Business Eye January February 2022 by Buckley Publications

Issue 211 Jan/Feb 2022 £2.50 Voted best Business Magazine in Ireland 2005 and Magazine of the Year for Northern Ireland

Tom Smyth Belfast’s Mr. Motivator Grows His Empire Features:

FinTrU – Rapid Growth during the Pandemic

Enterprise Network – gears up for the Future

Family Business Awards 2022 - Launched

Electric & Hybrid vehicles can bring a lot of benefits to your business. Find out more about our emotive offering... fleetfinancial.co.uk/emotive

Contents

Jan/Feb 2022 ISSUE 211

Henderson Group Announces 11 £47 Million Investment Plans

Entrepreneurship & Innovation 36 The Backbone Of A 10x Future

Henderson Retail invested close to £20 million in its network across Northern Ireland during 2021, and has plans in place for at least 26 store projects over the coming 12 months.

The Department of the Economy’s 10X Future aspirations mean tough targets right across the Northern Ireland economy, not least amongst our start-up and early-stage businesses. Business Eye teamed up with Enterprise Northern Ireland to stage a virtual round table discussion looking at the role of the enterprise network across Northern Ireland and how it can contribute to a 10X future for the region.

Sustainability 18 InBoosting Retail Judith Allen of law firm TLT cuts through the noise around sustainability to look at how it can and should be applied to one of our most important business sectors, retail.

Ulster University Business Schools 19 Wins Small Business Charter Ulster University Business School (UUBS) has been awarded the Small Business Charter in recognition of its commitment to supporting small businesses, student entrepreneurship, and the local and regional economy.

Tom Smyth - Belfast’s Mr. Motivator Grows His Empire

Tom Smyth’s life story reads a bit like the screenplay for a film. From a first job at 11 in a Belfast fish and chip shop through to working on building sites as a teenager and on to an entrepreneurial breakthrough in the sunshine of Dubai to the growth of Dream Luxury Serviced Apartments.

FinTrU - On Course For 28 Further Growth Belfast and L/Derry based FinTrU continues to set the pace as one of the Northern Ireland’s fastest growing and most innovative companies. Business Eye’s Richard Buckley catches up with Emma Pollock, FinTrU’s Chief Technology Officer and it’s Head of Site in the North West, Greg McCann.

Top Chef Ryan Stringer Touches Down At James St

In a significant move for the restaurant sector, acclaimed chief Ryan Stringer has returned to Belfast to head the team at Niall McKenna’s excellent James St, one of the city’s top establishments.

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Paul Narain - America’s Man In 42 Belfast Looks To The Future Paul Narain might have arrived to take up his latest posting in Belfast mid-pandemic, but he’s clearly relishing his first Consul General role in a part of the world that has always been on the agenda for successive US administrations and Presidents.

Business Leaders Forum

Our January Business Leaders Forum takes the temperature of business in Northern Ireland. Optimism and positivity is definitely in the air, despite the challenges of Covid recovery, Brexit and the NI Protocol and rising energy costs…to name but a few.

Citi Belfast Marks 15 Years Of 54 Growth With 300 New Jobs Northern Ireland’s largest financial services employer Citi Belfast has announced plans to create over 300 new jobs in 2022, covering all levels from apprentices and graduates to experienced roles, each providing the opportunity for career development.

The NIE Networks Business Eye 57 Family Business Awards 2022 Business Eye, alongside NIE Networks and Harbinson Mulholland, is launched brand new Family Business Awards for Northern Ireland. With a comprehensive 14 categories up for grabs, the new awards will take place on 19th May at the Culloden Estate & Spa.

NI Leads The Way On Full Fibre Broadband

Northern Ireland is becoming something of a trailblazer when it comes to full fibre broadband. The fastest connections are now on tap for three quarters of us, putting this region streets ahead of other areas of the UK.

Editor Richard Buckley Commercial Director Brenda Buckley

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

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

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson’s single issue focus on the Northern Ireland Protocol has meant that, since he became DUP party leader after Edwin Poots’ brief reign, he’s been a one-trick pony. But it all becomes a bit more serious when he threatens repeatedly to bring down the Stormont administration.

Comment

“Even the most positive supporter of the protocol would admit that it’s not perfect. But, with a bit of engineering and tweaking, it could form the basis of an arrangement which would stand the Northern Ireland economy in very good stead going forward.”

t’s typical DUP politics in ways. But it’s easy to wonder if the rest of the party is as committed to the protocol issue as their leader is. Gone are the days, it seems, when party colleagues gathered around their leader for every press conference. Is there a reason for that? Whatever the semantics of internal DUP politics, the party’s ongoing threats to take their football and walk off the playing field at Stormont are as ridiculous as they are foolhardy. Despite what Donaldson, Jim Allister and – to a lesser extent – Doug Beattie might say, the protocol isn’t causing day-to-day lasting damage to the Northern Ireland economy. In fact, it is improving the lot of many local companies. Even the most positive supporter of the protocol would admit that it’s not perfect. But, with a bit of engineering and tweaking, it could form the basis of an arrangement which would stand the Northern Ireland economy in very good stead going forward. In this issue of Business Eye, US Consul General Paul Narain talks about Northern Ireland’s unique trading position and how we can continue to reap the benefits of ongoing US investment in some our key economic sectors. The DUP leader can harp on about how damaging the protocol is, but he’s struggling to get that message across to anyone on the front line of business here. In fact, it’s time that some of our key business organisations – always far too reticent to dip their toes into the political mire – call him out for the mis-information that he’s been spreading on this issue. There are political and constitutional reasons why Donaldson and other unionists don’t like the Northern Ireland Protocol. It’s important to respect those ideological arguments. But it remains crucial that one party cannot be allowed to take a unilateral approach. It’s

Richard Buckley EDITOR Irish Magazine Editor of the Year 2005

a road that the DUP has already started to go down with Edwin Poots’ suggestion that he – as Agriculture Minister – scrap protocol checks at Northern Ireland ports of entry. One party should not be able to take unilateral action like that. Nor should they be able to collapse the devolved administration. Yet that’s what the new-look DUP, under Donaldson’s leadership, are threatening to do. Are these empty threats? Or do they constitute a real crisis? We have to work under the assumption that the DUP leader is capable of following through on this even though it’s very hard to see what he can hope to achieve. There are countless reasons why collapsing the Assembly & Executive would be very bad for Northern Ireland. We’re edging our way out of the Covid pandemic, for starters, a pandemic where each of the UK regions has been making its own decisions on mitigation measures. Our health service isn’t just in disrepair, as it is in England. It’s a basket case, a write-off in automotive terms. Then there’s the cost of living crisis facing households here and a whole lot more besides. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson is taking the Paisleyite approach to politics, something of a throwback to the past. When there’s something around that you don’t agree with then cry, wail, shout and scream. And, if that doesn’t work, boycott and/ or bring your constituency out on to the streets. He’s not threatening to do the latter. But, to collapse the devolved administration by walking away from it, would be damaging and it would be wrong in almost anyone’s book. If he’s concerned about the economy here, as he seems to claim in his protocol pronouncements, then he should back off. If business and the economy here needs one thing, it’s stability.

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Eye on News

Business Development Accolade for Local Consultant

ocal man, Barry Maddox from Maddox Consulting has been recognised as one of the top 100 creative agency business development professionals in the UK. This is the second consecutive year that Barry has been recognised on the BD100 2021 and once again he is the only individual featured on the list from Northern Ireland. Speaking about this latest accolade Barry said, “I am delighted to be featured on the BD100 2021 list this year again. It’s been a challenging year as I left a creative agency and set up my own consultancy. I’ve quickly learned to adapt to a new sector, helping focus on hospitality clients in the US for another

agency and also creating opportunities for my business. Being a consultant now enables me to practice what I have been preaching for many years, drawing on the tools and techniques I taught myself whilst at a large agency and applying those to my own business.” An effective business developer, Barry is in the unique position where he works closely with clients so they can benefit from his insight along with his practical, hands on experience working as a Head of Marketing for a football training product business. This gives him a great insight into the real-world issues and opportunities that businesses and clients may be navigating.

ARTHUR COX APPOINTS NEW PARTNERS IN NORTHERN IRELAND Leading law firm Arthur Cox has made two new senior appointments in its Corporate and Commercial department.

ichard Armstrong and Chris Fullerton have each been promoted to Partners, bringing the overall number of Partners in the department to eight. Welcoming the promotions, Catriona Gibson, Managing Partner at Arthur Cox in Northern Ireland said: “Our Corporate and Commercial department is already among the most highly regarded in the jurisdiction. The experience and expertise of our new Partners will unquestionably prove a valuable asset in helping our market leading team to continue to provide a first-rate service to our clients. “Richard and Chris are among the most respected and sought-after corporate lawyers in Northern Ireland bringing

a commercial awareness to our broad client base, while working on some of the most complex legal matters. “It is particularly pleasing to welcome their appointments as each, in keeping with many of our Partners, having commenced their careers with the firm as trainees.” Each working at Arthur Cox for almost a decade, Richard and Chris provide informed legal counsel to a range of clients in Northern Ireland, throughout the UK and beyond. Head of Corporate and Commercial, Lynsey Mallon added: “Our Partners work tirelessly to deliver real value for our broad client base, ensuring that our scale and expertise remain unsurpassed in the local market. “Both Chris and Richard bring to their new role exceptionally high standards of professionalism gained through years working at the forefront of Northern Ireland’s legal sector. Their appointments will undoubtedly further cement Arthur Cox’s reputation as providing market leading advice on a range of complex corporate and

Arthur Cox has appointed two new Partners to its Corporate and Commercial department in Northern Ireland with the promotions of, front from left, Chris Fullerton and Richard Armstrong. They are pictured with, from left, Catriona Gibson, Managing Partner, Alan Taylor, Chair and Lynsey Mallon, Head of Corporate and Commercial.

commercial matters, and it is a pleasure to welcome them to the Partner team.” Arthur Cox’s Corporate and Commercial group is at the heart of some of the most prominent deals taking place in the local

marketplace, bolstering its status as a ‘go-to’ firm for trusted legal advice. In addition to Belfast, the firm has offices in Dublin, London, New York, and San Francisco.

Helping Northern Ireland grow again danskebank.co.uk/business

Eye on News

Radius Aims For The Sky with Air Ambulance Charity Partnership

eading housing association Radius Housing is hoping to reach new levels of fundraising for their new charity partner Air Ambulance NI. Throughout 2022 Radius staff and tenants will hold events to help raise vital funds that will help Air Ambulance as it provides critical support in emergency incidents. Radius Housing’s staff play an important role in the selection of the new charity partner and are invited to nominate charities that provide essential services or support to people across Northern Ireland. This year Air Ambulance NI was selected due to the important role they provide in treating and transferring patients after major incidents. Air Ambulance NI works with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) to provide the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service for Northern Ireland. The charity’s operational helicopter carries a crew compiling pilot, doctor, and paramedic, 365 days of the year operating for twelve hours every day. They attend some of the

most traumatic medical incidents and are dedicated to delivering the very best possible pre-hospital critical care, specific to the patients injuries, before transfer to the most appropriate hospital. Radius Housing manages more than 13,000 homes in 80 towns across Northern Ireland and construct more than 400 new social and affordable homes each year. They also offer a range of specialist care and support facilities and provide remote telecare to help people live independently through the RadiusConnect24 service. Speaking at the launch of the partnership, John McLean, Chief Executive of Radius Housing said “Air Ambulance provides a vital role as part of the emergency services in some of the most difficult circumstances and help get people the best treatment as quickly as possible. In choosing Air Ambulance NI as our Charity Partner for 2022, the Radius team saw the opportunity to support them as they do their amazing work. As an organisation who supports many people through the provision of homes

Radius Chief Executive John McLean with Air Ambulance paramedic Mark Agnew at the charity’s Lisburn base

and care services including a lifesaving telecare service for vulnerable people, we understand the vision and values of Air Ambulance and we are excited to begin fundraising.” Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising with Air Ambulance NI added, “Radius housing do so much for people in our community and we will be stronger

together through this partnership, saving families and building communities across the province. We have some great events lined up for the Radius housing team including abseils, runs and Dragon Boat racing. We’d like to thank those who nominated us and look forward to a fun year that will help save lives, brains and limbs.”

Crafting Exceptional THE

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McAvoy to deliver world-class innovation centre at famed science hub Porton Down

ffsite manufacturing specialist, The McAvoy Group, is to deliver a new research and innovation facility at world renowned science hub, Porton Science Park.

Located within the Porton Science Park site, close to the village of Porton, the new 2 -storey, 22,000 sq ft building will provide a mix of sector specific conferences, seminars, workshops and one-to

one support in addition to a mixture of serviced labs and office facilities with scope for further development depending on tenant demand. The new facility will sit adjacent to Porton Down which is home to Public Health England and the Ministry of Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. Due to the Science Park’s location and land ownership, all construction-related work and security measures, will be carried out in liaison with Porton Defence Science Technology Laboratory. The building is scheduled to be ready for use in Summer 2022, with the modules being installed early next year. Sustainability will be a key focus, with Wilshire Council targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating. Ron Clarke, CEO of The McAvoy

Group, said: “We’re pleased to have been entrusted to deliver Porton Down’s new Innovation Centre, which will play an important role in future research and development. “It’s a high-profile project and we look forward to using MMC to deliver a building that is not just well-designed, but sustainable and agile. Because most of the building will be completed in our dedicated manufacturing facility, the timeframe is dramatically reduced, allowing us to get the new Innovation Centre open and operational as quickly as possible.” In February 2021 The McAvoy Group was boosted by a multi-million pound investment from London-based special situations firm, Blantyre Capital aimed at supporting McAvoy’s ambitious expansion programme.

Ulster Rugby’s Junior Cup scores sponsorship from leading Belfast law firm Belfast based law firm, Millar McCall Wylie, has announced it will be once again renewing its sponsorship of Ulster Rugby’s most historic competition, the Junior Cup.

his is the 19th year the firm has supported Ulster Rugby, as part of its commitment to supporting sports from grass roots to elite level. The Junior Cup is one of the most prestigious and competitive local rugby competitions.

Although the format has changed through the years, the Junior Cup has been in existence since the 1888-89 season. The teams will battle it out for a place in the final which will take place next year at Kingspan Stadium. Jan Cunningham, partner at Millar Ulster Rugby players John Andrew, Greg Jones and Nathan Doak with Jan Cunningham and Caroline Prunty of Millar McCall Wylie.

McCall Wylie and former Ulster Rugby player, explained that the firm is proud to once again be backing the sport: “The Junior Cup is a wonderful competition and a great platform for club players to make a name for themselves. We are very proud to lend our support to developing the club game. “With the Junior Cup final being played at Kingspan Stadium, it is a fantastic opportunity for the finalists’

fans to see great club rugby taking place at the home of Ulster Rugby.” Jonny Petrie , Chief Executive of Ulster Rugby commented: “Millar McCall Wylie has been a brilliant supporter of Ulster Rugby and we are delighted with the long-term association with the firm. As well as being a valued sponsor, the firm also provided high quality legal services to Ulster Rugby over the last number of years.”

Eye on Tax

The 1 New Year Resolution you will want to keep! - Naming someone to look after your children, this is particularly important if you are a sole parent to minor children or something happens to both parents at the same time. - A will should also ensure that your spouse / partner and your children are provided for financially. - Determining who will manage your estate. This person will be your executor and will be responsible for carrying out your wishes as expressed in your Will so it is important that it is someone you trust and doesn’t have to be a professional person such as a solicitor. It is usually advisable to nominate more than 1 person to this role.

So what happens if you don’t leave a will?

Alistair Cooke

It’s that time of year again… as soon as Christmas is over and the New Year has begun, people begin to think about making New Year’s resolutions. In reality, they are usually broken within a couple of weeks, if not sooner, but there is one simple thing that can be done, which could make a huge difference to your future - writing a will.

ccording to the Law Society there has been an increase in the number of people making wills in the past year but despite this a recent survey found that over 60% of people don’t have a will made. There are many reasons to make a will. These include:

If you die without leaving a will you are deemed to have died ‘intestate’ There are various rules for dividing up the assets of an intestate estate but these can include an unmarried partner receiving nothing where there are children, a separated but not divorced partner spouse receiving all of your estate and your children receiving nothing or ultimately it all going back to the Crown where no other relatives can be found.

So what are the benefits of making a will? 1. Your wishes are known and can be carried out 2. Peace of mind and less stress and hassle for those left behind in what can be a distressing time. 3. Avoiding family disputes. No will or an unclear will can lead to arguments between survivors. A well-prepared will, particularly in a complicated situation, can help avoid arguments and relieve stress at a difficult time. 4. A carefully written will can help reduce your inheritance bill or eliminate it completely. Inheritance Tax only potentially affects those estates worth over £325,000. However, there are many reliefs available which can help reduce the Inheritance tax payable for estates with assets over this amount. For example, a married couple can potentially have an estate worth up to £1 million and still pay no inheritance tax if their wills are correctly written.

Also did you know you can pay a reduced rate of inheritance tax if you leave at least 10% of your estate to charity? It is also important to remember that writing a will is only part of a good IHT plan. There are many things which can be done during a person’s lifetime which can help reduce their overall Inheritance Tax liability. It is therefore important that a will is regularly reviewed and updated. FACT – Did you know an existing will is automatically revoked and is no longer valid when you marry?

How do I make a will? Whilst you can draw up your own will, if it is not done correctly it may not be valid and therefore it is recommended that someone familiar with the rules, like a solicitor, draws it up. If you potentially may have an Inheritance Tax liability it is also recommended you speak to an Accountant. We can carry out a full IHT review and provide you with advice which helps to keep any Inheritance Tax payable to a minimum whilst still ensuring your wishes are carried out. While making a Will isn’t the most cheerful prospect in these strange times, it’s arguably more important than ever. So make it your New Year resolution to either make a Will for the first time or review it, if it has been some time since you looked at it. We would be happy to speak to anyone who needs advice regarding a will or Inheritance Tax or who simply has any queries regarding this whole area as for many people it can cause considerable worry.

For more information, contact Alistair Cooke, Director at Chartered Accountants, Dungannon Tel: 028 8772 2139 Email: alistair.cooke@asmdungannon.com www.asmaccountants.com

ASM Chartered Accountants has six offices – Belfast, Dublin, Dundalk, Dungannon, Magherafelt and Newry. The 170 strong team specialises in a range of accountancy disciplines including Audit and Accounting, Business Consultancy, Corporate Finance, Forensic Accounting, Hotel and Tourism Consultancy, Internal Audit and Taxation Services. The content of this article is for information purposes only and advice particular to your circumstances should be sought from a professional advisor.

Eye on News

Henderson Group Plans £47 Million Investment In 2022 Henderson Retail invested £19.4M in community retailing in 2021, and the company has announced at least 26 significant store projects lined up for 2022.

s a whole, Henderson Group will invest £47M in new products, ranges and infrastructure in 2022, with retailers supported by a £5.3M marketing strategy for the year. EUROSPAR Clough was the final Henderson Retail store to open last year, pushing the retailer through the 100-store milestone, to 101. In total, 28 new company-owned and independent SPAR, EUROSPAR and ViVO stores and supermarkets opened across towns and villages in 2021, with the retailer and wholesaler responding to shopper demands, and using local data to build new stores and undergo refurbishments with local shopper’s missions in mind. Mark McCammond, Retail Director at Henderson Group commented; “At the end of 2020, we made a commitment to further invest in high quality community retailing across Northern Ireland to further meet the changed needs of our retailers and shoppers. Henderson Retail completed 20 significant projects in 2021,

including the building and expansion of EUROSPAR supermarkets. “Not only are we opening more large-format EUROSPAR supermarkets which provide market leading special offers and campaigns all year round, including matching over a thousand prices of products to Tesco, but we’re expanding the footprint and offering of our smaller format brands too. We have around 26 significant projects in the pipeline for 2022, plus four further new builds to commence that will open in 2023.” The ViVO brand experienced double digit growth of 10% last year after the opening of 12 new stores, leading to an increase of 5% in retail sales. Paddy Doody, Sales and Marketing Director at Henderson Group says independent retailers are embracing the opportunities their brands bring them locally; “Independent retailers know what their local shoppers want and that is to stay local and buy local, which they can provide thanks to our robust brand offering.

Ruth and Charlie Hamilton (right) are pictured with Mr John Agnew, Chairman of Henderson Group and Martin Agnew, Joint Managing Director of Henderson Group, which owns the SPAR brand in Northern Ireland, at the opening of Hamilton’s SPAR, Castlederg after its recent renovation. The store is now the biggest SPAR store in the UK offering bays of fresh, locally sourced groceries for the town.

“Last year saw the UK’s largest SPAR store open in Castlederg with experienced SPAR retailers, Charlie and Ruth Hamilton at the helm. It is a fresh foods superstore and new flagship store for the Hamilton’s who operate two other stores in the Mid-Ulster area. The impact the network of our companyowned and independent stores has on the industry is powerful and we have also experienced a record number of retailers converting from other convenience brands to SPAR, EUROSPAR or ViVO brands in the past year.” 2021 also marked the 60th anniversary of SPAR in Northern Ireland, and the Group honoured many of their retailers who were also marking business milestones throughout the year, including McGinn’s SPAR in Killyclogher which also opened in 1961 and rebranded as a SPAR ten years later. Other retailers who celebrated milestone anniversaries included Lecky’s VIVOXTRA for 50 years, Clarke’s ViVO in Rostrevor for 40 years and Gilroy’s SPAR in Garrison for 30 years. Meanwhile, the 300th SPAR

store in Northern Ireland opened in Coagh by Andrew Davis and Graham Johnston, their sixth to open within the business partners’ SPAR 77 Retail group. Henderson Wholesale now supplies to over 500 stores across Northern Ireland, and continues to provide an unrivalled offering of locally sourced produce and products from the fields and farms of local suppliers. Paddy continued; “Our long-term local sourcing strategy has allowed us to take a strong advantage against the multiples who are suffering with delays and shortages due to the NI protocol. Over 75% of our fresh food is sourced from local farmers and suppliers, which is not only better for the environment in keeping food miles low, but also for our economy to help local producers develop, expand and provide local employment.” “Early 2022 will see SPAR’s Joy of Living Locally strategy roll out, with the first of its new brand pillars – Value on your Doorstep – launching this month, which very much builds upon the foundations of which we operate as retailers, to provide high quality, local produce at value prices for our shoppers.”

Eye on News

TLT wins Best Law Firm at Mortgage Finance Gazette Awards UK law firm TLT has won Best Law Firm at the Mortgage Finance Gazette Awards 2022 for its forward-thinking approach to supporting mortgage lenders.

t a time of significant regulatory change, TLT has leveraged its breadth and depth of expertise in the mortgage market to help lenders understand and navigate the challenges and opportunities they face – from creating an industry-wide toolkit and FAQs on LIBOR transition, to supporting the growth and development of the green mortgage market, helping firms to navigate the disputes landscape and assisting firms with the implementation of the FCA’s new consumer duty. TLT has offered significant pro bono support to the industry, including representing its views

Katharine Kimber, partner at TLT

on LIBOR transition policy; as a supporting member of the EU Energy Efficient Mortgages Initiative; as a member of the Green Finance Institute’s Coalition of Energy Efficient

Buildings; and as a member of the Finance & Leasing Association’s Green Finance Group. TLT’s recent thought leadership includes a comprehensive assessment of how the UK can secure its role as a green finance leader, based on policy analysis by Cornwall Insight and exclusive interviews with industry leaders, as well as opinion research amongst UK financial services firms on the challenges and opportunities they face with regards to green finance. Katharine Kimber, partner at TLT, says: “This award recognises the market leading work we have undertaken in the mortgage industry and our place as a trusted advisor for clients, supporting lenders across the UK as they operate within a complex and evolving regulatory landscape. Our expertise means we can add genuine value and help to influence and shape future policy through our strategic participation with UK and EU industry bodies.” TLT won Law Firm of the Year at The Lawyer Awards 2021.

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Is your business in the tourism and hospitality sector? Then the Tourism Enterprise Development (TED) programme is here to accelerate its post-Covid recovery.

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Eye on News

KINGSBRIDGE MAKES A ‘GIANT’ SIGNING WITH NEW MEDICAL PARTNERSHIP

Kingsbridge Private Hospital Belfast, part of the Kingsbridge Healthcare Group, have made a Giant signing for Belfast. Northern Ireland’s leading private healthcare providers are delighted to announce their role as Medical Partners for the Belfast Giants.

he exciting partnership will offer the ice hockey team the highest level of medical care to ensure they are all fighting fit for the next three seasons. As Medical Partners, the Belfast Giants will have access to state-of-the-art equipment, Private GP service, over 300 medical specialists as well as the Kingsbridge Sports and Physiotherapy Clinic at Queen’s University PEC. Belfast Giants legend and Head Coach Adam Keefe knows the importance access to high quality medical care all too well, after more than 15 years

at the top of the professional ice hockey game. He said: “Ensuring the health, safety and fitness of our players is of paramount importance to the Belfast Giants. Kingsbridge are at the top of their game and were our first choice as a medical partner, so we are thrilled to be working with them for the next three seasons. “Having access to innovative sports medicine and fast and effective treatments is a huge benefit to our players and the team as a whole. We are very much looking forward to working with them to ensure the optimum fitness and health of our team.

Pictured (l-r) Belfast Giants’ Forward, Ben Lake, Claire Winter, Kingsbridge Group Marketing Manager, Fiona Dowds Group Corporate Strategy Manager and Belfast Giants’ Forward, JJ Piccinich.

We have exciting plans in the pipeline for health and wellbeing related content that will also benefit fans in the future.” Kingsbridge Private Hospital operates the only private GP and minor injuries clinic in Northern Ireland, ensuring that the ice hockey team avoid lengthy waiting times and are seen by some of the best healthcare professionals in the business. The five-star facility will also ensure that the Belfast Giants will have access to MRI and CT scans in the multi-million pound scanning suite, cardiac screening, physiotherapy, ear and eye care, orthopaedic consultancy, as well as a comprehensive referral pathway which will allow the players to be assessed and triaged at the clinic, should they need it. “We are delighted to announce our new Medical Partnership with the Belfast Giants,” said.

Claire Winter, Group Marketing Manager at Kingsbridge. “Our aim is to provide the highest standards in medical care, ensuring our patients are as comfortable and content as can be. We will be on-hand for any of the players’ needs and they will have immediate access to contact us if there’s any medical issues or concerns, they have. “Many of the Belfast Giants are not originally from Northern Ireland so we are pleased to be able to offer them and their families a home-from-home medical service at Kingsbridge Private Hospital. Our expertly trained staff will ensure the whole team is well cared for and treated with the highest levels of technological advancement and expertise. “We look forward to working with the Belfast Giants and wish them all the best for the new season ahead.”

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NIE Networks creates 110 new jobs to accelerate Northern Ireland’s green growth

IE Networks is creating 110 new jobs as part of its plan to enhance Northern Ireland’s electricity network to help tackle climate change and boost economic recovery. Part of an additional £50 million investment in the electricity network over the next three years, the move will see a focus on the rollout of clean energy infrastructure which will create additional capacity for customers adopting low carbon technologies, such as electric vehicles and heat pumps, particularly in rural areas. The new jobs will include craft and technical roles, people working ‘hands on’ on the network, including additional apprenticeship and graduate opportunities, as well as engineers, analysts and a number of roles in professional business support such as IT and digital, procurement, human resources and finance. As part of the recruitment drive, NIE Networks will also focus on increasing the skills base needed by the clean energy sector in the coming years. In conjunction with the Department for the Economy, it will provide world-class development and deliver traineeships

and apprenticeships through its awardwinning apprenticeship programme and training centre. The move will provide opportunities for both young people and existing workers seeking re-deployment. The additional investment has been approved by the Utility Regulator and aligns with the new Energy Strategy launched by the Minister for the Economy in December which sets a vision of Net Zero Affordable Energy. This investment in clean energy will help grow the green economy and reduce Northern Ireland’s dependence on imported fossil fuels. Paul Stapleton, Managing Director of NIE Networks, said: “The electricity network sits at the heart of Northern Ireland’s journey towards net zero carbon emissions and is a central component of economic recovery in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Our investment and the skills we bring on board and develop at NIE Networks in the next few years will help Northern Ireland reach those aims and supercharge green growth in the years ahead. “We’re delighted to be hiring in all areas of the organisation and it is an exciting time to be working at the cutting edge of clean energy technology. NIE

Pictured, from left, are: Paul Stapleton, Managing Director at NIE Networks, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons and John French, Chief Executive of the Utility Regulator.

Networks are a key enabler for Northern Ireland’s society and economy and we look forward to rolling out further investment plans in the near future.” John French, Chief Executive of the Utility Regulator, said: “We have a real opportunity to build a low carbon future by investing prudently in electricity infrastructure in Northern Ireland.

Today’s announcement represents an important milestone in taking practical, tangible steps to deliver on net zero. “This investment will assist us in meeting the NI Executive’s targets for net zero by increasing renewable generation and the adoption of low carbon technologies by consumers across Northern Ireland.”

Danske Bank launches its carbon neutral mortgage in GB market

anske Bank has launched its ground-breaking Danske Carbon Neutral Mortgage outside of Northern Ireland for the first time, making it available to homeowners and homebuyers in the South East, South West and East of England, excluding London. The move follows the successful launch of the mortgage in Northern Ireland last year. It is the first mortgage service in the UK to be certified as carbon neutral by the Carbon Trust, and is available on homes with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) or a Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA) rating of A-C. Danske Carbon Neutral Mortgages account for around 25% of Danske Bank’s new mortgage business in Northern Ireland and the bank

will now offer it to customers in selected regions in Great Britain initially through brokers registered with Mortgage Advice Bureau. The Danske Carbon Neutral Mortgage is available to first time buyers, home movers and remortgagers and is available with a minimum 5% deposit, subject to terms and conditions. The Bank has appointed a Head of GB mortgages, Patrick Mullan, and a team of Business Development Managers to work with GB brokers to handle queries, provide guidance and ensure a high level of customer experience. Richard Caldwell, Managing Director, GB & Corporate Strategy at Danske Bank, said: “We’re already a market leader in Northern Ireland and have a significant presence in the mortgage intermediary

Patrick Mullan, Head of GB Mortgages, and Richard Caldwell, Managing Director of GB & Corporate Strategy

market here, so it’s a natural step for us to bring that expertise and capability to benefit consumers in Great Britain. “This is part of our wider strategy to be a leader in Northern Ireland and a challenger in GB in targeted market segments where we can leverage

existing expertise. In addition to providing mortgages through a selection of brokers, we are now also an active lender in the syndicated lending market along with the British social housing sector and will be looking to pursue further growth opportunities in the marketplace.”

Eye on News

Henderson Group Announces New Charity Partnership This year sees the start of a new charity partnership between one of Northern Ireland’s biggest employers, retailer and wholesaler, Henderson Group and Action Mental Health (AMH) – the organisation that promotes the mental health and wellbeing of people in Northern Ireland.

he partnership will aim to not only raise funds for Action Mental Health to continue their impactful work to equip individuals here with employability training and a myriad of other services, but to work in tandem with Hendersons to ensure their staff have access to even more wellbeing resources. January will see staff and store team members take on the Miles for Mental Health challenge, by walking, running or cycling each day to improve their own physical and mental wellbeing to kick off the year, and to raise funds. The coming weeks will also see the launch of a number of initiatives for staff and managers across the Group, which will aim to improve mental wellbeing across the entire workforce which will build upon the Group’s long-term WellAware Health and Wellbeing strategy. Bronagh Luke, Head of Corporate

Marketing commented: “Keeping our teams motivated and focused has always been at the backbone of the Group’s success, and by working with Action Mental Health, we will be further prioritising the wellbeing of our staff with even more incentives to enable them to connect and thrive as we continue to navigate the challenges of the past two years. “It’s hard to believe we’re entering the third year of many of our officebased employees working from home, and we have had many processes in place to keep our teams as engaged as possible. Working with Action Mental Health and kicking off our year with the Miles for Mental Health challenge is giving our staff a great bonding experience with some healthy competition, as well as getting out there in the fresh air for some physical exercise which we all know boosts our mental wellbeing also.” Also founded in Northern Ireland,

Bronagh Luke, Henderson Wholesale and Keira Campbell, Henderson Foodservice launch Henderson Group’s recent charity partnership with Action Mental Health with Jonathan Smyth from the charity.

Action Mental Health is a multi-faceted organisation which has its AMH New Horizons services at its core, available across Northern Ireland. With AMH New Horizons, clients can benefit from a variety of personal development, vocational skills and employability training options, including accredited qualifications and work placements. The charity also offers a range of services and programmes aimed at improving mental health and developing resilience in children and young people as well as counselling for people of all ages. Jonathan Smyth, Head of Communications and Fundraising, added; “Even before the pandemic, mental illness was one of the biggest challenges facing society here, with Northern Ireland having the highest prevalence of mental health problems in the UK. “Action Mental Health provides a range of services to support people in Northern Ireland and we are seeing ever increasing demand. It is with that in mind that we are absolutely delighted to be appointed as Henderson Group’s charity partner. As a local charity we rely on the

generosity of the Northern Ireland public and the support of local companies like Henderson Group to help provide many of these services. “We are also looking forward to working alongside Hendersons to support the mental health and wellbeing of their staff. It is wonderful to see them starting the partnership with their ‘Miles for Mental Health’ challenge. We hope this offers them a fun way to not only fundraise, but also get active and support their own mental health.” Henderson Group will participate in virtual and active challenges throughout 2022 and beyond, such as the Great Purple Picnic, Belfast City and London Marathons, and will mark World Mental Health Day with the charity in October. Bronagh finished; “We have great plans that will help fund the vital services Action Mental Health brings to people in Northern Ireland, including those who need support and guidance to navigate employability and workplaces. “We look forward to getting started and kicking off a successful and thriving partnership.”

Eye on Events

Burns Night Supper and Whiskey Tasting at Hinch Distillery hailed a great success Dr Terry Cross OBE and Michael Morris, International Sales Director, at Hinch Distillery are pictured at the Burns Night Supper and Whiskey Tasting, where traditions and culture exchanged over the centuries were celebrated. Guests were greeted by Campbell College Pipe Band and entertained with a Burns poetry recital delivered by Matthew Warwick, education officer, Ulster-Scots Community Network. A whiskey tasting masterclass featuring some of the finest Scotch and Irish Whiskey was enjoyed with a traditional meal of haggis, neeps and tatties. Hinch Distillery is located in the grounds of the beautiful Killaney Estate in Co Down.

Michael Morris, Dr Terry Cross OBE, Matthew Warwick & Grahame Harris

Guests enjoy Burns Night at Hinch Distillery

Michael Morris, Sonya Cassidy & Dr Terry Cross OBE (Hinch Distillery)

Campbell College Pipe Band

Eye on Law

The Battle To Prioritise Sustainability In Retail By Judith Allen, Partner at TLT.

The noise around sustainability issues grew in 2021, culminating with COP26 in November and the news that ‘Net Zero’ had become one of the ‘Words of the Year’ according to Oxford Languages.

he challenge for businesses has been how to sustain their progress around sustainability during a global pandemic, with all of its associated crises. For retailers, the pandemic forced the closure of many physical outlets and in recent months, the industry has also been battling with a supply chain crisis and a shortage of workers.

Planet vs profits We investigated this in our latest survey of the UK’s top 100 retailers, and found that while the industry has continued to place ever more importance on sustainability, competing priorities mean it has slipped down the agenda in the last year for a quarter (24%) of retail brands. More than half (59%) of retailers admit sustainability has had to take a step back due to Covid-19, while the vast majority (77%) say their shareholders look at profits before sustainability. 78% believe sustainability will never be of equal importance to profit-making, and 44% admit their business sees sustainability more as a cost centre than a cost saver at the moment. This highlights the vulnerability of sustainability as a priority in any business, and the debate sparked by fund manager Terry Smith when he claimed in the FT in January that Unilever has “lost the plot” by fixating on sustainability “at the expense of focusing on the fundamentals of the business.” Eco innovation But sustainability and profits can go hand in hand, and this “battle of the priorities” could spark a new wave of innovation in the retail and other sectors, such as exploring opportunities to share resources with other brands – e.g. logistics, to make deliveries cheaper and more environmentally friendly. The total emissions from commercial buildings is also a growing concern, and something that all

businesses need to look at – in terms of assessing their existing properties and aligning their due diligence processes for future property-related decisions with their sustainability goals. Emissions come not only from energy use, but also from material manufacture, transportation, building construction, renovations, refrigerants, and a building’s end-of-life stage.

Future trends Three quarters (72%) of retailers say they have announced sustainability improvements in recent years. A fifth (21%) are giving customers a choice between standard and sustainable deliveries, and 13% have launched a new line of sustainable products separate from their standard offering. 19% of fashion and beauty and 13% of lifestyle and leisure retailers have also launched a rental or resale service – a move followed by FTSE retailer

Marks & Spencer on 14 November. Following COP26, the message to UK Corp. is clear – every business has a role to play in reducing environmental harms and limiting climate change, and the pressure from government, regulators, campaign groups and consumers is only going to continue to rise. Leveraging the collective power of the industry and finding common ground for action can help put the ‘eco’ in retail economics.

Read more findings and download a free copy of the report at tltsolicitors.com Judith Allen Partner at TLT Judith.Allen@TLTsolicitors.com +44 (0)333 006 1591 +44 (0)7824 372 009

Eye on News

Ulster University Business School awarded Small Business Charter

Ulster University Business School (UUBS) has been awarded the Small Business Charter in recognition of its commitment to supporting small businesses, student entrepreneurship, and the local and regional economy.

he Small Business Charter Award is a national accreditation, assessed by small business leaders, to recognise business schools which demonstrate excellence in supporting the SME community, student enterprise, and the local economy. Ulster University Business School will hold the award for five years, with its Hospitality, Tourism, Food and Drink Solutions and the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre both being awarded exemplar status. There are now 54 business schools that hold the Small Business Charter Award in the UK and Ireland. In presenting its case for accreditation, UUBS highlighted its extensive engagement in promoting and managing a wide provision of programmes and additional support to SME owners through the work of three key outlets. The first is the Business Engagement Unit (BEU), the School’s gateway to experts, knowledge exchange projects, CPD programmes and consultancy opportunities. The second is theEconomic Policy Centre, an independent agency which informs both internal and external public bodies, including government

on policy formation. The third is the School’s Food and Drink Business Development Centre, designed to support the agri-food and tourism industry in Northern Ireland. The school also emphasised its extensive participation in a wide range of knowledge exchange initiatives aimed at inspiring, nurturing, supporting, and growing small and micro businesses in Northern Ireland. These include Invest NI’s Innovation Voucher initiative, Innovate UK’s Knowledge Transfer Programme, Intertrade Ireland’s FUSION programme and the European INTERREG IVA Co-Innovate programme. UUBS has developed a number of key strategic networks at regional, national and international levels to support SME owners’ entrepreneurial learning and practice. One particularly important strategic resource for the school is its Business Advisory Forum, made up of representatives from across the SME sector to review and support the faculty leadership team within UUBS. The School maintains close links with bodies such as the Federation of Small Businesses,

(L-R) Professor Mark Durkin (Executive Dean, UUBS); Professor Pauric McGowan (Professor of Entrepreneurship & Business Development, UUBS); Dr Laura Bradley-Mc Cauley (Associate Head of Department of Global Business and Enterprise, UUBS).

the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and are represented by faculty on a number of local advisory and enterprise boards. As part of both undergraduate and postgraduate study, UUBS provides practical, hands-on experience for students. Many students undertake ‘live’ enterprise projects that solve real problems faced by local SMEs; these projects are embedded in the curriculum and give learners genuine enterprise experience. Students are also supported through initiatives such as ‘UU Create’, a multi-disciplinary project in support of students working towards starting a business, and specialised projects such as ‘So She Did’, a programme focusing on women in enterprise, which saw 220 students participate. Professor Mark Durkin, Executive Dean of Ulster University Business School said: “SMEs are the backbone of the Northern Ireland economy, representing 99% of all private sector businesses and 78% of total employment in the region. UUBS has a proven track record of supporting the SME sector through initiatives such as research projects, education and training programmes, and knowledge transfer schemes such as KTPs,

and we are determined to leverage our award-winning experience to provide more businesses with the expertise and support they need to prosper and grow. “This five-year accreditation award recognises the strong emphasis UUBS places on supporting local business through active regional SME engagement and how we strive to develop an entrepreneurial mindset amongst our student population. “It is a critical and anxious time for small business owners and their staff, and the Business School has a new opportunity to widen the practical support measures we can offer, where it is needed most, through the ‘Help to Grow: Management training scheme. This initiative seeks to build levels of personal confidence and competency for the leaders across all sectors of our small business economy. This will help them identify and capitalise on emerging opportunities and indeed help them navigate the prevailing uncertainty with more confidence. “We look forward to working with the Department for the Economy, Invest Northern Ireland and Queen’s Management School in the coming months to leverage the full potential of this initiative and maximise our impact for SMEs across Northern Ireland.”

Eye on Cover Story

Tom Smyth Belfast’s Mr. Motivator Grows His Empire

There are some businessmen and women who you meet in this job and the memory fades to grey. There are others who make their mark and there are those who leave an indelible impression. Tom Smyth falls squarely into the latter category.

t’s hard not to have a few preconceptions about Tom. He keeps a high profile, not just in his role as Managing Director of Dream Luxury Serviced Apartments, but after 30 years in business he is now a business mentor and – most recently –a successful global author of a business & personal success book on the antidote to self-doubt. Meeting up with Tom Smyth can be something of a whirlwind. He’s in perpetual motion and almost needs to be tied down to tell his story. Asked about how he relaxes, he smiles broadly and jokes “What do you mean? I am relaxed.” The Tom Smyth story is an engaging one. Brought up in the heart of Belfast in the uncompromising 1970’s , he talks easily about an upbringing which was “full of love” and pays tribute a number of times to hard-grafting parents who taught him the value of hard work despite having very little. “My parents didn’t believe in debt,” he says. “They only bought what they had the money to buy and they always lived by that rule.” By the tender age of 10, Tom had found a steady job in a local fish and chip shop. “For me, even at that

age, it was really important to make my own money and not to have to ask my parents for anything.” By 16, he was working full time on building sites, lifting whatever he was asked to lift and building up a level of fitness which has stayed with him to this day. These days, though, the heavy lifting is done early in the morning in the gym at his Holywood home. Tom Smyth bought his first home outright in 1994 and he’s gone on to buy more than a few properties since that first purchase. At around the same time, he took himself off to Dubai, then a very different place to the sprawling metropolis that it is today. “I’d heard about the potential of Dubai and the opportunities so I decided to get on a plane and give it a go,” he says simply. “I played the property development game there for a number of years and did very well out of it. “But Dubai was also my very first experience of the serviced apartment concept. I came across Grosvenor House Apartments there and I liked the whole concept immediately. Right from the start, I was determined to bring the concept back home and to make it work.”

Developing a business idea like that one isn’t easy. “It took a few years,” says Tom. “There were a few deals that didn’t work out. I had to be resilient, stick with it and keep the faith.” But the serviced apartment concept did succeed and Tom Smyth’s company, Dream Luxury Serviced Apartments, has grown rapidly in the years since then. Today, Dream Luxury Serviced Apartments has some 550 rental properties between its home city of Belfast and in a number of key UK cities like Newcastle, Manchester, Middlesbrough and Dundee. The deal to buy 120 apartments in Manchester was completed just before Christmas. “During the pandemic when a lot of business activity ground to a halt, I took the opportunity to do a bit of travelling, visiting potential sites in Manchester and other cities. This business is still a hands-on business. You’ve got to get out, walk the streets, look at apartments and talk to people. It can’t really be done any other way.” It’s a measure of Tom Smyth’s ambitions for the company that Dream Luxury Serviced Apartments has quite a number of live building sites dotted around the UK.

“I took time to reflect on everything I have learned about defeating tough times and realised that growing up in Belfast has given me an extraordinary resilience and determination to succeed.”

Eye on Cover Story If the Covid pandemic encourages Dream Luxury Serviced Apartments’ MD to get on a plane and visit more UK cities, it has also driven increased demand for serviced apartments as opposed to hotels as an accommodation choice. “More and more people are preferring to have their own space for a period of time rather than a hotel room, and that’s been accelerated by the pandemic. Serviced apartments are seen as a safer accommodation choice these days,” he says. Already a seasoned business and high performance mentor through his series if videos, Tom Smyth used lockdown to complete his first book. Fear Less isn’t a business book. It’s a universal toolbox centred around how to conquer fear. “I started writing the book back in March 2020 when the pandemic struck and the first lockdown was imposed. There was a lot of fear around then, and initially I set out to try help those around me who were fearful of what lay ahead. But it’s turned into a book to help anyone cope with what life throws at them... and there are plenty of lessons for businessmen and women.” “Fear has a paralysing effect on people’s ability to think and work out a strategy for success. It has a very negative impact on physical and mental health, and it is often the root cause of failure. “I needed to find an antidote to selflimiting fear, so I explored the research and resources I have personally used over many years to turn my life around. “I took time to reflect on everything I have learned about overcoming major conflict and setbacks in life and realised that growing up in Belfast has given me an extraordinary resilience and determination to succeed. “Belfast’s amazing transformation since the peace process of the late 1990s is both motivating and inspirational because it happened against the odds. I knew my journey and my city’s history of recovery and reinvention could help others. So, I decided to gather my thoughts and develop a simple system people could use to help them overcome any crisis.” Tom’s book also looks at how to counter self-doubt. Meeting him, it’s hard to imagine that he’s ever suffered from self-doubt, but he insists that it’s something everyone has to work on continuously. With its elements of self help, positivity as well as mindfulness and skills borrowed from the world of meditation, it acts as a

“More and more people are preferring to have their own space for a period of time rather than a hotel room, and that’s been accelerated by the pandemic. Serviced apartments are seen as a safer accommodation choice these days.” written tool box for challenges well beyond those of the pandemic. On the back of his book, Tom Smyth has turned his hand to high performance, mindset & business mentoring, helping to apply his success principles and strategies on a more direct basis to those eager to learn. Talking about his upbringing in Belfast,

Tom is quick to pay his glowing tribute to his parents, both of whom are still alive. But he comes alive when he talks about his wife Dolores. “She’s the boss, there is absolutely no doubt about that,” he says. “She keeps me on the right path, she listens to me, she advises me but, most importantly, she’s always there. You asked how I relax? I relax with Dolores.”

Eye on News

ARTEMIS TECHNOLOGIES OPENS NEW MANUFACTURING FACILITY IN BELFAST Artemis Technologies has opened a new facility on Belfast Lough as it prepares to commence testing of its transformative new Artemis eFoiler(R) electric propulsion system.

he 42,200 sq ft facility in Titanic Quarter’s Channel Commercial Park, will house the company’s manufacturing and engineering teams as it brings to market a range of green technologies and vessels including workboats, passenger ferries, leisure craft, as well as Crew Transfer Vessels for the offshore wind sector. The first test vessel to be powered by Artemis Technologies’ revolutionary Artemis eFoiler(R) electric propulsion system, an 11m workboat, is expected to take to the water in a matter of weeks. Artemis Technologies Commercial Director David Tyler said: “It’s incredibly exciting to announce a major milestone for Artemis Technologies, moving into our new facility here in

Belfast Harbour. Right in the heart of the Titanic Quarter, and next to several of our Belfast Maritime Consortium partners. “It is an important step forward in our mission to help deliver a sustainable maritime future and brings us closer to returning commercial shipbuilding to Belfast - one of the key drivers behind our decision to locate in Northern Ireland. “From this new facility, we will be able to directly launch our first prototype vessel into the waters of Belfast and begin the crucial phase of real-life testing. “What we will create here in Northern Ireland, we hope will create an impact on a global scale, providing commercially viable solutions that will help not just the UK, but countries across the world

Pictured at the 42,000 sq ft facility in Titanic Quarter’s Channel Commercial Park, from left, Romain Ingouf, Technical Director and David Tyler, Commercial Director

to realise their net zero targets.” James Eyre, Commercial Director, Titanic Quarter added: “We are delighted to welcome Artemis Technologies to Channel Commercial Park, which is one of Belfast’s largest and most versatile business parks. Situated in the heart of the city’s Innovation District, Titanic Quarter is home to a growing cluster of leading businesses who are pioneering solutions to combat global climate change and decarbonisation. We wish Artemis every success in their new facility here.” Artemis Technologies Technical Director, Romain Ingouf commented: “The Queen’s Island facility is going to allow us to turn our prototyping activities into a production line for the Artemis eFoiler(R) propulsion system. Over the next year or so we’ll need to double our workforce to support this activity. We currently have two vessels here, our first Artemis eFoiler(R)

propelled prototype, an 11m workboat, as well as an 11m sister ship, enabling us to bench mark our green propulsion system against a conventional gasoline propelled vessel.” The development of the vessels is complemented by Artemis Technologies’ advanced simulator located at its Lisburn facility, which informs the design process prebuild to ensure a streamlined and efficient manufacturing project. Established in 2017, Artemis Technologies is the lead partner of the Belfast Maritime Consortium, a 13-member syndicate which has brought together a range of established and young firms, academia and public bodies to design and build zero-emission high-speed ferries in the city. The consortium was awarded £33 million by UKRI’s flagship Strength in Places Fund for the £60m project.

Eye on News

Belfast City Airport’s £30K Boost for The Welcome Organisation Local homeless charity The Welcome Organisation has benefitted from a massive £30,000 fundraising boost following its tenure as George Best Belfast City Airport’s official ‘Charity Partner of the Year’.

stablished in 1997, The Welcome Organisation provides potentially life-saving services to more than 1,400 people affected by homelessness across the greater Belfast community every year. As a responsible business with community at the heart of its operations, Belfast City Airport has championed The Welcome Organisation for the past two years and has raised vital funds to ensure the charity can continue its services, which include a drop-in centre, a street outreach team, crisis accommodation for women, and floating support vehicles. Speaking of the partnership, Stephen Patton, HR and CR Manager at Belfast City Airport, said: “When it came to choosing our

Charity Partner of the Year, we looked for organisations with an ethos that reflected our own and a passion for making a real difference in our local community. “That made The Welcome Organisation, which delivers roundthe-clock assistance to some of the most vulnerable people in society, the perfect choice. “Whether it be a hot meal, a shelter for the night, or just a listening ear, the charity works tirelessly to ensure their service users are supported, while treating them with care and compassion. “That is something truly admirable and something we are extremely proud to support.” During the partnership, Belfast City Airport employees collectively organised clothes donations,

Stephen Patton, HR and CR Manager at Belfast City Airport (left) and Kieran Hughes, Marketing and Fundraising Manager at The Welcome Organisation (right) celebrate flying success of charity partnership.

foodbanks, delivery of essential items, charity lunches, quiz nights, and in-terminal collections. Staff also volunteered time to assist at the drop-in centre and workshop to alleviate the pressure and demand on Welcome Organisation volunteers. Some of the biggest fundraising efforts came through flagship campaigns, including The Big Sleepout, which saw representatives from numerous businesses in NI spend a cold night outside the airport to raise awareness of and money for The Welcome Organisation, and most recently the Secret Santa campaign which ensured all service users at the drop-in had a gift to open on Christmas Day. Stephen continued: “At Belfast City Airport, we pride ourselves in doing all we can to help our community and the efforts of our staff to get behind The Welcome Organisation are testament to that. “Whilst the organisation’s term as our official charity partner is concluding, we know the funds and

awareness raised will have longevity for The Welcome Organisation and the greater Belfast region, and we will continue to support the charity’s efforts moving forward.” Kieran Hughes, Fundraising and Marketing Manager at the Welcome Organisation, deemed the partnership a flying success and said: “Unfortunately the number of individuals across Northern Ireland affected by homelessness is on the rise and the problem remains prevalent in our city. “The COVID-19 pandemic put extra strain on our services, but continuous fundraising and awareness generated by Belfast City Airport during that period has crucially allowed us to continue delivering potentially life-saving services to those who need it most. “It has been an absolute pleasure working with the airport as its official charity partner and we would like to extend our sincere thanks to the staff and passengers for their truly invaluable support.”

Eye on Advertising

“So, how did you hear about us?”

Ed Henderson, Planning Director, Ardmore

Advertising’s powerful role in recruitment. In a recovering Northern Ireland against the COVID-19 pandemic, getting the local economy back to full strength is more important now than ever – and that means attracting the right talent to drive local businesses is mission critical.

t is no secret that right now, many business owners are finding effective recruitment in Northern Ireland a tough challenge – and they are not alone. The Open University’s recently released annual Business Barometer 2021 report reveals nearly three quarters (69 percent) of local businesses believe there is a skills shortage in their own organisation. The impact of the pandemic on future working dynamics has been and continues to be seismic. Perhaps the most obvious and important example of these dynamics has been the prolonged levels of remote working. Since March 2020, many people have adjusted to their kitchens becoming their new office domain as collaboration - and even socialising - with colleagues in meeting rooms and pubs became routinely replaced with instant connection through video conference software. Irrespective of how people found, or are still finding this new dynamic, it cannot be argued that the impact has irreversibly changed the outlook of both businesses and talent. This change in outlook has also impacted how the recruitment process can bridge the gap between dream candidate and career.

With ever-changing working dynamics but an ever-present need to source and attract talent, the advertising industry can provide a solution, because the core fundamentals of effective advertising can help to overcome many of the recruitment challenges posed. The first of these three fundamentals is consumer insight, because human behaviour is driven by our views, opinions, and attitudes – from what we buy in the supermarket to where we decide to build a future career. As a first step in every advertising campaign, it is critical to understand not only who exactly we want to reach, but also what really matters to them. At Ardmore, we this do by comprehensively analysing consumer behaviour using a wide variety of data points that help us build a clearer picture of people. In our most recent campaigns, our insight team spent time with employees at companies facing a recruitment challenge. By getting inside, we could gauge a clear, more honest view of their workplace. For example, our recent work with Lidl uncovered that one of the big positive factors for their warehouse staff is

the satisfaction that comes from the unique camaraderie experienced on a daily basis. The second fundamental where advertising can support recruitment is creative impact. At the most basic definition, we work in the business of memorability. We help brands stand out against their competition and win a precious space in people’s memory. In the context of recruitment, creativity is also essential to give a real and exciting sense of what your future career will look like. Executed correctly, not only are we able to attract the right talent, but also protect, build and strengthen a brand. Take our recent work for Bloc Blinds for example. A brand that truly prides itself on the lateral thinking and intuition of its workforce. This required advertising that complemented ideal this by challenging people to solve unique puzzles to determine if they were a fit for the brand. A disruptive, forward-thinking idea that echoes what a career with the innovative company will feel like. If our insights are the fuel for an effective recruitment campaign, then the creative impact is the Flamenco Red Cadillac that takes us there in style. The final fundamental

is advertising’s ability to disrupt through effective social media use. With an ever-increasing proliferation of tv channels, social media platforms, and mobile apps, reaching the right people at the right time has never been more challenging. And with only a handful of recruitment sites available to businesses and talent in the search for careers, knowing how to fly above the noise and get your jobs noticed means thinking beyond the generic options available. To combat the ever-increasing skills shortage right across Northern Ireland, the worlds of advertising and recruitment certainly have a promising future in working together. At Ardmore, we can make it easier, impactful and more efficient by building, positioning and amplifying brands as a career destination of choice.

Ed Henderson is Planning Director at leading creative communications agency Ardmore. For more information visit www.ardmore.co.uk

Eye on Skills

Encourage your staff to upskill for free with The Open University

Staff retention and recruitment are two of the biggest challenges facing businesses in Northern Ireland today.

recent Open University (OU) report found that 69 per cent of employers here report a skills shortage in their organisation, with nearly half (46%) saying their biggest challenge over the next five years will be the ability to find staff with the right skills. Given these statistics, it’s surprising that only 46 per cent of organisations have introduced training in the past 12 months to bolster employees’ skills. Yet training and upskilling

opportunities for staff seems the ideal solution to retention and recruitment issues. So why do so few businesses take this approach? The obvious answer is that training costs money. That’s valuable resource that could be spent elsewhere in the business. The Open University has a solution for this. The OU is offering a range of courses in key growth areas which can be studied for free, fully funded by the Department for the Economy. These courses are applied for directly by your staff but encouragement to learn and upskill is a necessary instrument to enable your business to survive, grow and change in turbulent times.

Employees can choose from a number of courses in sustainability and environment, leadership and management, data and tech or a range of STEM related subjects. Project management, supply chain management, Cisco: Python Programming, Climate Change: Transforming your Organisation for Sustainability are some of the courses available that could add value to your business and motivate your workforce. It is not often a free solution to training is offered on such as comprehensive scale. It is an opportunity not to be missed. One company that is benefitting from staff training through The Open University is Datactics, a local Belfast based 60-person

company that provides business user focused data quality and matching technology for international clients. Like many other businesses, they have struggled to recruit experienced people with software development skills. As a result, Matt Flenley, Head of Marketing at Datactics, said the organisation decided to address recruitment challenges by taking a proactive approach. It is focusing on building a strong internal talent pipeline and using training to fill these skills gaps, build employee loyalty and improve retention rates. “Over the last year and a half, we identified the problem that recruits, and graduates are available but are not always the exact perfect fit, so we wanted to be better at training,” Matt explained “This gives us faster access to a workforce that can deliver for our clients. Upskilling our employees and upskilling our capabilities actively increases our competitive edge on an international stage.” All full-time Datactics employees are offered the opportunity to take a training day once a month. That training can be job related or it can be something an employee chooses to do for personal fulfilment. It’s a scheme that is setting them up for the future and addressing the ever-growing skills gap that companies across Northern Ireland are experiencing.

Find out more about the scheme and the upskilling opportunities that could benefit your business here: www.openuniversity.co.uk/ skill-up Deadline for applications is 21 February 2022.

SKILL UP GET AHEAD Discover new opportunities with a free course from The Open University worth up to £3,000.

Choose from 27 courses in key growth industries like digital technology, leadership and sustainability, all fully funded by the Department for the Economy’s Skill Up initiative. Register by 21 February 2022.

Eligibility rules apply. See website for details.

APPLY NOW openuniversity.co.uk/skill-up

Eye on Technology

FinTrU–

On Course For Further Growth Throughout Pandemic Era Belfast & L/Derry based FinTrU continues to set the pace as one of the Northern Ireland’s fastest growing and most innovative companies. Business Eye’s Richard Buckley catches up with Emma Pollock, FinTrU’s Chief Technology Officer and its Head of Site in the North West, Greg McCann.

t didn’t come as any real surprise to anyone in the audience when FinTrU was named as Company of the Year at the 2021 AIB Business Eye Awards. This is a company, after all, whose growth has continued at pace right through the Covid era and a company which continues to win plaudits for its approach to looking after its employees. What’s not always obvious is that innovation, and steady investment, has continued throughout FinTrU’s organisation, and it’s an organisation that nowadays includes two sites in Belfast (at the Gasworks and Pakenham Street) and another in Derry/ Londonderry, where FinTrU now employs upwards of 300 people at the former Welch Margetson shirt factory on Carlisle Road and at a second former shirt factory site at Patrick Street in the city centre.

Currently, though, the majority of FinTrU’s staff continue to work from home in accordance with the NI Executive’s Covid regulations. “We’re looking forward to getting our people back to our offices in time, but it’s not a process that we’re going to rush,” says Greg McCann. “Like a lot of other organisations, working remotely has been a success for us. “But where we are a bit different from others is that we’ve actually extended our property footprint during the Covid period. We also hired more people during Covid than we did before the pandemic.” The company’s total headcount in Northern Ireland is now just shy of the 1,000 mark which means that FinTrU has more than doubled in size since the pandemic began. “When we do come back to office working, on a hybrid

basis, we wanted to ensure that our office space enabled collaboration and facilitated hybrid connections. So, we had to take a long, hard look at our office requirements going forward,” says Belfast-based Emma Pollock. “What’s most important for us is to create a really good, positive working environment for FinTrU’s people,” she adds. “That applies whether they’re working from home all the time, whether they’re in the office or they’re working to a hybrid model. This is why we added the Meter House (FinTrU Innovation Hub, based in the Gasworks) to our growing company real estate. We have turned it into a state-of-the-art facility that enables employees to engage in creative problem-solving activities with hybrid-friendly technologyenabled platforms catering for

collaboration across multiple sites. “Like plenty of other employers, we believe that collaboration and innovation can benefit from office working so it is something that we want to maintain for the future.” The company has a strong record of innovation when comes to HR. Just recently, it became one of the first companies here to introduce a four-week sabbatical break for all employees who’ve been with the organisation for five years or more. It’s innovations like that, that have helped give FinTrU a bit of an edge in the ultracompetitive employment marketplace in the fintech sector here in Northern Ireland. “Talent means everything to us as a company,” says Greg McCann. “We’ve developed a compelling employee proposition through the year and it’s central to what

Eye on Technology

Emma Pollock, Chief Technology Officer, FinTrU (centre) receives the Company of the Year Award at the AIB Business Eye Awards 2021.

we do and how we do it. The company’s own technology team, headed by Emma Pollock, has also doubled from 40 to 80 in recent months. It found itself at the centre of FinTrU’s world when the pandemic struck, and an entirely office-based workforce had to decamp to homes all over the country. “The technology team made sure that our clients wouldn’t have noticed any break in service delivery. That was the measure of their success. In fact, once homeworking became established, we found that overall productivity went up slightly.” FinTrU’s client base is comprised entirely of Tier 1 global investment banks, so these are not clients who will suffer a dip in service levels lightly. “We have a number of very established clients, but we also have a very strong pipeline. We’ve had a number of big client wins over the past year or so, and the growth trajectory looks very good,” says Emma Pollock. In addition to its Belfast base and L/Derry operations, FinTrU has offices in London, Dublin, New York and its most recent addition, at Maastricht in the Netherlands. “But the team will also be front and centre as we prepare for a

“Like plenty of other employers, we believe that collaboration and innovation can benefit from office working so it is something that we want to maintain for the future.” phased return to office working,” she adds. “Our offices are open and a desk booking system is in operation. The need for office space has evolved for our people, therefore we have too.” When FinTrU asked its people what form of working they wanted to see in the future – office, home or hybrid – the response was clear and categoric. “They’ve told us that they prefer a hybrid working model, at least for the short term,” says Greg McCann. “Whether that means one, two or three days a week in the office is up to individuals. “We recently refurbished and expanded our space within the City Factory building in the North West. It’s a modern office space with plenty of areas for employees to enjoy whilst on site or dial in to from home to work with office-based colleagues. For some, those who can’t or don’t want to work from home, the office will always be available.”

Both Greg McCann and Emma Pollock know that the process of bringing FinTrU’s people back into offices, even on a hybrid basis, won’t be without its challenges. “We’ve hired some people during Covid who’ve never worked in an office, so it will clearly be a new challenge for them. Strange though it might seem to others, we’ve even produced videos to show them what office working will be like,” says Greg. “We have to be aware that everyone has a different attitude to the subject of working through a pandemic. Some people are intent on getting back to the office and others prefer to wait a bit longer. Our message to them is that it’s OK not to be OK. So, it can never be a one size fits all approach.” Covid has brought plenty of enforced innovations, as it has for plenty of companies. FinTrU’s people now have state of the art working equipment – desks,

chairs and laptops – at home (fully-funded) as well as in the office. And the company’s deskbound PC monitors have become redundant, as they have in many other parts of the local economy. “Throughout the pandemic, we’ve given autonomy to our people and it’s worked very well for us as an organisation,” says Emma Pollock. “In fact, we’re a company that doesn’t have a massive communications or control structure. It’s not something we believe in. In a lot of ways, we feel as though we know our people a lot better as a result of this experience. Hybrid working has allowed our people to develop further independence by working from home. We also have comprehensive technological solutions in place to enable multi-site collaboration whether you are in a FinTrU office in Northern Ireland, at home or at one of our international sites. “Our ambition remains huge. Central to that is our continued ability to attract, develop and retain our talent. Our mantra has always been Local Talent, Global Stage and it describes what we do very nicely. This year we launched our vision statement, Inspire Global Trust in Tomorrow, and the local talent is crucial to us achieving that goal.”

Eye on News

New Executive Chef Ryan Stringer appointed at top Belfast restaurant James Street

Acclaimed chef Ryan Stringer has returned to Belfast to take the lead as Executive chef at Belfast’s awardwinning restaurant, James St.

reviously Executive Chef at the ground-breaking ELY group of wine bars and restaurants in Dublin, the Dungannon native returns to Northern Ireland for the first time in over a decade with exciting plans ahead for the celebrated restaurant. One of Belfast’s most renowned and well-loved restaurants, James St., which is owned by culinary legend Niall and his wife Joanne McKenna, first opened in 2003. Since then, the entrepreneurial pair have been credited with helping to drive Belfast’s thriving hospitality scene after growing their restaurant portfolio to include James St. Bar and Grill in 2011, Hadskis in 2014 and earlier this year the hugely popular Cookery School located in the stunning surrounds of Waterman House inside the bustling Cathedral Quarter. Stringer has already been working at the flagship James St. restaurant since late last year and is excited about bringing his own style and passion for food and wine to the menu in 2022 as part of this new appointment. Stringer acknowledges the legions of loyal customers who are so important to James St. and reassures that their beloved classic dishes will not be

going from the menu anytime soon. However, he is keen to inject his own experiences from ELY, as well from his stages at Raymond Blanc’s worldfamous Michelin-starred restaurant Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxford and at Copenhagen’s 108 restaurant, the affordable sister to world-renowned three star Michelin restaurant “Noma.” Commenting on his new role, Ryan Stringer said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be back in Belfast and taking this new role as Executive Chef at such an iconic restaurant. Personally admired by me for nearly two decades, James St. has an outstanding reputation for incredible food and ambience and is credited with a strong and loyal customer base. I’m keen to keep doing what James St. does well while introducing some of my own style and experience.” “Our customers love the steaks and a range of delicious dishes including its famous crab and chili linguini – they won’t be going anywhere. However, I’m excited to show my passions and style as well as continuing with the classics that have put this restaurant on the map.” Commenting on the

appointment, owner of James Street, Niall McKenna said: “We are delighted to have Ryan on board as our new Executive chef. He is the perfect fit for us, and we are excited by what lies ahead on the menus under his tutelage. He has experienced some of the world’s greatest kitchens and we can’t wait to see how he brings those influences to our menu. He is hugely passionate about sustainability and having a “no waste” kitchen and he thinks extremely carefully, and creatively, about making the most of every part of each ingredient he uses,” said McKenna. After more than a decade in Dublin, Stringer is glad to be home. His journey back to Ulster began in 2018 when he bought a house for himself and his two sons in Dromore. He commuted from there to Dublin every day but when lockdown hit, like many others, he realised he wanted to be closer to home, full time. He started looking for opportunities in Belfast and connected with Niall McKenna. They hit it off and their talks culminated in this new Executive chef role for Ryan. Sustainability is extremely important to him as well as a “no wastage” ethos, which can be an issue in hospitality. “I use everything, cauliflower leaves, stalks, roots all the bits

that 90 per cent of kitchens might throw away, I use them.” Ryan is extremely impressed with the exceptional standard of local produce and is looking forward to showcasing the amazing bounty of local ingredients on the restaurant’s menus. “Our vegetable supplier, Leon, cuts the vegetables in his field in the morning and I have them by 3pm that day. It influences me every day on how I will then build a dish. I’ve even named a dish on the menu after Leon, that’s the respect I have for his produce and the importance of the working relationship. My starting point is what my producers tell me is fresh and tasting great that day.” From his years in ELY, he has a love for matching great wine with exceptional food and he is excited for James St customers to enjoy the same. He is looking forward to his next chapter as he returns to his roots, this time with a whole new wealth of knowledge and influences to draw upon. “I’ll definitely be taking my experiences in Ely with me to James St. I was there for over a decade and it shaped me. It was part of me for so long. I’m really excited to bring all the experiences I’ve had back home to Ulster with me in my new role,” Ryan said.

Eye on Start Ups

Conor Moules Leading The Charge At Hospitality Start Up Bamboo C

onor is the Country Manager at Bamboo, an app that allows customers to order and pay from hundreds of restaurants, cafes and hotels across Ireland seamlessly through its suite of ordering tools. It gives hospitality businesses a platform to offer advance ordering and contactless pickup for their customers. Revenues at the Dublin headquartered app have risen by more than 400% in the last year, with customers and orders rising by 230% and 136% respectively in the same period.

1. What is Bamboo? Bamboo is a mobile app that allows customers across Ireland to order and pay for food and drinks in advance.

2. How long have you been in your current role? I have been with Bamboo for three years.

3. What is a typical day for you? There are very few typical days when building a startup. Depending on the current situation, I could be doing multiple things. Currently, I am doing more and more travelling and with COVID restrictions lifting, getting out on the streets to visit our venues.

4. What does success mean to you? Getting up and doing a job you love each day is success.

5. What keeps you motivated? Building Bamboo brick by brick into an internationallyrecognised brand.

6. How do you unwind after a tough day? I have an end of day playlist on Spotify, and I’m also a big fan of podcasts.

7. Have you faced any unforeseen challenges with conducting business in NI versus Ireland? How did you overcome these? I’m new to doing business in Northern Ireland. One thing I’ve noticed so far is that people listen to what you have to say, but won’t hold back with any constructive criticism. This is something I have a lot of respect for.

8. What are your aspirations for Bamboo in the Northern Irish market? To provide value to our users and our venues. We have a clear plan and understanding of how best we can help.

9. What has been the proudest moment in your career to date?

that period of time with a huge sense of pride at the support we provided.

10. For someone just starting out in your industry, what advice would you give them? Believe in yourself and work hard. Surrounding yourself with likeminded people will also be a huge asset.

Successfully navigating Bamboo through COVID. Not only from our own business point of view, but each of our venues were obviously facing an abyss of uncertainty on all fronts. I look back on

Eye on Finance

Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose … “the more things change, the more they remain the same.” This year we all needed our Christmas break with our families – 2021 was a long year, with little or no ‘real’ holiday time and certainly for the Upstream team, a year of major change and lots of hard work and long hours.

e formally became part of Cubitt Trade Holdings Europe LLP (“Cubitt”) in June 2021 – and really, we haven’t paused for a breath, since. With a commitment to deploy significant additional capital, amounting to over £400M, and a visionary Board, and of course to mirror our Parent Company’s footprint across North and South America we have focused on becoming the leading solutions-based funder, across the UK and Ireland. So, we have started a new year in Upstream – with energy levels at an all-time high. However, it seems we aren’t the only ones driving positive change. The general business population appears to be similarly energised, as we are seeing growth both in our existing funding book and an escalation in business owners talking to us and looking to scale, diversify and spread their wings geographically. KPMG quoted in their recent M&A Outlook survey that 99% of advisors expect deal numbers to increase from 2021. That’s a huge statistic - and one which really signifies the drive for growth through acquisition, and we are already seeing this evidenced in quarter one. The scale of ambition for Northern Ireland business owners is limited only by their ability to access appropriately structured investment and working capital. Paul Murnaghan, President of the NI Chamber, then stated on 4 January

2022, whilst commenting generally on the ambition and energy evident in Northern Ireland business. “Many firms are still dealing with the compound impact of new trading arrangements, uncertainty around the Protocol, restrictions and supplychain difficulties, transport delays and increased costs and labour shortages.” The global supply chain crisis continues to drive up the cost of many raw materials. Consequently, the order cycle is extending across many industries, so in Upstream, we have found ourselves actively structuring supply chain transactions to enable local NI based businesses to buy better, thereby using their working capital more efficiently to fulfil a burgeoning order book. This assured access to funding, materially boosts corporate confidence and results in an even more determined focus on scale, both organically, and through acquisition.

Cubitt, identified this supply chain challenge early and we now have a major focus on enabling ‘end to end’ corporate transactions across the globe – physically and financially. 2022 will see us launching a fully tech enabled process whereby a business owner can source raw materials from any location in the world, and have them shipped, stored, picked and packed and if necessary, delivered to any ultimate buyer. This suite of options will include funding, of course, and a completely transparent logistics management process which will ensure that our client can monitor and manage their goods anywhere in the world – including checking humidity, temperature, and location remotely from their phone. Cubitt has invested in acquiring two specialist businesses, experts in the field of logistics and warehousing, to augment our already flexible and accessible finance solutions, and we are excited to be rolling out

this fully integrated package to the Northern Ireland business community. We will share more of this transformational development in the weeks and months to come, with live case studies, which always speak more eloquently than any article can, but safe to say that you won’t see us idly twiddling any thumbs in Upstream. So whilst everything is changing, in some ways, nothing is changing. Upstream – or is that “Cubitt, Ireland” - continues to offer the best, and most appropriate funding solution for our clients every single day .“Plus ça change …”

FUNDING APPLICATION TO CASH RECEIVED IN DAYS…

Imagine a world where your business could get a decision on funding within 48 hours and have cash available a few days later. With Upstream you can. We are here to support ambitious businesses where access to extra cash will make all the difference between standing still, or growth. Since becoming part of Cubitt Trade Holdings Europe LLP (“Cubitt”) our Belfast-based team can now provide more funding, for more businesses than ever before. We will listen carefully and structure an appropriate solution to immediately unlock your supply chain and propel sales. Call us today. With local decision makers, we can take you through a virtual online process to completion in days.

Invoice Finance Trade Finance Credit Management Services Advisory T 028 9099 9450

www.upstreampositive.co.uk

Eye on News

HBAN Business Angel Network Hits £10 Million Milestone

usiness angel network HBAN Ulster has reached the significant landmark of investing over £10m into early-stage companies in Northern Ireland since the network was established in late 2018. Halo Business Angel Network (HBAN) is a joint initiative of Enterprise Ireland, InterTradeIreland and Invest Northern Ireland dedicated to the allisland promotion and development of business angel investment, providing support for networks and syndicates and increasing the number of angel investments into early-stage companies. HBAN’s Ulster network, which is managed by Clarendon Fund Managers in NI, has more than 120 members who have done deals with an average investment value of £150,000, representing an overall investment of £10m from business angels within investment rounds totalling £50m. Business angels are prepared to invest smaller amounts of finance at an earlier stage than venture capital funds, and are increasingly investing alongside seed venture capital funds and public co-investment funding. HBAN angel investors typically invest between £20,000 - £100,000 per deal with 70% investing up to £50,000 per deal. To date, investors from the network have been part of 65 deals with

45 local entrepreneurial businesses. 80 companies have pitched at 18 events over the last three years with nearly 20% of pitches being from entrepreneurial female founders. Some of the companies to have secured funding from HBAN business angels in recent months include SeeMeHired, Sonrai Analytics and Kairos. Clarendon Fund Managers also manages Co-Fund NI, a £47m fund that co-invests in business angel and private investor led deals. Invest Northern Ireland has committed £37m of investment support to Co-Fund NI since 2011. In 2020 British Business Investments also committed £10m through its Regional Angels Programme. Jim Curran, HBAN Ulster Regional Manager and Director of Clarendon, said: “We have been delighted to see the HBAN Ulster network grow, even during the pandemic and continue to see a really high percentage of active members doing deals together and investing in some of NI’s fastest growing companies and brightest prospects. As well as funding, HBAN angels provide unique insights and advice that has been invaluable to the founders they have backed. As we see more owners of indigenous businesses successfully exiting, I would encourage them to pass on their skills and expertise

John Phelan, All-Island Director of HBAN (centre right) with Claudine Owens, Jim Curran and Neil Simms from Clarendon Fund Managers.

by becoming HBAN angel investors.” William McCulla, Director of Corporate Finance and Property at Invest Northern Ireland said: “This £10m milestone is a significant achievement for the HBAN Ulster network as it continues to address the funding gap that small businesses across Northern Ireland can face, particularly in their start-up and early growth phases. We are pleased to continue our support for the network as it supports early-stage company growth through business advice and expertise as well as finance from business angels.” John Phelan, all-island Director of HBAN, said: “It is really positive to see angel investment growing in Northern Ireland and right across the island of Ireland,

which shows that entrepreneurs, startups and investors have been resilient to the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. We’re also seeing how important angel investment is to helping start-ups leverage funding from additional sources they wouldn’t otherwise have been able to access. It is a great achievement that HBAN Ulster has reached the £10m milestone and I look forward to watching the momentum continue during 2022.” Across the island of Ireland, HBAN facilitates more than 60 investments every year. Its investors consider a wide range of sectors, with deals particularly prevalent in ICT (38%), life sciences & MedTech (28%), engineering & manufacturing (14%) and food, beverage & agriculture (12%).

Bronze Diversity Mark Awarded to Mills Selig

Mills Selig has been presented with the Bronze Diversity Mark by Diversity Mark Northern Ireland in recognition of the law firm’s ongoing commitment to gender equality. (L-R) Rebecca Logan, Solicitor, Mark Thompson, Senior Associate, Anne Skeggs, Partner and Head of Property and Peter Cashel, Solicitor, Mills Selig.

ills Selig has been presented with the Bronze Diversity Mark by Diversity Mark Northern Ireland in recognition of the law firm’s ongoing commitment to gender equality. The local law firm which specialises in all matters of corporate law received the award following an independent assessment process which reviewed and evaluated their commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion. With over 60 years in business, Mills Selig has frequently paid homage to its team for their continued growth and success. Many members of the team have been with the firm for a decade or longer, a testament to the strong ethics of entire Mills Selig team. With a majority female board, Mills Selig prides itself on awarding employees on the basis of meritocracy alone. Welcoming the bronze accreditation and looking to the future of the firm, Anne Skeggs, Head of Property and Partner said, “Receiving the bronze accreditation is excellent recognition of how we live out our values and how we

operate as a team. Mills Selig is continuously evolving, growing and expanding and we want to continue adjusting and improving the working environment to ensure all our employee needs are met in an inclusive way. “We recognise and understand that by developing a strong diversity and inclusion strategy, our team will grow, flourish and benefit as a result.” The Diversity Mark Accreditation is a ‘Mark of Progress’ that publicly declares commitment to building more diverse and inclusive workplaces to benefit all employees. Congratulating Mills Selig on their bronze accreditation, Nuala Murphy from Diversity Mark said, “We are delighted that Mills Selig has been awarded the Bronze Diversity Mark Accreditation for their commitment to advancing Diversity in the workplace. Awarded by our Independent Assessment Panel who commended the organised approach being taken which involves visible leadership throughout the organisation and the inclusion of staff at all levels. Huge congratulations to everyone at Mills Selig on this progressive achievement.”

Eye on Cloud Communications

Radius Connects with Hastings Hotels Group to deliver advanced mobile comms Northern Ireland’s largest independent telecoms specialist Radius Connect has booked in with Hastings Hotels Group to provide enhanced mobile telecommunications to staff across Hastings Hotels.

Pictured (L-R) are Radius Connect regional director for Ireland Stephen McQuoid and Hastings Hotels Group managing director Howard Hastings.

adius Connect, which recently established a new Belfast City centre base at Clarendon Dock as part of a suite of growth-focused investments, has secured a significant long-term contract to support Hastings Hotel’s extended senior team with an advanced business communications support package. A client of Radius Connect for more than a decade, the team at the Hastings Hotels Group has just taken delivery of a fleet of handsets, bolt-on data sharing and cost-saving international roaming to keep everyone continuously connected as part of a ‘wrap-around’ customer care package. Radius Connect regional director for Ireland, Stephen McQuoid, said: “We are really delighted to be closely working in partnership the Hastings Hotels Group to bring high quality business connectivity and flexibility to all the team in a highly cost-effective way. The hospitality sector is highly mobile, fast-paced and demanding and we look forward to continuing our strong relationship for many years to come.” Radius Connect provides mobile, fixed line and cloud services based on solutions from providers including, Microsoft and Gamma plus operators Vodafone, O2, and EE. Celebrating its 50-year anniversary this year, the Europa Hotel has been integral in the city and regions’ growing tourism sector, becoming a major part of Belfast’s renaissance as a major world tourist destination. Hastings Hotels Group Managing Director, Howard Hastings welcomed the renewed partnership with Radius Connect: “We’re really pleased with the advice and support provided by all the Radius team to deliver the business communication services we need to stay on top of our game. Immediately responsive, friendly and warm, they listened carefully to our requirements before designing a bespoke solution that clearly illustrated

the cost benefits, savings and improvements that we could incorporate to really make a difference. Radius Connect cared about our business and we’re delighted to have found a partner that put our needs first.” As part of its exceptional customer service, Hastings Hotels Group enjoy the services of a dedicated account manager, monthly reviews and continuous support in addition to a large choice of handsets. Part of Sunday Times Top Track 100 company Radius Payment Solutions, which has more than 40,000 customers across the island of Ireland in telecoms, fuel cards and telematics, the new Radius Connect base at Clarendon Dock is instrumental in the integration of its business across the UK and Ireland and its growth focus in Northern Ireland to broaden the range of services available under one roof and brand. The new Belfast hub will also act as a catalyst for further expansion across the island, complementing existing offices in Derry City and Galway – Radius Payment Solutions owns DCI, the island’s largest fuel card business which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Celebrating a cohesive partnership, Radius is also booked into the Europa Hotel to celebrate a year of achievement with more than 120 staff this Christmas.

Stephen McQuoid is Regional Director, Ireland, Radius Connect. Radius Connect is rapidly becoming a leader in business telecoms in the UK and Ireland. For more information on Radius Connect and the wider family group of Radius businesses, visit www.radiusconnectsolutions.com

Eye on Round Table

Entrepreneurship & Innovation – The Backbone Of A 10X Future The Participants The Department of the Economy’s 10X Future aspirations mean tough targets right across the Northern Ireland economy, not least amongst our start-up and early-stage businesses. Business Eye teamed up with Enterprise Northern Ireland to stage a virtual round table discussion looking at the role of the enterprise network across Northern Ireland and how it can contribute to a 10X future for the region. Business Eye’s Richard Buckley and Enterprise NI Chief Executive Michael McQuillan hosted the event from NIAVAC’s studio in East Belfast, and were joined virtually by:RB - We have a lot to talk about, but let’s get started by winding back a little bit. Most readers will be aware of Enterprise NI and the enterprise network here, but not all. Michael, can you kick us off by telling us about Enterprise NI and how it sees its role within the local economy? MMQ - Enterprise NI was established back in 2000 to represent Northern Ireland’s enterprise agencies and to work with and through our members to support enterprise an entrepreneurship. Many of the individual agencies had existed and worked for much longer than that. We have 28 member organisations, and our network is delivering on several fronts while providing flexible workspace to more than 2,500 businesses across 56 locations. The small Enterprise NI team provide dedicated support for the agencies and their programmes. Across the board, we’re engaging with more than

4,000 businesses and individuals on a weekly basis and this active connectivity enables us to be a voice for local entrepreneurs, micro and small businesses. We’re feeding the views of those businesses into government at all levels to influence policy and planning going forward. Our annual Enterprise Barometer provides the biggest insight into the views of small local businesses, and we facilitate the only allparty group for micro and small businesses at the NI Assembly. RB - The network has been with us for 21 years and you’ve painted a picture of what the organisation does. But let’s drill down. We’re going to move around the virtual table to look at what is being delivered and how it all fits into the 10X objective set by government. Jonathan, you are Chairman of Enterprise NI, tell us a bit more about the size and scale of the enterprise network here.

Michael McQuillan Enterprise NI Chief Executive

Jonathan McAlpin CEO at East Belfast Enterprise & Chair of Enterprise NI

Jennifer McWilliams CEO at Antrim Enterprise Agency

Jayne Taggart CEO at Enterprise Causeway, Coleraine

Conor Patterson CEO at Newry & Mourne Enterprise Agency

Cara Dallat CEO at Craigavon Industrial Development Organisation

Eye on Round Table

JMA - We’ve reached the point where we have some 2.8 million square feet of accommodation from industrial space to modern serviced offices, co-working space, and innovation labs, as well as conference, training, and meeting space. As Michael mentioned, there are 56 sites across Northern Ireland. So, in terms of scale, we’re very significant. Within our space, we have some 2,500 businesses incubating at any one time. Every year, hundreds start up and spin out through our network. When you gross that over the 20 plus years we’ve been working, you get a real flavour of the impact our network has had and continues to have.

deliver a range of other business programmes around areas like marketing, sales, exporting as well as sector specific programmes. RB - Advice and assistance is crucial. But one thing that every start up and early-stage business needs is finance. Coming to you, Jayne, how can the enterprise network help?

JT - Over the 21 years, this network has been involved in managing the responsible lending of some £25 million to businesses. We have two products currently available through the NI Small Business Loan Fund and the Start Up Loan Fund and they’re critically important to our small businesses. In our recent Business Barometer, how to secure finance was right at the top of

the list of concerns. What makes our funding different? It comes with the wrap-around support that we can offer, and we can help individuals and businesses right through the pre-application and application processes. RB - We’ve focused on the structured side of what you do, but much of what you do is

RB - Cara, can I turn to you. Can you give us a bit more detail on the actual programmes that the network delivers? CD - Over the past 21 years, we’ve delivered the National Business Start-Up Programme in its different guises. The current one is the Go For It Programme here in Northern Ireland. Over the years, about 45,000 individuals have taken part, so that’s hugely significant. We also

Eye on Round Table

unstructured, its pro bono, it’s rooted in your communities. Jennifer, how important is that? JMW - Pro bono engagement is a key part of what we do. The majority of our enterprise agencies are social enterprises with charitable status. We reckon about 35,000 hours annually across the network is pro bono support to individuals, community organisations and businesses. We’ve also got upwards of 200 volunteer board members bringing many years of experience with them, and they contribute thousands of hours pro bono, as well. Add in our charitable and community work plus staff volunteering and you get an even more comprehensive picture. RB - Conor, let’s turn to you. We’ve got our IoDs, CBIs and Chambers, but your network has become a real voice for start-up, micro and small indigenous businesses here in Northern Ireland. CP - We act as a federation in the interests of Northern Ireland. We’re a unique NGO network as Jennifer has said and we are in a unique position to garner information and opinions in real time. For instance, we found out quickly about the impact of Covid and Brexit on

companies and others that we work with, and we can feed that information into government, both local and central. It’s crucial that we can report on what’s really happening on the ground.

Throughout the last 22 months, we’ve continued to engage directly with government and that’s crucial as we work towards recovery. So, we’ll continue to be the first line of support as we move forward.

RB - You mentioned Brexit and we’re emerging slowly from the Covid pandemic. Does a network like yours become even more important during Black Swan Events like Brexit, Covid or the 2007 Crash. I’m going to direct that to Michael, but Jonathan as Chair might like to come in too.

JMA - I’d echo a lot of what Michael has said. It comes down to the fact that we’re embedded in our local communities and very much at the coalface. That closeness meant that we could react very quickly, and that’s what we did. We’re connected to our businesses but, as a network, we’re also connected to each other. We share expertise and knowledge right across our network.

MMQ - It does, and I think what we’ve all learnt in recent years is that black swan events are to be expected. Yet some can be a bit slow to react when they do come along. We think we’ve been able to react quickly. Let’s use Covid as an example. We quickly became the first calling point for local small businesses when it came to help and guidance. Back in April 2020, we released the first survey on the thoughts and fears of businesses, and it helped to identify those businesses who were falling between the cracks of the government support being made available. We led on moving programmes to the hybrid model that we’re all used to nowadays.

RB - Let’s look forward into 2022. What are the priorities for the enterprise network if it is to support entrepreneurship and innovation going forward? We’re going to start with you this time, Jayne. How important is it to invest in local support and to keep emerging entrepreneurs in their local communities? JT - Yes, this is at the core of what we do. We have to make sure that the right investment is in place to meet the need of emerging entrepreneurs and to keep them in our local communities. It’s interesting to

note that across our network, occupancy levels are sitting at 98%. There are some exciting developments as well, existing premises being redeveloped, and new premises planned. We’re working with government and others to get these developments over the line. I’ll give you an example of a project happening here in the Causeway Coast & Glens. Back in 2015, we established a social enterprise focused on the creative industries sector and bought a lovely old listed courthouse in Bushmills. We secured a really good grant package to develop it as a new creative hub but we’re still, in 2022, trying to get planning permission. RB - There’s probably a separate round table discussion to be had on that subject. Conor, a recurring theme is partnership. How important is to work in partnership not just with businesses but with other organisations? CP - At the start of the pandemic, we feared a mass collapse of the micro business sector. That didn’t happen and it didn’t happen because we worked hard with our partners to support our business

Eye on Round Table community and get their message through to government. Covid has encouraged a lot of people to move out of employment and into selfemployment and we’ve been at the forefront of that. We’ve seen the number of people wanting to start a business here in Newry double. We have to work in partnership with government to translate that aspiration into real business. We all have to come together because this is an unprecedented challenge. Whatever your politics, this place has to work, and it has to work for all citizens.

all levels of experience or lack of it. How can we do that, Cara?

RB - Jennifer, this is an important one, I think. How can we promote self-employment and entrepreneurship as a real career choice?

RB - Jonathan, back to you. Is there an opportunity to harness the network in a more costeffective way going forward?

JMW - It must be embedded into the education system from primary school upwards. As a network, we work all the time with schools. Here in Antrim, we’ve had a couple of successful projects aimed at encouraging school kids to think about self-employment. We’ve also worked to encourage women to look at traditionally male businesses. But we really need to keep nudging that cultural shift towards making entrepreneurship a positive career choice. RB - You’ve mentioned the gender balance. We’ve also got to open up these opportunities to people with diverse backgrounds and with

CD - We have a lot of programmes across the network for ethnic minority groups and others with barriers to self-employment. We can offer a lot of practical support and help build confidence. Here at CIDO, we’ve worked with Women in Business to develop specific programme encouraging women to look at entrepreneurship and self-employment. The more of these programmes we can develop and deliver, the better.

JMA - Our scale and spread makes us unique. We are in every geography across Northern Ireland and we’re very accessible as a point of entry. We see ourselves as a primary care network for entrepreneurs and start-ups, taking an analogy from the health service. A bit like a GP we’re a front door to an extensive support structure available to emerging and small businesses. We can offer a lot of practical help and advice but we’re aware that there is a lot of support out there from other business organisations, Invest NI, universities, and others. The idea behind our primary care network is that we can take people by the hand and guide them through the myriad of support that is out there.

RB - We’ve covered a lot of ground. You’ve painted a very clear picture of what Northern Ireland’s enterprise network is all about. Michael, wrap things up for us. What are the key messages to come out of this discussion and what is your agenda going forward? MMQ - There is a lot happening but there is a lot still to do. We’ve heard about the significant impact our network makes with its 2,500 tenant organisations, but also its far-reaching social and community impact. We’ve also highlighted our connectivity and how we are able to react quickly and effectively to the needs of local businesses. That’s day to day and throughout times of uncertainty and even crisis. We are in a period of uncertainty including the loss of EU funding for economic development, new post-Brexit trading arrangement and the effects of the Covid pandemic. Also, we’re in an election year. But there is one certainty. With less resources, we’re going to have to do more more economic development bang for less economic development buck. There is a real opportunity now to be part of the architecture of doing things in a better way, doing them differently and getting that economic and social bang

going forward. We’ve heard about projects that will help transform the local workplace environment, and we’ve also outlined our primary care network approach is aimed at delivering the right help at the right time, but also helping to guide entrepreneurs and companies towards the wide range of help and assistance available from other agencies. Our Barometer and other surveys tell us that business, in real time, that help, and assistance isn’t always visible and accessible enough. We have solutions that can bring that visibility, that coherence and that accessibility. In doing so, we will more quickly and more readily identify the high potential start-ups and innovationdriven enterprises that are so important for a 10X future. So, entrepreneurship and innovation really can be the backbone of the 10X future we’re aiming for. But we can only achieve that through true partnership. We’ve been partnership activists for 21 years, and we’ll continue to move forward in partnership with other stakeholders to support our entrepreneurs and ‘wantrepeneurs’ over the next 5, 10, 21 years. But this can’t be a partnership of words, it must be a partnership of action.

Eye on News

Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Finances January has been the month of setting new health and fitness goals for 2022 as many people from across Northern Ireland set their sights on the marathon, team relay or 8-mile walk in this year’s Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon.

ut how many people have considered a financial health check this January? With the cost of living on the rise and energy bills at an all time high, it’s never been so important for households to review their spending. Data from the financial services industry indicates that Northern Ireland is the region of the UK where people are most worried about money. 48% of people are stressed and worried about money regularly and 39% of people in Northern Ireland feel they need to adjust their way of life to cut back and make it easier to cover essential spending.

The same findings show that 82% say running helps clear the mind - reducing stress & anxiety, with research showing that a daily 20-minute run improved the athlete’s ability to deal with stress by 29%. Organisers of the Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon are delighted to announce they will be working with new sponsor, CompareNI.com, to help launch its #MoneyHealthCheck – an online tool designed to give tips on how to create more savings for Northern Ireland households and help people understand their finances, so they can make real

L-R Ian Wilson (Managing Director, CompareNI.com) and Jaclyn Dunlop (Principal Marketing Executive, CompareNI.com) launch the new #MoneyHealthCheck initiative at the 40th Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon.

changes that put their mind at ease. CompareNI.com is born and bred in Northern Ireland, currently celebrating its 12th year helping local families save money. It wants to take this further and support local communities by helping them reduce financial worries, save on household bills and avoid overspending. Ian Wilson, Managing Director, CompareNI.com comments: “We feel a healthy body and healthy mind go hand in hand. The Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon is the ideal partner to support our new initiative and encourage people to get fit and healthy, reduce their spending and ease financial worries. We are looking forward to working with the event for its 40th year as we celebrate our own 12th milestone helping local families save money.” The CompareNI.com #MoneyHealthCheck is available here - https://www.compareni.

com/healthcheckcalculator.htm The 40th Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon takes place on Sunday 1st May 2022 with a Marathon, Team Relay and 8 Mile Walk option available. Enter now at www. belfastcitymarathon.com to enjoy the middle rate. Final entry will be on Friday 8th April 2022. Volunteer opportunities are available for race weekend including the new Expo and Pack Collection, which will be held on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th April in the Titanic Exhibition Centre. Visit the event website for more details. The Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon is sponsored by Athletics Northern Ireland, Daily Mirror, Belfast City Council, Better, Cool FM (Downtown Radio and Downtown Country), Translink, Belfast Live, Tayto, Four Star Pizza and CompareNI. com. This year’s official charity is Cancer Focus Northern Ireland.

Eye on News

Catagen Opens Net Zero Technologies Centre At Titanic Quarter Catagen has recently expanded in Titanic Quarter’s Channel Commercial Park, with the opening of a Net Zero Technologies Centre.

stablished in Titanic Quarter in 2013, Catagen provide physical and virtual emissions testing to global automotive manufacturers and industry leading data for transport policy makers. This advanced technology allows for world leading vehicle manufacturers to meet stringent emission standards globally. The new centre in Channel Commercial Park will see Catagen build further on its core business within the emissions technology and oversee the development of new clean energy technologies that will help facilitate the production and distribution of green hydrogen and e-fuels. It plans to explore new

technologies that will support the UK’s climate change target to cut emissions by 78% by 2035 and impact global targets. James Eyre, Commercial Director at Titanic Quarter Ltd, said: “We have built an excellent working relationship with Catagen over the past nine years, and are delighted to have been able to facilitate their expansion within Channel Commercial Park. Titanic Quarter is one of Europe’s largest, sustainable redevelopment projects and is now home to a number of innovative businesses who are committed to playing a key role in global climate change.” Paving the way for SMEs in Northern Ireland, Catagen is powered by 100%

James Eyre of Titanic Quarter (right) with Catagen’s Andrew Woods

renewable energy. Since 2017, Catagen has already displaced more than 1,100 tonnes of carbon from the automotive sector to date, through its energy efficient patented technology. Andrew Woods, CEO at Catagen, said: “We’re delighted to have opened our Net Zero Technologies Centre in

Channel Commercial Park. With its strategic location and connections to Ireland, the UK and the rest of Europe, Channel Commercial Park is the ideal place for Catagen to expand our business and continue on our journey to develop new clean energy technology.”

Clover Announces White’s Tavern Investment

he Clover Group, which operates eight of Belfast’s leading hospitality venues has announced that it is making a major investment in, one of its flagship venues, White’s Tavern which will provide a unique and exciting new offering to customers, creating 50 new jobs within the hospitality industry. In a move that reflects the Group’s confidence in the sector’s recovery and growth, and further builds on the success of White’s outdoor expansion in 2020, the new £1.5m investment will see the venue offering an authentic Irish beer hall and the first fully licensed, quality, fish and chip shop in Belfast city centre. One of the city’s oldest and most cherished bars dating back to the 1700’s, the venue has been transformed since it was taken over by the Clover Group which has seen a significant expansion of its footprint while maintaining its traditional integrity as well as White’s Garden, a new outdoor space, also having been added. With a proven track record of transforming underpower, unused and derelict locations into cutting edge boutique bars and venues

the announcement is the latest in a series of investments by the Clover Group in the last two years, which has included outdoor city centre venues The Bone Yard and Folktown. Commenting on the announcement, Mark Beirne, Director of the Clover Group, said, “This investment is testament not only to our confidence in the opportunities that there are within Belfast’s social scene but also to the expertise and skillset within our team, who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to deliver exemplary experiences for our customers. We are privileged to be the guardians of this outstanding Belfast bar, and the additions we have made will ensure that it will be cherished for generations to come. “This new investment is groundbreaking, maintaining the longstanding traditional fabric of White’s but adding an exciting quality new offering with an authentic beer garden and the first fully licensed fish and chip shop, delivering local Northern Ireland produce from Kilkeel scampi through to North Antrim Lobster.”

Eye on International Investment

Paul Narain America’s Man In Belfast Looks To The Future

Eye on International Investment As a career diplomat with 20-plus years under his belt, it’s no surprise that Paul Narain has the easy charm and slick communications skills that you come to expect from those who make a living out of diplomacy.

ut, reading between the lines, it’s clear to see that the USA’s latest Consul General in Belfast is relishing his first senior posting and the fact that it’s such an important one. Northern Ireland has been on the radar for successive US administrations the current Biden administration is no different. The President has spoken out on Northern Ireland issues on a number of occasions during his first year in office. “There is always a keen interest in Northern Ireland and what’s happening here,” Paul Narain says. “The United States played its part in the peace process and in the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, and we remain very committed to the principles of that Agreement. Most importantly, we act as an honest broker committed to the peace process. “But don’t forget also that there are some 25 million US citizens who have family links to this part of the world as well as the fact that Northern Ireland has the ancestral homes of no less than four US Presidents. “This might be a relatively small place, but it’s very important to the United States and that will always be the case.” Paul Narain took up his duties at the US Consulate in Belfast in August of 2021, moving from Stockholm where he was Political & Economic Counselor at the US Embassy in Sweden. His previous postings include the embassies in Pakistan, India, Greece and Azerbaijan. Back in Washington, he has served in the Operations Center (the State Department’s Crisis Management Hub) and on the executive staffs of Secretaries of State Condoleezza Rice and Hilary Clinton. His only previous visit to Belfast was as a Clinton staffer back in 2009 when the US Secretary of State addressed the NI Assembly at Stormont.

“I’ve been a diplomat for just over 20 years and, believe me, there are a lot more suitcases to pack when you’re 45 with a wife and 10-year old daughter than there is when you’re single and 20,” he laughs. “We’ve loving it here. The hospitality of the people is legendary and it doesn’t disappoint. Then there’s the scenery. But what excites me more than anything else about Northern Ireland is the potential this place has. It’s huge. “Northern Ireland has a unique position in that it is able to trade with the USA, with the rest of the UK and with Europe. That can’t be over estimated. That’s why so many US companies, particularly in the technology and other sectors, continue to invest here. They can see that potential very clearly.” It’s a lesser known fact that the US Consulate General in Belfast is the second oldest continuously operating US Consulate in the world. It was established on May 27, 1796, by the first American President George Washington. The oldest US Consulate, surprisingly, is in the Azores. Originally in Belfast city centre, the Consulate moved to its present home in the original Danesfort House on the Stranmillis Road, once described as one of the city’s finest Victorian mansions, some years ago.

Now that the pandemic is receding, Paul Narain is looking forward to being able to travel more extensively around Northern Ireland. “Absolutely. I’m really looking forward to seeing more places and to meeting more people. It’s an important part of this job. Part of it will always be a learning brief, and that’s particularly important in the early months of taking on the role.” In economic terms the US contribution to Northern Ireland is considerable. “Half of all foreign direct investment here comes from the US,” says the Consul General. “And in the past couple of years, 2,000 new jobs have been created here by US companies. Northern Ireland’s unique trading position can only help going forward.” He singles out the cyber security sector. “Northern Ireland has built up an impressive cyber security hub and quite a number of US companies are central to it,” he says. “But there are a number of other sectors which have also been boosted by American investment. There’s no doubt there are exceptional opportunities here, and those opportunities are enhanced by an extraordinary talent pool available to companies coming here. “It is as good as it seems? I think it’s even better once you take all the factors into consideration,” he adds. Paul Narain is well aware that the

Northern Ireland Protocol, intended as a pragmatic solution to the out workings of Brexit, has become something of a political football. “We’re well aware that there are parts of the protocol that are causing problems and issues for some. But we’re also well aware that the protocol works well for others. “Practical solutions, surely, are possible so that we can move on, and continue to take advantage of Northern Ireland’s unique trading position. But it also has to work for all of the people of Northern Ireland.” President Biden has spoken out on the importance of the protocol and successive senior figures from the US have been involved at a practical level in discussions. “The White House is briefed on developments on a regular basis,” Paul Narain says simply. Looking forward, the US Consul General talks about his priorities and returns to Northern Ireland’s unique advantages as an investment location. “I will continue to do my best to get that message out there loud and clear,” he says. He also singles out Northern Ireland’s young people for special mention. “They are what the future here is all about,” he says. “It’s vital that we continue to make the kind of progress that Northern Ireland has made over recent years.”

Eye on Business Leaders Forum

2022

What are your hopes (and fears) for business and the economy in Northern Ireland for 2022?

Richard Buckley Editor, Business Eye

his time last year, we headed into 2021 in very different circumstances. Lockdown was back and hopes hung on the start of the Covid vaccination programme. Twelve months on, we’re in a very different place and the sense of optimism, at least since early January, has been palpable. Restrictions have been eased and there is hope that any remaining restrictions can be binned in the coming weeks.

It’s easy to sense the optimism in the responses of our business leaders in these pages. There are hurdles - not least the outworking of Brexit, the NI Protocol, staff shortages and the rising cost of both energy and raw materials. But, considering what we’ve all just come through, no one seems to think they’re insurmountable. Let optimism reign.

Adrian Doran Chair, CBI Northern Ireland

I businesses possess a strong desire to make 2022 a year of success. Having endured a tough 2021, they found themselves forced to battle difficulties on multiple fronts – labour shortages, supply chain issues, rising inflation and energy prices, not to mention post-Brexit adjustments – all alongside the pandemic. Many found themselves pushed to the limit. Yet their ambitions to make up for lost ground in terms of growth, productivity and investment speak volumes. When I speak to businesses across NI, it’s clear they’re squaring up to current challenges and setting out plans to take advantage of growth opportunities. For many, long-term success is possible through greater investment in their staff, through upskilling and reskilling, raising levels of innovation and global sales, as well as investing in technology and digital solutions. The 10x Economic Strategy has rightly focused on NI’s current strengths and the areas where we can lead in the next decade. Just as local firms commit to investing in their people, the Executive also must ensure that it sufficiently

invests in our local Skills Strategy, to realise our shared vision of a better economy. Like firms and policymakers, the CBI has its eyes fixed on the range of actions needed to propel the NI economy forward in the next decade. Last year, the CBI launched ‘Seize the Moment’, our flagship strategy with six key areas – decarbonisation, innovation, globalisation, regional success, changing workforce and health. So business is getting ready, as is the CBI and the Executive. We must hope that 2022 ushers in a new period of political stability in Stormont, and also a resolution to the long running issues over the NI Protocol – because businesses need confidence to invest. Local companies stand ready to make 2022 a year of action. There is no doubt that the year ahead will be tricky; but with co-operation and a laser-like focus, we can truly create an economy that works for everyone.

Eye on Business Leaders Forum

Simon Hamilton Chief Executive, Belfast Chamber

he mood amongst many business owners in Belfast as we entered 2022 was one of nervousness fuelled by uncertainty about the latest COVID-19 variant. Now that it thankfully appears that the experts’ predictions about the impact of Omicron were wide of the mark, I detect a growing sense of optimism amongst members, especially with most restrictions now being lifted. That is absolutely not to say that the pandemic isn’t still casting a shadow over many sectors. It will be a slow road back for lots of companies and the guidance to work from home where you can is most definitely impacting on footfall in customer facing businesses. Our big hope, however, is that we are, at long last, beginning to emerge from the pandemic and that businesses in Belfast and across the region can look forward to some of the stability they so desperately

crave. Challenges, of course, remain and new ones will arise. Belfast Chamber’s last ‘Belfast Business Survey’, carried out in partnership with Belfast City Council, identified difficulties with staff recruitment across all sectors and rapidly rising costs for the vast majority of businesses as big barriers to a full and speedy recovery. Yet, in spite of those obvious concerns, if we are indeed approaching the end of the pandemic and all of its associated restrictions, then there is good reason to be optimistic about what 2022 will bring. Headline economic data is exceptionally encouraging and with major regeneration projects like the Transport Hub already on the ground and the new Belfast Stories visitor attraction on Royal Avenue in the pipeline, the hope is that 2022 is the year when Belfast begins to accelerate forward and fulfil its potential.

Stephen Kelly CEO, Manufacturing NI

e’re hoping 2022 is pretty boring if honest! More like 2019 than 2020 or 2021. We have had Covid, lockdowns, Brexit, political instability, labour shortages, huge rises in commodity and energy prices, supply chains disrupted and even big boats blocking the Suez Canal. There’s just been so many difficult challenges in the past two years than most would fear they could ever face in an entire lifetime. Yet, despite all that’s been thrown at them, once again or local manufacturing leaders have confirmed their status as natural problem solvers and increasingly grasping opportunities. For instance, in our latest Protocol tracker, 1 in 4 manufacturers see the Protocol providing them an opportunity now and in the future which when combined with those reporting business as usual shows than 2/3rd of manufacturers are in a positive place. 1 in 3 say that disruption will persist but many more have gotten to grips with the formalities and 20% report picking up new business in GB with 29% enjoying increased trade in the EU

(the latter part of the 64% increase in NI to Ireland trade during 2021 which saw the UK’s EU exports are reportedly declining 16%). Two thirds want the Protocol fixed, only one fifth want it ditched and there is strong demand for the Executive to secure new opportunities to trade under the unique status we now enjoy. There may be an optimism bias, but the numbers are the numbers and we’re not in the business of just making them up and sticking them on the side of a bus! But, like a few Brexiter Lords, many of our manufacturers are enjoying have the rights afforded by having both a British and an EU identity. Lord Frost confirmed that the Brexit vote has been taken by the Government as an instruction to fundamentally shift the UK’s economic model. In any fundamental shift there are winners and those who don’t. However, the commitment from both the UK and the EU in the Protocol was “it should impact as little as possible on the everyday life”. Our survey confirms that this is not the experience for many firms. So, more work is required to set our economy on the path of rapid growth.

Eye on Business Leaders Forum

Professor Sandra Moffett Professor of Business Analytics & Head of Ulster University Business School at Magee

ew Year, new optimism. I have high hopes for 2022. It seems that there is light at the end of the Covid tunnel as restrictions are reducing and we are returning to a ‘normalised’ mode of living, embracing onsite working arrangements whilst facilitating a parallel hybrid, virtual existence. At Ulster University we have opted for full face-toface teaching for 2022, in a safe, risk assessed and Covid-proofed environment. We are reconnecting in a social setting but how will this impact on expectations to also be present in a virtual world? Whilst I hope for the opportunity to be able to converse seeing the recipient across the table, to grab a coffee with colleagues, to be working with students and researchers mask free and Covid safe, my fears are that people will take time to re-adjust to social settings, that we won’t be rushing to group, huddle and hug to the same extent as before and the organisation landscape may have changed beyond recognition. Now is the time for us all to take stock of our current status, to reflect on how far we have come and how much we have coped with in the

last 18 months. Appreciate the journey has been tough and waters have been unchartered. Breathe and be present, be complementary to yourself. But what is next, for you and your business? Now is the opportune time to upskill and refocus. Take on the challenge of a new learning opportunity, strive for that promotion, get a further qualification, or build your team so you are armed and ready to accept the new opportunities that lie ahead. Ulster University Business School is here to help you reconnect, personally and professionally. Our students are employability ready, primed for new ways of working onsite, virtual or hybrid depending on your business needs. Students are equipped with skills much in demand by local businesses in areas such digital transformation, innovative and entrepreneurial design thinking, leadership, marketing, international business and business analytics. Academic staff are keen to engage in business support so let us help you take your business to the next level. I urge you to reflect, reach out and reconnect, and let us help you to co-create the business solution that you need post pandemic.

Paul Grant Trade Director, Stena Line

he simultaneous challenges created by the pandemic and Brexit have created pretty much the perfect storm for the ferry industry. Despite this, we have remained resilient as a business and have continued with our programme of investment and expansion on our Irish Sea routes, no more so than in Belfast, our largest European business hub. We’ve invested more the £250 million in recent years on new ships and extra capacity. We are very hopeful that the Northern Ireland economy will rebound in the medium term, and we are committed to playing our part in helping grow Northern Ireland as a tourist destination of choice post pandemic. There is now a unique opportunity to build on the real momentum the tourism industry experienced locally before 2020, and we are confident that it can once again establish itself as one of the key contributors to a vibrant and expanding economy.

A number of other business critical issues have manifested themselves early in 2022, not least labour shortages. We’re actively recruiting and positioning ourselves as an attractive employer with the numerous benefits of working in our sector. Energy cost increases will undoubtedly impact our business in 2022. With our new ships we have the opportunity to reduce consumption and continually re-think and enhance our operations with a view to making ferry travel and Stena Line a more sustainable choice for customers. Hopefully 2022 will be the year when uncertainty is replaced by continuity and growth…with goods, services and people flowing seamlessly, East-West and North South. We also look forward to 2022 being the year when finally work begins on the antiquate road networks which are currently hampering the development of our port operations in NI and GB, benefitting both trade and tourism levels alike.

Eye on Business Leaders Forum

Conor Boyle Regional Director, Lidl Northern Ireland Limited

will start with my hopes because it is always nice to start on a positive note. As we begin to emerge from the pandemic, the recent relaxing of restrictions has had a hugely positive impact – both personally and professionally. In terms of challenges, the labour market has been in a state of flux for the past 12 months and every industry and sector has experienced difficulties in recruiting and retaining their people as a result of significant market changes. As a retailer and major employer in Northern Ireland, I am cautiously optimistic that we might see some stability going forward and this is reflected in our own activity. We’ve just announced 180 new jobs this year and an investment of £1.5m in pay increases for all of our colleagues. We also pledged to exceed the new recommended Living Wage for store and warehouse operatives, exceeding the advisory rate by a further 20p to £10.10.

From an economic perspective, rising costs for families is a huge concern - from energy bills to fuel and food inflation. No business is immune to these external pressures but at Lidl Northern Ireland we remain focused on supplying customers with the highest quality products at the lowest possible prices. Our ‘Big on Quality, Lidl on Price’ proposition is well established and continues to deliver for us and the 300,000 shoppers we welcome through our doors every week in Northern Ireland. We are committed to maintaining this proposition and we’re constantly reviewing our supply chain and in-store offering to ensure we operate as efficiently as possible – a key factor in ensuring we keep prices low at the till points. With the general election just months away, we hope the Executive will prioritise a fresh new focus on the economy and continue to work in partnership with us for local and regional growth. We look forward to playing our part.

Judith Totten Managing Director, Upstream

am approaching 2022 with a real sense of positivity. I am hopeful that Covid is becoming endemic, and we can learn to live with the disease alongside ever improving treatments. Therefore, business wise we can collectively breathe a sigh of relief and get back to focusing on rebuilding our economy. In Northern Ireland, we have many truly amazing businesses led by inspirational leaders – and we need to celebrate those. I think we can learn from their success stories to see how we can encourage and educate other young (and maybe not so young) entrepreneurs. We really need to collaborate properly, in terms of sharing best practice and learnings from our individual journeys to engender innovation and stoke the fires of ambition. This will truly drive ‘Brand NI’ across the globe. I suppose at base level, I am keen to see people back into the office and whilst I totally understand the flexibility and efficiency of home working, I would fear that longer term we will lose the opportunities for face-to-face discussion, training and debate. So, for me, a hybrid balance is the optimum outcome.

Coupled with this return to normality, we really must move the NI Protocol forward so that Northern Ireland can really drive the unique opportunity it offers for inward investment to access both UK and EU markets. We have a skilled talent pool, which needs enhanced, or we risk losing it to seemingly brighter futures overseas. We consistently exhibit a strong business ethos and resilience, and we enjoy an excellent quality of life against a relatively low-cost base. We now need to market and exploit all of this globally and I suppose part of this needs to be a settled political landscape. So, to be slightly controversial, we must get find compromise and move away from historic tribalism. Let’s look to rebuilding our economy, taking advantage of our unique location and driving growth for our shared futures. Finally, I really hope 2022 is the year that Northern Ireland truly learns to embrace ambition, encourage scale, endorse enthusiasm, and celebrate success! Let’s dream big, take risks, and break conventions – and see what we can achieve … together, with one vision.

Eye on Business Leaders Forum

Darren McDowell Senior Partner, Harbinson Mulholland

eflecting on life since March 2020 some of the words that come to my mind are unpredictable, the much overused unprecedented, and sometimes simply unbelievable! In terms of business funding the British Business bank reported that over £2 billion of Bounce Back and Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Schemes were offered in NI. From a cashflow perspective this has bought much needed time for many businesses to adjust but as we look to the future we are still left with ongoing uncertainty and of course the need to repay these loans. To add to this inflation is growing, staff shortages are emerging and of course we still have the issue of the unresolved NI Protocol. That’s quite a list and by no means meant to be definitive. However, on the ground the homegrown SME businesses that we work

with continue to innovate and respond as the circumstances demand. At HM, with just under 50 on our team, we can very much relate to the challenges that our clients are facing. My hope and inspiration for the future comes from watching how our clients have addressed the challenges that have unfolded to date with resilience and actions that make a difference to their businesses, their teams and ultimately the wider NI economy that they form a part of. The seismic shift in how we have lived our lives over the last 2 years has already created new opportunities and will continue to do so. In that context I am firmly of the opinion that the homegrown and family business sectors and in particular the leadership of those businesses will be at the heart of the economy’s recovery in 2022 and beyond, so that’s where my hope lies.

Chris Conway Group Chief Executive Officer, Translink

y hopes are that, as we learn to live with Covid-19, it is no longer a public health emergency and that there is an opportunity to learn lessons and build a more sustainable future, one in which public transport and active travel solutions play a key role. Translink enters the year with an ambitious plan that places public transport at the heart of our society. Public transport is critical to Northern Ireland’s Net Zero efforts and Translink is bringing forward Hydrogen and Battery Electric technology on our bus networks to deliver one the UK’s largest Zero Emission bus fleets and working to deliver additional capacity on our rail network, with 21 new carriages, providing 1,600 new seats on the network later this year, as well as delivering infrastructure enhancements to deliver faster, more efficient journeys. We will also begin the main works on the transformational Belfast Transport Hub this year, the new main transport gateway to the city and to Northern Ireland, a catalyst for regeneration and driver for economic growth and prosperity. In a drive to make public transport more

accessible, our Translink Future Ticketing System, allowing for faster, contactless payments, will go live in 2022 and the year will also see us work with DfI to start delivering on the potential of Glider phase 2 in the years ahead, enhancing connections across greater Belfast. However, significant challenges remain – government spending per head on public transport in Northern Ireland is only 27% of the UK average, and much of what Translink hopes to do this year and in the future is dependent on appropriate funding. As governments across the world invest in public transport solutions in response to the climate and air pollution crisis, Northern Ireland cannot stand still or worse, go backwards, when it comes to investment in bus and rail infrastructure and services. We will continue to work with a broad range of stakeholders to ensure that public transport and active travel solutions play their full part in driving a modal shift towards Net Zero, growing passenger numbers and combatting air pollution and congestion.

Eye on Business Leaders Forum

Mel Chittock CEO, Invest Northern Ireland

t is our hope that 2022 will be a more ‘normal’ year for business as we all adapt and learn to accommodate COVID into everyday life. We also recognise that the new ‘normal’ means we all have to consider how we deliver our business. The opportunities and challenges of the EU Exit are likely to still be at the forefront of business as we start to see the formal implementation of regulations around trade and movement of goods. We certainly see opportunities for Northern Ireland to explore new areas of growth - new markets to tap into, new sectors to explore - such as the Green Economy, and new ways to attract investment through the implementation of the City & Growth deals.

For Invest NI it will more likely be a year of change. Internally we have been reviewing the business to ensure we are appropriately structured and resourced to support delivery of the Department for the Economy’s 10X Economy Vision. We will also undergo a wider external review of our efficiency and effectiveness as part of the commitment made in New Decade New Approach to review all Arms Lengths Bodies. Wider pressures on the public sector budget will also undoubtedly have an impact on the Agency and we will need to ensure we are agile in our approach to adapt to any possible funding constraints.

Martin Agnew Joint Managing Director, Henderson Group

021 felt like a fresh start for many, when lockdown started to lift and life started to gradually return to a small sense of normality. We were incredibly lucky to continue operating in 2020, and our turnover grew to £957m, a 7.3% rise despite dual COVID and Brexit challenges. Our growth enabled us to invest heavily in our retail network, and in 2021, 28 new SPAR, EUROSPAR and ViVO stores and supermarkets opened. A further 26 significant projects are in the pipeline for 2022, plus four further new builds to commence that will open in 2023. Henderson Retail now operates 101 stores after a significant investment into the estate in 2021. A majority of our new stores are EUROSPARs – the large format supermarket brand which we have introduced as a smarter way of shopping for villages and towns across Northern Ireland who are looking for a larger offering closer to home. The stores have been designed and built using local data, which shows local shoppers want fresh food to pick up for tonight’s tea, groceries every few days and food-to-go. And on the other end of the retail spectrum, our smaller format ViVO brand

experienced 10% growth in 2021 with 12 new stores and a 5% increase in retail sales. We are delving further into the demands of the local shopper and neighbourhood retailing is needed now more than ever. Community remains the top priority for Hendersons; our long-term local sourcing strategy has allowed us to take a strong advantage against the multiples who are suffering with delays and supplies due to the NI protocol. And we have recently rolled out SPAR’s new Joy of Living Locally strategy, with the first of its new brand pillars – Value on your Doorstep – launched in January. Henderson Wholesale is now distributing goods to some 500 SPAR, EUROSPAR, ViVO, ViVOXtra and ViVO Essentials stores across Northern Ireland, and our shoppers are enjoying uninterrupted access to locally sourced groceries, alongside locally produced and handmade ownbrand ranges, which continue to expand. It is crucial that we continue to deliver on value for our shoppers as the cost of living rises, and we are committed to investing in our value proposition. In 2022, we will continue to invest to bring unbeatable value and essential retail outlets to communities across Northern Ireland.

Eye on Business Leaders Forum

Janice Gault CEO, Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF)

’m looking forward to 2022 and this is the sentiment of the majority of those in the hotel sector. After what seems like a decade, we are beginning to see a return to ‘normality’ as we get better at living, trading and working with the risks related to Covid-19. I am hopeful the coming year will be better than the previous two which were fraught with difficulties and filled with uncertainty. The economy has bounced back much faster than predicted and pent-up demand for hotel stays and holidays has been reassuring. The Omicron variant put a real dent in Christmas trading but the relaxation of restrictions has brought fresh hope and a more positive outlook. Staycations have been successful and interest in summer breaks remains strong for 2022. Like many, I hope international travel will become simpler so we can welcome guests from abroad. The island of Ireland has remained an attractive destination with interest from markets such as North America and Canada. While staycations and domestic visitors have been our salvation, we need to get Northern

Ireland back on the map, with all sectors returning to full trading as quickly and safely as possible. Two main fears for the sector are lack of staff and growing inflation. Staff have been a challenge throughout and shortages have resulted in many businesses curtailing their services. A resolution to this issue is proving difficult and is not exclusive to the hotel industry. Inflation is running at its highest level for 30 years. It’s costing more to buy materials; service costs have gone through the roof and significant wage increase is a concern. Without support measures like the continuation of the reduced VAT rate and an extended rates holiday, businesses will struggle in the coming months. Resilience is a single word that springs to mind when I think of 2021, and does encapsulate, in a deeper sense, the shared experience of billions of people worldwide. The tourism and hotel industry specifically are among the most affected businesses by the Covid-19 pandemic. Hoteliers have stepped up to the challenges and are keen to play a meaningful role in the local economy.

Brian Gillan Head of Retail & NI, AIB (NI)

n a word – stability. Even relative stability and certainty would be a good starting point after the last couple of years of turmoil and uncertainty brought about by both Covid-19 and continued negotiations around the Northern Ireland Protocol and post Brexit arrangements here. Add the growing cost of living and inflation, and our economy is facing into a very challenging period. Businesses and the wider economy crave more certainty to allow them to plan for the future and to take the necessary long-term decisions to tackle these challenges, but also in many cases to grasp the opportunities presented by them. We hope that the positive signs of pandemic recovery continue and that the negotiations between the UK government and the EU conclude successfully very soon, delivering the necessary clarity on the future trading relationships across these islands and with the rest of Europe. Good business leaders instinctively want to take a longer-term view, and in doing so

many now recognise the critical role they have in addressing the other major issue we all face, that of climate change. Northern Ireland has a huge opportunity to play a leading role in creating a truly ‘green economy’ where innovation and ambition is crucial. Just as Northern Ireland led the shipbuilding and linen industries of our industrial past, there is no reason why we couldn’t once again lead when it comes to green innovation which can help tackle climate change and create jobs and prosperity in the process. But we need to move quickly and have a clear ambition matched by the necessary policy environment and public and private sector collaboration to deliver on this huge opportunity. At AIB we have already embraced our need as a bank to innovate and support green investment. If as an economy we dither and delay, we may miss the global opportunities presented and in this particular race, momentum and focus is everything.

Eye on Business Leaders Forum

John McGrillen John McGrillen, Chief Executive, Tourism NI

s we enter into 2022 it appears we could finally be seeing the end of the catastrophic impact that COVID-19 has had on tourism and hospitality industries. The past two years have been the most challenging that the tourism industry has ever experienced. Thanks to the unprecedented financial support from the Government and an enormous marketing effort to drive staycations and visitors from the Republic of Ireland over the past two summers, the industry has survived intact against all the odds. The medium to long term prospects look good. Consumer sentiment in our core markets shows that people are very keen to travel once it is safe to do so. We are already seeing a lot of interest in Northern Ireland by international tour operators, many of whom will be back for the first time in two years to meet our industry at Meet the Buyer in the ICC at the end of March. Air connectivity from the US to Dublin is rebuilding and closer to home the frequency of flights between Belfast and GB will increase from Easter onwards.

2021 saw a dramatic rise in visitors from the Republic of Ireland, half of whom coming here for the first time. That’s a great platform to build from as this will be an important market again in 2022 with international visitor numbers projected at around 60% of 2019 levels. Whilst the market outlook is good there are a few clouds on the horizon closer to home. Pressures on the DfE budget and loss of EU funding are likely to have a dramatic impact on tourism budgets at a time when effective marketing at home and abroad will be critical to businesses whose financial reserves are minimal. Increasing utility costs and inflation are also impacting on profitability so it is important we get as many customers as possible through the doors in the months ahead. Hopefully though, our new found freedom will see people getting out and spending some of the savings built up over the past two years, getting us through to a brighter summer.

Daniel Wilson Deputy Head of Corporate Banking, HSBC Northern Ireland

n the whole our clients have an optimism for 2022. They are seeing good top line growth, reflecting both a recovery in demand as well as pass through of increased material and productions costs. Order books are pointing to continued growth in 2022, however fulfilment is starting to lag materially behind due to labour shortages, supply chain issues and longer lead times for stock and components. Rising energy costs also adds to some uncertainty and will no doubt impact margins for some clients. These market dynamics mean there will be both opportunities and risks for our clients and it is important we fully understand the issues they face and provide them with ideas and solutions. The shorter term risks may be due to the inability to fulfil orders or cash flow issues due to inventory management or even the prospect of rising interest rates.

We are keen to continue to help clients innovate as they diversify supply chains, enter new markets, and invest in new technology and increase capacity. We can talk to customers around a variety of solutions such as trade facilities, equipment finance, fx solutions, and general working capital finance. We are hopeful that we continue to see customers embracing the sustainability challenge as we look to transition to net zero. We see this a key area of focus and have recently launched an Green SME Fund for customers looking to invest in green projects. Overall we are optimistic and are well positioned to support our customers through these dynamic trading conditions, leveraging growth opportunities and helping them explore new markets.

Eye on Business Leaders Forum

Michael Jennings Partner, BDO Northern Ireland

ollowing the recent relaxation of restrictions in Northern Ireland with improved levels of optimism amongst our local businesses, there are reasons to be hopeful as we move from a pandemic to an endemic in 2022. A bounce in growth levels is anticipated as our businesses re-open and the economy moves towards a new normality. This will be very welcome for our retail and hospitality sectors who have worked hard to survive. I remain hopeful that a positive outcome can be achieved in relation to the Northern Ireland Protocol, which may provide Northern Ireland with a unique commercial advantage with access to GB and EU markets. Our lifestyle changes in the past 2 years have provided our towns and cities with an opportunity to move to a work, play, live, and shop model, as workers now return with increased opportunities for agile working practices. Some local businesses have continued to trade strongly during the past 2 years and their growth plans will benefit from a local funding market which is keen to do more.

There is also strong and growing demand in the M&A sector, as investors with access to cash seek to acquire profitable businesses and consolidation continues, as the prolonged period of uncertainty draws to a close. Unfortunately, some businesses will continue to experience cash flow pressures. This will be caused by a combination of having to commence repayment of government backed loans and deferred tax balances, whilst meeting the funding requirements needed to grow performance back to full capacity. Labour shortages are also likely to remain a major challenge for some sectors. Rising fuel and supply chain costs, inflation-driven price rises and the resulting pressure from staff for increased wages will also be challenges for local businesses to overcome throughout 2022. Enforcement actions and insolvencies are likely to increase, following a 2-year period where enforcement has been prohibited. In summary, 2022 provides the perfect opportunity for local businesses to apply the lessons they’ve learnt during the pandemic and take full advantage of growth opportunities in a recovering

economy. We have learned how to appreciate our time and this year will see us re-align hybrid working with our professional lifestyles whilst building a successful and sustainable economy.

Shaun McAnee Managing Director Of Corporate & Business Banking, Danske Bank

anske Bank is forecasting growth in the Northern Ireland economy this year and we will continue to contribute to that growth by providing support for ambitious businesses who are ready to make new investments. When it comes to the pace of economic recovery a lot will depend on consumer and business confidence in a post-pandemic, post Brexit world. I think all of us would like to see industries like hospitality and tourism that have suffered through the pandemic bounce back in 2022 and at Danske Bank we do believe there is still pent-up demand for goods and services in the economy. We are already starting to see businesses of all sizes decide that things are as ‘back to as normal’ as they are ever going to be, and getting on with making decisions that will drive profitability, increase employment and help them move forward.

We also believe this year will bring new opportunities in fast growing sectors such as renewable energy and that more SME businesses will start to take tangible action on climate change. Businesses will, of course, continue to face challenges. The jobs market shows no signs of cooling down, but it has been positive to see employers being creative with recruitment and adapting their offer to attract, keep and motive staff. For others, the trading arrangements under the NI Protocol have provided new headaches, but again, while few companies I speak to like significant changes in regulations, they are making it work. I’m confident Northern Ireland’s businesses will approach 2022 with their customary innovation and resilience and we will be ready to support them.

Eye on Business Leaders Forum

Lynsey Mallon Head of Corporate and Commercial, Arthur Cox

strong bellwether for the health of any economy is the level of mergers and acquisitions activity taking place and, in that regard, there is more to be hopeful for in the Northern Ireland market. Despite the challenges we have all faced over the past 18 months to two years as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has continued to a busy period for transactions. This is due, in part, to additional cash available to investors and, following a year that saw levels of activity bounce back to pre-pandemic levels, another strong 12 months is expected in 2022. Among the most active in the market, advising on a wide range of transactions, the Partner group in our Corporate and Commercial department has expanded with the recent promotions of Richard Armstrong and Chris Fullerton. And while there continues to be interest from domestic and overseas investors in making purchases across all sectors in Northern Ireland, we are finding businesses in the innovation and

technology spheres are proving a significant draw. As such, Northern Ireland’s reputation as a centre of excellence in high-value sectors such as HealthTech and MedTech continues to grow. Already well established as an adviser to some of Northern Ireland’s best-known names in agrifood, we are increasingly being called on to advise on transactions involving AgriTech enterprises. It is a trend that will only continue as the agriculture sector responds to global challenges by embracing innovations such as AI and machine learning to improve efficiency and productivity. To the fore in all transactions, and increasingly higher on the agenda across all businesses, meanwhile, are efforts to ensure compliance with Environmental, Social and Governance standards (ESG). We anticipate this focus will grow over the coming months and years as businesses become more aware of the responsibilities to both operate, and to be seen to operate, more sustainably.

Richard Gillan Managing Partner, Grant Thornton Northern Ireland

t’s difficult to look back at the past two years and consider hopes for 2022 much beyond a simple desire to see some sort of normality return. Seeing the city centre bustling with activity and people able to socialise safely again would be a great start. It has been really encouraging to see the economy enter 2022 in much better shape than many of us dared hope. Output in many sectors has regained the ground lost during the pandemic and the labour market is displaying considerable strength. But, as we know, not all sectors have been so fortunate. Our tourism and hospitality sector has endured a torrid time. We can only hope that 2022 heralds the end of pandemic restrictions and the start of a sustained recovery for all sectors of the economy. While the economy is definitely stronger than expected, headwinds have been building that could dampen optimism. Energy costs, inflation

more generally, and severe labour shortages are the main three mounting concerns being reported by businesses in Grant Thornton’s latest International Business report. With Brexit, the pandemic, and the Northern Ireland Protocol all delivering major uncertainty over recent years, businesses would really welcome a period of calm. I fear that we may not get one. Added to the growing economic headwinds, we have an Assembly election looming in May. We must ensure that time isn’t lost to political positioning, when, what we really need is a clarity of purpose from a functioning Executive on how to tackle skills, infrastructure and countless other issues that have been building up. Despite all that, we are optimistic for 2022, forecasting growth of 6.4%. It’s easy to forget that Northern Ireland has many fantastic, worldclass businesses, and there is huge potential. That potential, however, will only be maximised in an environment where distractions are minimised.

Eye on Growth

Citi Belfast highlights 16 years of growth by announcing the creation of 300 new jobs

Eye on Growth Northern Ireland’s largest financial services employer Citi Belfast has announced plans to create over 300 new jobs in 2022, covering all levels from apprentices and graduates to experienced roles, each providing the opportunity for career development.

ith a firm focus on building careers, the team at Citi benefit from support, mentoring and excellent training, with opportunities to develop expertise. Leigh Meyer, site head of Citi in Belfast reflects on the growth of the only global investment bank operating in Northern Ireland, how its Belfast-based team has grown from strength to strength over the last 16 years, and what sets Citi apart as an employer. “Citi established its Belfast team in 2005 with 375 technology staff. Through

next-generation technology solutions for enterprise. They deliver critical services to the bank and its customers to make sure we are a stronger and safer organisation for our clients. Whilst the past twelve months have no doubt been a challenge for all businesses in Northern Ireland, Citi is proud to have employed over 1,000 new people last year through organic growth and internal transfers. And whilst many workers in diverse industries and sectors continue to reconsider their career trajectories, we are attracting both experienced

positioned with opportunities to connect with global teams to develop expertise. We want people to build a career here, not just apply for a job, and that’s what makes Citi Belfast different as an employer. In addition to challenging the stereotypical idea of finance professionals by providing diverse pathways into the profession, Citi Belfast champions diversity within the workforce. We are proud to have 40 different nationalities working within the local team with 47% of leadership roles across the site being held by women. Our team also benefits from five active affinity networks including Women, Pride, Families Matter, DisAbility and Multi-cultural. Our unique Belfast mentorship programme, CitiSpire, has also increased its female intake at the technology academy from 21% to 24% and we are working to set up training for primary school teachers about how to integrate coding into the classroom.

Our people are the key to our success and amid the challenges of the pandemic we have succeeded in growing over the last two years both in headcount and number of functions based at Citi Belfast. I have been genuinely impressed by the outstanding adaptability, agility, and resilience of our team, who have demonstrated tremendous determination and innovative skills and taken a pragmatic, common sense approach to help us not only keep going, but continue to grow and welcome new team members, whilst contributing to the ongoing success of Citi globally.”

Visit https://jobs.citi.com/belfast for further information.

“Our people are the key to our success and amid the challenges of the pandemic we have succeeded in growing over the last two years both in headcount and number of functions based at Citi Belfast.”

steady growth – and with thanks to the incredibly deep and broad pool of talent present in Northern Ireland – Citi Belfast has become a strategic delivery centre for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Today, Citi Belfast is proud to employ over 3,200 people and supports 21 different capabilities for Citi’s global team including legal, HR, compliance, audit, markets, and tech across four Belfast locations. All these roles deliver critical services to the bank and its global customers, supporting daily transactions in trillion-dollar businesses. Our global teams interact with employees in over 100 countries, processing over 600,000 transactions and supporting

finance professionals and those keen to make a change and take advantage of one of the many career pathways available to them through Citi Belfast as we continue to give our people the opportunity to live locally but work globally, supporting businesses around the world. From apprenticeships to mentorships to those returning to work – and through training and ongoing development opportunities – Citi continues to seek out bright, enthusiastic professionals aspiring to build a career in financial services or find a supportive workplace environment to grow their potential. New staff are supported, provided with excellent training, and

Eye on News

Lidl Northern Ireland announces 180 new jobs and pay rewards of £1.5 million

Lidl Northern Ireland is creating 180 new local jobs this year and awarding pay increases worth £1.5 million to all employees in recognition of their efforts throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

ith 180 new jobs available in a variety of operational and office-based roles across its store network of 41 store locations and regional distribution centre in Nutt’s Corner, Co. Antrim, the new roles are being created to support Lidl Northern Ireland’s growing footprint that will see the retailer increase its store count to 50 by the end of the decade and will expand the retailer’s workforce to over 1,300 employees. The new jobs announcement is in addition to a recruitment drive last year of more than 300 roles and affirms Lidl Northern Ireland’s established position as the region’s fastest-growing supermarket. Successful candidates will be offered Lidl’s market-leading benefits packages and awardwinning learning and development opportunities within the business. Also confirmed today, the retailer is investing £1.5 million in additional pay increases to all of its employees which will take effect from March 1. Lidl Northern Ireland has already paid more than £300,000 in Covid-19

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons, Maeve McCleane, Director of Human Resources at Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland, Lidl Dundonald Duty Manager Matthew Blair and Customer Assistant Faye Harvey.

bonuses to all employees throughout the pandemic in recognition of their efforts, commitment and dedication during a challenging period. In November 2021, the company committed again to paying the new recommended Living Wage, exceeding the advisory rate by a further 20p to £10.10 for more than 450 employees and building on its commitment to fair pay for all employees. Lidl became the first nationwide retailer on the island of Ireland to introduce this back in 2015. Welcoming the latest investments by Lidl Northern Ireland, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons said: “Lidl Northern Ireland’s announcement to hire an additional 180 employees this year is testament to its success here as a leading retailer and employer and will provide a huge boost for the wider retail sector and local economy. The variety of roles available will cater to a wide range of candidates with different skill sets and underlines Lidl’s commitment to the region and to delivering on its growth ambitions.

“I’m also delighted to learn that Lidl Northern Ireland is investing a further £1.5 million in pay increases for employees. It is encouraging to see Lidl Northern Ireland leading the way in supporting its staff and I’d like to extend my congratulations to the entire Lidl Northern Ireland team and I look forward to this next phase of growth.“ Maeve McCleane, Director of Human Resources at Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland said: “We are delighted to continue to invest in our expansion in Northern Ireland and continue to growing our team further in 2022 with 180 new roles. Our most important asset has always been our people who are the bedrock of our business, which is why we have prioritised building an exceptional place to work. For more than two decades, Lidl Northern Ireland has cemented its position locally as an employer of choice, most recently being awarded Retail Company of the Year. We are pleased to underscore our commitment in maintaining

that position with a significant additional £1.5 million investment in pay increases as well as offering the most competitive and allencompassing suite of benefits in the jobs market at present. Recognising hard work, rewarding success, and celebrating achievements have always been at the core of Lidl Northern Ireland’s people strategy and we’re pleased to be in a position to further recognise the efforts that our frontline and support teams make every day, particularly as an essential business throughout the pandemic.” The new jobs and salary investment forms part of a wider announcement by Lidl Ireland today to recruit more than 750 new employees to its Irish operations this year across 214 stores, 4 regional distribution centres and Dublin head office, adding to its team of 6,100 across the island of Ireland. Lidl also announced a €10 million investment in pay increases for all employees. The announcement was welcomed by Tánaiste Leo Varadkar. Earlier this week, Lidl Northern Ireland was named by the Top Employers Institute as a Top Employer for 2022 for the second year running. One of only 84 companies in the UK and the only major supermarket retailer locally to be awarded the accolade, the Top Employer accreditation is a globally recognised and highly sought-after certification, held by international brands such as Heineken, Puma & PepsiCo and showcases an organisation’s dedication to a better world of work and exhibits this through excellent HR policies and people practices. As part of its established people strategy, Lidl Northern Ireland has developed a series of awardwinning local programmes to support employee development and employment opportunities. These include The Princes Trust ‘Get into Retail’ programme, a Bursary scheme in partnership with Ulster University and Queen’s University and the ‘Feed Your Mind’ degree programme in association with Ulster University and Irish Times Training.

NORTHERN IRELAND’S FAMILY BUSINESS AWARDS ARE LAUNCHED Northern Ireland’s leading family-owned businesses are to be recognised in their very own business awards for the first time. Business Eye, the region’s leading business magazine and the team behind the annual AIB Business Eye Awards (now in their 15th year), will stage the Business Eye Family Business Awards 2022 this summer alongside lead sponsors NIE Networks and in association with family business specialists Harbinson Mulholland. “Northern Ireland has a really strong family business sector, from some of our very largest companies to a network of SMEs across every sector,” says Business Eye’s Brenda Buckley. “The Family Business category at our annual Business Eye Awards has always attracted our largest and more diverse entry by some distance. “So we feel that the time is right, especially as we emerge from the Covid pandemic, for Northern Ireland’s many family businesses to have their very own awards scheme, and that their achievement can be showcased and recognised.” 58

A planned 14 categories will cover areas such as Manufacturing, Tourism & Hospitality, Retail and Emerging Business, and there will be individual awards aimed at high-achieving family business owners and leaders.

“We are looking forward to seeing both up and coming businesses, together with established companies, vying to scoop the top spots and we would encourage all family businesses to enter now.”

Head of Stakeholder Engagement at lead sponsor of the awards, NIE Networks, Edel Creery, said;

Darren McDowell, Senior Partner at Harbinson Mulholland, added:

“NIE Networks is honoured to sponsor the inaugural Business Eye Family Business Awards. In what has been a turbulent few years for all businesses, the awards are a fitting opportunity to showcase the resilience of family owned businesses from every sector within Northern Ireland. “We have such a vibrant family business community here. We know how important it is to support and champion those businesses - it’s something we do every day through our connections and business support work, whether for locally focussed start-ups or those expanding to global export.

“The family businesses that we work with have faced down the challenges of the last few years with typical resilience. The ability of this sector to tap into the family values that run deep in their organisations will make them a powerful and vital part of the economic recovery. “It’s right that we should celebrate the contribution that this sector makes to the wider NI economy, so we are delighted to be a part of this.”

C ATEGORIES Emerging Family Business of the Year w

Retail Family Business of the Year w

A Northern Ireland-based family business which, in the opinion of the judging panel, has been making a real impression in its sector and which looks set for more success in the future.

Hospitality and Tourism Family Business w

A Northern Ireland based family retail active in any area of retail from supermarkets through to smaller, local retail outlets.

Hospitality and tourism has been through extremely tough times during the pandemic. This award sets out to recognise real achievement by a hospitality/ tourism enterprise, spanning pubs/restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions.

Manufacturing Excellence Award w

Next Generation Family Business Leader w

An NI-based family business at the leading edge of manufacturing across any sector. Evidence of the use of leading edge technology and a record of innovation will be welcomed.

A second (third, fourth…) generation family member making a real impact either by leading the family business forward or by playing a significant senior management role.

Service Sector Excellence Award An NI-based family business at the leading edge in the broader services sector. Once again, evidence of the use of technology and a clear understanding of the market will be welcomed.

Employer of the Year An NI-based family business leading the way in focusing on its employees, perhaps through employee benefits, initiatives and/or communicating effectively with its workforce.

Construction and Property Family Business w

Fastest Growing Family Business A local family business from any sector able to demonstrate fast and sustained growth, most importantly in terms of turnover, over the past year to two years.

An NI-based family business active and achieving in the construction or property sector - including house building, commercial construction, public sector contracts and property development/investment.

CSR Family Business Of The Year Food and Drink Family Business A family business of any size able to demonstrate a real commitment to corporate social responsibility. This could include charity initiatives, working at community level, encouraging staff to undertake voluntary projects, and other CSR activities.

The food and drink sector is exponentially important in Northern Ireland. This award will recognise a family-owned business at the forefront of the sector. Evidence of exporting and the innovation of new product lines would be welcomed.

Most Innovative Family Business w

A special award covering all sector of the economy but spotlighting the recognising real achievement in product or service innovation by a family-owned company.

Family Business Legacy Award This award will be presented to the Northern Ireland based family enterprise which has demonstrated extraordinary business achievement over the years, has contributed positively to the local community and economy and which sets an example for others to follow.

Family Business Of The Year Northern Ireland’s overall Family Business Of The Year in the opinion of our judging panel. This headline award will go to an outstanding family-owned business able to demonstrate achievement across the board over a number of years as well as a demonstrable contribution to the wider NI economy.

Enter now at businesseyeawards.co.uk

SUPPORTED BY

POWERING YOUR BUSINESS If you are thinking about starting or growing your business you may need a new or increased electricity supply. With offices and experts throughout Northern Ireland you can be sure we will provide the best possible solution to meet your needs.

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Eye on Events

Michael Morris, Dr Terry Cross OBE, Matthew Warwick & Grahame Harris

Guests enjoy Burns Night at Hinch Distillery

Michael Morris, Sonya Cassidy & Dr Terry Cross OBE (Hinch Distillery)

Campbell College Pipe Band

Eye on Health

Cosmetic Mole and Skin Tag Removal Mr Chris Hoo is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Cosmetech and offers skin tag and mole removal and other non- surgical treatments including PDO Thread-lifts, Dermal Fillers and Anti-wrinkle Injections. He also offers Cosmetic Surgery at Kingsbridge Private Hospital. Today we interview him about minor surgery for skin tag and mole removal:

Q: How are skin tags and moles removed? Skin tags are a bit easier and can be removed by cutting, freezing (cryotherapy) or burning off (electrotherapy). This should be done in a controlled sterile setting to minimise the risk of infection, and they do bleed so the clinic needs to be able to manage this. Moles are usually excised with a scalpel. Occasionally they are shaved off but to ensure completion of the removal, especially if there are any suspicious features, the whole depth of the skin needs to be removed in one piece. Moles should be sent to the lab for pathology to ensure there are no suspicious cells. At Cosmetech we send all moles for pathology. Q: Does it hurt having these removed? If there is going to be significant discomfort the doctor or surgeon should usually administer local anaesthetic to numb the area. There will be mild discomfort as the anaesthetic is being injected but it is usually not significant and the anaesthetic takes effect within a couple of minutes. For very small skin tags, they can sometimes be frozen off without anaesthetic. Cosmetech has local anaesthetic cream which can be applied in clinic in advance of the procedure. We don’t like causing pain and make every effort to minimise it. Q: How long does the procedure take? Most of these procedures are very quick. A mole can be removed and the skin sutured within 5 to 10 minutes. Administration of anaesthetic and skin preparation add some time, and if several

lesions are being removed obviously it will take a bit longer. A skin tag can be removed in a matter of seconds but again, it is key that this is done in a controlled sterile setting (don’t try this at home). Q: Can I drive home afterwards? Usually there is no issue with driving unless for example the lesion was near the eye and vision was temporarily affected by swelling or watering. Hand surgery can also affect driving but the vast majority of these lesions are small enough not to cause a problem. If in doubt bring a friend or relative or take a taxi. Q: What about aftercare? There is usually a dressing for the first 3 to 7 days and, depending upon the operation site, sutures may need to be removed. On the face these are often removed between 5 to 7 days, but are left a bit longer on other body areas. Again these should be removed by someone skilled and experienced as doing it incorrectly can leave bits of stitch in the skin, or risk reopening the wound. After about a week most wounds do not need dressed but should be kept clean, and paraffin ointment often helps at this time. Depending on your surgeon, the wound may be dressed with ointment alone or sometimes skin glue. Q: Will I have a scar? All surgery which cuts through the full depth of skin will leave a scar. Skin tag excision shouldn’t leave much noticeable scarring but mole excision usually

Maypole Clinic 5-7 Shore Road Holywood BT18 9XH

T: 028 9042 3200 E: frontdesk@cosmetech.co.uk www.cosmetech.co.uk

will. The quality of the scar can vary depending on genetics. To optimise the scar we perform precise stitching, remove stitches at the appropriate time, and encourage scar management in the form of moisturising and massage. Scars can take up to 2 years to mature to their final appearance. If a scar does become thicker or remain red for a long time there are treatments such as steroid injections or laser colour reduction, but these are thankfully rarely necessary.

Surgical Skin Clinic Same Day See And Treat Service

Treatments available include: Mole Removal Tag Removal Cyst Removal Lipoma Removal Surgery Split Earlobe Repair Facial Threadvein Removal Thread-Lifts

Dermal Fillers Anti-Wrinkle Injections EarBuddies (Ear Correction for Babies) Aqualyx - Fat Dissolving Injections Leg Vein Treatment (Sclerotherapy) Pinnaplasty Skin Biopsy

Call 028 9042 3200 today or e-mail frontdesk@cosmetech.co.uk to book a consultation with one of our Consultant Surgeons. Cosmetech Maypole Clinic, 5-7 Shore Road, Holywood, BT18 9HX cosmetech.co.uk Cosmetic Surgery is also available at Kingsbridge Private Hospital Belfast. For more information please visit kingsbridgeprivatehospital.com Cosmetech is a partner company of the Kingsbridge Private Hospital Group.

Eye on Broadband can deliver download speeds of up to 1 Gbit/s. They can better support data-hungry households where family members need to stream, work, game, video-call and study online at the same time. And in a year when many people continue to work from home due to the coronavirus pandemic, average monthly data use in Northern Ireland grew to 455 GB per connection - more than treble what it was five years ago (132GB).

NI Leads the Way on Full Fibre Broadband

Northern Ireland is becoming something of a trailblazer when it comes to full-fibre broadband.

he fastest connections are now available to nearly three quarters of homes in Northern Ireland, putting the region streets ahead of other UK nations, according to latest figures from Ofcom. The regulator’s annual Connected Nations report reveals

Ofcom Northern Ireland Director Jonathan Rose

more than half a million homes in Northern Ireland (539,000) now have access to full-fibre broadband connections; over 116,000 more than last year. These connections can deliver much higher download speeds and are also more reliable than older, copper-based broadband.

Among the four UK nations, Northern Ireland (71%) has the highest availability of full-fibre services, compared to England (27%), Scotland (27%) and Wales (27%). Northern Ireland’s full fibre position is a result of significant private and publicly funded investment over recent years. Commercial build-out of full-fibre networks has continued apace with Openreach, Virgin Media and Fibrus aggressively expanding their coverage footprints. The last year has also seen the start of the Northern Ireland Executive’s Project Stratum broadband programme, which is targeting premises with poor broadband, mostly in rural areas. While Northern Ireland is leading the way on full fibre coverage, there are still significant numbers of homes (45,000) that still don’t have decent broadband from a fixed line. These figures highlight the impact Project Stratum, which is aimed at premises that can’t get superfast speeds, will have and on rural areas especially. Full-fibre connections – along with upgraded cable networks –

Coverage of faster broadband in rural areas is improving Broadband services and speeds vary across Northern Ireland between urban and rural areas. This is because properties in rural areas tend to be more dispersed and are more expensive to provide new, faster, fixed line broadband services to. However, there has been significant improvement in the availability of faster broadband services over the last year. A rise in full fibre coverage is especially evident in several, mainly rural council areas where coverage had previously been very low. So, in Newry Mourne and Down full fibre coverage now extends to some 71% of residential premises, up from just 35% a year ago. Full fibre coverage in Causeway Coast and Glens is now 66%, up from 42% a year ago. More urban areas too, such as Belfast, Ards and North Down, and Lisburn and Castlereagh have also seen impressive increases in full fibre coverage over the last year. Ofcom expects full fibre coverage in all council areas to continue this upward trend on the back of Project Stratum and ongoing commercially led investments. Jonathan Rose, Director Ofcom Northern Ireland, said: “It’s very encouraging to see Northern Ireland performing so well on the availability of full-fibre broadband. This technology is crucial in supporting our economy, especially at a time and when more and more of us are working from home. “It’s especially welcome to see more rural areas having access to faster broadband services, a trend that will accelerate over the next few years as the Northern Ireland Executive’s Project Stratum programme gathers pace.”

Eye on Young Enterprise

Innovation 2121 To Inspire A Century Of Success Young Enterprise is launching a new project to support the next generation to carry on Northern Ireland’s strong tradition of innovation.

he business community knows that Northern Ireland punches above its weight in terms of innovation. This is something that Young Enterprise Northern Ireland and the Department of Education are recognising in a special project to encourage young people to celebrate and harness as they look ahead to the year 2121 and Northern Ireland’s next 100 years. The collaboration, Innovation 2121, takes the form of a school-based, digital programme hosted by Pete Snodden, that promotes innovation to every post-primary school locally. Educational resource supplier Learning Space will distribute a free ‘innovation pack’ to the schools to get them inspired. It all starts with a glimpse of the world-renowned innovators at the Museum of Innovation, based in the Ulster Transport Museum. Belfast-based emissions specialist Catagen has also been enlisted to help young people recognise and explore the environmental challenges the transport industry is facing. Catagen is at the forefront of driving down vehicle tail-pipe emissions, one of the biggest challenges facing the global transport industry. Post-primary school students will develop innovative transport ideas that could contribute to economic growth and create the jobs of the future. The top ideas will be presented in a Dragon’s Den-style competition with a prize fund of £20,000 on offer to the winning schools. “We want our students to reflect on the incredible innovations that shaped the last 100 years”, says Carol Fitzsimons, CEO of Young Enterprise Northern Ireland. “There are so many innovations that came from these shores that have saved countless lives across the world, changed entire industries, created countless jobs and made an indelible imprint on society. We are an innovative people.” She refers to Sir James Martin, the Crossgar man who invented the modern ejection seat and founded Martin-Baker, a leading producer of aircraft ejection seats to this day. “Sir James Martin was a visionary, and is an example of a local man who solved a global

Launching Innovation 2121 at the Museum of Innovation at Ulster Transport Museum is, from left, Carol Fitzsimons, CEO, Young Enterprise; Michelle McIlveen MLA, Minister for Education; Pete Snodden, Young Enterprise Ambassador; Elliott Burns, Priory Integrated College.

problem, saving over 7,500 lives since.” Sir James sits among many innovators and inventors in the Museum of Innovation including: Professor Frank Pantridge of Lisburn, another lifesaver and inventor of the portable defibrillator; Hillsborough’s Harry Ferguson, whose threepoint linkage revolutionised farming and is still in use today; and the DeLorean Motor Company’s Dunmurry-based workforce that assembled the iconic DMC-12, that became centrepiece of the famed Back to the Future film trilogy. Education Minister, Michelle McIlveen MLA said, “The aim of the Innovation 2121 project, funded by my department, is to encourage entrepreneurial spirit amongst older postprimary pupils and to develop critical skills for the 21st century such as design, research and being able to think outside the box. “The project is one part of wider events to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland to encourage reflection on the past, including achievements and innovations, as well as

providing additional learning experiences and inspiring future innovation.” It is that ‘outside the box’ thinking that Carol Fitzsimons believes is critical to the future economy. “The 10X Economic Vision for Northern Ireland highlights innovation across clusters including digital, ICT, creative industries, agritech, fintech, and advanced manufacturing, as key to our future success. This programme will ensure young people are equipped to lead this innovation into the future.” Innovation 2121 doesn’t just reflect on the past, but challenges young people to build on the success of the greatest innovators these shores have ever produced.

See more at https://yeni.co.uk/ programmes/innovation-2121/

For when business success needs admin support

Eye Moving On 1 Leading accountancy and advisory firm Baker Tilly Mooney Moore has appointed Michael Branniff as Business Services Partner. Michael brings over 20 years’ experience in the sector, having joined the firm’s Graduate Training Programme in 2001. Previously Business Services Director, he consults across a wide range of sectors including Construction and Engineering, Hospitality and Entertainment and Waste Management. The former director of Digital Catapult in Northern 2 Ireland, Adrian Johnston, has joined Catalyst as its Director of Strategic Business Development, a new role created to help Catalyst develop and strengthen strategic partnerships across industry, academia and government. Adrian’s career has also included roles focused on economic and social regeneration across the island of Ireland, serving as chair of both the International Fund for Ireland and the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland.

1. Michael Branniff

2. Adrian Johnston

3 Experienced tech sector executive Kieran Dalton has joined Catalyst as Head of Scaling, a new role that has been created for the purpose of helping ambitious, innovation driven companies in Northern Ireland to scale up beyond £10m in revenues. Kieran has spent almost 40 years in the industry working for a range of companies such as Aepona, BTI Systems and F5. He has held executive roles in companies backed by venture capital funds, several which have been involved in M&A and others that have had successful and unsuccessful experiences of growth. Tourism Ireland has announced the appointment 4 of Helen McGorman to the position of Head of Stakeholder Engagement – Northern Ireland. Prior to joining Tourism Ireland, Helen was Visitor Experience Consultant for the National Trust; and before that worked as Destination Manager for Greater Belfast and as Product Development Officer – Culture & Heritage for Tourism NI. The Northern Ireland Local Government 5 Association (NILGA) has appointed Alison Allen as its new chief executive. She brings over 20 years of public service experience including wide-ranging roles in Belfast City Council, Antrim Borough Council, the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland and the NI Assembly.

3. Kieran Dalton

4. Helen McGorman

5. Alison Allen

6. Emma Rooney

6 Emma Rooney has joined law firm Millar McCall Wylie as Associate Director. Specialising in commercial litigation and dispute resolution, Emma will drive continued growth within this area. With a law degree from Queens University Belfast and 11 years of experience, Emma brings strategic focus and expertise to the role. Emma joins Millar McCall Wylie from another leading Belfast commercial law firm.

For when business success needs admin support

Eye Moving On 7 Reach has appointed Keri Heatlie to the role of Account Manager working within the commercial NI Reach Solutions team. In 2018, she was approached by Primesight to join the team there as Account Director for NI and enjoyed great success growing their business in NI before Global acquired them along with Exterion Media in November 2018. The acquisition was completed in July 2019 and Keri continued to successfully work across Outdoor until the opportunity arose to join Reach as part of the NI commercial team in October this year. Keri is also the current Chair of the Publicity Association for Northern Ireland (PANI).

7. Keri Heatlie

8. Katie Laverty

8 Katie Laverty joined the team at Reach as Account Manager in December 2021. Katie started her career in Outdoor Advertising with Clear Channel NI as a Campaign Planner, in 2017. Katie continued to grow within CCNI obtaining the role of Group Planning Head which followed onto a promotion of Account Manager in 2019. After enjoying 4 years progressing within CCNI, Katie decided to make the move over to Global to join them as Business Executive. In late 2021, an opportunity arose to join Reach and Katie was excited to take on this fantastic opportunity. 9 Scott Weatherup has been appointed as General Manager of Hastings Hotel Group’s Ballygally Castle on the Antrim Coast Road. He has over 16 years’ experience in the hospitality industry and has previously worked in management positions in sister properties the Culloden Estate & Spa, Stormont Hotel and the Everglades Hotel. As part of his career progression with Hastings Hotels he has completed a number of training courses and qualifications including a management programme through the Ulster University. 10 Mike Wilson becomes General Manager of the Stormont Hotel in Belfast. He has over 15 years’ experience in the hospitality industry and moved to Northern Ireland in 2021 having worked in a host of award-winning establishments in the North West of England including Marriott International.

9. Scott Weatherup

10. Mike Wilson

11 Liberty IT, has appointed Emma Mullan as the Senior Director of Talent. Emma joined the company in 2013 and has held several positions during this time including Talent Business Partner, HR Operations Manager, Talent & Development Manager and most recently Director – Talent Management. She is also co-Executive Co-Sponsor of Liberty IT’s Women in Tech employee resource group.

11. Emma Mullen

Eye on News

Belfast City Centre Gift Card Boosts Business By £188,000

The Belfast City Centre Gift Card, an initiative funded by the Belfast Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) Belfast One, Destination CQ and Linen Quarter has announced that, since they partnered on the scheme in 2020, it has generated £188k worth of sales directly benefiting the City Centre businesses involved.

anked as having one of the highest gift card sales in the UK in 2021* alongside a high profile #GiftTheCity campaign, the scheme currently has over 166 businesses taking part from across all the BID locations. However, the BIDs hope to encourage more businesses to sign up, get involved in expanding the gift card experience for customers as well as benefit from the potential economic boost to their business. Versatility, the perfect gift solution for all occasions, and with a wide variety of places to spend (retail, health & beauty, bars, restaurants, and hotels) has made the Belfast City Centre Gift Card an increasingly attractive proposition for consumers

who are keen to support the local economy as well as gifting a unique City Centre experience. The Belfast City Centre Gift Card is free and easy for businesses to get involved. It’s simply a Mastercardbased gift card that works in the same way as department store / shopping centre gift cards. Customers purchase a card online www.belfastgiftcard. co.uk, choose the amount, load it onto the card and make it a gift. Cards are valid for a year but can only be used at a participating business location. Welcoming the economic boost to the city, Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Kate Nicholl said: “Congratulations to the Belfast BIDS on the success of their Belfast

Announcing the Belfast City Centre Gift Card £188k boost to City Centre businesses were, from left, Clare Maguire Belfast One BID, Chris McCracken Linen Quarter BID, Lord Mayor Cllr Kate Nicholl and Damien Corr Destination CQ BID.

City Centre Gift Card which has given City Centre businesses an incredible £188K boost. It just goes to show that collaboration and partnership are even more important during these challenging times. I’m delighted to see that the shops, restaurants, and businesses who signed up to accept the gift card have been so well supported by shoppers. This is such a simple, yet versatile solution for people who want to give the gift of choice and make sure their money is benefitting our city’s economy.” Clare Maguire, Managing Director Belfast One BID, commented: “We are delighted that the Belfast City Centre Gift Card has created a £188k boost to local businesses as well as being listed as one of the most successful Town & City Gift Card programs for 2021. The success of sales will help to deliver a much-needed boost to the local economy, drive footfall back into our City Centre as well as encourage other businesses to get involved.” Damien Corr, Managing Director Destination CQ, added: “This is a great achievement for Belfast City

Centre Gift Card. The BIDs have worked together to promote the card to businesses and customers since the partnership began in 2020. It is a great way to retain spend within the BID areas. Businesses who aren’t involved should sign up so they don’t miss out on the benefits of the scheme.” Chris McCracken, Managing Director Linen Quarter BID, said: “The Belfast City Centre Gift Card provides consumers with outstanding choice across 166 retail and hospitality outlets, and we are delighted to see sales grow year on year. As the region’s premier visitor destination, we encourage businesses to participate in the scheme to support with the Gift Card experience as the gateway to a great day out.” For further details visit www. belfastgiftcard.co.uk. Follow the Belfast City Centre Gift Card on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and join the conversation using #GiftTheCity.

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Eye on Motoring

Motoring with James Stinson

Building brand Cupra

Cupra has its eyes on style-conscious buyers, writes James Stinson.

was taught about brand proliferation as a business tactic while at college. The example used was breakfast cereals, where the market is essentially dominated by a few companies: Nestle, Kelloggs and the like. These big players didn’t just have one, two or three cereal brands… each had a few dozen and kept launching more. The theory was that the more brands you had, the harder it was for anyone new to make an impact and steal market share from you. God help anyone trying to muscle in on VW-Group’s patch… Not content with already having VW, Audi, Skoda, Seat, Bentley and Porsche in their stable, they’ve gone and created another new brand, Cupra. Originally, just a badge for the sportiest Seats and some of them were exceptionally quick – the GTi’s of their era – Cupra is now a standalone marque. They use VW-group parts and are sold in Seat showrooms

but the cars are aimed at the sportier end of the market, at buyers looking for a bit more style and exclusivity. This small SUV, the Formentor – named after a Majorcan peninsula, is the first bespoke Cupra. It’s a low-slung, small SUV that provides similar practicality to its bigger SUV sibling, the Cupra Ateca, but is leaner looking and better to drive. It comes with two or four-wheel drive and a decent choice of engines. This includes a meaty 300bhp 2.0-litre unit, capable of propelling the Formentor from a standing start to 62mph in less than 5 seconds. But the volume sales will be in the smaller, more sensible versions. Indeed, the entry

level 148bhp 1.5 litre is perfectly adequate, with a 0-62mph time of less than nine seconds. For company car drivers keen to avail of generous BIK tax rates, there’s also a couple of plug-in hybrids – with either 201bhp or 242 bhp on tap. The former can officially cover up to 37 miles on electric power alone and delivers a sub eight second 0-62mph time. Depending on the model, you either get a sixspeed manual or a slick sevenspeed dual clutch automatic. And the Formentor largely delivers on its sporty claims. There’s plenty of grip even in twowheel drive and even more when you move up through the range with larger, grippier tyres. More expensive models get adaptive suspension that allows you to tweak the suspension but even without this, the Forementor feels

“For company car drivers keen to avail of generous BIK tax rates, there’s also a couple of plug-in hybrids – with either 201bhp or 242 bhp on tap.”

comfortable and engaging. The hybrids won’t be just as nimble because of the weighty batteries they have to carry around. Though it has a lower roofline than the Ateca on which it’s based, the Formentor still feels roomy. The rear has plenty of space for two tall adults while there’s also a decent-sized boot with some 450 litres available. Fourwheel drive and hybrid versions aren’t as generous though. Inside, the Cupra design theme throws up a lot of bronze… from bronze buttons to neat bronze lines on the dash, smart bronze stitching for the leather seats front and rear and a leather steering wheel, also with bronze stitching. Entry level V1 and V2 models come with an easy-to-use 10-inch touchscreen, while higher spec VZ1, VZ2 and VZ3 cars get a larger 12-inch system. All Formentors come with built-in sat-nav, a DAB radio, four USB-C ports, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone mirroring and wireless phone-charging. Prices start from £27,745, rising to £42,990 for the range topping VZ3 2.0-litre TSI 310 bhp all-wheel-drive version.

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Eye on Motoring

Motoring with James Stinson

New iX M60 is No Ordinary Electric Car

The pace of electric cars is truly staggering… so much so that BMW has now got an M-badged version of the iX.

ndeed, the new iX M60 is BMW’s most powerful electric car, delivering 611bhp and 811lb ft of torque and achieving 0-62mph in 3.9sec.

Priced from £111,905 and arriving this summer, the iX M60 is the third variant of the BMW’s recently launched iX Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). The entry-level iX xDrive40 offers 257 miles of range and the xDrive50 up to 380 miles, while this M60 has a 357-mile range, compromised by the extra power to make it deserving of the M badge. It shaves 0.7sec off the xDrive50’s 0-62mph sprint time and also has a top speed of 155mph to

differentiate it from its stablemates. The iX M60 features electric allwheel drive, an actuator-based wheel-slip limitation function and M-tuned dual-axle air suspension with automatic level control – all of which “ensure hallmark M driving experience, agility and precision”, BMW claims. The BMW iX has been conceived as the ideal all-electric SAV with high-performance characteristics. From its design, through to its body

structure and suspension set-up, everything has been geared towards achieving superior ride comfort and handling characteristics. The M60 uses an aluminium spaceframe and a carbon cage with carbonfibre-reinforced plastic in the roof, side and rear sections. The exterior gets blue M-branded brake calipers and M logos in the new gloss black and titanium bronze finish on the front, side panels and rear. Inside, it has the same lightly curved display as the other iX models, running BMW’s eighth-generation iDrive operating system, and with a focus on touch functions and voice communication. With no centre console, the controls, including the iDrive rotary controller, are set within the forward section of a high-mounted armrest. Its spacious interior uses FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood, leather tanned with olive leaf extract and other natural materials. Recycled fishing nets are among the raw materials used for floor coverings and mats. Over standard iX equipment, M60 customers receive 22inch alloy wheels, soft close doors, laser lights, an advanced park assist package, a Bower & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system, front electric and massage seats and four-zone air conditioning.

VAUXHALL’S RANGE EXTENDERS Innovation is everywhere in the electric car world, which augurs well for a time when they’re pretty much all you’ll be able to buy. Vauxhall has just brought in an update to its Corsa-e and Mokka-e ranges, which help them eek out a little more range.

n a single charge of its battery, the Corsa-e, can now cover up to an official 222 miles, up from 209 miles previously, an increase of around six per cent. The range of the Mokka-e has increased to 209 miles, up from 201 miles previously, an increase of around four per cent. Real world driving will deliver a lot less – as much as 30% in my experience but the direction of travel is encouraging. Even though both cars are relatively new, Vauxhall, like other car makers, is learning and honing as it goes along. These range extending improvements have been achieved through the optimisation of the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning), says Vauxhall. The biggest gains have been found in improving the efficiency of the heat pump, which is used to warm and cool the interior. “Customers will notice the

improvements particularly when driving in the winter months,” says Vauxhall. Other changes include “a new transmission reducer that converts the motor revs into wheel speed” and more efficient ‘low rolling resistance’ tyres. Vauxhall is pushing electric hard at the minute and has even bigger plans for the years ahead. All buyers across its electric car and van range, including Corsa-e and Mokka-e, benefit from Vauxhall’s new Plug & Go offer, which includes a free home charging unit, eight years’ roadside assistance and battery warranty, a free six-month BP Pulse subscription and three years’ free servicing. Vauxhall will offer an electrified variant across its entire model line-up by 2024 and will have a fully electric vehicle range by 2028 – years ahead of the UK Government deadline. The Mokka-e costs from £31,865 and the Corsa-e from £27,805.

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Business Eye January February 2022

Articles inside

Ulster University Business Schools Wins Small Business Charter

Boosting Sustainability In Retail

Paul Narain - America’s Man In Belfast Looks To The Future

Citi Belfast Marks 15 Years Of Growth With 300 New Jobs

Henderson Group Announces £47 Million Investment Plans