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Kingsbridge Healthcare Group, NI’s leading independent healthcare group, has officially opened a £2.25 million surgical facility with complementary eyecare services at their hospital at Ballykelly in Co. Derry.
MKB is a law firm with a central focus on small to medium-sized business clients and it’s make a difference to its clients day in, day out says Managing Partner Gordon McElroy.
Jill Crawford, Business Development Manager at Ulster University Business School, discusses the significance of prioritising employee education as an important investment in the future of business.
A good company, insists Henderson Group Sales and Marketing Director Paddy Doody, will turn to investment during the tougher times as a way of ensuring future growth. And, to that extent, his company practices what he preaches.
The 2023 edition of Northern Ireland’s leading survey of business’s top performers introduced by Danske Bank’s Managing Director of Corporate & Business Banking, Shaun McAnee.
Leading Belfast accountants Harbinson Mulholland are going the extra mile by launching a major charity drive by staff to make the firm’s 25th anniversary since its establishment by Jeremy Harbinson & Paul Mulholland.
A Belfast-based company has helped to fuel growth and success for some of the new generation success stories in the financial services world, not least Revolut, Currency Cloud & CoinBase.
Access to cash should not be an inhibitor to growth. There are plenty of options available, says Judith Totten, Founder & Managing Director at Upstream.
Ebrington Square, a public space and tourist attraction in Co. Derry/ Londonderry has recently been upgraded to Ultrafast Full Fibre broadband across the Openreach network.
Instead, there’s almost no talk about political progress and we’ve reverted to type... squabbling over what the other side is or isn’t doing and turning our collective ire towards the beleaguered Chief Constable. That’s Northern Ireland for you.
There’s a persistent school of thought that says that the Stormont system of government doesn’t work simply because it doesn’t work, and it never will work. That longer that self-government fails us, the easier it is to start believing that theory.
Whilst there are many who will point to a failing health service, budget problems in education and a lack of infrastructure investment, we do seem fairly adept at what might be called ‘muddling through’, allowing a team of senior civil servants control of the bridge while the ship glides onwards.
And, around the business community, there’s still plenty of optimism around, despite what you might read from the gloomy band of economists who seem to have pessimism as their stock in trade. Ask any business leader here about local politics or politicians, and most will smile or laugh and move on to what they see as more important matters. Getting on with it.
All of that said, this can’t go on forever. The odds are the patience will wear thin at Westminster level during the autumn months, the deals will be cobbled together and that we’ll see some sort of attempt to get the institutions up and running at Stormont. Michelle O’Neill will get her chance to top the bill as First Minister, and Emma Pengelly might well be her sidekick... even though she might not see it that way. A Sinn Fein Economy Minister could also be glad handing it around the boardrooms and business gigs.
This month’s Investment Conference, planned in the vain hope that Stormont would have been back in action, will go ahead and it will sell the advantages that Northern Ireland has to offer. And, as things stand, we have advantages to sell, not least easy access to both EU and UK markets... something that no one else has or will have. It’s a clear advantage, whatever the DUP and a handful of business community doubters might claim. The Conference will be difficult. Why?
Because talk of the Northern Ireland Protocol and Windsor Framework is considered toxic, or close to it, by most in business here. It brings them into contested political territory and that’s never a good thing. So, as ever around these parts, there’ll be a bit of dancing around the issues when the talking start, at least in public. In private, it will be a different matter and our obvious advantages will be sold as hard as possible.
The irony is that Sir Jeffrey Donaldson knows as well as the next man that the Investment Conference will go hard on Northern Ireland’s dual market access, just as Invest NI does week to week and month to month.
It’s just a pity that some of our politicians don’t see the merit in playing to our strengths. Instead, they prefer to throw obstacles in the way.
“As things stand, we have advantages to sell, not least easy access to both EU and UK markets... something that no one else has or will have. It’s a clear advantage, whatever the DUP and a handful of business community doubters might claim.”
Now that we’ve reached September, any excitement that existed over a potential early autumn return to devolved government at Stormont seems to have dissipated.
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Kingsbridge Healthcare Group (KHG), Northern Ireland’s leading independent healthcare company has officially opened Kingsbridge Eye Clinic, a £2.25 million surgical facility with complementary eyecare services at their hospital in the North West, based in Ballykelly.
This latest announcement which forms part of an overall multi-million investment in Kingsbridge Private Hospital North West (KPHNW), will create 10 new jobs and provide a one stop service primarily for patients in the local area, but also throughout Northern Ireland, who require cataract or oculoplastic surgery.
Anthony McKenna, General Manager KPHNW explains, “This new centre of excellence has been established to meet the needs of patients in the North West who previously had to travel greater distances to access treatment for cataracts or plastic surgery.
“With state-of-the-art ophthalmology equipment and a designated theatre incorporating specific air changing features for specialist eye surgery; patients from across the North West, Mid Ulster and into Donegal, can now be assured of excellent surgical care in a convenient and comfortable location.”
Andrew Spence, Group Ophthalmology
Business Development Lead atKingsbridge Healthcare Group was delighted to be part of the team that has helped to develop this new eye clinic at Kingsbridge Private Hospital, North West. He said, “With a capacity to treat up to 7000 patients annually, Kingsbridge Eye Clinic will play a vital role in tackling the high numbers of people currently waiting for cataract surgery, locally and in the South of Ireland who can access the service through the Cross Border Healthcare Directive.”
Staffed with a team of HCA’s, nurses, three new local surgeons and an optometrist, the centre will offer a seamless and efficient service using an online platform, Eye Refer.
“The new Eye Refer platform has been a game changer as we are able to collaborate with our patients own community clinical teams, to deliver fast and effective treatment and solutions. The feedback we are receiving and the outcomes that our eye clinics are delivering have been life
changing in many cases,” said Andrew.
Mr David Mulholland, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon who specialises in treatments for macular disease and cataract surgery, explains, “This shared care online platform will facilitate a much faster and smoother process for patients, clinicians, and community opticians. The ability to offer direct referrals and share patient information provides a seamless and paperless information pathway on treatments and medical records ensuring a speedier process with shorter lead times.”
Consultant Ophthalmologist Mr Barry Cartmill echoed the benefits that this new eye clinic will bring to the region especially for those who require specialist eyelid and facial plastic surgery.
“Many of the patients we see may require anything from the simple removal of a lid lump or bump around the eye to more complex reconstructions like eye lid surgery. This can be daunting for some so the positioning of this service within the main hospital next
to the Liz Dallas Outpatients Centre is ideal, meaning patients can be confident that any post operative treatment will be undertaken at one location where they can take advantage of free carparking, minimal travel time and relaxed surroundings.”
After months of research and development the staff at Kingsbridge Eye Clinic have worked hard to deliver the services surrounding the new facility and have been getting lots of referrals and great feedback from optometrists and clinicians across the region.
“We are proud to have a team of some of the best consultant ophthalmic surgeons on the island working with us to deliver cutting edge solutions in state-of-the-art facilities which delivers outstanding patient care; before, during and after patient procedures, ” concluded Anthony..
Details on surgical procedures and services offered at the new Kingsbridge Eye Clinic go to Kingsbridge Eye Clinic to make an appointment or
Welcoming the announcement, Dominic Fitzpatrick, IntoMedia Chief Executive commented:
Figures from the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC), the independent body which verifies and monitors media performance, show that between January and June this year, The Irish News’ average daily circulation is 25,010.
It comes at a pivotal time for the paper which, with sister media brands Q Radio and Interpress, has come together under the new single umbrella group name of IntoMedia and follows The Irish News leaving its iconic base at Donegall Street after 117 years and moving to new state-of-the-art offices at the Fountain Centre on Belfast’s College Street.
“Reaching this number one position for the first time is symbolic and underlines the continued investment across the whole of our business. It demonstrates how the paper offers authoritative, trustworthy, and highly credible journalism, notable by its balance and integrity. It is also testament to the work of all our staff, and we are hugely grateful for the support of our readers and advertisers.”
The News Letter’s daily circulation has fallen to 7,213 while the Belfast Telegraph is among several UK titles which have chosen not to have their paper sales officially audited by the ABC. Based on combined print and digital sales The Irish News is followed by the Aberdeen Press & Journal (24,852) and Dundee Courier (19,264).
The Northern Ireland Hotels
This initiative aims to recognise and celebrate young, emerging talent who are making significant contributions to the hotel and hospitality industry.
The competition is a fantastic platform to showcase talented personnel, reward those who contribute significantly to the hotel sector’s success, and underscore the career potential within the industry.
Eddie McKeever, President of the NIHF, said: “The hotel industry’s success hinges on attracting, retaining, and engaging talented individuals in their early careers. In collaboration with Ulster Bank, I am thrilled to launch this year’s Rising Stars competition, which not only showcases young talent but also highlights the diverse career opportunities available in the hospitality sector.
“Working in this industry can pave the way for a promising future, offering job satisfaction and attractive remuneration. The versatility of roles within a hospitality business enables individuals to develop a skillset conducive to strong career progression. I encourage all Federation members to support their employees’ participation and I cannot wait to meet this year’s exceptional lineup.”
Ulster Bank relationship director Richard Lusty adds: “The Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF) is striving to uplift and empower hotels, tourism, and the hospitality sector, and Ulster Bank is wholeheartedly behind that objective. A challenge in the current economic environment across most sectors is the tight labour market, with a limited available supply of talented and driven people.
The NIHF continues to play a central
role in supporting the tourism and hospitality sector in Northern Ireland and Ulster Bank is very pleased to be partnering with them in the Rising Star Awards to encourage and recognise the exceptional talent within the industry.”
Entries for the Rising Star Awards open on 7th August 2023, and
interested participants can submit their applications through the NIHF website, www.nihf.co.uk.
The winners of the 2023 Rising Star Awards will be honoured at a special awards luncheon hosted by Pamela Ballantine as part of Hospitality Exchange 2023 at Crowne Plaza on October 17, 2023.
Federation (NIHF) has teamed up with Ulster Bank to announce an exciting competition aimed at discovering ‘Rising Stars’ within the hotel sector of Northern Ireland.
The Irish News has been announced as the best regional-selling title in the UK for the first time in its history.Irish News Editor Noel Doran
“We’re a law firm for businesses. We want to work with business owners, particularly those employing anywhere from 10 to 250 people,” he says simply. “That’s where we think our sweet spot lies. It’s never a case of using off the shelf legal solutions. We want to talk to our clients to find out what they’re about, what their issues are and how we can help both their businesses and their families.
“We’re talking about local organisations in the £20 million to £100 million turnover bracket, and we’re very aware that these are companies with a wide range of legal challenges and legal requirements.
“But we’ve also got high net worth personal clients including some in the medical field and we can advise on a range of issues including succession planning.”
Larger and higher profile clients of MKB Law include leading homebuilders Lagan Homes, hospitality group Beannchor and Mallusk-based Titan Containers.
It’s a competitive marketplace for legal services around Belfast and Northern Ireland but, again, MKB Law’s Senior Partner reckons that his firm has something unique to offer. “A lot of firms in the city of around our size and larger have been taken over by big GB-based law firms. We’ve retained our independence, we’ve retained our affinity to family business owners here, and we know who our ideal business clients are.
“Like a lot of other firms here, we would have done a certain amount of legal aid work as well as personal injury cases, but we’ve drawn a line under that. We concentrate on what we are best at, and we think that’s the best way to differentiate ourselves as a practice.
“We don’t do lots and lots of employment claims. But we do do employment defence work on behalf of our business clients and claims to protect the rights of senior executives and professionals.”
MKB Law, based directly opposite the Grand Opera House on Belfast’s Great Victoria Street, majors on its corporate and commercial property divisions, led by Gordon McElroy and fellow partner Maria Conway respectively. But the firm also has active departments specialising in key areas such as licensing & gaming, debt & insolvency, banking & finance and energy & renewables. The firm also boasts a specialist employment law practice as well as a dedicated family law division with Anne-Marie Kelly at the helm.
“We opened our doors 20 years ago, and we’ll be celebrating this later in the year. We started life largely as a commercial property practice but we’ve moved into the corporate arena, specifically working with family-owned businesses.
“We started out in a quarter of a floor of this building, now we’re occupying two floors. A few years ago, we had a turnover in the region of £1.7 million. Last year, having focused on the legal areas that we reckon we are best at, we managed to grow that turnover to £3 million. So we think that we’re doing something right.
“What’s more, we think that there is more growth on the cards. Certainly, in the corporate arena, the first half of 2023 saw half a dozen or so good-sized potential M&A deals coming in from our clients. Mergers and acquisitions are our bread and butter.
“And, on the other side of that equation, we also have a very strong insolvency practice headed up by David McAlinden, who has
a lot of experience in that area.”
Gordon McElroy is clear that quality legal advice is just as important now, perhaps more so, that it has ever been. “Of course I’m going to say that, but it doesn’t make it any less true. Lots of things can go wrong in business, and forward planning can make a huge difference.
“The best time to seek legal advice is when you’re setting out on a specific project. If you wait until a problem crops up, things can be really difficult. I’ve said before that much of what we do is about allocating risk in the right places. Often, when clients come to us, they don’t really know where risk should lie and where it shouldn’t. Analysing and advising on risk is something we’re good at.
“Our target is to double our turnover again by 2030. But we can’t do that without more people. We’ve already grown the size of our team here to around 40 people and we need to see that grow to closer to 60 in the near future. With a couple of trainees also due to join us this year, we’re confident we can grow to become a team of that size.
“We have analysed the training needs of our people, that’s something that is crucial to growing and being able to service our clients. It’s important, for example, that our business lawyers understand the principles of business and the kind of issues that our business clients are facing on a daily basis.”
So client-faced associate directors working in the corporate team have all been taking Mini MBAs at Queen’s
University in Belfast and MKB Law also uses a range of face and face and online training resources in other key areas of speciality.
“It might sound like a bit of a cliché but we’ll also always try to keep things simple and to avoid legal jargon as much as we possibly can when it comes to working alongside our clients.
Mutatis mutandis (Latin used in law to mean that the necessary changes have been made, ie in a document) is banned around here…!
In fact, MKB Law makes every effort to avoid documents altogether. While some law firms have found the transition to paperless working something of a challenge, the Belfast firm moved to the cloud some 10 years ago, well before the Covid pandemic made paperless working something of a necessity.
“The current climate is definitely challenging,” says Gordon. “We’ve come out of Covid, the war in Ukraine has caused problems and the Liz Truss effect has been profound. We’ve a lot of clients in the hospitality sector and they’ve certainly had their challenges but they’ve bounced back strongly.
“Our teams are all solicitor-led. When a client comes to us, their work will be led by a solicitor with access to partners. We don’t want to be all things to all people. We want to be very clearly focused on providing the services that our clients need. We know what we’re good at and we’re not going to stray into those that we’re not so good at...”
Gordon McElroy is crystal clear when he’s asked about the focus for Belfast city centre law firm MKB Law.
Henderson Retail has officially opened its sixth new-look store this year, EUROSPAR Donaghadee Road in Newtownards, revealing an all-new community supermarket that has doubled in size.
Henderson Retail has officially opened its sixth new-look store this year, EUROSPAR Donaghadee Road in Newtownards, revealing an all-new community supermarket that has doubled in size.
The opening is the latest in the company’s ambitions to expand its supermarket portfolio with the EUROSPAR brand, having delivered community supermarket transformations in Killyleagh, Donaghmore, Dungannon, Holywood Road and Larne, in the past few months. This is the 50th Henderson Retail supermarket out of a total of 104 SPAR, EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA branded stores operated by the company in Northern Ireland.
EUROSPAR Donaghadee Road’s eight new jobs brings the total number of new retail jobs created by the company so far this year
to 140, including new SPAR stores and redevelopments in Ballygowan and East Belfast.
With the refits, expansions and new builds, Henderson Retail has delivered additional floor space, energy efficient refrigerators and ambient shelving to allow space for over 2,000 additional products including an even wider selection of fresh and local products, delivering on Henderson’s ambition to primarily source from local food suppliers. The ranges include SPAR NI’s popular own brand The Kitchen, created with 11 local food producers, providing tasty ready to heat and eat meal options.
In addition, the new EUROSPARs also offer shoppers even more value in-store when they need it most, thanks to initiatives Henderson Group has invested in, such as Tesco Price Match, which matches
prices on over 1,000 products. Shoppers can also fill their trolleys for Tonight’s Tea for less with Weekly Mega Deals, which sees significant price cuts on everyday essentials and many household brands.
EUROSPAR stores provide a hub for their local communities, with the store teams channeling their efforts into fundraising for a long list of community groups and local charities every year. EUROSPAR partners with Cancer Fund for Children, holding multiple fundraising events for stores to take part in, while individual stores have been engaging with organisations and community groups in their local area.
The team at EUROSPAR Donaghadee Road recently got together to clean up their local community as part of Henderson Group’s Keep Communities Tidy campaign, picking up 26 bags of rubbish along Donaghadee Road and surrounding areas.
Mark McCammond, Retail Director at Henderson Group commented, “We are thrilled to open our latest EUROSPAR in Newtownards, our
sixth opening of the year so far, all of which are following our ambitions to bring high quality services and a wide selection of local products to our shoppers, as well as offering even more value on shoppers’ doorsteps when they need it most.
“The new and transformed stores have already become central to their local communities, bringing new job opportunities for those in the local area as well as fundraising for local charities and organisations, and getting to know shoppers individually, providing a friendly face in the community.
“We’ve had an amazing response and shoppers are feeling the benefits of having a community supermarket on their doorstep already. They are a prime example of the value prices, community hub and abundance of fresh food supply that our stores provide, thanks to our continued support of local suppliers.
“We’re looking forward to unveiling the further store projects that we have in the pipeline for 2023 as part of our continued investment.”
Employee priorities have shifted considerably over the years when aiming to achieve a sense of fulfilment within the workplace, beyond company perks, flexibility and pay, professional development opportunities are becoming a top priority for talented workers.
The importance of employee learning is not a new concept; however, many companies are viewing it as a strategic investment that leads to increased business performance, innovation and outcomes.
Research published by Docebo in 2022 revealed that 83% of workers in the UK are more inclined to work for a business that prioritise learning and development. This emphasises the value employees place on career advancement opportunities when deciding where to work, making it essential for businesses to prioritise employee education to attract and retain top talent – not to mention the valuable benefits it offers to businesses.
Let’s take a deeper look at what organisations stand to gain when they invest in employee education.
A shortage of skilled labour is hindering Northern Ireland’s future growth prospects, according to a report by the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre (UUEPC). Without a talented workforce armed with the right knowledge and skills, the ability of firms to innovate and grow is reduced.
Providing employees with opportunities to develop new skills enables them to perform at their best and fill any skills gaps in your business. This can make staff more proficient in their current roles, helping you build a more confident and sustainable workforce. Ultimately, this can lead to increased productivity and efficiency within your company.
All sectors will face a rise in skills shortages in the next decade, so companies that provide their employees with learning opportunities stand to gain a substantial advantage. By showing a commitment to growth and career advancement they are more likely to attract potential employees and top talent. Current employees are more likely to remain engaged and seek to remain loyal to a company that takes an interest in their professional development.
Some companies spend a lot of time looking for the ‘right’ people for their leadership teams, however, there’s often no substitute for the level of knowledge and experience that existing staff bring to the table.
Developing leaders from within the business allows management to nurture a pool of highly skilled internal talent, ready to shift into leadership positions.
Not only can education help grow leaders internally at every level, from junior-level employees right through to senior professionals, but it can help businesses keep critical talent whilst saving on recruitment and training costs.
Given the rate of change, what was considered “industry-leading” just a few years ago may be seen as the “norm” in today’s world. Staying informed of the latest developments and industry trends has become a necessity to succeed in the modern workplace. Investing in employees education ensures the workforce possesses the specific skills and knowledge to stay ahead of the curve and supports an organisation’s ability to remain competitive by targeting new markets and identifying potential growth opportunities.
Keeping your employees happy is an important endeavour and investing in employee education shows your commitment to their growth and well-being. When employees feel supported and see opportunities for personal and professional growth, they are more likely to be engaged and dedicated to their work, leading to increased engagement and morale.
Ulster University Business School (UUBS) has a lot to offer organisations, big and small, when it comes to building the skills and talent infrastructure required for sustainable growth. From three distinct campus locations in Belfast, Coleraine and Derry~Londonderry, we are uniquely positioned to support your business through our world-class education, research, state-ofthe-art facilities and partnership programmes across Northern Ireland.
We offer 60+ undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education programmes that can be studied on a part-time basis, allowing your employees to learn at their own pace. Our curriculum responds to the changing knowledge and skills requirements of individuals and employers, helping prepare learners for career advancement and new career opportunities.
With two primary intakes in September and January, UUBS’s postgraduate portfolio covers popular disciplines such as accounting, business, digital marketing, finance, hospitality, human resources, innovation, international business, leadership, management and strategy. Some programmes lead to professional accreditation from chartered bodies, including CIPD, ACCA, CIMA, CGI, CMI and CAI.
In-demand part-time postgraduate programmes running in September 2023
• MBA / Executive MBA
• MSc Business Development and Innovation
• MSc Business in Technology
• MSc Management and Corporate Governance
• MSc FinTech Management
• MSc International Business
• MSc Marketing
For busy professionals wanting to stay ahead in their field, we also offer industry relevant postgraduate courses including Postgraduate Certificates (PGCert), Postgraduate Diplomas (PGDip) and short courses – giving your employees the flexibility to balance their learning around work and personal commitments.
We can work in partnership with your team to co-design an accredited programme which aligns with your training goals and business objectives. Combining researchinformed expertise with innovative course design and delivery modes, this option is highly effective in developing key skills and knowledge gaps identified by your business.
Find out about the opportunities on popular postgraduate business programmes for 2023/24 at ulster.ac.uk/postgrad. Alternatively, if you would like to discuss your organisational learning and development needs with a member of our team, get in touch with us at engage@ulster.ac.uk
A Belfast family who makes an award winning Creu Celta red wine in the north east of Spain is celebrating the 20th year of production.
Wine merchants Peter and Neal McAlindon who operate familyowned Direct Wine Shipments in Corporation Square produced their first Creu Celta vintage in 2003 in the Priorat region of Catalonia. Wine journalist Oz Clarke was so impressed that he included it in his ‘Top 250 wines’ imported into the U.K. He described it as a: “Great big beefy powerhouse red to warm an Ulsterman’s heart,” adding that: “It’s smashing. Well done lads. Slainte”
This high praise has fuelled the McAlindons to try and improve everything to do with their vineyard and their wines as the years have rolled on.
The vineyard features a mixture of old grapes (70 plus years) as well as maturing vines planted when they first started 20 years ago.
Creu Celta means Celtic Cross in Catalan and was inspired by the exceptional 15th Century High Cross found on Devenish Island in County Fermanagh. The region Priorat means ‘Priory’ as it was the Carthusian monks
who established wines in the region in the 12th Century.
Creu Celta is produced from the indigenous Garnatxa (Grenache) & Samso (Carignan) grapes. It’s a bodied red with chocolate, cherry, plum, pine, spice and smoky nuances. A good match for steak, slow cooked meats and hard cheeses but “also wonderful with many vegan and vegetarian recipes such as nut roasts, mushroom dishes, veggie burgers, stews and curries,” says Peter.
Since 2003, a total of sixteen releases have come from the vineyard in Salanques, situated outside the village of Poboleda, and as well as the mighty Creu Celta another wine ‘Terra Sagrada’ has been produced recently.
Neal explains that “Terra Sagrada is the second release from our vineyards, the name means ‘sacred ground’ and it’s a full expression of the noble Syrah (Shiraz) grape variety. Traditionally found in the Rhone, this variety excels in the demanding slate-based soils of Priorat” This is another full-
bodied red now gaining acclaim.
Over the 20 years Creu Celta has been exported to the USA and Poland and has found itself on some wonderful English & Irish Michelin restaurant wine lists. More awards and praise have continued and in 2020 a Gold Medal was awarded at the prestigious Sommelier Wine Awards in London.
“This has been the greatest award to date for Creu Celta. With each new vintage our wine is developing more complexity. As the vineyard gains maturity, the vines have a deeper root network & derive more flavour, intensity & minerality. The newer vintages of Creu Celta are a step up from the earlier releases and it has been a privilege to work with Sylvia Puig, one of Catalunya & Spain’s best winemakers.” Peter
McAlindonThe brothers’ father, the late Kevin McAlindon was a well-known figure in Northern Ireland’s wine trade. He brought Spanish wines to the attention of the public here when they were not fashionable and was honoured by the Spanish government for his enthusiasm and education over many decades.
In 1996 he was inaugurated into the ‘Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino’ accompanying such figures as Miguel Torres, Jancis Robinson MW and Tim Atkin MW.
“Kevin’s ultimate dream was to produce a great wine from our own Catalan vineyard. He was able to see this begin and we have been able to continue achieving this goal over these two decades with these wonderful wines!”
Neal McAlindon.Ground has been broken at the new state of the art Sysco Belfast distribution facility at Nutts Corner, Co. Antrim as Sysco Ireland presses ahead with its ambitious growth plans in Northern Ireland.
As the island’s leading food service provider, Sysco Ireland envisages that the new facility will enable them to double the size of its Northern Ireland business over the next five years and is crucial to the continued expansion of its service propositions to customers in Ireland.
The development, being undertaken by Magherafelt based construction company Heron Bros, forms part of a £23 million investment by Sysco Ireland in their northern operation.
The construction is expected to create around 200 jobs and take approximately 18 months
to complete with the distribution facility opening anticipated to occur in early 2025.
When complete it will create 90 additional jobs taking the company’s workforce in Northern Ireland to over 300 people.
When fully operational the facility will manage over 10,000 food products with 70% sourced locally across the island of Ireland, with guaranteed next day delivery.
Mark Lee, CEO of Sysco Ireland was present at the ground breaking, commenting:
“At Sysco Ireland we are committed to growing our business across Northern Ireland over the coming years, gaining customers and building our network of local suppliers.
“This new state-of-the-art facility at Nutts Corner represents a strategically important location allowing us excellent connectivity to serve our customers and further grow our business. The development is a key part of our business strategy in Northern Ireland, and will also ensure that we grow our business responsibly.
“Sustainability was a key consideration in our plans, with the design incorporating
solar panels on the roof, rainwater harvesting and advanced heat pump technology, as well as providing electric vehicle chargers for both staff and fleet vehicles.
“The new facility will also allow us to create a fantastic working environment for colleagues in Northern Ireland, who are fundamental to the success of our business.”
The construction work is being undertaken by award-winning construction and property development company, Heron Brothers which operates throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe.
Paul Mulholland, Property Director for Heron Bros commented:
“We are delighted to have commenced work on this new distribution facility for Sysco Ireland. The development combines innovative technologies designed to enhance sustainability, within a state-of-the-art storage and distribution centre at a key gateway location.
“This project will bring around 200 construction jobs and apprenticeships to the Antrim area, alongside the long-term employment that the new distribution centre will provide.”
Pictured at the site of the new Sysco Belfast distribution facility at Nutts Corner are Paulo Peereboom, EVP Foodservice Operations, Sysco International, Ron Phillips, Chief Human Resources Officer, Sysco, Kevin Hourican, President & Chief Executive Officer, Sysco, Judy Sansone, Chief Commercial Officer, Sysco and Mark Lee, CEO, Sysco Ireland.
Henderson Retail and independent SPAR and EUROSPAR retailers from across Northern Ireland have taken 42 spots on the prestigious Retail Industry Awards shortlist for 2023.
The company, part of the Henderson Group, is the top finalist in the Multiples and Company Owned shortlist, with 20 nods including Community Retailer of the Year and Food to Go Retailer of the Year, while four store managers are shortlisted for Store Manager of the Year.
Lynch’s portfolio of EUROSPAR supermarkets in Derry/ Londonderry have been shortlisted for a total of eight awards in the Independent shortlist, alongside 10 further independent retailers including Creightons EUROSPAR in
South Belfast, JC Stewart’s in Magherafelt, Swift’s EUROSPAR in Lisnaskea and SPAR Milltown in Ballymoney.
Not only have these NI retailers taken the most spots on the shortlists, but have made NI the most successful region in the UK across the entire Awards scheme.
Mark McCammond, Retail Director at Henderson Group commented; “We are delighted to have Henderson Retail and our company-owned stores have such a significant presence on this shortlist. The Retail Industry Awards are one of the most recognised platforms within the
industry, and last year we had a record breaking year, bringing a total of 16 awards home from London. I am particularly proud to see our store teams and managers be recognised for their continued contributions and hard work within our stores.”
Paddy Doody, Sales and Marketing Director at Henderson Group added; “Yet again, Northern Ireland is setting the standard for premium independent retailing across the whole of the UK.
“All of our independent retailers are hardworking, innovative and always striving to be one step ahead of their competition, while delivering for their shoppers. This recognition is hugely deserved and I wish them the best of luck in London next month.”
In 2022, Henderson Retail won
seven awards including Forecourt Retailer of the Year, and their company-owned stores picked up Store Team of the Year for SPAR Malone Road and Samuel McCann, who has been shortlisted again for 2023, brought home Store Manager of the Year.
Lynch’s Skeoge and Greysteel supermarkets were the big independent winners in 2022, taking home four wins and a highly commended.
Shoppers across Northern Ireland kicked off a sensational summer of fundraising when they supported their local SPAR stores’ Blooming Great Summer Fundraisers for Marie Curie, digging deep and donating over £55,000 for the charity.
Over one weekend in June, stores operating across Northern Ireland held various tea parties, coffee mornings, fancy dress days and fun days for their shoppers, all in the name of raising vital funds for the charity which provides end of life care for thousands across the country.
It came hot on the heels of a successful Balmoral Show, where show-goers donated over £26,700 for both Marie Curie and Cancer Fund for Children. Earlier in the year, store activity around the charity’s annual Great Daffodil Appeal raised almost £16,000.
So far this year, SPAR NI store teams and shoppers have raised an incredible £98,396 for their charity partner, and £798,717 since the partnership began in 2017.
Bronagh Luke, Head of Corporate Marketing at Henderson Group, which owns SPAR in Northern Ireland commented; “We have had an exceptional first half of the year, dedicated to raising vital funds
for our charity partner which does so much for so many in our communities. Our key events, from the Great Daffodil Appeal to Balmoral Show and the Blooming Great Summer Fundraisers, show there is an army of staff and shoppers willing to go the extra mile for our charity partners, and I want to thank each and every one for making 2023 such a successful year of fundraising already.”
SPAR NI now looks forward to supporting Marie Curie on the annual Twilight Walk, which takes place on Friday 29th September at Shaw’s Bridge in Belfast, as the charity marks its 75th anniversary this year. Participants can either take part in the main event or organise their own walk by registering online.
Conor O’Kane, Senior Partnership Manager at Marie Curie, added; “From the big events to the everyday donations at the till, SPAR NI has been one of our most active and dedicated partners since 2017. Their creativity and commitment to our key fundraising moments throughout the year give us so many opportunities to help those in the local community who need a community nurse for a night, or to provide even more care from our Belfast hospice.
“We’re so grateful for the donations received
by the stores and their shoppers which will go towards Marie Curie’s direct nursing care as well as our information and support services and our helpline 0800 090 2309.”
A good company, insists Henderson Group Sales and Marketing Director Paddy Doody, will turn to investment during the tougher times as a way of ensuring future growth. And, to that extent, his company practices what he preaches.
There are those who might argue that with 2022 sales of £1.23 billion, 15.6% up on the previous year, that’s easy to say. But the Group’s mammoth sales figure masks an underlying fall in volumes, and it certainly glosses over plenty of challenges out there in the retail marketplace.
We meet at Henderson Retail’s bricks and mortar investment, SPAR Mallusk Road, which opened at the tail end of 2022, and is a stone’s throw from Henderson Group’s head office. It is every inch the model of the new era outlets – complete with a comprehensive food-to-go offering at its core and Northern Ireland’s first and only Barista Bar drive thru, featuring the takeaway coffee brand created by Henderson Foodservice.
“This is the type of store we’re working to create all over Northern Ireland. It’s big, it’s spacious, it has plenty of car parking and it’s tailored to serve
the community around it,” says Paddy. “The Mallusk Road site is almost two stores – one serving the businesses around here with food-to-go, the other providing convenient supermarket shopping to the increasing number of people living around the Mallusk area.”
He says that the Group is effectively channelling at least £60 million of recent profits straight back into the business during 2023, on retail infrastructure, on new builds and refurbishments, on supplier contracts, on technology, on sustainability and investment in reducing retail pricing.
The challenges facing retail are obvious. “We’ve seen steeply rising energy costs, fast paced inflation, interest rates going up, business rates rising and all of our suppliers have been experiencing similar problems with the net effect of rising prices on the shelves for our shoppers.”
Like most of his industry counterparts, he sidesteps the thorny and
politicised issue of the NI Protocol/ Windsor Framework and the effects thereof. What he does say is that the Framework is an improvement on the Protocol but that’s as far as he goes.
“Look, I’ve always thought that this business, and business in general, is a bit like water flowing downstream. If there is any obstruction, and there often is, business will naturally try to find a way around it.” It’s a diplomatic answer but it reflects a widespread view in business circles, retail and otherwise.
For Henderson Group, re-investment has always been part of the DNA. “We invested £47 million last year into our local supplier contracts, value deals for our shoppers and new builds, renovations and refurbishments, completing 26 significant projects across our retail network.”
While 2022 produced the headline sales figure of £1.23 billion, the first six months of 2023 have also been largely positive, according to Paddy Doody. But volume, an important measure for retailers, has been ‘soft to negative’.
“Since the start of July, we’ve seen a noticeable drop in sales,” he says. “something we put down to the poor summer weather and the fact that airport passenger figures show that those heading away on holiday have returned to 2019 levels.
“But it’s a seasonal thing and I think there is an underlying consumer confidence despite inflation and
rising interest rates. Hopefully, both of those have now been stalled at least. That said, it’s had an impact. Food inflation, at one stage, reached 18-19%. It’s down to around 10% now and we’re all relieved. But, not too long ago, it was nowhere near that.”
Henderson Group has a mix of company-owned and independentlyowned stores in its estate, and Paddy Doody is quick to pay tribute to the independent store owners. “They’ve been swift to match our investment in their own stores and that’s a sign, not just of resilience, but of faith in the brand and in the
retail stores that they’re operating.
“It’s a very resilient sector but it has to be. We’ve always got to be aware that shoppers always have a choice.
“It’s a battlefield out there for shoppers. We all try to differentiate, of course, but our view is that shoppers are essentially looking for choice, convenience and, most importantly, value. So, we’ve laid a lot of emphasis over recent years in our Mega Deal offerings launched throughout the year, the result of a £1.4 million investment and an ongoing initiative offering real value to our shoppers.
Throughout our EUROSPAR brand, of which Henderson Retail now operates 50 in Northern Ireland, we have Tesco Price Match which matches the cost of over 1,000 items, a lifeline for those who don’t wish to shop out of town but rather prefer our supermarket offering right on their doorsteps.”
The Group has also invested in its own brand range with a line-up of delicious ready to heat and eat
products aligning under ‘The Kitchen’ brand name. The meals are produced in a dedicated facility developed by the Henderson Group, and alongside key suppliers like butchery firm McAtamneys in Ballymena.
“The range is something we’re very proud of. It’s not easy to produce top quality convenience meal solutions at really affordable prices, especially in today’s environment.”
Like most of its competitors, Henderson Group has invested heavily in technology. Most stores now have self-service check-outs, electronic shelf price labelling has replaced the laborious paper version, and the group’s EDGEPoS technology is the backbone of every store’s operations.
Developed by the company’s own Henderson Technology division, it’s a system which has been successfully sold to other retail groups outside of Northern Ireland and internationally.
“In this business, the shopper is king. So, we research, we talk to our shoppers
all the time and we try to reflect what they tell us in our store offerings. What they have told us has been behind the many changes we’ve made over the years in how we do things.”
Loyalty schemes are central for retailers like Tesco and Sainsbury’s. Paddy Doody says that Henderson Group and its SPAR, EUROSPAR & ViVO brands has looked closely at the idea but continues to rule it out for the moment.
“I’d point to a couple of factors. First, the idea of a loyalty card price and another price just doesn’t go down well with some shoppers. Our core shopper is someone who comes in all the time to pick up a few items or maybe a basket of items, including something for their evening meal. They want things kept simple and they want to be into the store and out again as quickly as possible.”
Henderson Wholesale was recently named Regional Wholesaler Of The Year at the prestigious Grocer Gold Awards held at London’s Royal Albert Hall, the only company from Northern Ireland to win on the night. The business was commended by the judges for ‘smashing through’ its set of ambitious targets in a competitive marketplace and against a challenging backdrop.
“It’s always nice to be recognised, whether it’s here at home or in GB. But, at the end of the day, there’s only one form of recognition that counts... and that comes from the shopper.”
“The Group is effectively channelling at least £60 million of recent profits straight back into the business during 2023, on retail infrastructure, on new builds and refurbishments, on supplier contracts, on technology, on sustainability and investment in reducing retail pricing.”SPAR Mallusk Road, operated by Henderson Retail, offers NI’s first and only Barista Bar Drive Thru.
Biopax to invest £47m in West Belfast with revolutionary green packaging business, creating 169 jobs
Biopax Limited, based in Springvale Business Park in West Belfast, will create 169 jobs over the next four years with further investment planned in a second phase. Occupying the 70,000 sq foot factory, which is about to be expanded on an 8.4-acre site, Biopax produces bespoke packaging and labels, both printed and unprinted for the food service, retail, distribution and beverage sectors.
Owned by Dr Terry Cross OBE, the man behind Hinch Distillery and a successful entrepreneur, the Biopax business will be led by Liam O’Connor, Sales and Marketing Director and Greg Prescott, General Manager.
Dr Terry Cross OBE said: “Biopax was born out of a passion to develop a truly green solution for today’s packaging needs. The company has invested significantly in research and development and the best green technology which along with our in-house expertise will enable collaborative solutions to be delivered to our customers. We are confident that the company understands the current market and the high growth potential. We know that this will bring huge economic benefits to Northern Ireland. It will help revolutionise consumer packaging solutions in the UK and Europe by promoting a circular economy in fibre packaging and reducing landfill waste and the release of harmful chemicals into our ecosystem.
“We are delighted to be able to create this forward-thinking environmentally-focused business right here in Belfast, and tap into the local talent while creating job opportunities in an economically deprived part of the city.
“We thank Invest NI for its continued support, advice and guidance in helping us turn this investment into a reality.”
Invest Northern Ireland is supporting Biopax to create the 169 jobs and has offered
it advice and guidance on R&D and how to increase exports. Recruitment is underway, with 45 of the jobs already in place.
Mel Chittock, Interim CEO of Invest NI said: “This major investment will bring the former Caterpillar site back to life with a state-of-the-art factory and machinery. 169 jobs will be created in West Belfast across a range of functions including design, printing, production, sales and finance. Once in place, the jobs will contribute over £5.7million annually in salaries to the NI economy. Importantly, there will be opportunities for local people through apprenticeships, training, and re-skilling. This is excellent news for West Belfast and for Northern Ireland.
more environmentally conscious.
Liam O’Connor, Sales and Marketing Director, added: “We are delighted to unveil Biopax to the world and intensify our operations that will make an undoubted difference to the environment.
“There has been considerable investment in the factory and its technology and manpower. We have a team of experts leading the business who have spent a large part of their careers working in fibre-based packaging and labels, as well as a design and development team who have a track record in delivering highquality sustainable packaging designs and solutions for some of the world’s largest brands.
“Biopax’s proposition in developing polyethylene-free carton board, label and wrap solutions will assist with the drive to a net-zero carbon future. A prime example of the Department for the Economy’s 10X Vision in action. Coupling this with the benefits of dual market access which NI manufacturers now uniquely benefit from, will offer companies like Biopax significant opportunities to increase exports to the EU. I look forward to seeing it drive its ambitious strategy to grow and increase its exports to the EU and beyond.”
Biopax’s aim is to render quality and creative printed sustainable cartons, wraps and labels to support businesses to become
“Pairing that talent and technology with our steadfast commitment to the environment, we see Biopax becoming a leading provider in the packaging world across a number of markets.”
A new £47m factory in West Belfast is set to revolutionise the FMCG and Foodservice packaging and labelling market with certified green solutions using the latest European, US and Chinese technology.Pictured L-R are Liam O’Connor (Biopax Limited), Dr Terry Cross OBE (Biopax Limited), Mel Chittock, Interim CEO of Invest NI and Greg Prescott (Biopax Limited).
“We are delighted to be able to create this forward-thinking environmentallyfocused business right here in Belfast, and tap into the local talent while creating job opportunities in an economically deprived part of the city.”
Michael Chandler, one of Northern Ireland’s leading property professionals, has entered into a new partnership with renowned North Down Estate Agent David Best. The collaboration marks a strategic move into the Holywood and North Down residential property market, solidifying the company’s commitment to growth and future expansion across Northern Ireland.
Established in 2009 by Michael and Laura Chandler, Michael Chandler Estate Agents has achieved remarkable success, specialising in residential sales and lettings and property management, as well as land and new home sales.
What began as a small operation in their dining room quickly progressed into a flagship office on the Ormeau Road, serving clients across Greater Belfast, Lisburn City and County Down.
The partnership with David Best, a highly experienced and well-known figure in the North Down area, has led to the opening of a new Michael Chandler office in Holywood David brings over 20 years of expertise in the North Down market and will serve as a Partner and Managing Director of the Holywood office.
Speaking about the partnership, Michael Chandler said: “We are thrilled to join forces with David Best and expand our
presence into the Holywood and North Down area. David’s extensive experience and reputation in the market make him an invaluable addition to our team. Together, we are committed to delivering exceptional customer service and exceeding the expectations of our clients.”
David Best added: “This new partnership is an exciting time for both of us as we join forces to expand our reach and serve the thriving communities of Holywood and North Down. Together, we bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table and I have no doubt that our combined efforts will drive mutual growth and success.
“By leveraging our strengths and resources, we are poised to deliver unparalleled service and exceptional results to our clients. I look forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead and the positive impact we will make in the local property market.”
The new Holywood office is just the beginning of Michael Chandler Estate Agents’ expansion plan. The growth strategy, including the potential launch of additional offices and the recruitment of new staff, represents an investment of over £200,000.
Belfast Harbour has announced that French container line CMA-CGM is to add a new call in Belfast to its Irish Sea Express CS container feeder service, which will boost capacity and service options for both importers and exporters in Northern Ireland.
The service will run between Belfast Harbour’s Victoria Terminal 3 and a number of UK and European ports, including Dunkirk and Rotterdam.
Operating on a weekly rotation, the service will see vessels including the Mistral, Allegro and ELBTEAM
calling at Belfast Harbour.
Since 2018, over £30m has been invested by Belfast Harbour in Victoria Terminal 3 (VT3), including the installation of fully electric ship-to-shore cranes in 2020, significantly improving safety, sustainability, efficiency and capacity, and making VT3 one of the most modern container terminals on the island of Ireland.
Following the recent investment, the terminal handled 126,000 container units in 2022 and a record 132,000 the previous year, which was the highest level of container traffic since 2008.
The CMA CGM Group is a global player in sea, land, air and logistics solutions, serving more than 420 ports around the world across 5 continents, with a fleet of around 600 vessels.
The Group is present in 160
countries through its network of more than 400 offices and 750 warehouses.
Michael Robinson, Port Director at Belfast Harbour, said:
“This new service from CMA-CGM will provide increased frequency of container services calling at Belfast, offering benefits for both importers and exporters in Northern Ireland.”
Alan Horner, Managing Director of CMA-CGM, said: “In line with CMA
CGM group’s innovative approach to maritime development we are delighted to add Belfast to our global port coverage where we will leverage the synergies between our shipping services on the main intercontinental routes and our revamped intraregional lines in the Irish Sea. The additional port call at Belfast gives our Northern Ireland clients direct access to our over 257 shipping routes and 420 ports of call worldwide.”
Mills Selig has announced further expansion of its legal team with the promotion and recruitment of expert lawyers.
Based in Belfast, Mills Selig is one of Northern Ireland’s leading commercial law firms. Nearing its 65th year in business and having remained local and independent, Mills Selig is renowned for its successful management of high value and complex matters.
Joining Mills Selig as a Senior Associate is Kevin Tarpey. Kevin has been recruited to join Mills Selig’s Property Team and will work alongside an elite team of lawyers, including Lauren Shaw who has been promoted to the role of Senior Associate. Kevin and Lauren will support the residential and commercial property teams respectively at a senior level, providing clients with expert legal advice in all aspects of property law.
Stepping into the role of Senior Associate within the Employment team is Andrew Edwards, who has also been promoted. Senior Associates are expert lawyers who have significant experience in their practice area and in working independently with clients.
Continuing its expansion and development of its teams, Mills Selig has also announced the creation of an ‘Associate’ position for solicitors who have gained substantial experience as a qualified solicitor. Emma McCloskey, Lyndsey McSherry, Ciara Campbell and Peter Cashel have been named as Associates in recognition of their expertise within
their practice areas. Jayne Paterson will also join Associate level later this year in her role within the Property team.
Focused on the future of the firm is Chris Guy, Managing Partner who said, “The growth of our team reflects the growth of our clients and business. Year on year we are growing and moving towards our vision which is to be the go-to law firm in Northern Ireland for high value and complex work.
“Recent recruitment, promotions and the creation of the new Associate tier reflects the trajectory of the firm and is a direct result of the exceptional
support our team provides to clients.”
Mills Selig is committed to developing and empowering its employees, setting them on a progressive career path within the firm. Their culture of continuous development together with a shared mission, vision and set of values helps to attract and retain the best lawyers within their respective fields.
For more information on Mills Selig and career opportunities, including trainee contract positions, visit www.millsselig.com
Lauren McMahon has been awarded the Chartered Institute of Taxation’s KPMG Pat Cullinan Memorial Medal. The award is given to the Northern Ireland candidate who achieved the highest marks in the Chartered Institute of Taxation final exams. Lauren trained at KPMG and is an Assistant Manager at FPM. Pat Cullinan, a native of Co. Tyrone and a Tax Partner with accountancy firm KPMG, was killed in the tragic
air accident, which also claimed five other lives, at Cork Airport on 10 February 2011. Pictured at KPMG’s Soloist building in Belfast are, from left, Johnny Hanna, Partner in Charge and Head of Tax at KPMG in Northern Ireland, Lauren McMahon and Pat’s brother Aidan Cullinan.
We’re the right people to find the right person for the right job. honeycomb.jobs
The 1,700 sq ft store and petrol forecourt is a welcome addition to the area supporting 12 jobs and combines convenience retail with an extensive food-to-go and grocery offering.
Bright and contemporary, Centra Trackside which officially launched with a family fun day, is a fantastic amenity for the local community and on the go customers.
The comprehensive range includes a deli counter offering customers freshly made sandwiches and salads, or a selection of hot food to go. Shoppers can also enjoy a hot drink
to go with the Frank and Honest Coffee 2.0 coffee dock which provides a wide selection of hot drinks and features 100% compostable coffee cups, plastic free coffee capsules and Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee beans, while a digital loyalty app offers customers a free coffee after earning ten digital stamps.
Store owner Gareth Beacom said“We’re delighted to have opened the doors of our second Centra store. It will provide a convenient shopping and fuelling point for customers on the move as well as a great amenity for the local community.
The team and I are looking forward to welcoming customers instore and providing them with a one-stop shop for modern convenience.”
The new store also features a Nicholls fuel forecourt with a 24/7 pay at pump service, along with car washing and laundry facilities and extensive parking, while EV Charging points will be installed. In-store services include PayPoint, Lottery and an ATM.
Aligning with Musgrave Group’s, (owners of the Centra brand) sustainability goals, the new store also features new LED lighting, energy-efficient refrigeration, and digital screens to reduce the store’s energy consumption and carbon footprint.
Musgrave NI’s Retail Sales Director, Paddy Murney said: “The new Centra store in Newtownabbey will provide the
height of convenience and value for local shoppers. With the cost of living continuing to affect our communities, it’s clear that keeping household costs down is important to our customers. As part of Centra’s commitment to value, our shoppers will benefit from over 200 special offer items every week and over 300 cheaper own brand products. That’s on top of our Epic Deals on four big brand products every three weeks.” Centra is also committed to supporting local suppliers, with Musgrave NI spending more than £160m on local food and drink annually.
Paddy continued: “We work with more than 3,000 local farmers, partner with over 150 local suppliers and stock over 3,500 local products across our stores providing shoppers with the freshest produce and range of choice.”
Experienced store owners from Centra York Road in Belfast, Gareth and Tracey Beacom, have opened the doors to their second Centra, located on the Shore Road in Newtownabbey.Adam Beacom (retailer’s son), Paddy Murney Retail Sales Director, retailer Gareth Beacom and Barry Holland Business Development Manager
I’d like to congratulate all the companies who feature on the list this year on their success and on the very strong results they have been able to post in another year of well documented challenges, perhaps most prominently the pressure caused by high inflation and the cost-of-living crisis.
The figures on the following pages not only demonstrate high performance by the companies but also serve as an indicator of the wider impact these businesses have on society through the jobs, supply chains and community initiatives they support.
When a business is profitable it means it is sustainable and able to invest in enhanced offerings for its customers, employment for its workforce and business for its supply chain, contributing to the economy and wider society.
But it is also becoming clear for the businesses on this list that the other definition of sustainability, the definition that relates to a company’s impact on the environment, is coming to the fore as a priority issue that cannot be ignored.
Globally this summer we have seen the impact of climate change through some of the most extreme weather in living memory.
While there are, of course, many
pressing geopolitical, economic and societal challenges facing the world, I have certainly noticed in the conversations I have with our customers how frequently sustainability becomes one of the primary topics of conversation.
When we speak to customers about becoming more sustainable, it’s important for us to ensure they can see we as an organisation have committed to walking the talk ourselves.
At Danske Bank we have been working on reducing our own carbon emissions for some time, resulting in consistently achieving the highest level in the annual NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey for the last number of years. Through a range of measures such as sourcing our energy from renewable sources and changing our company car policy to EV and hybrid options only, we reduced our own scope 1 & 2 emissions by 70% by the end of last year, eight years ahead of target. Today all our stand-alone branches are also fossil-fuel free.
Of course we’ve more to do, and
we’re aiming to be operationally net zero by 2030. And reducing our operational impact on the environment is only one part of the story – where we can really make an impact is in helping our customer base to become greener.
In 2022 we approved £650 million in sustainable finance through green loans, sustainabilitylinked lending and carbon neutral mortgages and this year we’ve launched retrofitting finance and a £35 million Agri-sustainability fund. We’ve investing in training for all our Relationship Managers and to date we’ve supported 75 local businesses through the Climate Action Programme which we co-developed with Business in the Community. This number continues to grow.
My message to businesses not yet on this journey is to start first with measuring and understanding their climate impacts so they can start to look at how to manage those impacts down.
Having a strategy in place, and the right data, is key when it comes to meeting future reporting
requirements. While currently only large businesses, including Danske, report under the Taskforce on Climate Related Financial Disclosure (TCFD) legislation on climate impacts, the pathway to mandatory disclosure for annual reports and financial statements is in place. New global IFRS reporting standards are rolling out and are very likely to be extended to medium and small companies soon - so it makes sense to deliver progress now where you can.
There is a cost to taking action, but there are also benefits.
Recent research suggests that sustainable businesses, in fact, tend to be the most profitable businesses. Our colleagues here at Danske Bank tell us that sustainability and responsible business are important issues for them, and we see high levels of colleague engagement through our external partnerships with organisations like the Woodland Trust and Young Enterprise.
Progress on achieving net zero in Northern Ireland as a whole will, of course, take action by government to encourage investment in renewables and set meaningful targets. Steps are being taken, but businesses can’t wait until all of that is in place before moving forward.
Danske Bank plays a leading role in Northern Ireland’s economy, and we have a responsibility to provide sustainable finance and to help our customers understand how they can become greener too. Many of the companies in the Profit 200 hold similarly important roles in our society and can drive change by acting to address their own climate change impacts.
Where those represented in the Profit 200 lead, I believe others will follow.
As ever, this year’s Business Eye Profit 200 list of the most profitable companies in Northern Ireland gives a fantastic snapshot of how our best private sector businesses are performing.
Business Banking, Danske Bank
From fast local decision making, industry and sector expertise, to experience in supporting growth, mergers, acquisitions and international expansion, it’s good to have a banking partner that is as committed as you are.
The team was also RunnerUp in the Economic Support category, receiving a Highly Commended Award.
Supporting the Council’s vision to be a prosperous Borough, where all citizens benefit from economic opportunities, this award is a significant
achievement for a small team of just 20 staff. Although small in number, this tenacious, innovative and proactive team consistently achieves big results.
The team’s motto “Delivering for Business” has been clearly substantiated through its success and is well on track to achieving its ambitious goal of securing £1Bn of investment for the area and creating 3,600 local jobs by 2025. The team has also recently assisted 140 unemployed people back into work and supported over 230 businesses to expand their operations.
The judges were wowed by this amazing team’s unique approach to building a new culture within the Council. A team that is making a significant sustainable change for its community, acting as a First Stop Shop - a gateway for growth, providing advice, attracting investment and supporting those in need.
The team’s fresh approach has been transformative across the Borough, and is none more evident than at Global Point in Newtownabbey, once a barren area of land, this is now fast becoming a hub
of manufacturing excellence. The team has secured major investment of over £250M in advanced manufacturing from world leading companies. These include Sensata investing £16.5M in their new R&D headquarters, the Ardagh Group set to invest £150M in a new stateof-the-art facility, one of the biggest investments in advanced manufacturing ever in Northern Ireland and the £100M investment by the Queens University led Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre which forms a central part of the Belfast City Region Deal.
Commenting on the award, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey
Councillor Mark Cooper BEM said; “It is fantastic to see the Council’s Economic Development Team named as Small Team of the Year, beating off stiff competition from small teams across all local government departments UK wide. Their achievements have been recognised at these prestigious LGC Awards. I am extremely proud that a small team from a small Council in Northern Ireland has been named as the top performer in the UK.”
The Council’s Economic Development Team has been recognised as Small Team of the Year at the prestigious Local Government Chronicle Awards (LGC) 2023, which celebrates and shares the finest examples of innovation delivered by local government across the UK.Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Economic Development Team is delighted to be awarded ‘Small Team of the Year’ at the prestigious Local Government Chronicle Awards (LGC) 2023. (L-R) Alderman Matthew Magill, Alderman Stephen Ross, Steven Norris, Deputy Director of Regeneration and Infrastructure, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Michael McKenna, Deputy Director of Investment and Business Development, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and Alderman Mark Cosgrove.
Musgrave NI, which operates the SuperValu and Centra brands, has partnered with social enterprise, the NOW Group to support people with learning difficulties and autism into sustainable employment.
The retail and wholesale group has launched its new Skills to Employment Programme (STEP) to employ 25 people across its estate over the next five years. Twins Tomás and Mícheál Harkin, NOW Group participants, have already been employed at SuperValu Dairy Farm in Dunmurry and Centra Foxes Glen on the Stewartstown Road in Belfast as part of the recruitment initiative.
The NOW Group is a multiaward-winning social enterprise operating across Ireland - committed to getting adults with learning difficulties and autism into sustainable jobs for the future.
SuperValu and Centra stores are also becoming JAM Card friendly, increasing inclusivity and accessibility for more shoppers across Northern Ireland.
Developed by the NOW Group, JAM Card is a simple, discreet yet extremely effective tool that allows those with learning difficulties, autism or any communication barrier to ask for Just A Minute in any social situation, in a nonverbal way. The JAM Card and app currently has 145,000 users across the island of Ireland. SuperValu and Centra store colleagues are now undertaking a training programme with the aim that all stores will be JAM Card friendly by September.
Speaking about the partnership, Caroline Rowan, Head of Retail Operations for Musgrave said:
“We are excited to partner with the Now Group to offer new employment opportunities to adults with learning disabilities and autism. Tomas has been working in SuperValu DairyFarm for over two months and is already
proving a great asset to the team. He has expressed how much he’s enjoying his new role while Mícheál has just started in Centra Foxes Glen. We are looking forward to seeing them both progress in their roles and are delighted to have them on board.”
“Our stores operate in the heart of communities across Northern Ireland, and we are committed to providing an open, inclusive, and accessible shopping experience for all our customers. The JAM Card initiative will improve accessibility for customers, and ensure our colleagues are all equipped to provide great customer service to everyone.”
Sean Hanna, NOW Group Director of Services, added:
“We are thrilled to partner with Musgrave NI to create inclusive and sustainable employment opportunities for adults with
intellectual disabilities, Autism and neurodiverse conditions. At NOW Group, we are dedicated to empowering individuals, and this collaboration with Musgrave NI allows us to create sustainable job opportunities for our participants.
“Moreover, the JAM Card commitment by SuperValu and Centra stores is a significant step towards inclusivity and accessibility in Northern Ireland. Since launching the JAM Card initiative in 2012, the scheme has been a resounding success with more than 2,500 organisations across the region participating in the training programme. With its non-verbal communication approach, JAM enables those with learning difficulties or communication barriers to feel more comfortable and confident in social situations.”
Eye on Charity
Leading Belfast accountancy firm Harbinson Mulholland is marking its 25th anniversary by embarking on an Extra Mile initiative which sets out to raise £26,000 for local charities.
The initiative will include a range of different fund-raising activities to be undertaken by groups of staff at the firm. Appropriately, it was launched by Senior Partner Darren McDowell and colleagues at the Mary Peters Track on the outskirts of South Belfast.
“Twenty five years ago Jeremy Harbinson and Paul Mulholland were partners in Price Waterhouse and they wanted to set up a new firm that was really focussed on home-grown businesses as well as the legal sector through a forensic accounting division.
“Home-grown businesses, in particular, are hugely important to the economy here in Northern Ireland and it’s been a privilege to be part of a firm which serves those businesses.
“Harbinson Mulholland is a firm which had employee wellbeing at its core well before that became the norm for most organisations.
A good proportion of our team have been with us for many years.
“We got that team together a while ago and decided that this was a good way to mark our 25th anniversary in business. Being accountants, we thought that we’d play with the numbers. A number of us are keen marathon runners, so we decided to go the extra mile and aim to raise £26,000.
“It’s a big challenge but it’s one that I know our teams will rise to. We’re all looking forward to the months ahead.”
the not-for-profit sector, including the Mary Peters Trust, relevant to where we are launching our Extra Mile imitative today.”
Harbinson Mulholland Senior Manager Jane Fyffe, who heads up the charity committee at the firm, takes up the story. “Our Head of Marketing, Treena Clarke, came to the charity committee a few months ago and told us about the plan to raise £26,000 to mark our 25th anniversary.
“We put our heads together and decided that the best way to
raising money for charities. We want them to get creative and come up with new ways of fund raising over the coming year.”
Darren commented that “A lot has changed at Harbinson Mulhollland over the past 25 years, but a lot hasn’t changed. That includes the way that we look after our clients.”
“The two founding partners have retired and we’ve brought some people through to partnership who have trained with us and developed their careers with us. We like to be innovative. We set up the Family Business Forum alongside Ulster University some years ago, and that seeks to add value to a really important part of the local economy.”
Fellow Partner Angela Craigan emphasises the breadth of expertise at Harbinson Mulholland across a number of specialist divisions, as well as the success of the firm’s Northern Ireland Family Business Forum initiative.
“We also have a lot of clients in
achieve the target was to create six teams, each headed up by a partner. Each team will choose their own charity to support and, over the course of the year, will set out to raise their funds.
“So we’re doing a bit of team building and bonding as well as
“Going forward, we’ll continue to be innovative,” adds Angela Craigan. “We also want to continue to provide opportunities for our staff, and continue with the ethos of service, excellence and care that this firm has been built on.
“In addition to looking back over 25 years, we’ll be thinking about where we’re heading as a firm over the next 25 years.”
“We decided that this was a good way to mark our 25th anniversary in business. Being accountants, we thought that we’d play with the numbers. A number of us are keen marathon runners, so we decided to go the extra mile and aim to raise £26,000.”
The inaugural Help to Grow: Management Alumni event, hosted by Ulster University Business School (UUBS), took place recently to celebrate the success of 80 Northern Ireland SMEs completing the programme. This included businesses from sectors such as Construction, Healthcare, Hospitality and Tourism, Professional Services and Media.
Held at Ulster University’s Belfast campus, the event provided Help to Grow: Management course alumni with the opportunity to connect with businesses from different cohorts and share experiences of how the programme helped grow their company.
The Help to Grow: Management course, which supports small businesses in Northern Ireland to increase their growth and productivity potential, is 90% subsidised by the UK Government, meaning it costs participating businesses just £750.
Delivered over 50 hours, participants avail of 16 hours of online classes and 16 hours of faceto-face workshops. In addition, all course participants are provided with a mentor, with 10 hours of one-to-one dedicated support, to help them apply the learning from the modules to their own business context, making the programme inherently practical and tailored to the individual business.
The scheme is designed to work around existing commitments and covers key areas including
strategy and innovation, building vision and brand, adopting digital technology, growing national and international markets, engaging and inspiring teams, and creating customer value. At the end of the programme, SME businesses develop a growth action plan specific to their own business needs.
Attending the event was Cara McCartney, Development and Creative Engagement Manager at Millennium Forum Theatre and Conference Centre. Cara said; “I can’t praise the course enough! Over 12 weeks, it provided me with the perfect blend of online, faceto-face sessions and an invaluable 10 hours of professional mentoring, which accommodated my hectic schedule. I feel like a more confident leader, and it has empowered me to take on more challenges”.
Help to Grow: Management Programme Director, Laura Bradley-McCauley, added;
“Business experts within UUBS have a long history of working with SMEs across NI, helping to support them to excel and grow. The Help to Grow: Management programme is aimed at those business owners and leaders from small to medium sized enterprises (SME) across all business sectors, to help boost productivity and grow their companies in order to help create a higher wage economy. Applications are now open for the next course starting on Wednesday 6th September 2023 in Belfast.
For more information and to register for Help to Grow visit www.ulster.ac.uk/helptogrow
AbbeyAutoline, Northern Ireland’s largest insurance broker, is celebrating a prestigious award win after being named Commercial Lines Broker of the Year at The British Insurance Awards 2023.
The British Insurance Awards 2023 was contested by hundreds of underwriters, brokers, and intermediaries to recognise and celebrate the pinnacle of innovation and excellence across the United Kingdom’s insurance industry.
AbbeyAutoline was the only local company to be shortlisted in both the Personal Lines Broker of the Year and Commercial Lines Broker of the Year (SME/Mid-Corporate) categories.
Both award categories were open to all UK-based
insurance brokers who could demonstrate how they respond to the demands of their consumers or clients with products relevant to their needs, while offering a top-quality service.
Brokers also needed to demonstrate their ability to deliver value-added services and evidence of product or service innovation in the context of profitable growth.
Julie Gibbons, Managing Director of AbbeyAutoline says: “We are absolutely thrilled and incredibly proud to have secured the Commercial Lines Broker of the Year accolade, as well as being shortlisted for Personal Lines Broker of the Year category, at this year’s British Insurance Awards.
“Receiving national recognition of this magnitude is an incredible honour and reinforces our customercentric approach to providing innovative, valueadded services to our clients and customers across Personal and Commercial Lines.
“This achievement is a testament to the relentless dedication and expertise of our team at AbbeyAutoline, and further strengthens our position as a leading insurance broker in Northern Ireland.”
Translink, Northern Ireland’s public transport provider, has selected developer MRP as its Private Sector Partner for Belfast’s transformational Weavers Cross development.
As the appointed masterdevelopment partner, MRP will deliver the Weavers Cross development with the potential for 1.3 million square feet of mixed-use office, life sciences, residential, student housing, hotels and retail/leisure space, presenting a unique opportunity to transform and regenerate a current brownfield site and create a new destination in the heart of the city.
The development sits alongside the new Belfast Grand Central Station– a NI Executive flagship Project – which is the key catalyst for Weavers Cross, a transport led regeneration project located in the heart of the city. With construction of the station well underway, Belfast Grand Central Station is set to be the island of Ireland’s largest integrated, sustainable transport hub with direct bus, coach, and train links throughout Northern Ireland, connections to all major international airports and to Dublin, and is due to open in 2025.
The station is the catalyst for the wider regeneration of the Weavers Cross site which has a gross development
value of £500 million with MRP now officially appointed to lead on delivery of the private sector investment.
MRP - one of the UK and Ireland’s leading property development and investment firms specialising in multisector, mixed use schemes - is the developer behind The Ewart, the new £85m iconic office building in Belfast’s Bedford Street. The developer has a strong pipeline of projects in key cities across the UK, including City Square House, a 140,000 sq ft landmark office soon to complete in Leeds city centre, and most recently acquired the prime London regeneration site, Liberty House in Kensington Olympia. It has a successful track record with over 50 years of experience in delivering sustainable, high quality city centre development and regeneration projects, many of which are high-profile schemes across both the public and private sectors.
Transport hubs, like Belfast Grand Central Station, are increasingly the focal points of towns and cities and centres of economic activity. Weavers Cross has already obtained Outline Planning Permission from Belfast City
Council and when constructed, it is estimated that it will stimulate over £1 billion of additional spending in the Northern Ireland economy and offer a wide range of opportunities to both investors and occupiers alike.
Chris Conway, Group Chief Executive, Translink, said: “We are delighted to partner with MRP on this major regeneration project which will bring significant benefits to Belfast and Northern Ireland. This is the most significant transport led development project in NI and MRP shares our vision for regeneration and placemaking to deliver tangible and lasting positive social, economic and environmental benefits.
“The international connectivity which the transport hub will bring, along with an imaginative mixed-use development will create an exciting new city centre neighbourhood that will be a catalyst for economic growth. It will also drive a modal shift to public transport and will play a major role in helping achieve the carbon emission reduction targets set out in the NI Climate Change Act.
“We look forward to progressing this scheme and thank all those who
have taken part in the process for their effort and professionalism.”
Welcoming the appointment, Stephen Surphlis, Managing Director of MRP said: “We are immensely proud to have been appointed as the masterdevelopment partner for Weavers Cross, a very significant project for Belfast’s connectivity and economic prosperity. Developing the site requires an experienced and creative team that has at its core the strong social value credentials required to deliver on this ambitious project and we are delighted to have been chosen as that team.
“The vision for Weavers Cross is a bold one, marrying world-class urban design that incorporates the very latest sustainable practices to create a new neighbourhood for Belfast that will impact positively on all of Northern Ireland.
“We are looking forward to commencing this partnership with Translink and engaging with the community and interested parties to make this development a reality, unlocking the project’s huge potential and helping to regenerate the local area.”
The fact that Belfast’s Titanic Hotel is running at 97% occupancy tells a story about the increasing popularity of Belfast as a visitor destination. But it also tells a story of the success of one of our landmark hotels, the product of the meticulous restoration of the historic old Harland & Wolff Drawing Office.
Yvonne McIlree, Sales & Marketing Director
Once a building where the Belfast shipyard’s products, including RMS Titanic, were draughted and designed, it was rescued from disuse and re-opened its doors as a hotel in the latter part of 2017 following a significant investment by Harcourt Developments, the Dublin-based developer whose eclectic hotel portfolio also includes Lough Eske Castle in Donegal and Carlisle Bay in Antigua.
“Having opened our doors in 2017 we were just getting ourselves well established when Covid came in,” says Sales & Marketing Director Yvonne McIlree, one of a core group of senior people who’ve been with the hotel since it opened. “Post-Covid, we’ve been growing faster in the international market than any other sector. Prior to the pandemic, our growth was mostly domestic, ie island of Ireland.
“In fact, we’re busier than we’ve been at any stage since we opened the hotel,” she adds. “August has been a record month in terms of revenue. Looking forward, we’re focussed on further growth. But, with 97% occupancy rates, it’s a bit of a challenge to see where that it going to come from. We’ll be concentrating on increasing the yields across the board.”
She estimates that a third of the hotel’s revenue comes from NI-based customers, a third from GB guests and the other third from the ROI, Europe, North America and the rest of the world. “We’ve been working hard through Tourism Ireland to increase the number of international visitors coming to the hotel, and it’s been paying off. We’re seeing a lot more of them coming through the doors.”
A high proportion of the hotel’s GB-based guests are corporate visitors, many of them in town to attend corporate events held at the hotel
itself. Meeting and events are a major growth area for the Titanic Hotel, and these can be packaged to include rooms and, as an added bonus, heritage tours of what is a remarkable building.
The Titanic Hotel doesn’t just play host to some evocative Titanic artefacts and other items pertaining to Belfast’s remarkable maritime history. It’s an integral part of that history. One of the meeting rooms available for hire is Mr. Thomas Andrews’ office, from where he stood up from his desk and went to board the Titanic en route for its fateful maiden voyage from Southampton across the
North Atlantic. There’s also a Telegram Room where the telegram announcing the ship’s sinking was received by those who had designed the ship.
A range of former offices are available for use for corporate meetings and smaller events, while the hotel’s main Drawing Office One event space can accommodate up to 250 people at larger events.
“A lot of our guests and visitors say that they can smell the history around this building and I think that’s what makes us so different. This isn’t a reconstruction, this isn’t a tribute of any kind, this is the building where RMS Titanic was conceived and designed. This is the
place where most of the ships which ran down the slipway here were designed.
It helps to tell the story of Belfast’s maritime history.
“So what we offer here is unique. It’s a building that successfully blends heritage space with event space. Our guests are often surprised that they’re holding their corporate event or wedding in the midst of genuine artefacts and living history.”
Titanic Hotel Belfast has worked hand in hand with local agencies to help create and maintain its heritage offering. Not least the recently re-branded Belfast Maritime Trust, a charity set up to drive forward the development of Belfast as a dynamic maritime destination. It also
works closely with key ambassadors and with community groups and associations in the East Belfast area.
The hotel also plays host to a number of original works by Belfast artist Terry Bradley, whose iconic shipyard paintings helped to forge his career as one of our leading artists.
“We feel that everyone who comes here appreciates what we’ve tried to do with this building. We’ve managed to retain the atmosphere of the original place whilst creating a modern, new, welcoming luxury hotel in the heart of the city,” says Yvonne. “We’re right in the midst of Titanic Quarter but we’re also only a short stroll across the footbridge to Belfast’s lively Cathedral Quarter.”
General Manager Adrian McNally, who has steered the Titanic Hotel as a business since before its opening, heads up a team of over 170 staff, including the hotel’s team of concierge staff, distinctively clad in their waistcoats and period caps, some of whom double up as tour guides to the building.
“It’s a very settled team and our people live and breathe this place, and it’s obvious that they pass that knowledge and that enthusiasm on to our guests and visitors.”
“A lot of our guests and visitors say that they can smell the history around this building and I think that’s what makes us so different. This isn’t a reconstruction, this isn’t a tribute of any kind, this is the building where RMS Titanic was conceived and designed. This is the place where most of the ships which ran down the slipway here were designed.”
For Managing Director Erin Miley and her team at Callow Events, the post-Covid period has been one of continuous growth. Northern Ireland’s largest and most prominent event management company has more than doubled in size post-Covid and has exciting and innovative plans for the future.
Anumber of factors lie behind the rapid growth – the team’s reputation as the best in the event management business, the rise in employee engagement events amongst corporates and a much increased appetite for events since the pandemic shutdown.
Back in the dark days of 2020 & 2021, the event industry didn’t just suffer. It was completely shut down. For the Callow Events team, they diversified into the virtual events space, delivering innovative digital solutions for their clients.
“It wasn’t easy seeing the whole events industry being shut down like that, but now that we’ve left it behind, it probably breathed some new life into events. It certainly increased the demand when life started to return to normal,” says Erin.
She joined the company ten years ago and is building on the legacy of Leo Callow MBE, former senior army officer turned events guru who set up the business back in the Noughties. Callow, the man and the business, established a formidable reputation for organising and delivering some of the very best events in the business, charity and sporting spaces in Northern Ireland....not least the Waterloo Ball and the annual Business Eye Awards.
Leo Callow has now taken up his position as Executive Chairman whilst Erin and the team continue to drive the business forward in it’s exciting and innovative growth. These days,
Callow Event Management, from its base in Belfast city centre, still delivers a wide range of business, social, private and other events across Northern Ireland. But it has also spread its wings beyond the region, delivering incentives and events across Europe. This summer, the team have delivered events in Dubrovnik and Portugal for Northern Irish based businesses and later this month, the Callow team will deliver a flagship sales conference for a large client in the Balearic Islands. “It’s one of the biggest events of its kind that we’ve been involved with,” adds Erin Miley. “A team of six of us will be going out, plus NI-based entertainers and technical experts. And we’re already scoping out venues for a similar event in 2025.”
These international events are reflective of a major growth area in the events marketplace, the market for employee engagement and incentivisation. “Organisations are all too aware these days that they have to work a bit harder to attract new staff and retain the staff that they have on board. A lot of them are looking at events as part of the mix.
“Over the past year or two, we’ve worked with a wide range of local employers, including Deloitte, Version 1, Kainos, Liberty IT and Allen & Overy, on employee focussed events held here in Northern Ireland. Our team love getting creative and thinking outside the box when it comes to these events, and as a result they
have a lasting impact on employee retention/recruitment, well-being and engagement, it’s a win-win!”
“We’ve also been growing the number of events we’re working on across the border. In the past year or so, we’ve worked on events in Dublin as well as Galway and Killarney. We also have long-standing relationships with a number of clients in London, and we’re no strangers to projects in and around the city.”
What’s changed in recent years is that Callow Event Management has increasingly adopted an agency approach to bespoke event organisation and management. “We work closely with a wide range of suppliers – AV experts, lighting specialists, communications, print & design, production, even presenter/ comperes and entertainers. We can bring their expertise in as and when required on an agency basis.
“We’ve worked hard to forge relationships with local suppliers, from
technical to talent, and as is the case with our upcoming international event, we’ll even put their expertise to good use outside of Northern Ireland.”
Callow Event Management has increased its own team over recent years and works closely with Ulster University and its Leisure & Event Management Programme. “Three of our current team are graduates from the programme, we’ll regularly have students on placement with us, and I also lecture on a part-time basis,” adds Erin.
“It’s a very varied business to be in, and it’s a fun business to be in. But it’s also hard work, particularly during the busy times,” she says. “We’ve built up a working culture that suits the business we’re in. Everyone, in just about any business, says that they’re only as good as their people. For us, in this business, it’s definitely true.”
Belfast Sinclair House 89-101 Royal Avenue
Belfast BT1 1EX 028 9521 0004
hello@callowevents.co.uk callowevents.co.uk
Centred around a fully restored 19th-century Castle, Killeavy Castle Estate combines a unique location with excellent customer service, guaranteed to impress your guests.
Our location in South Armagh offers the convenience of being just one hour’s drive from Belfast and Dublin, allowing you to host conferences, corporate away days, MICE events, and meetings for delegates from across the UK and Ireland with easy access to key transport hubs. With a range of versatile spaces, function rooms, and outdoor areas, our events team work with you to
create a conference, meeting or event that is tailored to your specific needs and requirements. Our event spaces can be configured to accommodate cabaret, theatre, or boardroom seating, ensuring a seamless experience for your guests. Killeavy Castle Estate provides a serene space to take a step back and look at the big picture, make strategic decisions, and foster team cohesion.
For intimate gatherings, our Garden Lounge provides the perfect ambience. Whether it’s a business lunch, meeting, or small celebration, the Garden Lounge offers a bright, relaxed atmosphere and the technology to share presentations with your guests.
The Killeavy Castle Pavilion is our flagship meeting and events venue, accommodating up to 300 delegates.
With various configurations, modern audio-visual facilities, and dedicated events staff, this versatile space is ideal for larger events, meetings and conferences.
Choose the Killeavy Castle Boardroom for private meetings or business dinners. Combining the tranquillity and elegance of our estate with the privacy of our on-site castle, the Castle Boardroom is well-suited for hosting critical meetings and business dinners, with the expert assistance of our events and catering staff to ensure your meeting or dinner runs smoothly.
In addition to offering a range of conference, meeting and event spaces, Killeavy Castle Estate also offers a wide
range of team-building experiences, both on and off the estate. With various accommodation options, walking trails, cycling experiences, and nearby attractions, Killeavy provides everything you need to foster team cohesion in one place.
We also offer exclusive hire packages for major events and corporate clients. You’ll receive full use of our Estate’s grounds, buildings, facilities and staff, creating a distraction-free environment to complete important tasks and meetings.
To learn more or make a booking for your next conference, meeting or event, please visit killeavycastle.com or email us at events@killeavycastle.com
From small meetings to major conferences and private events, Killeavy Castle Estate offers the ideal venue for functions of all kinds.
Here’s the thing though. Whilst some Belfast city centre hotels offer plenty of comfort and luxury, their immediate surroundings are… how can we put this?... a little on the rowdy side. Who needs a view of early morning revellers eating kebabs on Great Victoria Street or
the midst of Cathedral Quarter?
What’s nice, on the other hand, is a peaceful view of the Lagan, the SSE Arena on the other side, Titanic Belfast and assorted ships in the middle distance. When we stayed on the fourth floor of the AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast, Northern Ireland’s customary summer rain fell steadily
on the river, the quayside and those who had ventured out on it. It mattered little to us. Seamless check in completed, our small bags were duly dumped and we hit the bar. Not all city hotels have a lively bar, but the AC does. We just missed the hotel’s Happy Hour, which is actually a happy three
hours on an early Friday evening, which might explain why the place was so well populated by guests, tourists and locals alike, all of them enjoying their beverages (as the Americans call them....) and listening to a young guitarist/singer working his way through his repertoire of easy listening favourites.
One of the best things about the AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast is its restaurant – Novelli At City Quays. Signature restaurants at Belfast hotels haven’t always worked. Remember Marco Pierre White’s bizarre decision to open one of his at the Park Avenue in
There’s always something a bit surreal about staying as a guest in a Belfast hotel when home is only 12 miles or so down the road. That said, it doesn’t take a whole lot of getting used to.
the east of the city. These days, not only has Marco disappeared from Belfast but the hotel itself has been razed to the ground.
Novelli, on the other hand, has stood to the test of time and Jean-Christophe himself is a relatively regular visitor. It’s not overly pretentious. Instead, it has a relaxed, French bistro vibe. But the food is excellent.
We had no need to venture away from the great value Prix Fixe menu, enjoying (in my case) a spicy starter of chorizo in red wine with sourdough bread and a hearty Belfast Black & Brisket Pie, the restaurant’s take on the classic Steak & Guinness Pie. Mrs. Buckley, for her part, had an excellent Pear & Cashel Blue Salad followed by the trademark Novelli Half Rotisserie Chicken with its confit spuds and Madeira Sauce.
Also on offer, elsewhere on a really good menu, are delights like Beetroot & Jawbox Gin Cured Salmon, the Novelli Medallion Of Duck with Rhubarb Compote and something we watched the man himself cook at the opening of the restaurants some years back... Novelli’s Tarte Tatin accompanied by Bourbon Ice Cream.
Food demolished, the sensible course of action would have been to order a digestif or another glass of Malbec, settle down for a while in the bar and then head up to the excellent room with its big comfy bed, floor to ceiling windows looking out on the Lagan and its spacious bathroom should the need arise.
But we’re not as sensible as we should be. The fleshpots of
Cathedral Quarter, after all, are but a short stroll from the hotel’s front doors. How often does one get the chance to enjoy a drink or two in Belfast’s entertainment hub without taxi anxiety setting in?
So, umbrella in hand, off we trudged through the summer puddles to try to squeeze into Willie Jack’s excellent Harp Bar on Hill Street. Not always easy to get into, but a breeze on this occasion. Unfortunately, we emerged some hours later, a little poorer and with a difficult morning in prospect.... One never learns.
What luxury it was, though, not to be at the mercy of Fonacab or Valuecabs, not to have to engage in hand to hand combat over anything with a yellow sign on its roof. Instead, a five-minute dander back to Donegall Quay where our welcoming hotel sat where – in the dim and distant past – the old Seacat ferry used to leave for Scotland.
The spotless white sheets, the fluffy pillows, could hardly have been more welcome. Come late morning, things were a little on the shaky side, let’s just say. So a comprehensive buffet breakfast wasn’t just welcome. It was absolutely necessary. Sustenance for the long trip back to Bangor, not to mention the day ahead.
Wherever you live, if you find yourself heading for Belfast, for work, for pleasure, or perhaps for a bit of both, give the AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast. It’s a haven of luxury on the quayside, with the added bonus of great views and one of the very best restaurants in town.
CIPR Northern Ireland members have been enjoying a packed calendar of events this year marking the Institute’s 75th Anniversary.
The Chartered Institute of Public Relations is this year celebrating its 75th anniversary with events in Northern Ireland recognising the milestone that exemplifies the longevity, strength, and relevance of the public relations profession locally, whilst honouring the incredible contributions made to the industry by practitioners here.
Established in 1948, the CIPR has more than 10,000 members and is the only Royal Chartered professional body for public relations practitioners in the world. It champions the public relations industry, drives excellence and innovation, while nurturing the talent that propels its field forward. The Institute plays a pivotal role in shaping the profession, setting standards, and providing a platform for
knowledge-sharing and networking.
CIPR Northern Ireland Fellows joined together recently for a 75th Anniversary Fellows Lunch. Speaking at the event, Brittany Breslin, CIPR NI Co-Chair, said: “Our Fellows are esteemed professionals who have demonstrated remarkable leadership, expertise, and a steadfast commitment to advancing the profession, raising the bar for all of us. They have contributed significantly to the growth and evolution of our industry, sharing their wealth of knowledge and experience with others. I would like to acknowledge the significant role that each of our Fellows has played in our local industry. Through their dedication and outstanding contributions to the wider profession, they have flown the flag for professional,
ethical, and strategic practice and shown true leadership in the face of an ever-changing, always-evolving landscape. Not only do they inspire their peers, but they also serve as mentors and role models for future public relations practitioners.”
The wider membership of CIPR NI was invited to celebrate the Institute’s 75th Anniversary at a Summer Social which was attended by CIPR President Steve Shepperson-Smith, CIPR staff and CIPR board members, who had travelled from across the UK to Belfast.
Alastair McCapra, Chief Executive of CIPR said: “Public Relations is sometimes thought of as being very London-centred, but the professional community in Northern Ireland shows that this is far from true. CIPR NI has more than 300 members here and it is no exaggeration to say that public relations practitioners are woven into every single part of Northern Ireland’s economic and social fabric.
“We have 30 Fellows in Northern Ireland and the highest professional accreditation the CIPR offers is the status of Chartered Public Relations Practitioner and, interestingly, Northern Ireland has the UK’s highest proportion of Chartered Practitioners – nearly one in ten holds this status. So CIPR members in NI are really committed to their membership and continued professional development as these statistics prove. Both
clients and the public here can be assured that they’re getting sound, ethical advice from CIPR members. I would encourage communications professionals in NI who are considering membership of CIPR to join today.”
“In this the CIPR’s 75th year, we also acknowledge the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The public relations industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by technological advancements, changing societal dynamics, and a growing need for ethical and responsible communication. The role of the CIPR, its members and its Fellows is becoming even more crucial in navigating these complexities and ensuring that our profession thrives and adapts.
CIPR NI members benefit from a packed calendar of events which, like the Summer Social and Fellows Lunch, provide members with an opportunity to foster connections, exchange ideas, and forge collaborations. It is through events like these that members create and strengthen meaningful relationships, laying the foundation for a brighter future.
1. CIPR NI members Gary McKeown and Neil Wilson are pictured with Sukhjit Singh Grewal, CIPR Director of Commercial Operations & Membership and CIPR board director Riaz Kanani, at the CIPR NI 75th Anniversary Summer Social. 2. CIPR NI Committee members Sonya Cassidy and Nicola Bothwell are pictured with Paula Stewart and Siobhan Kielt of AC Hotel, at the CIPR NI 75th Anniversary Fellows Lunch. 3. Brittany Breslin, Sonya Cassidy, Gary McDonald and Julie McCabe, at the CIPR NI 75th Anniversary Fellows Lunch. 4. The team from JComms with Jane Wells MBE at the CIPR NI 75th Anniversary Fellows Lunch. 5. CIPR Northern Ireland Committee members at the CIPR NI 75th Anniversary Summer Social. 6. CIPR NI Committee members Rosa O’Farrell and Niall Fields are pictured with CIPR board directors Dan Gerrella and Ben Verinder at the CIPR NI 75th Anniversary Summer Social.
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fscom (FSCom Limited), from its base in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, has been instrumental in the growth of financial services players like global neobank Revolut, international payment solutions giant Currency Cloud, sold to Visa for $1 billion, and cryptocurrency exchange platform Coinbase, which changed hands for $8 billion.
“We worked with some of those organisations when they were startups with six or seven people on board and are proud to continue to work with them through to the much larger scale they are at now,” says Director Philip Creed, who co-founded fscom alongside Jamie Cooke. The pair set up the company 12 years ago having spent a number of years at consultancy practices. “We started off providing financial crime advice to financial services companies primarily in London,” says Philip. “It meant spending two or three days every week over in London for five or six years which was hard work but also great fun. In more recent years, as more and more regulations emerged governing financial services, fscom saw an exciting opportunity.
“With fintech gaining traction and, new regulations being introduced, we found our sweet spot. We carved out a niche for ourselves by advising on and preparing authorisation applications on behalf of our clients. We’ve helped hundreds of clients get authorised and gain their payment and e-money licences. This track record has allowed us to establish a reputation rooted in the quality of our work.” fscom’s next step was to hire Alison Donnelly, a Northern Ireland native who’d become a key industry player in London. Alison is a former FSA/ FCA e-money policy specialist now providing compliance advice to fscom’s client base ranging from fintech start ups to leading
fintech companies and large financial institutions. “Our earlier growth stage was all about winning contracts and then servicing those contracts, the same as it is for most growing companies. In more recent years, though, we’ve been trying to take a more holistic view of the business and how we go forward,” adds Philip Creed. One key strategic move was the appointment of Alex Lee as Non-Executive Chairman. A former partner in EY’s Financial Services advisory practice in London, Alex is also chairman of Fintech Northern Ireland, the organisation set up to promote the region as a fintech hub. “Over the years, we’ve added a dedicated HR function, finance and marketing departments, and we’ve also expanded the range of services that we can offer our clients.” That range of services runs from authorisations to assurance, advisory, training and a range of regulatory solutions and due diligence including advising on regulatory changes post-Brexit.
Meanwhile, the fscom headcount has risen steadily from 15 to 45. The management team’s clear objective is to double this to 100 over the next two to three years. “Our rate of growth was just under 50% over the last 12 months, and we will continue on this growth trajectory,” says Philip. Many of the team members, he says, have stayed with fscom. Others have gone on to land senior roles in global fintech companies in London and elsewhere. “We never want to lose good people, but that’s
a source of pride for us too,” he says. Fortunately for Philip Creed and Jamie Cooke, their days of commuting weekly to London are not as frequent but they’re still regular visitors to the capital, the company now has staff based there and the Covid pandemic helped to change things too, as it did for other companies.
“When you’re in London, you’d be doing well to manage four meetings in a day. During Covid we adapted to a different way of working and we are proud that during the uncertain environment, we have turned into a real strength to our business being able to have more meetings and conversations with our clients than ever before .” fscom took another significant step forward last year when it secured a major private equity investment from Bridgepoint, a private asset growth investor with some $38 billion of assets under management and a strong presence in Europe, the USA and China. “We actually had 18 different offers from private equity investors and that says something about both this business and the sector that we’re working in,” adds Philip Creed. “The investment has certainly provided new impetus for this business, and it’s helped us to look at the future differently. Investment is hugely important and this makes it possible for us to invest in growth, in technology and in our people.” He sees it as integral to what the company does to promote Northern Ireland and its strengths. “In Northern Ireland we have a wonderful combination
of top schools and universities but also we are naturally very friendly and approachable, which are great attributes for consultants.” fscom’s most recent initiative is the launch of a dedicated Managed Services division.
As its name suggests, it takes key functions out of client companies and runs them remotely.... and it’s off to a very strong start. “Fintech businesses, especially young fintech businesses, operate at a pace that some more traditional organisations might struggle with. But that’s where we come in. We know them. They know us. And we work at the same pace.
“In geographical terms, our growth has been entirely in the UK and Ireland and that’s where it will stay over the next two or three years,” he says. “It’s where our customers are. But that doesn’t mean that we’ll rule out international expansion in future.” Looking to the short-term future, Philip Creed says that fscom’s key objective is to double in size – in terms of revenue, EBITDA and headcount. “It’s not always easy to find the best people but when you’ve got a strong reputation in the marketplace, it gets easier. We stand out for our subject matter expertise and we stand out as an exciting company to work for with exciting clients. It’s not a bad mix.”
For more information, visit fscom.co
Their potential to transform healthcare services is acknowledged on a global scale as pressure builds on healthcare and emergency service providers.
Four years ago, US software company ESO established its engineering hub in Belfast under the leadership of Vice President of Engineering, Russell Beggs. This strategic move paved the way for ESO’s exponential growth, establishing its position as the industry’s largest provider of software to hospitals, fire services and paramedics, and advancing its mission to improve community health.
Russell explains, “Geographically, Northern Ireland aligns to our longterm vision which includes expanding the footprint of our product availability across Europe. Belfast’s strong
academic institutions, coupled with a burgeoning tech community, presented an opportunity to attract top-notch engineers and data scientists to fuel the company’s growth. Choosing Belfast as ESO’s first European base was not taken lightly, but it was undoubtedly the right choice.”
Since 2019, ESO Belfast has grown to a team of more than 100, attracting talented individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds including human resources, talent acquisition and cyber security, all of whom are passionate about improving health and safety in communities throughout the world.
In 2022, the team also increased its female workforce by 10 per cent, with women now making up 27 per cent of the team, ahead of the UK average.
Russell continued, “Belfast’s tech talent has transformed our business trajectory. The engineering hub was established to enhance the company’s existing healthcare offering and develop cutting-edge solutions that enhance and transform how data is being used across the industry. The teams in Belfast are dedicated to developing leading edge realtime data analytics tools, sophisticated algorithms and secure data-sharing platforms that cater for the unique needs of hospitals, fire services, and paramedics.”
An example of this is ESO’s recently published 2023 Fire Service Index which examined key trends across fire departments in North America, including the numbers of Emergency Medical Service (EMS) calls versus fire related incidents, response times and the commonality of property types involved, offering US fire departments crucial intelligence which allows them to analyse trends and interrogate the data to enhance the provision in their own community.
In 2022, the Belfast office announced it was expanding its remit and investing in its cybersecurity function. A new cybersecurity hub has created 30 diverse new roles including a Cyber Risk Manager and a Security
Training and Awareness Manager.
Sarah McAleavey, Director of Cyber Defence at ESO said, “Since our arrival the Belfast office has become an integral part of ESO’s global delivery. Belfast is the global base of our cybersecurity function, which aims to protect our customers from cybersecurity issues and ensure continuity in terms of delivering on our mission to support first responders and frontline workers. We operate on the principle of ‘Security-First’, meaning security is a top priority when designing, developing, and deploying any system or application - to mitigate risk and ensure our customers have complete confidence in our products.”
ESO’s commitment to growth and development was recognised at the 2022 Business Eye Awards which saw the company win the Research and Development Award for excellence in innovation.
Russell concluded, “Establishing the engineering hub in Belfast has been pivotal to our success. Our team members have been the driving force behind ESO’s ongoing expansion. We’re proud to continue to deliver our mission of improving community health, and the critical role our Belfast-based team play in this.”
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare technology, data and software solutions are playing an increasingly critical role.Sarah McAleavey, Director of Cyber Defence at ESO. ESO’s Vice President of Engineering, Russell Beggs.
With a foundation built on technical excellence, Wilson Power & Energy has firmly established itself as a go-to source for cutting-edge energy solutions. And whilst their established experience and reputation in UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply), secure power and battery systems has contributed to constant strength and growth for the company they cite ‘explosive interest’ in Solar PV, battery energy storage and microgrids which have contributed to the company’s latest exponential growth.
“Energy independence for business and industry is a key factor which is growing in importance,” said Andrew Wilson, Owner / Director, Wilson Power & Energy. “More and more businesses in Northern Ireland and further afield are beginning to understand that by making an investment in their facilities’ energy independence, they can become more in control of their business overheads and maintain competition within their markets.”
accreditations from MCS, NICEIC, Safe Contractor, Construction online Gold and Avetta and work with brands like Schneider, MSP, Fronius, Canadian Solar and Delta Electronics, amongst others, with MSP being on an exclusive service partnership basis.
The company’s portfolio boasts a myriad of success stories, ranging from solar installations empowering local businesses to energy-efficient solutions that significantly reduce carbon footprints. These projects not only highlight the company’s technical prowess but also underscore its dedication to creating a greener future for the community.
WP&E pride themselves on bringing the highest quality of workmanship and knowledge to their clients’ projects in order to deliver tailored solutions to their clients’ unique needs and have invested in intensive training and accreditations as proof of their dedication to excellence.
The WP&E team includes the only trained engineers on the Island of Ireland on the MSP brand of energy storage technology and have travelled to Finland for OEM training. They also carry
As the team sets its sights on continued expansion in Ireland and growth over the coming years through the fulfilment of already-secured contracts and a continued business development drive, Peter Watson, Director, Wilson Power & Energy added, “From hotel groups to the healthcare sector, to European headquarters for major operators in the telecoms and data storage sectors, Wilson Power & Energy continues to grow existing relationships whilst building new ones with organisations seeking to integrate emerging technologies into their energy strategies and reduce potential disruption and instability in their operations. Our journey has been marked by growth and achievement, and we’re excited to lead the charge towards a more sustainable and efficient future.”
Bolstered by unrivalled knowledge and experience built over more than 15 years supporting the largest data centres and blue chip companies in Europe, the team behind Dromore-based power solutions provider Wilson Power & Energy continues to set standards locally and internationally, driven by its specialisation in renewable energy systems and commitment to innovation and sustainable practices.
Mills Selig has completed the first stage of its office renovation marking a period of growth and investment for the law firm, which is now in its 65th year of business.
The Arthur Street premises, which has been home to Mills Selig for the past 23 years, has undergone significant renovations to support the continuous expansion of its team, services, and clients.
As one of Northern Ireland’s top law firms, Mills Selig is a local and independent law firm renowned for its expert commercial advice. Delivering a partner-led service, Mills Selig is highly regarded for its ability to adopt a multidisciplinary approach across its practice
areas to meet the needs of high value, complex legal work.
The renovation plans reflect the firm’s commitment to remain local, keeping its roots firmly in Belfast, whilst also operating across multiple jurisdictions.
Chris Guy, Managing Partner of Mills Selig said, “The investment reflects our success, forward thinking, and commitment to the future of the firm. We are focused on achieving our vision for the firm, which is to be the go-to law firm in Northern Ireland for high value
and complex work. We are pleased that the renovations will not only support this, but also our ESG targets which will ensure our longterm sustainability and success.”
Today the firm employs more than 60 people having undergone exponential growth since the business first opened in 1959. Senior Partner John Kearns, who has been an integral part of the fabric of Mills Selig for 30 years, is focused on the future of Mills Selig, “We have modified the building to meet the projected growth of the firm, increasing capacity to support the next stage of growth plans.”
Emma Hunt, Head of Litigation and Partner added, “We have our reception and meeting rooms completed renovated, and the next stage is the renovation of our team areas.”
The reception area is an adaptable space which now facilitates more client and team meeting simultaneously, allowing Mills Selig to work more efficiently. The building is supplied by 3T Power using renewable energy to support Mills Selig’s aim to become carbon neutral.
“It is easy to see that the renovation matches our core values”, said Anne Skeggs, Head of Property and Partner. “We are a firm who focuses on exceptional service, we are supportive, positive and we work together as one team”, continued Anne. With the final stage of the renovations expected to begin in the near future, Mills Selig is well and truly focused on the continued success and development of the firm.
Our desire is to create innovative, relaxing and comfortable hotel environments which are also visually stunning. Why not take a look at our contract website or contact us to see what we can create for you.
Northern Ireland’s largest car retailer, Charles Hurst, and leading, local cancer charity Action Cancer will give away a Toyota Yaris Cross to one lucky winner in Action Cancer’s 50th Anniversary Autumn Raffle.
Charles Hurst Toyota, part of motoring giant Lookers PLC, is teaming up with local charity Action Cancer once again to become its official car partner.
The exciting partnership, which follows a long-standing relationship between the car retailer and Action Cancer, will help contribute to the £4 million the charity needs to raise every year to deliver life-saving and support services to people affected by cancer.
As part of its latest partnership,
Charles Hurst Toyota, which has already helped raise more than £50,000 for the charity to date, will work with Action Cancer to raffle a Toyota Yaris Cross Design to one lucky winner, with tickets available through the Action Cancer website as well as in Charles Hurst Toyota Showrooms, M&S Stores and Gordons’ Chemists.
The 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross design model, worth over £27,000 will come in red, with tickets now available to purchase until December 11th, paving the way for a very special delivery just in time for Christmas.
Luke McCready, Franchise Sales Manager at Charles Hurst Toyota, said:
“The team is thrilled to team up with Action Cancer as the charity’s official car partner. Action Cancer is an amazing charity that does incredible work for people throughout Northern Ireland whose lives are impacted by this cruel disease and anything we can do to show our support will be our pleasure.
“We know how generous the people of Northern Ireland and Charles Hurst customers are, so we’re confident they’ll get behind our push to raise
much-needed funds for the charity.
The Toyota Yaris Cross is a great, SUV hybrid model, and we can’t wait for people to find out more about what the car has to offer as they get behind the allimportant work of Action Cancer.”
Services provided by the charity include breast screening, skin cancer detection appointments, health checks and counselling, as well as complementary therapy sessions.
All services are free to use, with costs covered by Action Cancer. For every £1 of income the charity raises, it spends 80p on its cancer prevention, detection and support services.
Each year 8,000 women are screened for breast cancer through the charity, 3,000 men and women attend skin cancer detection appointments and 1,500 are supported through support and therapeutic services – including children as young as five.
Gareth Kirk, Chief Executive at Action Cancer, said the partnership was an extremely important association for the charity.
“We’re incredibly excited about this
next step in our partnership, building on an already fantastic relationship between Action Cancer and the team at Charles Hurst Toyota.”
“As a local charity, all the money we and our supporters raise, is put to good use right here in Northern Ireland, helping to save and support an incredible 15,000 people across the region every year through the delivery of our vital services.
“With our wonderful partners at Charles Hurst Toyota, we hope to raise vital funds to carry on doing what we do best, working to support people all across Northern Ireland who are impacted by cancer.”
To find out how your company could work in partnership with Action Cancer, please contact Lucy McCusker, Corporate Fundraising Manager on lmccusker@actioncancer.org or call 07743 416325.
This was the theme of an ESG event Barclays hosted in the magnificent surroundings of Queen’s University’s new Business School at Riddel Hall.
Record temperatures in southern Europe this summer (coupled with something of a record washout here in Northern Ireland) brought home to us all the very real changes happening to our climate. At the same time many businesses have been grappling with the recent spike in energy and fuel bills, which has brought a renewed
focus to cut their energy costs.
Whether for climate change or business reasons, many local businesses are looking hard at their own ESG journeys and whilst larger companies very often have the internal resources to dedicate to this issue, many SMEs in particular struggle to know where to begin.
With this in mind, below are some of the key themes that came out from our event, which featured an impressive line-up of speakers from a range of different sectors.
ESG is now a business imperative
It’s not just concerns over climate change that are stimulating interest in ESG - any business that is tendering for public sector contracts or are part of the supply chain for PLCs (particularly large retailers), will attest to being increasingly challenged for details of their overall ESG strategy and their Scope 3 emissions. In addition, any owner thinking of raising equity or disposing of their company should be aware
that private equity and other buyers often place a premium on businesses with a clear ESG strategy – this was a point made clearly by headline speaker Andrew Challis, who runs Barclays £500m Sustainable Impact Capital fund. Andy has witnessed first-hand the increasing importance investors place on sustainability. He has recently invested in two exciting NI start-ups which are leaders in sustainability. Responsible was started by entrepreneur Mark Dowds, who outlined how they are helping address fashion’s sustainability problem by encouraging people to re-sell their unwanted clothes. Conor Hamill, co-CEO of another investee company, Nuada, explained how
Many local companies recognise the importance of ESG, however don’t quite know what practical steps they can take to begin their own ESG journey…
their innovative carbon capture technology is helping reduce global emissions from heavy polluting industries such as cement and steel manufacturing.
But whether or not your business is focused on sustainability like Responsible or Nuada, there are opportunities and threats for every business to consider.
John McDonald from GRAHAM highlighted the huge changes happening in property and construction, and in particular the risk of “stranded assets” – properties that no longer meet prospective tenants’ required EPC standards, meaning they are at risk of being left unlet or unsold. Sara Lynch, Head of Sustainability at Queen’s, highlighted the challenges the University faces in transitioning its own estate of over forty buildings – from older listed buildings right through to new builds, like its eco-friendly Business School.
Whether for “doing the right thing” or for hard-nosed business reasons, it’s clear that for many businesses ESG is no longer a “nice to do” – it’s a “must do”.
The argument as to whether ESG is important is a relatively easy one. A much harder question is where to start?
With this in mind, our speakers provided practical advice on the all-important first steps that can kick-start an ESG strategy into a plan of action.
Sara Lynch and John McDonald referenced simple first steps like energy efficient light bulbs and regularly adjusting office temperature controls, as well as more sophisticated options like heat pump technology. They also referenced some of the practical challenges businesses may face –for example trying to transition to EV fleets when there is a lack of suitable EV charging infrastructure.
It was also interesting to learn about some of our more traditional and long established companies sharing their own ESG journeys.
Rod Hawkins from Nicholl Oils showcased their investment in a new business focused on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) – a fully renewable diesel produced from waste oils (rather than first generation crops or crude oil). HVO’s
big advantage is that it blends with existing fuel and therefore requires no modification to existing combustion engines or large scale investment in new infrastructure.
Likewise, Eddie McGoldrick from The Electric Storage Company highlighted how its smart charging technology allows companies to minimise costs as well as maximise income through distribution back to the grid at peak demand times.
David Barnett, General Manager Engineering at Translink outlined how they are leading the way among transport providers by phasing in the use of electric and hydrogen buses into their fleet, coupled with its investment in Belfast’s new Grand Central Station which will help convert more people to public transport.
It’s not all about the “E”
One of the most powerful contributions on the day was from Maeve Monaghan, CEO of the NOW Group. Maeve highlighted the important role that the Social and Governance parts of the ESG acronym can play in any organisation’s ESG journey (as well as Environmental), and the role of diversity and inclusion. As well as supporting people with learning difficulties into employment, NOW advise companies on how they can play a more impactful role in society, which as well as being the right thing to do, also has shown to be widely valued by staff (particularly when trying to attract new recruits in a hot jobs market!).
Like many companies, our own staff regularly volunteer in a wide range of charities and social enterprises. Maeve challenged us all to think about how we can all better use our talents - “we don’t need you to paint our buildings - we have painters for that. We need help that is strategic and with purpose.”
It’s always great to hear from
people who have “been there and done it”, and in Northern Ireland we are fortunate to have many companies leading the way in ESG who are willing to share their knowledge with others. As we all contemplate how we can each play our part, I’m reminded of the famous Chinese proverb “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
Charles Hurst is charging ahead with a £2 million investment to open a new, landmark dealership that will bring the challenger electric vehicle (EV) CUPRA brand to its Northern Ireland retail estate for the first time.
Launching a new recruitment drive to fill a range of 26 new roles, the region’s largest new and used car retailer – part of Lookers Plc, one of the UK and Ireland’s leading automotive retail and service groups – said the CUPRA and SEAT dealership will open later this year, significantly expanding the choice of electric vehicles on offer to customers across the region.
One of Europe’s fastest-growing EV brands, CUPRA is the premium performance brand of Spanish parent SEAT, both of which are owned by leading car maker Volkswagen. Confirming the investment, Charles Hurst Group Operations Director Jeff McCartney said:
“Committed to growth and delivering an unrivalled choice for our customers in Northern Ireland, we’re delighted to be expanding our brand portfolio and introducing the groundbreaking CUPRA hybrid and all-electric vehicles to meet fast-growing local demand for cutting-edge, sustainable and innovative driving options.”
Charles Hurst operates across eight sites in Northern Ireland and two in the Republic, representing more than 20 of the world’s top
global car manufacturers, including leading premium and luxury brands.
“Since the start of this year, we’ve invested around £8 million across our dealership estate, increasing choice and creating new jobs as part of an ambitious strategy to drive new growth and success, as we look toward an all-electric driving future,” Jeff McCartney said.
Launched in 2018 as a standalone brand, CUPRA sales jumped by almost 90 percent last year, with 14,383 units registered in the UK compared to 7,584 in 2021, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders. It has already sold 200,000 models worldwide and plans to add another three groundbreaking EVs by 2025, complementing its on-the-market CUPRA Born and Formentor models.
Welcoming the announcement, Lookers’ Chief Operating Officer, Duncan McPhee, said:
“Right across the Group and in every region, we are rapidly accelerating our journey towards all-electric driving that accurately matches the needs of our customers who are keen to embrace a more sustainable future by delivering unrivalled choice, information and advice for every step of the way.
“We’re proud that in Northern Ireland, Charles Hurst continues to charge ahead as the market leader in this vitally important area.
“ All cars sold as new will be electric in the UK after 2030 when a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans comes into force by the UK government. However, hybrid cars that can drive a significant distance in zero-emission mode will be exempt from this until 2035.”
Charles Hurst has invested significantly in its retail estate this year and in a range of brands, including around £2.2 million in a new cutting-edge Toyota showroom, around £1 million to refurbish and relaunch two Nissan dealerships in Belfast and Newtownards and £3m in a significant redevelopment of their Parts Centre on Boucher Road.
It is also advancing plans to launch Northern Ireland’s only Lotus dealership after striking an agreement with the premium sports car maker last year. Lotus is added to an existing collection of premium brand partners of the Charles Hurst business which already includes Ferrari, Maserati, Bentley and Aston Martin.
According to the report, based on findings from Q2 2023, 62 per cent of companies were confident that turnover will grow in the next 12 months, up 2 per cent from Q1 2023 and more significantly up 15 per cent on the last quarter of 2022. Furthermore, more firms have predicted rising export sales and employment growth.
Given the unpredictable economic headwinds reported widely in the media, it’s amazing to hear that local firms are bullish and confident, demonstrating once again their renowned resilience and resourcefulness.
When faced with major challenges or economic uncertainty, the best businesses adapt and evolve, to meet changing needs and demands in their market, identifying fresh opportunities for investment as they go.
At Upstream we positively encourage our clients to push traditional boundaries, and to invert the normal human reaction which is to baton down the hatches until the storms pass.
If experience of economic downturns has taught us anything, in Upstream, it’s that there is always opportunity. It’s at times like these that our range of bespoke funding solutions come into their own by
unlocking committed income streams to release working capital that can be used to secure discounts with your suppliers, manage your supply chain more effectively, grow your team or even acquire a competitor.
Often the first question we ask is: “what could you do if you had access to unlimited capital?”
For us the answer is a crucial indicator of whether a CEO, business owner or director has got the hunger, the ambition and the vision for what it takes to be successful.
The good news is that access to cash is no longer a growth inhibitor.
In fact our growing team at Upstream is the indisputable validation that unlimited capital does indeed drive growth. As evidence of how local businesses are turning increasingly to us for funding support, by the end of Q2 2023, we quadrupled our own book size. Within that growth we are supporting a range of corporate and SME business owners with ambition to scale and diversify across the manufacturing, wholesale, distribution, and service sectors.
So why is this?
Well firstly, the scale of ambition in Irish businesses is heart-warming and to be encouraged and celebrated.
Secondly, is a traditional ‘rear view mirror’ funding model which is understandably constrained by often ‘offshore’ credit policy and decision making, which is looking at the economic landscape and planning for trauma. One of the things our customers like most about us is that, at Upstream, we make decisions locally and fast – even if that’s a no. More than that, we partner with our clients through the provision of innovative, tailor-made solutions that are shaped around a client’s specific circumstances and opportunities –not by their historical performance. We try to build headroom into our solutions, and future proof the business against the unforeseen, to rebuild bruised post pandemic confidence and assure our clients that we are aligned with them now, and for the months and years ahead.
At Upstream – part of Cubitt Trade Holdings (Europe) LLC – we specialise in structuring scalable, innovative, and increasingly large-scale working capital solutions for ambitious businesses where growth, and development is being stifled by insufficient and unimaginative funding. We are also more frequently collaborating with our Banking colleagues to find really creative solutions that complement
our clients’ needs - which really is the ‘win: win’ scenario for all parties.
Covering Ireland and headquartered in Belfast, Upstream is led by an experienced team of owner-managers who have been supporting businesses of all sizes, across most sectors, as individuals for decades, and under the Upstream banner for twelve years now.
Now, as part of a major, international finance group, with business and financial interests across Europe, North and South America and Latin America and a specialist focus on supply chain, logistics, warehousing, and inventory management, Upstream has access to significant, flexible, and scalable capital, which has been earmarked for deployment in the UK and Ireland’s commercial and corporate markets. If you run a stable, financially sound business with major growth ambitions - locally or globally - that are being constrained by lack of cashflow, we’d love to talk.
It was especially gratifying to read the most recent economic report by the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce which showed that, despite some obvious nervousness around interest rates and the potential impact of public spending cuts, our local business community remains generally upbeat.
Alan Mahon, the 33-year-old founder and CEO of Glasgowbased Brewgooder, will give a talk at a special free event at Innovation Factory on Friday 15th September about how his passion for beer and helping disadvantaged communities led to the creation of this impact brand, which is set to double its sales this year to £4m.
At the Brewing Ideas and Crafting a Business seminar, sponsored by Belfast City Council, Innovation Factory and Pacem, Alan will explain how the company’s ethical purpose is an integral part of its growth and is leading to it being one of the UK’s fastest growing beer brands.
“We don’t see ourselves as a craft beer brand - we are an impact brand in beer. Because we brew beer to empower the lives of others, we have the support of a loyal community of customers who like our beer and the ethos behind the business. People want products with sustainability and ethics at their core. The more beer we sell, the more projects we can support, building a feel-good flywheel,” he said.
His journey started when he fell ill in Nepal from drinking contaminated water and that inspired him to create a business that would fund clean water projects with every beer sold. He teamed up with friend and business partner James Hughes, launching the company in 2016 on World Water Day.
The company has now impacted the lives of 170,000 people in 15 countries providing more than 200 million litres of clean water. In 2019, 2021, and 2022 the company was awarded ‘Best for the World’ by B Lab, as one of the highest rated B-Corp brands in the world.
for one million people by 2030.
On his visit to Belfast, Alan who is originally from the Glen Road in the west of the city, will provide inspiration and practical advice to people who want to start or grow their own business.
“Belfast is a very different city from when I left Northern Ireland to go to university in Glasgow in 2008. More opportunity exists for entrepreneurs now and we have a tremendous amount of human capital and potential in the city. It’s a really good moment in time to encourage, support and enable entrepreneurship but with additional focus on scaling up exciting new ideas,” he said.
A new collaboration with Brooklyn Brewery involves the use of the west African grain fonio, making this the UK’s first ever ‘at scale’ fonio grain beer but also a product that gathers learnings for more sustainable brewing.
The company also formed The Brewgooder Foundation at the outset of its launch in 2016, which is supported by an independent board of Trustees and experts and grants funds to inspiring projects that help empower communities and aims to enable opportunities
Innovation Factory, which is hosting the event, is owned by Belfast City Council and operated on its behalf by Oxford Innovation Space. The £9.1m business hub was funded by Belfast City Council and Invest NI with support from the European Regional Development Fund. Innovation Factory Centre Director Neil Allen said: “Belfast is a centre for innovation and creative new ideas and Alan will share his experiences of creating and scaling up a global brand with a clear message and a positive impact on society. As the home of entrepreneurship in West Belfast, Innovation Factory is the perfect place to tell this incredible story that will inspire young entrepreneurs to pursue their business dreams.”
“People want products with sustainability and ethics at their core. The more beer we sell, the more projects we can support, building a feel-good flywheel.”
The young Belfast man behind one of the UK’s fastest growing independent beer brands is coming home to inspire the city’s future entrepreneurs.
Ebrington Square, a public space and tourist attraction in Co. Derry/ Londonderry has recently been upgraded to Ultrafast Full Fibre broadband across the Openreach network.
After a period of regeneration, Ebrington Square represents a new chapter in the story of Derry-Londonderry and has hosted many key events in the city, including during its time as UK City of Culture in 2013.
Built upon the former Naval base, Ebrington Barracks, Ebrington Square houses a number of local companies such as HR Team Ltd and The AMP. It’s also home to popular tourist attractions, including an award-winning brewery and a new 4* hotel, set to welcome a surge of international visitors to the city in years to come.
With growing opportunities for entertainment, tourism and local employment at Ebrington, there was a desire - and indeed necessity - for future-proofed, high bandwidth digital infrastructure. Yet despite the largescale refurbishment of the site, local businesses expressed concerns about the lack of high-speed broadband
they required to operate and grow.
In response, Openreach, the country’s leading broadband network, worked closely with the Executive Office and local councillor Padraig Delargy MLA to build on the foundations across the site, allowing SME and start-up organisations to access Full Fibre with speeds up to twelve times faster than an average broadband connection at a lower price.
Openreach also made available Fibre to the Premise (FTTP) to all existing units located around Ebrington including several units with multiple tenants.
Commenting on the work carried out, the Executive Office said: “After a number of local businesses expressed their concerns on broadband speeds and availability at Ebrington, the Executive Office worked to build the infrastructure needed to make Full Fibre broadband available to residents. We have already started to see the game-changing impact of fast and reliable on local businesses and I’m confident it will also
ensure the best possible experience for visitors for years to come.”
A local business based in Ebrington Square, HR Team, has firmly cemented its position as a leading HR Consultancy in Northern Ireland. Yet despite the business’s success, it previously struggled with poor broadband speeds and reliability, making everyday tasks difficult.
Speaking about the business’s experience, Martina McAuley, Co-Director and Operational HR Specialist at HR Team Ltd said: “The majority of our business is conducted online, and as providers of HR Software, it is essential that we are operating with the most efficient internet service. Our team of HR consultants carry out important work for clients based not only in Northern Ireland, but also in ROI and the UK. Without access to reliable broadband, this would be much more challenging”.
Martina continued: “The building
in which we’re based, “the old guardhouse”, was completely refurbished into a beautiful working environment; however it did not previously have access to Full Fibre broadband. Openreach’s build to Ebrington Square has therefore been a welcome service for our business and our team. Well-functioning broadband means that we can get on with what we do best; and that is providing first class HR services to our clients.
Openreach is continuing with the build of Ultrafast Full Fibre broadband across the North West and all of Northern Ireland. In November 2022 the company announced it had connected more than 250,000 customers to Full Fibre.
For more information, visit openreach.co.uk/ultrafast.
AbbeyAutoline is celebrating its 50th anniversary by partnering with Belfast Met to launch an innovative apprenticeship programme that will create a number of apprenticeship positions with Northern Ireland’s largest insurance broker.
AbbeyAutoline is celebrating its 50th anniversary by partnering with Belfast Met to launch an innovative apprenticeship programme that will create a number of apprenticeship positions with Northern Ireland’s largest insurance broker.
The new AbbeyAutoline programme will offer Apprentice Sales Advisors the opportunity to achieve a recognised Level 2 and 3 NVQ in Financial Services and work full-time as part of the company’s in-branch Personal Lines sales team.
AbbeyAutoline and Belfast Met will work in partnership to deliver a comprehensive apprenticeship programme aimed at nurturing talent
to meet AbbeyAutoline’s growing demand for skilled professionals as part of its ongoing expansion plans.
The employment-based education programme has been designed to provide high-quality learning opportunities that will equip apprentices with practical skills and in-depth knowledge to excel in their careers in the financial services sector.
Each apprentice will work alongside AbbeyAutoline’s Personal Lines branch sales team to gain valuable insights into the insurance industry and develop their customer service and sales abilities aligned with AbbeyAutoline’s commitment to excellent customer service.
The starting salary for the apprenticeship roles is £18,500 rising to £19,250 after 12 months and rising further again at 18 months and upon completion of the Level 2 Apprenticeship qualification.
Launching the new AbbeyAutoline apprenticeship programme, Wendy Close, Group HR Director of AbbeyAutoline said: “As AbbeyAutoline celebrates its 50th anniversary, we are proud to launch the AbbeyAutoline apprenticeship programme in partnership with Belfast Met.
“This programme will create multiple new apprentice roles across our Personal Lines sales team and it’s a tremendous opportunity for anyone interested in building a successful career with Northern Ireland’s largest insurance broker.
“Our apprentices will benefit from a distinctive blend of education as they study for an NVQ in Financial Services and day-to-day practical work experience. This will allow them to apply the skills and learnings they receive to
deliver an exceptional level of customer care and expertise to our customers.
“Through this partnership with Belfast Met, we are demonstrating our commitment to driving excellence in the local insurance industry, as we help nurture AbbeyAutoline’s next generation of sales and management professionals.”
Andrea Kearney, Employer Engagement & CFSA Apprenticeship Executive at Belfast Met added: “Belfast Met is delighted to be working in partnership with AbbeyAutoline. The Apprenticeship programme is brand new to AbbeyAutoline and we are excited to see it grow with this partnership.
“This is a really fantastic opportunity for anyone keen to take a step into the financial services sector and enables you to earn while you learn, achieve industry recognised qualifications and take the first step into your new career.”
For more information or to apply for a position on the AbbeyAutoline apprenticeship programme visit: www. abbeyautoline.co.uk/careers.
Local convenience retailer Centra is rallying for runners across Northern Ireland to take part in its annual fundraising event, Run Together.
This year aims to bring together
1,600 runners for one ultimate Run Together event taking place on 22nd October at Ormeau Park in Belfast. With both a 5K and 10K run, casual and experienced runners are encouraged to take part to raise vital funds for charity partner, Action Cancer. There are 200 early bird registrations open now for each run with the 10K priced at £15 (normally £20) and the 5K available to book for £8 (normally £10). The full registration fee will be donated to Action Cancer.
Centra has supported Action Cancer since 2001, and this year aims to raise an overall total of £175,000 to help keep the charity’s mobile detection the Big Bus on the road and provide its free life-saving
services to communities across Northern Ireland, including breast screening, health checks, and new for 2023, skin cancer detection.
As part of Centra’s Live Well initiative, Run Together is designed to motivate people of any ability or age to embrace a healthy lifestyle by taking part in the run. Whether participants are just starting their fitness journey or are looking for something to do with the family, the event is open to everyone.
Participants can walk, jog or run through the park, alongside hundreds of others, to raise funds and awareness for Action Cancer.
The runs will be staggered with the 10K kicking off at 9.30am and the 5K at 11am.
Local fitness Trainer, Bubba, is joining again this year to lead a pre-run stretch for all those taking part while Centra brand ambassador and radio presenter Pete Snodden will start the event and welcome participants over the finish line.
Everyone taking part will receive a medal, t-shirt, goodie bag, Frank and Honest coffee and lunch.
Commenting on the launch, Jennifer Morton, Centra brand manager, said: “We are excited to welcome back our Run Together fundraising event for 2023. There was a real feeling of community spirit during last year’s series and we’re looking forward to this year’s event being even bigger and better with more than 1,600 people joining together to raise money for Action Cancer.
“As part of Centra’s Live Well initiative, our aim as always is to get as many people as we can up and moving. Whether you’re running the 5K with your family or really
challenging yourself with the 10K, the run is a perfect opportunity to get outside and have fun whilst raising some money for an amazing cause.”
Lucy McCusker, corporate fundraising manager for Action Cancer added: “Run Together is always a fantastic event and we are very grateful to everyone who turns out to support it. The money raised makes a real difference to many people, by enabling us to bring our life saving services directly to them on the Big Bus. Early detection saves lives, so we would encourage people to sign up, take part and help keep the Big Bus on the road.”
To enter the 5K or 10K at Run Together, visit the website: centraruntogether.eventbrite.co.uk
In order to be successful, maintaining a positive workplace culture is not just beneficial, it’s essential. The recent allegations against multiple McDonald outlets throughout the UK have brought the issue of toxic workplace culture to the forefront – serving as a stark reminder of the importance of cultivating a healthy work environment.
Over 100 current and recent employees of the fast-food giant have reported a damaging culture of sexual assault, harassment, racism, and bullying, with workers as young as 17 being subjected to inappropriate behaviour according to a report published by the BBC. What can employers do to avoid a toxic culture in their workforce? Below are some strategies to help business leaders prevent workplace misconduct.
Encourage your team to voice their concerns, ideas, and feedback without fear of retaliation. This is particularly important in light of the allegations against McDonald’s, where many employees felt unable to speak out. Regular team meetings, anonymous suggestion boxes, and an opendoor policy can facilitate this.
Every member of your team, regardless of their role, should feel valued and respected. This means promoting diversity and inclusion, not just in hiring practices, but in day-to-day interactions as well. Regular training on topics like unconscious bias can help your team understand and respect different perspectives.
Firms should have clear policies that set out the company’s standards of appropriate workplace behaviour. The firm’s complaints procedure should also be clearly signposted for employees, giving them the option to report inappropriate behaviour confidentially.
If standards have been breached, it is important to take appropriate action swiftly and professionally. Ignoring or downplaying issues can lead to resentment and mistrust. Whether it’s a conflict between team members or a complaint about a manager, address issues swiftly and fairly. This shows your team that their well-being is a priority, and that inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated.
As a business leader, you set the tone for your company’s culture. Leaders and managers who embody the company’s values and treat everyone with respect will inspire their teams to do the same. Regularly evaluate your leadership team to ensure they are upholding these standards.
Your team is more likely to feel engaged and loyal to a company that invests in their growth. Regular training, mentorship programs, and opportunities for advancement can help your team feel valued and motivated.
In conclusion, the recent allegations against McDonald’s highlights the importance of creating an inclusive and accepting workplace that values its employees. As a business owner you can influence the culture in your workplace. By promoting open dialogue, respect, swift conflict resolution, exemplary leadership and team development you can foster an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute to your business’s success.
The last couple of years will have signalled to businesses that employees will not tolerate a culture that does not promote a healthy working environment. Organisations must ensure their workplace is conducive to employee wellbeing or risk losing the war for talent.
In the company of over 500 guests at ICC Belfast, Ulster Rugby launched its new Foundation with the aim of inspiring lifelong participation in rugby across the province.
Set to have a lasting and positive impact on the lives of those involved in rugby in Ulster, the Ulster Rugby Foundation will drive forward a community game in the province which welcomes people of all ages and abilities.
Fundraising for the newly-established Foundation was kick-started at the club’s Gala Dinner on Thursday 17 August, with the money raised going directly towards promoting participation and providing playing opportunities in the amateur game across Ulster. With the benefits of the game including improved mental and physical health; the development of teamwork and resilience skills; enhanced educational and employment opportunities; and a sense of community and belonging, the promotion of the game through the Foundation will be built around three key pillars:
CLUBS: Rugby clubs are the lifeblood of the game in Ulster, and the Ulster Rugby Foundation will work to ensure that our clubs are resilient, sustainable, and provide high-quality rugby opportunities for all of our community.
PEOPLE: Players, coaches, and volunteers are the heartbeat of our sport. Through the Foundation, we will support the development of coaches and referees, celebrate volunteers, and promote positive rugby experiences.
PARTICIPATION: The Ulster Rugby Foundation will provide more opportunities to take part in rugby, with the aim of growing the game and delivering social impact through rugby participation.
The Ulster Rugby Foundation will work alongside clubs, schools, charities, local authorities and government departments.
The gala dinner at ICC Belfast was attended by players, officials, club representatives, sponsors and a number of leading businesses.
Since I became Chief Executive of National Museums NI in 2016, museums throughout the UK and Ireland have been facing everchanging trends in consumer behaviour, and ongoing financial pressures.
The challenge for museums is to respond by creatively engaging audiences and positioning themselves as the unforgettable destination of choice amidst a myriad of leisure options. This challenge requires transformation – both in terms of what we offer, and how we are perceived by the public.
In the case of National Museums NI, the desire to maintain and attract new audiences is certainly a motivation. However, our primary motivation for change is rooted in social impact, and the positive contribution we know our museums make. Simply put, we believe our museums can and should encourage debate, challenge perceptions, promote reconciliation and support diversity and sustainability.
That may seem ambitious, especially when museums are often overlooked or mistaken for just a good day out. But our most recent Economic and Social Impact Report tells a different story revealing that £6 of socio-economic benefit is generated for every £1 invested in our museums. And with more than 700,000 visitors across our museums in 2022, we see the opportunity to connect with society in meaningful ways as unmissable.
But the sheer scale of what we cover as an organisation can be overwhelming – four museums, 1.4 million objects in the collection, and an extensive stream of programmes, projects, events and exhibitions. In response, our current
Corporate Strategy has committed to transforming our museums as a public service – an engine for impact. A commitment that requires critical thinking and sees us challenge our role and purpose and explore what museums of the future should look like.
For instance, at the time of going to print we have submitted a planning application to ‘reawaken’ the Ulster Folk Museum as a dynamic heritage and environmental resource. The diverse collections preserved at the Ulster Folk Museum have never been more relevant to our lives today and, with co-ordinated investment, we can enhance the Ulster Folk Museum as a world class asset that brings people together through heritage and inspires new thinking about our shared and sustainable future.
National Museums NI has a significant and unique role when it comes to societal change in post-conflict Northern Ireland. 2023 was a significant year as we marked the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement – a key milestone well documented in our Troubles and Beyond Gallery at the Ulster Museum
By Kathryn Thomson, Chief Executive, National Museums NI
which explores issues of cultural identity and examines the events and different perspectives of the time. While we have a shared history, we do not have a shared memory or lived experience. Therefore, creating the platform for future generations to understand the complex legacies of our past, and consider our shared future is essential. A cultural experience can have a more powerful, profound effect than a political narrative, and we carefully curate our offering to provide opportunities for discussion and debate to contribute towards peace and reconciliation. Getting people involved is crucial. Our museums are for everyone, and we recognise the onus of getting people involved lies with us, so we work incredibly hard to ensure we are accessible, inclusive and representative of a Northern Ireland both past and present. And whilst examining how we present Northern Ireland’s stories is important, so too is how we share the stories of the wider world. We are re-evaluating our World Cultures Collection on an ongoing basis to better understand the complex stories of some 4,500 objects from across
the globe – how and why they came to be here. Decolonising museums is an important area of work for the sector, and whilst we view repatriation as just one way of doing this, we are in active liaison with source communities to establish if certain objects can and should be returned to their ancestral homes.
Our museums can also effect positive change in the face of the current environmental crisis, as well as promote more sustainable lifestyles. At the Ulster Folk Museum we have partnered with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) to unlock our potential as a resource for learning about the environment and sustainability. At the Ulster American Folk Park, we are working together on a native bogland restoration project which is connecting communities, promoting skills development and championing biodiversity conservation.
To say we live in complex times is an understatement, but we will continue to assert our relevance to deliver lasting impact for Northern Ireland as we continue to reflect on the past and promote a better future.
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A new multimillion pound project from the Department for the Economy (DfE) is set to explore the potential for geothermal energy in Northern Ireland.
The project designed to ‘unearth the heat beneath our feet’ aims to support how we decarbonise the energy sector in pursuit of net zero carbon targets by 2050.
Launched today at the Pavilion, Stormont Estate, the project, known as GeoEnergy NI, will examine both shallow and deep geothermal at the Stormont Estate, Belfast and College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise, Greenmount Campus, Antrim, respectively.
Mike Brennan, Permanent Secretary of the Department for the Economy, said: “GeoEnergy NI is a milestone project of the Energy Strategy Action Plan, which focuses on delivering a
reduction in energy-related emissions as part of the pathway to deliver net zero carbon and affordable energy by 2050. This project will increase our understanding of the potential role that geothermal energy can play in Northern Ireland’s green economy and future energy mix.
“GeoEnergy NI has the potential to be a catalyst for growth in the geothermal sector. As a reliable, low carbon, renewable energy resource that occurs naturally within the Earth, geothermal also brings with it a host of environmental, economic, and social benefits. It will play a vital role in helping the sector to develop, increase Northern Ireland’s future security of energy supply and ensure we can maximise this valuable renewable energy source for generations to come.”
Representing a £3 million investment, GeoEnergy NI is being delivered by DfE with scientific support from the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) and a specialist contractor team led by Tetra Tech Europe.
Marie Cowan, Director of GSNI, outlined the potential for geothermal energy in Northern Ireland:
“Geothermal is regarded as one of the most environmentally friendly ways of producing local, sustainable, and lowcarbon energy and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, whatever the weather. Geothermal energy is already used widely and successfully in many countries around the world including the Netherlands, Germany and France, and there are several significant geothermal projects currently being delivered elsewhere in the UK.
“Northern Ireland is very fortunate to have favourable geology with significant untapped potential for geothermal energy right beneath our feet. Building on our extensive data, research, and mapping to date, GeoEnergy NI will provide us with invaluable data to help us realise this potential and deepen our understanding of the subsurface even further.
“An additional benefit of the GeoEnergy NI project is its public and stakeholder outreach campaign. Today guests were among the first to see the new website, VR headset and educational resources. A mobile visitor centre is also
planned later this year to further enhance the public’s awareness and understanding of geothermal and the economic potential Northern Ireland’s geothermal sector holds.”
Conor Lydon, Northern Ireland Director of Tetra Tech Europe, a leading global provider of consulting and engineering services said: “Working with DfE and GSNI, we are delighted to lead the consortium for the GeoEnergy NI project to help showcase the power and potential of Northern Ireland’s geothermal sector. Geothermal technology has been safely and successfully harnessed throughout the world for decades and we’re proud to bring our expertise in this sector to the project. The survey and exploratory work will use worldleading technologies and processes, safe and well-established techniques, and will be in full compliance with all local planning and environmental regulations. We have put together a strong team of experts from across the globe, all experienced in delivering geothermal projects and who have seen first-hand the tremendous benefits geothermal energy can offer.”
Belfast Chamber has launched a new policy paper which calls for concerted action across local and central government to help make Belfast a more investible city.
Entitled ‘Moving Belfast Forward’, the report argues that if Belfast is to meet its ambitions in terms of population growth, economic development and combating societal and environmental challenges like climate change, then the city needs to ‘up its game’ and reform how it sells itself to investors, how investors are guided through their investment journeys and the kind of public private partnerships that are put in pace to encourage scale regeneration.
Developed with the help of a group of regeneration experts, ‘Moving Belfast Forward’ sets out 15 recommendations build around 5 themes – Proposition, Process, Prioritisation, Partnerships and Planning – and include suggestions such as:
• Belfast should develop a renewed investment proposition, backed up by infrastructure investment plans and financial stimulants, that emphasises our innovation and talent assets and the need for new developments, such as build to rent housing, that support those strengths;
• The creation of a ‘one stop shop’ for investment and regeneration in Belfast, headed up by one senior official and led by Belfast City Council, but with partners drawn from relevant departments and agencies like the Department for Infrastructure and the Department for Communities co-located alongside their City Hall colleagues that can help overcome the disconnect that currently exists;
• Consideration should be given to the appropriate and bets delivery vehicle that could help bring investment projects to fruition and that this should include investment zones and development corporations; and
• The inclusion of necessary legislative changes that can create a more fit for purpose planning system as a
priority in any incoming Executive’s Programme for Government.
Commenting, Belfast Chamber’s Regeneration Policy Working Group Chair Tom Stokes said, “Over the course of the past few decades, Belfast has been on an unprecedented regeneration journey. The city has benefited from an astounding amount of positive change that we continue to see today.
However, in spite of all of that positive change, there is an impatience for more improvement. As Belfast has changed, so have other cities and, in many cases, our competitor cities have moved forward faster. Genuine concerns exist at the speed of change and the ability of the city to facilitate the level of regeneration required to fully take advantage of Belfast’s economic edge in the years ahead.
The continued renewal of Belfast is absolutely critical to the economic success of our entire region’s economy. Despite the good progress we now require ‘a best in class approach’ to
successfully compete for the crucial resources of investment and talent that Belfast needs to push forward at pace.
Belfast’s regeneration is not about growth for growth’s sake. It is about enhancing our city’s ability to overcome the challenges it faces. Many of the moves required are understood and articulated in various plans and reports. More dense, city-based development is crucial in combating climate change. Building more residential accommodation for students, young professionals and families creates communities that will endure. Additional spaces for employment can help us achieve inclusive growth.
There is no doubt that Belfast possesses a huge amount of untapped potential. To realise that potential, it will take a focused, cohesive effort from all of the City’s key stakeholders in order to see continued delivery of projects that meet the needs of the people of Belfast and enact progressive change in line with the shared ambitions set out in the Belfast Agenda”.
Belfast Chamber President Alana Coyle
added, “Belfast Chamber wants to see our city continue to grow and enable Belfast to compete for investment and talent. We recognise the progress we’ve made – much of it driven by Belfast Chamber members. However, we are conscious that other cities aren’t static and continue to press ahead with their own regeneration and if we don’t overcome some of the barriers to our city’s growth, then we run the risk of falling further behind.
‘Moving Belfast Forward and its recommendations is intended to be a positive contribution to an ongoing dialogue with city leaders aimed at delivering much needed regeneration, aiding investment into the region, attracting and retaining talent and encouraging the creation of a people centred city.
Belfast Chamber looks forward to engaging with decision makers to take forward our recommendations and, ultimately, working together to help Belfast achieve its ambitions and meet its potential”.
Leading food company Moy Park has celebrated the landmark anniversaries of almost 100 Northern Ireland employees across its Craigavon, Dungannon, Ballymena, and agriculture sites at its annual ‘Long Service Awards’ evening at the Hilton Hotel, Belfast.
Those with years of continued service ranging from 20-50 years, who cumulatively have achieved 4,000 years working with the company, were recognised at the special awards ceremony which was attended by their family and friends.
Speaking at the celebration event, Moy Park’s President Chris Kirke said:
“We are delighted to have so many long serving employees dedicated to Moy Park her in Northern Ireland. Across the business, they have built their careers with us and built our company into the successful, sustainable, growing business it is today.
“I want to congratulate all those recognised at the celebration event and thank them for their dedication and long service to Moy Park.”
Totalmobile and WorkPal are prominent players in the FSM marketplace, each offering distinct strengths and capabilities.
Totalmobile offers a comprehensive and integrated FSM platform to enterprise businesses, with functionality that includes job management, mobile working, lone worker protection, rostering, and field service intelligence capabilities. Meanwhile, WorkPal’s cuttingedge FSM technology enhances the operations of the SME market providing a host of features including
scheduling, tracking, and reporting to mobile working businesses.
Employing over 500 people locally between them, Totalmobile and WorkPal will collaborate to provide high-quality solutions to a broader range of customers.
Currently, WorkPal, which services 2,000 customers and approximately 15,000 users, is positioned to better support customers with up to c.100 employees, while Totalmobile continues to deliver to enterprise-scale customers.
Both WorkPal and Totalmobile have
established themselves as prominent companies in the UK and Ireland. Their achievements include being recognised as two of the nine Northern Irish companies listed in Deloitte’s 50 Fastest Growing Tech Companies, a testament to their impressive growth and success in the tech industry.
Gary Adams, Chief Strategy Officer at Totalmobile said: “Totalmobile and WorkPal have been operating in the same market for many years, each focusing on solving similar challenges for customers This formal partnership now allows Totalmobile to ensure that organisations with a SME workforce can still benefit from the advantages of field service management technology, with the expertise from WorkPal to manage this.
“We’re also pleased to be able to offer WorkPal’s existing customer base a greater range of FSM solutions to drive efficiency and productivity.
“WorkPal is adept at working with
customers that have previously been outside of our capabilities, so working together is mutually beneficial. We’re confident that this new formal partnership will continue to drive the growth of both of our businesses, as we continue to offer an unmatched suite of solutions.”
Britt Megahey, Founder and Managing Director of WorkPal said, “The UK field service market has become increasingly more competitive in recent years. We wanted a way to provide our customers with additional value while continuing to attract new business within our SME target.
“Operating in the same market as Belfast-based Totalmobile, we discovered that a partnership between our businesses would yield mutual benefits. While providing comparable services, our organisations operate on distinct levels, enabling us to assist a broader spectrum of businesses in optimising their field services.”
Two Belfast-based software providers specialising in Field Service Management (FSM) solutions have formed a strategic partnership that will see both expand their customer reach, benefitting more businesses with field and remote workforces in the UK and Ireland.
Northern Ireland’s overall company of the year in the opinion of the judging panel. Companies can be of any size/ scale, number of employees, and must be able to exhibit exceptional performance, especially but not exclusively during the 12 month period to 31st May 2023.
Sponsored by AIB
www.businesseyeawards.co.uk
This category sets out to recognise those local organisations exhibiting best practice in terms of people management. The judging panel will look for clear evidence of class-leading initiatives designed to make the organisation a better and more caring employer.
Sponsored by Labour Relations Agency
The Northern Ireland economy includes a high proportion of family-owned enterprises. This category sets out to recognise the very best. Open to all family-owned enterprises based in Northern Ireland, irrespective of size, scale or sector of operation.
Sponsored by Harbinson Mulholland
The category is open to senior managers and leaders in businesses and organisations across the private, public and voluntary sectors, whose leadership and achievement can be clearly demonstrated.
Sponsored by Ulster University Business School
This category will recognise a leading player in the 50-250 employee sector of the Northern Ireland economy, a key sector which includes a number of our leading private sector companies. As with Company of the Year, entrants must demonstrate exceptional performance across the board.
Sponsored by TLT Solicitors
Every organisation values its people. This new award category gives employers and organisations the opportunity to nominate their key employees for special recognition. The award is open to any employee of a Northern Ireland-based organisation in any sector as nominated by a direct or senior manager within the organisation.
Sponsored by Honeycomb
The company or organisation making the most valuable contribution to the continued development of tourism & hospitality here in Northern Ireland. Possible entrants might include hotels/hotel groups, other forms of accommodation, tourism development organisations, restaurants, travel facilities, etc.
Sponsored by Visit Belfast
Open to any Northern Ireland-based company of any size able to demonstrate evidence of significant innovation in products, services or processes resulting in demonstrable gains for the business as a whole.
Sponsored by Queens University
A very important category, this one is open to all manufacturing organisations, of any size and scale, operating in Northern Ireland. The judging panel will look for evidence of innovation, attention to detail, state of the art engineering and product market success.
Sponsored by RSM
Corporate social responsibility plays an important role for NI companies and this specialist category sets out to recognise an organisation from the private, public or voluntary sectors making a clear and impactful contribution to its local community as a whole.
Once again open to a Northern Irelandbased organisation of any size, this award will recognise an organisation which has made significant and demonstrable progress towards becoming more sustainable and contributing to the wider environmental goal.
Sponsored by Strategic Power Connect
www.businesseyeawards.co.uk
This award will be presented to the local company able to demonstrate significant growth – in terms of turnover and/or employment – over the last 12 to 18 months dating back from the closing date for entries.
This award is aimed at individuals in senior management and leadership positions who have achieved significant results for their organisation as a result of their leadcership.
The keynote award will honour Northern Ireland’s outstanding business personality over the past 12 months, an individual whose leadership achievements have contributed to business success and to the wider local economy.
Sponsored by Ardmore
A premier award on the night, this special award will be presented to an individual who has made a significant and lasting contribution not just to their own business or sector, but also to the Northern Ireland business community and economy as a whole.
Sponsored by Tarasis
Sponsored by Upstream
This category sets out to honour Northern Ireland’s leading accountancy, legal or other professional services firm working with and providing key advice to clients in the local business community.
Sponsored by Lockton
The most significant commercial development across any sector to include tourism and hospitality, office, retail and other key sectors, in terms of innovation, sustainability and contribution to the wider NI economy.
With diversity and inclusion firmly on the corporate agenda today, this new award will identify a local company which has diversity and inclusion at the heart of its recruitment and human resource management policies.
Sponsored by AIB
Sponsored by Alpha
The construction or property organisation making the most significant contribution to the wider economy through the development of innovative, sustainable and relevant project(s) across any sector, including both residential and commercial development.
The organisation with 50 employees or less which, in the opinion of the judges, exemplifies best practice and achievement across the board. Evidence of growth and development, clear vision and strategy to deliver growth, commitment to superior customer service, demonstration of innovation across the business.
Sponsored by Belfast City Centre Gift Card
Sponsored by Elliott Duffy Garrett
Full details are available online at businesseyeawards.co.uk
Founded in 2016 by Joanne O’Doherty and Jackie Crooks, Kinsetsu provides innovative sensor-based and automation technology solutions that are deployed to drive positive change within critical service environments. Kinsetsu’s ‘ktrack’ software works by simplifying the connection and management of assets using a diverse network of sensors, providing automated insight and status awareness of equipment, people, inventory and fleet.
Since the start of the year, Kinsetsu has secured new contracts in the defence, healthcare, and commercial sectors, with its impressive client list including NHS hospitals in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Royal Navy, Dumfries & Galloway Council, RTE and Tekno Surgical.
Commenting on the Company’s rapid growth and future plans, CEO
Joanne O’Doherty said, “Jackie and I are immensely proud to be female founders working in tech and in defence – neither of which is a common trait, creating jobs in our hometown, and making a real difference in all the sectors we serve.”
Less than 2p in every £1 invested during 2022 went to all-female founding teams, compared to 85p for all-male founding teams*. However, Kinsetsu has broken the mould with a £1.55m investment led by leading venture capital firm Par Equity, that partner with innovative, fast-growing technology companies in the North of the UK, with matching from Co-Fund NI locally, which is already playing a vital role in the expansion of the company’s business operations and growth within the critical sectors served.
Commenting on their decision to invest in Kinsetsu, Alistair Moore from
Par Equity said, “Kinsetsu is in the right place at the right time, and we’re excited about its potential to radically automate and optimise tasks and workflows for its customers whilst delivering substantial savings. Led by visionary founders, Joanne and Jackie, the company’s proprietary software delivers a return on investment of over 400% for its customer base, bringing full transparency to their asset tracking on a global basis. We’re thrilled to support the business on its scaling journey.”
From a start-up in a serviced office, Kinsetsu has grown to almost 30 employees with offices in Belfast, Galway and Ottawa. The company has tenaciously scaled up through an unprecedented period of disruption and economic turmoil and continues to sign multi-year contracts across mainland UK the island of Ireland for
its innovative IoT software platform.
Joanne concluded, “In addition to investment, our growth has been fuelled by the development of Kinsetsu’s partner channel and creating relationships in new global markets, which have expanded customer diversity and enabled us to focus on new product development.”
As a further recognition of their success, Joanne and Jackie were thrilled to receive the award for ‘Tech Team of the Year’ at May’s Women in Tech Awards, hosted by Women In Business, symbolising the collective effort and unwavering determination of the entire Kinsetsu team.
Afurther major milestone has been delivered in the exciting Belfast Grand Central Station construction project with the opening of a new busway bridge today (14th August 2023).
This impressive overbridge, is a key section of the new bus lane providing a direct, fast and efficient route for passengers using bus and coach services operating between the M1/ Broadway Roundabout and initially the Europa Buscentre, ultimately serving Belfast Grand Central Station with its 26 bus stands once it is complete.
Designed by Arup and constructed by GRAHAM, the busway bridge deck weighs 480 tonnes alone with a span of 51 metres which will cross the realigned railway lines serving the new station. It will also provide access to the bus engineering facilities on the site.
Philip Brown, Head of Major Projects, Translink, says around 400 bus services will travel across it on a daily basis when the new hub opens:
“This busway bridge is an integral part of the bus infrastructure planned for the world class Belfast Grand Central Station. Its development has been visible to anyone arriving into Belfast Great Victoria Street Station by train or using the Westlink over the past number of months and we are delighted to officially mark its opening and the return of this bus passenger priority lane through the site.
“From today, passengers will see around ten-minute reductions on journey times when travelling on services that use this direct bus lane and busway bridge to and from Europa Buscentre. We’d like to thank them for their patience and flexibility while we worked to complete this part of the construction programme.
“Its completion also enables wider station construction works to progress efficiently. I would also like to thank and congratulate the entire project and operations teams for their hard work to deliver this milestone and also acknowledge the Department for Infrastructure for their essential funding to deliver this project,” said Philip.
Andrew Henry, Contracts Director, GRAHAM, added: “We’re pleased to have safely and efficiently delivered this sustainable new busway bridge, which
provides a gateway to the station, and paves the way for the next phase of the Belfast Grand Central Station project.
“Like our previous projects with Translink, it will have significant benefits for the region, improving connectivity, driving economic growth, and supporting carbon reduction efforts in Northern Ireland. At GRAHAM, we strive to deliver lasting impact, and are delighted that this scheme has also created job opportunities for new entrant trainees. Additionally, it has supported over 300 hours of apprenticeships and helped support local suppliers and businesses.
“Work on the wider transport hub is still underway, but it’s clear that this transformative project is already delivering real social value.”
Chris Caves, Director, Arup said: “With the opening of the Busway Bridge, the transformative impact of Translink’s wider scheme will begin to be experienced by those in and around Belfast.
“Expertly constructed by GRAHAM, the bridge’s design harnesses Arup’s global experience in innovative transportation and sustainable development projects The entirety of the structural steelwork uses weathering steel, optimising the bridge’s durability and sustainability by preventing corrosion, achieving both a design life of 120-years and reduced maintenance requirements.
“Arup is immensely proud to be to be at the heart of the project, supporting Translink to realise their regeneration and innovation ambitions in the delivery of Belfast Grand Central Station.”
Belfast Grand Central Station will be a significant catalyst for regeneration through reconnection, supporting economic growth, prosperity and NI’s climate ambitions. It will provide easy access to bus, coach, rail and active travel connections across the city and beyond, driving modal shift and ensuring people are better connected while helping NI achieve the carbon emission reduction targets set out in the NI Climate Change Act.
The world-class facility is set to be Ireland’s largest integrated transport hub and will be situated at the heart of the new Weavers Cross city neighbourhood bringing circa 1.3 million square feet of mixed-use space to a strategic location in the city. As the largest transport-led regeneration project in NI, it brings significant investment opportunities and is set to be a key economic driver for Belfast and for Northern Ireland.
Construction of Belfast Grand Central Station is expected to be completed in 2025.
Collins Aerospace in Kilkeel has successfully obtained the Bronze Diversity Mark Accreditation in recognition of its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in the workplace.
The company received the award from Diversity Mark, a charity established in 2016 that assesses an organisation’s commitment to diversity and inclusion across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and the UK.
The Bronze Diversity Mark is awarded to organisations that show commitment to addressing gender diversity following an independent panel assessment. The ‘mark of progress’ publicly declares that an organisation has reached the required standard of commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion to benefit all.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion encompasses people of different genders, ages, races, ethnicities, abilities, religions, disabilities, cultures and sexual orientations.
Collins Aerospace in Kilkeel has
committed to the development of a dedicated DE&I strategy for its facility that will see the implementation of a structured approach to help set the course of its diversity journey, and ensure it plays an active role in supporting the achievement of the company-wide diversity goals, including the aspiration of a 50:50 gender ratio by 2030.
Collins Aerospace is passionate about creating an environment that is inclusive of all people, and breaking the stigma that manufacturing isn’t suitable for females, which is making significant progress through campaigns like the successful ‘Introduce a Girl to Engineering’ annual event.
In addition, a sustainable DE&I Educational Programme is being rolled out to all levels of the workforce, and Employee Resources Groups are
also being established that will help empower employees and help build momentum in the DE&I space.
Alan Henning, Managing Director at Collins Aerospace in Kilkeel, said; “Collins Aerospace is committed to DE&I. As a large employer, we have developed a diversity, equity and inclusion strategy, which is at the forefront of our operational plan for each year, and by engaging directly with our employees, we host a wide range of employee-led initiatives and recruitment events to encourage people to consider working with us.”
“Through participation in the Diversity Mark accreditation programme, we have the ability to implement a structured approach to allow us to progress in our DE&I journey. We recognise the importance of ensuring all people are treated equally and with dignity, and we want to ensure that all employees across the facility can embrace who they really are. Gaining this accreditation is the first step in our journey and our longerterm targets include further developing our diversity and inclusion rates, and
ensuring all employees continue to feel valued, safe and respected.”
Nuala Murphy, Director of Diversity Mark, commented; “We are very pleased that Collins Aerospace in Kilkeel has been awarded the Bronze Diversity Mark Accreditation. This is a brilliant achievement, and we would like to congratulate the whole onsite team for their hard work and commitment in building a more diverse and inclusive workplace. Our accreditation framework and process has been designed to help companies set realistic targets, and our independent assessment panel provide expert annual feedback to continually support companies on their journey. It is about setting solid foundations that will help build a better workplace environment, where individuals feel valued, are treated fairly and have equal opportunities.”
At its base in Kilkeel, Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, employs over 800 people where they manufacture innovative seating solutions for commercial jets that fly on many of the world’s leading airlines.
One of Ormeau Road and Belfast’s finest bistros celebrates its tenth birthday today with a special event which sees the venue offer guests live music and bar service for one night only.
Shed Bistro, which opened in June 2013 and doubled in size in 2020 following a £200,000 investment by husband-and-wife team Jonny and Christina Taylor, has established itself as one of the most
popular restaurants in Belfast. Over 160,000 diners have enjoyed lunch and dinner since in the restaurant’s first decade with thousands more enjoying recipes from the bistro following the publication of Shed Bistro’s first cookbook ‘Neighbourhood Cooking’ in December last year. It has also employed nearly 150 people since it opened.
“Shed Bistro was born on the Ormeau Road and as we celebrate our tenth birthday we’re proud of our role as the neighbourhood’s premier restaurant where people of all ages and backgrounds can come and enjoy some of Ireland’s best food in a relaxed but stylish environment. We are dedicated to bringing the highest quality
ingredients from across the island to the plates of our guests and always favour small independent producers who we know well,” said Christina.
“Our kitchen is like our restaurant and the people who work here - open, busy and focussed on delivering the best for our guests. I’m personally proud that Shed Bistro now has a firm place in the heart of the people of Belfast and the Ormeau Road - whether it’s a birthday celebration, Sunday lunch or business dinner, I love that Shed Bistro continues to be the number one choice for so many people.”
Shed Bistro has also been a regular winner of major awards during its time
on the Ormeau Road - Bistro of the Year for Northern Ireland in The Food Awards Northern Ireland, Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year in County Antrim in the NI Hospitality Awards and, just recently, LCN’s Café Bistro if the Year.
“We’re delighted that so many people can join us for our tenth birthday celebrations” added Christina, “and we look forward to seeing guests from near and far joining us over the next ten years. I want to thank the people of the Ormeau Road and South Belfast for their support over the last decade also - without you Shed could not have become what it is today.”
from strength to strength.
“The addition of flights to London Luton and Manchester further boost its presence at Belfast City Airport, providing additional choice and ease for passengers.
“These new routes not only bolster our route network but underline our commitment to meeting customer demand and offering unparalleled connectivity across the UK.”
Both year-round flights will operate up to four times a week and will help maintain connectivity between the regions with great value fares starting from £24.99 one way.
Katy Best, Commercial Director at Belfast City Airport, said:
“Since commencing operations at Belfast City Airport only two years ago with its route to London Gatwick, easyJet has moved
Both routes will operate four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Katy continued:
“Passengers that choose to fly from Belfast City Airport will also benefit from unrivalled convenience due to our excellent location, five minutes from Belfast city centre, and our speedy security times.”
Ali Gayward, UK Country Manager at easyJet, added:
“We are delighted to be celebrating the launch of our new domestic
service from Belfast City to London Luton and Manchester for the first time, further strengthening our network in Belfast City and providing our customers with even more direct and convenient domestic connections that we know will prove popular for
business and leisure travellers alike.
“We are proud to be the largest airline in Northern Ireland and remain committed to offering customers great value fares and more choice when they fly with us.”
Flights to London Luton and Manchester have taken off from Belfast City Airport today with easyJet, bringing the total number of destinations served by the airline to six.
The Copeland Distillery has secured new listings at Belfast City Airport’s World Duty Free. The Distillery’s gin, rum and whiskey range has only been on-shelf for six weeks so far, but sales are already off to a flying start with the Distillery’s Traditional Irish Gin the second most-popular dutyfree purchase across all products sold at Belfast City within the first two weeks of being on-shelf.
According to a report from Allied Market Research, global duty-free spirits sales were worth US$13.78 billion in 2019 and are expected to rise to US$16.10 billion by 2027. Travel retail is a key part of the Distillery’s growth strategy as founder Gareth Irvine explains.
He said: “This Belfast City Airport listing is a significant listing for us in travel retail – a critical channel for us as a premium brand. We know from our presence at Belfast International and Dublin Airport that duty-free shoppers want to discover new products when travelling and have come to expect
a certain quality when it comes to their purchases. High footfall airports are central to our growth strategy as, along with supporting sales, the travel environment provides exposure to huge numbers of local and international consumers which is an unmissable opportunity as our export footprint continues to increase across the US, Australia and Asia.
“We’re really pleased with our performance at Belfast City Airport so far – it proves how strong a match we are for travel retail. We’re looking forward to continuing to work with World Duty Free and Belfast City Airport’s
commercial team as we unlock further opportunities for our growing portfolio.”
Throughout June and July, Belfast City Airport has experienced its busiest days since 2019 with up to 10,000 people travelling through the airport every day to its 27 destinations across the UK and beyond. Michael Jackson, Head of Commercial at Belfast City Airport, said having a varied range of premium local brands satisfies demand from travellers.
He added: “Summer is a busy period at Belfast City Airport, with passengers wanting to treat themselves to a well-deserved holiday, so it’s fantastic to have enhanced our local spirits offering for both domestic and international travellers.
“Our travellers want to experience what makes Northern Ireland special when shopping with us, with many keen to purchase items produced locally such as gifts and mementos. With this in mind, our continued investment in Northern Irish food and drinks brands is helping to drive footfall and give passengers a taste of our region.
“We’re excited to provide a platform to The Copeland Distillery’s impressive
range, which is not only value for money but also instils a fantastic sense of place with its iconic distillery located only 30 minutes from the Airport itself.”
Mark Prentice, Commercial Director at The Copeland Distillery says the success in One World Duty Free is due to the distillery’s range uniquely crafted and great tasting spirits, and a powerful brand story.
He said: “Travel retail is booming for us. Consumers are recognising that our range represents the very best in local craftsmanship and can connect them to the rich maritime history of Donaghadee. It’s an exciting time for the premium spirits industry with the gin, rum and whiskey categories continuing to thrive globally. As a result, we are committed to continuing to develop our range and maintain our success across the US, Europe, Australia, Asia and the UAE, and appeal to emerging markets such as Africa.”
Mallusk-headquartered Brett Martin is set to supply an important element of a new a 53,000-seat Premier League stadium that will generate an estimated £1.3 billion economic boost to Liverpool.
The world-leading plastics manufacturer is providing the high-performance, transparent polycarbonate for Everton’s impressive new ground at Bramley Moore Dock, a £555 million project that is seen as key to the regeneration of that part of Merseyside.
Covering over 6000 sq m of the stadium roof, the specialist polycarbonate material will transmit sunlight through to the pitch, helping to ensure a high-quality surface for many of the world’s top footballers to play on.
Manufactured at the company’s world-class manufacturing facility in county Antrim, Brett Martin’s Marlon CS Polycarbonate corrugated sheet has already been used in some of the top stadia in sports such as rugby, football, cricket and horse-racing.
Brett Martin is the UK market leader in this
specialist sector and has therefore completed a range of Premier League club projects including Manchester United’s Old Trafford and Manchester City’s Etihad.
Paul Martin, from Brett Martin said: “Our team at Mallusk delivers projects that have a huge impact on the world around us, whether in sport, business, healthcare, education or agriculture. It’s hard to overstate the importance of the material that we supply for the success of top football clubs. Without a high-quality playing surface, these teams can’t succeed. Through significant R&D, we have developed a product that meets the needs of stadia roofing in terms of strength, durability and the ability to emit sunlight to the pitch.”
“Everton’s stadium project is truly world-class in terms of its design, sustainability credentials and potential positive impact on Liverpool. So it is one that are very much proud to be involved with,” Paul added. Employing over 1,000 people in total and with sales of £220million, Brett Martin is one of Europe’s largest plastic sheet producers. Find out more at www.brettmartin.com
Three employees at Craigavonbased drinks firm United Wines have been recognised for their long service, having worked for the company for a combined total of 60 years. Transport Manager Arthur Watson (left) from Ards, Head of Finance Siobhan McSorley from Donaghmore, and Planning & Transport Supervisor Darren Lynn (right) from Craigavon were each presented with a commemorative plaque and a gift voucher from Managing Director Martin McAuley to mark 20 years’ service at the company’s County Armagh base.
Founded in 1985, United Wines, a subsidiary of Heineken Ireland, is one of the biggest drinks distributors on the island of Ireland. Operating from an 80,000 square foot warehouse in Craigavon, with 55 staff on its books, United Wines distributes an extensive portfolio of beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks from all around the world to more than 1,000 bars, restaurants, hotels, off licenses, cash & carries, regional wholesalers and national multiples throughout the country.
Sales and Marketing Director at family firm The Mount Charles Group, Gavin follows Alana Coyle in heading up the 111 year old business organisation which represents close to 1,000 businesses in the city.
Commenting upon being elected to the post of President, Gavin Annon said, “I am absolutely honoured to become the new President of Belfast Chamber. Belfast Chamber is an iconic institution, but it’s also more than that. Belfast Chamber is a movement. It has a duty to our members to help make Belfast world class by applying positive pressure to our partners in government to produce results. Belfast Chamber has a dynamic insight into the challenges our city faces but most importantly, it sees the huge potential we have on a global scale.
I recently came across a quote which I think is a true reflection of Belfast. “Kites rise highest against the wind, not with it”.
Belfast has been through one of the most remarkable journeys of its time including the Troubles, riots, protests, city centre fires and a pandemic thrown into the mix, and that’s just to name a few. But today, we are that kite, rising high against the wind, and our future can see us fly even higher.
Belfast Chamber has been actively leading the debate on how our city should develop and grow, and our next chapter will see us focussing on 3 key pillars namely;
Making Belfast an affordable and accessible city to live;
Making Belfast a viable and exciting place to do business; and
Making Belfast an enjoyable and desirable city to visit time and time again.
These are the essential building blocks of a successful city. Belfast is doing well but we also need to do better”.
Reflecting on some of the challenges facing the city, Gavin Annon added,
“Walking through Belfast on a daily basis, I see a beautiful city. However, it’s no hidden secret that there are challenges. The cleanliness of the city has come under scrutiny. Progress has been made in the past year – much of it as a result of pressure applied by Belfast Chamber – but we must ensure that standards are maintained and that we work hard to present our city in a proud and polished manner. Similarly, I know that concerns exist about safety in some parts of the city centre. Belfast may well be one of the safest cities in the UK, but it isn’t good enough though to say ‘other cities are worse’. There’s some outstanding work being doing by statutory agencies and charitable organisations with vulnerable people who need help. That work needs to be supported and supported with additional resources, and Belfast Chamber will continue to work with those groups to do what we can to assist them in making Belfast as safe a city as possible.
The city has endured many challenges over the last number of years, not least the pandemic, and we are still living with many of its aftereffects. It’s been hugely encouraging to see some vacant retail units becoming occupied by new brands and the repurposing of many buildings to new uses. However, we still have some distance to travel on our regeneration journey. Earlier this week, our ‘Moving Belfast Forward’ report was launched. It contains a series of recommendations aimed at speeding up regeneration and making Belfast even more investible. Working with City Hall and a, hopefully, soon to be restored Stormont, to implement our suggested changes will be a priority for Belfast Chamber over the coming year”.
The company, which recently acquired the North London-based Soho Sandwich Company, has also enjoyed strong organic growth in recent times, including securing a series of large contracts in the travel, foodservice and coffee sectors.
As a result of this organic growth and to facilitate future expansion, the company has acquired a new circa 30,000 sq ft factory at Slough Trading Estate, which will become the group’s sixth manufacturing facility.
Alongside the increase in factory capacity, the company will also bring its total headcount across the group to more than 1,000 with the 200 new jobs being created. 300 of the 1,000 people will be based in Slough.
Gareth Chambers, CEO of Around Noon, said: “We have grown our run rate at Around Noon in Slough from £4million
per annum in 2018 to around £30m per annum today. We now manufacture over 400,000 products per week at the existing Slough factory and we are really pleased to have secured additional premises at Slough Trading Estate to support our ongoing growth.”
Located just twenty-five miles from London, Slough Trading Estate is home to a wide range of differentsized companies across multiple sectors, including Mars, Ferrari, DHL, Lanes Group and UCB.
James Craddock, Managing Director, Thames Valley, at SEGRO, the owner, manager and developer of modern warehouses and industrial property, said:
“This is a wonderful example of how the quality and management of our workspace combined with our flexibility and understanding of our customers’ property needs has enabled us to
retain and grow our diverse customer base on the Slough Trading Estate.
“Around Noon is a strong, growing business and we’re very pleased to have been able to accommodate them in this upgraded facility and enable their business growth, particularly at a time when the vacancy rate at Slough Trading Estate remains very low at 2.7%.”
The new facility is undergoing a major renovation in line with the developer’s ‘Responsible SEGRO’ commitment to champion low-carbon growth.
Sustainability features include an EPC rating of A+; photovoltaic panels installed on the roof providing electricity to the premises with any excess back into the network grid; new energy efficient LED light fittings throughout; a heating and comfort colling system; mechanical ventilation and water reducing products in the WCs; shower
facilities to encourage more employees to cycle to work; and electric vehicle charging points. The unit also has SMART meters installed throughout to help the customer improve operational efficiency and enhance the working environment.
Around Noon manufactures items such as sandwiches, salads, wraps and fruit pots for leading airlines, coffee chains and caterers. This new factory will allow the company to increase its manufacturing capacity in Slough alone by circa £50m.
Around Noon Group was founded in Newry, Northern Ireland over 30 years ago and is today one of the leading FTG manufacturers in the UK. It produces an extensive range of chilled, hot, frozen and bakery products from five manufacturing sites across the UK and Ireland. It has facilities in Newry, Slough and North London and employs over 800 people.
Around Noon, the fastgrowing food-to-go (FTG) manufacturer, is set to open a major new factory at Slough Trading Estate near London and will create up to 200 new jobs as part of an investment plan.Gareth Chambers, CEO of Around Noon, and Wesley Jenkins, Operations Director, announce the investment in the company’s sixth manufacturing site. They are pictured at the new site at Slough Trading Estate which will undergo major renovation.
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Radius Vehicle Solutions (RVS), the only all-island provider of passenger car, van and HGV commercial vehicles service and repair services, has secured a second unit in Mallusk, totalling 5,000 sq ft and representing a £1million investment.
The vehicle solutions business, which employs 65 staff across Ireland, incorporates well-known Newtownabbey business, Gus Commercials and is part of the global Radius group, having been acquired in September 2022.
The expansion, which will create 10 new jobs over the next 12 months, will see the extension of its passenger car and van service
centre, to allow RVS to service and repair a larger proportion of vehicles in-house.
Paul McGuire Managing Director at Radius Vehicle Solutions, said: “The investment in new premises gives us increased scale and capabilities to grow our in-house service and repair offering. The new site will facilitate the relocation of the sales and rental departments and host a dedicated customer service centre to enhance the customer experience.”
Ciarán O’Neill Commercial Director at Radius Vehicle Solutions, said: “We are the only provider that can confidently claim to be a one-stop shop for customers who require mixed vehicle leasing, fleet management, service and repair, telematics, dashcams, insurance and fuel cards through our DCI network. With an enhanced team, we will be well placed to deliver more for clients than ever before, expand our service offering with them and attract new customers.”
RVS is part of Radius Group - a global leader in mobility, connectivity and technology solutions. It currently has Northern Ireland sites in Mallusk, Dunmurry and Celbridge.
The charity is calling out for local businesses, clubs and societies to play their part and tackle the homelessness emergency, as 250 people become homeless in Northern Ireland each week.
Teams from novice to pro are invited to register for the big race on 23rd September. The cost is £500 per boat, which holds up to 21 people, with everyone taking on the challenge to raise funds for the local charity.
Jim Dennison, Simon Community NI CEO says; “With the current homelessness emergency at hand, we wanted to expand our fundraising efforts and welcome a new event that has been designed for groups and corporates. Our Dragon Boat Races will be an adventurous day out, it will not only bring your team together for a bit of competitive fun, but it will help us raise awareness
and vital funds for us to continue providing shelter and support services to some of the most vulnerable people in our society, every day in Northen Ireland. We hope to see you and your team there.”
The event, hosted by Bryson Lagansports is always a popular choice and promises to be bigger and brighter than ever with a BBQ and entertainment. Teams are also encouraged to include fancy dress as part of their race plan for the day.
Colin Johnston, Managing Director Galgorm collection adds; “We have been supporting Simon Community Northern Ireland for over a decade in their mission to “end homelessness”.
We are delighted to be involved in this year’s brand-new Dragon Boat race event to help raise vital funds for current projects. Our team have entered a boat and we look
forward to racing down the Lagan, followed by a BBQ for all participants which we will be hosting. We would encourage all business, clubs, and societies to gather a team and get involved in this fantastic event.”
To take part in the Simon Community NI Dragon Boat Race in
September, register your team by emailing events@simoncommunity. org. Registrations for the event close on 31st August.
There will be a full briefing before the boat race begins. Each team member must raise a minimum of £80pp to take part or £1600 per boat.
Irish vehicle solutions provider has added a third premises to its Northern Irish estate to support an ambitious all Ireland growth strategy.
Leading homeless charity, Simon Community NI is set to make a big splash in September with the popular Dragon Boat Race in Belfast.
Matt McRoberts has been appointed as Head of Marketing at Hastings Hotels. In his new role, Matt is responsible for leading the group’s marketing department and will oversee all marketing, branding, PR, digital and social media strategies across the six hotels including spa and food & beverage outlets. In 2022, he received a Rising Star Award from the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation. Matt holds a BSc (Hons) in Business Studies from Ulster University.
Ken Ferguson has been appointed as General Manager of Dobbies’ new flagship store at The Junction Retail and Leisure Park, Antrim. With over thirteen years’ experience at both Aberdeen and Lisburn Dobbies stores, Ken will lead a 120 strong full and part time team at what will be the garden retailer’s largest UK store. Joining him as Operations Manager at the new store is Jenny Campbell. Jenny progressed through the business beginning her career as a part-time houseplant advisor, then moving onto customer advisor and visual merchandiser roles before securing Operations Manager at Antrim.
Faraz Baig has been appointed at eir evo UK as Pre-Sales Solution Consultant, with overall responsibility for specification, design and development of IT, network and security service solutions for the company’s enterprise and government customers. Faraz previously worked in network operations for Goldman Sachs and Lehman Brothers, before moving to BT for 17 years as a Managed Services Network Engineer and then as a Network Technical Design Architect. Also at eir evo UK, Lewis Crothers joins as a Field Engineer. Lewis has been working on deployment of Wide Area Network (WAN) for local councils across Northern Ireland. Prior to eir evo UK, Lewis, a Cisco Certified Network Associate, was involved in engineering field work across Northern Ireland, working with various public and private sector organisations to deploy wireless WiFi and WAN solutions.
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Niall Quinn has been appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer at Hughes Insurance. Coming from Neurovalens and having held senior roles with Barclays and PwC, Niall brings 28 years’ experience in accounting, banking, and consumer financial services.
Shelbourne Motors has appointed Alan Thompson as the family-owned vehicle retailers’ first ever Chief Operations Officer. Alan will be tasked with spearheading the company’s growth strategy and further strengthening its position as one of Northern Ireland’s largest family-owned vehicle retailers. He brings over 27 years’ experience and expertise in the automotive industry, where he has worked across various departments in key leadership and business development roles. He graduated from Queens University Belfast in Business Administration & Computer Science, earning the prestigious ‘Unibol Award’ for being the top graduate in his class. He also holds a CIMA Advance Diploma in Management Accounting.
Solicitor Sarah Livingstone has joined leading Belfast law firm, Millar McCall Wylie, as part of its ongoing growth. Having previously worked with national law firms, Sarah brings experience in employment law and commercial disputes to independently owned Millar McCall Wylie. Sarah graduated from Ulster University with a First Class Honours degree in Law in 2018.
Kerem Osman Çubuk is appointed as Education Officer with Armagh Observatory and Planetarium. Kerem is a former PhD student at the planeterium. He holds a BSc and an MSc in Astronomy and Space Sciences from Erciyes University in Turkey. His PhD programme was focused on mapping the distribution of molecular clouds in our Galaxy. Joining law firm Mills Selig as a Senior Associate is Kevin Tarpey. Kevin has been recruited to join Mills Selig’s Property Team and will work alongside an elite team of lawyers providing clients with expert advice across residential transactions. Lauren Shaw has been promoted to the position of Senior Associate within the Property team at Mills Selig, in recognition of her experience and expertise across the commercial property and banking sectors. Promoted to the role of Senior Associate within Mills Selig’s Employment team is Andrew Edwards. Andrew advises employer clients on the whole spectrum of employment work and regularly provides advice on employment issues to corporate clients in their sales and acquisitions of companies.
The Belfast firm has also appointed five new associates. Emma McCloskey has moved into the position of Associate within Mills Selig’s corporate team. Lyndsey McSherry is now Associate within Mills Selig’s corporate team. Peter Cashel has also moved into the position of Associate within the Mills Selig corporate team. Jayne Paterson is now Associate within Mills Selig’s Property team and Ciara Campbell has also moved into the position of Associate within Mills Selig’s Property team.
Tara Leathem has been appointed as the new Business Development Manager at Outsource Group. Tara has over 20 years of experience in business development and software solutions, IT and renewable energy, owning her own business for 10 years, which offered web solutions to over 120 clients across Northern Ireland and Ireland. At Outsource Group, Tara will be overseeing all new business development activities across IT Managed Services, Cyber Security, Cloud and Telecoms as well as developing relationships with the company’s current client base. She will also be seeking new business development opportunities in both the public and private sectors.
Science and technology Hub Catalyst has appointed Craig Stewart as its new Head of Estates and Development to maximise the potential of its physical property estate for both existing buildings and future developments. Craig joins Catalyst with a wealth of experience in the property investment and development industry. Having graduated from Ulster University he went on to work at a number of well-known commercial property companies in Northern Ireland, managing a mixed portfolio of assets across the UK including office, retail, leisure and industrial industries. Craig became a qualified member of the RICS in 2010.
Northern Ireland’s largest insurance broker has committed to the ambitious programme as part of its 50th Anniversary with a focus on giving back to communities that have played a crucial role in the company’s success over the past 50 years.
The 50 projects will see passionate AbbeyAutoline staff from across its 15-branch network work together to make a meaningful difference to their communities by helping organisations in need of support and practical assistance.
Staff will get involved in a variety of projects including volunteering at food
banks, donating in demand items to a variety of community organisations, tidying up community gardens, and fundraising for local charities.
A dozen projects have already been delivered by staff, including a cleanup of White Rocks Beach in Portrush by members of the Coleraine branch. The staff at the Newtownards, Lisburn and Downpatrick branches have each collected food donations for local foodbanks to help provide essential support to those in need.
The Ballymena branch coordinated a major fundraising drive to raise much needed items for a local organisation, Baby Basics, that
supports struggling mothers and families caring for newborn babies.
The staff at the Boucher Road branch hosted a coffee morning for The Greater Village Regeneration Trust Community Fridge that aims to reduce food waste and ease cost of living pressures for residents.
Julie Gibbons, Managing Director of AbbeyAutoline, expressed her enthusiasm for the ‘50 Ways of Giving Back’ campaign, saying: “As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we are incredibly proud to launch this remarkable community-based programme. We believe in giving back to communities across Northern Ireland who have supported us throughout our journey, and our ‘50 Ways of Giving Back’ campaign allows us to do that.
“Our dedicated staff members will have the opportunity to make a real difference in their local communities. Whether it’s rejuvenating a local
community garden, volunteering at an animal shelter, participating in beach clean-ups or organising a blood drive, we are determined to leave a lasting positive impact with the people we serve.”
The ‘50 Ways of Giving Back’ programme builds on AbbeyAutoline’s hugely successful ‘50k in May’ challenge, where over 120 staff members raised £4,000 for AWARE NI by walking, running, biking, or hiking 50 kms during May.
AbbeyAutoline has also dedicated 50 hours of volunteer support to its longstanding charity partner - the Northern Ireland Hospice – aimed at benefitting the important work carried out by the charity.
AbbeyAutoline has launched its ‘50 Ways of Giving Back’ community-based programme that will support 50 charities and voluntary organisations across the region in 2023.
The Grand Central has celebrated its fifth birthday and following the recent visit by President Joe Biden, the leading five star property has experienced some of its busiest weeks since opening its doors in 2018.
Northern Ireland’s largest hotel pledged to bring a new era of luxury to Belfast and it has firmly delivered on this promise. The Grand Central has welcomed dignitaries from across the world including Presidents, the now King Charles and Queen Camilla, global music stars and international football players.
Last year the hotel was awarded a fivestar rating by the AA and the Seahorse Restaurant was awarded an AA Rosette.
Stephen Meldrum, General Manager of the Grand Central Hotel said: “Over the last five years, the Grand Central Hotel has gone from strength to strength. The hotel was open less than two years when the pandemic hit so it’s fair to say that we have already experienced a lot of challenging times
in our time. Despite this, we are proud to have ingrained ourselves in the local community and are proud to be a key player in Belfast’s success story.
After Covid, we have continued to work hard to rebuild the business and I am delighted to say that we are going on an upward trajectory, not just locally, but globally. We have a strong leisure guest business and a large incentive group travel business and working in partnership with our industry colleagues and stakeholders, the city is firmly back on the international map.”
“I am extremely proud to lead an exceptionally talented and dedicated team of people, who have worked hard over the last five years to get the Grand Central to where it is today. It has been fantastic to see
so many of my colleagues progress through the hotel and be rewarded for their efforts. For example, Jarmila Simova initially started part-time through an agency just before we opened and over the last five years, she has worked hard and has led by example and is now our assistant head housekeeper having successfully
taken part in Hastings Hotels Management Ambassador Programme.
It continues to be a busy and exciting time for the Grand Central Hotel and I’d like to take the opportunity to thank our staff and our guests for their continued support and I am confident that we are well placed for continued success in the years ahead,” Stephen added.
Diageo has welcomed Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s decision to grant planning permission for the £26m extension of its Baileys Global Supply Facility at Mallusk. The site is one of only two global production sites of the iconic Baileys brand.
The Mallusk site focuses on the original Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur and includes the production, bottling, labelling and storage of the product before distribution. Approval of the expansion plans will enable Diageo to improve its logistics and warehousing facilities. Work on the multiyear project is expected to commence in early 2024.
The facility at Mallusk produces over 60 million bottles of Baileys every year, sending them to 150 countries worldwide. It is one of three Diageo sites in Northern Ireland, which also includes a beer canning and packaging facility in East Belfast and its corporate headquarters located in Belfast city centre.
Commenting, Lesley Allen, Operations Manager at Baileys Mallusk, said: “We are delighted with the
Council’s decision to approve our plans to extend our site at Mallusk. The extension will support the storage, delivery and distribution of raw materials and finished goods and we are looking forward to the opportunities it will create for us.
“Baileys makes a considerable contribution to the local economy in Northern Ireland, and over 97% of our output is shipped around the world. We are confident that the planned extension will support Diageo’s wider growth strategy, building on the £40m investment we made in opening the site in 2003 and the ongoing investments to further develop the facility and the Baileys brand.”
Ranking Ireland’s 50 fastestgrowing indigenous technology companies based on revenue growth over the last four years, the awards celebrate the innovation and entrepreneurship of local firms.
Last year, nine companies from Northern Ireland made the prestigious list, which was topped by Dublin-based same day grocery delivery company Buymie.
Belfast-based fintech company Lightyear was the highest ranked Northern Ireland business last year at number 11 on the list and was joined by fellow first-time entrants Fibrus Networks, Locate a Locum and WorkPal, plus Data Intellect (formerly Aqua Q), Datactics, Foods Connected, Totalmobile and SciLeads.
Deloitte Fast 50 lead partner in Belfast Aisléan Nicholson said: “Northern Ireland’s reputation as a hub for creative, homegrown technology companies continues to grow every year and the success of companies who make it into the Fast 50 demonstrates talent, ambition and an ability to compete at a global level.
“We continue to see strong growth from companies who are offering services that help meet the needs of modern life, for example those in areas such as cleantech, sustainability, cybersecurity and health tech. Deloitte’s Fast 50 recognises this success and also the future ambitions of the companies, putting the spotlight on the potential they have for new growth opportunities.”
Colin Hutchinson, CFO of Fibrus, said: “Being named as one of Deloitte’s Fast 50 companies is testament to Fibrus’ reputation for pushing boundaries and achieving remarkable growth in the last four years. Our journey has become synonymous with bringing Full Fibre broadband to every corner of Northern Ireland – an accomplishment that wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our exceptional team.
“We are proud to be recognised alongside other innovative and ambitious companies, as it showcases our commitment to bringing the latest technology to deliver high-speed connectivity to underserved regions.”
The ranking features both private and public listed technology companies
that have demonstrated innovative strategies, sound management practices and marketplace vision. This year’s awards programme will include several award categories that companies can enter in addition to the overall ranking as well as introducing a new “Rising Star” award. The Rising Star award in association with Enterprise Ireland will be awarded to a company who demonstrates a promising growth trajectory and the potential for inclusion in the Fast 50 rankings in years to come. Companies being considered for this award have operating revenues accounting for a minimum of two years and less than four years.
• Growing New Technology Award in association with Google: This award recognises a company that has created or introduced a new or innovative product or service to international markets, which helped grow their business over the last four years.
• Impact Award in association with Meta: This award recognises a company that has made a significant impact within the current year.
• Women in Technology Advocate Award in association with NetSuite: This award will be presented to an individual who has demonstrated through their actions that they are an advocate for increasing participation by, and promotion of, women in the technology sector.
• Scale Up Award in association with Scale Ireland: This award recognises a company that has demonstrated an impressive ability to scale up/expand overseas over the last four years.
• Financial Services Innovation Award in association with Financial Services Ireland: This award will recognise a company with an innovative product or service that is having a disruptive impact within the financial services industry.
The closing date for entries is 6 October 2023 and the winners will be announced at a ceremony in Dublin on 30 November 2023.
Applications are now open for the 24th annual Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Awards.
A team of 25 employees from Belfast law firm Millar McCall Wylie will take on the challenge of trekking 20 miles across County Down in aid of charity partner, Cancer Fund for Children.
The ’Coast to Coast’ challenge will begin on 9th September at sea level in Rostrevor, with the route extending along mountainous terrain through the Mourne Way. The group will finish their hike at a particularly special location, Cancer Fund for Children’s Daisy Lodge in Newcastle, a purposebuilt therapeutic centre for the families of young people affected by cancer.
Emma Rooney, Associate Director with Millar McCall Wylie, heads up the firm’s charity committee: “We wanted to create a fundraising challenge that brings us out of our offices and into the great outdoors to raise as much support and awareness as we can for our fantastic charity partner.
“For us, it is poignant that our fundraising walk will finish at Daisy Lodge, a wonderful place that offers peace and respite to so many families affected by cancer in Northern Ireland each year. The whole team is truly looking forward to what is set to be a fun, tough and thoroughly enriching adventure.”
Speaking about the importance of the fundraiser, Jordana StoneyWilson of Cancer Fund for Children said: “It is just fantastic to see the enthusiasm and energy that the team at Millar McCall Wylie is putting into their fundraising efforts with this amazing Coast to Coast challenge.
“Corporate partnerships and
initiatives such as this are hugely valuable in supporting our services. We will be behind Millar McCall Wylie every step of the way as they set out on their trail, and we’ll cheer them on with great pride as they arrive at Daisy Lodge. All funds raised will go
towards supporting our vision that no child should face cancer alone.”
Donations towards the Millar McCall Wylie Coast to Coast challenge can be made at: https://www. justgiving.com/page/mmw-legal
The Belfast Chamber has appointed Clare Guinness as its new Chief Executive after a competitive recruitment process.
Clare, who takes up the role in the coming weeks, has over 25 years of experience, holding senior roles in banking, business, infrastructure and inward investment. A finance graduate by background, she is also a Chartered Director.
She moves to the Chamber as the new CEO, previously serving as Innovation District Director for Belfast, responsible for bringing forward 400 acres of the city to capitalise on significant investments.
Belfast Chamber, which is over 111 years old and represents around 1,000 businesses in the city, is made up of members from a full range of commercial enterprises, dealing with a wide range of issues affecting trade and commerce in Belfast.
Belfast Chamber President, Gavin Annon, on welcoming the appointment of the new Chief Executive of the Chamber, said today:
“Belfast is a dynamic city and is changing before our eyes. We have such a fantastic value proposition which the Chamber is helping drive forward to facilitate further growth, investment and job creation.”
“We still have significant potential to fulfil across a range of sectors, and to support the city to develop in a sustainable way, we will continue
to focus on our key areas, making this a great place to do business, a place that is affordable to live in, and a place to visit time and again.”
“Our contribution from the Chamber to the overall development of Belfast is central and that requires dedicated and professional leadership. Our new Chief Executive, Clare Guinness, will help make us the ultimate driving force in the city.”
“Clare has an outstanding track record and has the right mix of experience and professional attributes to lead the Chamber and its membership into the future. We warmly welcome her to the Chamber and wish her every success.”
New incoming Chief Executive of Belfast Chamber, Clare Guinness added:
“Belfast is the economic engine of Northern Ireland and plays such an important role. Like every city it has it challenges, but we find ourselves in a unique and positive position in a whole manner of ways.”
“The prospect of driving forward our inward investment proposition, supporting continued regeneration, and attracting more people to the city over the next few years is an exciting one and I am thrilled to have been appointed as Chief Executive of the Belfast Chamber.”
“Belfast is a place that I am passionate about and I am keen to make sure that we can accelerate the city’s economic, social, and environmental ambition and meet the needs of our members.”
“I am looking forward to taking up my position in the coming weeks, ahead of our Business Awards, building on the success of the Chamber and working with the Board to deliver on our strategic priorities.”
enthusiasm about the opening, stating: “We are very pleased with the reception the launch of The Lookout has received.
“We had high expectations and our team, new and old, delivered to a very satisfied customer base from near and far.
“When we launched The Salthouse in 2019, we knew we were fulfilling a void in the hospitality scene, and the subsequent demand from our customers has led to our expansion, including the addition of the new restaurant.
“The Lookout offers a relaxed dining alternative that complements our existing à la carte venue and provides our guests with the sustainable experience that is synonymous with The Salthouse culture.”
The Salthouse, a luxury eco hotel in Ballycastle, opened the doors to its highly anticipated new restaurant to an incredibly positive response, it said.
The Lookout, representing a substantial £1.5 million investment, has also brought about the creation of 30 new jobs, including 13 talented international staff members who have brought their expertise to the team.
The latest addition to one of Europe’s most eco-friendly hotels is a remarkable indoor and outdoor
culinary venue that has also introduced a bakery to support various aspects of the hotel’s operations.
As part of the investment, 10 chef positions were created to curate a predominantly European menu, offering a range of delectable pasta dishes, pizzas, burgers, and classic plates.
Keeping true to its sustainable ethos, The Lookout prioritises the use of locally sourced ingredients, some of which are even grown on-site.
The decision to expand the hotel’s offering was prompted by the
growing demand for breaks at The Salthouse, which already boasts a 24-bed hotel, six eco-lodges, a spa, and another restaurant.
The Lookout is expected to become a cherished dining spot for locals, daytrippers, and residents alike and adds to the already exceptional offering at the venue’s original restaurant.
The existing venue continues to serve its renowned seafood dishes and classic mains in a more formal setting.
Carl McGarrity, Director at The Salthouse Hotel, expressed his
The Salthouse Hotel is committed to self-sufficiency, harnessing renewable energy through an onsite wind turbine and solar panels that power the hotel and eco lodges. The property also aims to minimise single-use plastics whenever possible, and its water supply is sourced from its own borehole.
Conveniently situated on Dunamallaght Road in Ballycastle, The Salthouse enjoys a prime location approximately a one-hour drive from Belfast and Derry-Londonderry, and a three-hour drive from Dublin.
The Salthouse Hotel is a joint venture between Nigel McGarrity and a local property developer. For further information about The Salthouse Hotel and its offerings, please visit www.thesalthousehotel.com or email careers@thesalthousehotel.com.
The launch of The Lookout restaurant at The Salthouse eco-hotel in Ballycastle has been an overwhelming success, serving more than 3000 covers in the first month.
Volvo has big ambitions for electric cars. It expects half of sales will be all-electric by 2025 and all its new cars will be battery powered by 2030.
And this new EX30 compact crossover will be a big part of that transition. It’s the firm’s new entry level model, an all-electric compact crossover which Volvo hopes will attract new and younger buyers to the brand.
Indeed, it expects around three-quarters of EX30 buyers will be new to Volvo, with the majority buying it as a second car.
Unlike the larger XC40 Recharge, which is derived from a combustion engine-powered model, the EX30 is based on an entirely new all-electric platform. It carries over many of the styling cues from the recently launched flagship EX90 with a closedoff grille and Volvo’s signature
‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlights.
In the UK, the EX30 will be offered with three powertrains
and two different battery types. Entry-level Single Motor versions feature a rear-mounted 268bhp motor with a 51kWh lithiumiron-phosphate (LFP) battery.
That chemistry, which is more cost-effective to produce, gives it a claimed range of 214 miles. It delivers a respectable 0-62mph time of 5.7 seconds and can charge at up to 150kW, potentially (depending on what charger you use) taking the battering from 10-80 per cent in 26 minutes.
The Single Motor powertrain will also be offered in Extended Range form. Priced from £38,545, it uses with a 69kWh nickel-manganesecobalt (NMC) battery, which extends the range to 298 miles.
That battery is also used in the top-spec Twin Motor Performance model, which adds a second, 154bhp electric motor on the front axle to give a combined output of 422bhp. The EX30 also promises rapid acceleration, with the Twin Motor Performance version reporting a 0-62mph time
of just 3.6 seconds – making it the fastest-accelerating Volvo car ever. That model is priced from £40,995 and offers a 286-mile range.
The initial UK model range consists of two equipment grades, Plus and Ultra. An additional entrylevel Core grade will be added at a later date, at a lower price point.
The Plus versions come as standard with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen with built-in Google functions and wireless smartphone integration using Apple CarPlay. There’s also a Harman Kardon premium audio system, featuring a new soundbar that extends across the width of the dashboard. The two-zone climate control set-up has an air-purification system and uses an energy-saving heat pump, while the heated front seats and steering wheel help contribute to quick and efficient warming.
A rear camera and front and rear parking sensors help the driver safely manoeuvre tight spaces, and Pilot Assist provides adaptive cruise control with steering assistance.
Ultra models add a 360-degree camera with virtual 3D view and
Volvo’s Park Pilot Assist automatic parking system. Other features include a fixed panoramic sunroof, 20-inch alloy wheels, poweradjustable front seats, darktinted rear windows and a more powerful, 22kW on-board charger. Four interior designs – termed ‘rooms’ by Volvo – will be offered, all using different recyclable and renewable materials, including one that has upcycled denim fibre in the dashboard.
Although the EX30 won’t feature the lidar systems that will be used on the flagship EX90, the firm says it will be “as safe as you’d expect from a Volvo” and there has been a focus on improving safety in urban environments. As standard, the doors will feature an alert if you are about to open them when a cyclist or runner is passing.
There are also ‘state-of-the-art’ restraint systems and a raft of driver assistance systems. They include the new Park Pilot Assist function that can help identify parking spots and operate in a wider range of spaces. Orders are being taken now for deliveries later in 2023 or early 2024.
New EX30 aims to win over younger buyers to Volvo’s charms, writes James Stinson.
tempting benefit-in-kind company car tax rates. At launch, the electric i5 will be available in two specifications - rear-wheel-drive eDrive40 and four-wheel-drive M60 xDrive. The rear-wheeldrive eDrive40 receives a rear-mounted electric motor developing 335bhp and 317lb ft of torque, giving it a claimed 0-62mph time of 6.0 secs and a 120mph top speed. It’s priced from £73,200.
The four-wheel-drive M60 xDrive uses the same rear-mounted electric motor in combination with a smaller front-mounted motor that delivers an added 256bhp and 269lb ft. It develops a combined system output of 593bhp and 605lb ft for a claimed 0-62mph time of 3.8 secs and an electronically limited top speed of 143mph. The price to be paid for these high-end numbers is an eye-watering £96,840.
The BMW 5 Series has been the go-to model for company executives for decades and remains a big selling model for the brand.
So, when it came to the latest refresh, BMW weren’t about to go too radical, at least not on the design front. However, there is big news when it comes to what powers the newest 5 Series. As with the existing model, the new 5 Series will continue to be offered with petrol power in mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid form but there’ll also be a new pure electric option – the i5 – and no diesels. Looks-wise, this latest eighth-generation has more in common with the smaller 3 Series with more conventional kidney grilles than those seen
on the latest 7 Series, i4 and iX that have caused some consternation among BMW aficionados.
The car is a little bigger than before, sitting 10cm longer and three centimetres wider than the outgoing model with the wheelbase extended by 20mm, which should allow a little extra legroom for rear-seat occupants. With a capacity of 520 litres, the boot of the 520i is reduced slightly in size compared with the current car.
For all BMW’s heritage and brand value, rivals – most notably Tesla – have been nipping away at its heels, finding favour with company execs hellbent on making the switch to electric. Some are genuine battery enthusiasts, but most are likely doing so to take advantage of the
Both i5 models feature an 81.2kWh lithium ion battery as standard. The eDrive40 offers a claimed range of between 296 and 362 miles, while the more powerful M60 xDrive delivers a claimed 283 to 321 miles of range. An all-electric estate and plug-in hybrid versions are set to join the range in 2024. The plug-in hybrid is expected to deliver a battery only range of around 50 miles.
For all the interest around these electric versions, the price premium over standard petrol-powered cars is staggering.
The entry-level 520 sDrive which features a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, complete with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance starts from £49,850.
With 205bhp and 330Nm of torque, it’ll be good for a 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 143mph. BMW is claiming CO2 emissions of between 130g/km and 144g/km, depending on vehicle spec, with combined fuel economy of between 44.1mpg and 49.6mpg. Orders are being taken now for deliveries in October.
It’s about time the local motor industry got some recognition, where the best in the business get picked out and lauded for their good work.
And that’s just what’s going to happen later this year with the first ever Northern Ireland Motor Industry Awards, which aim to celebrate the industry’s leading motoring businesses and professionals.
There will be 18 award categories available to enter including Dealer Group of the Year, Used Vehicle Dealer of the Year, Best Customer Service Award, Sales Team of the Year, Inspirational Woman of the Year and Best Marketing Campaign.
Event Director Sasha Jeffrey says recent sales figures, which showed new car sales in March up nearly 20% on a year ago, prove this is an exciting time for the local car industry.
“The Northern Ireland Motor Industry Awards endeavours to give organisations, companies and individuals across the industry the opportunity
to raise their profile and platform their contribution to sustained growth and success within the local automotive sector,” she said.
The event, which will take place at the Crowne Plaza, Belfast on 3rd November, has already attracted a number of big-name sponsors. Event sponsor Used Cars NI is joined category sponsors including AbbeyAutoline, CarMoney, City Auction Group and Purple Rock, Close Brothers, Codeweavers, Connected Car Finance, GardX, Northridge Finance, PML Group, TradeBid and WEEV. Cool FM is the media partner.
Used Cars NI Chief Executive Stephen Kelly said the awards would recognise and celebrate the achievements of individuals and businesses who promote excellence in Northern Ireland’s thriving motor industry. “We are immensely proud to be supporting this prestigious event,” he said.
If you fancy entering these awards, more info is available at www.nimotorindustryawards.com.
We’ve all gone a bit SUV crazy in recent years but there’s still room for a good old-fashioned luxury saloon.Stephen Kelly of Used Cars NI and Pamela Ballantine celebrate the launch of the Northern Ireland Motor Industry Awards.
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