33 minute read
4C UR Future Builds On Success For 2020
EyeonBusiness & Education
The 4C UR Future ‘Live’ Events follow on from a hugely successful pilot event that was held in 2019 with more than 1,200 young people from eight local schools gathering at Ulster University’s Jordanstown campus for a day of sector-related skills and challenges. The pilot was supported by over 30 local companies from across a diverse range of sectors and aimed to highligh young people’s talents and potential career choices.
4C UR Future, established and run as a not-for-profit enterprise by one of Northern Ireland’s leading business figures Rose Mary Stalker, sets out to do much as its name suggests...enable young people to foresee their own future.
“That’s the very purpose of what we do,” says Rose Mary, an experienced engineer, former senior manager at the Ford Motor Company and recently appointed as the new Chair of Invest Northern Ireland. “We want to help young people to become the best versions of themselves as they possibly can.
“We exist to inspire, inform and enable young people to make the most of their opportunities, to take the path that’s
4C UR FUTURE BUILDS ON SUCCESS FOR 2020
A series of regional events this summer will set out to expand the 4C UR Future concept around Northern Ireland, enabling as many 13-year olds as possible to gain insight into their future opportunities.
right for them and to contribute to the economy as well as to society as a whole. “Our approach is specifically designed to enhance equality of opportunity. We try to enable each individual to explore their own unique combination of positive attributes, talents and learning styles, and to align them with emerging work trends and employability criteria.”
Once there, 4C UR Future Live is not a dry and boring information-based event. Instead, the young people take part in a range of interactive games and work-based simulations, specifically designed to draw out and identify their key strengths, all with a view to helping them to make better-informed subject choices and career planning. 4C UR Future sets out to work alongside key employers, companies and the main sector groups within the Northern Ireland economy to inform young people about the skill sets that are desirable both now and in the future.. An industry-led steering committee has already been established to finalise the plans, and to make the all-important connections with the business sector. The committee will be working with Business in the Community to ensure strong links are forged between business and education. 4C UR Future aims to run 5-8 live events on a regional basis in Northern Ireland this summer, working alongside local councils. “A good series of well-attended events means that we can impact on the education and career planning of thousands of young people in the region,” says Rose Mary Stalker. “Looking further down the line, it’s not inconceivable that we could touch on the lives of just about every 13-year old here in Northern Ireland, all 22,000 or so of them.” The regional events are being planned for the month of June and that’s a deliberate choice. June is the month when 13-year old have to make their all-important subject choices for GCSE study. “And that’s when these young people really need to start thinking ahead to their careers,” Rose Mary adds. “The world of work has changed beyond all recognition in recent years and it continues to change at a rapid pace. Traditional subject choices and traditional career aspirations simply aren’t as relevant or straightforward as they used to be, there is a huge range of new options and it’s vital that we get that message across to both schoolchildren and their parents.”
“We aim to demystify the confusion over careers. The world of work is changing fast and it can be difficult to keep up to date. It’s an area where, understandably, some teachers struggle and some schools admit that they don’t do very well. This year we want to expand our programme for teachers with relevant sector briefings..” Each regional live event will be supported by follow-on mentoring opportunities and the young people attending stand to gain a much clearer understanding of their own abilities and strengths.
Rose Mary Stalker tells the story of one young person attending last summer’s 4C UR Future event held in Belfast. “One of the industry experts attending the event and watching the young people go through their paces noticed that this young man had an unusually high level of manual dexterity. And, when he was told this, it was clear that he’d never received that kind of praise before. “But does his manual dexterity mean that he’d make a great butcher, a great mechanic or a great surgeon? That’s the kind of question that we’d love to help him to answer.”
EyeonNews
Jet 2 Launches Iceland Programme
Jet2.com is launching a programme of trips trips to Iceland from Belfast International Airport for the very first time for Winter 20/21.
Customers in Northern Ireland can select from a choice two four-night trips in either October 2020 or mid-April 2021, the best times of the year to experience this incredible destination and the spectacular Northern Lights. This brand-new programme of dedicated trips gives holidaymakers in the region great choice and flexibility for those wanting to experience everything this Nordic island has to offer. Whether it is the cityscape of Reykjavik, the spectacular Northern Lights, or the stunning Golden Circle and its geothermal lagoons, spas and waterfalls, Iceland provides an incredible variety of things for customers to experience and see. Customers can pick from flightonly or package holiday options, with package options with Jet2CityBreaks available for a low £60 per person deposit. Package options with Jet2CityBreaks include a guided Northern Lights Tour, flights with Jet2.com including 22kg hold luggage, transfers to and from the airport, as well as a choice of 3 and 4-star hotels in central Reykjavik which provide the perfect base from which to explore and experience authentic Icelandic cuisine. In addition, excursions to the Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon are also available to purchase.
All flights to Keflavík International Airport near Reykjavik will be operated by award-winning Jet2. com on Boeing 737-800 aircraft, and the full programme from Belfast International Airport is as follows:
For further information and to book, visit www.jet2.com or www.jet2CityBreaks.com
Tourism NI in partnership with Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland have collaborated to sell the island of Ireland as a premium tourist and golf destination at the flagship Nordic Trade Workshop 2020.
This year the workshop has been extended to a two day event, incorporating both Stockholm and Copenhagen. Key industry partners from the island of Ireland will meet with tour operators and media from Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland.
Industry representatives from Northern Ireland including Killeavy Castle Estate, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Visit Derry and City Hotel joined forces with Tourism NI at the trade show to help promote Northern Ireland as a world class tourist and golf destination to Nordic tour operators. Leanne Rice, Tourism NI’s Golf Marketing Manager commented; “We are dedicated to supporting the local golf tourism industry to reach key overseas markets, like the Nordics. During an extremely busy 2019, Northern Ireland has seen an unprecedented golf tourism boost with The Open Championship returning to Royal Portrush Golf Club which contributed £106m to the economy, with a total of 237,750 spectators attending. Promoting our superb golf product and wider tourism product to the international market is extremely important alongside working with international golf tour operators.”
EyeMovingOn
1 Jo-Anne Dobson
2 Martyn Blair
3 Eoghan Fee
70 4 Rachel McCurry
5 Caroline Treacy 6 John Ardill
7 Laura Streight
8 Amber McCullough
9 Jamie Cairnduff
10 Peter McConville 11 Claire McElduff 12 David Tighe
1 Jo-Anne Dobson from Co. Armagh joins the board of AgriSearch as an independent farmer trustee. Jo-Anne Dobson is a former MLA who served on the NI Assembly agriculture committee. She is a partner in the family’s beef and cereal farm in Co. Armagh. Jo-Anne, who is a living kidney donor, is Northern Ireland Charity Ambassador for Kidney Care UK and also a member of the Queens University Simulation Centre User and Patient Safety Reference Group.
2 Martyn Blair takes up a position on the board of Agrisearch as a UFU nominated farmer trustee. Martyn Blair brings a wealth of relevant expertise to the board. He is a poultry farmer from Co. Antrim and holds a Master’s Degree in Agri-Marketing. He is a former President of the YFCU and a Board member of UFU.
3 4 5 White Ink Architects have made three new appointments: Eoghan Fee is an Architectural Technologist who has gained 12 years’ experience working with architectural practices to deliver significant projects throughout the UK and Ireland. Eoghan is a motivated professional and brings his experience in Revit and BIM to the White Ink team, resulting in fully coordinated, efficient and viable design solutions for our clients. Rachel McCurry joins the White Ink team as an Architect. Prior to qualifying as an architect in 2017, Rachel explored her passion for Sustainable Design and completed a Masters in this from Queen’s University Belfast. Rachel has embraced technological changes in the industry and is highly skilled in Revit, BIM, 3D visualisations and Virtual Reality having delivered significant major projects. Caroline Treacy joins the team as Office Administrator - bringing 10 years’ experience and excellent organisational skills to the busy White Ink office. As a 1st class BA Hons graduate in Film & Television, Caroline brings added value to the team by helping us promote our staff and work through film.
6 7 8 Wilsons Auctions have made three key appointments. John Ardill becomes Northern Ireland General Manager. John started with the company in 2001, starting in the car department he progressed to auctioneer in 2006 before taking on the position of Car Auction manager in 2010. John was promoted to General Manager of Belfast Head Office in 2015, managing all departments and 100 members of staff. Laura Streight has been appointed Government Contracts Manager, where she will be responsible for managing all Government Contracts. Laura joined the company in 2007 as a Receptionist for the Portadown branch, moving to the Belfast Head Office in 2017 she was appointed Online Auction Executive before being promoted to Operations Supervisor in September 2018. Amber McCullough has been promoted by Wilsons Auctions to Auction Support Supervisor at its Belfast Head Office. Amber joined the company in 2016 as Auction Support.
9 Jamie Cairnduff has been appointed Investment Analyst at Whiterock Finance. Jamie achieved a First Class Honours degree in Accounting at Queens University Belfast, before joining BDO Northern Ireland in 2012. In her new role she will be responsible for due diligence on potential investments and analysis on investment transactions.
10 Rainbow Communications has appointed Peter McConville as Financial Director. He joined Rainbow in 2015 as Finance Manager from the Graham Group and is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Accountants.
11 Claire McElduff has been promoted to Director of Accounts and Audit Services at Gildernew & Co. Chartered Accountants. Claire has 15 years’ experience advising owner managed business across Northern Ireland and has been central to the practice’s growth to date.
12 David Tighe has been appointed Managing Director, Bauer Radio Northern Ireland, responsible for the future development of the award-winning Cool FM, Downtown and Downtown Country portfolio. David’s previous roles include Regional Managing Director, South East UK at Global Media and Entertainment where he managed 8 commercial teams. He was also Chief Executive and Programme Director at Limerick Live 95FM and Programme Director for TFM Radio.
EyeMovingOn
13 Charles-Oisin Caswell
14 Damien Russell 15 Martin Stewart
16 Neil O’Prey
17 Arlene McPhillips 18 Keith Logan
19 Neil Hughes
20 Angela Keery
21 Graeme Bennett
22 Cathy Scott 23 Lynsey Carroll 24 Patrice McGurk
13 14 Also at Rainbow, Charles-Oisin Caswell becomes Business Development Manager, joining from London-based technology firm Sharp-AX Computer Systems while Damien Russell joins the team as Business Development Specialist, moving from the voluntary sector.
15 The former Director of Banks, Building Societies and Credit Unions at the Bank of England, Martin Stewart, has joined the Board of Northern Bank Ltd (Danske Bank UK) as a nonexecutive director. During his executive career Mr Stewart held senior positions at the Bank of England Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Financial Services Authority (FSA). He was a key influencer of global financial services policy development post the financial crisis and while at the PRA his remit included being the lead regulator overseeing Northern Irish banks, building societies and credit unions.
16 Neil O’Prey has been appointed Financial Director for Re-Gen Waste Ltd. Prior to joining Re-Gen Waste, he spent 17 years at PWC, advising executive committees of major businesses in the UK, US, South Africa and Ireland, on financial planning, change strategy, growth, productivity and cost efficiency.
17 The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) in Northern Ireland has elected Arlene McPhillips, incoming Head of Marketing, Research and Communication for the Controlled Schools Support Council, as the organisation’s new Committee Chair for Northern Ireland for 2020. Brittany Breslin, Account Director at Impact Communications, has been elected as Vice Chair.
18 Charles Hurst has appointed Keith Logan as General Manager of Charles Hurst Van Centre. With over 10 years’ experience of the motoring industry, Keith has a wealth of experience with brands including Peugeot, Vauxhall and Ford.
19 Neil Hughes has been appointed Associate Director, People and Change Consulting at Grant Thornton in Belfast. Neil has extensive experience in human resources, having held a number of senior HR roles previously at Ulster Bank and as HR Director at the Herbert Group.
20 Angela Keery has been appointed Tax Director at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore. Specialising in helping family businesses plan for the future, Angela brings over 25 years’ experience to the firm. She will work with a wide variety of corporate tax clients, including family owned businesses, growing businesses and entrepreneurs.
21 Graeme Bennett has been appointed as a director of IPC Mouldings. Graeme will drive the strategy for growth within IPC, implementing change where necessary and developing the team. He previously held a number of senior management business positions across manufacturing, packaging, beverage and construction sectors before joining IPC Mouldings as general manager in early 2019.
22 23 24 Hastings Hotels has made three senior appointments. Cathy Scott and Lynsey Carroll become Revenue Managers. Cathy is a former Reservations Manager of the Culloden Estate & Spa, Events & Revenue Manager Ballygally Castle and Deputy General Manager of Stormont Hotel. Lynsey joined Hastings Hotels in 2007 and has held a number of roles within the company including PA to the General Manager and Marketing Executive for the Europa Hotel before developing her role within the hotel focusing on Group Room Control, Yield and Revenue Maximisation. Patrice McGurk is appointed as Business Development Manager for the Grand Central and Europa Hotels. Patrice has almost 20 years’ experience working within Sales & Business Development and prior to joining Hastings Hotels she worked in rrivate healthcare for 10 years.
EyeonCharity
Action Cancer Keith Duffy Gala Ball
Local charity Action Cancer teamed up with the Keith Duffy Foundation to stage a black tie gala charity event at Titanic Belfast, raising thousands of pounds for cancer research here in Northern Ireland. Keith Duffy, who set up his own charity foundation several years ago, performed at the Belfast event alongside his good friend and former Westlife star Brian McFadden.
72 Lisa and Keith Duffy with Sarra Slimane, Cole Page, Danny Parkinson and Brian McFadden The Fund Raising committee for the Christmas Ball
The Action Cancer Fundraising Team with head of Fund Raising and Communications Dougie King
Geraldine Kerr Action Cancer, Gareth Kirk CEO Action Cancer, James Hagan of Hagan Homes sponsor of the Christmas Ball and Dougie King Action Cancer
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EyeonMotoring
Can The Stylish Ds3 Crossback Cut It As A Premium SUV?
They are billing DS as a stand-alone brand these days but those letters are so evocative of the glorious big Citroen DS saloon which graced our roads back in the 1960s.W e can hardly blame them for reprising such a wonderful heritage.
Modern DS offerings are rather more mundane and the DS3 Crossback is more closely in tune with the modern cross-over trend. Having been rescued by the Peugeot group, which now also owns Vauxhall, reality now dictates what they are making.
They are targeting where the hot money is today - the burgeoning premium SUV sector headed by the Range Rover Evoque. That means it is up against the Volkswagen T-Roc and a handful of other very competent machines. Yes, the going is going to be tough. An all-electric model is on its way but I have been sampling a 1.2-litre turbo petrol car with 131ps on offer through its automatic gearbox. This gives a good surge of acceleration when needed with a bit of a whoosh but is otherwise well-behaved.
On the road it is light to drive but a bit roly-poly yet not as comfortable as you expect from a French car.
Economy is rated in the mid 40s with emissions from 117g/km putting it in the 27% company car tax band. There is a 1.6 diesel with less power (102ps) and more economy (62mpg combined) but it is penalised with 28% company car tax despite emissions of just 102g/km. With a big honeycomb grill and chic lines, you can tell that it is French. The interior styling is quite confusing with an abundance of diamond shaped switches that take a bit of getting used to. There’s a central touch screen that works many functions.
Inside feels a bit dark and cosy though there is enough front-seat room for
six footers. The back isn’t so spacious, neither is the boot which has a high lip and a low down release button that collects road grime at this time of year. Other gimmicks include door handles that sink flush into the bodywork and come out when you press the remote lock button. A triumph of style over everything else, perhaps, the DS3 Crossback is priced from £22K.
Ranger Pick-Up Puts On The Style And Is More Comfy Than Expected!
As pick-ups are treated as commercial vehicles by the tax man, they stack up well financially as a company ‘car’. In the past they have tended to be a bit unrefined and lacking in style and comfort. They were not the kind of machine you would fancy driving everyday.
All that is changing I discovered after spending a week with the latest Ford Ranger Wildtrak. Finished in bright golden yellow, this pickup had a butch presence on or off the road. Indeed, it grew on me day by day and I found it had usable performance and was more comfortable than I expected.
Of course. it did not have the refinement of an SUV but neither could it be described as crude. It would be little hardship to drive this Ranger on a daily basis. Much of the latest technology such as sat nav, cruise control and smart phone syncing is available on the better models. I was driving the top line twin turbo 2.0-litre diesel with 213PS on tap. This gave a useful surge of acceleration when needed, enough to confuse some car drivers. This was mated to a very good new 10-speed automatic gearbox and had low and high four-wheel drive options.
Together with the Ranger’s high ground clearance, this gives an ability to go practically anywhere. There is also a 3,500kg towing ability - tow bar is standard - making this a seriously practical vehicle. Other versions include a 130PS with two-wheel drive which would be a bit weak knee’d and a 170PS version providing a decent compromise. This engine is a big improvement on the previous 2.2 and 3.2-litre units in that it is more subdued and more economical. There are myriad variations
on the Ranger depending on whether you want a single or double car and other configuration. Excluding VAT as it is classed as a commercial, prices start from around £20K with my fully togged test car topping £31K.
You’ll never be digitally challenged at our centres
EyeonMotoring
Toyota Tames The Taxman With Hybrid Power On Its RAV4!
The Toyota RAV4 first appeared as a funky, fun car way back in the 90s when life was simpler than today. Over the decades it has evolved into a very capable SUV.
This latest version has a stiffer body cage and comes as a tax-friendly hybrid which immediately puts it on the short list for company buyers!
Combining a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motoring makes for beefy performance. The RAV4 can hit 62mph from rest in 8.4 seconds and has a surge of power available for overtaking. Most models come with two-wheel drive bit there are four-wheel drive versions using an electric power at the rear.
Driving the RAV4 at the SMMT driving day in Yorkshire, I noticed that the CVT transmission on the hybrid system has become less fussy and the engine does not rev as excessively as before unless you are heavy with the right foot. It is still not as satisfying to drive as a manual or twin-clutch automatic. Like most of the larger SUVs, this is not a driver’s car. But the controls are light and easy to use and it feels well built. It will not go around corners like a sports hatch and the springing is on the firm side. Also the drive train can be noisy when pushed.
All those batteries tend to numb the driving feel of the hybrid. But all that does not negate the strong business case presented by the RAV4 hybrid. Economy is rated at 51mpg combined on the official tables. Due to the short distance you can drive on pure electric power, the petrol engine does the lion’s share do it is doubtful if real life returns would be as good. The emissions calculation is where the RAV4 shines with a rating of 105g/ km putting it into the 24% Company Car tax band! That is remarkable for the size and performance of this vehicle.
Prices start from around 30K and rise to 37K for the top trim and specification!! This is competitive for a SUV which comes with things like a reversing camera, LED headlights, and infotainment screen as standard on all models.
Suzuki Covers A Niche With Hybrid All-Wheel Drive Swift!
If you live up a hill, approached by a long muddy lane, and have a tinge of green conscience, then Suzuki have come up with car just for you.
This version of the likeable Swift hatchback comes with the unlikely combina-tion of allwheel drive and a mild hybrid engine. Why is Suzuki offering this counterintuitive mix? The only explanation I can offer is that they are doing it ‘because they can’! They have long developed their Allgrip system that automatically cuts in when needed and, more recently, devised a mild hybrid system. This consists of a starter motor cum generator which can harvest normally wasted braking energy and store it in an extra lithium battery under the passenger seat. The saved power is used to help the petrol engine with acceleration. People more cynical that I might see this as a token gesture to the new green god but it is a step in the right direction.
Suzuki offers their SHVS hybrid with both their evergreen 1.2 and their newer Boosterjet 1.0 petrol engines. My car came with the more modestly powered 1.2 engine which offers 90ps. It felt a little sluggish, perhaps because of the all-wheel drive, than other versions I have sampled of the same power unit. Acceleration to 62mph takes 12.6 seconds - a couple of seconds slower than Swifts with the turbo 1.0-litre engine without Allgrip. When it comes to economy and emissions the difference between the two engines is marginal with the 1.0 slipping into the 23% company car tax bracket and the 1.2 hybrid into the 24% band.
The Swift comes in its most modest form in 1.2-litre SZT trim with a list price of around £13K before haggling with the more drivable 1.0 Boosterjet starting from £15K in the same trim. Adding hybrid and Allgrip to the 1.2
SZ5 brings the tag up to £17k - ouch! You do get quite a bit of kit with six airbags, air conditioning, DAB Radio, pri-vacy glass, daytime running lights and Bluetooth as standard. The top SZ5 trim has auto air conditioning, navigation, LED headlamps, pol-ished 16-inch alloy wheels, rear electric windows, Brake Support and Adap-tive Cruise Control.
Auction Calendar
City Auction Group Belfast Corporate Fleet & Finance at 9.30am 35 Corporate Vendors 300 Corporate Vehicles
Mon 3rd Thurs 6th Tues 4th
February 2020
Fri 7th Mon 10th Tues 11th Fri 14th Mon 17th Tues 18th Thurs 20th Fri 21st Mon 24th Tues 25th Fri 28th
Commercial, Plant & Machinery, HGV and Vans at 12 Noon
Magnificent Monday Car Auctions at 6.00pm
JACK REID CARS Ltd WHITEHEAD, CARRICKFERGUS
Fantastic Friday Public Car Auction at 2.00pm
City Auction Group Omagh Car Auction Every Monday at 7.00pm
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City Auction Group Rockingham LCV Auction LANE 2 at 12 Noon
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EyeonNews
AIB Marks Rebrand
AIB has launched a series of celebration events to mark its recent rebrand from First Trust Bank with a special networking breakfast at its flagship Donegall Square North branch in Belfast City Centre – the first branch to showcase the new brand.
Angela McGowan, Director of the CBI Northern Ireland and Adrian Moynihan, Head of AIB NI are pictured at the first in a series of special customer events to celebrate AIB’s recent rebrand from First Trust Bank
The event marked the first in a month-long series of in-branch events AIB will be hosting for customers and the local community across its network. Over 70 local business leaders, organisations and customers joined AIB in Belfast to celebrate its new storefront signage and to hear the latest economic update from CBI Northern Ireland.
Speaking at the event Adrian Moynihan, Head of AIB NI said; “We have started the new year and new decade with a new name, new branding but the same great team! The rebrand further strengthens our commitment to our customers and the broader Northern Ireland economy, ensuring we can continue to improve our offering and services for our customers. “It’s clear that it isn’t just our politicians that are embracing a new vision and purpose, our business leaders - who have helped keep the economy moving forward over the past three years - are preparing their own growth plans for the year ahead. We too have that same sense of purpose and by tapping even more into the AIB Group’s wider expertise and specialisms, we will be able to bring our customers even greater insight and tailored support.”
Guest speaker Angela McGowan, Director of the CBI Northern Ireland said; “2020 has got off to an optimistic start for both our politicians and businesses through the vision and purpose brought about by the ‘New Decade, New Approach’ agreement. AIB is one of a number of member companies that are investing in the City Centre and supporting economic development elsewhere, and we hope that with additional fiscal stimulus and smart trade agreements, consumer and business confidence will continue to grow – unleashing further growth opportunities.”
All branches across AIB’s network in Northern Ireland will be hosting a celebration for customers and the local community with entertainment from local artists and giveaways. To find out more, customers can get in in touch with their local branch.
EyeonEvents
Hellbent Wins First Major Retail Listing With Henderson Group Hellbent, the business formed by rugby stars Louis Ludik and Schalk Van der Merwe has won its first major retail listing, which will see their locally made beef products on the shelves of 27 SPAR stores and EUROSPAR supermarkets at the end of the month.
The three unique products – ‘Boerewors’ coiled beef sausages, burgers and meatballs – are made at Carnbrooke Meats in Lisburn, with beef sourced from local farmers, combining the best NI beef with distinctively rich seasonings and cooking techniques from their South African homeland. The deal comes just months after Henderson Group announced their commitment to local artisanal food producers, which saw 13 smaller producers from across NI supply their products to EUROSPAR community supermarkets here. Ulster star Louis Ludik (right) is pictured with Steven Kennedy, Fresh Trading Manager at Henderson Group.
EyeonEvents
Covernet To More Than Double Its Workforce Covernet MD Lee Stuart and Business Development Manager Jim Campbell.
ANorth Coast software company is planning to more than double its workforce after investing £500,000 to upgrade its IT infrastructure to industry-leading levels. Covernet, which has been developing specialist software for the insurance industry for 25 years, has a client list which includes global leaders in this sector such as Axa, Allianz and RSA. To date, the home grown company has built over 200 bespoke insurance products on its industry-leading Software-as-a-Service platform ISMIS, with annual premiums in excess of £300m being processed, and predicts an even brighter future. Covernet currently employs 20 people at its Coleraine headquarters. However, the workforce is set to grow significantly as Covernet seeks to fill over 20 more positions. The new jobs are aimed at attracting highly skilled graduates who are seeking to embark on an exciting and rewarding career, with roles in software development, quality assurance, business development and sales.
US global private equity firm Capital Z Partners Management LLC will support the company in its ambitious growth plans for the coming years, as Covernet aim to expand in the UK before entering new markets in the US and Canada.
Soda & Starch In Top 100
Derry’s Soda & Starch Pantry and Grill has been recognised by The Sunday Times Ireland in its 100 Best Restaurants. Only eight Northern Ireland businesses made it onto the coveted list which was published by John and Sally McKenna. This is the second consecutive year that Soda & Starch has made it onto the prestigious list. A partnership between top chef Raymond Moran and local entrepreneur Ciaran O’Neill, Managing Director of the award-winning Bishop’s Gate Hotel, the eatery, which is nestled inside Derry’s Walls in the heart of the Craft Village, is open Wednesday to Saturday and serves lunch and dinner.
Describing the culinary artistry of Soda & Starch’s Chef and Patron, Raymond Moran, in their recommendation John and Sally McKenna said:
“Look at the way he riffs on old warhorses like steak and onion rings, or seafood cocktail, or chocolate pudding, or a plate of pork belly and fillet. These are all Irish staples, standards of the kitchen. But Moran takes them on a dance of culinary delight by rebirthing, refining, and adding depth to their potential. He understands these dishes, and he understands how to make them better.”
Slieve Russell Upgrade Delivers Instant Return S lieve Russell’s recent investment in its golf, lifestyle and business facilities has paid immediate dividends with Co. Cavan’s premier resort reporting a significant rise in bookings across all sectors in 2019. The popular Ballyconnell venue is reaping the rewards for its decision to invest – with bookings in its hotel, golf, leisure, spa, wedding and conference markets all up over the last 12 months compared to in 2018. Slieve Russell has implemented a major improvement programme over the last few years, with the opening of its state-of-the-art Cranaghan Suite and the rebranding of its golf club as PGA National Ireland Slieve Russell among the significant changes taking place. The launch last February of the Cranaghan Suite – which can accommodate up to 1,000 people – helped the resort register an increase of more than 20 per cent in the number of residential conference bed nights booked in 2019.
Slieve Russell also reported an eight per cent rise in wedding bookings and seven per cent increase in the amount of rounds played on its 18-hole championship golf course, while a successful Christmas – the hotel was fully booked from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day – resulted in the total number of room nights booked.
EyeonNews
Agnew Group Marks Charity Milestone
Agnew Group, one of Northern Ireland’s top car retailers, has raised £300,000 for the province’s biggest cancer charity for children as it rounds off a three-year partnership with the third sector organisation.
The money raised exceeded the car sales firm’s target of £200,000 that it set back in 2017 when it made a pledge with Cancer Fund for Children to help support its services which include everything from residential group support to therapeutic short breaks for young people and their families living with cancer.
The 1150-strong team at Agnew Group generated the money through a range of initiatives including payroll giving, cake sales, golf days and a Mourne Mountain Challenge. It also further assisted the charity by hosting a volunteers’ event at its Audi Belfast dealership where Cancer Fund for Children celebrated the work carried out by its many supporters as well as showcasing its future plans. Phil Alexander, CEO at Cancer Fund for Children said: “On behalf of the young people and families at Cancer Fund for Children, we are extremely grateful to the Agnew Group for their incredible energy and enthusiasm over the past three years in helping raise vital funds and build awareness of childhood cancer. “The dedication of each member of staff from the Agnew Group has been incredible. The Agnew
Yuile Magee, Managing Director at Agnew Group is pictured with Phil Alexander, CEO at Cancer Fund for Children.
Group has also very generously matched all of their staff’s donations which has brought them to their phenomenal final total of £300,000. “Our services help to empower, connect and strengthen young people and their families so they feel better equipped to deal with the impact cancer has on their lives. Providing these services would not be possible without the support of companies such as the Agnew Group.”
Yuile Magee, Managing Director at Agnew Group added: “Working to raise funds for Cancer Fund for Children has been a true labour of love for our entire team. The work that Cancer Fund for Children does helps ease what is the most challenging time in many families’ lives here and we are grateful for that service and are honoured to have played a small role in enabling that amazing work to go further.” Mr Magee said the company looks forward to entering into a new charitable partnership with mental health charity MindWise this year: “As our partnership comes to an end with Cancer Fund for Children, the team at Agnew Group look forward to working with a new organisation that is also making a difference to those who need it most. “The funds we now raise will help roll out MindWise’s Family Wellness Project to the Belfast Trust and enable the charity to provide dedicated support.
“The Family Wellness Project aims to enhance the emotional health and wellbeing of children aged 5-12 who are at risk of developing significant mental health difficulties. Currently it is only available through the Southern and Western Health Trusts and we are honoured to help play a role in extending that service beyond those confines.”
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