratio Vending.

By moving to the Cloud, Ratio Vending now benefit from anytime, anywhere access to business systems and data facilitating enhanced collaboration to support long term business growth- powered by Xperience IT Solutions. remarks “Everything’s a lot simpler because of the way the Cloud works. I can open my own personal tablet from wherever I happen to be and it’s just like sitting at my office desk.” There are no security concerns for staff working remotely, with the Xperience cloud platform Ratio Vending can rest assured their confidential business data is secure. Jonny Weir, Technical Business Advisor at Xperience comments, “Often businesses have security concerns about data being accessed by remote workers, conversely moving to the Cloud ensures extra layers of security and resilience with data automatically backed-up off site.”

Collaboration first Ratio Vending are Ireland’s leading independent vending business, providing over 7 million drinks and 1.6 million snacks annually. The business has expanded, now operating across multiple locations, making accessibility and collaboration imperative for its growth to be sustainable.

Following problems with their on premise servers, Ratio Vending partnered with Xperience to move to the Cloud and roll out Office 365 company-wide.

Andrew Steen, Managing Director at Ratio Vending explains, “Moving to the Cloud

was going to be slightly more expensive than remaining with a physical server. But once we began to look at the bigger picture i.e. planning to remove any inefficiencies by creating a more centralised, collaborated working environment with up-to-date technology, it made sound business sense to move sooner rather than later.”

Benefits outweigh costs Although migrating to the Cloud often costs more than an on premise solution long term, Ratio Vending recognized the collaboration benefits far outweighed the cost. The

transition to the Cloud with Office 365 has transformed their business function dramatically enabling them to work remotely, collaborate more effectively and ensure higher levels of security.

Xperience IT Solutions conducted an IT audit and devised a solution allowing Ratio Vending to increase productivity and improve customer experience significantly. The new set up allows remote workers to access and update information in real time, such as pricelists and sales documents, ensuring customers are equipped with the latest data.

With the Cloud working away from the office is easy. Andrew

Catalyst for change The new solution allows Ratio Vending to be more productive across all areas of the business ensuring a seamless customer experience. Andrew concludes “Things have improved at every level of our business, being in the cloud has definitely been a catalyst for doing things differently. We also have a great relationship with Xperience, they continually try to improve things and are committed to adding structure and bettering their service in line with understanding our priorities and frustrations.”

To find out more about Xperience IT Solutions - visit www.xperienceitsolutions.co.uk or call 028 9267 7533.

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Eye on Venues

JUDITH OWENS

AND A TITANIC CHALLENGE

Judith Owens doesn’t have to walk too far to see clear evidence of how management strategies at Titanic Belfast translate into the right kind of visitor experience.

A

couple of seconds in the lift down from her office there’s a heaving mass of tourists in the Atrium of the iconic Belfast building, and she likes nothing better than to wander amongst them asking questions and talking to staff and visitors alike.

What looks like a busy day in Titanic turns out to be one of the centre’s quieter summer days.

That’s a testament to the success of the venue that has attracted more than three million visitors in its relatively short life... and hosted more than 200,000 delegates.

Judith joined Titanic as Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Operations five months before it opened its doors, having previously worked alongside CEO Tim Husbands, MBE, at Belfast Waterfront Hall. At Titanic, she’s one of a three-strong top team alongside Husbands and Finance Director Michele Scott.

“So I’ve been in venue management for around 20 years

44

now and my job here includes managing operations at all of our venues as well as customer service, in-house facilities management, HR and business planning. It doesn’t leave me with a lot of spare time...”

When she talks about three venues, she means the main Titanic Belfast building along with the purpose-built 6,000 sq.ft.

Titanic Exhibition Centre and the SS Nomadic, the fully restored former tender to the Titanic.

“Both venues have added a new dimension to what we’re offering at Titanic Belfast,” says Judith.

Another major change in recent months has been the decision to bring its food and hospitality offering in house under the leadership of recently appointed Head of Hospitality, Lloyd Jackson, as well as established Executive Head Chef, Alastair Fullerton, who have a combined 50 years’ experience in the sector.

The team will be responsible for the existing bistro and cafe at

Titanic Belfast, which cater for visitor attraction guests and the general public, as well as major events taking place in the venue’s flexible event suites located across the fifth and sixth floor, which can accommodate between 50 and 1,000 guests for meetings, exhibitions, gala dinners, conferences and signature events.

“We think we can be more flexible by having our food and hospitality in house, and we’re confident that we can work even more closely with the wide range of clients we already have, as well as new customers.

“Our focus is always on delivering the five-star customer service that we have become synonymous with and continuous improvement right across the board. That goes not only for our food and drink offering but the entire visitor experience.”

Over the last four years, both outdoors and indoors, Titanic Belfast has hosted over 1,000 business and leisure events including the G8 Summit Reception, World Police and Fire Games International Conference, BBC Sports Personality of the Year Red Carpet event, MTV

Eye on Venues Sounds, the World Championship Boxing, the Giro d’Italia Big Start and BBC Proms in the Park.

It has served guests including Her Majesty The Queen, David Cameron, Taoiseach Enda Kenny, the Titanic film director James Cameron and former US Secretary of State and Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

Across the road and after its first six months in business, the Titanic Exhibition Centre already has significant repeat business, with 60% of shows booking the venue for their next event.

With key established events in both the consumer and business to business calendar reporting increase in footfall (Holiday World 7% and IFEX 24%). It continues to go from strength to strength.

It was a major testament to the achievements of Titanic Belfast and its leadership team that the overarching parent company, TBL International Ltd, won the competitive contract to manage and operate the British Music Experience (BME) which is due to open next year in the landmark Cunard building on Liverpool’s riverfront. The company continues to look for additional contracts for the operation of tourism, business and leisure facilities in Ireland, the UK and Europe.

“We won the contract on the back of our direct experience of running culturally significant heritage

destinations, and we’re already very busy on the planning and preparation work for the Liverpool project,” says Judith Owens, whose Director of Operations role puts her in direct charge of the BME. Back on the home front, the Titanic team have been watching with interest as the new Belfast Waterfront Convention Centre has come to life. The Titanic Deputy Chief Executive is keen to stress that it’s a case of all the local venues working together on a ‘Team Belfast’ effort.

“We’re not competitive with each other to any extent,” she says. “We will continue to work closely with the Waterfront and hotels across the city on a wider destination sell.”

“We’ll also keep benchmarking our offering against other venues both locally and globally, and it’s important that we keep on doing that. Building on international best practice is very important. A message I keep repeating is that we can’t assume anything... we’ve got to re-invent all the time and we’ve got to maintain our attention to detail.”

As a member of the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions, Titanic Belfast continues to welcome visitors throughout the year, although summer is busier than the other seasons for a number of obvious reasons, not least the number of cruise ships docking in the city during the season.

“ Over the last four years, both outdoors and indoors, Titanic Belfast has hosted over 1,000 business and leisure events including the G8 Summit Reception, World Police and Fire Games International Conference, BBC Sports Personality of the Year Red Carpet event, MTV Sounds, the World Championship Boxing, the Giro d’Italia Big Start and BBC Proms in the Park.”

“For us, it’s all about our visitors and our event customers. But it’s also all about the staff here. We’re often told that our people are both friendly and professional, and that’s precisely what we want to hear.

“After all, they’re not just ambassadors for Titanic Belfast... they’re ambassadors for the city itself.” www.tblinternational.com

45

Eye on Technology

Supporting local trade: How WorkPal is helping local businesses manage their workflows, reducing their costs and winning more business.

Barclay Communications and WorkPal MD, Britt Megahey explains how WorkPal is helping local businesses streamline their workflows and the business benefits its bringing them.

What is WorkPal? WorkPal is a mobile and desktop app that allows our customers to easily manage their entire workflows from job management, tracking, reporting and invoicing, all from the palm of their hand.

The app also allows for important checks to be completed such as vehicle checks for your field-based staff.

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Why was it developed?

WorkPal was developed in 2013 as a response to the growing need for a more efficient way of managing field-based staff. Many of our Barclay Communications customers in the renewables, electrical, plumbing, and heating and facilities management trade where approaching us and asking if the was a workflow system out there that could streamline their workflows and improve business process.

“ In this day and age when costs only seem to be increasing, a product like this which can drastically reduce your cost base is a no brainer.”

How does it work?

It allows mobile workers to access customised job sheets from a mobile app where they are guided through their task and report back instantaneously on progress. Once completed, there is enough information to allow speedy invoicing, even from out in the field. That endto-end process management is key and makes sure that the accounts department is totally integrated with the people in the field and everyone in between.

How does it help local businesses?

There are many benefits of utilising the WorkPal technology.

For starters, it means the whereabouts of field operatives can be tracked from starting to finishing work, meaning it’s easier for the boss to keep control, no matter where they or their workers are. And of course, it does away with the need for endless reams of paper records.

One advantage our product has over the competition is that it is a lot more userfriendly. Uniquely, it can be integrated with a company’s own internal systems making it much more effective. We now have a diverse range of clients from winter maintenance suppliers, plumbers, electrical engineering contractors, renewable energy contractors and ventilation contractors.

There are a few other systems available out there, but they are non-customisable, off-theshelf products. WorkPal is very flexible as the product was wholly developed in-house at Barclay Communications. We’re finding many customers are now winning more business and tenders thanks to the traceability of job tracking and reporting that WorkPal provides.

On average, we’re saving our customers £12,000 per year in administration costs

which means the savings can be invested into other areas of their business. The app can cost as little as £15 per user/ per month and we’ve now scrapped our standard set up charges, meaning customers are able to see a further return on their investment within the first 12 months. It has become a game changer for a lot of our customers. In this day and age when costs only seem to be increasing, a product like this which can drastically reduce your cost base is a no brainer.

For more information about WorkPal contact Barclay Communications on 028 9096 0366, visit yourworkpal.com or email info@yourworkpal.com

We’ve welcomed home over 500 businesses and farms in the last year to: Lower prices Great discounts No. 1 customer service* Visit powerni.co.uk/welcomehome and switch today

*Lower prices – average 10% price cut to Power NI regulated small business and farm tariffs, effective 1 April 2016. No. 1 customer service – Millward Brown Research 2015 (average 808 respondents) – 63% for Power NI as No. 1 for customer service versus three main competitors.

The real home of Business Energy

Eye on Funding

InterTradeIreland Welcomes North South Successes In EU Horizon 2020 Programme

Jonathan Guest of Harland & Wolff Heavy Industries

Researchers from Northern Ireland and Ireland have collaborated to win €45.5million in competitive funding from Europe’s flagship research programme, Horizon 2020, recently released figures have revealed. These successes account for almost 10% of Ireland’s and nearly half of Northern Ireland’s total funding secured with many involving companies from both jurisdictions further strengthening cross-border collaboration and partnerships.

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T

he research supported is varied and covers a range of areas including personal health, food security, information and communication technologies, low carbon energy, the bioeconomy and gender equality.

One such project which has benefitted from Horizon 2020 funding is FloTEC which involves nine organisations across the UK, Ireland and Germany and aims to demonstrate the potential for floating tidal stream turbines to provide low-cost, high-value energy to the European grid mix.

One of the partners is Harland & Wolff Heavy Industries Ltd which has 124 employees based in Belfast.

Fabrication Director, Jonathan Guest explains: “To have a slice of the Horizon 2020 European Research and Innovation Programme money is a boost to the future of manufacturing in Northern Ireland, showcasing the province on a global scale as industry experts in the field of complex renewables and fabrication.

“Collaboration is a vital component in making tidal energy a reality and we see European funding streams, such as Horizon 2020, as excellent opportunities to work

in partnership with experts at the very top of their fields.”

“We are working closely with a variety of technical partners including a number based in the Republic of Ireland and believe that working closely with partners in the cross-border market on this renewable project is helping to strengthen the all-island energy economy. Through collective projects, such as FloTEC, private companies can take a joined-up approach to ventures that are mutually beneficial for the economies of each jurisdiction, while advancing North-South collaboration.”

Jonathan adds: “When the project is complete, we will have proven fabrication experience in this area, which will hopefully translate into the generation of future orders requiring these skills.

“We are still in the early stages of FloTEC with cross-partner frameworks and plans now in place. In Harland & Wolff, we have one team member working on the project but when fabrication commences next year, we expect to have around 50-60 of our employees working on the prototype on a full-time basis. The additional upskilling and experience of working

on a project like this for our workforce cannot be underestimated.”

“Upon completion, the outputs of the FloTEC project will incorporate many innovative elements, and we are proud that Harland and Wolff is involved as a key European partner and believe this landmark project has the potential to open up new business streams for H&W.” Aidan Gough, Strategy & Policy Director from InterTradeIreland commented: “Projects such as FloTEC are proving that researchers and companies are leveraging their research and innovation connections across the border to compete with Europe’s best and win big together in Horizon 2020. We would encourage prospective participants both North and South to continue to build on strong cross-border relationships to maximise mutual benefit from Horizon 2020.”

For further information about the range of Horizon 2020 supports on offer from InterTradeIreland, please visit http://www. intertradeireland.com/h2020

Eye

onprofit 200

200 Sponsored by

Information supplied by

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Resilience is essential for Profit 200 after Brexit vote

By Shaun McAnee, Managing Director of Corporate Banking at Danske Bank.

Congratulations to all of the companies who have made it on to this year’s Business Eye Profit 200 list of the most profitable companies in Northern Ireland.

T

he strong financial results posted by this diverse collection of businesses is a reflection of the quality of all the people within those organisations, and they should all be commended for their contribution to making their employers successful, market leading companies.

The firms represented come from an array of business sectors – from traditional mainstays of the Northern Ireland economy like agri-food, construction and manufacturing to knowledge economy sectors such as technology and pharmaceuticals.

They are often facing very different challenges, but the goal of generating substantial turnover and profits remains the same.

As ever there are some familiar names on the listing. Many Danske Bank customers appear such as Almac Group, Norbrook Laboratories, Randox, Henderson Group, SHS Group, LCC Group, Haldane Shiels and Andras House.

All that said, as we look ahead at the business environment facing these stellar performers, it is impossible to avoid the elephant in

the room. Brexit – the referendum vote that determined the UK should exit the European Union has dominated the business world in recent months and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

There is no shying away from the fact that the vote to take the UK out of the European Union

“ Brexit may have increased uncertainty, but I don’t expect business activity to grind to a halt because of it.” is creating a lot of uncertainty and all businesses in Northern Ireland are busy analysing what it means for them.

At Danske Bank our focus has been on dealing with what we know, rather than speculation. In the short term, that means the impact on currency and foreign exchange markets. We know

the pound has sunk to 30 year lows against the dollar but while the sharp decline has adversely affected some businesses, other customers tell us they are moving fast to make the most of the short term boost weaker Sterling gives them when it comes to selling products made in Northern Ireland into overseas markets.

That attitude is proof – if it were needed - that even in the face of huge challenges, local companies here will find opportunities to grow.

I am confident that the same skills and expertise that made these firms a success during a tumultuous decade for the global economy will also guide us through the coming years. We’ve been through similar shocks before in Northern Ireland, both economic and social, and I think it is also important to consider the Profit 200 in terms of the positive impact these companies have on society. They are creating jobs, providing job security, improving their communities, buoying consumer spending, generating wealth and boosting general economic confidence.

Fifty banks were stress tested by the European Banking Authority (EBA) this summer and Danske Bank scored well, demonstrating a strong capital position. However, our position

on the Profit 200 list more than anything reflects the growth in activity experienced by our customers, as well as our ability to attract new business customers and to win transactions that support growth and stability in the Northern Ireland economy. We’ve seen a rise in new business lending for expansion and investment this year and Danske Bank has supported a range of transactions – including the refinancing of Bloomfield Shopping Centre and plans by Lagan Homes NI to build 550 houses in Bangor.

Brexit may have increased uncertainty, but I don’t expect business activity to grind to a halt because of it. Of all the skills possessed by the men and women who make up Northern Ireland’s business community, the greatest is their ability to deal with headwinds and uncertainty. That customary resilience has been evident in recent conversations I’ve had with companies of all sizes across every sector of the economy.

In this post-Brexit world, successful business leaders are focusing on dealing with the challenges as well as assessing the opportunities available to them - and that can only be good for the long term prosperity of everyone in this region.

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Eye on Profit200

Information supplied by

Company Name Year End Pre-Tax Turnover

(£000) (£000)

52

Pre-Tax Profit previous year (£000)

Turnover No of previous year employees (£000)

1

Northern Bank Ltd (Danske)

31/12/2015

141,935

224,350

100,931

210,414

1262

2

N. I. Electricity Networks Ltd

31/12/2015

50,700

236,100

61,500

243,800

1205

3

Glen Electric Ltd

31/03/2015

41,758

765,491

68,544

845,177

4977

4

Moy park

31/12/2015

35,721

1,407,399

46,109

1,388,273

9230

5

Belfast Harbour

31/12/2015

33,536

54,346

36,410

52,567

138

6

AES (NI)

31/12/2014

32,891

133,488

58,028

187,568

117

7

Norbrook Holdings Ltd

31/07/2015

32,308

215,735

21,894

198,775

2152

8

Schrader Electronics Ltd

31/12/2014

31,281

259,033

22,189

193,322

1277

9

W.& R. Barnett, Ltd

31/07/2015

29,828

815,089

31,760

948,134

512

10 Almac Group Ltd

30/09/2015

27,977

393,630

12,623

341,598

3554

11

Terex GB Ltd

31/12/2014

22,787

377,711

42,464

282,202

1638

12

The Old Bushmills Distillery Co. Ltd

30/04/2014

22,052

69,050

20,128

59,582

100

13

Capita Managed IT Solutions Ltd

31/12/2014

21,419

163,923

-1,971

200,893

783

14

John Henderson (Holdings) Ltd

31/12/2014

21,206

663,634

18,157

642,761

2585

15

Hampden Group Ltd

28/02/2015

20,207

35,466

18,075

34,752

410

16

Randox Holdings Ltd

31/12/2015

17,970

95,991

12,734

92,017

1129

17

John Graham Holdings Ltd

31/03/2016

17,168

507,891

6,946

491,112

1761

18 SHS Group Ltd

01/02/2015

17,108

374,007

19,415

393,273

758

19 LCC Group (Prev. Lissan Coal)

30/09/2015

16,535

541,365

19,329

528,203

176

20 T.G. Eakin Ltd

31/03/2015

15,808

27,870

19,077

29,533

58

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Information supplied by

Company Name Year End Pre-Tax Turnover

(£000) (£000)

21

Wrights Group Ltd

Pre-Tax Profit previous year (£000)

Turnover No of previous year employees (£000)

31/12/2014

14,548

297,131

4,014

178,907

1552

22 Howden UK Ltd

31/12/2014

14,107

77,719

12,535

93,315

286

23 Progressive Building Society

31/12/2015

14,024

53,732

13,079

56,821

161

24 Thompson Aero Seating Ltd

31/03/2016

13,690

64,865

10,643

51,868

285

25 AES Ballylumford Ltd

31/12/2014

12,497

139,050

3,074

139,018

154

26 FP McCann Ltd

31/12/2015

12,340

168,681

10,151

135,588

1027

27 Kainos Software Ltd

31/02/2015

11,837

60,778

7,056

41,915

612

28 Viridian Energy Supply Ltd

31/12/2015

11,597

181,064

15,972

242,120

97

29 Dunnes Stores (Bangor) Ltd

31/01/2015

11,359

136,918

13,893

140,526

1592

30 Wireless Group PLC (formly UTV Media) 31/12/2015

10,736

75,074

11,915

82,422

974

31

31/12/2014

10,576

412,941

10,346

397,497

421

32 Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland Ltd

31/12/2014

10,528

189,576

7,051

197,167

517

33 First Derivatives Plc

29/02/16

10,384

117,033

17,476

83,216

1306

34 SSE Airtricity Energy Supply (NI) Ltd

31/03/2015

10,202

251,542

13,560

296,864

26

35 Retlan Manufacturing Ltd

31/03/2015

8,525

172,193

6,328

131,087

848

36 Lagan Cement Products Ltd

31/12/2014

7,961

16,989

-237

12,279

65

37 Gardrum Holdings Ltd

31/12/2014

7,685

72,382

7,746

75,075

100

38 Bemis Healthcare Packaging Ltd

31/12/2014

7,627

44,300

9,707

41,418

267

39 Cooneen By Design Ltd

27/11/2015

7,263

58,233

8,633

62,447

149

40 Charles Hurst Ltd

31/12/2015

7,178

505,784

8,749

448,191

1014

Henderson Wholesale Ltd

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Information supplied by

Company Name Year End Pre-Tax Turnover

(£000) (£000)

54

Pre-Tax Profit previous year (£000)

Turnover No of previous year employees (£000)

41 Manderley Food Group Ltd

27/06/2015

7,125

174,211

6,428

179,020

1378

42 Ulster Carpet Mills (Holdings) Ltd

31/03/2015

7,103

60,299

6,532

61,634

532

43 Tennent’s NI Ltd

28/02/2015

6,913

53,055

5,541

51,349

78

44 Kilwaughter Chemical Co. Ltd

30/04/2015

6,786

25,080

6,456

22,578

106

45 UTV Ltd

31/12/2015

6,605

34,501

6,055

34,728

190

46 Hilton Foods UK Ltd

28/12/2014

6,306

372,829

4,776

302,232

705

47 O & S Holdings Ltd

31/12/2014

6,058

32,065

4,614

27,403

326

48 Aepona Ltd

31/12/2014

5,875

18,961

-9,099

14,644

113

49 Brett Martin Holdings Ltd

31/12/2014

5,759

136,002

3,045

124,745

797

50 Liberty Information Technology Ltd

31/12/2014

5,620

33,482

5,387

30,231

401

51

31/03/2015

5,590

24,288

7,001

23,535

443

52 Devenish (NI) Ltd

31/05/2015

5,326

118,084

4,115

102,672

294

53 BHH Ltd

31/07/2015

5,321

232,564

5,671

257,632

184

54 Whitemountain Quarries Ltd

31/12/2014

5,041

61,617

5,658

73,108

196

55 Multi Packaging Solutions Belfast Ltd

30/06/2015

4,837

22,473

2,079

11,807

168

56 Chain Reaction Cycles Ltd

31/12/2014

4,807

153,371

4,833

144,864

540

57 Delta Print And Packaging Ltd

30/06/2015

4,762

41,957

5,343

39,889

257

58 Springvale Eps Ltd

30/06/2015

4,597

25,789

1,652

23,731

113

59 Lagan Construction Group Holdings Ltd 31/03/2015

4,586

202,180

4,834

157,907

510

60 Ballyvesey Holdings

4,576

612,921

3,283

561,170

2665

Herbel Restaurants Ltd

30/09/2015

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Information supplied by

Company Name Year End Pre-Tax Turnover

(£000) (£000)

Pre-Tax Profit previous year (£000)

Turnover No of previous year employees (£000)

61 Creagh Concrete Products Ltd

31/03/2016

4,409

69,796

3,087

56,562

486

62 Carnbane House

31/12/2014

4,403

83,255

10,578

41,881

145

63 BSG Civil Engineering Ltd

31/12/2014

4,372

37,856

5,010

28,618

52

64 Heatons (NI)

30/04/2015

4,367

49,642

2,895

47,542

498

65 Sangers (Northern Ireland) Ltd

30/09/2015

4,291

197,296

77,643

220,885

216

66 Elite Electronic Systems Ltd

31/03/2015

4,252

17,834

6,753

17,346

183

67 Hastings Hotels Group Ltd

31/10/2015

4,234

35,307

2,197

32,515

1185

68 Tobermore Concrete Products Ltd

30/04/2015

4,208

28,896

3,003

22,745

192

69 Regal Processors Ltd

31/12/2015

4,176

10,470

5,711

12,076

29

70 Northstone (NI) Ltd

31/12/2014

4,168

298,247

6,093

239,445

986

71

31/12/2015

4,051

45,001

1,059

40,005

221

72 Calor Gas Northern Ireland Ltd

31/12/2014

4,050

33,862

5,643

36,733

83

73 B I Electrical Services (NI) Ltd

31/12/2014

4,046

17,783

3,986

16,442

56

74 Buttercrane Centre Ltd

31/10/2014

3,907

11,228

-7,311

13,353

-

75 Ulster Estates Ltd

31/08/2015

3,898

20,979

5,033

1,539

9

76 Huhtamaki (Lurgan) Ltd

31/12/2014

3,884

28,982

3,287

28,438

212

77 Caterpillar (NI) Ltd

31/12/2014

3,810

600,126

28,707

626,250

1883

78 Metal Technology Ltd

31/12/2014

3,692

17,228

1,781

14,144

74

79 O’Hare & McGovern Ltd

31/12/2014

3,649

68,157

3,159

34,487

136

80 Budget Energy Ltd

30/06/2015

3,649

33,997

627

30,037

42

Walter Watson Ltd

55

7679 DB Profit 200 sponsorship strip 210x20 mm PRINT.indd 1

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Eye on Profit200

Information supplied by

Company Name Year End Pre-Tax Turnover

(£000) (£000)

56

Pre-Tax Profit previous year (£000)

Turnover No of previous year employees (£000)

81 Tullymore House Ltd

31/10/2015

3,529

12,984

2,379

12,312

317

82 Severfield (NI) Ltd

31/03/2015

3,486

52,719

1,142

50,742

284

83 Webtech (N.I.) Ltd

31/12/2014

3,466

20,232

2,509

17,570

127

84 Hill Engineering Ltd

31/12/2015

3,387

11,551

3,308

12,026

66

85 Decora Blind Systems Ltd

31/12/2015

3,386

46,756

3,405

39,160

-

86 Western Building Systems Ltd

30/04/2015

3,362

30,443

2,115

33,192

53

87 Calvert Office Equipment Ltd

31/08/2015

3,334

10,079

3,231

8,754

47

88 Conexpo (NI) Ltd

31/12/2014

3,178

19,983

2,268

14,411

23

89 Controlled Electronic Mgmt Sys Ltd

25/09/2015

3,165

13,395

3,353

12,785

195

90 Diageo Northern Ireland Ltd

30/06/2015

3,016

122,440

3,473

128,140

145

91 DCC Energy Ltd

31/03/2015

2,980

190,294

2,180

254,121

167

92 Lamex Foods Europe (N.I.) Ltd

31/03/2015

2,911

153,054

2,264

162,622

6

93 Andras House Ltd

30/04/2015

2,910

16,132

2,603

16,171

220

94 A.& F.A. Dundee Ltd

31/08/2015

2,877

27,149

2,851

26,154

165

95 Dunbia (Northern Ireland)

29/03/2015

2,804

256,295

1,207

262,565

1020

96 MacNaughton Blair Ltd

31/12/2014

2,796

79,326

895

72,502

474

97 Downtown Radio Ltd

31/12/2014

2,778

7,976

2,549

8,012

26

98 Larne Harbour Ltd

31/12/2014

2,776

4,764

2,727

4,495

30

99 Agnew Commercials Ltd

31/12/2014

2,771

73,689

1,905

70,760

157

100 Dontaur Engineering Ltd

31/08/2015

2,771

10,975

2,371

9,612

128

7679 DB Profit 200 sponsorship strip 210x20 mm PRINT.indd 1

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Information supplied by

Company Name Year End Pre-Tax Turnover

(£000) (£000)

Pre-Tax Profit previous year (£000)

Turnover No of previous year employees (£000)

101 Haldane, Shiells And Co., Ltd

31/12/2015

2,749

88,231

1,823

70,634

465

102 D. Shannon Stewart Ltd

30/04/2015

2,696

76,795

1,384

74,920

645

103 N & R Gordon Ltd (Gordons Chemist)

30/04/2015

2,696

76,795

1,384

74,920

645

104 Valpar Micro Matic Ltd

31/12/2014

2,670

16,429

1,287

9,347

64

105 Natural World Products Ltd

31/12/2014

2,575

26,295

2,459

21,944

80

106 Coolkeeragh ESB Ltd

31/12/2014

2,553

130,619

12,063

169,054

-

107 Jenkins Shipping Ltd

30/04/2015

2,543

21,688

2,155

18,433

180

108 Omniplex Holdings (NI) Ltd

31/10/2015

2,416

14,311

-1,752

12,656

144

109 MJM Marine Ltd

31/12/2014

2,387

38,650

1,414

28,576

145

110 Charles Tennant & Co. (N. I.) Ltd

31/12/2014

2,346

38,956

1,928

38,988

60

111 Copeland Limted

30/09/2015

2,335

37,259

2,537

39,626

196

112 Morrow Contracts Ltd

30/04/2015

2,318

16,226

1,601

13,228

107

113 GE Grid Solutions (UK) Ltd

31/12/2014

2,311

36,695

11,380

42,964

146

114 Glenbeigh Ltd

30/04/2015

2,299

18,673

2,253

18,178

306

115 BA Kitchen Components Ltd

31/03/2015

2,280

24,619

1,719

22,091

232

116 Lynas Foodservice Ltd

31/10/2014

2,255

105,481

3,645

93,495

340

117 Portview Fit-Out Ltd

30/11/2015

2,236

41,114

10

34,653

77

118 Bavarian Garages (N.I) Ltd

31/12/2014

2,222

82,407

2,003

75,101

197

119 Novosco Ltd

31/12/2015

2,190

20,848

1,948

19,489

103

120 Harland & Wolff Group PLC

31/12/2015

2,186

66,736

7,672

55,246

208 57

7679 DB Profit 200 sponsorship strip 210x20 mm PRINT.indd 1

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Information supplied by

Company Name Year End Pre-Tax Turnover

(£000) (£000)

58

Pre-Tax Profit previous year (£000)

Turnover No of previous year employees (£000)

121 Moyola Precision Engineering Ltd

31/03/2015

2,159

12,644

1,753

14,155

102

122 Bulrush Horticulture Ltd

30/09/2015

2,139

14,402

1,940

13,509

76

123 Parkelect Ltd

31/08/2015

2,125

16,976

1,408

15,947

52

124 Willstan Ltd

30/12/2014

2,091

11,873

4,005

12,944

-

125 Ards Tyre Service Ltd

31/12/2014

2,058

19,497

1,624

17,383

117

126 W.F.B. Baird & Co., Ltd

30/04/2015

2,048

8,114

14,148

6,602

1

127 P.J. Conway Contractors Ltd

31/12/2014

2,046

14,738

1,262

14,263

558

128 Totalmobile Ltd

31/12/2014

2,043

11,522

1,055

9,698

93

129 James E. McCabe Ltd

31/12/2014

2,034

93,717

2,684

90,448

533

130 Heron Bros. Ltd

28/02/2015

2,020

52,021

1,618

47,498

212

131 Sisk Healthcare (UK) Ltd

31/12/2014

1,991

24,484

2,478

23,370

49

132 I.C.B. Emulsions Ltd

31/12/2014

1,971

21,241

1,361

22,716

30

133 MDF Engineering Ltd

31/03/2015

1,922

19,645

1,332

15,846

146

134 Isaac Agnew Ltd

31/12/2014

1,908

88,772

1,655

80,248

179

135 J. H. Turkington & Sons Ltd

30/12/2014

1,905

18,578

2,491

21,624

52

136 Topaz Energy Ltd

31/03/2015

1,868

220,238

75

237,248

44

137 Greiner Packaging Ltd

31/12/2014

1,857

34,472

2,066

33,295

219

138 Loane Transport Ltd

31/03/2015

1,855

14,537

1,117

14,280

49

139 Beverage Plastics Ltd

31/12/2014

1,853

34,772

1,214

31,477

130

140 Fannin (NI) Ltd

31/03/2016

1,827

13,803

1,705

13,433

19

7679 DB Profit 200 sponsorship strip 210x20 mm PRINT.indd 1

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Information supplied by

Company Name Year End Pre-Tax Turnover

(£000) (£000)

Pre-Tax Profit previous year (£000)

Turnover No of previous year employees (£000)

141 Germinal Holdings Ltd

30/06/2015

1,819

26,959

2,974

31,907

103

142 Colorite Europe Ltd

07/03/2015

1,807

15,906

1,160

16,756

41

143 Gibson (Banbridge) Ltd

31/12/2014

1,796

14,415

-385

6,656

28

144 John Hogg & Co, Ltd

30/04/2015

1,791

34,955

1,645

34,962

130

145 Douglas & Grahame Ltd

31/05/2015

1,788

20,181

212

18,413

96

146 Fiveways Shop & Service Station Ltd

30/04/2015

1,681

23,014

1,946

22,481

243

147 Encirc Ltd

31/12/2014

1,678

245,451

2,768

236,769

1189

148 J.F. & H. Dowds Ltd

31/03/2015

1,656

18,060

1,127

14,449

53

149 Irish Salt Mining and Exploration Co. Ltd 30/11/2014

1,652

11,904

5,902

20,149

55

150 Acheson & Glover Ltd

31/03/2015

1,610

17,868

-427

16,495

223

151 Radius Plastics Ltd

31/12/2014

1,609

23,697

1,681

19,987

121

152 Uni-Trunk Ltd

31/12/2015

1,573

22,064

700

21,399

116

153 Killyhevlin Hotel Ltd

30/09/2015

1,567

6,429

793

6,300

166

154 Ladyhill Holdings Ltd

31/07/2015

1,553

19,005

475

18,820

130

155 John Woods (Lisglyn) Ltd

31/07/2015

1,547

32,733

940

35,882

314

156 P.K. Murphy Construction Ltd

31/03/2015

1,534

14,875

984

15,676

74

157 Ulster Independent Clinic Ltd

30/04/2015

1,489

24,145

1,250

23,799

321

158 McCulla (Holdings) Ltd

31/12/2014

1,438

18,504

1,323

14,158

146

159 T.S.I. (Ireland) Ltd

31/03/2015

1,428

10,980

1,169

9,777

86

160 Woodside Haulage (Holdings) Ltd

31/03/2015

1,415

54,612

990

51,362

467 59

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Information supplied by

Company Name Year End Pre-Tax Turnover

(£000) (£000)

60

Pre-Tax Profit previous year (£000)

Turnover No of previous year employees (£000)

161 Hospital Services Ltd

30/09/2015

1,413

9,373

1,391

6,915

35

162 McColgans Quality Foods Ltd

31/03/2015

1,407

15,541

1,180

12,958

225

163 Drenagh Sawmills Ltd

31/03/2015

1,389

7,155

683

7,042

50

164 Avondale Foods (Craigavon) Ltd

31/03/2015

1,366

48,924

3,757

41,128

374

165 Ireland Freight Services (U.K.) Ltd

31/12/2014

1,352

17,922

1,050

18,802

140

166 T.J. Booth & Sons Ltd

31/05/2015

1,339

17,354

1,220

20,695

16

167 McAleer & Rushe Ltd

30/09/2015

1,250

705

160

56,889

-

168 Dunbia (Preston) Ltd

29/03/2015

1,237

233,936

1,116

200,807

712

169 Oasis Retail Services Ltd

31/12/2014

1,229

7,357

806

6,242

111

170 Magowan Tyres (N.I.) Ltd

30/09/2015

1,211

22,496

1,274

23,491

68

171 John Mcquillan (Contracts) Ltd

31/03/2015

1,200

32,350

744

36,254

154

172 Antrim Construction Co. Ltd

31/07/2015

1,198

15,576

311

15,939

43

173 Kingspan Environmental Ltd

31/12/2014

1,191

99,291

5,380

67,975

790

174 J.F. Mckenna Ltd

30/06/2015

1,180

17,650

789

14,835

56

175 Vico Property Group Ltd

31/12/2014

1,176

6,133

-10,206

1,357

2

176 Noel Eakin & Sons Ltd

31/12/2014

1,134

15,104

1,046

14,007

-

177 H.J. Downey Ltd

30/11/2014

1,128

10,316

-111

5,459

291

178 Floorform Holdings Ltd

30/04/2015

1,127

674

1,797

674

12

179 J.D. McGeown Ltd

31/03/2015

1,125

10,454

465

8,225

37

180 Philip Russell Ltd

31/12/2014

1,124

80,560

1,818

80,784

256

7679 DB Profit 200 sponsorship strip 210x20 mm PRINT.indd 2

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Information supplied by

Company Name Year End Pre-Tax Turnover

(£000) (£000)

Pre-Tax Profit previous year (£000)

Turnover No of previous year employees (£000)

181 Rahon Enterprises Ltd

31/12/2014

1,123

21,829

983

20,840

650

182 Boreal Ltd

31/12/2014

1,116

15,661

1,028

14,654

102

183 Kilco (International) Ltd

31/12/2014

1,106

15,522

1,540

14,073

55

184 McAvoy Group Ltd - The

31/10/2015

1,106

44,809

489

33,638

146

185 Stothers (M. & E.) Ltd

30/06/2015

1,078

20,282

517

18,515

59

186 Warmflow Engineering Co.Ltd

30/06/2015

1,075

13,382

-135

11,928

102

187 Surefreight Ltd

30/06/2015

1,064

19,509

876

19,574

176

188 Agnew Corporate Ltd

31/12/2014

1,039

22,093

683

19,506

33

189 Fresh Food Centres Ltd - The

31/01/2015

1,031

14,980

679

14,956

133

190 Heartsine Technologies Ltd

31/12/2014

1,027

12,356

-325

10,329

94

191 Oakwood Door Designs Ltd

30/04/2015

1,026

14,993

553

11,828

140

192 Henry Group (NI) Ltd

31/03/2016

1,002

40,110

219

1,062

248

193 Frederick Jones (Belfast),Ltd

31/07/2015

993

9,586

41

898

39

194 Kilrea Service Station Ltd

31/03/2015

973

24,889

119

805

122

195 K. Hughes & Co. Ltd

31/12/2014

966

28,751

53

914

23,916

196 Belfast City Airport Ltd

31/12/2014

962

19,801

89

1,231

19,771

197 Creightons Of Finaghy Ltd

31/01/2015

958

11,545

116

475

11,514

198 Donnelly Bros. Garages (Dungannon) Ltd 31/10/2015

948

246,709

611

864

243,158

199 Industrial Temps Ltd

30/04/2015

934

20,632

962

1,149

17,516

200 S.J.C. Hutchinson (Engineering) Ltd

31/07/2015

912

10,204

103

755

9,547 61

62

Eye on Communications

In recent months, there has been a considerable increase in the number of telephony fraud incidences reported in Northern Ireland. The cost of this type of fraud is solely the responsibility of the end user, your business, and not your telecom provider.

Phone Hacking on the rise in NI

By Stuart Carson, Rainbow Communications

T

he good news is that there are simple steps you can take to minimise the risks, but unfortunately as witnessed recently by the White House, there is no fool proof method to protect a system as hackers’ methods are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

Put simply telephony fraud is when hackers use different kinds of scams to ‘steal’ access to your telephone system thereby causing irreparable damage, compromising both the business and its revenues. They generally use the business lines to route international and premium rate calls which generate them income and the business is left holding a large bill.

Law Society Warning The Law Society in Northern Ireland recently issued a warning to local solicitor firms and businesses to be vigilant following reports it had received that some of its members/firms have been the victim of phone hacking.

The Society says that hackers are deliberately targeting local solicitor firms and businesses particularly when they are closed.

The hacker identifies open or unused phone lines and ports on computers which they then use to make international phone calls. The cost to the law firm or business is potentially huge!

There are a number of steps businesses can take to reduce the risk of telephony fraud, but if you have any doubts or concerns speak to your

telephone system maintainer, urgently. At a minimum you should bar all unnecessary call destinations including international call locations your business would have absolutely no reason to connect with as you go about your day to day business. Or premium rate numbers starting 087 and 09, as well as the extensions you don’t use. Remove all default passwords and limit access to maintenance ports; change passwords and access codes regularly and make them longer.

Change default PINS Other measures you can deploy include not using common codes such as 1234 or 0000; review any DISA (Direct Inward System Access) settings and control / deactivate – this stops employees dialling in to make outbound calls via your telephony system; block access to unallocated mailboxes and change default PINs on unused boxes; ensure you fully understand your system functionality and capabilities and restrict access to facilities you do not use; regularly review call usage via your bill to identify

could be occurrences and be vigilant for evidence of hacking.

If you cannot obtain an outgoing line, this is usually a sign your system is compromised and finally frequently check call logs for out of hours periods as well.

Take action While businesses may already be aware of telephony fraud, a lot will probably think that it won’t happen to them. Failing to take action and secure your systems against telephony fraud could end up a very costly mistake for businesses so take the time now to review your systems and mitigate against an increasingly costly telephony issue. Keeping your company and communication channels secure from the large range of attacks and dangers lurking out there is an ongoing daily effort, the question is, is your business up for the fight!

Rainbow Communications info@rainbowcomms.com 0800 018 8082 www.rainbowcomms.com.

63

Eye on Regional Development

Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council launches inaugural Local Rural Needs Conference

Lord Mayor Councillor Garath Keating

The launch and inaugural conference for SOAR (ABC) took place recently at Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre and was hosted by the BBC’s Agriculture Correspondent Richard Wright. The conference hosted speakers and delegates from across Northern Ireland from a range of important areas of the Agri – Food Sector, Rural Policy, Rural Broadband, and local community and business needs. Nearly 80 guests attended this impressive event, which highlighted rural issues and needs.

SOAR (ABC) is delighted that it has recently been awarded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs £8.02million to support rural communities across Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area to support the business, community, voluntary and government sectors. The programme aims to support small and micro businesses with an emphasis on job creation. The

64

Council and the community/ voluntary sector will support rurally based projects to assist the reduction of rural isolation, deliver new and improved local services and to develop the investment potential and attractiveness of the Borough’s rural villages and small towns. The Borough is home to 34 small rural towns and villages, stretching from Keady in the South to Waringstown in the North and Rathfriland in the West.

The Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough encompasses 554 square miles within whose boundaries contain, the historic Navan Centre and Fort, and to the north the scenic southern shores of Lough Neagh with the Mournes foothills providing a backdrop to Bronte country. In the east, the Newry-Portadown canal leads to the southern boundaries.

The rural character of the Orchard County, the Upper Bann, Lagan Valley, the Mournes and Lough Neagh’s southern shoreline highlight the rich and cultural diversity of the Council area.

SOAR (ABC) would like to see rural residents offered improved local services, local rural jobs, strong transport links and digital accessibility to ensure they fully participate in all aspects of civic life and the economic development of the area. SOAR (ABC) has a particular interest in how rural services can be improved by working in partnership with a range of government departments and agencies such as the various new Departments of Communities, Economy, Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs and Infrastructure.

They look forward to supporting the creation of a more dynamic economic environment for our rural areas, by helping to create new jobs and support the creation and development of micro and smaller enterprises including farm diversification into nonagricultural activities and tourism.

The rural voice is very strong in the new Council area and this generates a great opportunity to create a balanced, approach to economic, environmental and social progress in the rural areas.

The Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Cllr Garath Keating, who hosted the event, stated: “As a Council, we intend to work to

maximise opportunities for our rural communities through our many partnerships. I welcome initiatives such as SOAR (ABC) which offers real opportunities to make a difference across the Borough and I look forward to seeing the many results of this funding in the future.”

SOAR’s Chairperson, Cllr Joe Nelson said: “The conference was designed to complement the funding programme being offered by SOAR (ABC), and the agenda has been developed to stimulate and facilitate discussion, highlight strategic issues affecting rural communities, and recognise the importance of a vibrant rural community for a sustainable future.”

Cllr Colin McCusker, Chairman of Economic & Regeneration Committee stated: “Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council welcomed today’s event and looks forward to working in partnership with SOAR (ABC) in continuing to highlight rural issues in similar events in the future.”

SOAR (ABC) was appointed in the Armagh City, Banbridge, Craigavon Borough Council area to implement the LEADER element of the NI Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020. The Rural Development Programme 2014- 2020 is part financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

For further information on SOAR (ABC) please contact either Elaine Cullen (Programme Manager) on 028 3831 2588 or Maria Magennis (Deputy Programme Manager) on 028 3831 2578 or email info@soarni.org or visit www.soarni.org

Eye on Regional Development

(Back Row) – Mr Dominic Kearns, Managing Director B4B Group; Mr Jerome Burns, Contracts Manager DAERA; Mr Tony O’Neill, Chairperson of AFSB; Cllr Colin McCusker, Chairperson of Economic Development and Regeneration Committee. (Front Row) - Mr Richard Wright, MC; Mr Tom Fiarbairn, Managing Director Eco Depo; MS Astrid Stuart, Head of Rural Needs Act Implementation Team DAERA; Ms Angela O’Hagan, Manager of Loughgiel Community Association; Cllr Joe Nelson, Chairperson of SOAR (ABC) LAG; Lord Mayor Councillor Garath Keating

(Left to Right) - Councillor Joe Nelson Chairperson of SOAR ABC LAG, Lord Mayor Councillor Garath Keating, Mr Jerome Burns Contracts Manager DAERA, Councillor Colin Mc Clusker Chairperson of Economic Development and Regeneration Committee

(Back Row) - Cllr Joe Nelson, Chairperson of SOAR (ABC) LAG; Mr Jerome Burns, Contracts Manager DAERA; Mr John O’Dowd MLA; Cllr Colin McCusker, Chairperson of Economic Development and Regeneration Committee. (Front Row) – Cllr Declan McAlinden; Lord Mayor Councillor Garath Keating; Cllr Carol Black; Cllr Fergal Lennon.

(Back Row) - Cllr Declan McAlinden; Mr Brendan McCann; Mr Brian Hampton; Cllr Colin McCusker, Chairperson of Economic Development and Regeneration Committee; Mr David Kerr; Mr David McMullen; Dr Charles Neville. (Front Row) – Mr David Riley; Cllr Joe Nelson, Chairperson of SOAR (ABC) LAG; Lord Mayor Councillor Garath Keating; Cllr Fergal Lennon; Mrs Mary Loughran

(Back Row) Maria Magennis Deputy Programme Manager, Elaine Cullen Programme Manager, Lynn Morrow Project Officer, Tony Morgan Project Officer, Rosemary Hughes Programme Officer, Rebecca Hyland Administrative Officer. (Front Row) Therese Rafferty Head of Regeneration, Lord Mayor Councillor Garath Keating and Olga Murtagh Strategic Director of Place.

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Advertising feature

Eye on Wealth

ST. JAMES’S PLACE WEALTH MANAGEMENT EXPANDS IN NORTHERN IRELAND St. James’s Place, one of the UK’s leading wealth management companies, has expanded its comprehensive group of Partners in Northern Ireland with Premier Wealth Management recently accepting the offer to join as a Partner Practice.

H

eaded up by Jim Hughes, Premier Wealth Management ranks as one of the larger Financial Planning businesses locally and has eight experienced advisers and operates from offices in Belfast, Antrim and Omagh. It has a range of clients based across the region.

It now becomes part of the St. James’s Place Partnership here in Northern Ireland. St. James’s Place Wealth Management is a FTSE-listed organisation with some £65.6 billion of client funds under management.

“We’ve always had a firm focus on looking after our clients and on meeting those clients face to face on a regular basis,” says Jim Hughes. “Quality and integrity are central to what we do.”

“Being within the St. James’s Place Partnership means that we can bring so much more to our clients.

We’ll continue that face to face approach, but we’ll be able to talk to them about complex tax issues, inheritance planning and a lot more besides. We’re delighted to have the strength of an organisation

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like St. James’s Place behind us.

“Add the strength and reputation of St. James’s Place to the fact that we have a stable and experienced team of advisers and we think that adds up to a powerful force,” he adds. “That counts for a lot, whether we’re working with individuals or professionals like accountants and solicitors.”

Keith Willett, Head of Business for St. James’s Place in Northern Ireland, is equally pleased to have Premier Wealth Management as

“ People are living longer and that’s changing the nature of their financial planning. But they still want to be able to support their children or grandchildren when it comes to education or maybe property purchase.”

part of the fast-growing network.

“We want to work with the very best wealth management practices. We can be selective and we are selective and I am delighted that we have been able to attract a business of such quality as Premier Wealth Management” “We looked closely at Premier Wealth Management, at how they did things, and at the people who work there. And I’m sure they looked closely at us. In any case, I think we’ve ended up with a really good fit that will provide benefits for both of us but most importantly for the clients of Premier Wealth Management” “Premier Wealth Management and its team will become part of the St. James’s Place growth story going into the future “At the heart of our growth is the importance we place on building and maintaining long lasting relationships with our Partners and clients,” says Keith Willett.

“The financial demands on our core clients, those aged 45 and above, are changing pretty quickly.

But we’re urging people to think

about their financial needs much younger than they tend to do, and to consider what they can do for younger members of their families.

“People are living longer and that’s changing the nature of their financial planning. But they still want to be able to support their children or grandchildren when it comes to education or maybe property purchase.

“This business is about supporting our Partners to help clients with these challenges.”

Earlier this year, alongside the launch of a Lasting Power of Attorney service, St. James’s Place introduced an intergenerational mortgage range in association with Metro Bank, allowing clients to use their St. James’s Place investments as collateral for a relative’s mortgage application.

“Later this year, we’ve further initiatives planned including an intergenerational gifting service and family protection products to go with our existing family health insurance and the development of later life planning services including a long term care proposition and probate support services.

“As we look forward, I’m confident that we’ll find additional opportunities for growth in Asia, where our business is developing strongly and in the Discretionary Fund Management market, through our recent

Eye on Wealth

Jim Hughes, Managing Director, Premier Wealth Management (left) is pictured with Keith Willett, Head of Business for St. James’s Place in Northern Ireland.

acquisition of Rowan Dartington.

“The range of additional services Rowan Dartington can offer has already been well received by Partners and clients and since the completion of the acquisition earlier this year the team of client and Partner-facing investment executives has increased.”

Brexit, Keith Willett reckons, has created economic uncertainty in the UK as a whole. “It’s another factor we have to build into the challenges people face when considering how to manage their wealth and their ever changing tax considerations.

“Through our strategy of building long-term relationships with our clients, providing them with reliable face-to-face advice and successfully managing their investments across well-diversified portfolios with significant exposure to non-UK assets and different sources of return, we continue to be very well placed to meet the increasing The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ’Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

Members of the St. James’s Place Partnership represent St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

St. James’s Place UK plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

St. James’s Place UK plc Registered Office: St. James’s Place House, 1 Tetbury Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1FP, United Kingdom.

need for advice and support.

“The proven strength of our business model and good momentum in our business gives us confidence in our ability to deliver continued growth in line with our objectives.

Indeed, new fund flows since the referendum remain in line with those medium-term objectives.”

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up payments on your mortgage The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you invested.

Powers of Attorney are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

For further information on Premier Wealth Management visit www.pwmni.co.uk and for further information on St. James’s Place Wealth Management, their products and Partner Practices in Northern Ireland please visit www.sjp.co.uk

Registered in England Number 2628062.

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Eye on Finance

Airport Refinancing…

Anatomy Of A Deal Earlier this year, Belfast International Airport (BIA) announced it had selected First Trust Bank to deliver its entire banking requirements for the next seven years including the refinancing of the airport’s £30.6 million loan. As one of the largest financial transactions in recent times, we caught up with Patrick Short, Senior Manager in First Trust Bank’s Business and Corporate Banking team and Belfast International Airport’s Managing Director, Graham Keddie, to find out more about what goes into ‘doing the deal.’

Patrick Short Business and Corporate Banking, First Trust Bank

“T

hree years ago, First Trust Bank was appointed as part of a syndicate to help manage Belfast International Airport’s borrowing requirements.

During our time working with the BIA, we established a very

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good relationship with the team, and so when details of the tender to become its sole financial partner were released we were keen to put together a winning proposal.

BIA was looking for a provider that could accommodate all of their banking needs, and

with our knowledge of their operations and an established working relationship, we felt we could offer a strong proposition which would benefit both businesses.

Broadening our partnership with BIA was an attractive prospect. The International

Airport is a fundamental part of Northern Ireland’s infrastructure, and continues to show impressive growth; just recently it took on new business from operators such as Ryanair and Virgin Atlantic.

The business’ importance to the Northern Ireland market

Eye on Finance

cannot be underestimated.

As well as providing crucial tourism and freight links to the UK, Europe and the rest of the world, it is a significant employer and an economic enabler – helping other businesses to benefit from trade opportunities and Northern Ireland’s growing tourist market. We share BIA’s vision for its future growth, and so we put together a proposal which demonstrated how we could support their ambitions and help make them a reality.

When it came to submitting a written response to the tender, we knew there would be a lot of competition from other banking providers. In order to stand out, we first and foremost felt it was important to demonstrate

our understanding that, for a business of BIA’s scale, the stability of a dedicated long term funding package was crucial. As a business, we wanted the airport team to know they would be in safe hands with First Trust Bank benefitting from a dedicated relationship with our branch staff for their primary transactional banking needs, but also having access to the extensive international experience held by our Business & Corporate Banking team. We work with a plethora of leading companies, multinationals and, within our group, UK international airports.. By providing expertise across all levels of business, we aim to be ‘more than just a bank’ for our clients and aim to integrate ourselves

with their way of working and help protect their business interests by acting as trusted advisors as well as key service providers.

Whilst an extensive and skilled team is required to work with a large scale client like BIA, it was clear to us that the airport’s business and finance team needed to be able to interact with a single voice from First Trust Bank in certain circumstances. In fast paced and ever-changing markets such as those in which BIA operate, we understand that businesses need to move quickly and we like to think our flexible approach to corporate banking sets us apart from competitors.

We listened to what the BIA team were looking for and mirrored those requirements

by offering streamlined decision-making processes alongside appropriate risk control packages. In our experience, this agile approach to managing credit appetite can make all the difference when swift decisions are required.

We were absolutely delighted when we got the call from Belfast International Airport to say that we had won the business. It is a pleasure to be working with a business and on a project of this scale. Re-financing the airport’s £30.6 million loan portfolio has proven to be one of the largest financial transactions executed recently in Northern Ireland and we look forward to supporting the BIA team on their ambitious growth plans over the coming years.”

Graham Keddie Managing Director, Belfast International Airport

“W

hen the time came to renew our shareholder loan at Belfast International Airport, we decided to appoint one lender with a view to consolidating all our banking activity with them. Having previously engaged with three different banks, we were keen to forge a strong working relationship with one banking partner and so reduce the time taken to organise agreements, secure sign-off and cut the cost of agency fees.

All in all, the process to appoint a new banking partner was a very smooth one, taking just over 2 months. Six different banks took part in the competitive tender with each submitting a document outlining their take on our future plans, projections, costings, and how they would work with us.

While cost was obviously an important part in our evaluation process, finding a partner who

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Eye on Finance

would take a common sense approach to banking and cut down complexity to ease decision making was key. Having a genuine interest in our business, in-depth experience and expertise of the marketplace, and sharing our ethos and vision for the future was also important giving the pivotal role Belfast International Airport has to Northern Ireland’s economy – both locally and nationally.

BIA is Northern Ireland’s second largest site employer. We have 200 companies on site with 4,500 people working here. In the last 12 months alone, we have created 500 new jobs and by the end of the year we will have carried 5 million passengers and added 12

new routes. The airport plays a central role in exporting high value goods and in bringing business and tourism to Northern Ireland.

We have had a stellar year so far, experiencing double digit growth and we are confident that 2017 will be a record year for the business. We have a number of exciting projects in the pipeline, including the construction of a petrol filling station which will create 35 new jobs and a further 30 through the construction phase and we are focused on growing our facilities and investing in retail and commercial areas. Supporting the local economy is important to us and factors into all our decision making, including when it came to appointing a banking

partner. We wanted to work with a bank whose support of Northern Ireland is as engrained as our own and one which understands local nuances. Having worked with London based firms before, we knew that local companies can often deliver better value for money while also offering better advice.

First Trust Bank ticked all these boxes for us. The financial package they offered is crucial to our growth plans as it improved our cash position and ensures we have a firm foundation moving forward.

Securing the cost of interest over the next 7 years means we don’t have to divert funds from our capital programme into interest payments. The bank very much

aligns with our way of thinking and adopts a pragmatic and common sense approach to banking. For instance, they managed to reduce the documentation required for a loan from 185 pages to just 8 while still making sure it was robust.

Belfast International Airport is back in the top ten of UK airports in terms of passenger numbers and we are conscious that our success leads to more jobs and increased business opportunities across Northern Ireland.

These are exciting times for the airport and we look forward to having the support of First Trust Bank as we continue to invest in our business and ultimately, Northern Ireland.”

Belfast International Airport - what you need to know

Operates

80 routes to

20 different countries top 10 largest airports in the UK

One of the

4,500 people work for 200 companies at the airport

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12 new routes added

in 2016

Opened at

Aldergrove in 1963 Will have carried

5 million passengers by the end of

2016

INSPIRING THE NEXT LEVEL IN BUSINESS LEADERSHIP

Taking the step from managing yourself to managing others can feel like a giant leap.

The Aspiring Leaders programme helps first time managers to make the transition by providing them with essential leadership skills and the right foundation on which to build their managerial career.

This highly interactive programme is designed to equip you with the tools and skills you need to be an impactful and effective leader capable of leading and developing a high performing team.

Seize the opportunity: To find out more about our November 2016 Programme and to book your place: 028 9097 4394 leadershipinstitute@qub.co.uk www.leadershipinstitute.co.uk

Eye on CSR

Making The Business Case For Humanitarian Action Danske Bank employee Garth Arnold, who next year will become the 100th District Governor of Rotary Ireland, believes that businesspeople can not only help make a real difference to the people who need it most, but can also benefit their own business and its employees.

A

t a time when humanitarian needs far outstrip funding for life-saving help here on our own doorstep and globally, could Northern Ireland businesses be the new frontier for philanthropic fundraising?

He says; “The cumulative effect of humanitarian work is limitless. It not only gives to the people in need, but it can bring you so much personally and professionally.”

This is the basis upon which today’s Rotary Clubs still exist, with over 100 years in Ireland the organisation consists of 73 clubs across the country, north, south, east and west, made up of determined individuals from all industries who are pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved.

Garth goes on to explain; “As Rotarians, we follow a set of ethical guidelines that are designed for use in both our personal and professional relationships. Known as the Four Way Test Rotarians consistently ask the following questions; Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned? Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? These guiding principles provide the foundation for everything that we do and ensure a strong ethical belief that our Service Above Self brings good to both our charitable and humanitarian actions and that these principles also guarantee good business practice outside of the clubs. I believe involvement can bring enormous benefits to both the individual and their business.”

“Obviously, Rotary offers business representatives an opportunity to network with other likeminded individuals and often provides its members with sales leads and invaluable contacts but benefits go far beyond the obvious. It is a global professional networking organisation for business people with a moral and social conscience, Rotary brings its members opportunities to support incredibly worth-while causes both at home and abroad and brings each member the chance to stand up and be counted and to make a real lasting difference in the world.

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“From a business point of view, getting your business involved in activities which have a positive effect on the local community clearly helps increase regional influence, awareness of your organisation and delivers on corporate social responsibility. For the individual, being a member of Rotary can instil an immense sense of pride, offering a way in which they can use their skill set for the greater good and ultimately inspire others to get involved. Quite simply, it can change many lives for the better. “ Rotary has an astounding list of achievements with projects ongoing around the world, not least of all the imminent eradication of Polio, a feat in which virtually all of the 1.2 million of the world’s Rotarians can claim to have played a part. Local and international causes are championed by each club at their discretion, giving each Rotary club the opportunity to address the issues that are important to its local community. At the core of the Rotary organisation lies its own charity known as the Rotary Foundation, a global grant mechanism regarded as one the top five most effective charities in the world. 2017 will see the 100th anniversary of the Rotary Foundation, celebrating 100 years of investing $4 billion to advance world

understanding, goodwill and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.

While fundraising forms an important part of what Rotary does, it is far from the whole picture. Garth explains; “Many projects need people, they need physical help and I have seen fellow Rotarians, who in their day job work in accounting or finance, roll up their sleeves and paint walls to help a project. I have seen Rotarians who work in administration or logistics travel to third world countries to help administer important life-saving drugs and I have seen Rotarians who are more acquainted with the boardroom help rehabilitate prisoners back into society.

The list is truly endless, but can it benefit your business or your staff? Absolutely, we operate in a world that must be more than the bottom line and I truly believe that looking to the future, Rotary provides life changing and inspiring opportunities for businesses large and small.”

To find out more about getting involved with Rotary please visit www.rotary.ie or contact your local club directly.

Enter at utvawards.businesseye.co.uk ENTRY DEADLINE - FRIDAY 21ST OCTOBER

Eye on Awards

UTV Business Eye Awards 2016 CATEGORIES AND SPONSORS Business Personality of the Year SPONSORED BY

The Northern-Ireland based business personality who in the opinion of the judging panel has contributed most to the local business sector and the local economy as a whole in the last 12 months.

Tourism/Hospitality Project of the Year SPONSORED BY

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Company of the Year

SPONSORED BY

The Northern Ireland-based private sector company which has made the biggest positive impact across the spectrum over the past 12 month period in the view of the judges‌.for reasons which may include business and/or employment growth, acquisitions or other deals, export achievement, etc.

Employer of the Year

SPONSORED BY

Young Business Personality of the Year

International Award

SPONSORED BY

This brand new category sets out to identify the achievements of Northern Ireland’s young (35 years old or under) entrepreneurs and business leaders, with entrants able to demonstrate clear achievement and dynamism in their chosen field.

Fast Growth Business of the Year SPONSORED BY

This award is open to organisations trading internationally from Northern Ireland, and will recognise the most important achievement/ contribution by such a company outside of Northern Ireland during the period, whether in terms of export sales, overseas expansionm/ investment or acquisition.

SME Award

SPONSORED BY

The individual project within Northern Ireland which, in the view of the panel, has done most to raise standards in the hospitality industry and to attract

The Northern Ireland company or organisation which, in the view of the judges, has done the most to create a balanced, satisfying and fulfilling working

The Northern Ireland-based business of any size which can demonstrate a substantial growth in sales/turnover and/ or employment levels over

The small to medium-sized enterprise (up to 100 employees) which, in the opinion of the judges, can demonstrate significant business growth over the past

more tourists to the region.

environment for its employees.

the past 12-18 months.

year to 18 months across any sector of the local economy.

Eye on Awards

Enter now utvawards.businesseye.co.uk Entry Deadline - Friday 21st October

Best Digital/Online Company of the Year

Research and Development Project of the Year SPONSORED BY

The company or organisation which has demonstrated the most successful and most innovative use of online/digital technology to advance its business aims. Entrants can include organisations which have successfully adapted to online/digital from more traditional foundations as well as pure online/ digital enterprises.

Lifetime Achievement Award SPONSORED BY

The Lifetime Achievement Award will honour a leading personality from the wider Northern Ireland business community who has made a significant and lasting contribution to business and the economy in the region.

Open to companies and organisations which can show clear evidence of an innovative research and development project either on an in-house basis or on behalf of clients.

Most Innovative Company of the Year SPONSORED BY

Agri Food Innovation Award SPONSORED BY

Foreign Direct Investment Project of the Year Award SPONSORED BY

A new award category reflecting the strength and growth of the NI agrifood and food processing sectors.

The awards sets out to recognise the organisation which can demonstrate outstanding innovation in a sector where innovation is crucial to business sector. Evidence of commerical success or commercial potential as a result of innovation should be demonstrated.

A new category for the UTV Business Eye Awards 2015 recognising the recent foreign direct investment project which, in the opinion of the judging panel, has brought the most benefit, in terms of employment or other relevant factors, to the wider Northern Ireland economy and business community.

Waste Reduction Project of The Year Award

Outstanding Leadership & Management Award

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

With innovation at the heart of many NI-based enterprises, this award sets out to recognise the organisation which, in the

Aimed at the increasing number of local companies making a contribution to the environment by reducing commercial and industrial waste. Entrants must outline evidence of how

A new award recognising exemplary leadership and/or management as demonstrated by a leading individual or by a management team. The achievements of the organisation

view of the judges, exemplifies best practice in product and/ or service innovation.

substantial waste reduction has been achieved by a single project over the past 12 months.

and the contribution of the specific manager or team must be clearly demonstrated.

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Eye on Interiors

THIRD PLACE WORKING – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW For years we have operated under the presumption that we have two main places that we occupy; home and office. Our lives were structured around the places that we occupied throughout our day. We had our work place, or office, that we occupied for 8 or 9 hours until we got home and occupied our living space, or home, for the remainder of the day. We have spent decades orienting our responsibilities around these places and attempting to perfect the “work/life balance”. However, the landscape of the contemporary office is beginning to change.

I

n recent years a new place concept has arisen – the Third Place. The Third Place is where the home and office integrate, and the lines are blurred between where we come to work and where we come to relax. In the beginning, the concept of “Third Place Working” was structured around getting out of the office and finding an in-between environment, like a local coffee shop!

So what implications does this have on our offices?

Well, in the early stages of adoption, people saw the Third Place as a means of escapism – a way to get out of the second place and get closer to the first place. As we became increasingly more digital in the way we work, this got easier as the years went by.

Notable benefits were; • Increased Creativity – being office bound is not always conducive to the

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creative process. Getting up and going for a walk, or sitting outside immediately helps kick start our creative juices • Close and Cost Effective – Most workers select locations that are still close to the normal working environment, while also helping to remove some of the costs-per-head from the office premises (electricity, internet, space).

• Positive Atmosphere – Coffee shops and parks naturally have a less stressful environment than a packed office.

What about now?

Major corporations across the world are starting to see the benefits of Third Places, and have begun to create environments on site that echo this philosophy. They are creating comfortable, coffee shop style areas to allow people to escape their desk and change their posture for a while. Some companies have started to engineer a more

natural environment for their staff to use, introducing plants, wall graphics, natural floor finishes and an abundance of natural light.

These shifts in our perceived environment have knock-on benefits across the spectrum.

Staff can use a variety of spaces to achieve maximum effectiveness and creativity, this also alleviates pressure in the “Second Place” environment. With people seeking a different way of working, desk positions can become less permanent and individual ownership can be made redundant – why not share a desk that you use 40% of the time, or even better, hot desk! Overall this reaps benefits for the company, as staff become more effective and begin to alleviate costs per head, as use of space becomes more diverse and more efficient.

To find out how you can make the most of Third Place Working, why not get in touch with Innov8 Office Interiors, Irelands leader in workplace innovation.

Work the way that works

for you www.innov8office.com hello@innov8office.com

Belfast Showroom 1-3 Glenmachan Street Belfast BT12 6JB T +44 (0) 28 9023 8180

Dublin Office 77 Sir John Rogersons Quay Dublin 2 T +353 (0) 1 649 9054

Eye on Communications

GOING LOCAL...

VODAFONE DOES BUSINESS WITH A LOCAL ACCENT Vodafone has been an established brand here for many years. The international communications company has 150 staff here spread across 15 retail outlets and a relatively new headquarters in Dundonald.

B

ut the company is changing the way that it works here in the Northern Ireland business marketplace, ushering in a brand new ‘Going Local’ approach. In short, that means a commitment to get closer to local business customers by structuring account management, customer services and network teams regionally instead of nationally.

“We’ve got 12 regions across the UK and we’re putting more people where our customers are and where they run their businesses,” says Kim Moran-Hogg, Vodafone’s Head of Business for Scotland & Northern Ireland.

“This stemmed from a decision to take a strong regional focus, and a pilot that we ran in Leeds last year for SME customers.

“We set up a new business support unit there to work closely with our SME customers on their home patch, and the feedback we received was really positive.”

Here in Northern Ireland, Vodafone can kick off its new regional approach from a strong starting point. Vodafone NI already supports businesses of all sizes from SME’s through to medium and large companies, plus public sector organisations.

“We’ve got a very strong customer base,” says Vodafone’s Northern Ireland Business Head, David Armstrong, appointed to the role just over a year ago and an experienced senior executive in the telecoms and technology sectors. “We’re confident that we can build on that customer base by taking the strong locally-based approach

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that is at the centre of all we’re doing.”

Kim Moran-Hogg started working life as a radar operator in the Royal Air Force before finding her niche in sales and working with Nortel, Scottish Telecom, Cable & Wireless and Highland Networks before joining Vodafone two and a half years ago.

David Armstrong started his career at Nixdorf in the IT sector. “Back in the days when mainframes were the size of this room and could store 80 megabytes.” He went on to hold senior positions at NTL, later Virgin Media, before taking a change of direction and spending three years or so as a Sales Director in the insurance industry.

“But I missed telecoms, to be honest,” he smiles. “And, when I heard about this opportunity, it didn’t take too long to decide to go for it.”

Vodafone’s corporate history has been told before. The company was first established more than 30 years ago above a curry house in the Berkshire town of Newbury, where it retains a major corporate presence. It masterminded the first mobile call in the UK on 1st January, 1985, and nowadays has mobile operations in 26 countries. As of the end of March, it had 462 million mobile customers worldwide.

“And those facts and figures aren’t just a measure of our size and scale,” adds Kim Moran-Hogg. “They also show the kind of global power we can bring to our relationships with business customers involved in export markets,

or planning to get involved in export markets.”

She is one of eight Vodafone regional heads responsible for the 12 different regions. “If we had a favourable response to the pilot from our customers in Leeds, then we’ve had an even more encouraging response from our customers all over this region to the changes we’ve made.

“They appreciate a day to day local point of contact, and they appreciate being able to get advice when they need it. We’re very excited about how we can develop this going forward.

“Making this move means that Vodafone can make a positive difference to local business communities. And it’s supported by a substantial investment in network, services, people and retail stores.”

The move means that local businesses will now be managed on a local level by a dedicated team of business specialists. In addition, business specialists are also based at each of Vodafone’s 15 retail outlets in Northern Ireland, and can offer on the spot advice to business customers in person.

“As a company, we’ve invested more than £2 billion over the past couple of years on upgrading and improving the UK network and services, and that has included investment in our network here, particularly in extending our reach into rural areas,” says David Armstrong.

“Killeter in Tyrone was one of 100 communities from across the UK to benefit from our Rural Open Sure Signal (ROSS) programme recently.

“We’re well aware of how important

Eye on Communications

(Pic) David Armstrong, Vodafone’s Northern Ireland Business Head and Kim Moran-Hogg, Vodafone’s Head of Business for Scotland & Northern Ireland.

the network, mobile reception and resilience are to all of our customers.”

Vodafone backs up its commitment to the business community through active CSR to the community as a whole.

A well-supported programme allows Vodafone employees to spend three full days a year working with charity or voluntary organisations locally and specific initiatives have included a drive to help the Buddy Benches charity initiative fronted by former Ulster & Ireland rugby star Paddy Wallace and participation on Byte Night, the annual sleep out which raises funds for Action For Children.

It’s worth noting that Vodafone isn’t all about mobile communications. The company acquired the Cable & Wireless Worldwide business back in 2012, opening up a range

of voice and data services, infrastructure, fixed line, call centre capability, unified communications and IoT technology.

“We offer a truly converged service for fixed and mobile communications in Northern Ireland and other regions,” says Kim Moran-Hogg.

“That’s important because our business and public sector customers need infrastructure that works for them. They have to provide a service to their customers, whether that’s on the phone, social media or over email. And they often have to do it 24 hours a day.”

Vodafone NI offers an innovative new One Net Business service to its customers, through which landlines and mobiles can be connected to one number.....a highly effective way of ensuring that customer calls are always answered, even if there are no members of

staff available at the company’s premises.

“One Net is a facility that can solve a lot of problems for busy companies, and ensure that they don’t lose contact with any customers at any time,” says David Armstrong.

It’s another string to Vodafone’s bow in what remains a highly competitive local marketplace for both fixed line and mobile communications, with a number of big name players slugging it out for business contracts in particular......and that’s without mentioning the competition for personal phone users.

Both David Armstrong and Kim MoranHogg reckon that Vodafone’s clearly defined move to taking a regional approach to how it works with business customers and public sector organisations can help to set a giant of the industry apart from the chasing pack.

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Eye on Energy

Council launches free ‘energy breakfast’ event for local firms

POWER BREAKFAST. Launching plans for the event with Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, Cllr Garath Keating (bottom right) are (from left to right) Darren Johnston, Manufacturing Engineering Manager, Hyster-Yale Group, event host and award-winning business journalist and presenter Jamie Delargy, the council’s Head of Economic Development, Nicola Wilson and Stephen Kelly, Chief Executive, Manufacturing NI. The event takes place on Thursday 15th September at 8am at the Civic and Conference Centre, Craigavon.

A stellar line-up of energy experts and advisors has been assembled by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council for a compelling event aimed at businesses and organisations seeking practical advice and assistance to better manage their energy needs and cut costs.

T

he council’s first, speciallyarranged, Energy Awareness Breakfast, organised in full collaboration with Manufacturing NI, takes place at the Civic Centre, Craigavon on Thursday 15th September at 8am and businesses across the borough are invited to attend.

Former UTV presenter, business and energy expert Jamie Delargy, will host the practical, advice-driven

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two-hour event. Jamie will also chair a panel of experts who will each answer questions directly posed by those who attend.

Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon , Cllr. Garath Keating, said: “Local business owners and managers face challenges on many levels and it is clear that energy costs remain a significant issue. However, with more information, more

practical advice and new insights, we are keen to encourage everyone to explore the opportunities which energy efficiency brings and how it can boost competitiveness and improve cost-saving.

“There are many potential options, solutions and ideas available and we hope that this practically-oriented, focused event will encourage businesses to use it to unlock more potential

and address the issue head on.”

Growing the local economy is the council’s top priority and this collaborative event will provide local businesses with advice on how to effectively reduce energy consumption to cut costs, as well as promoting the full range of financial, technical and advisory support available.

Stephen Kelly, Chief Executive, Manufacturing NI, said: “Energy costs remain a big burden for business in Northern Ireland and despite the clear benefits of energy efficiency, and the consistent improvements that many businesses have made, there is significant amount of untapped potential.

“While more needs to be done at a policy level, many local businesses are still paying more than they need to – and this key event has been specially designed to address this.”

Key representatives from the Utility Regulator and Invest NI are among the high-profile list of guest speakers which also includes Darren Johnston, Manufacturing Engineering Manager at HysterYale Group, based in Craigavon.

Global engineering company Hyster-Yale already produces Europe’s most energy efficient electric forklift truck. The company is committed to continually improving energy efficiency, reducing waste and in developing products that help drive efficiency and reduce energy consumption for its customers.

For more information or to book a place at the event, please contact the council’s Economic Development team on 028 4066 0609, email economicdevelopment@ armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk or log on to http:// energyawarenessbreakfast. eventbrite.co.uk

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Eye on Venues

Catherine Toolan...

Taking The Reins At Belfast Waterfront

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Eye on Venues When the brand new Belfast Waterfront opened its doors back in the spring it added an important new dimension to Belfast’s offering as a destination for business tourism.

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p until it opened, we might have had plenty going for us in terms of novelty factor, a certain edge and plenty of pubs and restaurants....but the city was lacking a venue capable of holding thousands of delegates at any one time.

A large-scale investment by Belfast City Council, Tourism Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund, through the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland, delivered a new venue easily able to cope with some sizeable events, from two or three-day conferences to showpiece corporate evenings.

The challenge of taking the new Belfast Waterfront forward now that the dust has settled on its opening falls to Catherine Toolan, its new Managing Director. She has arrived in Belfast to take over from Geoff Fenlon, the highly experienced Edinburgh-based conference centre expert who masterminded the opening period in an interim role.

“I’m really excited about what lies ahead,” she says. “I’ve watched how the city has developed and changed over recent years and when this role came up I was really keen to come here and get involved in what is a great story.”

Catherine’s roots don’t lie too far from Northern Ireland. She’s a native of Sligo, studied Hotel Management in Galway and then took a Masters in Organisational Psychology before embarking on a hotel and catering management career with the US-based food and facilities giant Aramark.

It’s a career that has taken her all over the world, with large periods of time spent in the fast-developing Chinese marketplace.

“Another factor about this role is that it does give me the chance to get back and settle in Ireland and a chance to put my international experience to good use on the ground here,” she adds.

“This is an amazing new facility in a great city and I’m fortunate to have a very passionate team here at Belfast Waterfront.

“But this is a facility that forms part of a city-wide strategy for Belfast....a real ‘Team Belfast’ effort. And that’s very important.”

Catherine Toolan says that her priorities as the busy autumn season approaches are clear cut. “We have to continue to build our reputation. The centre got

off to a really positive start back in the spring when it opened its doors and the first few events were held.”

There are firm and ambitious targets in place. Belfast Waterfront is setting out to deliver what are known as 50,000 delegate days for the city, 35,000 of those involved international visitors.

Given that the average business visitor can spend up to £486 a night in the city on a hotel, transport, entertainment, food and drink, according to international research, it’s easy to see that this equates to a major economic boost for Belfast.

“A facility like this one is all about bringing investment and spend into the city that it serves,” Catherine continues.

That said, an impressive new facility like the Waterfront means that Belfast has to step up a division or two when it comes to the highly competitive mobile conference and events marketplace. Conference organisers and professional bodies often consider options all over Europe and further afield in their search for what they consider to be the perfect venue for their events.

“So we’ve got to be able to compete on a level playing field with Liverpool and Edinburgh, but also with the likes of Berlin and Barcelona. And we’re even competing against destinations as far away as Asia.”

The conference and events marketplace also works to long lead-in times, as Catherine Toolan is quick to emphasise.

“We’re already working with the organisers of major events in 2020 and 2021. That’s the way things have to be in this industry.”

The events which have taken place at the Waterfront so far, including a highly successful medical conference in the early summer, have been important. “It was crucial that these events went as well as they did. They showed not just that this facility was spectacular, but that our infrastructure here in Belfast works really well....from transport links to entertainment and hotels.”

Even more impressive, is its technological capabilities. The venue has invested heavily in audio visual technology to cater

for the most complex of specifications.

The calendar for the rest of 2016 and 2017 shows that forthcoming events at the Waterfront include the Routes Europe airline industry conference and exhibition, an event organised by the Royal College of Nursing and a three-day visit from the BBC’s Good Food Show.

Closer to home for Business Eye, the Waterfront will also play host to the 10th anniversary UTV Business Eye Awards in association with brand new sponsors Emirates.

“Most of our clients will design a package around the conference or event itself.

That might include transport, various different types of entertainment and hotel accommodation,” adds Catherine.

On the entertainment front, the fact that the new conference facility is linked to the Waterfront’s 2,200-seat auditorium, and partners with the Ulster Hall, are a major benefit.

Hotels, though, are a different matter.

“We’ve seen quite a lot of growth in the number of hotel rooms here in Belfast, but we still need 1,000 or so more rooms across the city to make sure that we have the space to host really big events. It’s a big ask, we know, but it’s something that ‘Team Belfast’ has to keep working towards.

“And the more direct air routes we have into our two airports also helps a lot, and we are seeing significant development on that front.”

Where does Catherine Toolan see Belfast Waterfront in three or four years time? “’Our ambition is to have a worldwide reputation as a really great venue and that Belfast Waterfront will be an integral part of what this city has to offer its visitors.

We’ll also continue to innovate. This is a state-of-the-art venue in technological terms, and we’ll build on that going forward.

“We have the flexibility to add to the offering here as it develops and matures, and that means that innovation is an important part of what we’ll be doing in the coming years... along with making sure that each event goes as well as it possibly can.”

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Eye on News

RANDOX DEVELOPS ALZHEIMER’S TEST Scientists at Randox have developed a faster, more affordable method of identifying patients at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, using a blood test performed on the company’s patented Biochip Array Technology.

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he global healthcare company, which has headquarters in County Antrim, received a Distinguished Abstract Award for the test at last week’s AACC Annual Scientific Meeting and Clinical Lab Expo in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As the leading event for laboratory medicine worldwide, the event is attended by 20,000 delegates from across the globe. Randox’s Alzheimer’s disease risk test was one of only 29 out of 1024 to receive the prestigious award.

Whereas standard molecular testing can be both time-consuming and expensive, the Randox Biochip test can conduct multiple diagnostic tests on a single blood sample, which has both cost and timesaving benefits, in addition to a rapid diagnosis for the patient.

The Randox Biochip analyses the Apolipoprotein E (ApoE), the E4 variant of which is recognized as one of the most significant genetic risk factors for dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.

There are three versions of the ApoE gene: E2, E3, and E4. The E4 version increases a person’s risk of

developing late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, and it may also be associated with an earlier onset of memory loss.

Each parent passes on one ApoE gene to their child, and if two copies of the E4 variant are inherited, a person’s disease risk is increased by 8-12 times.

The research presented at the AACC Conference was conducted by Randox scientists, and scientists at the Medical University of Vienna, who verified the accuracy of the Biochip blood test by analyzing 384 samples and comparing the results to that of a standard molecular diagnostic test. Both tests provided the same accurate results, however the Biochip tests results were available in a significantly faster 3 hours.

Dr. Maria Zellner, from the Institute of Physiology at the Medical University of Vienna, commented; “The Randox Apolipoprotein E4 Biochip test is a real breakthrough in the area of Alzheimer’s research.

For the first time, multiple tests for the plasma Apolipoprotein E4 can be conducted simultaneously – meaning an accurate diagnosis can be achieved faster and earlier. The

Apolipoprotein E4 Biochip, which our 384 plasma samples confirmed as having 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity, can diagnose patients as either Apolipoprotein E4 positive or Apolipoprotein E4 negative in as little as 3 hours. Early Alzheimer’s diagnosis is fundamental for the patient and their loved ones to actively manage the disease, and to enable clinical intervention. It is also critical to the development of new pharmaceutical treatments for Alzheimer’s disease which are more likely to be beneficial if the disease is identified at a very early stage.”

“It is the first time that we have used this biochip immunoassay

technology to test for an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr. Emma C. Harte, PhD., a Research and Development Scientist at Randox Laboratories.

“This type of testing is important in our quest to understand and diagnose Alzheimer’s and empower patients to understand risks, consider medication, and even make early lifestyle changes.”

“Pairing this test with medical and family history for risk of Alzheimer’s disease has the real potential to advance personalized medicine. This fast, accurate testing will allow doctors and patients to make more informed choices earlier to potentially slow the possible progress of Alzheimer’s.”

with export potential. This trip is a key component of the export strategies which these entrepreneurs have developed in conjunction with their Propel Programme mentors.

“This London visit was an enormous success and already the results of

the trip are coming to fruition, with a number of participants having secured significant deals with large UK retailers.

As negotiations continue, we have no doubt that the coming months will see substantial new contracts emerge for these local start-up businesses.”

Entrepreneurs Take To The Streets Of London 20 of Northern Ireland’s highest potential start-up companies recently took their business ideas to the streets of London as part of a trip to validate their latest concepts and expand their network of international customers.

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he entrepreneurs, who are all participants on the Invest Northern Ireland Propel Programme, had the opportunity to pitch their ideas to buyers and decision makers within their respective industries. The group also attended a series of workshops on personal branding

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hosted by renowned speaker and London based business leader, Rashmi Dubé.

Commenting on the trip, Niall Casey, Invest Northern Ireland’s Director of Skills and Strategy said: “Propel is a programme designed to fast-track high growth businesses

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Eye on Manufacturing

ENGINEERING SUCCESS

Our local manufacturing and engineering sector is strong and growing, servicing our own local industries and selling products into a truly global market. Locally we have demonstrated that in particular sectors we can lead the way globally, despite certain disadvantages in cost base and geography. Thinking of our own client base and how they have engineered success may point the way for others.

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he ingredients are as always a mix, one recipe or formula is never the answer, but there are common traits across the successful operations.

Many will point to R&D and innovation as the key success factor, and that no doubt has its place, but I think the key ingredient to start with is a much harder one to define…and that is culture.

The truly successful operations in manufacturing and engineering have a “can do” culture. The art of the possible is grounded in basic common sense, meaning what needs to be done is done for the right commercial reasons. Every decision is taken in a way that makes the business a better one… There is no fear in opening new markets,

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Peter McGrath, Head of Accounts and Audit T:028 8775 2990 E:peter.mcgrath@cavanaghkelly.com

careful use of networks and links being used to de-risk the entry. It drives the business’ investment strategy so that quality, capability and profitability are at the heart of the decision making. This culture vests in the businesses founders, but can be fostered and passed on through the development cycle so that it becomes a corporate culture. This is a challenge, and one that all businesses should address at an early stage, defining its shape and that of its team.

However, culture, without investment in product development, production processes and equipment will not deliver success in the manufacturing and engineering sector on its own. Key to success is the product and process. The sector’s investment in both have had great support in recent years through R&D tax credits to give both new and established businesses a leg up as they invest heavily to gain a competitive edge.

The product and the process

Michael Drumm, Head of Business Advisory T:028 8775 2990 E:michael.drumm@cavanaghkelly.com

Leona Leonard, Head of Tax Planning T:028 8775 2990 E:leona.leonard@cavanaghkelly.com

also needs people to deliver it. No matter how high tech or automated the processes can be, there is a continuing need for people to deliver.

An understatement it may be, but forward thinking and continuous investment in the best people is without doubt one of the key ingredients of success. Many find this much more difficult to deliver, harder to define the needs outside of the technical, and one which has a longer pay back term. It requires a constant commitment in resource and energy within the organisation, a willingness to invest in a dedicated team of people, an actual budget and with all good budgetary process, a continuous review of the objectives, costs and return.

Thankfully one area which is not lost on the successful operations is finance and reporting. This, often undervalued, function grows as the business develops. The key to having a successful finance function is to have one that understands the business and one that builds a

reporting and control structure that both protects and informs. These are two very different functions but both having equal relevance. It should provide the information to make the key decisions easier, to highlight the production process weaknesses, and the critical areas that need addressed or invested in.

Working across the manufacturing and engineering sectors we at CavanaghKelly welcome the opportunity to deliver for those that engineer for success. We constantly aim to develop our client’s processes, people and reporting functions and help them recognise their importance in business development.

If you believe your business can benefit from a fresh eye, contact our team for a free consultation.

Contact us: T: 028 8775 2990 E: info@cavanaghkelly.com W: cavanaghkelly.com

An exclusive five star business experience Innovative thinking through Ulster University Business School’s custom designed Management Ambassador Programme, helped accommodate Hastings Hotels with a new creative strategy and vision for the future

Creating innovators tailor made for your workplace ulster.ac.uk/shapingbusiness

Eye on Finance

Capitalflow Targets NI With New Commercial Funding Interview with Regional Sales Directors Diane McGregor and Marc Hawthorne of Capitalflow Commercial Finance, an exciting new venture in local business funding.

Tell us about Capitalflow?

DM: Capitalflow is an independent commercial finance provider based in Belfast and with an office in Dublin. We launched in April of this year and have since lent more than £14 million to Northern Ireland based SMEs through a mixture of asset finance, invoice finance and asset based lending.

Capitalflow is headed up by Harry Parkinson, former MD of Ireland at Close Brothers Invoice Finance. Marc and I are on the ground in Belfast and between us have 40 years’ local experience, so we have a deep understanding of the market and the funding needs of businesses here.

What specific products are you offering?

MH: We specialise in three key product areas: Asset Finance – used by businesses to obtain the equipment they need to grow. It usually involves paying a regular amount for use of the asset over an agreed period of time, avoiding the full cost of buying the asset outright. The most common types of asset finance are leasing and hire purchase.

We also have an appetite to refinance unencumbered assets already owned by a company in order to create funding for new equipment or to release working capital.

Invoice Finance – keeping cash flowing is the most important part of any business. Invoice finance releases cash tied up in outstanding invoices, giving you an immediate cash injection and an ongoing supply of cash that grows in line with sales.

Finally we offer asset based lending, which enables a business to unlock the value tied up in stock or property. Our focus is

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Marc Hawthorne, Regional Sales Director

to help businesses utilise all of their assets in order to create funding to help drive growth and achieve cash flow stability.

What type of businesses/ sectors will you lend to?

MH: We are already lending to a broad spectrum of SMEs including start-ups and early stage operators as well as established mid to large corporates, and it’s suitable for a very wide range of industry sectors.

Some businesses are reluctant to approach lenders as they feel they won’t qualify for funding but we take a different approach to the banks. We look beyond the figures, to the potential of a business and the leadership behind it, and come to an informed decision on that basis. Ultimately, we understand the importance of being flexible in our approach and understanding that different businesses need different solutions.

Is there room in Northern Ireland for another commercial lender?

DM: The banks continue to tread carefully when it comes to SME lending so there are still a large number of businesses in a

Diane McGregor, Regional Sales Director

strong credit position looking for additional finance to fund their growth ambitions. The appetite for business growth is there but it requires a range of flexible funding products, which is where we come in – our ethos is that there’s a no one-size-fits-all solution, each business is unique and so are its funding requirements.

Any business that requires additional funding, be it to accommodate organic growth, an MBO, MBI or acquisition, or simply for cashflow-stabilisation purposes, should speak to us.

What makes Capitalflow stand out from other lenders?

DM: It sounds like a cliché but first and foremost it’s our people. We have a 30-strong team across Ireland and it’s the strength of our collective experience along with a very competitive offering that sets us apart.

Personally I have over 30 years’ experience in NI and have seen the full cycle, from the days of free and easy access to capital during the property boom, to the deepest recession Northern Ireland has experienced in living memory. It’s this experience and

understanding of the local market that businesses appreciate and trust.

We are also offering prompt credit decisions, highly competitive loan to value ratios and the ability to completely tailor a finance solution to suit the individual business. Our flexibility is proving a very attractive business proposition for businesses.

Are you in this for the long haul?

MH: Absolutely. We are funded by London-based equity specialists Pollen Street Capital, who are a significant investor in Shawbrook Bank, a major challenger bank in the UK who specialise in corporate and commercial finance for SMEs. We have an initial £300m pot to lend to businesses and it doesn’t stop there. We have serious plans for continued development and are excited about the opportunities to truly support growth in the SME sector.

To find out more about Capitalflow Commercial Finance please call 028 7187 9245 or visit www.capitalflow.ie

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Eye on News

GEM ON THE HIGH STREET AS PANDORA OPENS FLAGSHIP STORE IN BELFAST Having received an investment of £250,000, the brandnew mega store centrally located in the Cornmarket area of Belfast is now the largest PANDORA outlet in Ireland, boasting 100 square metres of affordable luxury, with the smaller PANDORA outlet, situated on William Street, Victoria Square closing as part of the move to a bigger, more premium location.

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enerating five full time permanent jobs as well as opportunities for seasonal staff, the beautifully designed concept store, located on the former site of Tiso Camping, is officially open to the public, offering a range of high quality and hand finished jewellery, inspiring women to embrace their individuality and express their personal style at affordable prices.

Pete Boyle, franchise owner of PANDORA Belfast and chief executive of Argento said, “As a city, Belfast is a thriving shopping destination so the opening of our flagship store at Cornmarket will really amplify

our position in Northern Ireland as a leading jewellery brand.

“We had set our sights on the opening of a mega store for some time now so we are proud to make this a reality having signed a ten year lease. The sheer size of the outlet will allow us to offer an unrivalled customer experience in addition to being able to attract visiting tourists.”

Stephen FitzPatrick, PANDORA added, “The PANDORA shopping experience is key to our success. The opening of our new Belfast PANDORA Flagship store in this prime location will further strengthen our brand presence in the Belfast region,

Pete Boyle outside the new Pandora store in Belfast

whilst communicating our focus on expanding our branded sales network within Ireland. The store will allow us to continue to drive our mission to become the worlds most loved jewellery brand” Lord Mayor Brian Kingston said, “It was a delight to be invited to officially open PANDORA’s flagship store in Belfast.

The megastore is a fantastic asset

to the high street and demonstrates the confidence investors are having in our city by committing to long term leases and the creation of jobs.

“Revitalising Belfast’s city centre is a priority for the council and I am pleased that a store opening of this size will continue to increase the footfall to the Cornmarket area.”

SSE AIRTRICITY POWERS THE CARE FOR 1.5 MILLION PATIENTS WITH LANDMARK ENERGY SUPPLY CONTRACT Following a major procurement process, SSE Airtricity has emerged as the key provider of electricity and gas to the Health & Social Care Trusts (HSC) and other related HSC organisations. The deal, which is the largest energy supply contract ever to come to our market, is valued at just over £100 million.

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SE Airtricity, the region’s largest provider of wind power and second largest energy provider, now supplies ‘dual fuel’ natural gas and 100 per cent renewable electricity to the Belfast, Western, South Eastern and Northern Trusts as well as the Health & Social Care Board and the Business Services Organisation. The deal also sees SSE Airtricity supplying natural gas to the Southern Trust.

Following the tender process, SSE Airtricity is powering the care and

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wellbeing of more than 1.5 million patients attending health and social care services facilities across the region, whether in hospitals or local health centres. Over the four-year term of the contract, the total energy demand is expected to be over 2.5TWh, equivalent to the energy needed to power 350,000 homes annually.

Switching to SSE Airtricity’s 100% renewable electricity is a significant commitment for Health Trusts. The injection of a clean, green power supply into each of the Trusts cuts

Minister of Health, Michelle O’Neill, with Andrew Greer, SSE Airtricity General Manager.

harmful carbon dioxide emissions by 227,550 tonnes*, equivalent to the carbon stored by over 2,000 acres of mature rainforest** or the fuel emitted by a jet airplane circumnavigating Earth almost 50,000 times.

For the first time ever in public sector tendering, and in line with the tenyear government health framework ‘Making Life Better’, sustainability was assessed alongside price in the contract evaluation. Sustainability proposals from SSE Airtricity achieved full marks

in the tendering process. In addition to supplying 100 per cent renewable energy, SSE Airtricity will roll out a four-year Sustainability Engagement Programme, which includes a package of initiatives across each Trust and organisation that directly links to the key objectives of the ‘Making Life Better’ framework – ranging from the establishment of an annual student nursing and midwifery bursary to sponsorship of in-service energy awareness weeks amongst many other initiatives.

Eye on Events

Business owners, managers and entrepreneurs of all ages from across the borough are being encouraged to register early at www.digitaldna.org.uk/planetarium. Pictured launching DNA Digital at Armagh’s Planetarium are (from L-R) Gareth Quinn, Managing Director of Digital DNA and Councillor Garath Keating, Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, Elaine McAlinden, Economic Development Officer and Roger Wilson, Chief Executive, both from Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.

Top tech event to land at Armagh Planetarium ACBC Borough Council joins forces with Digital DNA to create exclusive world class tech event.

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rmagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has joined forces with Ireland’s leading technology event, Digital DNA, to create an exclusive, cutting-edge tech event this September.

On September 29th, the iconic Armagh Planetarium will become Northern Ireland’s biggest creative digital hub as part of a packed tech-focused programme that will drive new thinking and inspire new ideas to help advise, shape and transform new ways of working.

An enviable line-up of thought leaders from companies such as Google and Deloitte Digital alongside local success stories like Total Hockey and CDE Global will share their experience and the

digital and technology-based tools which they have used to transform their businesses to be among the best in the world.

Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, Cllr. Garath Keating, said: “Specifically designed to inform, to change minds, to drive, explore and create a platform for new ideas, Digital DNA at Armagh Planetarium will analyse and test the digital opportunities available to propel competitive advantage, reach and greater engagement.

“In a rapidly-changing environment, many local businesses are already reaping the rewards of greater digital reach and accelerating their growth using new and emerging technologies. Whether new to

the area or already engaged, this authoritative experience should not be missed.

“Growing the local economy is Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s top priority and with Digital DNA, we look forward to the new opportunities, advances and outcomes which together we can bring.”

Following the outstanding success of a similar event held at St George’s Market, Belfast, earlier this year, Digital DNA has been designed to inspire and inform local entrepreneurs and existing businesses of all sizes – and in all sectors – and help them to not only employ the best techniques to drive their organisations forward but be aware, plan and adapt to the challenges posed by the digital era.

Digital DNA’s Managing Director, Gareth Quinn, said: “Digital DNA has been a key catalyst in advancing Northern

Ireland’s entire digital landscape and we are delighted to collaborate with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council to create this unique event at one of the region’s most inspiring venues.

“We have brought together these influential thought leaders and successful companies in this unique setting to provide local businesses and entrepreneurs of every age with a real, practical and relevant understanding of how technology can help to drive growth.”

“Tickets will be limited and we expect a huge demand so be sure to check the website www.digitaldna. org.uk/planetarium and register early.”

Business owners, managers and entrepreneurs of all ages from across the borough are being encouraged to register early at www.digitaldna.org. uk/planetarium

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Eye on Finance

Danske Ready To Back Growth Plans From Ambitious Companies

Martin Murdock, Finance Director at Norbrook Laboratories, says Danske Bank’s Head of Corporate Acquisition Rory Clarke and his team have proven their capabilities from day one.

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Eye on Finance

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usinesses in every sector of Northern Ireland’s business community are busy ensuring they are in the best possible shape to deal with the uncertainty caused by the EU referendum vote to take the UK out of Europe.

Despite an uncertain macro-economic environment, Danske Bank remains confident that dynamic local businesses will continue to look for opportunities to grow during the rest of 2016 and into 2017, and the bank says it is ready to support those ambitious companies.

As Head of Corporate Acquisition at Danske Bank, Rory Clarke is focused on developing new relationships with leading businesses and their advisors across Northern Ireland. He says companies he is talking to are still looking to grow through investment in new markets, new product development or M&A transactions.

“Business owners and managers are looking to make sure their companies are as lean and efficient as possible, examining whether they have the right funding structure to meet their growth objectives in the current environment. Many still have ambitious plans in the pipeline and hopefully we are well positioned to win their business,” he says.

In what is undoubtedly a competitive corporate banking market, Clarke points to the sector specific expertise of Danske’s corporate team, the fact that decisions are made locally and products and services delivered from Northern Ireland. Alongside the quality of its systems these are some of the competitive advantages that have helped Danske become the bank of choice for a large proportion NI’s top companies.

Top 100 firms such as SHS Group, Henderson Group, Montupet, Western Horticulture, Randox Laboratories and LacPatrick Dairies have all moved to Danske Bank in recent years.

Danske was named Corporate Banking team of the year at this year’s Northern Ireland Dealmakers awards and that team has been further bolstered recently with the addition of Mark Canning, who has joined as Corporate Acquisition Manager from investment fund manager Whiterock Capital, with further recruitment expected to follow.

While the vote to take the UK out of the European Union may be creating some uncertainty, Rory Clarke says his team is confident in the business community’s ability to maintain growth.

“There are a lot of potential funding

opportunities for us in the second half of 2016 as businesses seek to expand through acquisition or investment.

We’re finding more and more companies developing new markets outside Northern Ireland, which is hugely encouraging. Danske Bank has a proven track record of supporting those businesses and, I think, a very attractive offering,” he says.

“Customers tell us they like that we have local leadership making lending decisions, that we are agile when it comes to making those decisions and that we have an innovative cash management system that helps them drive efficiencies. Danske’s relationship management also has the highest customer satisfaction rating in NI, helped by the expertise of our team and its sector specialists.”

One customer who can attest to the support offered by Danske’s corporate acquisition team is Newry based Norbrook Laboratories, a global provider of veterinary pharmaceuticals, which has been with Danske Bank since 2013.

Martin Murdock, Norbrook’s Finance Director, explains that Danske Bank is supporting Norbrook’s business growth plans in a number of ways.

“Several years ago when we reviewed who we wanted to provide Norbrook’s banking services we spent a significant amount of time considering what was appropriate for the business going forward. We took into account not only what we wanted a bank to provide for us in terms of service and agility but also who was going to manage our day to day relationship.

“Rory and the corporate acquisition team at Danske have proven from day one that they have the capability, the local authority and an experienced team in place. They are competitive and flexible in terms of product structuring, service provision and in helping to deliver solutions for our complex business needs.”

Norbrook is a global company that has a family ethos, and one that wants to work with providers who can deliver services for the company across the world if required but who can be with them on site quickly if needed. Murdock says Danske Bank, with its local CEO and autonomy to make decisions for Northern Ireland based companies in Northern Ireland, fits with Norbrook’s needs.

“Danske Bank understands our business and we have been able to build personal relationships to ensure that Rory and the corporate

“ Norbrook is constantly looking at ways to simplify our business and the platforms Danske use allow us to do that.” Martin Murdock, Finance Director at Norbrook Laboratories.”

team are an extension of the Norbrook team. We have confidence in our relationship managers and we know that when we approach Danske with an issue or a business proposal it will be dealt with promptly, efficiently and locally,” he adds.

“Danske Bank is able to provide for Norbrook the services you would expect from a modern banking institution. We, as a business are constantly looking at ways to simplify our business and the platforms Danske uses allow us to do that for our financial transactions.

The investment Danske Bank has

made in technology allows its systems to interface with ours, saving time and money for the company.”

Norbrook is constantly evolving and investing for growth. It now has a presence in 115 countries and its growth levels are currently above the market average for its industry.

North America as a region is one of the company’s largest growing markets and the companion animal market has been identified as a key growth sector.

“As we grow and develop we need a banking partner who can make decisions quickly, come up with innovative solutions and to be versatile in their delivery,” says Martin Murdock.

“As we move forward into our new financial year we are confident that the team in Danske Bank will continue to work as a supporting partner to our financial and commercial team to deliver products and services locally to meet our global needs, assist us to simplify our systems and to help us to continue to grow our business.”

Rory Clarke can be contacted on rory.clarke@danskebank.co.uk

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Eye on Cross Border Trade

UP TO €120M BUSINESS ANGEL INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE FOR NEW AND EMERGING ENTREPRENEURIAL BUSINESSES ACROSS THE ISLAND New and emerging entrepreneurial businesses across the island of Ireland have the opportunity to access between €70-€120 million worth of Business Angel funding, according to a unique report into the Business Angel market on the island, commissioned by InterTradeIreland.

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his vital source of equity finance has historically been hard to track as the market comprises individuals who invest their own money directly into ‘high-potential’ companies, some of whom are part of official Business Angel networks, while others act independently.

Grainne Lennon, operations manager for InterTradeIreland, explains: “This important research has greatly extended our knowledge of the characteristics, investment patterns, behaviours and attitudes of Business Angels active in Northern Ireland and Ireland.

“The comprehensive research drew on the views of more than 100 people from the Business Angel community, many of whom were part of the networks, principally HBAN, organised on an all-island basis and focusing on the Republic of Ireland market, and Halo NI, active for the most part in Northern Ireland.

“Our understanding of this complex market and its vast scale has allowed us to appreciate the true extent of its value.

We have determined that the ‘visible’ market value, where Business Angels openly invest in opportunities is in the region of €10 - €20 million annually, is likely to account for only

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15% of the total market. The remaining 85% of the sector takes the total market value to between €70 and €120 million annually, with approximately 330 firms benefitting from Angel investment.”

Companies with the potential to expand quickly can secure the necessary funds through Angel investment, which may be a quicker route to securing equity than more traditional methods. While there is no ‘typical’ Business Angel, as each investor’s background is different, it has been found that most Business Angels across the island are male and middle-aged.

Grainne adds: “Angels who sit within this demographic have often cultivated successful careers and may be in a better position to be able to afford to ‘risk’ funds to invest. A pattern we have noticed is that, in the majority of cases, investors are offering ‘smart money’ to growing businesses. By taking this ‘smarter’ approach, Business Angels are reaping greater, faster rewards as equity recipients are benefitting from advice, insights, knowledge and contacts.

“Investments are usually made in industries relevant to the Angel’s own background and interests with ICT and digital

industries found to be the most common sectors. Interestingly, there appears to be a modest number of ‘serial Business Angels’ across the island making multiple investments at high values. Of those surveyed, the top five most active Angels accounted for more than a quarter of investments and two-thirds of the value of investments.

“Angel investing is a risky business but, encouragingly, almost 30% of Business Angels surveyed are generating positive exits from their investments.

Patience is a necessary characteristic for investors as it can take a number of years before returns are even possible and loss-making investments are likely to emerge before profitable ones. We take the view that the number of positive exits may increase as live investments start to become profitable.”

The report also highlights that tax incentives are a crucial investment benefit, forming a key part of the case for involvement in this form of investing. Grainne confirms: “Almost half of the Business Angels surveyed reported that they would halt Angel investments if all tax incentives were removed and a third stated they would scale back if this were the case.

“ Angel investing is a risky business but, encouragingly, almost 30% of Business Angels surveyed are generating positive exits from their investments.”

Eye on Cross Border Trade

However, there are crossborder differences between the Enterprise Investment Initiative (EII) in the Republic of Ireland and the Enterprise Investment Scheme/Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS/SEIS) in Northern Ireland, with the latter consistently seen as more attractive to those in the Business Angel community on the island.

“We would take the view that while dealing with these differences in tax incentives is

important, tax is not the be all and end all of investment decisions as the quality, viability and commercial potential of the entrepreneur and the business idea; mitigating risk and maximising returns should all be taken into consideration.

“Each jurisdiction has its trends and general characteristics and the report shows how the level of cross-border Business Angel activity is modest. Investing ‘within jurisdiction’ allows each Angel easier access to entrepreneurs and logistically is seen as a simpler approach.

At present, it is not clear if tax incentives and advantages are transferable across borders in this augmenting sector.

Greater clarity is most definitely required in this respect. In

addition increasing the visibility of investors and opportunities across the border may lead to a potential increment in the level of cross border investments.

“The report has drawn additional recommendations for the market, such as the need to increase the number of Business Angels with broader investment portfolios as well as enhancing the quality of start-ups seeking finance. Strategically, positive advancements in this funding chain can be progressed if Business Angel investing is placed at the core of enterprise and economic development thinking by increasing the profile and policy-leverage of the topic, along with building cross-border opportunities and support structures around these.

“We are extremely encouraged

by the findings of this investigation into Business Angel investing across the island and InterTradeIreland will work with all relevant parties across the governmental and non-legislative spectrum to assist the realisation of this report’s recommendations.

Through successful delivery, the Business Angel community can become a more transparent source of equity finance for even more flourishing firms and individuals seeking to take their business to the next level.”

To find out more information on Business Angel investing, please visit www.intertradeireland. com/raisefinance/

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Down Royal Festival of Racing Friday 4th and Saturday 5th November 2016 Featuring the Victoria Square Best Dressed Lady Competition on JNWine.com Ladies Day – Saturday 5th November.

Book your Festival Experience now at www.downroyal.com or by telephone on 028 92621256. #downroyal

Eye on Small Business

John Friel…

Signs Of Success When I started my first small signage maintenance business in Bray in 1965, I could never have imagined that over 50 years later, I would be leading a group of businesses along with my two sons, Ian and Darren, from our adopted home town of Strabane.

Our companies include Visual Edge, our sign design and manufacturing business, which is soon to launch FabexxTM, a new range of fabric graphic systems that are specially designed to be used when regular image and graphic changes are required, without the need for specialist installers or tools.

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aving started out as an electrician with Taylor Signs back in Dublin in early 1963, I quickly developed the skills not only to install efficient signage systems, but also to design visually impactful products. That’s where the name “Visual Edge” came from – we don’t just manufacture signs, we design and develop products that help your business to edge out the competition. But it was my experience in building the business from scratch, climbing multiple ladders and squeezing many vans through the narrowest of city streets, that gave me the particular insight into how to combine the needs of the sign fitters with those of the customers who wanted to stand out from the crowd with their front of house displays. I’ve used that to develop the processes and procedures we now use to deliver the highest quality products to customers, and to change the direction of our companies to work with more specialised architects and designers.

I am particularly proud of the fact that my son Ian joined the business in 1985, followed in 1989 by my son Darren, and that both now sit on the board of Directors. Since we purchased a new site within the local industrial estate and erected a new purpose built factory in 2003, all of our signage related companies are housed together, ensuring that we

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can respond quickly and effectively to customers’ demands. But it hasn’t all been plain sailing: during my 50 years in business I’ve watched the economy expand and contract at various rates, and the recent economic downturn, with the associated collapse in the construction industry, have all affected our bottom line. No matter how optimistic I am at any point in time about the potential for recovery, I have still had to take difficult decisions to sustain my businesses and protect those who rely on us for their livelihoods. At various points over the last twenty years, this included re-shaping our relationships with people who had been direct employees, who became contracted workers and business partners. As we could not engage them on a full time basis, I invested in and supported them to develop their own small businesses, so they now continue to provide services to us but also have the independence to work for others to remain financially sustainable. It wasn’t an easy process, but the short-term pain delivered longer term gains for all of us.

And as I look ahead, that idea of investing in the future to ensure that Northern Ireland, as a region, is sustainable is what drives me to be an FSB representative. It’s the value and impact of the collective voice of 6,000 business

“ As I look ahead, that idea of investing in the future to ensure that Northern Ireland, as a region, is sustainable is what drives me to be an FSB representative. It’s the value and impact of the collective voice of 6,000 business owners, from every part of our economy and every corner of Northern Ireland, that sets FSB apart from any other business organisation.” owners, from every part of our economy and every corner of Northern Ireland, that sets FSB apart from any other business organisation. Our longstanding calls for investment in roads infrastructure is, in my opinion, a major priority if we are to support our towns and cities along the A5 and A6 routes to return to prosperity. In FSB, our mission is to help smaller business to achieve their ambitions, and I want that drive and determination to be reflected in government policy at every level.

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Eye on News

Three cheers for Mount Charles as it launches new outside events drinks division

Mike Todd, General Manager at Down Royal, Pamela Ballantine, Chair of the Hospitality Committee at Down Royal, Trevor Annon, Chairman of Mount Charles and Jim Nicholson, Chair of Down Royal.

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ount Charles has announced the launch of a new division, Mount Charles ‘Drink’ which will service bar & beverage contracts for external events.

The news comes as the company celebrated a high profile, three-year

beverage contract win with Down Royal racecourse in Lisburn, which will boost the company’s revenue by around £400,000 per annum.

The contract is a major achievement for Mount Charles, one of Ireland’s leading food service, cleaning,

security and vending companies, which has held the beverage contract for Kingspan Stadium, home of Ulster Rugby, since July 2013.

Mount Charles also won the beverage contract earlier this year for one of the biggest outdoor sporting events on

the island of Ireland; the international North West 200 motorcycle road race.

The North West 200 sees thousands of spectators and the world’s best riders descend on the north coast of Ireland for some adrenaline-fuelled fun, followed up by a cold drink in the Hospitality Tent.

Trevor Annon, Chairman and founder of Mount Charles said: “We are delighted to officially add another string to our bow in the form of this new external events beverage division, Mount Charles ‘Drink’.

“The catalyst for making the decision to create a dedicated team to beverage and bar contracts was the success of our partnership with Ulster Rugby; there has been a learning curve but I’m pleased to say that we have been able to significantly improve service and efficiency levels there since taking over almost two years ago.

“Winning the contract to supply a bar service at the prestigious Down Royal Racecourse and at a major event such as the North West 200 is testament to our service quality and provides the perfect platform on which to launch the division formally,” he added.

For more information on Mount Charles visit www.mountcharles.com

Cyber Security Experts Choose Belfast for 2017 Conference Belfast will be the host city for a major European conference on cyber security next year, Visit Belfast has revealed.

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acing stiff competition to host the 2017 Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) conference from Cork, Israel and Stockholm, Belfast finally secured the event earlier this year.

Lasting five days, the main conference venues will be the Belfast Waterfront and Hilton Belfast, with social events taking place across the city including Titanic Belfast. With over 600 delegates expected to attend, the conference is estimated to benefit the city’s hospitality, transport and conference

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sectors to a tune of £1 million.

Bringing the event to Belfast was the result of a joint bid by Invest NI, Visit Belfast and local conference ambassadors Gary Robinson and Michelle Simpson who are founders of the local OWASP Chapter.

Belfast is Europe’s leading city for new software development projects, and is home to CSIT – the UK’s largest cyber-security research centre.

Peter Harbinson from Invest NI has welcomed the opportunity to host the conference in Belfast: “With vibrant clusters and expertise in cyber security, financial software, mobile telecoms, network management, data analytics, payments technology and health IT, Northern Ireland is an ideal base to develop products, and to grow and support a European customer base.

This conference represents a fantastic opportunity to showcase all that Belfast

OWASP Belfast Representatives Gary Robinson and Michelle Simpson (middle) are joined by Invest NI’s Peter Harbinson (left) and Visit Belfast’s Laurie Scott(right) to celebrate the successful joint bid to bring the 2017 Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) conference to the Belfast.

and Northern Ireland have to offer to the European cyber security industry.”

Laurie Scott from Visit Belfast added: “We are pleased to have been able to work with Invest NI and our local ambassador Gary Robinson in attracting this conference to the city.

Our ambassador programme plays a key role in bringing conference business to the city, and Gary and Michelle have been key advocates in the Belfast bid

to host OWASP AppSec EU 2017.

“This conference represents a great opportunity not only to highlight cyber industries here, but also to showcase Belfast as a vibrant destination to visitors from all over Europe and beyond. Conference delegates will experience a warm Belfast welcome from the moment they arrive, and with an economic impact of £1 million, it is a great win for the whole city.”

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Eye on Technology

David Ribeiro & ProAxsis...

There are few companies that fit the profile of what Catalyst Inc, the former Northern Ireland Science Park, sets out to achieve as well as one of its newest tenants, ProAxsis.

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spin out from Queen’s University in Belfast, ProAxsis is developing a range of products for the capture, detection and measurement of active protease biomarkers of respiratory diseases.

The company has already attracted investment from NetScientific, a Transatlantic healthcare IP funder, which has backed companies at the forefront of biomedical and healthcare technologies, in particular spin outs from leading universities, teaching hospitals and research institutes as well as Belfast-based QUBIS, one of the very first university investment companies in the UK. ProAxsis, based until recently on Belfast’s Lisburn Road, is on the verge of moving into its brand new base at Catalyst Inc’s Concourse III, where it will join the likes of Novosco, Path XL (recently acquired

by Philips), NathHealth and GTT. “We’re really looking forward to moving in and there’s already a new energy in our team as we prepare to make the move,” says Dr. David Ribeiro, ProAxsis’ CEO and the man charged with heading up its push towards the commercialisation of its ground-breaking products.

With a PhD in Clinical Biochemistry and specialising in respiratory research, Welsh-born Ribeiro looked set for a career in academia or research but decided to join Solvay Pharmaceuticals as a medical sales representative. He later moved from Solvay to join small biotech company called Encysive, which had developed a product to treat

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pulmonary arterial hypertension. The company was later acquired by one of the giants of the pharma industry, Pfizer.

“I ended up heading one of Pfizer’s business units for a while, but to be honest, I much prefer the challenge of smaller biotech companies.”

When the chance to run ProAxsis came up, Ribeiro first had to face a few decisions with his partner.

“I was delighted when she said that she’d be happy to move over here with our young son,” he says.

“We’ve settled in Hillsborough and we’re really enjoying being here.”

ProAxsis spun out of Queen’s University back in 2013 moving into its Lisburn Road offices and building up to its current team of seven staff.

Central to the company’s focus is the continued development of a range of rapid and easy-to-use tests for measuring variopus proteases. A Protease is an enzyme which breaks down proteins and they are often called ‘nature’s molecular scissors’. The tests being developed by ProAxsis use smart molecules called Protease Tags.

In layman’s terms, these tags trap an active protease from a whole range of different patient samples and enable a visual readout of its presence.

“They are a very good measure of the progression of a particular disease,” explains Ribeiro. “And they can be effective in monitoring cancer and infections as well as respiratory diseases such as cystic fibrosis and COPD.” The tags have already been patented

by Queen’s University, but it will be the

team at ProAxsis which will take the products forward into the commercial medical world, with a concentration on respiratory conditions for now.

In addition to the Protease Tags, the ProAxsis research and development team is also working on a new lateral flow device – similar to most over the counter pregnancy test devices – capable of monitoring patients with a range of conditions.

“What we envisage is a range of easy to use tests which patients can use to keep an eye on their conditions, between doctor appointments, for example,” Ribeiro explains. “It can be an effective early warning system if anything about their health changes, and it can help avoid the need for emergency treatment when things unexpectedly go wrong.

“We’re already seeing lots of interest from academia as well as pharmaceutical companies as we work towards regulatory approval of our test for neutrophil elastase before we move on to the manufacturing process.”

Looking to the future, ProAxsis has a healthy pipeline of potential new products firmly in place, developing the Protease Tag idea to cover nonrespiratory conditions in particular.

“Once we have the tags up and working successfully, we can develop into a wide range of other areas.”

Dr. David Ribeiro heads the Pro Axsis team as CEO but the company’s two academic co-founders, Professor Brian Walker and Dr. Lorraine Martin are both still on the company’s board of directors and Professor Walker, one of the most eminent specialists in the protease field, also acts as the company’s Chief Scientific Officer. The ProAxsis board of directors is chaired by Dr. Francois Martelet, CEO if its major investor, NetScientific.

“All of our work at the moment is in preparation for entering the various marketplaces that we’re aiming for, and of course we’re hungry to get out in those markets and to start selling our products. In this industry, it all takes time but we’ve got a fantastic team in place to drive things forward.”

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Eye on News

NOVOSCO COMPLETES MAJOR ACQUISITION FOR GROWTH Novosco, the market-leading managed cloud provider, has announced the acquisition of specialist IT security solutions and managed services expert NetDef.

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he seven-figure deal will see Novosco increase its workforce to 140 and add a world-class security specialism to its highly-regarded service offering.

Cheshire-based NetDef counts a number of metropolitan police forces, NHS trusts and financial services organisations amongst its client-base, in addition to two Premier League football clubs. Its other customers include businesses such as Warburtons and Village Hotels.

Novosco is one of the fastest growing technology businesses in the UK and Ireland, with existing offices in Belfast, Manchester, Dublin and Cork. Its clients include many of the UK’s largest health trusts, universities, and housing associations, over 50 percent of Northern Ireland’s top 100 companies, and some of the largest organisations in the Republic of Ireland.

The acquisition of NetDef, which will continue to trade under its existing name, is intended to help accelerate Novosco’s rapid expansion in the English market in particular.

Novosco managing director, Patrick McAliskey, said: “NetDef is a wellestablished provider of network and security solutions to some of the UK’s most high-profile organisations, and its expertise and competence have seen it

Dave and Sue Beesley of NetDef with John Lennon and Patrick McAliskey of Novosco at NetDef’s offices in Cheshire.

entrusted with data and projects of the utmost public sensitivity. Working with Dave Beesley and his expert team will provide Novosco with added scale, and an important new dimension to our service offering as we seek to further grow our business across the UK and Ireland.”

NetDef managing director, Dave Beesley, said: “Novosco is a business that we have long admired, and we felt that there was a very strong cultural alignment between the two companies. The complementary expertise that we have will allow us to further enhance and deepen the services that we offer to existing and new clients.

Honorary Degree For Terry Cross Terry Cross has received the honorary degree of Doctor of Science (DSc) for his distinguished services to business.

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warded the First Trust Bank/Ulster University Distinguished Graduate of the Year Award in 2007, Terry is one of Northern Ireland’s most successful entrepreneurs.

In 1981 he established Delta Print & Packaging above a corner shop in west Belfast and from these humble origins, has overseen the growth of the company into a multi-millionpound global business. Employing hundreds of people, Delta now produces packaging for

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some of the world’s largest brands including McDonald’s, Kellogg’s and Nestlé. Last year the company opened the doors to an additional manufacturing facility in Poland.

In 2000 Terry purchased the 17th century Château de La Ligne vineyard near Bordeaux and has become a renowned wine-maker.

Terry is President of the British Red Cross in Northern Ireland and is actively involved in a number of community projects. He was awarded an OBE in the 2016 New Year’s honours list for services to the economy and voluntary service to the community in Northern Ireland.

Delta Print was recently sold to Huhtamaki, a Finnish based packaging company.

We very much look forward to working with Patrick, John and their team.”

Founded by Dave Beesley in 1996, NetDef employs 20 people and has an annual turnover of more than £4million. It has a purpose-built headquarters in Cheshire, with state-of-the-art customer facilities.

Novosco, founded by Patrick McAliskey and John Lennon, was recently ranked as one of the UK’s top companies to work for by the Sunday Times Best Companies for the fourth year in a row. It has been ranked as one of the island of Ireland’s fastest growing technology businesses by Deloitte for an unprecedented 16th year in succession.

Eye on News

‘Climb Everest’ Event Raises Over £8,000 For Friends Of The Cancer Centre A team of 11 from Barclays Bank has raised over £8,000 for Friends of the Cancer Centre by running up Stormont hill in East Belfast recently a grueling 181 times. They completed the challenge, which in terms of distance is equivalent to the vertical ascent required to conquer Mount Everest from sea level, 8,848 metres, in just less than 6 hours.

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riends of the Cancer Centre, which is based at Belfast City Hospital, has been funding life-saving and life-changing projects for over 30 years. In the last year alone, Friends of the Cancer Centre has put nearly £1.4 million back into the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre.

Colleen Shaw, Chief Executive of Friends of the Cancer Centre, thanked the team and explained the importance of fundraising: “We would like to say a huge thank you to the team of colleagues from Barclays for their support. They put themselves

through something that is very physically demanding to help others. The ‘Climb Everest Challenge’ was undoubtedly a tough experience and every ascent of the hill has assisted in raising money to further the work we do to support cancer patients locally.

“Our work focuses on three key areas - clinical care, patient comfort and care, and research – which all directly impact on patients and staff in the hospital. From funding 28 additional doctors, nurses and researchers, to providing thousands of cups of tea and

Pictured (L-R) are Paul Davies, Barclays bank; Colleen Shaw, Chief Executive of Friends of the Cancer Centre; Jane McEvoy and Christopher Murray from Barclays bank.

coffee for patients throughout the hospital, everything we do makes a big difference to thousands of patients. All of this would not be possible without the support of people like the team from Barclays.”

Paul Davies, Cash Management Specialist, Barclays added: “We were keen to create an innovative way to raise funds for Friends of the Cancer Centre. Climbing

Everest must be one of the hardest physical challenges to undertake so we thought why not in some way try to replicate it. The hill at Stormont is synonymous for its steepness and as a prominent local landmark it seemed to be the perfect location.

“On behalf of all the team I would like to say a massive thankyou to all those who supported us and made a donation.”

complement each other’s in such a way that improved the efficiency and support that we could provide for our clients.

We are really excited to now provide a Scottish base for Happening, and look forward to our continued relationship with Glasgow City Marketing Bureau.”

Director of Intelligent Events, Celia Lloyd, said: “This is a great opportunity for us and puts us in the position of being able to provide the necessary skills and increased level of resources to

support association conferences throughout the UK and Ireland and especially in the Scottish market.”

Anne and Celia have delivered events for over 60 associations including the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology, the Commonwealth Law Conference, the European Association for Urogenital Radiologists, the Atomic Layer Deposition Conference and the International Symposium for Paediatric Neuro Oncology.

Happening Conferences & Events Expands Into Scottish Market One of Northern Ireland’s leading events companies Happening Conferences and Events - is set to expand into the Scottish market after absorbing Dunblane-based Intelligent Events into its operations.

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s a result of the merger, Happening Conferences and Events will now operate from offices in Belfast, Dublin, London, Liverpool and now Dunblane in Scotland.

The move, which is part of a strategy targeting association conferences in Scotland, also brings together two of the UK’s most experienced events management professionals.

Jointly Anne Doherty of Happening and Celia Lloyd

of Intelligent Events have over 45 years’ experience of managing conferences in the UK, Europe and North America.

Managing Director of Happening Conferences and Events, Anne Doherty, said: “As well as knowing each other through the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO), Celia and I have also worked together on a number of projects over the past few years. We came to realise that our skills

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Eye on Investment

Pictured with the 2016 ‘Fly or Die’ Graduate winner Deepak Samson are Councillor Uel Mackin, Chairman of the Development Committee and Aisling Owens from Lisburn Enterprise Organisation. Deepak created ‘The Smart Hub

LOOKING TO INVEST? LOOK @INVEST_LCCC An ambitious and entrepreneurial city, Lisburn Castlereagh has a proven track record of attracting, encouraging and developing successful enterprise, from fledging startups to global inward investment companies.

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he Lisburn Castlereagh area has plenty to offer and is Northern Ireland’s best connected, business friendly city. Its pivotal location on the main M1 motorway and Belfast to Dublin Economic Corridor is

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a key driver for inward investment, and an ideal location for working and living – adjoining the city of Belfast with all the amenities of a large city but with the charm of rural Northern Ireland.

The City’s connectivity makes it easier to move products, source supplies, access a work force and reach by road, air and sea customers across the British Isles, Europe and the rest of the world.

Many businesses cite the convenient location and high quality workforce as the main reasons they have chosen to set up in Lisburn Castlereagh.

Add to this superior broadband connections and businesses have the perfect combination. Lisburn Castlereagh has been rated by Ofcom, the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries, as being

one of the best connected Cities in the UK in terms of broadband provision.

A wide variety of multinational companies such as drinks manufacturer Coca-Cola HBC, advanced engineering companies ASSA ABLOY, Bombardier and Montupet are located within the Council area and deliver high specification products and competitive prices to their extensive network of customers across the world.

The area is not only attractive to multi-national companies it is home to a cluster of successful high tech indigenous companies producing a range of products and services from cloud computing solutions to advanced diagnostic electronic devices. This includes Cirdan Imaging, Leckey, Arcatech, Xperience Group and Seven Technologies Group. The

growth in these sectors is supported by access to high speed broadband and to a skilled workforce.

Local Business Insights Coca- Cola HBC NI’s state of the art facility in Lisburn produces, distributes, markets and sells a wide range of soft drinks to an allIreland market taking advantage of Lisburn’s ideal location and excellent road connections.

Montupet delivers aluminium cylinder head products into engine plants in the UK, France, Turkey, Romania, South Africa and China in the world. The Lisburn plant points to the quality of the local workforce and excellent transport

Eye on Investment EDM Spanwall is another great example of a local company punching above its weight. Through the development of its innovative cladding solutions for buildings the company is now competing on a world stage, from the award winning rebuild of St Pancreas Station in London to the highly intricate façade on the Titanic signature building in Belfast.

infrastructure as key to compete with facilities from Bulgaria to India.

ASSA ABLOY is the global leader in door opening solutions and includes world leading brands Chubb and Yale. The Lisburn facility has delivered very high specification doors to the Shard building, Emirate Stadium, the O2 entertainment venue, Kings Cross Station and the Olympic Stadium in London – thanks to Lisburn Castlereagh’s skilled workforce and excellent logistics.

The Right Property

Helios is an excellent example of a fast growing ICT businesses which has found Lisburn Castlereagh an excellent base from which to grow. The company moved to the area because of lower property costs and the ease of commuting for key members of the team. Helios points to the excellent broadband in the area, ease of access to customers in Belfast, Dublin and (via two easily accessible local airports) to London and elsewhere.

Within the Council area there are a range of properties to suit every business, with business parks including serviced greenfield sites and high quality ‘grow on’ space with office/ warehouse/workshop flexibility.

New office properties are available in the City Centre for technology and professional service companies; and further business parks and office developments are due to come forward in the next few years as the Council progresses the next stages of its City Centre Masterplan.

Advanced Engineering

Food and Drink

• International and local companies such as DM Dust and Bombardier deliver high specification products at competitive price, quality and delivery.

• Whether you’re a food or drink manufacturer, an equipment manufacturer, a packaging company or a food and drink distributor, Lisburn Castlereagh provides everything you need to develop and expand your business.

• Lisburn Castlereagh has an excellent supply of business parks with fast links to road and rail across the island of Ireland and is a short distance from two main airports and seaports.

• Lisburn Castlereagh has a high skilled educated workforce and offers competitive operating costs that are amongst the lowest in the UK and Europe.

• Access to an extensive range of shipping companies to ensure on time deliveries.

• Existing businesses include the PRM Group, Hilden Brewery and Ruby Blue which are flourishing.

• The market opportunity for new investors is highly attractive.

• Lisburn Castlereagh’s road and rail connections allow fast access across Ireland and it is located critically close to airports and seaports for distribution to the UK and beyond.

Support for the Investment Agenda The Council’s Business Solutions Team is focused on driving forward the economic growth of the area by encouraging new business start-up, business growth, job creation and enhanced business performance.

It offers a wide range of business support programmes and tailored events to SMEs located in the Council area which provide hands-on, practical and relevant support. Current initiatives support pre start-up activity, innovation, promotion of Graduate entrepreneurship and one to one mentoring for businesses with ambitious growth plans - the Business Solutions Team can support every stage.

Businesses wishing to relocate to the Council area or expand their current operations can access the Council’s unique ‘Soft Landing Programme’ providing a package of incentives and information making the transition as smooth as possible. The Council has high calibre support from banks, law

Renewable Engineering and Energy • Lisburn Castlereagh’s high quality precision engineering and composites expertise hold significant potential for this sector.

• The engineering, technological and construction expertise makes Lisburn Castlereagh the ideal location for businesses with an intention to work within the renewables and energy supply chain.

• Lisburn Castlereagh is located close to the UK’s first bespoke offshore wind installation and assembly terminal was created at nearby Belfast Harbour for DONG Energy and the world’s first full-scale commercial, grid connected, tidal turbine - Seagen, owned

by MCT/Siemens – which is currently being tested in Strangford Lough

firms, estate agents, recruitment agencies, accountants, IT specialists and the local further education college.

This unique programme of incentives and information for prospective companies form part of Lisburn Castlereagh’s pro-business welcoming culture.

The Council also now funds the Regional Start Initiative locally, better known as the ‘Go for It’ Programme. This national business start-up programme for Northern Ireland helps would-be entrepreneurs develop a bespoke business plan to help progress their business idea. Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is leading on the procurement for a new Council led Northern Ireland wide business start-up programme.

Key Sectors Through this new innovative investment programme, the Council in partnership with local organisations would like to attract companies from the following sectors that can avail of these detailed benefits.

High Technology and ICT • Lisburn Castlereagh’s growth as a centre for high tech/ICT businesses is driven by access to high speed broadband, a skilled workforce and excellent connections to customers across the UK and Europe.

• Lisburn Castlereagh also builds international companies e.g. the Camlin Group. It owns a number of companies with a range of separate businesses in the engineering and scientific market sectors operating around the globe. The product range is extensive and diverse and is also being continually enhanced by both in-house development and acquisition.

• Lisburn Castlereagh is one of the best-connected cities in the UK in terms of broadband provision.

Business and Professional Services • A thriving cluster of professional service companies is already established in the Lisburn Castlereagh area.

• Lisburn Castlereagh is a highly attractive opportunity for small and medium sized facilities with a pro-business support programme and new property options coming forward.

• The Council’s innovative ‘Soft Landing programme’ involves local professional firms, the Chamber of Commerce and the local college working with incoming businesses to provide free advice and help them integrate into the local business community.

• Our people are the key attraction. Business and professional service companies locating in Lisburn Castlereagh have access to well-educated people who have a professional attitude and strong work ethic.

eagh?

Why Choose Lisburn Castler

Access to highly skilled people, lower property and wage costs, less traffic congestion and excellent transportation links, access to high speed broadband and a proactive, entrepreneurial council.

To find out more log on to: www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/business_solutions www.investlisburncastlereagh.com

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Eye on Style

Connected...

A New Era For Swiss Watches The idea of a watch that doubles up as a kind of mini-laptop (‘wristtop’ perhaps) isn’t new. Apple, after all, got their first with the Apple watch. But Apple’s device, however clever, has gained few fans amongst watch afficianados.

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here are still many of us, it seems, who don’t rely on our phones to tell the time and who prefer our watch to carry a recognised brand name. And it’s always best if that brand name happens to be Swiss.

Enter TAG Heuer, the leading edge Swiss watchmaker with a reputation for being a bit less conservative than some of the other Alpine brand names.

The company has been taking the market by storm with its TAG Heuer Connected range, a line-up of smart watches starting in price at £1,100. It’s a price tag which opens up all sorts of potential markets, and the same can be said of the watch itself... trendy, upbeat and highly practical at the same time.

The TAG Heuer Connected is being sold here exclusively by the company reponsible for selling more luxury watches around these parts than any other, Lunn’s The Jewellers. And the Belfast-based firm has enlisted the help of a powerful ambassador.

Suzanne Lunn, Marketing Director at Lunn’s commented, “Digital technology has become so important to many aspects of our daily lives. Yet, there has been a gap between this technology and luxury watches. It is so exciting to see them combined so successfully in the TAG Heuer Connected watch. Lunn’s were the first business in Ireland to sell the Connected, and have been blown away by the demand for it in store and online.”

Ulster & Ireland rugby captain Rory Best has been putting the TAG Heuer Connected through its paces during the last Ulster campaign and throughout Ireland’s

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Richard Buckley and Rory Best

summer tour to South Africa, which included that memorable June victory over the Springboks in Cape Town.

“I love the fact that it’s lightweight, but also the way it looks,” says Rory. “The TAG simply doesn’t look like most people’s idea of a smart watch. In fact, at first glance, very few can tell that it’s anything different from a normal luxury watch.

“I’ve used it for apps, I’ve used it for calls, and I’ve used it to keep an eye on my schedule.....to check where I’m supposed to be on an hour to hour basis. To have that kind of information on your wrist is pretty amazing.”

The TAG Heuer Connected is a highly flexible piece of wristwear. It’s based on the highly popular TAG Heuer Carrera, so it looks as good as any TAG, yet it comes with touchscreen technology and access to thousands of mini-apps.

It works by way of a partnership between TAG Heuer, Intel and Google, and it comes with a small microphone to allow communication with apps such as Google Fit and Google Maps. And, on the aesthetic front, it also comes with a choice of coloured rubber straps (green, red and the best-

selling orange among them) or – for the most traditional customer – leather versions.

One thing users will have to get used to is the concept of charging their watches. The TAG has a battery life of about 24 hours following a 2-hour charge, comparable to most modern smart phones.

And the target market? “It’s not all about younger customers, although they love the new TAG Connected,” says Brian O’Kane, Manager of Lunn’s Victoria Square store. “We’ve had interest from a really wide range of different customers. In fact, we’ve been struggling to match demand with available stock.

“What impressed the customers most?

The way that the watch looks and how functional and easy to use it really is.”

The TAG Heuer Connected Watch is available now exclusively in Northern Ireland at Lunn’s, Victoria Square and online at Lunns.com and is priced from £1100. www.lunns.com www.tagheuerconnected.com

Eye on Brexit

Eye on Brexit Comment

Business Eye asked...

In the wake of the historic Brexit vote on 23rd June, are you optimistic or pessimistic about the prospects for business and the economy in Northern Ireland? What are the likely effects on your business sector?

Barry Smyth, MCS

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’m incredibly optimist, but despite the Brexit vote, not because of it. Brexit continues to have the potential to damage the NI economy significantly over the coming period. However, as owner of a business that opened in July 2008 and spent its formative years operating in our worst economic conditions for a century, yet still achieving profitability and growth, I remain optimistic that businesses in Northern Ireland can find a way to grow and succeed whatever the conditions.

In our position as a consultancy working across a wide range of sectors, from technology to professional services, agi-food to engineering, we are seeing a very high level of resilience from businesses across the board.

This resilience has been built up after years of taking knocks, but still ploughing ahead. It is demonstrated by the ‘we’re just going to get on with it’ mentality demonstrated since the

vote, despite the majority of business leaders not wanting to leave the EU. This mentality shows that in Northern Ireland we will not give up because conditions might get tough.

For our own sector, specialist recruitment, the impact of Brexit will be seen over the coming years. So far, businesses have continued hiring and indeed our own new business levels have increased significantly since Brexit. However, I do expect there to be an impact and to benefit from it. Tougher economic conditions, if they come, will again shake up our industry and those firms who provide the highest quality service, have the strongest relationships and add the most value will succeed, even in a downturn. At MCS Group, we are continually striving to set the standard for our industry and we are confident that this approach will ensure we thrive, whatever we are faced with.

Dr Norman Apsley OBE, CEO Catalyst Inc

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t’s now some weeks since I woke to the shattering news that the great British public had voted us out of the EU. I went into shock, thinking how I and others in research, had spent the last forty years with Margaret Thatcher’s exhortation “I’ve given our [DTI] research money to the EU, now boys go and get it back” ringing in our ears. And we did, especially in Northern Ireland, much of our research investment now comes from EU funds. In addition I can’t think of a major road or bridge or trunk fibre that hasn’t needed substantial EU funds to complete.

Coming out of shock, I hear our current Prime Minister and our own First Minister saying we must find the opportunities. By my thinking, the Bank of England has played a blinder, they have achieved a 15% devaluation without needing anybody’s by your leave and kept the worst panic out of our important markets. The most go-ahead local companies have seized the day and made more sales of innovative products into the Middle East, India, China and beyond. Investors in those countries are scouring sterling assets for more affordable acquisitions in which to invest. Good news, if they do as good

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a job as Tata has done with Jaguar-Landrover.

There was much wringing of hands and gnashing of teeth at the Japanese acquisition of ARM, arguably one of the UK’s most innovative companies, but who among us bought their product as a base for solutions, or what about our local equivalents, Picopuf (INVENT 2015 winner) or Amphion Semiconductors, which are both spin outs from Queens University – how many companies locally are utilising their world leading products?

What now can/must we do now we’ve recovered from the shock?

Well the same things as the Indians, the Japanese and the Chinese, really, but at an accelerated pace; scour our research assets for locally controlled inventions and innovate them into products, identify markets that are ready for our innovations and build an intense and inclusive culture of entrepreneurialism.

Last but not least we must act to free up our bureaucratic processes, remembering of course that while we blamed the EU, we ourselves were not the top of the EU tree when it came to high speed action-decision cycles!

Lorraine Hall, Sales And Marketing Director, Kestrel Foods Kestrel Foods Ltd is a family run business at the forefront of the market for premium quality dried fruit and nut snacks which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The company’s Forest Feast and Acti-Snack brands are made up of more than 160 unique flavour combinations.

It exports to 36 countries worldwide and imports from the Far East and South America.

Sales and Marketing Director, Lorraine Hall says: “Brexit introduces uncertainty for us in relation to exchange rates, routes to market, possible trade tariffs and ongoing access to foreign national employees. Already the weakness of Sterling against the Dollar is forcing commodity prices upwards. We are unsure if Sterling will stabilise

or if financial turbulence will become the norm until a deal is negotiated for GB to leave the EU. “Currently we trade easily with the EU and despatch to the ROI market on a daily basis with the same paperwork as we would use to despatch to the UK. We also trade with a large number of countries outside of the EU but the despatch process is much more arduous requiring the involvement of external Government agencies for a range of certifications.

“It is difficult to imagine how this level of administration would be manageable for us if complex paperwork was required to despatch to all EU countries.

“The local agrifood sector is worth more than £4.6bn so it’s imperative that fresh trading deals that open up clear routes to market are arrived at as soon as possible.

“The Brexit vote has introduced many more challenges than we would have chosen to face but we remain confident and committed to the task ahead and hopeful that our Assembly will strive to ensure that the transition to non EU membership will be as smooth as possible.”

Deirdre Heenan, University of Ulster

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s the dust is beginning to settle on the UK”s biggest political decision in a generation, higher education is one of the many sectors coming to terms with an exit from the European Union. Whilst we are grappling with the implications and consequences, we are also seeking assurances and highlighting our concerns.

As key stakeholders in society and outward facing institutions, universities cannot sit on the sidelines when an issue of such magnitude is being considered.

During the referendum campaign, every university in the UK indicated that they were against a BREXIT. There were multiple reasons for this including research funding, research collaborations, networks, access to European research facilities, equipment and the free movement of staff and students.

Against a backdrop of a sharp decrease in government financial support for research, EU funding is particularly important to universities. The current Framework Funding programme, Horizon 2020 is the

largest funding stream in the world, with a budget of €74.8bn. Both universities in Northern Ireland have performed very well in terms of attracting EU funding.

As well as the financial support, it would be difficult to assess the added value of participating in these projects in terms of, networks, the ability to scale up and collaboration with international partners.

It is crucial that we establish the potential loss of research income arising from Brexit and ensure our universities have sufficient public funding to continue to be global in their outlook, internationallynetworked and an attractive, welcoming destination for staff and students across Europe. We must prioritise securing openings for our students and researchers to access vital pan-European programmes and establish new global networks.

There are opportunities for our universities to show leadership and be at the forefront of shaping our post-Brexit society. In a policy vacuum, it is essential that we are constructive, positive and proactive.

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Eye on Brexit

WHY WE MUST HAVE A SEAT AT BREXIT TALKS How will Brexit impact the agrifood industry here? Sam Butler talked to Francis Martin, BDO Partner, a member of the AgriFood Strategy Board and the recently elected President of the British Chambers of Commerce.

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rancis Martin believes that “strong leadership, a pragmatic approach, and unity” will be needed to plot a future course for the agri-food industry here in the months and years ahead. He insists that Northern Ireland must have a seat at the UK national Brexit negotiations.

His forthright views are based on a wealth of experience gained from advising local food companies and as one of the authors of Going for Growth, the Agri-Food Strategy Board’s strategic action plan.

Mr. Martin says a collaborative approach between the Northern Ireland Executive and the local industry is essential because “we haven’t quite worked out yet what Brexit is going to look like”. “What we have to do now is to move on and endeavour to make the best of things and especially to recognise the opportunities which the new economic landscape will present.

“We’ve got to approach the new situation constructively and positively deal with the challenges ahead for one of our most important industries. We must ensure that agri-food here receives the priority consideration that it deserves. Food and drink, one of our largest and most dynamic industries, generates around £5 billion per annum and employs 100,000 people across an extensive supply chain.

He adds the stakes are certainly “worryingly high”. “But we are where we are. We clearly face a period of uncertainty, perhaps longer than many Brexit supporters expect. The hoped-for new trade agreements, especially beyond the

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European Union, will take some considerable time to negotiate.

“It’s imperative that priority be given to efforts to secure tariff-free access to the market we know best – the European Economic Area - and the destination for 60 per cent of our food and drink exports. This is the best, perhaps the only way, to limit damage to the industry and the wider economy particularly in the short to medium terms.”

He fears the anticipated increase in exports from a much weaker sterling could also prove to be short lived.

And any business relying on imported ingredients for products would be unlikely to see any real benefits from a cheaper currency abroad.

“Trade negotiations, furthermore, could pose a serious threat to the industry, because agri-food is well down the UK government’s pecking order. Trade-offs with developing markets could see our food losing out to cheaper foreign imports especially in sectors such as meat and dairy which are strategically important to the Northern Ireland economy in terms of employment and sales abroad,” he continues.

The local industry, he adds, is conscious of this threat. “It is essential, therefore, that all the relevant bodies pull together to collaborate and co-operate with

the Executive in developing a new policy framework and especially in pressuring the UK government to ensure that its future is safeguarded.

“Equally, we must moderate the hope of many farmers that leaving the EU will lead to the scrapping of bureaucracy and the regulations impacting their operations. It’s very unlikely that this is going to happen.

EU states will continue to require that food products from Britain comply with the regulations.

“They are certainly not going to accept that their producers should be disadvantaged as a result of the removal of regulations that apply to their operations. Put simply, we won’t be allowed to rewrite the regulations to our benefit. What we must do is to look closely at measures that buttress the industry’s efficiency and productivity.”

He is convinced that by far the best course for the Northern Ireland agrifood industry, particularly in the short term, would be a much sharper focus on opportunities within Great Britain, still our biggest marketplace and one heavily dependent on food and drink imports from beyond the UK. “I believe this should be a realistic and achievable plan. Our companies, both large and small and across most sectors, have an impressive track record, not least

measured by our performance in prestigious competitions such as the UK Great Taste Awards, the Top 50 Foods, and the UK Quality Food and Drink Awards.

“We have innovative and tasty products and progressive service with tremendous potential. We should consider new initiatives to assist them to win worthwhile business in our most important and closest market. This means a greater and better-resourced engagement with existing and potential customers there. We have an advantage. And it is time to seize the opportunity. A joined-up approach to marketing the industry, supported by the Northern Ireland Executive, will be key,” he insists.

Another area requiring a sharp focus is employment. “Both foodservice and food manufacturing here rely heavily on workers from across Europe to keep business moving forward. Thousands of Europeans are required to keep both alive. They are diligent workers who put in long hours doing jobs that many locals are reluctant to even consider. It’s still not entirely clear what will happen to these employees when the UK leaves the EU within the next few years. They need to be assured of a long-term and rewarding future here,” he says.

Eye on Brexit

Time To Draw A Line Under Knee-Jerk Reaction To Brexit

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hile some stragglers at the back may still be running, the race to sound the death knell for the local commercial property market following the EU referendum vote seems to be over. And, rightly so.

While there’s no doubting the uncertainty initially created, the rush by some business and industry commentators alike to predict a doomsday scenario for the sector since the vote has been hugely premature.

Timing was an important factor as far as the EU vote was concerned, coming as it did on the eve of what is traditionally a very quiet month for Northern Ireland business in general – and the commercial property sector in particular.

Thankfully, over two months since the UK went to the polls and voted to leave the EU, the evidence on the ground has begun to emerge that the worst fears about Brexit have been more of a filler for the newspapers rather than a killer where the commercial property market is concerned.

It would obviously be foolish to argue that the uncertainty caused by the Brexit vote is anything but harmful to the market, but a look at recent announcements across the commercial property sector reveal very

David McNellis is a Director of Belfast-based commercial property agency Lisney, which works on behalf of many of Northern Ireland’s most significant investors and developers as well as major retailers and businesses. In his 30th year with the firm, David assesses the current condition of the local commercial property market. definite grounds for future optimism.

The hotel sector is perhaps flying the flag as well as any, with more than 20 hotel projects currently at various stages of development across Belfast.

Just last month we had the announcement from major hotel chain Marriott that it will build its first hotel in Northern Ireland at the City Quays development in Belfast Harbour, with the £20m project due to open in early 2018.

This news came hot on the heels of planning permission being granted for a four-storey boutique hotel at Bank Square in Belfast city centre, a scheme which was first announced in August last year. Planners also gave the green light for a four-storey extension to the Holiday Inn Express on University Street, which will provide 60 new bedrooms.

When you consider the new, £4m Bullitt Hotel is due to open in October, it is clear that the

hotel sector is in rude health.

The business pages of last month’s newspapers also made for positive reading for the residential property market, with the latest Northern Ireland House Price Index report revealing that the house price index increased by 3.8% between Q1 and Q2 of 2016.

This news came in the same week as it was reported that the second phase of luxury, newly-refurbished apartments at the Obel building in Belfast city centre is now being offered for sale. This release of the high-end units is the latest stage of the ongoing £2m upgrade of Ireland’s tallest building, with the first phase of apartments now sold out.

The retail sector has been buoyed recently by a number of new openings, including Stradivarius taking the former Clinton Cards unit on Donegall Place, Moss Bros in Castle Lane, Patisserie Valerie on Donegall Square West and Pandora at Cornmarket.

A quick glance up Donegall Place shows that there are far fewer vacancies than was the case three years ago. A very welcome evolution indeed to the city centre landscape.

Looking at the Belfast office market, it’s clear that demand is still strong despite the worries about a Brexitinfluenced weakening. Prime office rents have risen in recent months which is a trend I see continuing.

Despite this shift Belfast will still be among the most competitive in the UK. Demand for office space continues to hugely outstrip supply and the need for new product is as great as ever. There is clear evidence that developers are reacting to the prevailing market dynamic with several refurbishment schemes underway.

New Grade A product however is still as easy to find as ‘hen’s teeth’.

As is often the case, the truth about the current condition of the local commercial property sector lies below the surface but it is fair to say that, across the retail, office, hotel and residential sectors, the details are painting a positive picture.

It’s time to draw a line under the collective knee-jerk reaction to the EU vote and concentrate on growing the market further.

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Eye on Brexit

The Value Of The Management Accountant In A Post-Brexit World We live and work in an uncertain world. The out-workings of the Brexit illustrate how complex and inter-related business on this island actually is. It is therefore an opportune time to be or become a CIMA qualified management accountant according to Roger Acton, Head of CIMA Ireland…

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he CIMA qualification enables professionals to account for the business as a whole as distinct from accounting simply for the balance sheet. This is what would differentiate CIMA from other accountancy qualifications. CIMA qualified professionals apply the principles of management accounting to business for sustainable success. As such, the qualification is strategic and forward looking in nature with an emphasis on the sourcing, analysis, communication and use of relevant financial and nonfinancial information. It provides for integrated thinking that cuts through silos and analyses financial and non-financial data drawn from internal and external resources such as social, financial and economic data. This helps to connect the strategy to the business model and balances short term interests against longer term interests and therefore enhances overall business value.

All-island network One of the key strengths of CIMA Ireland is its network of committed members and the opportunities CIMA can offer not just in terms of the qualification and events but also for career development and support. Our Northern Area and allisland events underpins the value of membership. CIMA is providing forums that resonate with both the membership and the wider business community and our keynote leadership events are delivering relevance and value. For example, Moy Park CEO, Janet McCollum FCMA, CGMA addressed a gathering of the local business community

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at the CGMA Leaders in Business briefing in Belfast earlier this year.

Global alliances Sharon McCue, who is Deputy Chair of CIMA Ireland and Director of Finance and ICT at the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service reinforces this viewpoint: “We are seeing unprecedented demand for CIMA qualified professionals to engage in the best planning and decision making for businesses and public sector organisations, not just here, but across the world. The CIMA qualification is forward-looking in emphasis and this aligns with CIMA’s focus on building global alliances.

The recent endorsement by the CIMA membership of the long-term strategy to create a new association with the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) will undoubtedly lead to enhanced opportunities underpinning the global mobility of the qualification for our members.

Not only do our members benefit from all the values of CIMA but they will benefit additionally from the combined strength of the two organisations with over 600,000 current and next-generation professionals. Given the province’s already strong relationship with so many companies in the United States, this evolution of our joint venture with the AICPA will give CIMA and the CGMA designation even greater recognition and relevance to US businesses.”

Managing complexities of changing economic landscape The gathering wave of digital technology presents a further opportunity for CIMA members

according to Patrick Barr, who represents CIMA Ireland on the CIMA Global Council and is Head of Financial Planning and Support at the NI Department of Justice. According to Mr. Barr, in a world where digitisation causes increasing commoditization the quality of decision making is to the fore in terms of unlocking business potential.

“In a digital world, intangibles are the drivers of value that can give a business the edge, allowing it to outperform its competitors and this includes quality decision making. Recent CIMA research shows how management accountants partner with business managers. They contribute to decision making and performance

management by bringing not only their accounting and analysis tool kit; their overview of the business and their professional objectivity but, most significantly, their ability to participate in conversations, asking the right questions and joining up the dots. It is these collaborative conversations that lead to the insights needed to improve performance and that will help manage the complexities of the changing economic landscape that businesses are now facing,” concludes Mr Barr.

For information on CIMA Ireland visit cimaireland.com

Eye on Brexit

ASM’s Cross Border Series is a huge success

The ASM team and panelists.

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n the months leading up to the referendum, ASM Chartered Accountants, the award-winning accountancy firm, played an integral role informing local businesses on the financial implications that Northern Ireland would face in the incidence of a Brexit.

The seminars, which formed part of ASM’s ongoing ‘Cross Border Bureau’ series, took place in Newry, Belfast and Cookstown, with over 220 prominent businesses in attendance.

Wendy Austin, who presents BBC Radio Ulster’s ‘Inside Business’ programme

Caroline Keenan, Director, ASM Chartered Accountants is pictured with Michael Stewart from HMRC and Leanne Hillock from ASM.

Sean Coyle, Keystone is pictured alongside Michael McAllister, Director, ASM alongside Mark Cuskeran from SDC Trailers and Mark McNeill, Director, ASM.

chaired the debates, alongside lead panelist Michael McAllister, Director in ASM. The panels at each event were made up of well-known business people from the world of hospitality, professional services, manufacturing, building and the public sector.

Following the ‘Leave’ vote, ASM Chartered Accountants is planning a series of further events as part of the Cross Border Series informing businesses on a range of pertinent issues which Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will face in the coming months and years.

The panelists at the Cross Border Bureau Brexit seminar in Newry debate the hot-topic.

Michael McAllister, Director, ASM and Paul McMahon, BCTC and CastleCourt Director.

Fiona Fearon alongside Catriona Gorham and Majella Hughes all from ASM Chartered Accountants.

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Eye on Engineering

Health Check: The Pulse of Engineering

We speak with Kirsty Dillon, Head of Technical and Engineering Recruitment at MCS Group, about the current health of the Engineering and Manufacturing industries, discussing what makes Northern Ireland such a great location for businesses, the latest trends in skillset demand and the post-Brexit announcement landscape.

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Eye on Engineering

As someone with great visibility across the Manufacturing and Engineering markets, can you give us an overview of what’s happening right now in Northern Ireland?

We’re seeing continued growth over a wide range of sectors, including heavy engineering, advanced manufacturing and agri food. The summer period has been especially busy, and we’ve noticed a lot of activity across the board, with businesses continuing to thrive on their ability to react quickly to market changes. Companies who have invested in setting up new operations or expanding existing operations here continue to see great success too. In particular, I’d say skillsets across Mechanical, Electrical and Design Engineering, particularly in mid-ulster, are currently undergoing very busy periods – but the heartbeat of manufacturing as a whole remains as strong as ever across the province.

You mentioned the continued success of non-indigenous companies, why do you think Northern Ireland is such an attractive location to these businesses?

There are so many fantastic qualities that attract investment, but the feedback we consistently receive when we’re working with companies who are considering setting up bases here is that the availability of highly skilled workers is so impressive. There are a number of reasons for this, starting with the calibre of our local universities, providing extremely bright graduates specialising in a number of disciplines. The presence of highly

performing locally started businesses who are globally recognised as industry leaders in Heavy Engineering (across Materials Handling and Automotive & Transport), Plastics & Polymers, Power and Electronics, is proof of the availability of top technical talent to fuel operations here.

As this high level of growth continues, where do you see the strongest demand for talent?

With an increasing number of companies realising the value of growing their own skilled workers, we’ve already seen a surge in demand for bright, self-starting graduates who have gone out and gained some real-world experience in their chosen field and who are truly passionate about learning their trade from the ground up. This is great news for the industry as a whole, as it builds a fantastic foundation for Engineers at the mid-level, which continues to be a challenging area for companies when hiring. Those with two to five years of good industrial experience are often very comfortable staying with the company they began their career with, only moving to businesses offering better career progression opportunities – this can be the chance to work on new product development or innovations in current lines and wider scope in projects along with a greater degree of ownership or management opportunities. An interesting trend we’ve noticed lately is a spike in demand for niche technical skills, such as R&D professionals – with these highly specialised positions attracting talent back home to Northern Ireland from as far afield as America and Australia.

With just a few weeks having passed since the decision for the UK to leave the EU, have you seen any immediate effects across the industry?

Leading up to the referendum the tension building among business leaders was certainly tangible, with many people holding their breath before we heard the results. Although the initial shockwaves following the outcome have now largely faded, it wouldn’t be fair to say that the topic of Brexit is no longer lingering on many minds and has since become the central subject of conversations at networking events across the country. The day after the Yes vote was declared, we sent out a survey to our clients – not just across Engineering and Manufacturing but also including IT and Professional Services – to gauge their initial reactions and in recent weeks we’ve been visiting each of the companies we work with to better understand how this is going to shape their future. Feelings are mixed, with some businesses benefiting from the fluctuation in exchange rates leading to new orders, and others actively building the potential effects into their risk strategies. A consistent theme within the manufacturing sector is to focus more than ever on moving to LEAN processes, with a spotlight on augmenting efficiency across the board.

The resonant message however is clear with everyone we’ve spoken to – although we don’t know what’s coming yet, Northern Ireland is ready to adapt and embrace the changes and challenges ahead, and will

continue to provide a global stage for companies to showcase the very best of what Engineering has to offer.

With growing demand for talent in the local market, what are you doing differently to help your clients attract the best talent?

What sets us apart is our team’s commitment to truly understanding the market we work in. We pride ourselves in visiting all of our clients and benefit from full site tours, getting a true feel for the working environment and the skills required. We also meet with every candidate, exploring their career history and learning about the factors that are motivating their decision to make a move.

This approach means we’re optimally positioned to couple the right candidates with the right roles every time. We also build strategic partnerships with key industry bodies and groups, building deep networks in the sectors we specialise in.

One of the strongest concerns for postBrexit Northern Ireland is the availability of skilled workers, so it’s more crucial than ever that we keep our focus on sourcing the highest calibre of technical talent to nourish the Engineering industry and safeguard its current level of vitality.

Kirsty Dillon is the Head of Technical and Engineering Recruitment at MCS Group, and can be contacted via email at k.dillon@mcsgroup. jobs or on 02890235456

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Eye on News

Power NI 1–0 Jet Stream So the barbecue summer we were promised didn’t quite materialise, but at least Power NI’s April price cut brought a little bit of cheer for local businesses. Their 10% reduction* in small business and farm tariffs followed a 9.2% price cut last year.

This ‘double dunter’ of price reductions means that in real terms Power NI’s tariffs are now back at 2008 levels, which is probably the last time we had a decent heat wave to speak of.

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lan Egner, Power NI’s Commercial Sales & Marketing Manager comments: “Our most recent price cut will save a typical small business around £200 a year*. It’s mainly down to lower wholesale fuel prices, especially gas, which is the main fuel used in power stations to generate electricity.

So are SME customers of other suppliers seeing a similar decrease? “That all depends”, continues Alan, “on whether they are in a fixed price or market tracker contract.

Fixed price deals mean that customers are protected from any price increases but the downside is that these customers may miss out when prices start to fall.

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Of course it’s not all about price and Power NI have come out top for the fourth year running in Consumer Council NI research that looks at the complaint levels of each of the local suppliers. Alan says “Having the lowest level of complaints per 100,000 customers for four years running is something that we are extremely proud of. It doesn’t happen by accident and is a result of the training, dedication and talent of our Customer Care Team in our offices in Antrim, Belfast and Omagh.

“We’ve also invested in our online services and Energy Online, our paperless billing service is now better than ever with new features

and responsive design that makes it compatible with PCs, tablets and smartphones.

“As a result of our price announcement we have naturally seen an uplift in calls from small businesses interested in switching back to Power NI. With lower prices, great discounts, a shiny new online billing option and excellent customer service, there’s never been a better to come home to Northern Ireland’s leading electricity supplier.

Alan concludes: “After 15 years of competition, Power NI remains the leading energy supplier here and more customers continue to trust us with their energy needs than any other supplier. We’re

still the real home of Business Energy in Northern Ireland.

So even if the Jet Stream let us all down again this year, at least the summer of 2016 wasn’t a complete washout, thanks to Power NI. Whether you’re a small startup business or an established larger user, call the Power NI Business Hotline today on 03457 455 455 or visit www. powerni.co.uk/welcomehome *Price cut effective 1 April 2016 to Power NI’s regulated small business and farm tariffs only, for customers using less than 50,000 units a year. Average price cut of 10% based on typical Popular tariff customer using 15,000 units a year. Actual savings dependant on customer tariff and consumption.

Eye on IT

Xperience Awarded Microsoft Hosting Partner of the Year

Leading Northern Ireland based IT solutions provider, Xperience IT Solutions, has been awarded Microsoft Ireland ‘Hosting Partner of the Year’ 2016.

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he prestigious award was presented to Xperience IT Solutions, an Xperience Group business, by Microsoft Ireland at the 2016 Microsoft World Partner Conference, in Toronto. The award ceremony was held on Wednesday 13th July, at The One Eighty, 51st floor of the Manulife Centre in Toronto.

On receiving the esteemed award, Xperience Group Managing Director Iain O’Kane stated, “We are delighted to have received this award, which not only

acknowledges our capabilities within the Cloud space but is a testament to the skills and commitment of our staff across the Group. Receiving recognition from Microsoft (Ireland) is hugely satisfying and positions the Group as market leaders within the UK & Ireland.”

Xperience IT Solutions were selected to receive the award after demonstrating a 120% growth in hosting revenues, high customer retention levels and continued investment

in Microsoft competencies.

Xperience Group are currently recognised as a Microsoft Gold Partner for Midmarket Solution and Enterprise Resource Planning, as well as a Transacting Tier 1 Cloud Service Provider Partner.

Aisling Curtis, Small, Medium and Partner Business Director at Microsoft Ireland said, “Xperience have given focus to providing high quality hosting solutions to customers. The growth they have achieved, while maintaining high levels of customer retention is a significant achievement and the award is a testament to their hard work.”

Xperience IT Solutions are a leading IT solutions provider for

Northern Ireland, specialising in Cloud, IT Infrastructure and business software. They work closely with Microsoft to provide customers with best-in-class cloud solutions. The award validates the company’s status of being a leading Microsoft solution provider and the commitment to deliver excellent service to customers.

To find out more about Xperience IT Solutions - visit www.xperienceitsolutions.co.uk or call 028 9267 7533.

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Eye on Manufacturing

COUNTY ANTRIM SPECIALIST CONSTRUCTION COMPANY ON THE VERGE OF MAJOR GROWTH Thornton commences new financial year with £5m order book and potential for more significant projects

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Co Antrim firm which has helped shape some of Northern Ireland’s most iconic buildings is capitalising on an £8m expansion plan with a rapidly filling order book for projects across the UK and Ireland.

Thornton Roofing of Toomebridge, the company behind the facade of the Waterfront Convention Centre’s new extension, has kicked off its new financial year with an order book in excess of £5m, with significant levels of additional potential contracts in the pipeline.

The specialist roofing and cladding company firm is a second generation family-owned success story which marks a milestone 50 years in business this year.

Managing director Stephen Thornton recently announced a new job for every year of the firm established by his parents James and Kathleen, taking staffing levels from 60 to 110 by 2021.

Stephen Thornton said the firm’s resilience in rallying the downturn

was continuing on a stable track, winning a series of contracts within the health, education, heritage and leisure sectors.

“Taking £5m in orders before the start of our new financial year 2016/2017 is the best we have seen in a number of years following the recession.

“We are only one month into our new year and are currently pricing a number of significant projects over and above what we have already secured.”

Confident of maintaining its position in the roofing and cladding sector in to the future, Thornton is currently in the process of extending its Gallagh Road premises with a new workshop facility soon getting underway.

Among its high profile projects in Northern Ireland has been the Waterfront Convention Centre whose new facade is the first building in Belfast to use an innovative specialist cladding product - Brett Martin Marlon click-fix polycarbonate.

Stephen Thornton (Managing Director), Jenny Neeson (Finance Director) and Kenny Smyth (former General Manager) from Thorntons who announced a major recruitment and investment programme as part of their 50th year in business.

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Thornton’s products and expertise are also going into the new Museum of Free Derry set to be unveiled in the Bogside this month (May). Its specialist expertise was also used to install the challenging curved roof of Bangor’s Aurora Aquatic and Leisure Complex and it also employed its leading edge products on the new Seamus Heaney Centre in Bellaghy; two separate projects at Altnagelvin hospital in Londonderry - at its new radiotherapy unit and multi-story car park; and a contract for flat roofing products for the University of Ulster’s Belfast campus at York Street.

Among its portfolio of roofing and cladding contracts in Great Britain are a project at Ayrshire College, in Scotland, the Fosse Shopping Centre in Leicester, Luton Airport in London, with

a contract at the University of Surrey completing this summer.

Integral to the company’s expanding order book will be the employment and training of apprentices.

Thornton has been taking a pragmatic approach to supplementing Northern Ireland’s prevailing shortfall of skilled tradesmen, is also in the early stages of developing its own training academy to introduce fresh young talent into the industry.

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IN A GROWING COMPANY, YOU WORK 9-5 AND 5-9.

Eye on News

Council Gives Go-Ahead For £2.5 Million Airport Plan Just weeks after Belfast International Airport returned to the top ten of UK airports, the go-ahead has been given for a new £2.5 million retail and fuel forecourt adjacent to the airport.

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ntrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council unanimously approved the project which will create thirty-five new jobs and support up to thirty jobs during construction.

The airport is enjoying its busiest ever summer and expects to exceed five million passengers this year with further growth anticipated in 2017.

The new Airport Road facility is scheduled to open in the spring of next year.

The developer, Dunadry-based Moorefield Contracts Ltd, will construct a 10,500 sq ft retail outlet which will encompass a High Street food retailer, sandwich bar, coffee kiosk, hot food drive thru, children’s play area and

forecourt with 16 fuelling bays.

Canice Mallaghan from Moorefield Contracts has welcomed the decision by the Council to grant planning approval.

Mr Mallaghan said: “We are delighted with the unanimous decision by the Council in support of our application.

Our £2.5 million project mirrors the confidence that’s evident at the airport which is enjoying unprecedented passenger growth.

It’s also a clear vote of confidence in South Antrim and, clearly, the Council has bought into our vision.

“The thirty-five permanent jobs will inject more than half a million pounds in wages annually into the local economy.

“We are engaged in positive

Katrina Gilchrist of BIA with Canice Mallaghan from Moorefield Contracts

discussions with a number of potential retail operators and expect to successfully conclude our negotiations within a matter of weeks.”

“Belfast International Airport Property Manager, Katrina Gilchrist, has also welcomed the Council decision.

Ms Gilchrist said: “This private investment will be a big success. We’re now back in the top ten of UK airports in terms of passenger numbers and with more than 4,000 pass holders working on the site, this welcome development couldn’t be better timed.

“Our success leads to more jobs and increased business opportunities. These are exciting times at the airport. We have more new routes about to come on stream this autumn and they will generate hundreds of thousands more passengers and friends and family to the airport.

“Moorefield Contracts has identified the business opportunity and I’m certain others will follow their example as we continue to achieve further growth and expansion.”

Bank Achieves 5 Star Rating For Business Current Accounts From Moneyfacts Bank of Ireland UK has been awarded 5 Star Ratings for both its Small Business Growth account and its Agri business current account by Moneyfacts, the UK’s leading independent provider of personal financial information.

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ank of Ireland UK was the only local bank to be included in this year’s 5 Star Ratings following Moneyfacts annual assessment of the business current account market across the UK. Bernard Rooney, NI Consumer & Small Business at Bank of Ireland UK said: “As Northern Ireland’s Enterprise Bank we work hard to create the products and local services and advice that will support ambitious business owners.

“We know that growth businesses face challenges around competition, pricing, profitability and cash flow and we’re particularly delighted that the

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business current accounts we launched early last year, with their discounted fees and other real benefits, have been recognised by independent experts for the added value they bring to our business customers who are working hard to seize on growth opportunities.”

Lee Tillcock, Editor at Moneyfacts, said: “The day-to-day costs of having a business current account are an important concern for many business owners. In light of this, the accounts from Bank of Ireland UK have achieved the highest rating in the 2016 Business Current Account Star Ratings due to their cost-effectiveness. These

Claire Derby, Business Advisor, Belfast City Branch, Bank of Ireland UK and Bernard Rooney, NI Consumer & Small Business at Bank of Ireland UK with the accolade boasting the five star rating.

competitive accounts can support small businesses in their early stages and can reduce their financial burdens while they continue to grow.”

Bank of Ireland UK’s packages for new small business customers consist of a three-year deal for established growth* businesses, which gives two years of free transactions followed by a third at a 50% discount, and a two-year deal for new start-ups** offering a year’s fee-free banking

followed by a year at a 50% discount.

Moneyfacts Star Ratings assess the technical merit of a range of financial products, paying close attention to the ‘added quality’ features.

The 5 Star Rating follows a comparison of important charges and features including account management, card availability, credit interest, overdraft availability, introductory offers, standing charges and transfer and faster payments costs.

Eye on News

LEDCOM Presented With Queen’s Award For Voluntary Service The Lord Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mrs Joan Christie OBE has presented the voluntary directors and members of LEDCOM with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK, equivalent to the MBE for individuals.

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EDCOM is the first enterprise centre in Northern Ireland to receive this prestigious award which was created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. It has been recognised for more than 30 years of voluntary service, helping people in Northern Ireland start businesses and secure employment during very challenging times.

The presentation took place at a special celebration event at LEDCOM’s Willowbank Business Park in Larne, attended by community representatives and past and present directors of the company.

Paying tribute to LEDCOM’s voluntary directors and members, Mrs Christie said many organisations in Northern Ireland could not function without a

dedicated team of volunteers.

“It is great to see that after 31 years, LEDCOM still has committed local people giving their commitment to the community.

I am personally delighted that you have received this award.”

LEDCOM Chair, Henry Fletcher said the award was recognition of the 22 volunteer board members who have served the community since LEDCOM was established in 1985 to help stimulate investment and employment in the Larne area.

Ken Nelson, Chief Executive of LEDCOM, said: “It is a great tribute to our directors and members, who are all volunteers and have given their time, experience and skills to support economic development.

They haven’t lost their appetite to make things happen because they

are from this community and they want to improve this community.”

LEDCOM is one of Northern Ireland’s leading local enterprise centres and social enterprises with an extensive track record in local economic development.

Since its formation in 1985 it has helped over 1,000 new start-up business, supporting over 1500 jobs as well as supporting almost

100 social enterprise start-ups.

The company’s services range from business advice, mentoring and training through to conference facilities, managed workspace and incubation facilities.

The Larne-based company was one of 193 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups across the UK to receive the prestigious award this year.

BAGS?... BRING AS MANY AS YOU LIKE What does a windmill, a train carriage, a fire engine and a trailer load of cabbage have in common? They are all some of the unusual items that P&O Ferries ship daily across the Irish Sea from Larne to Cairnryan.

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ll of life’s essentials are transported with ease and it doesn’t stop there; in peak seasons over 3,000 passengers per day come on-board P&O Ferries seven daily sailings to enjoy a two hour crossing to Scotland for their summer holidays and weekend getaways.

Passengers can fill up their car boots with everything they need, plus more, to make the convenient crossing to Scotland. From several suitcases of clothes for a girls

holiday, bags of sport equipment for a boys weekend, or a bundle of toys to keep the kids happy, P&O Ferries offer passengers something that airlines cannot, no baggage restrictions.

“We pride ourselves on our customer service, which includes providing our passengers convenience and comfort” said Neal Mernock, Irish Sea Sector Director. “We take the hassle out travelling with our no baggage restriction policy. We really do see all of aspects of life pass through

our terminals, including the more exotic passengers who also like to travel with us; lions, lamas, elephants and even reindeers.”

For passengers whose key travel essentials are no greater than their mobile phone or iPad, P&O Ferries offer Wi-Fi that Works throughout the ship for the duration of the sailing.

With plenty to do once on-board, passengers can enjoy the newly decorated lounge area while kids can have fun in the children’s play area and gaming zone. The

on-board catering menu offers a variety of meals as well as a great range of light snacks to suit all times of travel. With their current family offer now on, passengers can ‘feed the family for £20’ before setting off on their Scottish adventure.

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Eye on Finance

Resilience; The Nitty Gritty Resilience is perceived as a single skill set, however the personal traits, attitudes and “psychological capital” of an employee is now seen as the key indicator as to how a person will react when they face challenges. Resilience is perceived as a single skill set, however the personal traits, attitudes and “psychological capital” of an employee is now seen as the key indicator as to how a person will react when they face challenges.

By Laura Jackson, BDO NI

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here’s a certain type of story that’s designed to provoke a ‘scientists get paid for stating the obvious’ response among commuters as they browse the morning newspapers on the way to work. The publication of ‘Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance’, earlier this year, by American professor of psychology Angela Duckworth, might be considered an example by many. In the book, Duckworth marshals academic rigour, and years of research, to support the view that ‘grit’ – perseverance and dedication to a long-term goal – is a better predictor for success than natural talent or intelligence. In other words, the only thing that stands between us and success on our chosen path in life is the level of passion and determination we bring to the table. If grit is a predictor of long-term success, then its mirror in our day-to-day working life is surely resilience. With the dictionary defining it as ‘the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties’ and psychologists calling it ‘the ability, in the face of difficulty, to retain flexible cognitive, behavioural and emotional responses,’ (Neenan and Dryden, 2002), resilience is less a specific skill and more an overall attitude, one that is invaluable in the armoury of any professional at any stage of their career.

Shaping us The reality of modern, dynamic workplaces is that both progress and setbacks can be expected with reasonable regularity. While we are busy trying to define our careers by the former, it is our experience with the latter that often shapes us. The question of how we learn from our mistakes, manage stressful

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situations or people, or incorporate the unexpected into our workload very often says more about us than any lauded success or promotion.

So, while it is a truism in today’s corporate world that ‘hard’ technical competency and ‘soft’ people-skills provide the basic two-step by which we advance, the vital role of resilience cannot be overstated. Addressing the shifting responsibilities, competing priorities, complex stakeholders, aggressive schedules, and usually less than optimum resources of the modern workplace is often more fundamentally a question of resilience than anything else.

Distinction A key to understanding why this is so can be found in how psychologists use two words that often seem interchangeable in our daily lexicon: stress and pressure. Another US author and psychologist, Dr. Hendrie Weisinger, recently set out what he sees as the clear distinction between the two in his book ‘Performing Under Pressure: The Science of Doing Your Best When It Matters Most’. Weisinger identifies stress as the villain of the two: stress comes from needing to meet too many demands with not enough resources; it brings with it a sense of powerlessness and disconnection; it is an inbox of issues where responses are overdue but actions remain on pause. Pressure, on the other hand, is the sense that your performance will be critical to the outcome of a particular situation. It isn’t that feelings of anxiety or concern aren’t there – a pressurised situation can be every bit as daunting as a stressful one – rather that, for all the uncertainty it engenders, a pressurised

BDO Northern Ireland Partner, Laura Jackson, speaking at a recent business leader’s event.

situation comes with a feeling of control, a sense that, in embracing the challenge ahead, we will move forward rather than be pushed back.

Learning Stressful situations happen, of course, and there’s no way to protect ourselves from the unforeseen challenges of the workplace or, indeed, life. What both Weisinger and Duckworth make clear, however, is that the frame of mind in which we approach situations can make a huge difference in terms of how they impact on us. Duckworth argues that grit is an approach to life that can be learned, and clearly what applies to grit applies equally to resilience.

Developing resilience in the workplace is often about implementing subtle rather than dramatic changes, and frequently begins with a personal shift of perspective. Resilient people recognise that some of the

factors in any given situation are within their control, and some are not, and they focus their attention accordingly. Resilient people also recognise the power of a positive attitude in meeting these challenging situations: they identify the triggers of stress in advance and prepare to minimise them; they turn to trusted people for counsel and advice; they develop the ability to relax and switch off outside of work; and they see the value in laughter, exercise and pleasurable pursuits.

There are many great insights and a lot of good advice out there on how we can build resilience into our working personas, ensuring pressure rather than stress is the environment we more frequently find ourselves in. Learning resilience isn’t just about building a better quality of life right now, it is also about laying the groundwork for success far into the future.

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Eye on News

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF POWER In 2016 Powerscreen, one of the world’s leading providers of mobile crushing and screening equipment, marks half a century of serving the crushing and screening industry around the world.

Established in 1966, Powerscreen has achieved its five-decade legacy through industry leadership, customer input and innovation.

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owerscreen was founded in 1966 under the name of Ulster Plant in Country Tyrone, Northern Ireland and today that is where the research, development and manufacturing of products continue. By the 1970’s the Powerscreen name was born. When the founders set up Powerscreen in 1966 they pioneered the concept of mobile screening, taking the machines to the quarry face rather than the expensive process of moving the material to the machine.

In 1969 Powerscreen exported their first machine to Sweden which cost £2.5k. Today Powerscreen has a true global presence, operating in worldwide scale in over 80 countries.

In 1966 Powerscreen employed eight people, now that figure has risen

to six hundred people producing a range of over thirty machines.

Powerscreen started out from mobile machines in a sand pit to industry leading machine designs now serving quarry, mining, C&D and recycling industries globally. Powerscreen not only pioneered the mobile machine concept but also set new standards for many products and technologies that have become widely adopted in the industry, including the Chieftain and Warrior ranges of mobile screens.

In 2015 Powerscreen launched the Warrior 600 making the Warriors the most comprehensive range of mobile scalping units in the industry.

“From Ulster Plant to serving customers around the world today, Powerscreen is the story of teamwork.

Our customers have trusted us

and helped us to build and define the industry, as well as creating ways for people to work safely. It is through teamwork that we will continue to find new solutions and opportunities” said Colin Clements, Powerscreen Product Line Director.

In the last 50 years, Powerscreen has gone above and beyond in its product development efforts, focusing on what customers need to be successful in their industries and applications — Powerscreen innovations are changing the market and setting the industry standard for quality, reliability and safety in crushing and screening equipment.

Key to the success of the Powerscreen brand is the global distribution network, there are over 120 distributors operating globally

providing local service and support service to end users. Pat McGeary, Blue Group Chairman, said “Powerscreen is in my blood, I joined in 1968 when it was just a little local factory and today its part of my family’s life. I am proud to have been part of the success story and to see the passion and dedication that was there when I joined is still there today.”

Photograph caption Colin Clements, Global Product Line Director beside a 1966 MK1 screening machine. This was the sixth machine built and remains a permanent feature at the front of our Dungannon Plant.

Brand in the sand: Powerscreen hosted a world dealer conference in Florida in 2014, this is a selection of dealers and customers from around the world who attended.

of the Rye Pale Ale brew that we created for our association with Offset back in April. It’s a blond colour beer with full bodies and is slightly sweet with grapefruit coming though. You can also detect a slightly spicy/peppery flavour and it has a malty end, which comes from the rye. It has beautifully balanced bitterness. We are looking

forward to hearing what people think of it”, continued Peter Simpson.

The Open Gate Brewery tap will be a permanent fixture in select pubs and the new brews will come on stream every second month. To find out which bars are serving The Open Gate Brewery beers log on to www.guinnessopengate.com

PALE ALE JOINS THE GUINNESS STABLE Some of the latest beers to emerge from the Guinness experimental brewery at St. James’s Gate in Dublin will now be made available in 25 select pubs in Belfast.

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ver the last seven months, the brewers have welcomed thousands of people into The Open Gate Brewery to enjoy the unique brewing experience at St James’s Gate; chat to them about great beer and of course, savour the regular pipeline of amazing, small batch brews that are created each month, which has included 1516 Pilsner, Chocolate and Vanilla stout, Antwerpen Export stout and Strawberry Porter.

From today, people will be able to enjoy some of The Open Gate Brewery beers in select pubs in a limited edition capacity, which will be updated every

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two months with the latest new brew.

Speaking earlier today, Peter Simpson, Brewer in the Open Gate Brewery said; “Since we launched The Open Gate Brewery, we have had many requests from publicans and consumers to make our small batch brews available beyond the Open Gate Brewery so that people can experience our beers. While some of the brews will remain exclusive to The Open Gate Brewery, we are delighted to announce that some of the small batch brews will now be available in 25 pubs in Belfast.

The first beer that will be rolled out will be a Rye Pale Ale. It’s an evolution

Eye on News

Independent Hotel Marks 25 Years In Business With 27 Room Expansion Plans The award winning, Malone Lodge Hotel in Belfast celebrated its 25th anniversary this weekend, and unveiled major new expansion plans to the Eglantine Avenue hotel.

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otel owner Gareth Macklin revealed the expansion plans during a 25th anniversary party in the hotel at the weekend. The project will see an addition of 27 new bedrooms and an extension of the popular ‘Knife and Fork’ restaurant in the hotel. More than 20 new jobs will be created when the new rooms anticipated to open for business in 2017.

Gareth Macklin said, “The hotel has marked a milestone anniversary this month, we have been trading successfully for a quarter of a century. Three years

ago we extended the hotel and added the new ‘Knife and Fork’ restaurant which has proven extremely popular with hotel guests and local diners along with our 240 seater Deramore suite. We have been on the lookout for an opportunity to add to the number of rooms we have and with the acquisition of two adjoining properties, we have the opportunity to develop an additional 27 rooms, bringing our total portfolio up to 138.

“It does amount to a significant investment but we are very

confident that as tourism numbers Belfast and Northern Ireland increase, so too will the level of business customers, which is already a strong feature of our customer profile.

“In this era of hotel chains and brand name there is undoubtedly a place for the independent family owned hotel, and that is what has marked out the Malone Lodge since 1991.

“We are very confident about the future of the business and indeed for the future of Belfast as a business and tourism driven city.”

PRO12 RUGBY ANNOUNCES FOUR YEAR GUINNESS SPONSORSHIP EXTENSION PRO12 Rugby has announced that Guinness will continue as title sponsor of the Guinness PRO12 Rugby Championship for another four years until 2020, continuing the strong partnership with the competition that began in 2014.

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he 2016/17 season of the Guinness PRO12, that involves the top rugby clubs from Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales, starts on September 2 and as well as announcing the sponsorship extension it was also confirmed that the Championship’s flagship event, the Guinness PRO12 Final, will be held at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin, on 27 May 2017.

Speaking at the 2016/17 launch event at Aviva Stadium, Martin Anayi, managing director, PRO12 Rugby, said: “We’re thrilled to have Guinness on board for another four years and their continued support is a testament to the strength of our Championship which gets better with every passing season. Sponsors

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like Guinness also appreciate that we have a ‘Fan First’ philosophy and that is why we have put on this Early Bird offer to reward supporters who want to book their place at the final on May 27.”

Anayi continued: “After the successes of the finals hosted in Belfast and Edinburgh, Aviva Stadium will provide another grand stage that rewards clubs, players and fans from across the Championship.

“Since it’s redevelopment in 2010, Aviva Stadium has fast become an iconic rugby arena and after a thrilling final at BT Murrayfield between Connacht Rugby and Leinster Rugby that set a new attendance record, it seems only right that we should try to raise

the bar yet again here in Dublin.”

Oliver Loomes, country director, Diageo Ireland, said Guinness were looking forward to building on the strong relationships that had already been forged in the first two years of their title sponsorship of the Championship.

“Guinness has a longstanding heritage in rugby at all levels, and I’m thrilled to announce that we have extended our partnership with PRO12 Rugby until 2020, continuing our commitment to the

sport we all love.” Loomes said.

“The Guinness PRO12 is one of the most competitive and exciting competitions in world rugby. Last season we saw some brilliant rugby as Connacht Rugby claimed the trophy following a nail biting final at BT Murrayfield. We are looking forward to enjoying some more epic encounters with the best teams from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Italy and are delighted that the Final is taking place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, the home of Guinness.”

Eye on Tax

Complexity of US Tax System Creates Significant Challenges for Companies There are nearly 10,000 tax jurisdictions in America and complying with all of these laws and rules can be a monumental challenge.

Understanding some of the most important considerations for doing business in the US is vital, for both companies already active in in the US and those considering new ventures.

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he intricacies can create significant challenges; navigating the law and administrative processes, managing risk related to tax issues, and avoiding pitfalls that can trip up even the most sophisticated without constant awareness.

There are of course significant opportunities of working in the U.S but, consideration first should be given to the tax consequences.

Many newcomers are surprised to learn that there is no national law regulating the establishment and operation of companies and contracts. In the United States each of the fifty states and the District of Columbia has its own independent regulated authority over business activities. No less important, the states also impose their own income and other taxes, which are in addition to taxes at the national (federal) level.

At the same time cashstrapped federal, state and local tax collectors are becoming more vigilant in ensuring compliance with the sometimes confusing array of tax codes.

The tax policies (and business) of the states can vary significantly. Careful investigation of these variables, with specific professional advice, can yield important cost savings and competitive benefits.

“Despite the array of tax laws and regulations, doing business in America is easier than in other countries. The US offers one of the most favourable regulatory environments in the world.

Almost any business service imaginable already exists and

almost all business sectors in the United States are open to direct foreign investment. It’s remarkably easy for startups to leverage this pro-business climate; and have access to a highly educated and skilled work force of more than 155 million people” said Michael Blair, Tax Partner, RSM. According to RSM there are a number of key considerations for business formation in the United States:Business Formation: There is no national law on business formation. New business entities are created under the law of one of the fifty states or the District of Columbia.

Entity of Choice: Consideration should be given to the tax consequences of the entity of choice. Be careful if a lawyer recommends using an LLC. They may not be aware of the negative tax consequences that can result for companies with headquarters abroad.

Jurisdiction choice: The decision on entity choice and jurisdiction choice are best made with the joint advice of an American tax expert and a corporate lawyer, both experienced at working with companies headquartered aboard General Requirements: Incorporation is usually simple, fast and relatively inexpensive; with a few general principles that apply.

Michael Blair, Tax Partner.

Tax Registration: New companies are required to register with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and with the tax authorities of the states in which the company is incorporated or doing business. Depending on the state in which operations are located, other registration may also be required.

Other Registrations: Depending on the nature of the business, other federal and state registrations may be required.

Federal Taxes: Companies operating in the United States will probably be subject to US Income tax, and payments to the foreign parent may be subject to withholding requirements.

State taxes and regulations: Most foreign companies entering the United States are surprised by the importance of, and lack of consistency among state and local taxes. These taxes take three

primary forms (real estate tax, personal and corporate income tax and sales tax). It is imperative businesses seek advice.

Foreign Investors often overlook the fact that the US is really a multitude of local and regional markets, each with different requirements. Compared to many countries the US is a country of limited regulation, free trade and equal treatment before the law.

A guide can only be starting point. It is always prudent to determine the regulations that apply to your business before making investment or launching business activities. RSM’s global tax team has deep, practical experience in assisting businesses investing in the United States.

Contact: Michael Blair, Tax Partner, 02890 234343

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Celebrating life, every day, everywhere

DRINK RESPONSIBLY The BAILEYS, GORDON’S, CAPTAIN MORGAN, SMIRNOFF, GUINNESS, SMITHWICKS, CARLSBERG and HARP words and associated logos are trade marks © Diageo 2015.

Eye on Events

DIAGEO’S BIG BOOST FOR NI HOSPICE

SCIENTISTS COME TO TOWN

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he Northern Ireland Hospice and Diageo NI came together recently to celebrate a charity partnership that has raised funds of over £80,000.

Pictured at Northern Ireland Hospice

B are Jorge Lopes, Country Director Diageo NI, Ellen Hillen from NI Hospice and Dancing with Diageo champions Aaron Flaherty and Mary Devlin who supported the partnership.

elfast Waterfront welcomed ASME 2016 Annual Scientific Meeting for the first time this month. 450 national and international delegates travelled to Northern Ireland’s capital city, to enjoy a jam-packed programme of business and social activities during the 3-day event.

ASME President Dr John Jenkins CBE,

who championed this event for Belfast, explains: “As the President of the association, I felt it was important that the members visit my home city to see the tremendous advances we have made both in medical education and as a city.”

Dr. Jenkins is pictured with Hama O’Reilly, Operations Director at the Belfast Waterfront.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere

DRINK RESPONSIBLY The BAILEYS, GORDON’S, CAPTAIN MORGAN, SMIRNOFF, GUINNESS, SMITHWICKS, CARLSBERG and HARP words and associated logos are trade marks © Diageo 2015.

Eye on Events

SLIM’S FOUNDER SHORTLISTED FOR UK BUSINESS AWARD

ULSTER BANK STAFF DRIVE NETS TOTAL OF £360,617

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housands of Ulster Bank employees, island of Ireland wide have raised a colossal £360,617 as a result of the bank’s annual summer charity campaign, One Week in June.

A marathon effort from staff at branches, head office, business and private banking who joined with customers, other local businesses and their local communities, helped raise funds for Cash for Kids and Marie Curie, based on the theme ‘Helping the fight against cancer.’

The final cash total of £360,617 was

raised by Ulster Bank employees who undertook a huge range of traditional, wacky and very unusual events from ladies pulling a 29 tonne fire engine at Belfast International Airport to golf and football related challenges including the Omagh branch team who ‘static bike’ cycled the Northern Ireland football team’s journey through France from Nice to Lyon and Lyon to Paris.

Playing their part in Ulster Bank’s £360,617 summer charity drive ‘One Week in June’ were Lisburn Branch Manager Mark Tumilty and staff member Lauren Farrelly.

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ary McIldowney, the founder of healthy eating restaurant Slim’s Kitchen, has been selected from over a thousand entries to make the shortlist of UK Private Business Awards.

The awards celebrate the contribution of private businesses to the UK economy and reflect the increasing diversity and innovation in the private business landscape across a diverse range of sectors.

Thirty-two-year-old Gary McIldowney is in the running for Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year when the awards take place in London this September.

Slim’s Healthy Kitchen was set up in June 2013 on Belfast’s Lisburn Road with the aim of revolutionising the eating habits of the general public by offering a healthy alternative to fast food. In three years the business has grown significantly employing in excess of one hundred staff and operating at four locations in greater Belfast; Lisburn Road, Victoria Square, Belmont Road and Dundonald Omnipark.

JET2 LAUNCHES BIGGEST WINTER EVER

J LAZY SUMMER SUNDAYS...

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he Chairman of Tourism Northern Ireland, Terence Brannigan, and Mary Jo McCanny, Director of Visitor Servicing at Visit Belfast, launch the new Summer Sundays brochure. The free brochure promotes everything that

happens across Belfast on Sundays – from visitor attraction and restaurant opening hours to special events and family fun ideas. You can pick up a brochure in the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre, or go to visitbelfast.com to find out more.

et2.com has announced its biggest ever winter programme from Belfast International Airport with more than 50,000 seats available in 2016/17 – an increase of 25% year on year.

The desire of Northern Ireland holidaymakers to soak up some sunshine during the long winter means that the leading leisure airline and package holiday specialist has increased its winter 2016/17 capacity by a massive 10,000 seats between October 30, 2016 and March 25, 2017, including more seats to winter

beach break destinations such as the Canary Islands and Alicante.

“This is by far our biggest winter programme to date for Northern Ireland holidaymakers,” said Steve Heapy, Chief Executive Officer, Jet2. com and Jet2holidays. “The numJet2. comber of people in Northern Ireland wanting to jet off for some muchneeded winter sunshine means we are seeing spectacular growth, and we have added thousands of winter sun seats to popular holiday hotspots such as Alicante and the Canary Islands.”

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Eye on News

The Hillsborough International Oyster Festival thanks sponsors for 2016 support

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he world-famous Hillsborough International Oyster Festival, supported by principal sponsors Turkish Airlines, Phoenix Natural Gas and Quilter Cheviot will return on Tuesday 30th August to Saturday 3rd September 2016, with a spectacular showcase of the best in hospitality, local produce, arts and entertainment.

In a first for Northern Ireland the event will also play host to a regional heat of the British Street Food Awards.

Now in its 24th year, this important event in the Northern Ireland Tourism calendar attracts over 14,000 visitors annually from across the world and this year boasts a packed programme of popular events and activities.

The Turkish Airlines World Oyster Eating Championship returns to the international stage at the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival on Saturday 3rd September 2016, when undefeated champion Colin Shirlow will once again defend his title. Onur Gul, Ireland Marketing Executive, Turkish Airlines said: “Turkish Airlines is very excited to be

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coming on-board as a principal sponsor for this year’s Hillsborough International Oyster Festival and for the main event spectacle, the World Oyster Eating Championship. It is a very unique but lively event that attracts food enthusiasts worldwide which is a great boost for the local economy during the Festival.”

Additionally, on the Saturday the Phoenix Natural Gas Soapbox Derby invites community and youth groups from all across Northern Ireland.

Alastair Pollock, Business Development Director from sponsor Phoenix Natural Gas added: “The Soapbox Derby is one of the most exciting aspects of the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival and we’re delighted to be helping to put the wheels in motion. The competing teams are very imaginative and are always thinking outside the (soap) box with their designs!”

The exclusive Quilter Cheviot Pearl and Oyster Ball will take place on Friday 2nd September, with world-class entertainment from the American Supreme Dream Girls, guests will enjoy

a six-course gala dinner with boutique Chateau de la Ligne wines. Nigel Crawford, Executive Director, Quilter Cheviot said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring this year’s Pearl and Oyster Ball and helping to support the Festival’s charity. The festival is a huge draw for visitors to our region and we are proud to give our backing to the Ball, which is a key part of the event and a much-anticipated date on the local social calendar. We’re looking forward to greeting guests to what is set to be a fabulous evening.”

Golf enthusiasts can look forward to the annual Oysters Masters Golf Day, sponsored by GMcG Chartered Accountants, on Tuesday 30th August 2016 at the Lisburn Golf Club. Stephen Houston, Associate Partner, GMcG Lisburn said: “GMcG Chartered Accountants have supported many businesses throughout the Hillsborough and surrounding areas, so we’re delighted to have come on-board this year to sponsor the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival’s Oyster Masters Golf Day. We’re looking forward to enjoying a round

of golf with the guests and meeting members of the local community.”

Sponsored by Lockton Insurance, the ‘Magic of the Movies’ community concert taking place on Wednesday 31st August will include performances from the Belfast Operatic Company and The Leading Ladies and will raise funds for the Festival’s 2016 charity, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Archie McAvoy from, Lockton Insurance, said: “The musical evening is great opportunity to connect with the local community and raise awareness of the good work the Cystic Fibrosis Trust will be able to do through its involvement with the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival. Lockton are big believers in looking after people so we’re thrilled to come on board to support this community event.”

The Hillsborough International Oyster Festival also kindly acknowledges the support of Tourism Northern Ireland and Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council in the staging of this year’s event.

For further information on the Festival visit www.hillsboroughoysterfestival.com

Eye on Finance “ Our approach is centred on providing high-quality advice from experienced professionals but in a very agile and responsive way. When you get the right individuals working with the client at the outset of a relationship there is instant valueadd whether that be in a corporate or personal restructuring assignment or indeed providing any sort of business or transactional advice.”

Tom Keenan (front centre) and the Keenan CF team that recently moved into new city centre premises as part of its expansion strategy.

KEENAN CF – INVESTING FOR THE FUTURE Belfast advisory firm moves to new city centre premises and makes senior appointment

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eenan CF has invested in its future with new city centre premises and new top people, capitalising on a ten year record of acting in some of the province’s highest profile corporate and personal restructuring and insolvency assignments.

Operating very successfully since being founded by MD Tom Keenan, the firm has invested in its offering – which has grown exponentially in recent years – in the city centre, with brand new offices at the landmark Victoria House building, on Gloucester Street.

It has also invested heavily in recruiting the best people to enable it to deliver a top quality service to clients, supplementing a best in class professional team.

In recent years, particularly with the improving economic landscape in Northern Ireland,

this growing Belfast-based, specialist advisory firm has seen significant activity across all sectors including Corporate and Personal Restructuring, Business and Transactional work.

“Our offering is much broader than when we started,” Keenan explains. “Whilst we have perhaps become well known and respected for our restructuring and insolvency work I think it’s fair to say we have firmly established ourselves as Northern Ireland’s leading independent transaction and restructuring advisors.”

Keenan CF’s professional team boasts a wealth of experience and it’s the hands-on involvement of these heavy-hitting advisors that Keenan identifies as one of the firm’s key differentiators.

“Our approach is centred on providing high-quality advice from experienced professionals but in a very agile and responsive way.

When you get the right individuals working with the client at the outset of a relationship there is

instant value-add whether that be in a corporate or personal restructuring assignment or indeed providing any sort of business or transactional advice.”

For Keenan reputation is everything.

“We realise to deliver a top service requires top people so we’ve invested in our senior team to ensure we maintain our innovative edge in the local market. In the past 12 months we have also invested in new city centre premises on the 10th floor of a landmark building in Gloucester Street which provides us with a fantastic place to work and meet our clients.”

Keenan, a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland, a Licensed Insolvency Practitioner and authorised by the FSA to conduct designated investment business has over 25 years of corporate finance experience. He has advised on many high profile acquisitions and disposals and been appointed to some of Northern Ireland’s

largest insolvency cases. His Senior Team includes Scott Murray a Director in the firm’s Corporate Insolvency and Re-Structuring team, Thomas McKenna who leads Keenan CF’s Personal Insolvency division and the recently appointed Paul Prenter who heads up Keenan CF’s Corporate Advisory team.

As the Northern Ireland economy continues to recover Keenan and his team have noticed a growing appetite for mergers and acquisitions.

According to the Belfast man there are many reasons why a company might consider an acquisition or a merger with another business.

Whatever the reason, though, he advises it must be part of a wider strategy for the business as a whole.

“Sometimes businesses consider mergers or acquisitions to accelerate growth, as acquisition can be a faster route to growth.

However, it can equally be a means to entering a new geographical territory or sector, growing market share or perhaps as a means to gain new specialisms. In the past 18 months we have noticed a significant uplift in the number of businesses considering how they can move to the next level whether that be in technology, hospitality, agribusiness or construction.

“Activity of this nature is inevitable as the market consolidates in the aftermath of the downturn and there are investors out there hungry for the right deals. We’re delighted to say we’re here to help in the good times as well as the bad.”

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Eye on News

FOSTER AND MCGUINNESS OPEN £1M ANIMATION STUDIO IN BELFAST

First Minister, Arlene Foster, and deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, today officially opened a new fourfloor studio for BAFTA-winning and EMMY® nominated children’s television producer, Sixteen South.

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irst Minister, Arlene Foster said: “The move by Sixteen South to this new animation studio represents a £1m investment and commitment to the sector. Today marks the next chapter of the Sixteen South success story.

“The creative industries in Northern Ireland contribute over £329 million to the local economy and I, and my Executive colleagues are committed to support further growth in this sector.

The development of the Film & TV

industry remains a crucial part of the creative economy in Northern Ireland and while other large-scale productions can sometimes be seen as taking the plaudits, it is appropriate to highlight that the animation sector here is extremely buoyant with our animated productions far reaching and screened globally.

“It is companies like Sixteen South, with talented people, including world class animators that are helping to grow this industry and our reputation. I commend

and congratulate to Colin and the Sixteen South team for leading the way in putting our animation sector on the map. I am confident these new premises, combined with your imagination, your hard work and your passion, you will continue to produce much loved children’s entertainment for generations to come.”

The deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness said: “For EMMY nominated and BAFTA winning children’s television production company Sixteen South to invest £1 million in this state of the art animation studio in Belfast as part of a relocation to a larger 7,500 square foot premises is a real boost to the local creative industry.

“This relocation is about more than opening an animation studio. Rooted in the local creative industry this move signals the scale of Sixteen South’s global appetite, drive and determination. This new studio is hugely exciting, not just for the 100 people who will work here but for our entire creative industry.

“Sixteen South is proof of how a local company can compete and succeed at the highest level in an exceptionally competitive and dynamic international market. I congratulate Colin Williams who formed the company in 2008 and who through his creativity, business acumen and people skills has assembled a formidable team which will continue to entertain, educate and inspire children across the globe.”

Since investing £1m in the 7,500 sq

ft city centre building in the heart of Belfast, Sixteen South, which employs over 100 people, has had its brand new animated series Claude (52 x 11’) picked up by Disney Junior for broadcast throughout Europe, Middle East, Africa & Australasia. Their hit mixed animation series, Lily’s Driftwood Bay, which airs in more than 100 countries, has just won the prestigious and coveted European Prix Jeunesse award whilst in production of its second series. Series two stars special guest global Country music legend, Dolly Parton, as a Singing Chicken, and Rob Brydon, as a seafaring and rather handsome silver fox, alongside the regular cast including Lord Stag (Stephen Fry) and Lily, voiced by Belfast’s Orlagh O’Keefe.

Colin Williams, Founder and Creative Director of Sixteen South, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the First and deputy First Minister to officially open our new Belfast studio. In 1884, this building was home to the Clarence Finishing Company, a leading exporter of the finest linen handkerchiefs. Today, we’re proud that it’s the home to one of the city’s new industries, where we make television for children in every country.”

Sixteen South has been making award winning television shows for children for almost ten years including Pajanimals, produced in partnership with The Jim Henson Company, Big & Small, Sesame Tree, a partnership with Sesame Workshop, and their BAFTA and IFTA winning Big City Park.

Pizza Express expands throughout Belfast with two new outlets

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Three of the restaurant’s Pizzaiolos at the new St. Anne’s Square restaurant, Audrius Drumsta, Augustas Gylys and Aniko Keseru.

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izza Express has announced the opening of two new eateries in Belfast, employing 60 new staff across both sites.

The two new restaurants situated in St. Anne’s Square and Upper Newtownards Road in Ballyhackamore, brings the number of Pizza Express restaurants in the city to five, employing a total of 160 staff.

Zoe Bowley, UK Operations Director at Pizza Express commented that the expansion cemented the brand’s commitment to Northern Ireland; “The restaurant industry in Northern Ireland is thriving, with quality and value in the fore when it comes to consumer decision making.

The demand for our quality offering is such that we have seen the opportunity to expand

in the city centre in to St. Anne’s Square, and to Ballyhackamore Village in the East of the city.

“Pizza Express first opened on Bedford Street in Belfast in 1996, so we have been part of the fabric in Northern Ireland for 20 years, while we have been a favourite on the UK High Street for 50 years.”

Earlier in the year, Pizza Express announced its partnership with food courier Deliveroo. Zoe continued; “Our Deliveroo partnership is also expanding in Belfast, with local users able to order via the Deliveroo app or website for takeaway from any one of our five restaurants across the city.”

Both new restaurants will open on Friday 09 September 2016. Pizza Express operates over 460 restaurants with 14 in Republic of Ireland.

Eye on Engineering

Fast Route To Success In Japan Sam Butler talked to Seamus Connolly, managing director of Fast Engineering in Antrim, about the company’s recent successes in Asia.

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eamus Connolly, founder and managing director of Fast Engineering in Antrim, recently signed what is probably the biggest order won by a Northern Ireland company in Japan for a great many years.

He’s begun supplying a unique decontamination system for hazardous materials to the Asian nation’s Self Defence Force (SDF) in a £500,000 deal.

He followed up this huge deal by winning business worth £100,000 for his successful Fastank water storage system from the Indonesian government that will protect the country’s beaches from oil pollution, a deal part funded by the influential Petroleum Association of Japan.

How does he explain the remarkable success of his small manufacturing business – it employs just 10 people at its factory in Windmill Court, Antrim – with Japanese customers in what is among the most competitive global markets?

Japan is also a market which few Northern Ireland companies have been able to penetrate.

It’s become one of Fast’s most important markets. Today it supplies its products to clients in over 100 markets worldwide.

“I’ve been travelling to Japan regularly for over 30 years,” he says. “While it’s certainly not an easy market in which to do business it’s one which rewards commitment, attention to detail and a focus on building personal relationships. I’ve now a good network of business contacts there, people who have become friends over the years. I visit them and they come to see us frequently in Antrim. Any company wishing to do worthwhile business there has to be prepared to devote significant time, energy and other resources to the market.

“Of course it’s a fiercely competitive marketplace which

draws companies from across the world. Quality, value and innovation are important. The Japanese are particularly keen on smart ideas from companies that can deliver innovative solutions to meet specific needs.”

Winning the confidence of contacts there often results in offers to provide solutions for their problems. High quality clients include the Japanese Coastguard and the Petroleum Association of Japan as well as the fire and ambulance services and the country’s Marine Disaster Prevention Centre in Yokohama.

The SDF business followed Fast’s earlier success in developing an innovative system for tackling nuclear contamination, an example of the small company’s longstanding investment in R&D. Fast was then invited to come up unique decontamination system for SDF’s fleet of amphibious vehicles, a business opportunity influenced by the Fukujima nuclear emergency.

“It was a competitive tender for a portable and versatile solution to the problem of how best to tackle and effectively manage the contamination of amphibious vehicles by salt water, oil and hazardous materials including nuclear/radioactive. We were invited to put forward a solution because we are now recognised as an innovative leader there and in other parts of Asia in the provision of effective systems to counter oil spills and other pollution.

“Our Fastank portable liquid storage systems and containment bunds are already widely used in Japan by a broad range of public bodies and private companies and public bodies. We’ve developed containment and wash down systems for the Japanese government for nuclear accidents in the past. These systems are stockpiled at ports, airports and other strategically selected

Seamus Connolly, managing director of Fast Engineering in Antrim

locations as part of the countries emergency preparedness.

“What we proposed for the defence force was essentially an extension of our successful containment bund to hold wash water while vehicles are being cleaned along with a new product, Fastank Cascade, which separates oil, salt water and other pollutants so that the cleansed water can be returned to the ocean.

“Both the Fastank Bund and Cascade are highly portable and can be assembled in less than10 minutes without tools.

We supply the system in a locally rotationally moulded Ezeebox container for ease of storage and transport which we have also designed. Ezeebox is also manufactured in Northern Ireland and is an in-house design.”

The business in Indonesia is with the country’s Coast Guard, Oil Spill Combat Team (OSCT) and will provide an effective response to oil pollution on tourist beaches.

“The tourist beaches of Indonesia and also Malaysia are at increasing risk of being polluted by oil spills. Tankers transport some 13 million barrels of oil per day through the relatively shallow Straights of Malacca (SOM), the narrow strip of water separating the two countries. It is a chokepoint on the sea routes to China, Korea and Japan,” he continues.

“Indeed 90 per cent of China and Japan’s energy imports pass through the SOM every year. Adjoining the Straights are beautiful tourist beaches crucial to the economic development of both countries.”

The recent successes in Japan and Indonesia are important to the company, now a global leader in oil spill and potable water storage systems, which aims to double sales over the next four years by introducing new products and developing additional markets and sectors.

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Eye on Pensions

100 Northern Ireland Companies Could Cut Defined Benefit Pension Costs

Mark McClintock, Deloitte’s Head of Pensions for the UK

There are at least 100 companies in Northern Ireland that could cut the cost of managing their defined benefit pension schemes, with an initial reduction in their deficit of potentially millions of pounds and further annual savings of up to several hundred thousand pounds, according to leading professional services firm Deloitte.

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hese benefits are possible through the Deloitte Pensions Master Plan, a multi-employer pension plan specifically for defined benefit pension schemes.

A defined benefit pension scheme is one where an employer promises a specified monthly benefit on retirement that is calculated by a formula based on an employee’s earnings history, service term and age. All risks, such

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as investment and mortality, are therefore faced by the employer rather than transferred to the individual employee. The impact of these risks has been compounded

by Brexit with the increased uncertainty around investment markets and interest rates.

Some of Northern Ireland’s best known employers in manufacturing, retail and banking still operate defined benefit schemes and while many have long since closed to new

members and future accrual – some over a decade ago - the companies still hold the liability (and therefore risk) of these costly schemes.

Mark McClintock, Deloitte’s Belfast-based Head of Pensions for the UK, said: “defined benefit pension arrangements have become an increasingly expensive overhead for businesses and many tell us that no matter how much they pay into the scheme, it is never enough. The run off for these schemes can be as long as 40 years and the cost to buy out the schemes with an insurance company would be so expensive it would cripple most companies.

“That’s why there is a fear factor over pensions. Even the most sophisticated businesses think there is no fix or that any fix is too complicated. People think there’s nothing new in pensions

and that they’ve seen everything before, but our Master Plan is a new innovation for the industry.”

The Master Plan is open to defined benefit schemes, with current scheme trustees retaining control of assets and liabilities.

Deloitte’s own defined benefit pension scheme, which has assets under management in excess of £800m, has agreed to move into the Master Plan creating scale which then drives some of the efficiencies for Deloitte clients. There is no sharing of risks, just sharing of cost efficiency and opportunity for enhanced governance.

Mark McClintock said: “The Deloitte Pensions Master Plan consolidates defined benefit schemes into a single trust where schemes can benefit from reduced fund management and administration charges. Oversight from a single independent trustee will ensure each ring-fenced section will benefit from improved governance.”

“Deloitte’s experience advising and administering schemes ranging from less than £5m in assets under management to over £2bn will be a core strength in helping the running of the Master Plan.”

The Deloitte Pensions Master Plan will allow each section to have its own trustees. On transferring into the Master Plan, the key elements of existing schemes will remain the same. These include member benefits, the trustee board, employers’ responsibilities and the schemes’ investments.

Deloitte will provide scheme actuarial and pension administration services to the sections.

Deloitte’s pensions administration centre of excellence in Belfast has among the biggest pensions administration teams in the city.

It will employ over 40 people by the end of the year.

Eye on News

GROWTH SPURT FOR MOUNT CHARLES AS IT SERVES UP JOBS & ECONOMY BOOST Mount Charles, one of Ireland’s leading foodservice, cleaning, security and vending companies has announced that it has won £7.3m in new contracts in the last year, boosting employee numbers by 130 to a total of 1,850.

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ne of the most significant contract wins is a three-year deal worth £3.5m to supply professional contract cleaning to a government body, which will see the outsourcing giant employ a further 212 employees across Northern Ireland.

The firm achieved a turnover of £28.1m in 2015, increasing its revenue by £2.6m from 2014 and by £6.2m from 2013.

In the past 12 months Mount Charles has also secured contracts with a range of blue chip organisations across Ireland including Ladbrokes, Translink, South Eastern Regional College, the Western Health and Social Care Trust, Glanbia and Pramerica,

as well as retaining its high profile beverage contract with Ulster Rugby.

Cathal Geoghegan, Managing Director of the Mount Charles Group, said: “Our growth trajectory in the past few years has been significant, both in terms of revenue and employees. Indeed in 2015, we were named the fastest growing independent foodservice company in the UK by AlixPartners and EP Business in Hospitality.

“We now work with over 150 companies across Ireland. Good news travels fast and our reputation for excellence along with our ability to be competitive has allowed us to win a substantial number of lucrative new

Mount Charles CEO Cathal Geoghegan

contracts. This growth is not only positive for us, it has also provided a boost to the economy and the jobs market in the north and south of Ireland.

“The strategy now is to really push for growth in the Republic of Ireland, and to keep building our business by adding to our services with dynamic and cost effective solutions.

“Our offering is already much wider than people may realise; it’s not all contract catering and cleaning. You need manned guarding? We can do that. A remote switchboard? That’s no problem. An outside event that requires a bar? We can do that too.

“We make it our business to put the

right people in the right place at the right time, supporting an organisation’s internal functions and allowing them to get on with what they do best.

“We serve thousands of people in workplaces, schools, healthcare facilities and universities every day; so the chances are you might come into contact with Mount Charles more often than you think,” added Mr Geoghegan.

In March 2016, Mount Charles was named one of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies by Deloitte for the sixth year running. The awards programme recognises indigenous Irish companies that operate at the highest levels of business performance.

“All the windows and doors use a very specialist type of timber, which is acid bathed, making it incredibly stable, strong and durable. This was essential due to the proximity to sea water.

“We are a relatively small practice situated in the North Coast and ultimately our design team is turning out projects that are turning heads across the UK. “It’s nice to put Ballymoney on the map. We want people to think of 2020 as an exciting and progressive firm – which we are.

“This award follows on the back of our 2016 RICS Award which we achieved earlier in the year to honour outstanding residential development.”

“Next month we make the move into our new office premises in Ballymoney to accommodate our expanding team.

This office is currently under renovation and when it’s completed it will be our showcase showroom. That’s something very special to look forward to.

The Structural Timber Awards will be held at the National Conference Centre, Solihull, on Wednesday, 19th October.

2020 Finalists In Prestigious UK Awards Ballymoney architects 2020 is taking its place alongside the crème de la crème in architecture competing in UK-wide awards recognising outstanding and innovative projects.

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he 2016 Structural Timber Awards are the largest and most prestigious of their kind crediting outstanding projects and people who are propelling excellence in structural timber.

2020 Architects have been shortlisted for Architect of the year and their ‘Ballymagarry project’, a stunning property situated overlooking Whiterocks Beach, Portrush, has been shortlisted in another 2 categories, Self Build and Private Home. The family home, designed by homeowner and partner of 2020 Architects Michael Howe, featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs.

The 2020 team are standing out as leaders in the delivery of

exclusive, bespoke homes with a quality look and design.

Directing partner, Michael Howe said: “This ultimately is a badge of excellence for our team at 2020. To be competing alongside UK-based practices like Foster & Partners who are turning out multi-million pound projects really is a credit.

“The Ballymagarry house used exciting techniques and design including curved glulam timber beams which create an entirely curved timber roof. It’s completely exquisite and unique.

“The house is insulated using straw, within a structural timber frame – so timber really does go right to the heart of this home.

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Eye on Agri Food

Yoghurt Maker Tastes Success In Exports

Bryan Boggs, general manager of Clandeboye Estate Yoghurt in Bangor

Sam Butler talked to Bryan Boggs, general manager of Clandeboye Estate Yogurt, recently Highly Commended in the First Trust/Business Eye Small Business Awards, on future plans for the only yoghurt made in Northern Ireland.

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ignificant deals from top German discounter Aldi in the Republic of Ireland and Fortnum and Mason, the ‘Queen’s Grocer’, in London could prove to be immensely important stage in the growth of Clandeboye Estate Yoghurt especially in markets outside Northern Ireland.

The Aldi contract, the biggest export ‘win’ to date for Clandeboye, positions the Bangor-based food processor for further growth in this important

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market and in overall production.

Plans are being developed which will see a significant increase in production capacity and in its product portfolio. And it could see Clandeboye Estate, which owns Northern Ireland’s only yoghurt, diversifying into other products such as artisan cheese.

The estate is also planning to build an anaerobic digester to convert waste into energy for its range of operations, including yoghurt production,

and thereby increase downward pressure on running costs.

“Our yoghurt processing is operating close to full capacity at the moment from the growth in sales of our luxury products that continue to win widespread acclaim because of their outstanding quality and, above all, taste,” says general manager Bryan Boggs. “Plans that are under development will result in a significant increase in capacity and position us for even faster growth,” he adds.

These plans have already led to the installation of a new pot filling line, a £70,000 investment assisted by Invest Northern Ireland, that has led to a step up in output.

Clandeboye Estate, which has won a string of awards for its artisan products, is supplying its Greek-style and Madagascan Vanilla premium yoghurts to Aldi in a deal that followed the producer’s success in clinching the ‘Best Yoghurt’ category in last year’s highly influential Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards in Dublin, a competition that’s watched closely by top retailers including discounters.

“We are delighted to have won what is our biggest deal yet in the Republic of Ireland, now a key export market for us,” Mr Boggs continues.

“Our success in the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards helped to open the door for us to this very exciting business opportunity with Aldi and with a number of other potential clients in the Republic. What’s also great for our identify in the market is that Aldi is selling the yoghurt under our established brand. This will increase awareness of the yoghurt among consumers there.

“Aldi was keen to add a premium yoghurt brand to its portfolio there. It’s a marvellous boost for us and will move our business in the Republic on to a new level.

“We are now supplying our Clandeboye Estate branded yoghurts to the Aldi depot in Nass for distribution to 61 supermarkets across the Republic.

“Business with such a prestigious store as Fortnum

and Mason, in addition, gives us an important foothold in the London,” he adds.

The artisan company’s natural and Greek-style yoghurts are hand made using traditional techniques to provide a rich, creamy texture without fat content. The milk, sourced fresh every morning from the estate’s award winning Holstein and Jersey herd, is prepared and cultured very gently over a 24-hour period in small batches. This helps to create a deliciously rich flavour and texture. The Greek style yoghurt is also made in traditional way by straining through cheesecloth to create a product with absolutely no thickening additives and therefore no added fats.

The company - in business for almost a decade - started out as a farm diversification project driven by the very entrepreneurial Lady Dufferin, the estate owner and a widely known artist.

It now produces a range of premium products including fruit smoothies that are sold in stores throughout Northern Ireland.

Clandeboye contributed to other innovative projects involving local food producers. For instance, it provides yoghurt to Morelli’s ice cream in Coleraine for its frozen yoghurt. The business, in addition, was approached by Around Noon, the Newry-based specialist in premium sandwiches and snacks, to support its development of an innovative breakfast ‘on the go’ product for clients in the Republic of Ireland.

The product, part of Around Noon’s quirky A Bit on the Side ‘portfolio of quality snacks, has already won significant business with a leading café chain in the Republic. It features Clandeboye Greek Style Yoghurt with layers of nut free granola and a rich fruit compote developed by the Newry business. Around Noon chose Clandeboye Yoghurt because of its outstanding flavour.

“We’ve always been keen to work with other food businesses in Northern Ireland on potential products and have had a number of approaches about collaboration.

We have an open approach to new product ideas because innovation is at the very heart of our business,” he adds.

Eye on Agri Food

Joris Brams of Heverlee Premium Belgian Lager

Joris Toasts Success In Global Markets Craft brewing is now among the fastest growing sectors in the local food industry.

Sam Butler talked to Joris Brams, the Master Brewer behind Heverlee, one Belgium’s most successful export beers, to find out if there are lessons for local breweries.

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aster brewer Joris Brams has created one of most successful craft beers in Belgium, a beverage that’s racking up substantial export business particularly in India and Asia. “All our beer is now sold to customers outside Belgium,” he says. “I decided to focus on exports because the beer market in Belgium is fiercely competitive.

There wasn’t any point whatsoever in competing in Belgium because there are so many excellent beers already on the market.

There was only one way to achieve the growth I sought was by focusing on exports,” he adds.

What he had to do was to pinpoint opportunities abroad, build a network of contacts and create a strong identity for Heverlee Premium Lager that would set it apart in his target markets. There are messages for ambitious craft breweries

here from his remarkable success. Upwards of 30 craft breweries are currently producing a wide range of beers, ales and stouts across Northern Ireland.

While most are currently focused on local, even district markets, there are a number keen to sell abroad especially in Europe.

Several have small sales in Britain, the Republic of Ireland, other parts of Europe and Scandinavia. And at least one has already penetrated the huge Chinese market.

Joris could call on contacts abroad made over almost two decades working for international brewers such as Scottish and Newcastle and Kingfisher in India, China and Britain before he took on the role of creating Heverlee, near his family home in Leuven. Today the beer is on sale in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam and India. His two most successful markets in the British Isles are Scotland, where he worked for a decade, and Ireland.

“I has meant a lot of travelling both to renew the contacts and to let them taste the lager I had developed at Heverlee.

There’s no easy way to build exports. You’ve got to be prepared to travel on a regular basis. It’s the only way to nurture existing business contacts and develop new ones.

It can’t be done successfully by telephone, email or social media. Business people in India and Asia still expect to meet potential suppliers face-to-face. This essential because China and India are huge markets in which increasingly affluent middle class consumers are keen on Western products.”

Success in these markets also requires a ‘good story’ that’s well told and effectively sold. “Heritage and provenance are immensely important especially for a smaller business.

Success depends on being able to set your product apart from others on the market and in telling your story with conviction.

Clients now want to know how a product is made, what goes into it and who produces it. My position as Heverlee’s master brewer certainly opens doors,” he adds.

Certainly he has a tremendous story to tell about the heritage and provenance of Heverlee. “The beer is based on a recipe originally used by medieval monks at the Abbey of the order of Premontre in Haverlee, the biggest abbey in Belgium and still home to six monks living there on a permanent basis. They even agreed to let him include the Abbey’s Latin motto ‘Ne Quid Nimis’, in his logo. This reflects a philosophy of ‘life in balance’ The literal English translation of the Latin phrase is ‘nothing in excess’.

“A type of light drinking beer was first brewed there in 1129 for Norbertine monks working the abbey lands as a replacement for wine. Brewing stopped around 1600 after years of political and social upheaval, and what we’ve done is to revive the recipe and some of the traditional brewing techniques using similar ingredients – Belgian wheat, malt, 20 per cent corn and water. We’re also using Saaz, the world’s most expensive hops, which are from Prague and widely used in Bohemia, for a richer, earthier flavour.”

While the beer is currently produced by another Belgian family brewery from his recipe, Joris aims to start brewing in his own plant at Heverlee in two years. It will reflect the style of current abbey buildings. The monastery site is also on line to achieve UNESCO World Heritage recognition in 2020.

The traditional techniques, he continues, are much slower and produce a distinctive original Pils bitterness with a light, crisp and balanced flavour.

His experience in the industry and attention to detail in supporting the brand have included marketing initiatives such as a unique chalice glass designed to preserve the beer head and concentrate its flavours. It is recommended that the foam is ‘beheaded’ with a knife to remove the larger bubbles, preserving the liquid underneath from exposure to air and maintaining the head’s bitter aromas. A ‘perfected pour’ technique has been devise that involves a six-step training programme for bar staff.

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Eye on News

MARRIOTT TO OPEN FIRST HOTEL IN NORTHERN IRELAND

Belfast Harbour has revealed that Marriott International has been selected as the brand for its new City Quays Hotel on Belfast’s waterfront under a franchise operating agreement with Interstate Europe Hotels and Resorts.

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he hotel will be Marriott International’s first in Northern Ireland, joining the company’s portfolio of nearly 4,500 hotels located in 87 countries and territories around the world.

The four-star AC Hotel by Marriott

Belfast will include 188 rooms, a restaurant, a bar/lounge, fitness facilities and meeting rooms. The new hotel will reflect the AC Hotels

by Marriott brand vision to create contemporary hotel experiences through modern and purposeful design.

Graeme Johnston, Belfast Harbour’s Property Director, said: “Bringing Marriott to Northern Ireland for the first time is great news for both business and leisure travellers as well as for the City.

“Marriott has a very strong presence in the business market which will complement the wider office developments planned for City Quays – the first office is already fully let to four US firms employing 800 people.

The hotel will also be well placed to tap into Belfast’s growing reputation as a conference destination with the newly refurbished Waterfront Hall just a short riverside walk away.

“With views of Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic the hotel will also appeal to inbound tourists and – given Marriott’s reputation for quality – we’re confident that it will appeal strongly to local people looking for a new leisure experience.”

Marriott already has two hotels in Ireland: the world famous Shelbourne Dublin, a Renaissance Hotel and Powerscourt Hotel, Autograph Collection in Co. Wicklow. Marriott International hotels in London include the five-star JW Marriott Grosvenor House and St Pancras Renaissance Hotel.

“We are delighted to bring our lifestyle hotel brand, AC Hotels by Marriott, to the revitalised City Quays area of Belfast,” said Paul Thomas, Director International Development. “This will

be the first AC Hotel by Marriott in Northern Ireland, demonstrating our commitment to opening design-led hotels in thriving destinations where we see growing demand from discerning travellers seeking a refreshed hotel experience. We look forward to being part of this exciting and flourishing city.”

Last month Gilbert Ash was appointed as contractor for the construction element of this £25m project. Due to open in early 2018 the hotel is expected to create 180 construction jobs and employment for approximately 115 people when complete.

Ray Hutchinson, managing director of Gilbert-Ash, said: “City Quays Hotel represents one of the largest contracts that we have worked on in Northern Ireland in recent years, with a project value of £22m, and we are excited to commence work on site.

We know that the finished property will be a welcome new addition to the local leisure accommodation offering, particularly at a time when demand for beds is at an all-time high.

“There are a number of major construction projects under way in Belfast at the moment which will substantially change the face of the city in the coming year. Few buildings are able to capitalise on a view over the River Lagan and we think that this hotel and its riverside terrace will allow locals and tourists alike to enjoy one of the city’s greatest assets.”

The Eagle Has Landed G areth Bradley (left) managing director of Woodford Bourne NI celebrates with new partners Treasury Wine Estate’s country manager for Ireland Jake Cole and Wolf Blass chief winemaker Chris Hatcher.

The Australian winemaker flew in especially, from Wolf Blass’ famous Australian vineyard, to make the announcement that Lisburn-based Woodford Bourne has secured the exclusive distribution rights in Northern Ireland for world leading premium wine brands Wolf Blass.

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The Woodford Bourne contract will see a number of new wines introduced in Northern Ireland, including the Eaglehawk Shiraz and Yellow Label Cabernet quarter bottle which will complement the existing Yellow Label Chardonnay. A Silver Label Chardonnay and Silver Label Shiraz, Cabernet and Malbec will also be exciting additions to the collection.

Woodford Bourne NI is part of Robert Roberts which is one of Northern Ireland’s leading grocery sales, marketing and distribution companies.

Eye on Communications

HOOKED ON TECHNOLOGY

A majority of internet users in Northern Ireland admit to being “hooked” to their phone or tablet, according latest Ofcom research.

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re you addicted to your smartphone?

Do you spend too much time online? If so, then you’re in good company.

New research from the communications regulator Ofcom shows that nearly two thirds (61%) of internet users in Northern Ireland admit to being “hooked” to their connected device, be it a smartphone or tablet computer.

Ofcom undertook the research to better understand what people think the benefits and disadvantages are of being online.

It shows that we in Northern Ireland spend nearly 19 hours a week online and that the vast majority of internet users (86%) consider it ‘important’ to their daily lives.

However, it appears you can have too much of a good thing.

Just over six in ten internet users

(62%) said they were guilty of ‘connectivity creep’ – spending longer browsing the internet than they originally intended.

As a result, almost six in ten (59%) say they’d neglected housework; 45% said they had missed out on sleep; while three in ten (30%) had missed out on spending time with family and friends.

The good news, according to Ofcom, is that we are starting to self-regulate. Two thirds of us have taken steps to cut down on at least some of our online activities in the last year while one-in-three have even gone as far as taking a digital detox. Trying a period of time offline altogether in a bid to get a better tech-life balance.

The digital detox findings are included in Ofcom’s recently published Annual Communications Market Report.

As ever, it throws up some interesting figures. More people in Northern Ireland are now online, at home and on the move, than ever before, the report shows.

More than three quarters of homes in Northern Ireland (77%) now have a fixed line broadband connection, up from 69% in 2015.

People in Northern Ireland are also increasingly using smartphones to get online.

Seven in ten people (72%) own a smartphone, up from 63% in 2015, and it remains the most popular device for accessing the internet.

James Stinson, Regulatory Affairs Manager at Ofcom Northern Ireland, said: “More people in Northern Ireland are now online than ever before but our relationship with the web isn’t always plain surfing and many people admit to feeling hooked.

“In search of a better tech-life balance, many people are choosing

to take a bit of breathing space from the web and instead spending more time with friends and family.”

Despite the rise in online activity, traditional media remains popular with people in Northern Ireland. We watch nearly four hours of TV every day while nearly 90% listen to radio every week. And we have a strong appetite for pay TV, with around three quarters of households (74%) taking a pay TV service – higher than the UK average.

Ofcom research also shows that TV is still by far the most important source of news in Northern Ireland (62% of adults say this is their main source of UK and world news), followed by radio (17%) and websites/apps (9%).

• The Northern Ireland Communications Market Report 2016 is available at www.ofcom.org.uk

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Eye on Awards

Mark Regan of Kingsbridge Private Hospital, Anna Beggan of Tughans, Deirdre Heenan, of Ulster University, Irish News editor Noel Doran, Beverley Harrison of the Department of the Economy, Fergal Doyle of Delta Print & Packaging and Alastair Pollock of Phoenix Natural Gas at the WEA ceremony at Titanic Belfast, on June 16th.

Celebrating 10 Years It was the night of all nights in the plush surroundings of Titanic Belfast as companies representing sectors from energy to architecture, finance to pharma, and banks to beer, were lauded at the 10th anniversary Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards.

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record-breaking number of entries in this milestone year translated into a record turnout of nearly 600 guests on an evening of glitz and glamour as the awards night honoured a range of organisations from blue chip local companies through to several innovative and emerging, but lesser-known, businesses.

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A handful of past victors made it back on to the podium, picking up their distinctive award in a presentation ceremony overseen by BBC journalist Karen Patterson, assisted in a humorous and often irreverent way by top comedian Paddy Kielty, who’d flown in from recording commitments in London to co-host the night.

Among the big-name victors was Newry-based First Derivatives, which provides trading and risk management software systems and consulting services for many of the world’s leading financial institutions.

Currently employing 1,600 staff, it won both the Managing Talent and Best Place to Work categories for large firms, and received a rousing ovation

from the audience. There was another double winner from Newry when PKF-FPM topped the same two categories as FD, but for medium-sized organisations, which comes on the back of its recent success in both the UK and Irish Accountancy Awards, where it was named employer of the year.

The night’s other multiple winner was CDE Global in Cookstown, which clinched both the Innovative Employer and new Entrepreneurial Spirit awards, and which was described by the judges as “embodying a hard-working attitude backed up by creativity, ambition and a pronounced entrepreneurial spirit”.

Among the other householdname companies called

forward to the famous Titanic staircase for a Workplace & Employment Award were Allstate Northern Ireland (who’d actually be a winner on year one of the initiative back in 2007 when known as Northbrook Technology) and the Almac Group in Craigavon.

But a clutch of first-time winners, who often don’t share in the media spotlight, included Maurice Flynn & Sons, Cavanagh Kelly and Ireland Craft Beers, a company with a staff of just five.

Following a drinks reception courtesy of Diageo, the Titanic formalities commenced with a welcome from Irish News editor Noel Doran, who said: “It’s been another tremendous year not only for the numbers entering and attending the

Eye on Awards (1)

(2)

(3) Laura Millar, Phoenix Natural Gas, sponsor of Workplace Excellence presenting the Large Organisation Award to Joyce Savage and Marie Foy of Cancer Focus NI with Patrick Kielty.

(Above 1) Patricia O’Rouke from Business in the Community NI collecting the Best Place to Work - Small Organisation Award at The Irish News Workplace and Employment Awards from sponsor Anna Beggan of Tughans Solicitors.

(Above 2) Beverley Harrison, Department for the Economy, sponsor of Managing Talent, presenting the Medium Organisation Award to Teresa Campbell from PKF-FPM Accountants Ltd with Patrick Kielty.

dinner, but for the range of sectors represented. “And we’re especially delighted that The Irish News Workplace and Employment Awards continues to uniquely connect with organizations of all sizes and sectors, cutting through from business to health to education.”

Stormont junior minister Alistair Ross and infrastructure minister Chris Hazzard each delivered keynote addresses.

Mr Ross said: “The Northern Ireland Executive, through the Department for the Economy, is proud to be associated with these awards and the

(4) Amanda Bradley and Simon Heasley of GE Energy collecting the Workplace Wellbeing - Private Sector Award at The Irish News Workplace and Employment Awards from sponsor Mark Regan of Kingsbridge Private Hospital.

recognition of excellence. “As an executive, we want to deliver more and better jobs and attract more investment into Northern Ireland. We want to create a better society for everyone and are determined to deliver on that commitment. “The executive has a strong track record of working with business and we want that to continue.

By working in partnership with Northern Ireland’s rich talent base, we have a huge opportunity to make a real and positive difference to society.”

Mr Hazzard said: “The executive is determined that this mandate

will be one characterised by delivery for all the people.

“Under the new programme for government framework we are committed to working in partnership with wider society to grow our economy and create a better society for all.”

After dinner, guests were treated to a presentation from Northern Ireland-born entrepreneur Alyson Hogg, founder of Vita Liberata tanning technology, who shared her phenomenal success story – and provided samples of her product which is used by such internationally-recognised

stars as Kim Kardashian and Gwyneth Paltrow. The awards were supported by seven key business partners in Tughans, Kingsbridge Private Hospital, Ulster University, Phoenix Natural Gas, the Department for Employment & Learning (now Department for the Economy), Delta Print & Packaging and Titanic Belfast (venue partner).

For award photos visit www.irishnews.com/wea

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Eye on Internet

An Open Question To Apple

By Gareth Dunlop, Fathom.

Dear Apple, I have been meaning to write this letter to you for some time now. To my discredit I have been putting it off and putting it off, however in the last hour I have tried (and failed) to complete the simple task of adding an event to my calendar without you trying to auto-fill the address. This has adequately focused my mind (read – driven me bananas) to bring this item to the top of the agenda (read – it shouldn’t really be but I need to assuage the rage) and here we are (read – what major global issue hasn’t been straightforwardly resolved by a self-righteous keyboard warrior).

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y question is this. How can a company which has designed and built products of the staggering beauty of the iPhone, iPod, iPad, MacBook and Apple Watch also produce the steaming piles of pus that are Calendar (iCal to Gen X), Apple Music (iTunes to Gen X) and Photos (iPhoto to Gen X)?

Perhaps you have a “big screen belter movie blockbuster” products division where all your brightest employees go and a “straight-to-DVD” division where all the reprobates and lower-performers are sent for purgatory? Perhaps the only difference between the two divisions are that users aren’t allowed to contribute to any design decisions in the “straight-to-DVD” section?

Faux leather may have looked good on my uncle’s 1973 Ford Capri, but its time had long since passed when it made it into iCal in 2013. But my Calendar beef doesn’t lie with its skeuomorphism which represents the least of that product’s worries (and has since been mercifully decommissioned). Who decided that the product should not just automatically auto-fill the address, but then not allow the user to overwrite the auto-fill, even if she wants to? As I write, I genuinely cannot tell you how to edit a current Calendar entry with confidence that the changes will

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be accepted. The product is so bad that a number of competitors have emerged, one of which I have paid £32 for the privilege of using. How bad does a product have to be when it is the free default, for competitors to dominate and for customers to be prepared to pay £32 just to take the pain away?

Jumbling all my photos on the kitchen table with no discernable categorization might be a fun game to play with the kids on a wet Sunday afternoon but it’s no way to arrange a lifetime of digital pics. And regarding the less desirable elements of Apple Music, deleting files off someone else’s computer was never cool, at any time, for any context, “product bug” or otherwise.

The humble hockey puck mouse, the cause of so much ire for so many people, was at least a noble attempt at having a go in the late 1990s when there were fewer good mice on the market. It was quickly evolved and later iterations of the Apple mouse (eventually) came good. Products such as the Newton Message Pad, Portable Macintosh and the Apple Pippin were quickly stood down when Apple realised they were well short of the mark.

So why have we not seen the overhaul of software which is bundled with hardware and your various operating systems? You must know in your hearts that it’s awful.

We watched in awe as the audience clapped when Steve Jobs showed how scrolling worked on an iPhone during his Macworld Keynote in San Francisco in 2007. We wept with (read – laughed at) the YouTube viral guy who opened his iPhone 6 on the first day of release and dropped it as he opened it. Some of us have even had the temerity to use your design parlance “Design is not just what it looks like and feels like; design is how it works” and “Creativity is just connecting things” when trying to sell experience design.

So maybe its time for the tables to be turned and for you to do the listening?

Spare a thought for the busy executive screaming at her laptop screen with no one in Apple listening because Calendar won’t let

her add the address she wants, or because committing an event to the calendar requires the digit-dexterity of Houdini. Or the proud Dad who is struggling to manage his family photos because Photos has gone crazy with a spot of self-categorisation. Or at least mourn the revenue you’re not getting through Apple Music because the online reviews suggest that sticking with Spotify, or heaven forbid, keeping all your MP3s on your hard drive is a safer and better option for now.

As soon as I complete this letter, I will be writing another posthumous one to Dante, asking him to consider adding a tenth circle of hell to his Inferno, which is the use of Apple’s “straight-to-DVD” products.

I’m only being playful really (except for the infuriation that Calendar instills, and uncoolness of deleting music off your customer’s computers) but I am genuinely curious to know how the company responsible for some of the most remarkable product design of the 21st century can spawn the nobility of Simba and the evil of Scar from the same place. It is a quandary which I suspect even a straightto-DVD Lion King III release couldn’t answer.

Gareth Dunlop owns and runs Fathom, a user-experience consultancy which helps ambitious organisations get the most from their website and internet marketing by viewing the world from the perspective of their customers. Specialist areas include UX strategy, usability testing and customer journey planning, web accessibility and integrated online marketing. Clients include Three, Ordnance Survey Ireland, PSNI, Permanent TSB and Tesco Mobile.

Visit Fathom online at fathom.pro.

Eye on News

Belfast-Based HSL Acquires Endosurgical (NI) Ltd Hospital Services Ltd (HSL), a multi-disciplined company established in Northern Ireland 1962 and in the Republic of Ireland in 1963, has completed the acquisition of Endosurgical (NI) Ltd. This is a wholly owned subsidiary of Eurosurgical Ireland which is currently in liquidation.

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SL is particularly strong in the radiology, ophthalmic, endoscopy and surgical sectors and supplies hospitals and clinics with a range of diagnostic equipment and consumables from gloves through to specialist keyhole surgery instruments.

Led by CEO Dominic Walsh, HSL was subject to an MBO in October last year supported by private equity investment management company, the Foresight Group, which invested £4.5 million.

As a result of this recent purchase, HSL will grow its turnover from £10 million to £18 million per annum and

increase its workforce from 33 employees in Northern Ireland, Ireland and Great Britain to 56. In the short term the company will operate as Eurosurgical trading as HSL with all staff transferring to the new company.

Dominic Walsh, Chief Executive Officer of HSL said: “Following our MBO last year, the Foresight Group has proven to be a supportive investor in our business. From the outset, we planned to develop the business significantly through strategic acquisitions and organic growth.

“We have a very clear vision for our business and this acquisition has provided us with an accelerated growth opportunity at exactly the right time. The purchase of Endosurgical (NI) Ltd is an excellent fit for us as it complements HSL’s existing portfolio and will give us an unparalleled range of surgical equipment, medical devices and consumables.

“We believe that this diversity of products, which allows us to be a one-stop-shop for many of our customers, is a very robust proposition and is just one of the many benefits we can offer.”

George Maloney, Restructuring Partner with RSM Ireland, was appointed liquidator to Eurosurgical Ireland by the High Court in May and is pleased to announce that the business has been sold as a going

Dominic Walsh with George Mahoney of RSM Ireland.

concern to Hospital Services Ltd. Commenting on the announcement, Mr Maloney said: “We are delighted to have worked with the staff and HSL to bring it successfully through the sale process and to safeguard its operations in Dublin and Belfast for the future.”

Dominic Walsh continued: “We now have a very strong presence in Northern Ireland and Ireland with our Belfast headquarters and offices in Sandyford Dublin, both of which have highly experienced and knowledgeable teams.

“As we operate across both jurisdictions, we have a very focussed business plan to ensure that we are able to continue our growth, particularly in this time of uncertainty following the ‘Brexit’ vote, and ultimately have ambitions to further extend our customer base in Great Britain in due course.”

Cutting edge conference streaming technology launched

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Dunmurry-based company are leading the way in revolutionary new broadcast technology aimed at Northern Ireland’s growing conference sector, with the development of a state-of-the-art outside broadcast truck utilising remotely operated cameras with global uplink and captioning capabilities.

It’s the latest innovation from Pi Communications, led by Managing Directors Norah Anne Barron and Conor O’Brien who provide bespoke broadcasting services to the NI Assembly as well as the Irish Parliament.. The company also works with a number of public sector clients including Invest NI and various international companies, producing short films for use in multi-platform marketing activity.

Pi has recently invested 250K in the purpose built conference van, OB3, which employs robotic technology to direct multiple cameras and stream any event live to a world-wide network. The only one of its kind in the island of Ireland, the vehicles’ innovative remotely operated set-up

allows major streaming requirements to be managed single-handedly.

Pi has unrivalled credentials in the broadcast industry in Ireland, having successfully launched and managed an Oireachtas TV channel working across multiple platforms, and is the only independent production company broadcasting on TV seven days a week.

Employing 45 staff in Belfast and Dublin, the team brings together decades of experience in creating tailored broadcasting solutions for clients delivering a range of services including broadcast production, post production, outside broadcasting, webcasting, news gathering and broadcast engineering and management.

Norah Anne, who established the company in 2001 with husband Conor, says Pi’s in-depth knowledge of broadcasting, streaming and tailored client solutions are key in supplying the high level of specification required in a fast changing media environment.

“Our investment in technology and ability to adapt quickly to any client

requirements mean that we are unique in the marketplace when it comes to providing tailored solutions. Our unrivalled expertise in robotic camera technology allows us to keep our production costs as low as possible.

“We also have live captioning capability, allowing a wraparound service for major events and conferences and use satellite IP technology which reduces transmission costs, allowing

us to pass on any savings to our wide and varied customer base. “ “Viewing platforms are constantly evolving, revolutionising how and where we watch TV, requiring us to produce television for every screen across multiple platforms. As technology develops, individual requirements change so we are constantly researching and investing in the latest developments in this fast-changing industry.”

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PARTNERSHIP.EXPERIENCE.IMPACT.

Banking & Finance | Technology

32 years connecting talent and opportunity

Engineering & Manufacturing | HR

www.graftonrecruitment.com

Sales & Marketing

Eye on Moving On 1 Brian Hughes has been appointed as Project Manager at Omexom, a leading electricity generation, transmission, transformation and distribution services provider. Brian will be drawing on his 20 years’ industry experience to fulfil his new role where he is responsible for the planning, oversight and management of renewable projects 2 to ensure optimum delivery. Neofytos Neofytou has been appointed as Design Engineer at the same company. He has extensive experience in the electrical design and engineering sector and will be responsible for designing electrical drawings for the construction of electricity Substations.

1 Brian Hughes

2 Neofytos Neofytou

3 Julie-Anne Clarke

3 Julie-Anne Clarke has been appointed as a Regional Administrator for Institute of Directors Northern Ireland, a business organisation with members which promotes directors and develops corporate governance. She joins the IoD from the Construction Employers Federation.

4 Munier Abdalla has been appointed Senior Client Manager at Lighthouse Communications.

Munier has extensive experience as a respected news journalist and has reported in London, Belfast, Egypt and the United States of America.

Lambert Smith Hampton has announced four 5 key appointments. Andrew Givan becomes senior surveyor of property management.

Andrew graduated from Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh in 2006 with BSc (Hons) Estate Management and is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

4 Munier Abdalla

7 David Horisk

5 Andrew Givan

8 Steven McKee

6 Andrew Mearns

9 Kevin Reid

6 Andrew Mearns has been appointed senior surveyor. Andrew has five years’ experience working within the Scottish commercial market specialising in the valuation and disposal of commercial property 7 and development land. David Horisk has been appointed head of building consultancy with overall responsibility for leading service line delivery to existing and new clients. He has over 13 years of commercial building consultancy experience.

8 And Steven McKee has been appointed associate director. Steven joined Lambert Smith Hampton in 2008, when he commenced employment within the Property Management Division.

Almac Group, the global contract development and manufacturing organisation is pleased to 9 announce the appointment of Kevin Reid to the position of Vice President of Corporate Marketing. Kevin brings to this role extensive corporate marketing experience. Most recently he held the lead marketing position with BDO Ireland and previously headed up the marketing function for Associated Newspapers Ireland.

10 Jacinta Parkhill has been appointed as a Director at Morrow Commuications. She joined the company in 2010 and has in-depth experience of providing strategic communications support for clients across the private and public sectors. Jacinta is also a Trustee and Director of Audiences NI. 11 Sarah Sistern has been appointed as an Associate in the Corporate Department at A&L Goodbody Belfast. Sarah qualified as a solicitor in the Corporate team in 2012, having trained with A&L Goodbody and completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Legal Studies at Queen’s University Belfast.

10 Jacinta Parkhill

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11 Sarah Sistern

12 Aisling Owens

12 Also at A&L Goodbody, Aisling Owens becomes an Associate in Banking and Finance. She qualified in 2012 having trained with A&L Goodbody after completing the Legal Practice Course with distinction at the College of Law, Chester. She is a member of the Law Society of Northern Ireland and the Law Society of England and Wales.

PARTNERSHIP.EXPERIENCE.IMPACT.

Banking & Finance | Technology

32 years connecting talent and opportunity

Engineering & Manufacturing | HR

www.graftonrecruitment.com

Sales & Marketing

Eye on Moving xxx On Keenan CF, Northern Ireland’s leading independent transaction and restructuring advisor, has made a significant senior hire as part of the company’s plans to enhance and nurture the Advisory side of its business, as local market conditions pick 13 up. Paul Prenter, formerly of KPMG and more recently Staffline Group PLC, has joined the firm as Director. With more than 10 years experience in the field, he will lead and grow the Corporate Advisory Team, providing expert advice to those clients engaging in corporate transactions such as acquisitions, disposals, and fundraising.

13 Paul Prenter

14 Amy Grant

15 Janine Wells

14 Amy Grant has been appointed Client Executive at ASG & Partners. Amy brings with her over two and a half years of experience in the marketing and advertising industry both at agency and client side.

She has also worked with high-profile brands such as Toyota (GB) and Cool FM / Downtown Radio.

Medialink has announced the appointment of 15 Janine Wells as NI Sales Manager for Channel 4. Janine joins the 4 Sales Team from Belfast based advertising agency, Genesis and comes with over 12 years of media experience, having worked across various high profile public and private sector clients including Hendersons, Invest NI, Dale Farm, PSNI and Tourism NI at a regional, national and international level.

16 Also at ASG, Susannah Hylands has been appointed Recruitment Account Executives.

Susannah’s knowledge of the local media landscape is extensive, having previously worked not only with NI agencies, but also Cool FM / Downtown Radio.

16 Susannah Hylands

17 Diane McGregor

18 Marc Hawthorne

17 Diane McGregor becomes Regional Sales Director at Capitalflow Commercial Finance. She joins the company with more than 30 years’ experience in the asset based lending arena and has a long history of supporting the SME sector fund and grow their businesses. Also at 18 Capitalflow, Marc Hawthorne is appointed as Sales Director. Marc works across invoice finance, asset finance and asset based lending to structure flexible funding solutions for SMEs. 19 Vivienne Mackay has joined Happening Conferences and Events as Business Development Manager. A graduate of Queen Margaret University College Edinburgh, Vivienne has more than 20 years events experience and joins Happening from Meeting Makers.

19 Vivienne Mackay

20 Paul Hanna

21 Jeni McKelvey

Abbey Insurance Brokers, now incorporating Open + Direct, has made two new appointments 20 to the Board. Paul Hanna has been appointed 21 Managing Director, while Jeni McKelvey has been promoted to Personal Lines Director.

Paul Hanna joined Abbey Insurance brokers over 10 years ago as Company Accountant before progressing to Head of Finance.

22 Karen Arbuckle has been appointed the new Chair of Co-operative Alternatives, the only body in Northern Ireland entirely devoted to developing successful co-operatives and community benefit societies. The organisation also promotes the development of community shares in Northern Ireland, an alternative method of finance for co-operatives.

22 Karen Arbuckle

23 Helen Brogan

23 Helen Brogan has been appointed as Sales Support Advisor at Continu Ltd. In her role, she will be responsible for supporting Continu’s uninterruptible power supply (UPS) growth in Northern Ireland’s I.T sector.

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Eye on News

KELSIUS SECURES MAJOR DEAL WITH FIVE GUYS Digital Food Safety company, Kelsius has landed a major six figure deal with Five Guys to provide the premier global burger chain with its bespoke digital food safety solution, FoodCheck.

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pending approximately £60,000 on research and development to secure the deal, Kelsius is now supplying 50 Five Guys locations across the UK, including Belfast’s Victoria Square outlet.

With no freezers on site, everything in Five Guys is cooked from scratch, so food must be delivered and stored at exact temperatures.

FoodCheck’s wireless temperature monitoring technology and digital HACCP Management system maximises product safety, which

ensures regulatory compliance in this very complex area.

In addition to the safety element, it also massively reduces the costs and time associated with maintaining these standards – in some instances up to 30 hours per week.

UK IT Director for Five Guys, William Day said, “The FoodCheck paperless HACCP system is easy-to-use allowing staff to concentrate on the quality of food we provide. Records are easily and securely accessed for each location and thereporting is

Paddy Hearty from Kelsius is pictured with Caroline Hutchinson from Five Guys.

what really sets the system apart.

This makes life much easier for a HACCP audit or inspection.”

Founded in 2003, Kelsius has offices in the United Kingdom and Ireland with a network of partners inEurope, Middle East, Australia and the USA and is revolutionising the way food is stored and cooked.

Kelsius Chief Executive, Andrew Logan said, “The Five Guys deal is a massive boost for our company and

it’s a real testament to the strength of our product within the food safety sector. We now feel it has given us more confidence to attract customers of a similar size and reputation as Five Guys. We are well known in the Irish market, after previously winning contracts with MusgraveSuperValu Centra and Applegreen, but this deal has helped us broaden our customer base in the UK and with the support of our global partners furtherafield.”

TITANIC BELFAST SERVES UP 30 NEW HOSPITALITY JOBS Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience, is recruiting for 30 new hospitality roles.

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he world-class conference and banqueting facility has recently brought its hospitality offering in-house under the leadership of recently appointed Head of Hospitality, Lloyd Jackson, as well as established Executive Head Chef, Alastair Fullerton, who have a combined over 50 years’ experience in the sector.

Since opening, it has hosted over 1,000 events, ranging from meetings, exhibitions, gala dinners, conferences and signature events, such as MTV Sounds and BBC Sports Personality of the Year Red Carpet event and served guests including Her Majesty The Queen, Taoiseach Enda Kenny, TITANIC director James Cameron and former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Tim Husbands MBE, Chief Executive

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of Titanic Belfast, commented, “If you have a passion for service– you could have the ‘Titanic-factor’ and join our award-winning team! At Titanic Belfast, we are preparing for a busy event season ahead, and are adding staff to our established integrated team. We value our staff as one of key assets and reasons for success. To ensure our world-class standards are met and maintained, all Titanic Belfast employees go through a robust preparation programme, including substantial on the job and bespoke customer service training under the direction of our new Head of Hospitality, Lloyd Jackson and Executive Head Chef, Alastair Fullerton.”

The roles will be across all areas of

Titanic Belfast’s Chief Executive, Tim Husbands MBE, Head of Hospitality, Lloyd Jackson and Executive Head Chef Alastair Fullerton serve up 30 new jobs.

the hospitality department servicing the flexible suites located across the fifth and sixth floor of Titanic Belfast, which can cater for between 50 – 1,000 guests, as well as the Bistro 401 and The Galley Café.

Titanic Belfast was recently awarded a ‘Gold Standard’ Investor in People accreditation, which is acknowledged UK-wide as the most

successful framework for business improvement through people.

In the first three years, Titanic Belfast generated £105 million in additional tourism spend for the Northern Ireland economy and has sustained around 893 jobs each year in the wider economy. Full details of the posts are available at www.titanicbelfast.com

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Eye on News

Belfast Harbour Backs Culture Night Programme Belfast Culture Night has received a welcome boost as it is announced that Belfast Harbour will be the primary corporate sponsor for this year’s annual event to be held on 16 September, with a major cash sponsorship package.

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Belfast Harbour’s Communications and Corporate Responsibility Manager, Jenni Barkley, joins Adam Turkington, Programme Director for Culture Night.

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or this year’s Culture Night, Belfast Harbour is also spearheading a showcase event called ‘Breaking Bread’ which will see international food-waste campaigner, Pascale Robinson, transform Donegall Street into a unique, outdoor dining venue which will welcome hundreds of guests to enjoy a delicious free meal using ‘waste food’.

Following the success of previous events delivered by Pascale in Sydney, Brussels, Amsterdam and Manchester, Breaking Bread will serve up a tasty communal feast made entirely out of food that would otherwise have been wasted.

Speaking of the importance of the event, Belfast Harbour’s Communications and Corporate Responsibility Manager, Jenni Barkley, said: “Belfast Harbour has a strong history of supporting the arts and culture sector in Northern Ireland as part of a wider community outreach commitment and we are delighted to be able to support this year’s Culture Night and directly contribute with an important key event.

“Belfast Harbour has a vested interest in the development and future of the city, so the Breaking Bread event, which is aimed at promoting the concept of building communities and developing new friendships around food, is of particular importance to us as it highlights the role food can play as a means of fostering relationships and communities, not just as a driver for business and tourism.”

This is the second year that Belfast Harbour has supported the popular public event which sees tens of thousands of people take to the streets of Belfast City Centre to enjoy music, art, debates, comedy and street theatre.

Adam Turkington, Programme Director for Culture Night, added: “It has been well documented that funding for the arts has taken a massive blow in recent years, so the support we receive from Belfast Harbour is of real importance to us and those who enjoy Culture Night every year. With the backing of Belfast Harbour, we are able to deliver a packed programme of events which attracts thousands of people into the City Centre to experience and take part in unique and engaging performances, displays and exhibitions. This year promises to be even bigger and better than before and we’re really excited about seeing it all come together in September.”

Culture Night has become hugely popular since the first event in Belfast in 2009. From an audience of 10,000 to an expected 70,000 in 2016, the event clearly captures the public’s imagination. Over 250 different organisations contribute to the content of the event which showcases the cultural diversity, arts and creativity of the city.

Cosmetic Anti-wrinkle Treatments are now being performed by Dr Lisa Neligan at 3FiveTwo Healthcare, located at 352 Lisburn Road, Belfast.

30 September 2016.*

Eye on Enterprise

Co-ops On The Rise In Northern Ireland Austerity and the banking crisis have revived interest in the co-operative movement in Northern Ireland as new enterprises seek alternative ways to do business in a more collaborative, socially inclusive way.

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n recent years, co-ops have been set up across a range of sectors in order to give members more control of the enterprise, to share skills and knowledge among communities and to source new ways of raising finance such as Community Share Offers.

Co-operatives have been

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around for many years such as agricultural co-ops, which formed in the early 1900s. In the 60s and 70s, credit unions were set up and there are now more than 170 here. But from the 1990s until the recession, the co-operative model fell from favour.

“The recession and the impact of austerity have led

to renewed interest in the co-operative movement as people seek new ways to do things,” explained Tiziana O’Hara from Co-operative Alternatives, a Northern Ireland organisation that supports co-op development and also delivers the Building Change Trust’s Community Shares Ready! project.

“Co-operatives offer an alternative way of running an enterprise – one where money stays in the local community, where employees and customers get a say in how businesses are run, where

people are as important as the bottom line,” she said.

This has also included new models of finance such as offering the public a share of the enterprise through Community Shares.

“Because members of the community are literally buying into the business, they have a vested interest in the enterprise and are incredibly supportive of it,” she explained.

Business Eye takes a look at four recently formed co-operatives with a forwardthinking, can-do attitude.

Eye on Enterprise

Nice (Northern Ireland Community Energy): Solar Energy For Charities

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orthern Ireland’s pioneering community-owned solar energy enterprise launched in March 2015 and has held two successful Community Share Offers to raise finance to allow them to install PV solar panels on buildings that are owned by third sector organisations such as community groups and charities.

These groups will benefit from electricity at a greatly discounted price for twenty years – while also supporting a more environmentally sustainable method of producing energy. Any surplus energy will be sold to the electricity Grid and NICE

hopes to be able to deliver a return of approximately 4% to investors as well as investing in a community fund providing for energy saving improvements to tackle fuel poverty in Northern Ireland.

“NICE’s primary focus is the local community and its environment.

We are taking forward renewable energy initiatives that will make a difference economically, socially and ecologically to our local society. It is this social and environmental focus and the desire to co-own community energy, which makes NICE an ideal fit for the co-operative model,” explains Karen Arbuckle from NICE.

Lacada Brewery: Art In Beer – Democracy In Business

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raft breweries have been one of the biggest success stories of the co-operative movement in recent years with companies including Boundary, Farmageddon and Lacada forming as co-ops.

Portrush-based Lacada Brewery began with a father and son brewing together and grew to become a group of co-operative minded, good beer loving aficionados.

Lacada has held two Community Share offers to raise finance for the development of the brewery and now has 270 co-owners each having one vote in the future of the

business. They produce three core beers throughout the year as well as a special Limited Edition series. The brewery has a range of plans to build the business which could involve brewery tours and beer tastings.

“One of the strong points of being a co-operative is that you have a ready-made client base that are interested and keen for us to succeed,” Lacada’s Laurie Davis said.

“Our members feel strongly that being a co-operative is really important to them. We hope in the years to come that we can stand up as a model of good practice for co-ops.”

The Creative Workers Co-operative: working together for social value

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he Creative Workers Co-operative formed in 2012 as a small business providing print and web design, film and photography and has three members.

Colin Stewart explains why the trio came together as a co-op: “We had all experienced precarious work, long hours, low pay, low job satisfaction and lack of job security that are common in traditional employment.

We had conversations amongst ourselves about an alternative and more democratic working life.

“We had a skill set and interests that were not being utilised

with our current work and we understood that an attempt to move into the creative industries would have meant freelancing or internships for larger companies that produce little social value; which none of us were keen on.

“The idea of a co-op appealed to us, we could do it ourselves and on our own terms. We could nurture and share skills as a co-op and make the decisions that affect our working lives ourselves. This meant working with like-minded organisations, such as other co-operatives, community groups and trade unions to bring about social change.”

Raglan: Building A Better Community

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he Raglan Community Renovation and Development Society is a co-operative of local people working for the continuing regeneration of Harryville through the development of the Raglan site.

For 200 years, The Raglan Bar was a centre for this community until it was destroyed in 1976 by a bomb. The intervening years were difficult for Harryville and the Raglan lay derelict. Last year the Slemish n tha Braid Credit Union renovated a portion of the building and opened for business, creating a new hub in Harryville.

Now plans are underway to renovate the rest of the building creating business units, a historical exhibition and community space.

The entire project will cost more than £1 million with finance raised from a variety of sources including a Community Share Offer, giving local people a chance to be part of this project.

“We formed a co-operative because we believe it is essential to involve local people. We know we are stronger together and that with the support of the community we can get this massive project completed,” explained William Millar from Raglan.

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Eye on Events

The Vintage Rooms Launches in Hillsborough As Hillsborough’s iconic Plough Group of bars and restaurants approaches its 36thyear of business in July, brothers William, Richard and Derek Patterson, who currently employ 220 people locally, have launched their newest venture, The Vintage Rooms. Marking an investment of £500,000 and the creation of 15 new full and part-time roles, The Vintage Rooms will serve as the only lounge bar experience in Hillsborough and its opening was celebrated by local businesspeople and suppliers on Thursday 23rd June.

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(1) Derek Patterson and Pamela Patterson. (2) Alan Tyndall and Lynn Tyndall. (3) John Leckey and Clare Leckey. (4) Angela Kiley, Wendy Carson, Rachel Reid and Suzanne Kelly.

(5) Geoff and Diane Alderdice & Tracy and Richard Patterson. (6) Karen McClure and Deborah O’Hare. (7) The Right Worshipful the Mayor, Councillor Brian Bloomfield MBE and Mrs Rosalind Bloomfield. (8) William Patterson and Sue Patterson. (9) Jackie Campbell, Paula McMaster and Kirsty Garrett. (10) Zara Beggs, Nigel Beggs and Rachel Middleton.

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Eye on News

SuperValu leads the herd with ‘Best Beef Ever’ S

uperValu is number one for beef in Northern Ireland.

The leading foodmarket convenience retailer has come out on top in research conducted by the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC), with 100% of its beef sourced locally and 100% also Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assured.

SuperValu’s beef leads the way not only in quality but in flavour, as a recent independent consumer taste audit conducted

by Loughry College found that SuperValu’s new and improved beef came out on top, beating

a number of key competitors.

The retailer has launched its ‘Best Beef Ever’ campaign with support from Ambassador Chef Noel McMeel, as part of Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink’s ‘Love NI Meat’ theme for August.

SuperValu steaks and joints are now matured for a minimum of 21 days to give a fuller flavour and improved tenderness.

All butchers within SuperValu stores have also been trained on the quality of the meat, increased range, improving maturation and new cuts of meat, to be able to offer ‘expert’ advice to customers.

Michael McCormack, Managing Director of Musgrave NI, which owns the SuperValu brand said: “At SuperValu we very much believe in providing our customers with the best in quality, local produce. In fact, SuperValu is one of the biggest supporters of local produce and local suppliers in Northern Ireland, spending over £105m annually, with 75% of all fresh foods sourced locally.

“SuperValu beef has always been 100% Northern Ireland farm quality assured and now we’re leading the way in taste and quality. With our ‘Best Beef Ever’ campaign, we also

want to provide customers with choice, range and we’ve invested in training to provide in-store expertise with our local butcher.”

SuperValu Ambassador Chef, Noel McMeel, said: “SuperValu is synonymous with quality, local produce and now its beef is a cut above the rest in taste with its 21 days maturation guaranteed.

“SuperValu’s local expert butchers will now be able to help customers get the best out of quality, Northern Irish beef and I will be sharing my hints and tips for preparing seasoning and cooking a variety of delicious beef dishes.”

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Eye on News

Hamilton opens new Dale Farm Cheese Retail Packing Facility

Pictured with Economy Minister Simon Hamilton at the opening of Dale Farm’s new £7million cheese retail packaging facility are (l-r) John Dunlop, United Dairy Farmers Chairman; Nick Whelan, Dale Farm Group Chief Executive and Dr David Dobbin CBE, retiring Dale Farm Group Chief Executive.

Economy Minister Simon Hamilton has opened Dale Farm’s new cheese retail packing facility at its Dunmanbridge facility near Cookstown.

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he Dunmanbridge plant, one of the most advanced of its kind in Europe, houses the latest cheese making and processing technology.

Welcoming the investment, Minister Hamilton said: “I welcome this

significant investment by Dale Farm.

Completion of this new facility is the latest stage of Dale Farm’s current investment programme, enabling 60 new jobs to be created. These new jobs and additional salaries are a

welcome boost for the local economy.

“Supported by Invest Northern Ireland, the new packing facility will enable the company to produce a wider range of packed consumer cheese. Ultimately, this investment will enhance the company’s competitiveness in global markets enabling it to compete for national and international contracts.

“The dairy industry forms an integral part of Northern Ireland’s

food and drink processing sector and continues to make an important contribution to the regional economy.

“Dale Farm is a great example of the many award winning, export focused producers who are investing in innovative measures to support their growth and their continued contribution to Northern Ireland’s Agri-Food industry.”

Invest Northern Ireland has provided £548,840 of support towards the jobs and new cheese packing facility.

Dale Farm Group Chief Executive David Dobbin commented: “This new cheese processing and packing facility will help us continue to deliver strong growth in our cheddar sales in both domestic and export markets, especially in the faster growing convenience segment of the market. Over the last two years we have more than doubled our sales in consumer cheese products.

“Dale Farm has a first class range of products as demonstrated by our recent success at the Nantwich International Cheese show where our Dromona and Fivemiletown cheeses won a record haul of 10 gold medals. We now have the excellence in people, products and production facilities needed to succeed in a demanding and very competitive marketplace. It is vital to the farmers that own our Coop that we can add value to their milk and this latest £7million investment by Dale Farm will help sustain our local dairy farmers and employment at this plant as well as support the continued growth in our business.”

CREAM OF THE CROP H

azel Magill, Head Chef at Slieve Donard Resort and Spa celebrates with Richard McDowell of Farmview Dairies, as Hastings Hotels have joined forces with the leading dairy company to create Northern Ireland’s first ever clotted cream.

Hazel commented: “Farmview’s clotted cream is a perfect smooth and rich texture with just a lovely layer of crust, ideal for enjoying along with cakes, desserts and summer berries.

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“Having a local artisan producer allows us to work directly with them to develop product to our specifications. At the Slieve Donard we are looking forward to creating some new recipes using Farmview’s clotted cream.”

The clotted cream will add an extra layer of enjoyment to Hastings Hotels’ afternoon teas which are served across all six of their properties.

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Eye on News

Maxol Announces AWARE As New Charity Partner Maxol has announced mental health charity AWARE as their new charity partner.

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he aim of the partnership, which will run until at least the end of 2017, is to promote positive mental health in communities across Northern Ireland. It will support the range and level of important services delivered by AWARE in Northern Ireland and Aware in the Republic of Ireland.

The announcement was made today by Maxol’s Chief Executive Brian Donaldson, who was joined by Cool FM DJ and AWARE ambassador Paulo Ross with AWARE Director of Fundraising and Communications, Teresa Sloan at the Auto 24 Belmont Maxol station on the Holywood Road in Belfast, to

officially launch the partnership.

As well as featuring AWARE collection boxes in Maxol’s 230 locations, the partnership will also support the AWARE Mood Walks which are a series of summer walks taking place across various locations in Northern Ireland. AWARE Mood Walks encourage communities to come together to get to know each other, while keeping active and maintaining positive mental health. The locations of the walks are in Belfast, Derry, Omagh and Portstewart.

Commenting on the new partnership, Brian Donaldson, Chief Executive of Maxol said, “We’re very proud to partner with

AWARE, who do such important and admirable work across the country.

We have been focussing much of our efforts on community level initiatives of late through our retail network, and this partnership will reinforce that at each of our 230 locations.

“Our retailers and all of our staff are very supportive of this partnership as I’m sure our customers will be. Positive mental wellbeing is such an important subject with everybody affected in some way and we look forward to helping raise awareness through new

initiatives and a series of uplifting activities across our network.”

Teresa Sloan, Director of Fundraising and Communication of AWARE said, “AWARE is delighted to partner with such a trusted and well known company as Maxol. We at AWARE, believe that positive mental wellbeing is of vital importance to every aspect of our lives and Maxol’s ‘at the heart of it’ philosophy blends together so perfectly with the services we endeavor to deliver to communities and schools across Northern Ireland.

PUNJANA BAGS TOP ACCOLADE Belfast based Thompson’s Family Teas, has won the maximum three stars for its hero brand, Punjana, Northern Ireland’s best-selling tea, at the prestigious UK Great Taste Awards 2016. Three stars is the highest achievement a product can win and is normally reserved for exclusive and specialised products rather than an affordable everyday product.

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n this year alone, the familyowned business amassed a record breaking total of 23 Star Awards.

Another blend, Thompson’s Irish Breakfast tea bags also achieved top honours with the maximum 3 Stars.

Punjana tea bags now stand alone in their category - winning more Great Taste Awards than any other blended teabag in the UK and ROI over the past 10 years.

Cousins, Ross and David Thompson, who blend all of their company’s teas, have long held a passion for blending.

Ross comments: “I feel that with this latest endorsement, we have come one

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giant step closer to our ultimate goal of blending the perfect everyday cuppa.”

The recently aired television advert, which features Ross and David on their tea journey, finishes with the line, “Punjana is everyday tea, but when the Thompson’s make it, everyday is special.” This award comes as a timely endorsement to their lofty claim.

Other winning tea products include Thompson’s Signature Blend tea bags, Thompson’s Everyday tea bags, Thompson’s Decaf tea bags, and even Punjana’s brand leading loose tea which was accredited with 2 Stars.

David & Ross Thompson

The Thompson’s recent development into the luxury loose tea sector, serving the growing demand for special tea drinking occasions, was rewarded with a raft of awards for their exotic infusions, including Hedgerow Heaven, Scent of a Rose and Rhubarb Spritzer.

The Great Taste Awards are commonly referred to as the ‘Oscars’ of the food and drink world and are run annually by the Guild of Fine Foods in England. Food and drink entries are blind tasted by up to 40 judges in six different locations across the UK with less than 2% of all entries making it to the hallowed 3 Star status.

All Thompson’s Family Teas are imported into their state-of-the-art blending and packing facility in Belfast, before being distributed to outlets across the province and beyond to markets stretching from the United States to Australia.

David Thompson concludes: “Our factory has achieved BRC Grade A accreditation and is equipped with some of the world’s most advanced tea packaging and blending machinery, indeed our factory now produces tea for over a third of the country’s tea drinkers, equating to more than 1 million tea bags every day, in Northern Ireland alone.”

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Eye on Motoring

dfcbelfast.co.uk Motoring with Derek Black dbmotoring@btinternet.com

Compact F Sport Lexus Brings Back Driver Appeal What is this - a ‘naughty’ car from Lexus? Yes, the Japanese exponent of hybrid power has let its hair down and come up with a turbo-charged, petrol car that provides a dynamic driving experience.

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he IS 200t Fsport is their take on cars like the BMW 328i. With 240bhp performance and a lithe, rear-drive chassis, this is a ringer for the German compact performance saloon. As Lexus has dropped its diesel variant, the choice is now black and white between petrol and hybrid.

I really enjoyed my spell with the IS 200t. It felt sporty, could sprint to 62mph in 7 seconds and was fun to

drive. Beautifully finished inside and out, this is a great car to drive and is well up to the standards of its premium competitors. Okay, it gives away a second to that BMW on the sprint and the eight speed automatic gearbox is not quite as slick, but it is a huge stride forward in drivability for Lexus.

The penalty for all the fun is found on the bottom line. The IS200t returns 39mpg combined, emits 167g/km

and falls into the 30% BIK rating. The less dynamic IS 300h hybrid records 67mpg combined, emits from 97g/ km and is in the 16% BIK bracket.

Slightly longer than before the latest compact Lexus is an eyecatcher, particularly my bright Fuji Red test car. The interior is beautifully crafted with clever controls and a chrome-rimmed colour screen in the middle. It has loads of high tech

safety features including a pop-up bonnet to help protect pedestrians.

Priced from £28,995, the IS 200t is about £1k cheaper than its hybrid brother and considerably cheaper than the competition. The F Sport version that I drove is packed with kit for £31,595. Luxury options such as leather (£2,000) and premium navigation (£1,995) complete the parallel with the Germans!

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Fuel consumption information is official government environmental data, tested in accordance with the relevant EU directive. Official EU-regulated test data are provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors. All figures quoted correct at time of going to press (August 2016).

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Eye on Motoring

DFC and KBS Strengthen Existing Partnership with New Fleet Contract Worth Over £250,000 Belfast based leasing company DFC and business office suppliers, Kennedy Business Systems (KBS) have strengthened their existing partnership with a new contract.

Both Uel Butler and John Cunningham who have been working together for well over a decade have this month agreed a new fleet contract worth over £250,000.

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ohn Cunningham, Chief Executive, KBS said, “We are delighted to have consolidated our existing relationship with DFC with this new contract and we look forward to working together in the near future with both companies enjoying steady growth in the marketplace. It was a bit of a no-brainer deciding to turn to DFC when growing our fleet due to our strong relationship over the years and also the service enhancements that DFC have implemented over this past year.”

DFC, a major player in the Northern Ireland fleet market have developed a number of major partnerships this year which have greatly enhanced the level of service offered to customers. The main one being, the RAC agreement which is exclusive to the Northern Ireland motoring industry. This allows all business customers to enjoy RAC Telematics, breakdown cover and accident management as standard with all vehicles.

Uel Butler, Chief Executive, DFC stated, “We are delighted to have cemented our long term relationship with John and KBS. Having

worked with John and indeed the entire KBS group for well over 12 years we are thrilled to be continuing this relationship and are now in a better position to offer an even greater level of service. The RAC, and more importantly RAC Telematics has been a fantastic edition to our business and as a result our customers are not only beginning to see a massive improvement in the way that they manage their vehicles, but also the savings they are making on their monthly rentals.”

Mr Cunningham concluded by stating, “With the growth of our current fleet it was vitally important that we had a strong system in place that would help us monitor our vehicles. When introduced and shown first-hand how DFC/RAC Telematics could improve the efficiency of the fleet and also

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ensure the safety of our drivers we were massively impressed. With the potential savings in fuel, increase in productivity and overall efficiency in the fleet it was an added benefit of having this included with the vehicles. And with breakdown cover and accident management also incorporated we now have the reassurance that if any of the vehicles are involved in an incident they will be taken care of in a timely manner.”

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Eye on Motoring

dfcbelfast.co.uk Motoring with Derek Black dbmotoring@btinternet.com

MUCH IMPROVED ASTRA TOURER IS ‘ESTATE’ OF THE ART! Forget all that you remember about the Vauxhall Astra - the new one is so much better that it won European Car of the Year! Now they have added a Sports Tourer, the fashionable title for what we used to call estate car.

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or those who have to carry samples or equipment, then the Tourer comes up trumps with a large rear load area that is easy to access through a big tailgate. It looks more rakish than the hatchback but offers a very similar driving and comfort experience.

There is now a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine in the starter models which

is rated at 64mpg combined.

Efficient little petrol engines like this are closing the gap with diesel. They are not quite there yet and only give of their best when not driven hard!

The mainstream power plants are four-cylinder 1.4-litre turbo petrol and 1.6-litre turbo diesel with varying outputs. Both of these are quiet and refined.

The 1.4T petrol comes with 125 or 150 PS and gives

a very pleasant drive with up to 52mpg combined.

Star performer on economy is the 110PS 1.6 turbo diesel with 83mpg on the combined cycle and emissions as low as 89gm/km - which will keep the taxman at bay.

Apart from the smoother exterior other big advances have been made. The interior of the Astra looks smarter than before with a touchscreen, air

conditioning, DAB radio and cruise control standard on the Design spec. You get sat nav on the Tech-Line and my car was an Sri running to 17-inch alloys and active safety features. These embrace lane departure warning and auto braking if the car senses you are about to crash.

List prices for the Astra Sport Tourer range from £18K to just under £25K before the fleet deals kick in.

More impressive is the combined mpg of 74mpg and emissions of 99g/km which combine to keep down company car tax. This is the result of Mazda’s unconventional SKYACTIVE approach to improving efficiency all round.

Mazda scores highly in reliability surveys and packs in the standard kit to include 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, Bluetooth and that 7-inch touchscreen on the

starter models. The SEL adds climate control, rain sensing wipers and parking sensors.

Top spec Sport Nav includes 18-inch alloys, keyless entry and satellite navigation.

With prices from just over £17K, the generous spec plus the economy of the new 1.5 diesel, any company car buyer who ignores the latest Mazda3 will do so at their cost.

NEW SMALLER DIESEL MAKES MAZDA3 MUCH LESS TAXING The Mazda3 has long been a worthy but under-rated rival to the Focus and the Golf.

Now with a new 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine, it earns a higher place on the company car shopping list. How does it stack up?

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he looks are sharper with a longer profile and it feels bigger than the best sellers as you step into the driving seat. There are echoes of the larger Mazda6 with a colour screen in the centre of the fascia and a head-up read-out above the steering wheel. Plenty of elbow room in the front, a little less in the back and a bigger boot than most hatchbacks.

The initial zip of the 1.5 turbo diesel is impressive as is its quietness at lower speeds. Springing feels firm but comfortable and the car is light and easy to drive. A bit of wind and tyre noise at higher speeds detract from the feeling of refinement.

With a modest 105PS, it is no ball of fire but has reasonable acceleration for everyday driving.

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Eye on Motoring

dfcbelfast.co.uk Motoring with Derek Black dbmotoring@btinternet.com

AUDI DOES IT AGAIN WITH NEW A3 RANGE RAISING THE BAR The Audi A3 may not be the cheapest compact car but the figures show that the overall cost of ownership is amongst the lowest in its class. This is because of its very strong residual values and low C02 emissions resulting in keen leasing charges and company car tax rates.

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hat people are prepared to pay for a car on the secondhand market is the acid measure of its overall desirability. The A3 is up there because of its conservative yet modern styling, its well-honed interior and choice of muchadmired VW engines. The recently revised range comprises the three-door hatch, the five-door sportback and the surprisingly accommodating four-door saloon.

One surprise is the addition of a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine which is very smooth to drive though it needs to be worked hard. The 1.4 TFSI turbo

petrol with 150PS - which can turn off two cylinders to save fuel - gives a sweet driving experience while the 2.0 TFSI turns the A3 into a hot hatch.

Business buyers will go for the diesels. The 110PS 1.6 TDi is a decent every day performer and offers less than 100g/km, making it the low tax option. The 2.0

TDi 150PS gives a better drive without losing much economy.

Starter SE models come with air conditioning, 16-inch alloys, LED running lights, xenon headlamps, cruise control and Apple CarPlay infotainment. Sport models feature the digital dash surrounding the speed and rev counter. S models offer more design features and

the SE gets leather and bodykit to match its performance.

The A3 scores highly on safety with a 5-star crash rating, auto emergency braking and a pop-up bonnet to protect pedestrians. This is a quality small car that lives up to its reputation and is priced from a headline £20,865 for the 1.6TDi.

The second engine choice is described as a mild hybrid. It uses a 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a starter generator system that produces electricity during braking which is stored in a lithium battery under the passenger seat.

This power is used to help with starting and during acceleration.

A combined consumption figure of 70.6mpg and emissions of just 94g/km are the big benefits of the mild hybrid power train. Its output of 90PS means 0-62 is rated at

12.3 seconds. By comparison, the 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine returns 62.7mpg combined with still low emissions of 105g/km.

Even the cheapest SZ-T trim includes touch-screen satellite navigation, Bluetooth, air conditioning, alloy wheels and six air bags! The higher SZ5 grade runs to keyless entry, radar brake support and adaptive cruise control.

Prices range from £12,999 for the SZ-T 1.0 Boosterjet - to £13,499 for the 1.2 mild hybrid in SZ5 trim.

SMALL BUT SPACIOUS SUZUKI OFFERS A ‘MILD’ HYBRID OPTION Suzuki is famous for its small cars but tHE new Baleno is actually quite roomy and three adults can fit into the rear seats - just. ‘Liquid flow’ styling means this practical car doesn’t look like a workhorse.

B

uilt at one of Suzuki’s big factories in India, the Baleno is comprised of much high tensile steel making it the lightest car in its class. This, in turn, makes for agile handling and saves on fuel and emissions.

A brand new 1.0-litre ‘Boosterjet’ engine is likely to power most of the Balenos sold here. This is a smaller version of the 1.4

already seen in the Vitara S model, featuring a small turbo-charger that improves both power and torque. The output of 110PS is excellent for its capacity.

On the road, the three-cylinder motor feels eager and has good pulling power from lower speeds.

It is timed at 11.4 seconds for the 0-62mph sprint with the five-speed manual gearbox.

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