Business Eye June July 2022

Issue 216 June/July 2022 £2.50 Voted best Business Magazine in Ireland 2005 and Magazine of the Year for Northern Ireland

Alpha

Office Experts In A New World Of Work Features:

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First All-Ireland Sustainability Summit Creates Impact For Businesses Across The Island

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Business Growth Slows As Cost Pressures Impact

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Michael Tomalin & City Auction Group - Adapting To A Changing Marketplace

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Contents 12

T ranslink – Making Northern Ireland Better. Connected

An effective and successful public transport network is vital for the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing of our society. That’s why Translink is committed to continuing the transformation of public transport in Northern Ireland

B arclay Communications Launches 18 Apprenticeship Programme Barclay Communications, the business mobile, landline and IT provider, has launched a brand new apprenticeship programme to attract school leavers to one of the economy’s fastest-growing sectors.

– Office Experts In 20 AA lpha New World Of Work Newly rebranded and busier than ever, office specialists Alpha isn’t just marking its 50th anniversary. It’s adapting to a brand new way of working being adopted by companies and organisations across NI, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland.

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F irst All-Ireland Sustainability Summit Held In Belfast

Business leaders, consultants, organisations and universities from across the Island of Ireland gathered for the first AllIreland Sustainability at the iconic ICC Belfast, where the sustainability was firmly on the agenda of almost 170 attendees from across the Island of Ireland and beyond.

Scott & Honeycomb – 28 AM airead Period Of Change Like No Other If the Covid pandemic brought change and the need to adapt to many different industry sectors, it’s arguable that the world of recruitment and people management has changed more than most. We catch up with Mairead Scott, Managing Director of recruitment specialists Honeycomb.

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trategic Power Connect Launched S To Reduce Energy Costs

June/July 2022 ISSUE 215

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B usiness Travel...

But Not As We Know It

Jonathan Guest, former CEO of Harland and Wolff and current Senior Director at Pattern Energy, a US based renewable energy developer, talks about how, despite the best planning and endeavors, he fell foul of Covid19 travel restrictions on a recent business trip to Japan that turned out very differently than planned.

Q ueen’s Management School 40 To Open New Facilities Queen’s Management School will unveil brand new, futurefocused facilities later in 2022. The School extension will become the base for a vibrant community of national and international students and faculty and provide an enhanced social and educational experience.

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N ewry’s Granite Exchange & The Public Eye Podcast

One of Northern Ireland’s foremost business podcasts, featuring those in the public eye, is celebrating its 50th episode. Recorded at the state-of-the-art Granite Podcast Studio in Newry, The Public Eye, sponsored by Granite Legal Services, is hosted by presenter, Sarah Travers.

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B DO NI Launch Agile Working Framework

Business advisory firm BDO Northern Ireland has launched its new Agile Working Framework aimed at supporting over 150 employees to have a sustainable work life balance aimed at delivering long-term benefits for both the business and employee.

C ity Auction Group – Adapting 58 To A Changing Marketplace The Covid pandemic and the small matter of global economic issues have led to issues for just about every area of business. The motor trade isn’t any different, and there have been plenty of ups and downs over recent years.

Leading renewable energy developer, Strategic Power Projects, has launched Strategic Power Connect, an extension of their renewable energy provision that will support large C&I energy users within a volatile market.

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

Editor Richard Buckley Commercial Director Brenda Buckley

Design McCadden Tel: (028) 9024 2228 www.mccadden.co.uk

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

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It’s a fact that we’re very accepting here in Northern Ireland. We’re very accepting, in particular, of a political system and a politicians who seem to let us down time and time again.

Comment

“Perhaps the fact that the Westminster Government has moved and is moving on the Protocol issue will be enough to take the potential sting out of the first ‘in person’ summer marching season we’ve had for a few years.”

Richard Buckley EDITOR Irish Magazine Editor of the Year 2005

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s we head into the potentially difficult summer months, it’s pretty clear that we can’t expect a return of our Stormont institutions until some time in the autumn. What’s more, that’s a best possible scenario and possibly a wildly optimistic one. There are many who’d argue that we’re heading for another election.

On the face of it, it’s a huge pity. Why? Because a very clear majority of us voted for parties willing to make Stormont work and not walk away in protest at a Northern Ireland Protocol that, again, commands the support – or lack of opposition – of the majority.

It was hard not to agree with a recent call from Alliance Party MP Stephen Farry to the parties willing to form an Executive to be allowed to do so. But it won’t happen and can’t happen.

As we drift into the summer months, the hope in July must be that common sense prevails and that anger over the protocol, whipped up by some political leaders, doesn’t lead to unrest on the streets and in loyalist communities.

Perhaps the fact that the Westminster Government has moved and is moving on the Protocol issue will be enough to take the potential sting out of the first ‘in person’ summer marching season we’ve had for a few years.

Certainly, the last thing we all need is a summer of discontent and any return to any level of street violence. Common sense, let’s hope, will prevail. ____________________________________ Meanwhile, the scale of the challenges currently facing businesses here was laid out to all to see in the latest Quarterly Economic Survey from the Chamber of Commerce and BDO NI. On a bright note, there is still positivity out there, a testament perhaps to our finely-tuned resilience rather than anything else, one suspects. But business growth is slowing and

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confidence is dropping off. More than half of the survey’s respondents had seen some slowdown in demand for products and/or services.

The key issues for businesses here aren’t hard to understand. Largely speaking and despite what Sir Jeffrey Donaldson might claim, they’re little to do with the existence of the NI Protocol. Instead, they’re all to do with inflationary pressures, rising raw material costs and rising labour costs.

In fact, when it comes to the Brexit and the Protocol, the survey makes for interesting reading. Some 70% of those impacted by Brexit has adjusted successfully, up from 52% this time last summer.

Down amongst the details, there is optimism among exporters (outside of the UK) and among manufacturers, but that’s won’t come as any major surprise. The services sector, meanwhile, has its issues but continues to grow.

If rising costs and inflation are a thorn in the flesh for most businesses, recruitment and staff shortages are an even bigger problem according to the survey. A huge 89% of manufacturers and 87% of services firms are finding it difficult to get staff.

To be fair, not too many of the businesses contributing to the survey single out the absence of devolved government at Stormont as a major issue, just as few of them mention the protocol. It says a lot about the disingenuous nonsense being pumped out by the DUP. But it also says something for the importance, or lack of it, of having Stormont up and running.

Food for thought?

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Eye on News

BDO NI support NI Chest, Heart & Stroke Family Support Service L ocal business advisory firm, BDO Northern Ireland has marked the quarter way point of their partnership with local charity NI Chest, Heart and Stroke with a £13K fundraising effort. BDO NI announced their two-year partnership in December 2021, with the charity supporting more than 335,000 people living in Northern Ireland with a chest, heart, or stroke condition.

A significant amount of the money raised by BDO NI over the lifetime of the partnership will go towards sustaining the charity’s vital family support service, which offers practical and emotional help and guidance to families navigating life with a heart, stoke or chest condition.

For most of the last two years the charity has been forced to facilitate this service through online or virtual means due to the pandemic. Recently, face to face and group sessions have returned which has allowed the charity’s family support coordinators to meet with families and provide tailored, personal advice and guidance.

Maybeth Shaw, Partner at BDO Northern Ireland, said:

“The support services provided

by NI Chest, Heart & Stroke are wide ranging for patients and their families across NI. This includes vital research into better treatments, care, and prevention of these conditions.

Many of these services rely heavily on public donations and support.

“One of the key challenges for the charity throughout the pandemic was delivering their family support services virtually. We have heard

firsthand how important this service is, how much it helps families, not just with practical and logistical advice but emotional support and it is great to see these services return to a more normal face-to-face setting”.

The BDO NI team took part in a range of fundraising efforts including a five aside football tournament with competitors from across the accountancy sector competing, and participation at

this year’s Belfast Marathon.

Regina Cox, Partnerships Manager for NI Chest Heart and Stroke added, “The team at BDO NI have hit the ground running with their fundraising efforts and it is great to see some more conventional fundraising activities return.

“Almost 4 in 10 of all adult deaths in NI are caused by chest, heart, or stroke conditions and 335,171 people in Northern Ireland are currently living with chest, heart and stroke conditions. This is approximately 17% of the population and an overall increase of 1.9% on the previous year.

“Almost 90% of our services and research are funded by public donations and without partnerships like this one with BDO NI we wouldn’t be able to deliver our support services to both patients and their support network”.

BDO Northern Ireland is an awardwinning accountancy practice that employs more than 150 people in Northern Ireland. More information on the work of NI Chest, Heart & Stroke can be found at https://nichs.org.uk/

Henderson Retail takes home UK-Wide Retail has been Industry Award Henderson named Independent Retail Chain of the Year at a top UK-wide industry awards gala in London.

T Mark McCammond, Retail Director at Henderson Group with the Grocer Gold award for Independent Retail Chain of the Year for Henderson Retail.

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he Grocer Gold Awards took place last night (14 June) and Henderson Retail was the only retailer from Northern Ireland to return with a trophy – taking home the title for the third time in just five years.

The company was commended by judges for developing state-of-the-art warehousing facilities over the past three years, which judges said gave “the company a clear edge over competitors when it comes to availability.”

Judges also noted Henderson Retail’s growth in logistics and supply business,

while opening two greenfield sites, acquiring three competitor stores and launching the exclusive Nourish healthy food-to-go bar, all while maintaining its commitment to value for shoppers, including the Tesco Price Match initiative.

Mark McCammond, Retail Director at Henderson Group commented; “Through our development of strategic partnerships and acquisitions, Henderson Retail has gained a hugely competitive edge over our competitors at home in Northern Ireland, while also gaining advantages against our UK-wide industry peers. The past few years has not been without its challenges, but it’s fantastic to see our hard work and commitment to community retailing rewarded on such a national level by The Grocer.”

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Eye on News

DONNELLY GROUP REPORTS INCREASE IN PROFITS DESPITE INDUSTRY CHALLENGES Donnelly Group, Northern Ireland’s leading independent motor retailer has reported a pre-tax profit of £5.9m according to the latest accounts filed at Companies House for the year ending 31 December 2021.

Donnelly Group MD Dave Sheeran

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he figures represent a significant improvement of £4.5m on the previous year.

Turnover was recorded at £264.4m for the period, up from £252.4m in 2020.

The results follow a period of considerable change and uncertainty within the automotive industry fuelled by economic and supply chain issues.

Dave Sheeran, Managing Director at Donnelly Group said:

“Our directors are extremely satisfied with the Donnelly Group’s 2021 financial results.

The significant profit increase recorded is largely owing to the robust planning strategy implemented by the company in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are confident that Donnelly Group and its subsidiaries will continue to demonstrate resilience and successfully navigate the challenges facing the automotive industry.

“In line with Donnelly Group’s business development plans we have embarked on a three-year strategic plan which takes into consideration current market dynamics and will position the company to exploit further growth opportunities.

“During 2021 we relocated our Honda franchise to a new purpose-built facility on Boucher Road and completed the purchase of the Bangor site representing Citroen and Motorstore.

“These developments serve to further strengthen Donnelly Group’s relationship with our manufacturing partners and will undoubtedly prove integral to our ongoing and future success.”

The Donnelly Group partners with 16 leading vehicle manufacturers including Honda, Jaguar, Land Rover, Renault, Vauxhall and Volkswagen selling both new and used cars, vans and pickups from its nine locations across Northern Ireland.

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Eye on News

ICC BELFAST’S DAVE YOUNG TRIUMPHS AT EVENT TECHNOLOGY AWARDS

ICC Belfast’s Head of Production, Dave Young, was announced as winner of the Best Event Technologist award during the first ever ‘Event Technology Awards – The People’ in June.

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treamed online after a successful Event Tech Live Summit, the peoplefocused offshoot was created to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Event Technology Awards, which are held to celebrate the talent behind technology.

Dave, an experienced event professional, joined ICC Belfast in early 2020 to build on a successful career that previously included set design, TV production and experiential event production. As Covid 19 impacted the business Dave and his team pioneered the use of cutting-edge tech platforms to specialise in delivering virtual and hybrid events for clients during the pandemic.

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Dave stated, “I am delighted to receive this award on behalf of ICC Belfast. The journey we have been on over the past two years has transformed our tech offering and the support the production team received across the organisation has allowed us to deliver best in class virtual and hybrid events on behalf of our clients. This award is testament to the drive and commitment of everyone at ICC Belfast.”

ICC Belfast emerged from the pandemic as a market leader with a reputation for innovation.

Technical infrastructure has expanded significantly at the convention centre, which is now fully hybrid by design. With large-scale hybrid conferences

Dave Young, Head of Production at ICC Belfast.

now the norm, this means the venue is well-equipped to deliver on behalf of professional conference organisers who often cater for global audiences.

Julia Corkey, Chief Executive at ICC Belfast, commented, “We’re incredibly proud to have our Head of Production recognised by the Event Technology Awards. The transformation of our tech offering enhanced our agility at a time when very little income was being generated.

We are already seeing a return on our investment in tech as we emerge from an incredibly challenging time for the sector.

This award is very much a reflection of Dave and his team’s hard work and commitment.”

So far this year ICC Belfast has hosted numerous events including the British Association of Spinal Surgeons, the

Microbiology Society, and the International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language. These events alone delivered over £5.5 million in economic impact and brought thousands of travelling delegates to Belfast to reconnect both at ICC Belfast and in venues across the city.

ICC Belfast works in collaboration with Tourism Northern Ireland, Visit Belfast, Belfast City Council and many other partners to bring business events to Belfast and Northern Ireland. The organisation has set a target to deliver £125 million in economic impact over the next 5 years.

Eye on News

Consulting Team grows at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore

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elfast accountancy and advisory practice Baker Tilly Mooney Moore has announced two new appointments to its Consulting Department.

Ryan Connor and Fintan Eastwood join the department, which covers all aspects of organisational design and development as well as change management.

The appointments come in response to soaring demand for the team’s service which supports organisations to adapt to the many HR, people and operational delivery challenges of a post-Covid world.

With a background in people development and talent, Ryan Connor takes up the position of Senior Management Consultant. His previous positions include Learning & Talent Manager at Coca-Cola, Consultant at a Big 4 firm and Director of Springvale Employment & Learning College.

Alongside Ryan, Fintan Eastwood joins Baker Tilly Mooney Moore as Human Resources & Organisational Design Consultant, bringing experience in HR with the National Bank of Australia and as a Consultant within the Big 4.

Both will work alongside Consulting Partner Donal Laverty to advise new and existing clients within the expanding firm.

Consulting Partner at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore Donal Laverty said: “We are thrilled to have Ryan and Fintan join us at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore and wish to congratulate them both on their appointments. This is a busy and demanding department that has expanded in line with growing demand for our services in organisational design, development and change management.”

“Though we will be working through the impact of the pandemic for years to come, it is clear that businesses, public sector bodies and charities are using this time to reflect on their operational efficiency and rethink the way they are doing things. With considerable experience between them, I have no doubt that both Fintan and Ryan will be instrumental in meeting this growing demand and adding value to the busy department.”

New Senior Management Consultant at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore Ryan Connor said: “One of the most notable things

Consulting Partner at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore Donal Laverty pictured with Senior Management Consultant Ryan Connor and HR & Organisational Design Consultant Fintan Eastwood.

we are seeing in this post-pandemic world is a shift in priorities to people management and development.

Companies are operating in a world that has changed forever, meaning how they manage and retain their staff as well as support high performance has evolved. After many years working in the field, I am delighted to bring my experience to the Consulting Department at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore and have no doubt it will be a rewarding role.”

New HR & Organisational Design

Consultant at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore Fintan Eastwood said: “This is an exciting position to be taking up and one that I am thrilled to have secured. Baker Tilly Mooney Moore has grown significantly in recent years, and I am pleased to join the Consulting Team amid a period of significant demand.

Northern Ireland has a lot to offer in terms of business excellence, and I look forward to helping a range of interesting clients navigate their post-pandemic business plan and achieve further success.”

Historic Belfast building Ross’s Court sold for £5.7m An iconic listed building in Belfast city centre has been sold for £5.7 million to The Martin Property Group, a local investment and development property company.

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oss’s Court, which was previously a soft drinks factory run by W A Ross, is one of the biggest retail sites to be put on the market in the city in recent years.

The historic three-storey building is located at William Street South in the city centre and had previously been occupied by Argos from 1998 until it moved out in March 2021. The property comprises approximately 57,000 square feet and boasts a prime city centre location, adjacent to a number of multinational retailers and grade A office buildings.

The building, which is grade II listed, is based around a number of different structures comprising of timber framed, part cast iron, part steel and part masonry structures supported off timber piles. It was originally constructed as six buildings which were altered to form a single building with a large footprint in 1997/1998.

Gavin Elliott, Senior Director at CBRE NI, said: “Ross’s

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Court is one of the most iconic buildings within the city of Belfast and has potential for a wide range of uses across the retail, office and hospitality spaces.

The sale reflects an active investment market which is drawing interest, both locally and from further afield, from a range of buyers and sets the tone for a busy period in the months ahead.”

Paul Martin, from Martin Property Group, said: “We are delighted to add Ross’s Court to our portfolio; such a superb building in the heart of prime Belfast. We look forward to playing our part to restore it to its former glory.

“Belfast and Northern Ireland in general is a great place to do business and we are committed to deploying more capital there. We have a continued appetite for investment and development opportunities across all sectors of the market throughout the rest of the UK and Republic of Ireland.”

Eye on Law

Retailers recognise need for supply chain efficiencies The triple effect of Brexit, the pandemic and the war in Ukraine has driven supply chain costs to new heights, revealing areas of overreliance and inefficiency in global supply networks.

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ur latest research among the UK’s top 100 retailers sought to establish whether they see this as a longterm or short-term issue and where they are investing.

The vast majority (87%) of retailers do not believe things will go back to how they were before the global supply chain crisis began.

When asked about costs, retailers are more likely to say these will not return to pre-crisis levels than that they will. Clearly, the race is on for retailers to find new efficiencies.

Labour costs In addition to rising supply chain costs, retailers are having to address significant labour shortages. Retailers are tackling the war on talent through offering higher pay (63%), sign-on/ long-term incentive bonuses (56%), extra benefits (51%), training/upskilling (33%), and to a lesser extent, paid-for visas for non-UK residents (27%) and reassignments from other parts of the business (21%).

We have seen that retailers are also increasingly embracing the use of AI in recruitment and decision-making generally to tackle this issue. While there are many benefits to this, such as reducing touchpoints and increasing efficiencies, it does raise other challenges for employers who will need to ensure that they don’t inadvertently breach human rights or fall foul of discrimination laws.

Judith Hewitson, Partner at UK law firm TLT

Technology investments There is a clear trend showing that retailers are increasingly looking at robotics and automation to find new efficiencies. When asked which technologies they are using or considering investing in to improve their supply chain, two thirds (60%) say robotic process automation, 59% say cloud services/ adoption and 44% say machine learning/artificial intelligence.

It is clear that there is still more to do in terms of investing in new core technology that will not only increase efficiency, but also improve accuracy and ultimately save costs. The challenge is often having the time and money to invest in new, complex technologies when margins are squeezed and fixed costs are rising. However, no retailercan afford not to adopt cloud and

automation technology as they would risk being left behind.

With input costs significantly eating into retailers’ margins, many will have had to delay or cancel any major capital expenditure projects, even though this could have delivered long-term cost savings.

There is a new recognition that digital investments are necessary to realise the kinds of efficiencies that are required as we see supply chain economics evolve. However, it is important to also have the right supply chain infrastructure in place to support that technology.

When asked about measures that have not previously been financially feasible but are now becoming more urgent, almost half (47%) of retailers say this includes fuel bunkering/hedging, 44% say closer stock management, two fifths (39%) say labour-saving technology and more than a third say near-shoring (36%)

and using UK manufacturing and suppliers (34%).

Retailers are facing long-term changes that fundamentally undermine traditional ways of doing business. This has created a drive amongst retailers to find new efficiencies to manage costs.

Looking to find more financially and environmentally sustainable ways to manage supply chains moving forward, retailers need to consider the importance of digital investments that are becoming a necessity rather than an option.

Read TLT’s latest Retail Agility report, The Long Game: counting the cost of the global supply chain crisis, at TLT.com Judith Hewitson, Partner Judith.Hewitson@TLTSolicitors.com (+44)03330061591

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Eye on Transport

Translink – Making Northern Ireland Better.Connected An effective and successful public transport network is vital for the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing of our society. That’s why we are committed to continuing the transformation of public transport in Northern Ireland Technological Shifts We aim to reduce our emissions by 50% by 2030, and we are making strong progress – around 40% of our Metro fleet in Belfast already utilises Zero Emission technology, with the aim of having the entire Metro fleet reach this target by 2030.

Substantial progress will also be made in Derry~Londonderry as early as 2023, when the entirety of the Foyle Metro fleet converts to Zero Emission technology.

Incorporating the potential for electric and hydrogen technologies, we are also developing an infrastructure strategy focused on decarbonising the NI Railways network; allied to this are our ongoing plans to grow capacity with the provision of new train carriages; 21 new intermediate carriages have been introduced this year, providing an additional 1,600 seats per day.

The shift to Net Zero is about more than just technological advances; it will help to reduce emissions and make our environment, including our urban areas where we want people to live, work and socialise, better, healthier places, thus driving economic activity.

The shift is also vital for public health - by 2035, 84,000 new cases of disease in Northern Ireland, directly associated with air pollution, are expected to have been recorded, at a projected cost to our health service of approximately £635m, according to recent Department of Health projections. It is essential that we all do what we can to help reduce this impact.

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Eye on Transport

Rail Progress There has been a significant focus on our rail network, with much interest in potential expansion and greater utilisation; we have participated in the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, expected to report in the coming months, which has examined options to expand the railway network and enable additional passenger capacity. This also has the potential to improve connections to ports and airports, subject to funding, as does our similar involvement in the UK Government’s Union Connectivity Review.

Enhancements to the flagship Enterprise service between Belfast and Dublin are also a priority, and we are working with colleagues in Irish Rail and the SEUPB Peace Plus project to invest

in new rolling stock, introduce an hourly frequency, and deliver infrastructural improvements to reduce journey times, reflecting the importance and status of the vital cross-border corridor. We also plan to relocate the service to the new Belfast Grand Central Station.

Ongoing Enhancements Belfast Grand Central Station is a key part of Translink’s investment in our facilities, all of which have an important role to play in building public transport use. Replacing existing facilities at Europa and Great Victoria Street and entering service in 2025, Belfast Grand Central is a hugely important transport-led regeneration project and Executive Flagship Project and will act as a key generator of economic growth and prosperity.

The associated Weavers Cross development, with Belfast Grand Central at its heart, will be a new city neighbourhood, boasting a range of major commercial opportunities to support local investment and the economy, and act as a catalyst for regeneration in this part of the city centre.

We are also planning new passenger facilities at Ballymena, Lurgan and York Street in north Belfast, as well as enhancements to Botanic Train Station in south Belfast and a new halt to serve growing commuter need at Lisburn West. We are also planning Park and Ride upgrades, which are vital for our integrated transport network, across main routes into and out of Belfast. We are working with the Department for Infrastructure to finalise our plans for Glider phase 2 in Belfast, with

an intention to build on the success of phase 1, connecting north and south Belfast via the city centre.

Our ticketing infrastructure is in the process of being revolutionised, with a focus on contactless, account-based ticketing and ease of use, integration, convenience and value, and a transition to a Tap On, Tap Off system, affording our customers a greater range of choices in how they acquire a ticket on our services.

The Role of Public Transport Public transport is a vital link for many people, as well as offering an eco-friendly alternative to the private car and helping to provide more attractive urban centres.

Public transport is a cross-cutting service, impacting on all aspects of any Programme for Government - with the right investment and support from all sectors, Translink will grow and develop our public transport network, helping communities across Northern Ireland and delivering a truly sustainable future where everyone is Better. Connected.

More information is available online at www.translink.co.uk/ betterconnected

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Eye on News

Belfast based brand agency adds Nicole Scherzinger to its client list Local brand design agency Anthology, with offices in Belfast and London, have developed the brand for Nicole Scherzinger’s debut luxury interiors and bedding collection called Nalu.

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he Nalu range is manufactured and distributed under license

by Bedeck – who also work with several other leading brands including Ted Baker, DKNY, Joules and Sanderson – across the UK and Ireland.

Although a relatively young agency, Anthology’s founders - Alan Marks and Alan Beck – bring unique experience to client briefs having worked with local brands and supported those businesses with design, sales and business consultancy as well as shaping their

stories and brands. In addition, the duo spent four years working with many global brands including Dove, Unilever and Cadbury on the international stage and developing a network of design studios throughout the world.

Alan Marks said, “Our experience gained over years working with both local and global brands enabled us to bring huge insight to this project including how global brands work and develop their products.”

Working closely with Nicole, her team and Bedeck, the whole brand project took place over the last 12 months. Alan Beck explains, “We took Nicole and her team through the branding process including creating a name, personality and style, art directed imagery of the product and of Nicole and developed packaging design. Nicole was incredibly involved in the process which we feel comes through in the brand. She was a

pleasure to work with and we wish her the best of luck with the launch of Nalu.”

Alan adds, “Nalu is a word originating from Nicole’s birthplace, Hawaii, but it encapsulates much more than one simple meaning. It’s more of an idea than a single word, a concept that means ‘the natural, tranquil, repetitive motion of ocean waves and also to contemplate calmly and unravel complexity through composed thought.’ This concept is very close to Nicole’s heart and focuses on achieving balance and embracing tranquility.”

Speaking about her new brand Nicole Scherzinger said, “The Nalu brand brings together my love of art and Asian heritage with my Palawan design. I really enjoyed working with the whole creative team. They really understood what I wanted to achieve with the Nalu brand and their knowledge made the process a great experience for me.”

Nalu is available via Next, Very and Bedeck.

Visit https://anthologyworks. com/ for further information.

AIB Community €1 Million Fund launched to AIB Group has launched the AIB support local charities Community €1 Million Fund to support

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Michelle Emerson, Chair of AIB’s UK Charity Forum

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IB will allocate €700,000 to charities chosen by its customers and the public while €300,000 will go to charities chosen by the bank’s employees. A proportion of the total fund will be distributed in the UK following an online nomination process, one for customers/ public and one for employees.

The bank is asking its customers and the wider public to nominate registered charities that connect with causes that matter most to them and their communities.

Nominations in the UK are open from 23 June 2022 and will close on 14 July 2022. The

over 30 charitable organisations in communities across the UK and Ireland. nomination form and full details on the AIB Community €1 Million Fund are available on the bank’s website.* Customers and the public are required to submit the registration number of the charity they are nominating in order to complete the form.

Michelle Emerson, Chair of AIB’s UK Charity Forum said: “I am delighted to launch the UK nomination process for the AIB Community Fund which will support local charities right here in Northern Ireland and in Great Britain. We are inviting

our customers and the public to nominate the charities that are close to their hearts and that they would like to see supported by the fund. Our hope is that this funding will help make a real difference to those who are working tirelessly for the benefit of their local communities and the most vulnerable in society.’’

The AIB Community €1 Million Fund follows other charitable initiatives already undertaken by AIB in the UK including the bank’s association with Cancer Research UK.

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Eye on News

Growing Belfast-based telecoms firm launches apprenticeship programme aimed at NI school leavers

A dedicated apprenticeship scheme for the telecoms industry has launched at Belfast-based Barclay Communications.

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he first intake of the scheme, which will see apprentices earn a competitive salary while they work towards gaining a City & Guilds Level 3 qualification in ICT Systems and Principles, will take place mid-July.

The goal of the scheme is to give school leavers the opportunity to earn and learn in one of the fastest growing sectors.

It will also nurture the talent pool for the burgeoning Barclay Communications which has recently experienced a surge in clients.

The apprenticeship scheme will launch with an intake of two trainees with plans to increase that number at the beginning of each new apprenticeship term.

It is open to anyone with an interest in developing their skills, with a particular focus on those who have or are about to leave school.

The minimum requirement for entry onto the programme is a pass in Maths, English and ICT grade C at GCSE level or an equivalent qualification.

Applicants must not hold a third level

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qualification in any ICT or related area.

The scheme will involve classroom training in an affiliated college throughout the year, with a specific focus on IT and Telecoms engineering. Apprentices will be able to gain practical training with experienced engineers on customer premises, as well as classroom training in-house, giving an insight into the platforms used, expected standards, problem solving, trouble shooting and demonstrating high level of customer service.

Training and development will take place through set and dedicated courses such as health and safety, working at heights, cabling and partner programme accredited training courses, all of which helps apprentices become experts in their field.

Upon completion, candidates will receive a Guilds Level 3 qualification in ICT Systems and Principals. They will also be offered a full-time role within the engineering team at the growing Barclay Communications.

Speaking about the programme, Britt Megahey, Founder and Managing Director at Barclay Communications said: “We are delighted to launch our first ever apprenticeship programme that will entice more young people into a flourishing business sector.

“Our goal behind this launch is to invest in the youth of Northern Ireland by giving them a job that includes learning a dedicated skill with training and development as they go through college.

“We are keen to hear from anyone with an interest in developing their skills, especially those who have or are about to leave school.”

Mr Megahey said apprentices will be based at the company’s head office in Belfast but the scheme is open to applicants from across Northern Ireland.

He said: “We would love to see the programme reach a wide geographical demographic. Already, on our team, we have engineers from all four corners of NI, including Armagh, Bangor and the North West.

“This apprenticeship scheme is not just open to those who reside close to our head office but anyone who has an interest in learning about the sector and building a career within it.”

Apprentices will assist Barclay

Communications’ telecoms engineering team to complete installation of internet telephony (VoIP) within businesses, the technology that allows you to make voice calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a traditional (ISDN or PSTN) phone lines, which will soon become obsolete.

They will also assist with site surveys, under the direction of a Senior Engineer at customer premises, liaise with customer and sales teams throughout the projects and more.

Mr Megahey continues: “Our team wants to see young people develop and thrive within their roles. By applying for this programme they will benefit from on-the-job training and solve real-world business problems.

“Our goal is to encourage them to be the best they can be.”

The launch of the programme comes as Barclay Communications experienced a surge in demand for cloud telephony systems since BT announced its intentions to switch off all traditional ISDN and PSTN lines by December 2025.

It has recently secured some of its biggest contracts to date including work with Cambridge University and firmus energy as well as renewing an extensive contract with Irn Bru.

Eye on News

Ballymena-based CIGA Healthcare has secured supply contracts worth more than $5m in new markets for its home diagnostic devices and kits in Europe and the Middle East including Turkey and Egypt.

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he supplier of blood monitors, pregnancy tests, urinary tract infection detectors and other personal health equipment under the Suresign brand says the new business which includes supplying digital thermometers and glucose monitors follows an assertive international marketing strategy embarked upon last year.

CIGA Healthcare has also secured

CE certification for their fertility products which means it can ensure conformity with all EU-wide requirements which are also adopted by other international markets.

Company founder and CEO Irwin Armstrong says the wins are a welcome sign of confidence in the sector.

“We have been facing strengthening headwinds in

CIGA Healthcare Opens New Markets In Europe And The Middle East In The Face Of Strengthening Headwinds recent months with transport and distribution delays and rising costs,” says Mr Armstrong. “Trading conditions are particularly volatile yet our marketing efforts at home in the Irish and British retail markets as in the international sphere have been paying off.”

CIGA Healthcare recently attended the Arab Health exhibition in Dubai with assistance from InvestNI. Mr Armstrong says the mood of confidence at the exhibition among all the major health equipment players in the world was very evident.

“Health will always be a key growth market,” he says. “But it is extremely competitive and to succeed requires flexibility, understanding of the latest in regulatory compliance, medical developments, participation in research and a robust supply chain.”

CIGA Healthcare is represented on various research bodies including the Connected Health Innovation Centre in Ulster University.

CIGA Healthcare is now exporting to 72 countries and is now planning a major drive to expand its distribution in the Far East and South America.

BGF Makes £10m Follow On Investment In Lisburn-Based Mzuri Group BGF, the UK and Ireland’s most active growth capital investor, has made a £10m follow-on investment into Lisburn-based Mzuri Group, one of the leading companies in the window blind industry, to support its ambitious growth plans and future acquisitions.

Founded more than 40 years ago and previously trading as Decora, the Mzuri Group is an established leader in the design, engineering, manufacturing and distribution of window coverings, serving customers in the UK, Europe and Australia. It employs 1,500 people at its headquarters in Lisburn and other facilities across the UK. Having first backed the company in April 2020, the new funding round brings BGF’s total investment in the company to £20m.

Since the original investment, Mzuri has grown its revenues from £70m to £195m through a combination of the organic growth of its core business and the acquisition of ten other companies.

BGF’s funding will be used for further targeted acquisitions to enable Mzuri to continue building out its European sales and distribution platform.

Stuart Dickson, Managing Director of Mzuri Group, said: “Mzuri has significantly expanded its business since BGF first invested in the company and we view this latest round of funding as a tremendous endorsement of our plans for further growth in the years ahead. As well as its substantial capital support, access to BGF’s network and its expert advice has been invaluable as we have assessed acquisition opportunities and moved into new markets. We look forward to continuing to work closely with BGF’s investment team in the future.”

BGF is the UK and Ireland’s most active and dynamic investor of equity capital in growth economy companies, backing entrepreneurs and innovators. It has now invested c.£60m into Northern Irish businesses, making it one of the most significant investors in the region.

Graham Clarke, Investor at BGF and Board Member of Mzuri, said: “It has been really exciting for us to be part of the Mzuri journey over the past two years. The team has done a brilliant job building what is now a business of significant scale and one of the leading players in the window coverings market across the UK and Europe. It is fantastic to announce this significant follow-on investment in Mzuri Group, which will support the continued growth of the company as it builds on its current platform and extends its European presence even further.”

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Eye on Cover Story

Alpha Office Experts In A New World Of Work Alpha Managing Director Paul Black started to plan for his company’s 50th anniversary a few years ago.

“I

t’s a big thing for any company,” he says.

“Surviving in business, and prospering in business, for that length of time is no easy feat. So it’s something we were all keen to celebrate.”

Little was he to know when he started thinking about the anniversary that the small matter of a global pandemic would sweep in. And one of the major changes brought upon by the Covid pandemic, of course, is that it has changed the way we all work.

But that doesn’t spell bad news for Alpha. With bases in Belfast, Dublin, Glasgow and now also in Oxford, the company has been well placed to advise client companies on how best to redesign, re-equip and re-invigorate their office spaces.

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“The office is still the centre of business life,” says Paul Black.

“There was talk at the start of the pandemic about how offices would become almost a thing of the past and how we’d all want to work from home.

“But it hasn’t worked out like that. Some people want to work from home, of course, but the vast majority at the very least want a mix of home and office working. And some will always prefer to be office based.”

What has changed, though, is the nature of those offices.

The look and feel of our working spaces. That’s changing all the time, driven in part by the repercussions of Covid, but also by the pressing need to provide state of the art working environments for staff.

“The working environment

is so much more important these days,” adds Paul Black.

“It’s become more important as organisations work hard to entice staff back into office working. But it’s also important as a means of staff recruitment and staff retention.

The working environment and facilities are a crucial part of the overall package. The days of the old-fashioned office

with as many desks piled in as possible were numbered.

“People are looking for a number of key things – quality, spacious surroundings, good wi fi and good coffee. If they can tick all three boxes, they’re going to be happy.”

Alpha weathered the Covid storm better than Paul Black might have imagined when the pandemic first hit. “At that

stage, everyone was being sent home to work and we wondered where our future lay as office experts,” he says. “But, after that short initial period, our role became clear. Companies and organisations were going to need our advice and our services more than they’d ever done.”

He also took the opportunity during the Covid era to plan for the future of Alpha, and

that included the rolling out of a new, simplified and rejuvenated Alpha brand.

“The market was a bit confused. We had the Alpha Office Furniture brand, but we also had the 1080 brand and a separate brand name (Matrix) in the Republic of Ireland. We asked our customers and the emphatic answer was that most of them knew us simply as Alpha.”

The company worked with the experienced Ian Bennington and his team as Part Two Design in Belfast to come up with a sharp new Alpha logo incorporating the Number 1, which reflects that we are a single, unified company of many facets with a very powerful blend of expertise and knowledge across furniture, fit-out and design.

The new corporate identity was

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Eye on Cover Story cafe areas, rest areas, outdoor spaces, and making space as flexible as possible.”

“What we always have to remember is that big office investments are big ticket capital spends for our customers.

They’re not something that they embark on lightly, so they want all the advice they can get and they want to get it right.

That’s where we come in...right at the start of the process.”

Paul Black sees a continued return to more pre-pandemic office working levels over the summer months and into the autumn. “I think that, by the autumn, we’ll be back to normal as much as we can ever be.

“For Alpha, it’s a case of building on the momentum that we’ve already built up. We’re a strong, outward-looking business and we’ve now got a strong, simplified brand. Change is a good thing, and the change brought on by the pandemic has been good for us. But it’s also been good for anyone who works in an office.”

“ What we always have to remember is that big office investments are big ticket capital spends for our customers.

They’re not something that they embark on lightly, so they want all the advice they can get and they want to get it right. That’s where we come in... right at the start of the process.” officially launched when Alpha sponsored a key category at June’s NIE Networks Business Eye Family Business Awards.

“The new single brand also meant that our sales team in Dublin could become an integral part of a £30 million company and not an €8 million division,” Paul adds.

Rebrand complete, the

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company has just come off the back of a very busy 2021. “We managed to turn a profit in both of the Covid years and that’s quite an achievement for a company in the office marketplace. It’s also a real tribute to our staff.”

The headcount across the company’s four British Isles bases has also grown by six to a total of 105. “The future looks very

good,” says Paul Black. “We’ve got a number of big contracts running in Ireland north and south as well as Scotland, and the pipeline is looking strong.”

Alpha’s teams have just completed a major refurbishment and fit-out project at ESB’s headquarters off Dublin’s St. Stephen’s Green and the Central Bank’s office elsewhere in the city.

“Organisations are coming to us for advice all the time. The key thing we’re telling them is that, where they used to squeeze in 100 desks, go for 60 instead.

Today’s working environments are all about space and they’re all about communal areas.

“People are much more likely to move around a building now and work in different areas, rather than sit at the desk day in, day out. It’s about

Eye on News

Bangor scores an NI first with new Roam Local App An award-winning smartphone platform designed to drive interest, footfall and spend to local high streets and town centres has been launched in Northern Ireland’s newest city, Bangor, ahead of an immediate rollout across the borough’s key towns.

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esigned to put consumers and businesses in control, Roam Local is a social mediastyle platform designed to connect communities, enhance safety and well-being, and support local business.

Powered by GPS, the revolutionary business platform empowers users to do everything from tracking down local retail and hospitality business to making plans, recommending their favourite businesses to friends, and creating safe groups to commute, shop and play safely.

Helping to build loyalty and encourage repeat visits, Roam Local users will get to see the very best of business and experiences available in towns across the borough from Holywood and Ards to Comber and Donaghadee through notifications generated by their favourite “Hotspots”, as identified by the app.

Already available in Co Durham, where entrepreneur founder, former professional jump jockey Andrew Bartlett grew up, as well as the Tees Valley, Yorkshire and other parts

of England, Roam Local has more than 500,000 subscribers to date, as well as the backing of leading councils, chambers of commerce and business improvement districts.

With support from Bangor Chamber of Commerce, Retail NI, Hospitality Ulster and Ards and North Down Borough Council, Bangor was chosen for Roam Local’s initial NI rollout because of its potential to quickly revive its hospitality and retail economy in the wake of the pandemic.

It’s hoped the app will act as a digital catalyst to support the city’s ambitious £124 million regeneration plans.

Roam Local founder Andrew Bartlett said: “Any shop, café, pub, restaurant or venue, in any location, is already listed on the platform, and any business can enhance their profile and promote themselves on Roam using the digital marketing tools to engage with the local community, business travellers and tourists alike.

“Roam Local is most effective when a location’s businesses

Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive, Retail NI; Rachel Armstrong, Owner, The Guillemot Kitchen Café Winebar; and Andrew Bartlett, Founder, Roam Local app.

and other stakeholders come together to celebrate what’s on offer – and I’m delighted that Roam can contribute to the great efforts being made in Bangor.”

Proven to boost local business footfall and revenues by up to 30% where it operates, the Roam Local app, which allows users to access information on entertainment options, find new places to go and receive personalised offers and rewards, has already won several awards including Best Local Travel App 2022 at the UK Enterprise Awards, and Tech Product of The Year Award at the 2021 Restaurant and Takeaway expo, Europe’s largest hospitality event.

Andrew said: “This dynamic and award-winning platform helps consumers to find what they want when they need it and allows businesses to market and communicate to them directly, rewarding loyalty and ensuring they keep coming back for more.

“It really is a remarkable digital marketing solution that helps to connect consumers and businesses as one community.”

Roam Local pulls in information on all hotspots, including opening times, images and maps on places of public interest including bars, restaurants, clubs, hotels, gyms

and heritage and culture to help people plan a day or night out.

It also allows individuals to share their location with secure groups of friends or colleagues so they can stay together and plan their trips, and by understanding behavioural anomalies amongst friends, the app can send out safety alerts to the rest of a group if someone strays away or gets lost.

Welcoming the Bangor launch, Retail NI chief executive, Glyn Roberts, said: “The pandemic has shown us that there is a new appreciation for thriving local neighbourhoods, high streets and town and city centres and the role that ‘bricks and mortar’ businesses play in making a destination worth living in or visiting.

“Bangor is beginning to blossom and I’m confident that digital technology such as the exciting Roam Local app, will be the way forward to help connect businesses looking to market themselves with existing and new customers keen to find out more about what their community has to offer.”

Bangor Chamber of Commerce President Geoff Thompson said the launch of the Roam Local app in Bangor was a testament to the strength and resilience of the local hospitality and retail sector and to its promising future ahead.

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Eye on News

Ambassador Circle Launched To Promote Newry Region Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade has joined forces with Visit Belfast, Invest Northern Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland to launch a new ‘Ambassador Circle’ for the Newry, Mourne and Down district, enlisting local champions to help promote the city region and attract high profile business events.

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he Visit Belfast initiative has already successfully attracted a network of over 1,200 leading academic, medical and business professionals who work in partnership with Visit Belfast to attract prestigious national and international conferences to Belfast, DerryLondonderry and the wider region.

The Ambassador Circle brings together business and academic leaders in advanced manufacturing, technology, life and health sciences, food and drink and financial, professional and business services to help identify, target and attract key business events and conferences.

It also includes five new advisory panels made up of nominated business and academic leaders which are specifically focussed on the key sectors where Northern Ireland has existing and growing strength. The panels will play a strategic role in identifying and

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securing business events that could be hosted in Northern Ireland that are aligned to the Department for Economy’s 10X Vision.

Established over 20 years ago

by Visit Belfast, the Ambassador network has generated more than £400 million for the economy since it was established.

Julie Gibbons, President of Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade, said: “Newry is well known for its strong, vibrant and forward looking business community and for its readiness to work collaboratively for the benefit of the local and regional economy.

“Working with Visit Belfast, Invest NI, Tourism NI, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council advances our aims to support local business growth and development in every sector, including hospitality and tourism, while raising the profile of the Newry City region at home and abroad.

“The Ambassador Circle launch in

Pictured (L-R) are Conor Murphy MLA, Mickey Brady MP, Liz Kimmins MLA, Julie Gibbons, President of Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade, Rachael McGuickin, Direct of Business Development at Visit Belfast, Councilor Michael Savage, Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Tony McKeown, Chief Executive of Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade, Gerry Lennon, Visit Belfast Chief Executive and Diane Forsythe MLA.

Newry is an exciting development and I encourage business leaders in every sector to get in touch and to get involved to ensure that this landmark initiative continues to deliver on the success it has achieved.”

Many of Newry’s leading local and international business names supported the launch at the city’s Canal Court Hotel including sports analytics company STATS Sports, data group FD Technologies and MJM Marine.

Gerry Lennon, Chief Executive of Visit Belfast said the launch of the Ambassador Circle in Newry marks a new era of expanded collaboration between tourism, economic development, education and research which will be a game-changer for tourism recovery and development.

“Launched by Visit Belfast two decades ago, the Ambassador programme has been instrumental in driving Belfast’s global, award-winning reputation for delivering successful business events while raising the city and region’s international profile.

“Business events drive revenue for the tourism and hospitality sector, but crucially they help to promote the

region as a place to work, live, study and invest and I’m delighted that Newry is supporting this important, strategic partnership to continue the great work which has been achieved.

“Crucially, the majority of business events come to Belfast and Northern Ireland through the support of a local ambassador which is why our strategic partnership with Invest NI and this milestone launch in Newry is important to continue this success at a local and regional level.”

Strategically-located on the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council have ambitious plans to drive Newry and the wider district’s economic growth.

The City Deal investment will see almost £200 million injected into the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area. This will provide a massive boost to the local economy and will be truly transformative for the district. It will see investment in a world class tourist facility in the Mournes, regeneration of the Newry city centre and will advance the Newry Southern Relief Road, improving connectivity across the island.

Eye on News

The Bushmills Inn and its customers raise £5,500 for children’s Lapland charity

The Bushmills Inn has raised £5,500 for the Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days Trust (NICLT) to support its ongoing experiences for children living with life threatening and life limiting conditions.

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he hospitality venue, with support from its customers, raised the funds to help fund the charity’s forthcoming trip to Lapland.

NICLT’s annual Lapland trip, which takes 100 local children to Lapland has been cancelled for two years because of the covid pandemic. It is hoped the charity can resume the experience as soon as possible with the next experience this December.

Speaking about the fundraising, Alan Walls, General Manager, The Bushmills Inn, said: “We have been fundraising for the Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust for the last five

years and are very proud to be one of their Corporate Partners.

“In the last year, thanks to the hotel’s generous donations and the support of our customers, we have raised over £5,550 to help the charity with its invaluable work.

“The charity fundraises to fulfil the dreams of terminally ill, life limited and deserving children by taking them to see Santa at his home in Lapland, Finland and creating magical memories that their families can treasure forever but this has not been able to happen recently because of the covid pandemic.

“The work of the charity is truly admirable as, even in spite of the

Nikki Picken (centre), Sales and Marketing Manager, The Bushmills Inn is pictured with members of the Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust North Coast fundraising committee (l-r) Willie Gregg, Raymond Pollock, Mark Rollins and Charlene Dickey.

shadow of a pandemic, it has continued to put a smile on the faces of children who deserve it most by being creative with its experiences.

We are delighted to support the charity in its endeavour to enrich the lives of those who need it most.”

The venue’s donation follows on from its recent campaign to NICLT’s paediatric sensory toys fund.

That drive delivered much-needed sensory toys and equipment to paediatric units across the province earlier in the year, including The Causeway Hospital.

Raymond Pollock, a very active and committed member of the Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust North Coast Fundraising Committee, said: “The pandemic has been tough on charities, not least ours so to have The Bushmills Inn and its very generous customers continue to

donate to our drive is very humbling.

“We have worked with The Bushmills Inn for many years and their support has helped us deliver our services, whether that is trips to Lapland or our more recent festive drive, Three Steps to Christmas.”

Mr Pollock was speaking as it was announced that Northern Irish investment company, Wirefox are now the new owners of The Bushmills Inn, following 35 years of Alan and Zoe Dunlop being at the helm of the business.

He added: “We wish the Dunlop family the very best for the future and thank them for all their support over the years. We are delighted that the Hotel is continuing with its commitment to our charity and look forward to working with them in the years ahead.”

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Eye on Sustainability

Brenda Buckley, Danielle McCormick & Richard Buckley

First All-Ireland Sustainability Summit Creates Impact For Businesses Across The Island Business leaders, consultants, organisations and universities from across the Island of Ireland gathered for the first All-Ireland Sustainability at the iconic ICC Belfast, where the sustainability was firmly on the agenda of almost 170 attendees from across the Island of Ireland and beyond.

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he event, organised by Danielle McCormick, Triterra, in partnership with Gordon Boyd, G.B. Associates, saw speakers and panellists from Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, the UK and Australia share insights on topics such as energy efficiency and the low carbon economy; sustainable finance; diversity and inclusion; circular economy; sustainable tourism; biodiversity and more.

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The event, which was sponsored by International Synergies NI, the ICC Belfast, NIE Networks, Vyta, Whitecroft Lighting, 2b Creative, Hastings Hotels and Business Eye, welcomed speakers and panel members including Strategic Power Projects, NatWest Group, EarthCheck, ESB Networks, Skillnet Ireland, Gas Networks Ireland, Invest NI, Translink to name but a few.

Danielle McCormick, Owner and Lead Consultant at sustainability consultancy, Triterra, comments “Our aim was to create an event that would help drive positive change for the sustainability agenda within organisations across the island of Ireland, and we wanted to do this by bringing people together to share best practice and practical insights, and having quality conversations that would get our audience talking and thinking about how to practically implement change within their own companies.”

She continues “I am absolutely delighted at the success of the event, and we’ve had

some really great feedback from sponsors, speakers and our audience, who went away buzzing with ideas and inspiration.”

In 2021 research from the IBM Institute for Business Value found that 93% of global respondents reported that the pandemic had influenced their views on sustainability.

Since that time their research has shown sustainability to have propelled to the forefront of corporate priorities, with the key drivers for these changes including changing legislation; shifting consumer behaviour; pressure from investors and

Eye on Sustainability

John Martin, RSPB NI, presenting to attendees of the All-Ireland Summit L-R: Carla McSorley, FoodCloud, Paul Carson, Strategic Power Projects, Rachel Sankannawar, Invest NI.

Gordon Boyd and Danielle McCormick Eleanor McGillie (left), Worldwide Financial Planning, and Jacqueline Gibson, International Synergies NI (right)

Frank McGonagle (left), Michelle Connolly (middle) and Nora Douds (right)

financial institutions for businesses to take sustainability into account; a changing employee marketplace and a need to cut costs as a result of rising energy and food costs.

Danielle concludes by saying “We would like to thank all of our sponsors, speakers, panellists and audience members for joining us in helping to make this year’s event such a resounding success. Now is the time to turn intention into action, and we very much look forward to seeing everyone again in our 2023 All Ireland Sustainability Summit, so continue to watch this space.”

For further information contact Danielle via Danielle@Triterra.co.uk.

Danielle McCormick addresses the audience during panel discussion.

Also pictured L-R: Paul Carson, Strategic Power Projects, Rachel Sankannawar, Invest NI, Judy McElroy, NIE Networks, Liam McEvoy, Sustain IQ.

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Eye on Recruitment

Mairead Scott & Honeycomb – A Period Of Change Like No Other If the Covid pandemic brought change and the need to adapt to many different industry sectors, it’s arguable that the world of recruitment and people management has changed more than most.

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orking life has changed irrevocably, hybrid working has become the norm, remote working is here to stay and employees are suddenly much more aware of what they want from their working lives...and what they don’t.

“I’ve heard it described as ‘The Great Resignation’,” says Mairead Scott, Managing Director of one of our leading employment specialists, Honeycomb. “Suddenly, people aren’t afraid to look for new opportunities and to ask for what they want out of working life. If their current job doesn’t match up, they’ll simply leave.

“The old concept of Monday to Friday nine to five working is a thing of the past, broadly speaking,” she adds. “Employees are much more aware of what is important to them. They’re looking for work life balance alongside a satisfying career. And there’s nothing wrong with that.”

As a result of those changes,

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employers are having to step up to the mark. “Everyone, large and small, is having to be much more creative when it comes to employment packages and conditions. It’s not all about salary any more. Working hours, flexibility, health and wellbeing all come into the equation.

“Bigger organisations like PwC and FinTrU here in Northern Ireland have been leading the way with some of the employee innovations that they’ve introduced, but other employers are on the same track. We’ve heard of unlimited holidays, we’ve heard of complete working flexibility, we’ve heard of sabbaticals...and much more.

“What has happened during Covid is that the world of work has become a lot more trustbased. Organisations are trusting their people to get the job done, whether they’re in an office or at home. It shouldn’t matter.

As long as the productivity is there, no one has a problem.”

Based in central Belfast, and itself operating a hybrid working environment for its employees, Honeycomb was established five years ago and is a specialist in business support professionals, the kind of people who make almost any business tick.

It works across most sectors, including fintech, human resources, FMCG, supply chain and engineering, providing personal assistants, executive assistants, compliance professionals and other key people to a wide range of organisations across a number of sectors.

“It’s definitely a candidate’s market, there is no doubt about that,” says Mairead. “And there is a war for talent out there.

But, then again, there has always been a war for talent in my opinion. Candidates know what they want and they’re not afraid to ask for it. If they don’t, they’ll drop out quickly.”

Good customer service professionals, she says, are in high demand, as are those with analytic skills able to provide support for sales, manufacturing and other functions. “There is also a real need for executive

assistants with the potential to move on into leadership roles.”

Despite the current economic headwinds, Mairead Scott says that Honeycomb is firmly focussed on growth.

“We have a real appetite for growth. Companies and organisations here in Northern Ireland need trusted recruitment partners most than ever, and we want to be in a position to work with as many customers as we can over the coming months and years.

“This business is all about relationships – relationships between ourselves and our clients and relationships between employees and their employers. It’s every inch a people business. It might have changed a bit in recent times, but the fundamentals haven’t.

“Here at Honeycomb, we’re firmly focussed on matching the right talent with the right opportunity and matching people with organisations. We think that there are exciting times ahead.”

Eye on News

UBLOQUITY & b4b GROUP SIGN EXCLUSIVE DEALS TO BE FUJITSU’S SMART BORDER PARTNERS Kieran Kelly (r), CTO of ubloquity and Mark Fraser (l), Sales Director of b4b Group.

Banbridge-based ubloquity and b4b Group in Belfast have jointly announced exclusive consortium partnership agreements with Fujitsu UK & Ireland, to underpin its smart border solution – Atamai Freight – with their bespoke technologies.

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tamai Freight enables goods to move seamlessly and securely by verifying the integrity of road freight throughout its entire journey. By unifying and mapping all elements of the supply chain on a single digital platform, Atamai ensures the most complex customs procedures are completed automatically – saving time and money – and providing customers with accurate arrival times for their goods.

Central to the success of Atamai Freight is ubloquity’s enterprise blockchain technology. and b4b Group’s ‘smart seal’ solution. As aleading IT and telecoms provider b4b Group will also deliver sales and after-sales support.

Supply chain pioneer, Entopy, which is based in Cambridge is

the third consortium partner behind the roll out of the innovative smart border service.

Signing the 3-year contract with Fujitsu coincides with ubloquity’s first anniversary, during which time it has quadrupled in size, built a provenance chain of custody platform for a multinational food manufacturer, and won several prestigious awards for innovation and technology.

Ubloquity was established in July 2021 following a successful round of seed funding where it secured more than £2m from early investors.

It is currently in the process of seeking Series A investment to accelerate its growth both domestically and internationally.

Rob Chester, ubloquity’s CEO said: “I’m absolutely delighted we are

partnering with Fujitsu to underpin its smart borders solution. Our vision at ubloquity is to provide the foundational technology to enable the seamless movement of goods across all international borders.

“The future of global trade will be digital, and it will be carried on distributed ledger technology. That’s why we are focused on building federated blockchains that can carry the truth between multiple actors in an interconnected supply chain. Be that government agencies, logistics providers, or the producers of goods.”

The deal is also a significant coup for b4b Group, as confirmed

by Mark Fraser, Sales Director: “We are delighted to partner with Fujitsu UK & Ireland to deliver this revolutionary platform that can dramatically improve operational efficiencies for the movement of goods.

“As hauliers and suppliers seek to deliver goods to their customers on time, they are faced with a complicated logistics process.

Harnessing the transformative power of digital technology

however, through the Atamai Freight platform, we can cut through those complications, facilitating safe, and secure passage for shipments saving both time and money.”

Fujitsu’s Atamai Freight platform officially launched in the UK at the end of June, following successful trials of the service with logistics providers and food manufacturers across GB and NI. Christian Benson, VP, Client Managing Director at Fujitsu UK & Ireland said: “With the help of our consortium partners, we are establishing a new level of collaboration and trust throughout the UK supply chain making it easier to move goods. Atamai utilises Smartlocks, GPS and Blockchain to secure and assure the content of road freight between GB and NI. It provides real-time visibility of each journey and consignment, which can then be shared with participating businesses and government authorities.”

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Eye on News

Strategic Power Connect Launched To Reduce Energy Costs And Improve ESG Reporting

Paul Carson, Managing Director SPP, Ruth Kimbley Communications Director SPP

Leading renewable energy developer, Strategic Power Projects, has launched Strategic Power Connect, an extension of their renewable energy provision that will support large C&I energy users within a volatile market.

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trategic Power Connect will design and install onsite renewable energy systems to enable major companies make long term commitments in reaching their sustainability goals while securing energy supplies at a set price through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

PPA contracts make it possible to develop renewable energy installations, giving certainty on energy prices over the medium to long term. There is no capital outlay, Strategic Power Connect will fully finance the design, build, maintenance, and operations of the systems while the customer will benefit from reduced energy costs.

Strategic Power Projects Managing

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Director, Paul Carson said, “The launch of Strategic Power Connect comes in response to a huge demand from large energy users to reduce their energy costs while more consciously making their transition to decarbonise their energy outputs. The recent publication of the REPowerEU document, which sees the Commission proposing to increase the 2030 target for renewables from the current 40% to 45% highlights just how important the requirement is to enhance the range of sources from which power can be generated and used on a local level.

“Strategic Power Projects has been hugely successful over the past few years. Our experienced team

has taken a range of renewable energy projects from inception through to fruition. Now we plan to build on that success with the launch of Strategic Power Connect, but more importantly, we want to help our customers become more resilient in an ever-changing market. Our market research and constructive discussions with potential clients has highlighted just how much we can help with that.”

Ruth Kimbley, Communications Director for Strategic Power Connect said that reducing cost is only one of the benefits of the launch as ESG reporting becomes more and more important for businesses, “Energy provenance has never been more important.

The future of any business will demand more empathy to the environment in which it operates and to the people and stakeholders with which it works.

“Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) matters are

increasingly becoming part of the business narrative. With a raft of ESG-related disclosure requirements coming into force over the coming years, companies need to assess their readiness in terms of the transition to a low carbon economy and in meeting their sustainability disclosure requirements.”

Paul Carson concluded, Strategic Power Connect solves a lot of problems for businesses – we can help with the reduction of energy costs whilst enabling the sustainable transition. It’s refreshing to see that companies welcome the solution, and very much in a vocational sense rather than simply meeting regulatory requirements.

We want to help companies on this journey. Demonstrating an environmental commitment should be seen as an opportunity and not a burden. The prize for the future is too big.

Eye on News

Glenpark Estate celebrates Tourism NI Investment Support

Glenpark Estate, located in the Gortin Glens, an area of outstanding natural beauty in Tyrone owned by local family, Richard and Selina Beattie is celebrating the opening of a series of new facilities thanks to over £97,600 in funding from the Tourism NI Experience Development Programme.

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he family have worked with Tourism NI to deliver on their ambitious plans to turn the site into an active tourism experience with a focus on days out, food and quality outdoor experiences.

Visitors to the new Glenpark Estate can now enjoy a new visitor welcome area, new walks and tourism experiences including farm tours, cookery experience and a new children’s play area, all supported by Tourism NI through the Tourism NI Experience Development Programme. The caravan and camping site have reopened, and a new outdoor cooking area has been created. New signage has also been created to guide visitors around the site.

Activities including mediation, yoga and Thai Chi are all available to book during the year at the Estate.

A new website and branding is also in place.

Already Glenpark Estate is well established as a days out and wedding venue and offers accommodation, as well as a number of restaurants. The newly

Glenpark Estate owners Selina and Richard Beattie join Sheena Dickson, Landscape & Activities Tourism Manager, Tourism NI, and David McKinley, Architect as they launch new facilities at the park. The project was part funded by Tourism NI Experience Development Programme.

established open farm is host to animals including Valais Black nose sheep, highland & longhorn cattle and deer. Tours of the farm are available and can be prebooked through the Estate team. The Estate has a strong focus on local food and sourcing, with weekly menus, created by Head Chef Paul Quinn.

The farm shop on site, also hosts seasonal produce, local artisan food, baking and local arts and crafts.

Welcoming the investment from Tourism NI Experience Development Programme, Richard Beattie, owner of Glenpark said; “We are delighted to see the success of Glenpark Estate already and are thrilled to see the site working so well and becoming established as a great day out for families and friends wanting to explore, meet up or relax in this lovely area. From the outset, we have wanted to create Glenpark Estate as a vibrant multi visitor site and its really thriving among the Sperrins as a great place to visit. We are now offering accommodation on site, caravanning, camping, retail, outdoor activities and handpicked outdoor and cooking experiences on site. All are environmentally friendly and sustainable, and we have a rich annual events programme – the Estate now has so much to offer.”

“Working to deliver tourism excellence in Glenpark

Estate through the funding from Tourism NI Experience Development Programme, we have created a natural outdoor experience on the site, embracing all of the key assets and natural elements of the existing site and maximising and further focusing on its position adjoining the neighbouring Gortin Glens forest park, including trails and a new children’s play area,” Richard added.

Welcoming the developments in Glenpark Estate, Sheena Dickson, Landscape & Activities Tourism Manager from Tourism NI added; “We are delighted to support the exciting new developments at Glenpark Estate which will see a range of new food and outdoor experiences come to life across the estate. The evolution of new tourism experiences like this shows that innovation continues to be at the forefront of the development of the industry here. I have no doubt that this exciting addition to Glenpark Estate will be central to the visitor experience in County Tyrone, creating new and compelling reasons to visit the area.”

Since opening its doors, the estate has already welcomed over 250,000 visitors, and plans are in development for creating more events and activities on the site. Glenpark currently employs 75 staff across all areas of the Estate.

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Eye on News

New online home for McConnell’s Irish Whisky The ongoing resurgence of McConnell’s Irish Whisky continues almost 250 years after it was Born in Belfast in 1776, with the launch of a new website to tell the story of the legendary whisky.

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ince McConnell’s was re-launched in 2020, communications have been developed to convey the essence of McConnell’s as a brand. The new website reflects contemporary life in Belfast while still maintaining McConnell’s traditional Belfast heritage.

The team at Belfast Distillery Company have been working on ways to share the McConnell’s story which began in 1776. Those behind the revamp were careful to ensure the true essence of the brand would remain within today’s contemporary world. The website will be the first port of call for many who are just finding out about McConnell’s and the journey from 18th Century spirits grocers to

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now bringing whisky distilling back to Belfast in the 21st Century.

The Belfast Born branding, which has been developed with Darragh Neely Design, is brought to life on the new website, produced by SMK Creations with the goal of creating a virtual home for fans of the McConnell’s Irish Whisky portfolio.

The website will help consumers learn the history of McConnell’s Irish Whisky, as well as sharing all the latest news. The website will be a one-stop shop for whisky lovers to find out more about the McConnell’s portfolio, where to purchase, and to learn more about ways to consume. Continuing its nod to the hometown of Belfast, consumers can try their hands at McConnell’s signature serves which

Reviewing the new McConnell’s Irish Whisky website are (L-R) Stephen McKechnie from SMK Creations, John Kelly, CEO at Belfast Distillery Company, Darragh Neely from Darragh Neely Designs and Sarah Kennedy, Brand Ambassador at McConnell’s Irish Whisky.

include ‘The Belfast Old Fashioned’ and ‘The Dunbar Street Sour’.

Sarah Kennedy, Brand Ambassador at McConnell’s Irish Whisky explained the purpose of the new website: “Over the last few years we have seen a renaissance in Irish whiskey across the globe. We are growing McConnell’s Irish Whisky across the world and continue to take the brand on a journey to new markets. With the ‘Belfast Born 1776’ trademark, we have helped raise the profile of McConnell’s with whisky lovers. Our new website will be an online home for those who want to know the McConnell’s story, find out where to buy it, and learn new ways to enjoy drinking our great whisky.”

Darragh Neely at Darragh Neely Design, who was involved in the development of the brand’s new look, added: “We’ve been on quite a journey with McConnell’s over the last few months. Like any branding project

done properly it’s about getting into the very DNA, the essence, of that brand. McConnell’s has real honest history and a heritage like no other whisky here. It came from Belfast and we wanted to make sure it stayed firmly rooted in these streets. The updated branding and tone secures it’s position on this island and will help it travel even further. We’re very happy with the direction now and excited for our continued collaboration with such a passionate, driven team.”

Sarah concluded: “With this latest move by the team at Belfast Distillery Company, we maintain our Belfast heritage, and look forward to the continued success of McConnell’s Irish Whisky.’

Visit the new website at www.mcconnellsirishwhisky.com

Eye on News

Allen & Overy marks Charity Partnership with Sands in Northern Ireland

Allen & Overy (A&O) has raised £30,684 towards the work of pregnancy and baby loss charity Sands in Northern Ireland and across the UK, as the result of a three year pro bono and community investment partnership.

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ands works to save babies’ lives and to make sure that the right care and support is available for everyone affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby, whenever and wherever they need it.

Employees have raised the amount over the last three years through a wide range of fundraising activities including a sky dive, relay teams running in the Belfast City Marathon, coffee mornings and more. Alongside fundraising efforts, a large emphasis was placed on raising awareness of baby loss, as well as training to ensure anyone affected was supported within the workplace.

Pauline Wylie, Pro Bono and Community Investment (PBCI) Committee Chair, comments on the success of the charity partnership: “At A&O we are committed to supporting our local community, giving back and making a difference. Our partnership with Sands in Northern

Ireland played a central role in that commitment and reflected our wider PBCI objectives. Sands received overwhelming support from staff as it was a cause very close to our hearts.

“Our PBCI Committee helped to drive engagement across the office by organising regular fundraising activities, which raised £30,684 for the charity. This partnership was not just about raising funds though, staff also had the opportunity to assist with making memory boxes and knitting baby blankets for bereaved families.

“The partnership with Sands helped to raise awareness of baby loss. We shared personal experiences to start conversations, and bereavement training was provided by Sands to ensure that colleagues were supported, and able to speak about their loss. Our senior employment lawyers also assisted Sands in reviewing policy documents for their ‘Bereavement in the Workplace’ project

Celebrating a successful partnership which raised £30,684 for the work of pregnancy and baby loss charity, Sands are (L-R) Steven Guy, Regional Co-ordinator, Sands NI with members of A&O’s PBCI Committee – Carol Stewart, Gary Tearle and Pauline Wylie.

and we provided the venue for Sands to hold their AGM in our London office.”

Thanks to the efforts of A&O employees, the charity partnership has ensured the continuation of much needed support for bereaved families, including Sands’ national accredited helpline, bereavement support resources, and a monitored online community. In Northern Ireland Sands currently facilitates ten support groups and during the partnership 365 memory boxes were distributed to hospitals to support families. These memory boxes are now provided to every hospital across Northern Ireland.

Victoria Luk, Head of Partnerships, Sands said: “We are so grateful for the support of Allen & Overy Belfast and their incredible achievements during a fantastic three year partnership. The team raised a remarkable £30,684 during this time and extended their partnership to reflect the impact that the pandemic had on their plans.

“Their donations enabled Sands to provide support to bereaved families across Northern Ireland and beyond and allowed us to continue our research and

campaigning to save babies’ lives.

“Alongside a remarkable fundraising achievement, Allen & Overy committed to raising awareness through their support of Baby Loss Awareness Week, and delivery of Sands’ bereavement in the workplace training. These important steps show their commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for their colleagues. We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone at Allen & Overy Belfast.”

Allen & Overy’s Belfast office opened in 2011. It is the second largest office in the A&O network by headcount, employing over 600 people. It includes a Support Services Centre which delivers business services – Document & Design, Finance, Human Resources, IT, Library & Information and Marketing & Business Development - to the firm’s global network. Through the Advanced Delivery Legal function, Allen & Overy Belfast is also at the forefront of delivering legal services to clients in new and flexible ways, with proportionate lower-cost, tech enabled resourcing and endto-end managed legal services.

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Eye on Business travel

Business travel not quite as usual Jonathan Guest, former CEO of Harland and Wolff and current Senior Director at Pattern Energy, a US based renewable energy developer, discusses, that despite best planning and endeavors, he fell foul of Covid-19 travel restrictions on a recent business trip to Japan that turned out very differently than planned.

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ight, that’s the visit sorted, let’s get the flights booked”, was for my whole business career, the mantra that generally meant another meeting, flight and overnight hotel stay in a far-flung corner of the world, culminating in over 90 international flights in one calendar year.

That was business as usual, until the Covid-19 pandemic hit during my last round-the-world trip, visiting Tokyo and San Diego. Little did I imagine when dragging myself out of the taxi home from Belfast City Airport that I wouldn’t effectively leave the house for work, for another two years.

Many businesspeople with an international remit like myself have found lockdown difficult, not least, the challenges of working from home. Whilst the various online video conferencing platforms have softened the blow of not meeting in person, there are simply some tasks that cannot be completed online, especially in the Engineering and Construction space.

I am assisting my colleagues in Green Power Investments in Japan with technical and commercial support, on the building of the first commercial scale windfarm in the Sea of Japan, at Ishikari Bay, Hokkaido.

Working during lockdown from my home in Belfast meant lots of early

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morning and late evening calls to manage the time differences between Tokyo, Belfast and, the parent company’s base in San Diego, so when Japan was once again open for business, I jumped at the chance to get my trip booked, renew old friendships and meet new personnel on the project, along with the opportunity to see construction underway.

Whilst most countries are opening to non-residents, it’s important to understand the specific criteria for qualifying business travel. In the case of Japan, it meant an invitation letter, and further supporting documentation from my sponsoring company, along with a detailed visa application and two visits to the Japanese Embassy in London, to apply for and then collect my Visa.

Travel was always a doddle for me.

Throw some stuff in a bag and don’t forget the business cards – it’s said that turning up to a meeting in Japan without one is like turning up naked! Make sure you grab your Passport, wallet, and phone, and you’re away. So, why did this time feel different? The complexity of different entry requirements, the myriad of paperwork, ensuring vaccine passports were uploaded onto the various Apps and PCR tests added to anxiety levels for this trip.

Finally on my way! Belfast to Heathrow;

done. Transfer to T3; complete. Quick shop and a few drinks to help with the jetlag: check! Climb onboard a Japan Airlines plane; relax and off I go. It wasn’t long into the flight that I discovered another geopolitical influence on business travel, as the Ukrainian conflict now leads to a detour to the South of Russia, meaning an almost 14 hour flight time and by disembarkation, I was already starting to feel a little fatigued.

No matter, just immigration to clear and I’d be on my way, or so I thought. I was greeted by a maze of lines, tables and hundreds of well-meaning Japanese people directing passengers through the Tensa-barrier obstacle course to complete the correct medical paperwork and download the applicable tracker apps.

No problem. I had the inside knowledge from my colleague who had visited the week before, so a quick test carried out, all documents in hand, on I trundled, receiving forms, showing QR codes until reaching the test results queue.

A simple system, each of the tests equipped with a 4-digit number and, once yours appears, go up to the counter to get your negative test result and off you go to baggage reclaim and out into the Tokyo night. A quick check on my watch, put forward to Japan time (8 hours ahead of home), showed that I was making excellent progress and was already planning which Downtown restaurant to visit for a late dinner.

Then, something went wrong - very wrong. The numbers popped up on the screen but mine did not appear; then the sequences moved way past. Something is wrong, I thought… My sample has been stuck in with another batch, it will appear soon… it will, won’t it?

My attention was drawn to another desk, where every so often a number was read out and the passenger in question was asked to attend, before being discretely whisked off behind some big screens. Covid Positive I thought, that’s what that counter is for! After an hour, I got the call: Passenger Guest, please come to Desk 148. “No, this can’t be happening. I passed a PCR test 48 hours earlier, I cannot have Covid-19!”

Despite my polite, protestations that

my sample must have been contaminated and a request to take “just one more test” to try and extricate myself from the situation, I was whisked away to a government quarantine facility, a small hotel room in the outskirts of Tokyo.

I was confined there for seven days being bombarded with announcements every few hours reminding me not to leave my room, apart from to pick up my meals from outside my door, and to complete yet another self-assessment App with my Oxygen Saturation and Temperature readings, twice daily.

I have encountered some setbacks in business travel over the years with cancellations, re-routings, and layovers in strange parts of the world, but I must admit that the confinement of the quarantine facility was a new and disconcerting one for me. I was fortunate, however, to have the support network of my company, Pattern, who through the office in Tokyo, immediately swung into action to check on my Physical and Mental health and delivered goodie bags containing lots of essentials, including food and snacks to make my stay more comforting.

The seven-day quarantine passed slowly at first, but with conference calls still ongoing and friends and family keeping in contact, it seemed like no time before I was released. It was finally time to meet colleagues, old and new, and grab that meal in Downtown Tokyo. I stayed on for a further week and flew back to Belfast with thankfully little drama.

Will this put me off travelling? No, but there will be uncertainty that even though you have followed all the protocols, there are no guarantees that everything will go smoothly, so plan for the unexpected. I fear the culture of “working from home” has resulted in a reluctance to travel and meeting with colleagues in person, which in turn is detrimental to junior members of staff who learn on the job, and enjoy the camaraderie of working on site. We must of course continue to be alert to Covid-19 and other virus outbreaks, and ensure we follow the government legislation that is set by each country to protect their people and ourselves, but if you do get the chance to travel, then go for it!

Eye on Tax

Tax update for Property Landlords

Over the past number of years an increasing number of people have become landlords, intentionally or accidentally! For a lot of people they were attracted to property investments due to the capital growth seen in the early 2000’s.

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owever much of the potential for this capital growth has reduced and hence rental income derived from the property is an important part of the investment. A key consideration facing many is how to reduce the exposure of this income to the taxman. As with all things, nothing ever stays the same and so it is with regards to the tax rules relating to rental income.

Over the past few years, a number of changes affecting the taxation of rental income have taken effect and landlords may need to take action to help minimise the impact upon their tax position of these changes.

The main changes which landlords will have seen are as follows: • a 3% SDLT surcharge will apply to the purchase of second properties, including buy to let properties. This change will add an additional £4,500 of stamp duty to the purchase of a second property costing £150,000. However this change will affect more than just landlords as anyone buying for example a holiday home will also be affected.

• previously landlords enjoy full tax relief on mortgage interest paid in connection with the purchase of a rented residential property at their top rate of tax.

This relief is now restricted so that higher rate taxpayers will only receive tax relief at 20%.

In fact some taxpayers will not receive any relief at all if their taxable income consists wholly of dividends which are taxed at 8.75% (previously 7.5%) • Capital Gains Tax arising on the sale of residential property are subject to an 8% surcharge which means that gains arising on residential properties which aren’t your principal private residence will be taxed at either

18% for basic tax payers or 28% for higher rate taxpayers.

• In addition , all capital gains on the sale of residential property must be declared to HMRC within 60 days of the sale completing and any resulting capital gains tax will also be payable at this time. The gains must be reported online, except in exceptional circumstances, and must also be reported on your self-assessment tax return.

• Previously landlords renting furnished residential properties were able to claim a 10% wear & tear allowance even if no expenditure had been incurred during the year. This allowance has now been replaced with a relief that allows landlords to deduct the cost they actually incur on replacing furnishings, appliances and kitchenware in a property. This relief will be given for the cost of a like-for-like, or nearest modern equivalent, replacement asset, plus any costs incurred in disposing of, or less any proceeds received for, the asset being replaced.

So what can a property investor do to try and minimise the impact of these changes?

Many of these changes affect higher rate tax payers, therefore if you can reduce your total taxable income below the higher rate threshold you will reduce the impact of some of the measures outlined above.

A pension contribution many reduce your taxable income to a level that results in you only paying the basic rate of tax.

Gift Aid contributions can also have the same effect by increasing your basic rate band to such an extent that you no longer pay higher rate tax and should

also therefore be considered.

If your spouse pays a lower rate of tax that you, you may wish to consider allocating some or all of the income into their name.

This can be achieved by either transferring the appropriate share of the property into their name or by informing HMRC of a change in the income sharing ratio in relation to a property already held jointly. For a jointly owned property HMRC will assume a 50/50 split of income unless told otherwise.

Keeping better records of expenses is another way of reducing the income tax payable on rental income. Many landlords overlook small expenses they are incurring at present on perhaps the maintenance of the property.

They also overlook the cost they incur in managing the property; e.g. telephone calls, motor expenses, computer costs and use of their own home. Remembering to accurately record the income received noting unpaid rent and

gap periods between tenants is also important to ensure the income is not overstated.

Many of these changes do not affect properties owned by a company. There may therefore be an opportunity to transfer ownership of properties to a limited company. However there are many potential tax implications of such a move and expert advice should be obtained before considering such a move.

If you believe you may be affected by the changes outlined above please do not hesitate to get in touch so that we can undertake a review of your tax position and advise on steps which you may be able to take in order to mitigate any adverse impact upon your tax position.

The content of this article is for information purposes only and advice particular to your circumstances should be sought from a professional advisor.

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Eye on Manufacturing

Belfast-headquartered Ridgeway secures deal with its first French offshore wind farm Saint-Nazaire Offshore Wind Farm will use Ridgeway Rockbags

Stephen Kane, Managing Director of Ridgeway.

Deployment of a patent protected 4T Filter Unit Rockbag on Saint Nazaire Offshore Wind Farm.

Belfast-based Ridgeway, through its European distribution partners, has secured a contract with its first French client to use Kyowa Filter Units, known as Rockbags in the UK and Europe.

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aint Nazaire is a 480MW offshore wind farm being developed in the Loire-Atlantique region of France and it is owned by EDF Renewables and EIH S.à r.l. (Enbridge Inc. et CPP Investments).

It will deploy the sustainable Rockbags for protecting and stabilising sections of the cable.

Théo POMET, Industrial Manager & Deputy Project Manager at Louis Dreyfus Travocean, responsible for installing the array cables, explains the relevance of this control method with regards to the project needs: “The eco-friendly solution offered by Rockbags is a great advantage for our project. Made of recycled material and with a large lifespan, the products perfectly fall within the philosophy of the wind farm sector. The stocks available through Europe made this solution adaptable and with an excellent reactivity. Logistics is easy due to low weight and volume taken by the empty Rock Bags and allow to work in cooperation with local

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quarries which creates local employment and the use of local raw materials.”

Rolf Slomp, Offshore Installation Manager for Louis Dreyfus Travocean, said: “The Rockbags are ideal for stabilising our cable. Having the rocks of this size in the bags it envelops the cable and CPS nicely without having to dump a huge number of rocks. The Rockbags together with the crane, beacon and ROV give us a precision stabilisation of the cable with a minimum of materials installed on the seabed.”

As of spring 2022, the wind turbines will be installed offshore and then gradually put into service.

Once operational, the wind farm will produce the equivalent of the annual electricity consumption of 700,000 people, equal to 20% of the Loire-Atlantique department annual electricity consumption.

The works, lasting more than three years, involve more than 1,200 direct employees in the Pays de la Loire region, and more than 2,300 direct jobs overall

in France. The construction project is also contributing to create a national industry, providing jobs and new skills.

Louis Dreyfus Travocean selected Rockbags as their preferred method for cable stabilisation and protection in 2021 which led to the appointment of Ridgeway as their preferred supplier.

Ridgeway secured the business through its European distribution network following a successful cable protection track record in UK offshore wind.

Welcoming news of the contract win, Stephen Kane, Managing Director of Ridgeway said: “This project will highlight Ridgeway Rockbags as a confirmed measure for cable protection for other potential offshore wind farm developments in French waters. Given the various seabed substrates experienced for offshore wind farms in general, the industry needs new and innovative approaches like Rockbags for protecting subsea assets.

“Throughout 2022, our 4Te Rockbags

are being used to stabilise and protect the array cables linking the turbines.

“Originally introduced into the UK and Europe in 2009, Ridgeway initially acquired the UK and Ireland distribution licence of the Patent protected ‘Kyowa Filter Unit’ and the business has since won numerous high profile offshore energy contracts across the UK and Europe.

“The 2021 acquisition of the European licence represents a significant opportunity with an established network of dealers and strategic stock locations.

This latest partnership with the SaintNazaire offshore wind farm aligns with our vision to grow our footprint globally over the next decade.”

Rockbags are mainly used for protecting underwater cables and pipelines, as well as stabilising structures.

A simple, versatile product constructed of a mesh bag filled with rocks, they are also a popular choice for preventing flood and bridge scour. They are eco-friendly, made from 100% recycled materials and boast a minimum lifespan of 50 years, as well as a quick and accurate installation process, with the added advantage of being easily removed if required.

The Saint-Nazaire offshore wind farm is jointly owned by EDF Renewables, a wholly owned subsidiary of the EDF Group, and EIH S.à r.l., a joint venture between Enbridge Inc. (TSX:ENB) (NYSE:ENB) and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (through its wholly owned subsidiary CPP Investment Board Europe S.à r.l.). With a capacity of 480 MW, it comprises 80 wind turbines located on the rocky plateau of the Banc de Guérande, more than 12 km off the coast of the Guérande peninsula.

Originally introduced into the UK and Europe in 2009, Ridgeway initially acquired the UK and Ireland distribution licence of the Patent protected “Kyowa Filter Unit” and the business has since won numerous high profile offshore energy contracts across the UK and Europe. The 2021 acquisition of the European licence represents a significant opportunity with an established network of dealers and strategic stock locations.

‘We anticipate your business needs today to deliver the right service’ Donna Linehan - Client Services Director Jonny Hill - Operations Director

venyou.co.uk

Eye on News

2.8M Germans To Read All About Northern Ireland

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even top travel and lifestyle journalists from Germany took part in a fact-finding visit

around Northern Ireland recently. The journalists – who write for various regional German newspapers and

magazines with a combined audience of around 2.8 million readers, or potential holidaymakers for Northern

Ireland – were invited here by Tourism Ireland, in conjunction with Tourism NI. The itinerary for the group was themed around locations used in various TV and film productions and included the new Game of Thrones Studio Tour, Tollymore Forest, Castle Ward and Inch Abbey. The group is pictured at Carnlough Harbour in Co. Antrim.

The journalists also travelled along the Causeway Coastal Route, stopping at places like Carnlough village, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, Ballintoy, Dunluce Castle and the Giant’s Causeway. The journalists finished their visit in the Walled City of Derry,

where they enjoyed the Derry Girls guided walking tour.

Nadine Lehmann, Tourism Ireland’s Manager Germany, said: “Screen tourism is an important motivator for Germans to visit Northern Ireland, so we were delighted that these influential German journalists took the time to come and explore some of our key filming locations for themselves. Regional newspapers in Germany are widely read and the articles written by these journalists will be seen by almost 2.8 million people – encouraging those readers to come and explore Northern Ireland for themselves.”

Fibrus Opens Dedicated Service and Network Operations Centre Leading full fibre broadband provider Fibrus has reached another milestone in its journey of growth and evolution with the opening of its Service and Network Operations Centre at Dargan Crescent in the North Foreshore area of Belfast.

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t will act as the central hub for Fibrus’ Service Delivery function, representing another major investment in the company, its people, and in the Northern Ireland economy.

Neil Burrows, Procurement Director at Fibrus explained that Fibrus’ decision to invest £1M in new office premises is to support its rapid expansion across Northern Ireland and the North of England.

He said: “This 12,000 sq. ft state of the art network operations and customer operations centre in Dargan will have capacity for up to 100 people”.

Liam Mulholland, Service Delivery Director at Fibrus, said that Dargan Crescent will be the central hub

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for the Customer Care, Billing, Installations, Network Operations and Field Engineering teams.

“The launch of this new facility demonstrates Fibrus’ broader commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for our customers. With the growth of Fibrus’ Service Delivery function and to make sure that we are providing the most efficient and optimal customer experience, it’s vital that all of the colleagues responsible for that customer journey are based in one location. Essentially, this location will allow us to better respond and communicate with customers.”

Fibrus Fleet, Facilities and Office Manager, Sharon McGregor explained:

Sharon McGregor, Fleet, Facilities & Office Manager at Fibrus, Liam Mulholland, Service Delivery Director at Fibrus, Shane Haslem, Fibrus COO, and Neil Burrows, Procurement Director at Fibrus.

“We are proud to say that the facility will have five electric vehicle charging points on site which helps us build on our CSR goals as we continue to increase our fleet of climate friendly vehicles.

“The building will also have 24/7 access which will allow us to introduce a whole new range of Network Monitoring tools and

equipment that will support our quest to deliver a world class service.”

The building has been fitted out to the company’s operational needs and, crucially, will have fantastic on-site training and storage facilities that will help support further growth both in terms of increased customer numbers and the staff needed to support them.

Eye on Cloud Communications

SMEs urged to get ready as the age of fixed landlines nears its end Time is running out for businesses using traditional telecoms networks and SMEs should urgently be assessing what exposure or risks the looming ISDN/ PSTN switch-off poses for them, writes Radius Connect Regional Director for Ireland.

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or more than 30 years, we’ve been busy helping local business create next-generation communications infrastructure to allow them to adapt, evolve and grow in an increasingly competitive, challenging marketplace.

The pace of change in this key area has never been as rapid and, as has been seen in the last few years, exacerbated by the pandemic and the shift to remote working, underpinning the essential need to be more flexible and faster than ever before.

For almost a decade, we’ve also been working with businesses to get ready for the big ‘switch off’ in 2025 when Openreach will officially terminate all traditional, analogue and outdated – and mostly copper - PSTN and ISDN lines for super speed fibre connections capable of carrying bigger volumes of data in an increasingly digital world.

Although Openreach, then part of BT, first made its ‘warning’ deadline announcement in 2015, it’s hard to believe there is little time left. In fact, Openreach are advancing fast on its plans and many areas of Northern Ireland and across the UK have had restrictions placed in readiness for the ‘big switchover’.

Any businesses connected to these exchanges are now limited in their ability to add or manage lines, channels and internet bandwidth – and all telephone exchanges everywhere will be under these restrictions by September 2023.

The deadline is now much closer than you think – and despite the warnings, many business remain unprepared, with many surveys pointing that more than three quarters of businesses across the UK are still using landlines.

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to ensure your business is prepared, ready and in better shape than it has ever been – and fit to take on the future and the many opportunities ahead. Not all change is bad.

Here are just a few options to consider:

Mobile working

Stephen McQuoid

Moving to internet-based telecoms makes the world your office. With the addition of an app to your smartphone, table or laptop, your business telephone number is as mobile as you. Receive and make calls from your business telephone number from anywhere with an internet connection.

Digital phone lines The direct replacement to traditional phone lines. Calls and data can now be seamlessly and securely carried over a new, superspeed fibre internet connection that results in supreme quality calls. You’ll keep your telephone number, be able to add additional features and call bundles but, most importantly, you will retain and improve your connection to your customers and clients.

Cloud telecoms Cloud telecoms can provide a virtual phone system managed via an online portal. Offering all the features of on-site phone systems, whilst being more flexible and empowering your teams to work remotely or at home.

Business both large and small can benefit from this type of easy, affordable solution.

SIP trunks Session initiation protocol (SIP) trunks are ideal for businesses with an on-site phone (PBX) who want to futureproof their solution, add call capacity or functionality. A SIP trunk brings in a dedicated internet connection that compliments or even replaces the existing ISDN line deployment.

All your calls can be made and received using solely your internet connection if you have a phone system that uses internet protocol (IP), such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) or SIP. And all of this can also be done in the cloud by hosting your phone system remotely.

communication and data speed standards are rising and without upgrading the physical network, there’s a danger of being left behind.

Let’s get ahead of the game. For more information and to discuss your options, get in touch with our experienced local team who will share their expertise.

Stephen McQuoid is Regional Director, Ireland, Radius Connect. Radius Connect is rapidly becoming a leader in business telecoms in the UK and Ireland.

For more information on Radius Connect and the wider family group of Radius businesses, visit www.radiusconnectsolutions.com

In business, planning ahead is everything and it’s important not to panic.

There’s still real value in looking to proactively make the switch ahead of time to prevent any issues or challenges later on that could be encountered ahead of the deadline.

Ultimately, the big switch off is a good thing for everyone. Right across the world,

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Eye on Education

Queen’s Management School Set To Open New Innovative Campus facilities Queen’s Management School will unveil brand new, future-focused facilities later in 2022.

The School extension will become the base for a vibrant community of national and international students and faculty and provide an enhanced social and educational experience.

New digital infrastructure With demand for study and research opportunities at the largest School at Queen’s University Belfast growing, plans were developed to expand the Management School. Futurefocused facilities and extended social, collaborative space was needed to support the thousands of students and faculty.

Fast forward to 2022, the new 6000 square metre building, currently under construction, will sit adjacent to the current Management School facilities, including listed red-brick building Riddel Hall.

New facilities will include the Mark Pigott Lecture Theatre, a 250seat tiered educational space that will be the central learning hub, and other teaching rooms designed for students to benefit from a modern digital infrastructure.

Students and faculty will be able to interface with media lecture capture, Ted Talk provision, collaborative breakout sessions, and two-way audio-video communication. The building also will host new research centres, large meetings, and other special events to benefit students, academics, and industry.

World-class education Queen’s Management School delivers world-class undergraduate and postgraduate education in Accounting, Economics, Finance and Management, and an extensive executive education programme

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through the William J. Clinton Leadership Institute.

In 2021, Queen’s Management School (QMS) was awarded accreditation from EQUIS, AMBA and the Small Business Charter.

These accreditations are seen as marks of excellence and put the School within the top 5% of

management schools globally.

Students can be assured that the education and opportunities provided at QMS are world-class, and businesses can benefit from the School’s commitment to transforming the local and global economy sustainably, by educating the leaders of the future.

Geothermal energy Alongside pioneering learning and collaboration spaces, the building itself will be a beacon of innovation.

Geothermal energy – renewable energy generated from the Earth’s core - will be utilised to heat the new facilities. A closed-loop ground source heat pump system made up

Eye on Education Support for businesses

New head of Queen’s Management School - Professor Ravishankar

of over 10km of thermal pipework will harvest natural energy from underneath the building, which will then in turn heat the new building.

This will be one of the few flagship geothermal projects in Northern Ireland, showing Queen’s University Belfast to be leading the way to a ‘just transition’ - moving from an extractive economy to a regenerative economy.

New beginnings Professor M. N. Ravishankar joined Queen’s Management School as the new Dean on June 1st, saying: “I have been lucky to join Queen’s Management School just as the

new developments are coming to completion. This is an exciting time to head up one of top management schools in the UK, with new facilities that will allow us to create opportunities for students, faculty, and businesses to deliver best-in-class educational resources and add value in a local, national, and international context.

We want to inspire and prepare the next generation of innovative leaders in business and society, and this new thriving campus will give us a brilliant base to do so from. We encourage local and global businesses to pay us a visit, attend one of the many events we will hold there, and see how we can work together.”

Queen’s Management School runs a variety of different programmes to support businesses and social enterprises in Northern Ireland and beyond.

Placement students are available to employers annually, to undertake one paid year in industry and inject new ideas into the organisation. A placement student is an extra resource for a business, and a cost-effective way to train and evaluate students for potential graduate employment opportunities.

The Business Clinic at QMS helps organisations to gain fresh insights on a business issue by utilising a team of students through a consultancy project.

Businesses, social enterprises, and charities are encouraged to get in contact with specific issues that would benefit from student consultancy support – freeing up time and resources for management and staff to work on other priorities.

The Help to Grow programme has recently launched in Northern Ireland and will provide training for SME decision makers to increase productivity, seize investment opportunities and grow their business. Businesses across all sectors can apply, including social enterprises; and must be based in Northern Ireland, have been operating for more than a year, and have between 5-249 employees. Three cohorts of 25 businesses will be trained over September, January and May intakes. Applications are open to apply, and QMS is

seeking mentors to take part.

The MBA (Masters in Business Administration), globally accredited by the Association of MBAs, has been designed in consultation with industry leaders, alumni and students, and responds directly to employer requirements with a distinctly international focus.

This year-long leadership skills programme features training in personal development, participation in high-performing teams, presentation skills, communications strategies, and an international study tour.

The William J Clinton Leadership Institute at Queen’s Management School delivers impactful executive education programmes designed to develop leadership identity and give the competitive edge. A range of short courses, open and custom programmes synergise the rich academic foundation of Queen’s Management School, Queen’s University research and industry insights. Courses include Emerging Leaders and Senior Executive programmes, and newly-developed programme, Leading Transformation Through Cultural Change.

The Advanced Manufacturing Leadership Programme is designed to develop the critical skills, practical management and leadership competencies of manufacturing sector supervisors working on the production front line. Participants gain the tools and techniques to coach people, to manage processes and to detect opportunities for continuous improvement. A range of business skills are taught to help participants understand company strategy, the drivers of cost and value and how to have a bigger impact on customer and supplier relationships.

If your business is interested in engaging with any of the above opportunities, please enquire to QMSBusiness@QUB.ac.uk. qub.ac.uk/schools/ QueensManagementSchool/ twitter.com/QUBManagement

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Eye on News

Granite Podcast Studio Celebrates 200k Downloads Milestone Launched just before the pandemic in early 2020, Granite Podcast Studio in Newry’s Granite Exchange has just marked a milestone of 200,000 collective downloads since the podcast studio opened its doors in Autumn 2020.

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uilt in late 2019 and opened in early 2020, just before lockdown one, it was a delayed start for the state-ofthe-art podcast studio, but in just 18 months, over 200,000 people have chosen to download and listen to a podcast episode that’s been expertly recorded and edited at Granite Podcast Studios.

Home to some of Northern Ireland and Ireland’s leading podcasts, including What’s the Crime?, The Public Eye and Activist Lawyer, the podcast studio is conveniently situated in the heart of Newry, and is now attracting budding podcast creators and hosts from Ireland and across Northern Ireland.

Commenting on this major milestone, Colleen O’Hare, Granite Podcast Studio Manager comments: “At Granite Exchange, we pride ourselves on being an innovative and forward-thinking business and we’re delighted that our productions

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have reached over 200,000 people in such a short space of time.

“When we invested in the podcast studios before the pandemic, we were confident of the rising demand for high quality, state-of-the-art studio space, but the arrival of the pandemic quickly closed our doors during the first lockdown.

“When it was safe to do so, we relaunched the podcast studio and have welcomed many hosts and hundreds of guests to the studio.

Our hosts travel from far and wide to record at Granite Podcast Studios due to the quality of our equipment, location and editing expertise.”

As restrictions eased and the trend for podcasting continued to increase, Granite Podcast Studio has noticed a significant uplift in new podcasts and enquiries. Colleen continues: “We have lots of plans for Granite Podcast Studios, and as the demand for high quality podcasts increase, we’re well placed to welcome new clients who

Natsha Daryaie, Host of Tash Talks podcast, Belinda O’Neill, Host of Be Inspired to Be podcast, Jack McClelland, Co-host of Activist Lawyer podcast. (front) Colleen O’Hare, Manager of Granite Exchange, Jonathan McKeown, Founder of Granite Exchange.

we can help on their podcast journey.”

The ultra-modern studio features a spacious, airy space that can fit up to four participants and is equipped with the latest audio equipment and cutting-edge technology. The experienced team at Granite Podcast Studio also offer in-house editing services, which can transform any podcast into a professional, readyto-upload show with minimal effort required from its customers.

Natasha Daryaie, also known as the Gym Guru, records her ‘Tash Talks’ podcast in Granite Podcast Studio.

Natasha adds: “Having such a modern podcast studio at our doorstep in Newry is a gift for people who are looking to increase their presence or are seeking to record good quality podcasts, paired with expertise and knowledge in this space.

“The team at Granite Podcast Studio have made my experience recording at the studio fantastic. I know my audience and content, but the overall service has delivered a higher quality listening experience, and this has certainly helped to contribute to the consistent growth of my podcast audience.”

Belinda O’Neill, host of ‘Be Inspired to Be’ podcast, recorded in Granite Podcast Studio recently, and added: “Recording at Granite Podcast Studio was very easy. All I did was book my slot, show up and record! The studio is spacious and comfortable and is fitted with all the modern equipment to record a great quality podcast.

I also made use of the in-house editing service, and I’m looking forward to working with the team on future episodes and building the ‘Be Inspired to Be’ podcast series.”

To listen to some of Granite Podcast Studio’s podcasts, see the website where you’ll find: The Public Eye, hosted by Sarah Travers, Activist Lawyer, Just’ Cause and Loudmouthed Lawyer.

Granite Podcast Studio is situated at 5-6 Kildare St, Newry, BT34 1DQ and open Monday to Friday.

For further information on its services, please see www. granitepodcaststudio.com or contact Colleen O’Hare on colleen. ohare@granite-exchange.com

Eye on News

Talent, Tech, and Trade revealed as key drivers for M&A 69% of Irish business leaders (70% globally) view the “triarchy” of talent, technology, and trade as core to their future M&A business strategy, according to a new M&A report launched by leading global law practice Eversheds Sutherland LLP – ‘Putting the Pieces Into Place: The Next Drivers of Strategic M&A’.

Talent: 71% of Irish business leaders (72% globally) see talent retention and acquisition as important in their organisations’ business strategy over the next year. 64% of Irish business leaders (and 62% globally) believe the ‘Great Resignation’ is acting as a catalyst for M&A as the battle for talent continues.

Technology: Technology continues to drive organisations’ business strategies, with 76% of Irish business leaders (almost 80% globally) seeking to improve their cyber security and three-quarters seeking digital transformation. Globally, M&A is seen as a rapid way to absorb new technology and expertise, with 74% saying M&A was important in bridging technology gaps.

Trade: Impacted by supply chain disruption and trade sanctions, 73% of Irish business leaders (68% globally) say that increasing supply chain resilience will be a strategic M&A priority over the next year. 69% of Irish business leaders (72% globally) also see increasing supply chain resilience as important to their organisation’s business strategy over the next year.

In addition, in April 2022, 60% of global business leaders said supply chain dislocation as a result of the invasion of Ukraine would make vertical integration an increasingly important business strategy.

The global Eversheds Sutherland study is based on opinion research conducted in early 2022 amongst 1,200 business leaders across 16 markets around the world including Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Respondents from a wide range of sectors provided both a detailed and expansive global view. In April 2022, a supplementary piece of research amongst 75 global business leaders provided insight into how the ongoing invasion of Ukraine is impacting M&A activity.

Enda Newton, Corporate Partner at Eversheds Sutherland, said: ”We are pleased to launch our report ‘Putting the Pieces Into Place: The Next Drivers of Strategic M&A’ to the market. After a turbulent few years in the wider business landscape, several factors are impacting the M&A environment including the invasion of Ukraine, inflation and rising energy prices, rising interest rates, stock market turbulence, and the ongoing effects of the global pandemic. All of these considerations have prompted business leaders across the island of Ireland to reflect on how best to execute strategic M&A transactions in the current environment and position their organisations for the future.

“Notwithstanding these challenges, the study shows that organisations continue to face the same urgent strategic gaps that need to be bridged in order to grow. Our research revealed that the majority of Irish business leaders see talent, technology and trade as the main factors impacting the M&A landscape – these are the key strategic gaps that they will continue to seek to bridge through mergers and acquisitions activity.”

“While new, post-pandemic challenges remain, the Northern Ireland economy is rebounding at a quicker rate than other markets across

Enda Newton of Eversheds Sutherland

the UK and Ireland. The economy in NI is growing again after a tough two years, with increased output and many sectors fully recovered after Covid. There is confidence among businesses again, with the NI Protocol, whilst remaining a sensitive issue, also helping to drive growth.

Fully grasping the issues outlined in our report - talent, technology, and trade – will be key in continuing this upward trend and driving a strong M&A activity in Northern Ireland.”

Other key findings include: Accelerating appetite: What dealmakers value In an age of transparency and the ever-increasing use of social media platforms holding companies to almost immediate account, this research revealed that brand and reputation are most valued by 81% of Irish business leaders (77% globally), making them the number one factor when considering what business leaders will pay for an acquisition.

Well-established attributes such as

increased market share, intellectual property and robust financial performance are equally regarded

by Irish business leaders as essential requirements when considering an acquisition (cited as important by 73%, 72% and 77% of Irish business leaders respectively).

Strong headwinds in 2022 Over two-thirds (68%) of Irish business leaders agree that the rise of protectionism is now creating a more complex environment for M&A and, globally, 67% believe that protectionism is making exposure to growth markets more difficult.

74% of those surveyed agreed that the ongoing invasion of Ukraine is harming M&A activity owing to the direct impact of sanctions. In addition, 70% of organisations acknowledge that the ongoing uncertainty around the Covid-19 pandemic is still a significant challenge.

Despite the turbulent start to the year, the market is often quick to digest major events as business leaders look to reassess and reposition.

For further information on the outlook for 2022 and to read the full Eversheds Sutherland LLP report follow this link https://www.eversheds-sutherland.com/documents/m-a-report/Eversheds_Sutherland_Strategic_MnA_Report.pdf

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Eye on Economics

Business Growth Slows As Cost Pressures Impact

A majority of businesses in Northern Ireland are trading positively, however acute inflationary pressures are starting to negatively affect business performance and confidence.

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Ann McGregor, (Chief Executive, NI Chamber), Brian Murphy (Managing Partner, BDO NI) and Maureen O’Reilly (Economist) pictured at the launch of the latest QES for Q2 2022.

Eye on Economics

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hat is according to the latest Quarterly Economic Survey results for Q2 22 from Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) and business advisors BDO NI. Businesses are generally positive about turnover growth in the next 12 months, with 52% expecting turnover to grow. However, this is down on previous quarters (60% Q1 22 and 70% in Q4 21) and while still showing some signs of growth, the Q2 22 findings suggest that business growth in Northern Ireland’s economy is slowing and confidence is waning. More than half of respondents (55%) have seen some slow-down in demand for products and/or services. For 15%, that slow-down has been significant.

Inflationary pressures Inflationary pressures remain acute affecting nine in ten businesses.

Raw material costs are a significant driver for manufacturers. In Q2 22 labour costs have also emerged as a very strong driver for both the manufacturing and services sectors, affecting twice as many members in Q2 22 compared to Q1 22. This is being driven in large part by challenges in recruiting staff. Rising utility and fuel costs are also key cost pressures.

Prices Rising costs continue to drive up expectations to raise prices which remain very high among both manufacturing and service businesses. In Q2 22, 83% of manufacturers and 75% of services businesses expecting to raise prices in the next three months.

The share of businesses facing pressure to raise prices because of rising labour costs has almost doubled over the quarter, again affecting both the manufacturing and services sectors.

Cash flow and debt Most members have some concerns around their cash flow position but there is no strong sense that the ability to pay back debt is an issue.

In Q2 22 there has been a slight improvement in the cash flow (-17%) balance for manufacturers after concerning dip in Q1 but it remains

the case that more manufacturers are reporting a deteriorating cash flow position than those reporting any improvement. In services the balance remains flat at +1%.

Risk of recession The Bank of England has recently flagged a potential risk of recession in the UK because higher energy prices could push inflation above 10%.

91% of members who responded to the survey believe that the UK economy could enter recession if the current economic conditions persist.

EU Exit The Q2 22 findings suggest that more businesses affected by new trading arrangements (3 in 4) are adapting to changes. In Q2 22 70% of those impacted have adjusted to the arrangements in their current form, up from 52% for the same quarter in 2021, suggesting a considerable improvement. However, 1 in 4 members do continue to find the new arrangements challenging.

66% state that EU exit has negatively affected business costs and for 54%, the ease of doing business. 28% have stated that it has negatively impacted on overall sales performance while for 19% it has been positive for sales. The impact on exports has been less pronounced, with 26% of members reporting a negative impact, against 22% reporting a positive change.

44% state that EU Exit has negatively impacted on their business in terms of the ability to access to skilled staff.

Manufacturing Almost all key indicators remain positive suggesting there is still some growth in the sector. However, the domestic sales balance is just +1% in Q2 22 suggesting that almost the same share of businesses are experiencing a contraction in sales as those experiencing a rise. The export sales balance is positive (+8%) and back at 2019 levels. Cash flow is the only negative indicator, while confidence around profitability is flat.

Services The Service sector recovery weakened in Q2 22, reflecting a poorer performance in the domestic

economy. Almost all key indicators are positive, with the exception of confidence around profitability, suggesting that the sector is growing. However, most balances fell over the quarter with the exception of exports balances (which are low).

The domestic sales balance fell from +26% in Q1 22 to +10% in Q2 22.

Exports Notably, Northern Ireland’s export balances are positive and rank highly relative to most other UK regions, some of which have negative export balances suggesting a deteriorating export position in those regions.

Recruitment 73% of manufacturers (74% Q1 22) and 58% of services (65% Q1 22) were trying to recruit in Q2 2022.

Recruitment difficulties remain one of the most persistent and growing concerns among members.

In Q2 22 89% of manufacturers and 87% of services were finding it difficult to get staff.

Commenting on the findings, Ann McGregor, Chief Executive, NI Chamber said: “While it is encouraging that a majority of our members traded positively in Q2, behind this, the results of the latest QES survey indicate a crystallization of the many challenges that they are currently facing. The reported slow-down in demand is a concerning indicator and while we might expect that there would be some slow down after the relatively strong rebound for many after COVID, businesses are now facing an entirely different set of challenges which have been largely unanticipated.

“Inflationary pressures are acute, impacting on profitability not only in energy intensive companies, but also among service businesses too. That is inevitably leading to pressure to increase prices.

“While one in four businesses continue to find current postEU exit trading arrangements challenging, 70% are adjusting to the changes, up from 52% in the previous quarter. This suggests a considerable improvement under the arrangements in their current form. Northern Ireland’s export balances under these current

arrangements are also positive in contrast to some other UK regions, where balancessuggest a deteriorating export position.”

Brian Murphy, Managing Partner, BDO NI said: “Despite the uncertainties created in recent years by Covid and Brexit, 82% of last quarter’s respondents have reported that they are trading positively, post pandemic, with 70% having also adapted to the post EU trading procedures. Considering the scale of the challenges, this is an incredible result and certainly tells me that businesses in Northern Ireland have been making the most of the good days.

“Unfortunately, the positive momentum that has been building in the economy will be very much needed to mitigate the cost of living and the cost of doing business that are taking their toll on many, with 72% of firms expressing concerns about cashflow and the impact of rising costs on the bottom line and 79% of those businesses expecting to have to raise prices as a result.

“Businesses in NI have already demonstrated their flexibility and innovative approaches in recent years, but there is only so much that they can do on their own. If we are to endure a storm, we need to work in partnership with all of our stakeholders to help shape the conditions that can support and protect local jobs and local companies. The pandemic has shown us that we can all work together to achieve great things, despite the magnitude of the challenges. The challenges ahead have the potential of being even more impactful on our economy than what we have dealt with in recent years, plus there may be no quick fix and we may have a long road ahead of us.

“As well as businesses, employees, suppliers and the banks, our Executive has an important role to play in continuing to use its influence in Westminster to make the right calls on taxation, regulation, investment and if needed, financial intervention.

Businesses can prepare for rainy days; they can adapt to a changing climate, but they still need everyone to work together to help weather a storm.”

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Eye on News

BELFAST MET JOINS INNOVATION CITY BELFAST PARTNERSHIP

Belfast Met has joined Innovation City Belfast (ICB) to help the partnership champion the skills agenda as it drives the city forward as a global destination for innovation.

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ocated in the heart of the Innovation District, Belfast Met becomes the seventh anchor institution in ICB which also includes Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University.

Commenting on the growth of the cohort, ICB Chair and Queen’s University Belfast Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Greer said: “The addition of Belfast Met to ICB is a welcome and a natural step forward for the partnership, aligned with our mission of driving collaboration, bridging the gap between education and industry, and harnessing the growth in sectors such as FinTech, Health & Life Sciences, GreenTech and beyond.

“The latest expansion of ICB means

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we are now partnered with three key tertiary academic institutions focussed on cultivating the innovators and skills for tomorrow.

“Significantly, they provide a direct link between skills requirement and skills delivery, helping build a pipeline of talent and enhancing the city’s credentials on the international stage.

“Supporting the digital skills pillar of the £1 billion Belfast Region City Deal, Belfast Met, alongside our other key partners, enables inclusive innovation via pathways to jobs in the growing digital economy.”

The college, which has four campuses situated across Belfast, will bring 30,000 new students to the Innovation District from September, coming at a pivotal time as businesses

Pictured, from left, Eileen Montgomery, Digital Innovation Commissioner, ICB,Damian Duffy, Interim Director of Curriculum, Belfast Met, Louise Warde Hunter, Principal and Chief Executive, Belfast Met, Professor Ian Greer, ICB Chair, Clare Guinness, Innovation District Director, ICB, Aidan Sloane, Director of Development & Digital, Belfast Met.

and industry leaders seek to drive vitality back into the city post-COVID. Belfast Met’s curriculum is designed to reflect priority growth areas identified for Northern Ireland, such as emerging technology and advanced manufacturing and engineering.

Louise Warde Hunter, Principal and Chief Executive, Belfast Met added: “We are delighted to be collaborating with our partners and are committed to working to strengthen the economic success of the Belfast City Region.

“As a leading partner in the Belfast Region City Deal, the College will deliver a series of interventions to support vital skills, employability, apprenticeships and careers enhancement, which in turn will underpin significant capital investments in innovation,

tourism and regeneration over the next 10 years.

“As an FE College, Belfast Met is a skills engine with a dual role in supporting economic development by working with businesses to create new employment and apprenticeship opportunities, and in ensuring that there are opportunities for all to acquire the necessary skills to access employment through our inclusive pathways from entry level up to Higher Education.”

In addition to Belfast Met, the ICB partnership comprises Belfast City Council, Belfast Harbour, Catalyst, Queen’s University, Belfast and Ulster University with Invest NI as an advisory partner.

For more information on Innovation City Belfast, visit www.innovationcitybelfast.com or follow @ICBelfast on Twitter.

Eye on Innovation

Innovation Nurtures Business Resilience I

n recent years we have come to accept political instability and economic uncertainty as the norm, and yet against this backdrop, we have witnessed a business community that has continued to invest and recruit in an effort to stimulate the local economy. Ongoing complications with trading relationships between the UK and EU, with Northern Ireland playing a central role, are having a particular impact on our manufacturing and engineering sectors who need clarity around issues that determine their future operations.

Having navigated many key issues in recent years such as Brexit, effects of a two-year pandemic, the war in Ukraine, supply chain issues and a critical lack of labour, local businesses are now presented with rapid inflationary pressures. Along with a cost-of-living crisis, we are also presented with a ‘cost of business’ issue, with 77% of businesses in manufacturing (NI Chamber of Commerce and BDO Quarterly Economic Survey April 2022) expecting to have to increase prices in the next few months, with the cost of materials increasing and the reality that profits will be squeezed.

2022 so far…

The NI Protocol has continued to dominate headlines and whilst its impact on business is debated, what is certain is that the business community, particularly those within manufacturing who are dealing with ongoing issues with GB suppliers, and subsequent supply chains, need a workable co-designed solution to the current challenges.

Whilst not a simplistic task by any stretch, the urgency of these negotiations to result in tangible outcomes is becoming more and more apparent. The UK Government has now announced its plans to bring forward legislation that would effectively override parts of the NI Protocol, in an attempt to make it easier for some goods to move between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

With an expected period of negotiations with the EU and other partners, not to mention rigorous scrutiny through the Houses of Commons and Lords, it doesn’t look like this issue will be resolved anytime soon.

BDO NI continues to support clients across sectors during this period of uncertainty, identifying where appropriate opportunities to maximise, of which there are many. Several significant tax changes have been announced or rolled out since the start of 2022 and whilst many of these have added to the already significant tax burden for companies, there are some initiatives that will offer opportunities for the business community.

Last month, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a number of new measures aimed at addressing the rising cost of living, acknowledging that high inflation rates were causing acute distress to people across the UK. As ever, the detail will dictate whether these measures will make a significant difference to people’s lives but, on the face of it, a £15bn support package is to be welcomed.

A one-off payment to the most vulnerable and lowest income families will include families in need across Northern Ireland. Whilst there was initial uncertainty as to whether the £400 energy bill discount also announced by the Chancellor would make its way to Northern Ireland in the absence of an Executive, recent comments by the Treasury indicate that they are urgently working on a solution to ensure that people in NI can be included.

Although we face many of the same challenges as the rest of the UK and Ireland, we have shown that we are a resilient community that is adept at dealing with changing circumstances. In the midst of all this change, BDO NI’s team of expert business advisors are working on a daily basis with companies and organisations that are driving and encouraging the growth and development of the private sector, delivering jobs, investment, and opportunities for the future.

Whilst the recent reduction in fuel duty by 5p per litre for a period of one year was welcomed it is difficult to see what real impact this will have for businesses, particularly those within manufacturing who are dealing with rapidly growing fuel and transport costs. Similarly, the reduction of the rebate on red diesel (5% VAT) will have substantial implications across industries, again with manufacturing likely to be hard hit. With the continued rise in global commodity prices, it has been questioned by many within the business community as to whether it was the right time to cut such an important VAT exemption.

With inflation increasing we could be in for a difficult period ahead. Large energy users and hauliers have seen their bills increase dramatically over the last year, with the circumstances in Ukraine exacerbating the situation.

NI Manufacturing and Engineering The impact that the manufacturing and engineering sectors have on our local economy cannot be underestimated, with a recent report suggesting that manufacturing brings in almost £15bn of external income into Northern Ireland. It also found that in terms of employment, local manufacturing firms are returning or creating jobs four times faster than their counterparts in Britain (Manufacturing NI – April 2022).

The manufacturing and engineering sectors in Northern Ireland have demonstrated best practice in how to deal with a continuously changing environment, whether this was the changing landscape as a result of pandemic regulations or the changing trading terms as a result of Brexit. With suppliers in GB, for example, demonstrating inflexibility regarding new trading regulations, this disruption to supply chains led our local manufacturing sector to seek alternative solutions to allow them to continue their operations / services. Adapting their products, streamlining services, investment in plant and automation, new energy / technology systems and sourcing alternative avenues to raw materials are all examples of this.

Maybeth Shaw, Partner at BDO Northern Ireland

Looking ahead BDO NI, through their expert tax team continue to advise clients across sectors on ongoing tax related issues, including identifying areas that could be maximised by businesses. With a range of tax related changes impacting the daily operations of companies, including national insurance, income tax and other indirect tax alterations alongside likely future changes, the local business community continues to adapt.

Looking further down the line, businesses posting profits of over £250k will, from April 2023 see an increase in corporation tax to 25% and now is the time for these companies to plan for this. In the Autumn Budget we will be expecting to see movement on Investment and Innovation with reform of R&D relief to help boost productivity – another element that the business community need to prepare for.

The recent announcement from the Treasury on a temporary 25% levy on the profits of oil and gas companies will also include a new investment allowance to incentivise the reinvestment of these profits. This levy will be phased out when global community prices return to some kind of normal.

If embraced properly, change can be a good thing and BDO NI is helping bring about positive change within the business community. Companies will likely face further regulatory and technological changes which will put more pressure on their tax functions.

It is vital for companies to proactively plan for these changes and where appropriate react to the everchanging tax landscape. Can some businesses, for example, avail of the Super Deduction Relief Scheme or the Patent Box Scheme? More importantly, can they afford not to investigate these opportunities?

Northern Ireland is fortunate to have a resilient, focused and innovative business community that has been leading the way in bringing change and opportunity. The key will be in identifying and maximising potential opportunities in the hope that they do not need to wait too much longer for a more certain outlook.

If you would like to talk to Maybeth or a member of her expert team about how BDO NI can help support your business, talk to us and visit www.bdoni.com.

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Eye on News

Killeavy Castle Estate plants seeds for growth and sustainability with £500,000 investment Killeavy Castle Estate Farm Store and Estate Gardens Officially Opens.

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fficially unveiled by the owners of Killeavy Castle Estate, Sydneybased businessman Mick Boyle and his wife Robin, Killeavy Castle Estate has just launched an Estate Farm Store and Estate Gardens following a further £500,000 investment.

Originally from South Armagh, Mick Boyle and Robin acquired Killeavy Castle in 2013, and over the past nine years have restored the 186year Killeavy Castle, creating a venue that’s now regarded as one of the premier destination hotels in Ireland.

In the past 12 months, the team at Killeavy Castle Estate, headed up by General Manager, Jason Foody, and Executive Chef, Darragh Dooley, have developed the Gardens and Farm Store to further enhance the Estate’s ‘farm to fork’ ethos and guest experience.

The project was partially supported

by Tourism Northern Ireland.

“Since 2013, Robin and I, with the support and dedication of our wonderful team, have lovingly restored Killeavy Castle Estate into the majestic venue it is today. The opening of our Estate Gardens and Farm Store are important milestones in our journey to sustainability and furthering the Estate’s ‘farm to fork’ ethos and guest experience,” comments Mick Boyle, owner of Killeavy Castle Estate.

Featuring an Estate Garden that mirrors the landscape of the existing heritage Walled Garden, the additional one-acre Estate Garden doubles the volume of fresh produce that Killeavy Castle Estate can now grow onsite.

The Farm Store has been purposebuilt to facilitate the processing of the Estate’s beef and lamb, including specialised aging techniques, curing and

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Left to Right: General Manager Jason Foody, Owner Robin Boyle, NMDDC Council Chairman Michael Savage, NMDDC Director of Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourism Conor Mallon, Owner Mick Boyle, Minister for Finance MLA Conor Murphy, NMDDC Chief Executive Marie Ward.

smoking of the meats. Additional space within the Farm Store will be utilised for preparing fruit and vegetables from the gardens for kitchens throughout the Estate. Viewing windows allow guests to watch this preparation take place.

In addition, the Bistro Bar has been extended, tripling its kitchen area and facilities to increase capacity to provide more of our farm to fork meals for both residential and local guests. The Walled Garden café has also reopened serving refreshments and sweet treats Friday through Sunday from 10:00am.

Killeavy Castle Estate owner, Mick Boyle, continues: “Killeavy Castle Estate comprises of 356 acres of mixed farm and woodland on the slopes of Slieve Gullion in beautiful South Armagh.

Developing a world-class destination venue takes continuous investment and innovation. With 150 acres of our grounds dedicated to the rearing of Longhorn Cattle and Cheviot Sheep, our new farm store and estate garden

will play a significant role in increasing the self-sufficiency of the Estate and our capacity to provide the highestquality local produce to our guests.

By viewing the vegetable and meat processing within the store, guests will gain the full farm to fork experience.”

Under the expertise of Executive Chef, Darragh Dooley, Killeavy Castle Estate has grown its reputation for the quality of its food offering and over 90% of the food served throughout the Estate is produced within the grounds of Killeavy Castle Estate or sourced within a 20-mile radius.

Carole Long, Investment Programmes Manager at Tourism NI said “We are delighted to support the exciting new developments at Killeavy Castle Estate. The evolution of new tourism experiences like this shows that innovation continues to be at the forefront of the development of the industry here. The Estate Farm Store and Estate Gardens will be central to the

visitor experience in County Armagh, and will play a key part in the recovery and innovative regrowth of our industry.”

The Estate is proud to have created a destination venue where tourists and local people can visit, enjoy superb dining, access beautiful mountain walks and connect with the natural surroundings. For further information on Killeavy Castle Estate, see killeavycastle.com Killeavy Castle Estate Farm Store which is located off the main hotel car park is open to the public Monday to Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm whilst the Walled Garden café is open Friday to Sunday from 10:00am.

For further information please contact Terry Kelly, Sales and Marketing Manager, Killeavy Castle Estate.

Email: sales@killeavycastle.com

Eye on News

Tourism NI funding takes Hinch Distillery to the next level Hinch Distillery, on the outskirts of Belfast, has received funding from Tourism NI to support the construction of the final element of its visitors’ experience — a maturation warehouse.

David Roberts, Director of Strategic Development at Tourism NI and Dr Terry Cross OBE, Chairman at Hinch Distillery

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he £500,000 warehouse will conclude the tour of the distillery which already incorporates the individual steps of the distilling process; from the Ingredients Room, Mash House, Still House, Spectrum Room and a sampling room (designed by the same team behind New York’s Dead Rabbit).

Now, thanks to new funding, Hinch, which produces a range of Hinch Irish Whiskeys as well as its own Ninth Wave Irish Gin, will be able to ramp up its tour and conclude with one of the most important parts of Irish whiskey production — the maturation process.

The maturation experience will illustrate the effect of ageing new make spirit and in particular Hinch’s approach to wood management and scale.

The £15m distillery has already produced a number of uniquely casked Irish whiskeys including a ‘Craft and Casks’ range using local craft beer casks. It has also produced a unique range of sherry-casked whiskeys and its very own, limited edition, Château

de la Ligne wine cask variety.

A significant number of distilleries here do not have maturation on site making the construction of this area a massive coup for Northern Ireland’s tourism offering.

Hinch Distillery which was launched in 2019 and opened in 2020, has been increasing its visitor numbers monthly since Covid-19 restrictions have eased. It has also established itself on the hospitality map here with the launch of Hinch Brasserie.

Meanwhile its product portfolio is reaching no less than 30 global markets, boosting NI’s reputation as a producer of fine food and drink products while its collection has beckoned multiple international awards including Double Gold Medal for Irish Whiskey Double Wood Aged Five Years product at ‘The Fifty Best’ - a New York awards event and a Silver and Judges’ Selection at the Alberta Beverage Awards.

Speaking about the new maturation warehouse, Dr Terry Cross OBE, Chairman at Hinch Distillery, said: “We are very pleased to announce

the next phase of our Distillery and Visitors Centre Experience.

The maturation process is a very important part of the tour and the whiskey process.

“This space will afford visitors the ability to see our distilled product maturing on site, and to see the various cask finishes, scale of production and investment in liquid and casks while enhancing the visitors’ sense of being part of the process. It helps complete the visitor centre tour and offers a point of differentiation that is hard to find anywhere else in Northern Ireland.

“Hinch Distillery is a brand that truly values its rich heritage. We create Irish whiskeys that are reassuringly smooth yet distinctively richer and bolder in character. We look forward to launching the maturation warehouse and divulging the details of how we make our award-winning whiskeys.

“We would like to thank Tourism NI for their continued support in our project; from its inception to its development and now helping us mature alongside our whiskeys!

This element of the tour aligns with the Northern Ireland Embrace a Giant Spirit brand, offering visitors unforgettable experiences.

Hinch Distillery is a brand that truly values its rich heritage.”

David Roberts, Director of Strategic Development at Tourism NI, said: “We are delighted to work with Hinch Distillery to help grow its tourism offering. We have offered them £200,000 of support under the Experience Development Programme 2020-2021, which has helped with the construction and fit out costs relating to the Hinch Distillery Visitor Centre Experience.

“The completion of the Maturation Warehouse will add another important dimension to the whiskey tour experience which is attracting domestic and international visitors. The distillery and visitor centre adds to Northern Ireland’s growing drinks tourism industry with its distinct product offering and customer experience.

This is something that Terry and his team should all be proud of.”

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Eye on News

Ballymena’s Tullyglass Hotel Unveils New Look Marking a heritage spanning over 150 years, one of Ballymena’s best-loved hotel venues has recently unveiled £2million of refurbishments to its reception, McAllister’s Whiskey Lounge and Clock Tower Suite.

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hile the pandemic has created trading difficulties for many local businesses, the Tullyglass Hotel’s Managing Director Gus McConville had the confidence and foresight to use the forced closure to further invest in the hotel, getting it ready to welcome returning guests and tourists, including investing in the new McAllister’s Whiskey Lounge.

Mr McConville said: “Tullyglass is a central part of the history of hospitality and commerce in the Ballymena area. We decided to use the closure during the pandemic to polish up what is a hidden gem when it comes to tourism in the country and beyond.”

“Our recent refurbishments reflect and celebrate our history while incorporating the style of 21st-century leisure travel.

We deem it important to use local suppliers for the quality ingredients used in the kitchens,

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to craftspeople who have skilfully and sympathetically extended the original building to what it is today.”

“We have always invested both time and money into this hotel over the three decades my family has owned it. Post-pandemic we are coming back stronger and

full of optimism for the future.”

The investment has been spent upgrading the hotel’s reception area with a bright marble front desk, wooden flooring and a new comfortable area where guests can relax. The newly renovated lounge is realised in a mixture of rustic, bright and dark tones to create a lounge suitable for fine dining, afternoon tea, lunch dates, family days out or an evening of drinks. Comfortable and relaxing, this new look comes with a redesigned food and drink menu.

The complete reimagining and theming of McAllister’s Whiskey Lounge reflects the turn of the 20th-century ownership of Tullyglass House by James McAllister, from 1910 to 1953. He established a whiskey distillery in Ballymena and built several McAllister brands, achieving sales throughout Europe and as far afield as North America.

One bottle was even found in the wreck of The Titanic!

The new decor of McAllister’s Whiskey Lounge is inspired by Northern Ireland’s heritage, including the Giant’s Causeway, which is reflected in the hexagonal tables, copper detailing on the bar as

a nod to the old McAllister’s distillery and the use of linen wallpapers, harking back to the days when Northern Ireland supplied much of the linen used throughout the world.

The family-run hotel has created a well-considered ambience for enjoying an afternoon with your family to relaxing with friends over a glass of McAllister’s Irish whiskey by night. A carefully curated collection of many different Irish whiskeys and other beloved drinks are displayed behind the bar in the new lounge. This modern celebration of J.McAllister & Sons whiskey reflects the rebirth of the brand now being experienced by a whole new generation of connoisseurs.

Mr McConville concluded: “These renovations ensure a very positive future for the Tullyglass Hotel.

Our well-trained and helpful team are consistently praised in online reviews, and we now have interiors that match that world-class guest experience.

“We are proud to invite guests, old and new, to come and have a look around as we are confident that even the most discerning will be impressed with the investment and the many improvements that we have made.”

Eye on News

Liverpool Flights Take Off From Belfast City Airport

Ellie McGimpsey, Aviation Development Manager at Belfast City Airport, welcoming the inagural Liverpool flight with easyJet.

Flights to Liverpool have taken off from George Best Belfast City Airport with Northern Ireland’s largest airline, easyJet.

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ith daily departures on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the flights expand easyJet’s portfolio at Belfast City Airport and will offer passengers additional choice when flying to the UK. Ellie McGimpsey, Aviation Development Manager (pictured), said: “The launch of a service from Belfast City Airport to Liverpool is great news for business and leisure passengers wishing to connect with one of England’s most popular destinations. “easyJet’s initial route to London Gatwick proved extremely popular

with our passengers and we are thrilled that the airline has chosen to expand its operations from Belfast City with flights to Liverpool, and later this year, to Bristol.

“Passengers can now travel to 21 destinations across the UK and beyond this summer, with Belfast City Airport offering more domestic options than any other airport in Northern Ireland.”

Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK Country Manager commented: “We are delighted to be celebrating the launch of our new domestic service from Belfast City to Liverpool for the first time, further

strengthening our network in Belfast and providing more opportunity for our customers in Northern Ireland to book a trip this summer.

“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.”

Belfast City Airport was recently

revealed as the UK’s Most Punctual Airport for the first three months of 2022 and boasts an average security time of only six minutes.

Flights start at only £22.99.

To book, visit easyjet.com

BELFAST CITY AIRPORT UNVEILS NEW CAFFÈ NERO STORE Premium European coffee house brand Caffè Nero has opened a new flagship store in Belfast City Airport.

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he new opening replaces Costa and is the largest coffee outlet in the airport.

Located in the main concourse for arrivals landside at the airport, the store has a stunning bespoke design across its 2,100 square footage and is Caffè Nero’s first store in an airport in Northern Ireland.

Katy Best, Commercial Director at Belfast City Airport, said: “It is fantastic that Caffè Nero has committed to a permanent unit at Belfast City Airport, further enhancing the extensive food and beverage range currently available to passengers.

“Belfast City Airport is committed to putting customers at the heart of what we do and ensuring that

everyone visiting the terminal, whether for a trip, to meet passengers off a plane, or for work purposes, has a comfortable and relaxing experience.

“Our passengers and meeters and greeters have been asking for a landside coffee unit and it is great that we have been able to deliver on this.”

The 2,100 sq. ft. unit is Caffé Nero’s first airport-based location in Northern Ireland and builds on the success of its pop-up store, which opened in the terminal in December 2021.

Will Stratton-Morris, CEO at Caffè Nero, added: “We’re thankful and delighted to have the opportunity to

Judith Davis, Airport Operations Manager, and Fiona McVeigh, Area Manager at Caffe Nero, welcoming the new Caffe Nero branch at Belfast City Airport..

serve customers in both these airports. I hope and trust that our new airport stores will excite passengers and visitors alike.

“The store has an inviting, comfortable home away from home feel, which is integral to the design of all our stores, and exactly what

you look for in an airport. I hope customers will really embrace it.

“We are seeing strong performances across all our airport sites, and with Belfast City Airport predicting passenger numbers will exceed prepandemic numbers in the coming years, it is an important site for us.”

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Eye on Podcasts

Eye On The Public Eye Podcast One of Northern Ireland’s foremost business podcasts, featuring those in the public eye, is celebrating its 50th episode.

Recorded at the state-of-the-art Granite Podcast Studio in Newry, The Public Eye, sponsored by Granite Legal Services, is hosted by presenter, Sarah Travers.

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usiness Eye speaks to host, Sarah Travers, from Bespoke Communications, and Granite Podcast Studio Manager, Colleen O’Hare, about the journey to date in creating a podcast with over six thousand downloads, their favourite moments and what’s in store for The Public Eye.

_______________

BE: Colleen, what’s the story behind The Public Eye podcast?

Our Founder, Jonathan McKeown, is a true entrepreneur, always progressing and innovating. With

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podcasting really growing in popularity, back in 2019, Jonathan set about building a high-spec podcast studio at our fully serviced office space in Granite Exchange.

We opened the incredible Granite Podcast Studio in early 2020, full of vigour and big plans…. and then the world paused.

Once we adjusted to a new world of restrictions, we decided that the time was right to create our very own, inspirational podcast featuring leading lights in business. We have amazing businesses right here on our doorstep…world-class companies and entrepreneurs.

The Public Eye was born in October 2020, and our first episode was launched on 1st October 2020, featuring Caroline Willis, Financial Director of Shelbourne Motors.

BE: How has The Public Eye podcast evolved over the past seven seasons?

Initially our guests were leading lights from our locality, but

50 episodes later, we’re now attracting guests from a broad spectrum of businesses across Northern Ireland, and we have guests coming to us to be featured.

To see the listenership figures grow and know that thousands of people have downloaded The Public Eye brings great pride to Jonathan, Sarah, the entire team and myself. The goal is to become known as Northern Ireland’s leading business podcast, and that our listeners are primed and ready for our next episode.

BE: If you had to name your ‘must listen’ episodes, what would they be?

This is a difficult one to answer.

There is something special about every single episode as our guests are so different, coming from diverse backgrounds and sectors.

However, some of my personal favourites are the episodes featuring Richard Buckley, Editor of Business Eye (of course!)

Connaire McGreevy, Founder of CTS and Ann Morgan, Former CEO

of Murdock Builders Merchant.

BE: Tell us in one sentence why people should download an episode of The Public Eye? For local entrepreneurs and those in business, The Public Eye is a platform that inspires others through the stories and learnings of local business people who honestly share their successes, risks, challenges and words of wisdom.

BE: Sarah, you have had the pleasure of interviewing all of the inspirational guests. What are your most memorable moments to date?

Oh goodness, there have been so many. I love the stories behind the businesses from Guiseppe Fallone who overcame a debilitating stammer he’d had from a child to become a successful restauranteur to Zara McLaughlin, a young woman from the North Coast who’s passionate about ceramics. Then the determined success of Greg Bradley from BLK Box Gym equipment who is now kitting out gyms for Manchester

Eye on Podcasts

United and Arsenal and much more besides. It is so powerful hearing their words of wisdom and advice. So many entrepreneurs have no business knowledge at the start but just know they’ve got a great idea and belief!

BE: Is there anything that has surprised you from the guests?

Not surprising as such but I’m continually in awe of the passion, determination and resilience of each of our guests. No-one has had a smooth journey to get to where they are today, but it’s their mindset, drive and passion for their business that’s helped them to overcome obstacles and challenges.

BE: What do you think The Public Eye offers to listeners? Why are so many people tuning in?

We’re a nation of story tellers and everyone has a unique story to tell.

The Public Eye gives a voice to those in business who have travelled what’s often been a demanding, but rewarding, road. From sole traders to growing businesses and those heading up multi-million-pound companies, there’s learnings from every story. There have been so many nuggets of wisdom, and I have personally learnt so much from many of our guests.

For our listeners, I aim to set the scene through understanding a guest’s background, their upbringing, what makes them tick, their passions and how they came to be where they are today. If we can inspire just some of our listeners, then we’re on to a good thing.

BE: What is next for The Public Eye? As the podcast matures, the team and I have really found our groove.

The amount of people tuning in to every episode is increasing every single month. Working with the incredibly professional team at Granite Podcast Studio is a dream as they ensure that every element of the podcast is managed, from the recordings to the editing, the marketing of each episode and uploading The Public Eye to all platforms.

Granite Podcast Studio is already the studio of choice for many quality podcasts, with people travelling from across Ireland to record in its state-of-the-art facilities.

Collectively, over 200,000 people have listened to a podcast recorded in Granite Podcast Studio. Granite Podcast Studio has made recording a podcast easy as the experienced team can take care of the entire process for its customers, including recording, production, editing and uploading.

All episodes of The Public Eye are available on major streaming platforms, including Apple, Spotify and Pod bean. To listen in, search for The Public Eye.

www.granitepodcaststudio.com Colleen O’Hare, Sarah Travers and Greg Bradley BLK BOX

The Public Eye: Episodes include:

Richard Buckley, Editor of Business Eye

Stephen Magorrian, Managing Director of The Horatio Group

Connaire McGreevy, Founder of CTS

Jason Foody, General Manager of Killeavy Caste Estate

Gemma Murphy, Partner of Jack Murphy Jewellers

Celine Grant, Director of Product Sales for Re-Gen

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Eye on News

Aer Lingus Regional Announces New Services to Cardiff and Southampton

Ellie McGimpsey of Belfast City Airport with Ciaran Smyth from Emerald Airlines

Emerald Airlines, exclusive operator of Aer Lingus Regional, announces two new services to Cardiff and Southampton from its Belfast Base.

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lready servicing Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Glasgow, Exeter, and Manchester, Aer Lingus Regional will now operate Cardiff and Southampton routes from Belfast City Airport further reinforcing its presence as the largest airline at the city centre airport.

Commenting on the announcement, Ciarán Smith, Head of Commercial at Emerald Airlines said: “As we near the peak summer months, the launch of our Cardiff and Southampton services will provide those travelling from Belfast with more choice when planning

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their holidays. When quick getaways are on the top of everyone’s mind, we are offering convenient timings and low fares, increasing connectivity to and from Northern Ireland.

We are extremely pleased with the feedback we have received since beginning our operations from Belfast City Airport and believe Cardiff and Southampton are great new connections that will cater to both business and leisure travellers with direct, convenient and cost-effective flights from Belfast. In addition, we will continue to add more routes and increase frequencies

over the coming months.”

Ellie McGimpsey, Aviation Development Manager at Belfast City Airport, said: “Aer Lingus Regional’s base at Belfast City Airport has been operational for just over 3 months and we are thrilled to already see expansion in both the number of routes served by the airline and the frequency of its services.

“With the addition of Cardiff and Southampton, Aer Lingus Regional will now operate routes to 8 of the 21 destinations Belfast City Airport will fly to this summer.

“We are seeing more and more passengers choosing Belfast City Airport due not only to our extensive choice of flights, but because of our proximity to the city centre – just a five-minute drive – and our excellent

security processing times which average six minutes.”

Passengers can also book flights from Belfast City Airport to Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Glasgow, and Exeter. Passengers will be able to earn Avios points on all Aer Lingus Regional flights, providing continuity and benefits of the current services offered by both Aer Lingus and British Airways at Belfast City Airport.

Tickets can be booked through AerLingus.com and britishairways.com.

Aer Lingus Regional flights will be operated by the ATR72600, the latest generation of turboprop aircraft combining unmatched environmental and economic performance.

Eye on News

Maxol breaks ground on £2 million Holywood expansion Maxol, Northern Ireland’s leading family-owned forecourt and convenience retailer, has begun work to expand and develop its Kinnegar Service Station in Holywood, County Down.

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he flagship development, which is part of a broader five-year investment programme, is trialling cuttingedge technology and innovation which will create the blueprint for forecourt developments across Maxol’s estate.

From the design and construction through to the site’s ongoing operations covering fuel, grocery and convenience, the guiding principle at Kinnegar is to use technology to create a measurably different service station that will enable Maxol to reduce the site’s existing carbon footprint by up to 40%. Initiatives that are being implemented in the redevelopment include the introduction of photovoltaic (solar) panels to reduce the site’s electrical import requirements; low energy CO2 refrigeration systems; exhaust air-heat pump technology to reduce heating loads; and an energy management system to monitor and control the

overall energy usage on the site.

In a first for Northern Ireland, Maxol Kinnegar will deliver the first dedicated Electric Vehicle (EV) hub complete with four high-speed chargers servicing up to six vehicles at any one time. The EV hub will provide up to 200 kW in power, the highest charge currently available to the public in NI. On the forecourt, Kinnegar will continue to service its large customer base with advanced fuels and parking facilities, which will more than double from the current 20 to 41, to ease the flow of traffic on site even during peak trading periods.

The development will see Kinnegar’s current retail space almost double in size. Customers can expect to find a much bigger range and greater choice of locally produced food including an expanded grocery offer, a large, dedicated butchery section as well as extended fruit & veg,

dairy, and frozen food ranges.

A new Daily Deli will be introduced with a self-serve chicken bar and for the first time ever, Maxol will install three self-checkouts that they anticipate will handle the bulk of in-store transactions.

The double Barista Bar coffee offer will be enhanced with a brand new seating area where customers can relax in comfort, particularly while charging their EV. Brian Donaldson, Chief Executive of The Maxol Group said: “This is a significant development for us, and it marks an important step on our journey towards being a more sustainable business. We’re bringing together a range of technologies and innovations that will create a blueprint that we will apply across our network in larger type locations.

This will deliver a positive change for our customers, the environment, and our industry.

“As well as progress on sustainability, I am delighted that we’re supporting the local community with the creation of 40 construction jobs during the development and up to 20 new

jobs will be created in-store when the development is completed.

“This is the first dedicated EV hub in Northern Ireland and marks the start of Maxol developing the right infrastructure on its network of service stations to support the move to electric. We are also working hard to ensure that when the development is complete, our customers can shop locally for all their daily needs in a modern, vibrant, welcoming environment. It is exciting to bring something so transformational to the area, and I’m delighted that work is underway to make it happen.”

Mark McCammond, Retail Director of Henderson Retail, Licensee for Maxol said: “We’re thrilled to see the work underway that once complete will see our customers enjoy a premium offer both on the forecourt and in-store. The expansion of the site will be welcomed by so many who shop with us regularly and we look forward to seeing the development progress in the coming weeks.”

Construction of Maxol Kinnegar will conclude in time for a reopening in October.

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Eye on News

BDO NI launch Agile Working Framework

Business advisory firm BDO Northern Ireland has launched its new Agile Working Framework aimed at supporting over 150 employees to have a sustainable work life balance aimed at delivering long-term benefits for both the business and employee.

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ollowing a period of consultation with staff, BDO NI developed the framework which will see the end of the traditional 9-5 working day and replaced with a flexible hybrid model which will give employees the authority to manage their own working day.

Lisa McAleer, Human Resources Manager for BDO Northern Ireland said, “This framework, which was developed in consultation with employees facilitates a range of working arrangements which will allow our teams to work around other commitments while

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continuing to deliver for clients.

“Flexibility and trust are central themes of this new arrangement, alongside the work we do with clients at their sites, our teams have the choice of working at home or in the office during the week. We have embraced this new flexible model of working, viewing it as key to attracting and retaining our staff, and ultimately therefore the future success of our business”.

In a recent survey commissioned

by BDO, 44% of leaders of medium-sized businesses (turnover £10m-£300m) across the UK have introduced, or plan to introduce, permanent hybrid working. BDO

Anna Turbitt, Senior Audit Manager at BDO Northern Ireland with her colleague Lisa McAleer (Human Resources Manager). BDO NI launched its new Agile Working Framework aimed at supporting over 150 employees to have a sustainable work life balance.

NI has supported their clients in adapting to the post pandemic working environment, identifying new innovative and technological ways towards a ‘smarter workforce’.

Nigel Harra, Senior Partner at BDO Northern Ireland added, “The pandemic forced us all to re-evaluate every area of our personal and professional lives.

Prior to Covid, working from home for many was a novelty, and not something thought to be practical for longer periods. However, necessity is the parent of invention, and we have found over the last two years that many companies across industries that were able to accommodate a form of hybrid working found a more productive motivated workforce.

“The new framework continues to encourage collaborative working, mentoring and downtime with colleagues and this will be led by employees with the full support of management.”

This new way of working will

support BDO NI staff manage work life commitments without compromising on either.

Anna Turbitt, Senior Audit Manager explains, “I have been with BDO NI for over 16 years and in that time, I have had three children and have been encouraged in the development of my career in the Audit team.

Balancing life and work for a parent can be challenging at times and I have been able to adjust my working pattern through the years to accommodate both.

“With BDO’s new agile working policy it means that achieving a balance between life and work becomes the norm for everyone, at every stage of their life and career”.

Eye on News

New-Look EUROSPAR Opens In Portrush The all-new look EUROSPAR supermarket has opened in the Hillcrest area of Portrush, thanks to a significant investment from Henderson Retail.

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he supermarket has been extended by over 40%, undergone substantial renovations and now stands at over 7,000 sq. ft., resulting in one of the biggest EUROSPAR supermarkets in Northern Ireland, packed with fresh, local products, exciting foodto-go offers and a wide range of services for visitors and locals.

Store Manager, Richard Parker, who has been with Henderson Retail for 16 years, explains that the supermarket was designed with the local shopper in mind, meaning it provides even more value for money and a huge range of fresh and local food and services on shoppers’ doorsteps; “We are bringing a full supermarket experience into the heart of the town, which means a huge amount of value driving initiatives, including Tesco Price Match on over 1,000 lines. Plus, we have

local services such as the Post Office and our in-store award-winning local butcher, Etherson’s and Barista Bar coffee and treats, all under one roof.”

Shoppers will also be impressed with the huge range of pre-made and made to order hot meals and tasty snacks at the new Delish deli, meeting local demand and serving the large day-visit trade into the area, and those passing through.

The Delish Hot Bar offers traditional breakfast and lunch items such as a breakfast fry, tasty snacks and pastries, chicken curry and lasagne, alongside the Delish Fresh Bar, where shoppers can build their own sandwiches and salads or choose from the pick and mix Chicken Bar. Richard continued; “Our value extends into our food-to-go offering, and as a store with a footfall that extends to passing trade as well as regular local shoppers, it is important

Richard Parker Store Manager, Hazel Lyons Post Office Manager, Alister Mcelhinney Team Leader and Ricky McDonnell Assistant Store Manager, opening the new Portrush store.

we offer a range of Delish Value Deals that are also big on taste.”

This store is also expected to be popular with the thousands of visitors who are welcomed to Portrush through the warmer seasons, offering award-winning Italian frozen yogurt, sorbet and gelato, from ‘fwip’. The innovative self-serve ice cream station is big on flavour, served in under 10 seconds and is sure to be a hit with locals and holidaymakers alike.

EUROSPAR Hillcrest is in the heart of Portrush’s surrounding neighbourhood and has already made a positive impact, creating at least 10 new job opportunities, raising over £200 for Benvardin Dogs Home, sponsoring Portrush Football Club and showing ongoing support to the RNLI. The store also has a defibrillator installed outside the store, one of 26 devices at SPAR, EUROSPAR and ViVO branded stores across the Causeway Coast and Glens area.

EUROSPAR Hillcrest is open 6am – 12am, 7 days a week with a hugely improved shopping experience, including extra-wide aisles, designed

with the consumer’s convenience in mind, which includes a free ATM, 6-pump filling station, significantly enhanced grocery and fresh food ranges, and a new 83-space car park.

Mark McCammond, Retail Director at Henderson Group added; “Our stores across Portrush, Coleraine and Ballycastle have experienced significant upgrades to provide local shoppers with even more convenience, choice and value and to provide unique services and experiences to those who are visiting the area for something new.

“EUROSPAR Hillcrest is a local supermarket in a close-knit neighbourhood, ensuring everyday essentials and a wide range of fresh foods and groceries are on shoppers’ doorsteps at value prices. With over 75% of our fresh foods sourced from our roster of local suppliers and producers, including our own brand SPAR Enjoy Local, The Greengrocer’s, The CHEF and The Kitchen ranges.

It’s fantastic to see this store officially reopen for our neighbours and holidaymakers to experience.”

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Eye on Motor Trade

Michael Tomalin & City Auction Group Adapting To A Changing Marketplace The Covid pandemic and the small matter of global economic issues have led to issues for just about every area of business. The motor trade isn’t any different, and there have been plenty of ups and downs over recent years.

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fter the first lockdown, business boomed as motor dealers dealt with pent-up customer demand and both new and second-hand car sales hit their highest levels for some time.

But the wider industry is facing a very distinct problem at the moment. “There is a real shortage of cars coming onto the market,” says Michael Tomalin, Chief Executive of the fast-growing and ambitious City Auction Group, based at Carryduff outside Belfast but with a major GB operation in Peterborough.

“Supplies are about 40% down on last summer and that ranks as a big hurdle to get over,” he says. But City Auction Group is fighting back, and it’s having to be innovative and inventive in its approach to a changing marketplace.

“We started to see stocks going down some months ago, but at the same time our sales conversion rates had gone up, so the net effect wasn’t as bad as it might have been.”

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Michael Tomalin with Denmark speedway international Ulrich Ostergaard who rides for City Auction Group sponsored Peterborough Panthers, the current British Premiership champions.

Eye on Motor Trade

Just before Covid, City Auction Group had started to diversify. “We set up Purple Rock Logistics and invested in five car transporters to move vehicles around the country.

But, with the market changing, we’ve been expanding and developing the Purple Rock brand.”

The latest group investment is in Purple Rock Technical Services, a dedicated operation which repairs, reconditions and reinvigorates used vehicles in preparation for sale at auction either in Belfast or at the group’s large-scale Peterborough site.

“Our specialists can take what we’d decribe as a Grade 3 vehicle, maybe with damage to the alloy wheels and some paintwork issues, and bring it right back up

to Grade 1 level before auction,” Michael Tomalin explains.

At the same time, the Group is offering vehicle storage facilities to a range of other motor trade companies at its Peterborough site. And it is working closely to provide a range of services and facilities to Car Gumption, an online car sales site operated by the TL Darby motor group and a direct rival to BCA’s We Buy Any Car operation.

“It’s a case of expanding what we do away from our traditional auction business,” he says.

“And it’s definitely helping us to continue to grow despite the acute shortage of product coming on to the market.”

It’s all been caused in part by

Covid, which might have briefly invogorated the market, but also depressed it as a result of dealership closures during the height of the health crisis. But the second hand car shortage has also been caused by the serious supply issues impacting on the new car marketplace right across the board.

“What’s more, as soon as Russia invaded Ukaine, the market took a bit of a tumble. So there are plenty of external factors out there. We’re not short of headwinds,” says Michael Tomalin.

“It’s well known that, depending on the brand, new car customer are having to wait many months, even years, between ordering a

new car and getting behind the wheel of that new car. And the situation isn’t getting any better.

“It has a knock-on effect. As a result, customers aren’t trading in or selling on their existing cars and that impacts on the marketplace as a whole. I think that it could be another couple of years before we see the market returning to where it was a couple of years ago.

“But none of this will be stopping us. We’re still putting plenty of vehicles through the sales halls here in Belfast, Omagh and in Peterborough, we’ve expanded into different areas of business to add value and we’re ambitious to grow and expand even further in the future.”

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Eye on Design

Hamilton Architects Celebrates 50th Anniversary In Style Hamilton Architects have marked their 50th Anniversary with a celebratory dinner for staff, colleagues, clients and VIP guests at the Ulster Museum, one of their signature projects.

Host Tina Campbell presented the Partners with an artwork of the iconic building, rendered by artist Marcus Patton, to mark the occasion.

Pictured from left are Partners Paul Millar, Graeme Ogle, Michelle Canning, Mark Haslett and Richard Keys.

Host Tina Campbell presented the partners with an artwork of the iconic building, rendered by artist Marcus Patton, to mark the occasion.

Pictured from left are Partners Paul Millar, Graeme Ogle, Michelle Canning, Mark Haslett and Richard Keys.

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Eye on Design

Pictured from left, Graeme Ogle, Clare Ogle, Paul Millar, Leo Millar, Michelle Canning, Adam Bertenshaw, Susie Haslett, Mark Haslett, Trina Galvin, and Richard Keys.

Paul Millar, Vicki Lapsley, and Mark Haslett

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Eye on News

L-R: Katie-Ann Doran (Youth Action NI); Simon Fitzpatrick (Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company); Minister Gordon Lyons, Cori Conlon (Youth Action NI), Dr Martin McMullan (Director, Youth Action NI); David Morgan Rice (Youth Action NI)

Coca-Cola HBC and YouthAction NI partner to empower young people to unlock their potential Coca-Cola HBC joined forces with YouthAction Northern Ireland to launch this years’ #YouthEmpowered programme which will support 2,000 young people from across the island of Ireland into employment or training.

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ow in its sixth year, the programme, aimed at primarily at young women and marginalised young people, has reached over 5,500 young people across the island of Ireland to date.

The partnership brings together business and the voluntary sector in support of the government’s ambitions to drive economic recovery and support young people in their journey to employment. #YouthEmpowered 2022, includes regional skills days, a digital hub, train the trainer workshops, funding for YouthAction’s GET SET programme and grants for young women to access education.

This year, there are six new grants available to YouthAction member groups to support young women’s learning needs through training, qualifications, employability skills to support their employment prospects.

Past participants of the scheme shared their experience of how

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#YouthEmpowered provided them with the tools to develop skills, whilst supporting them in the challenges they faced.

Cori’s Story Cori first got involved with YouthAction as she lacked confidence and found it difficult to make friends.

Today Cori is a fully qualified Technical Theatre Assistant and spoke about how YouthAction helped her on her journey to employment: “After graduation, I struggled to find a job as I had no paid work experience on my CV, mainly because of Covid. YouthAction gave me the break I needed – through the paid work placement scheme which has led to me securing a full-time job in Technical Theatre – my dream job!”

“My hope now is to support other young people like myself, especially young women the way I was supported by YouthAction - to have

hope, aspirations, confidence and to gain the skills and experience so that they can also land their dream job.”

Speaking at the launch of #YouthEmpowered 2022, Coca-Cola HBC Sales Director, Simon Fitzpatrick said: “Empowering young people to access training and supports to assist their path to employment is a long-term commitment for all of us in Coca-Cola HBC. Over the past 6 years we have invested in excess of £250,000 in youth development. In 2022 we are keen to support those young people, particularly young women, who were significantly impacted by the COVID pandemic.

“As a business we are stepping up to help them in their journey to employment. Our partnership with YouthAction has enabled our team to use their skills and experience to support some fantastic young people through training and mentoring. The funding we have dedicated to the programme will also contribute to further education and learning opportunities, which is key to improving employability.”

Dr Martin McMullan CEO of YouthAction said: “We are delighted to partner with Coca-Cola HBC as a leading

business to give young people access to the tools to help them realise their potential. “#YouthEmpowered offers some of the most marginalised young people the opportunity to upskill and to access support that can help them plan a pathway to employment, building confidence and ultimately setting them up for a better future.”

Minister for Economy Gordon Lyons gave his support for the scheme; “I welcome the continued partnership between CocaCola HBC and YouthAction NI and the opportunities that this presents for young people and those seeking to improve their opportunities for employment.

“The programme offers a range of focussed and targeted activities to build confidence for young people and to help them build relationships with potential employers.”

For details on any of the initiatives supported by #YouthEmpowed visit the #YouthEmpowered Digital Hub at www.youthaction.org/ youth-empoweredor contact Youth Action NI.

Eye on News

Empowering NI’s future female leaders

A new collaborative initiative which aims to empower future female leaders in education, was launched last night at an event in Danske Bank’s Belfast headquarters attended by schools, business people and local leaders.

T

Aisling Press, Managing Director of Personal Banking at Danske Bank; Dame Brenda King, Attorney General for Northern Ireland; and Peter Dobbin, Principal of Assumption Grammar School Ballynahinch and Director of SistersIN.

James Kane Foundation as our

and to play our part in enabling

Foundation Partners, and greatly

a greater representation of

appreciate their support.”

women into senior roles across

Dame Brenda King, Attorney General

diverse businesses and boards.

he SistersIN Leadership

Grammar School Ballynahinch

for Northern Ireland and Assumption

Programme has been

and Director of SistersIN called

Grammar alumnus, was the guest

the potential to scale and bring

developed specifically to help

on businesses to get behind

speaker at the launch event. She said:

focus to leadership development,

sixth form girls build their confidence and broaden their career perspectives.

the initiative. He said: “The SistersIN journey has the

“Building confidence and skills in

“I really believe SistersIN has

empowerment and belief as part of the

our next generation of women as

education pathway and enable young

Delivered over eight months, the

potential to transform the lives

early as possible is key to developing

women to thrive in their future careers.

programme includes bespoke

of young females by reaching

our future female leaders. Working

A key component is connecting the

leadership skills training, an in-school

them before they even start their

with real life local role models, the

girls with business leaders to provide

leadership project where pupils are

careers - but to achieve this we

SistersIN initiative will demonstrate

mentorship and build their network

able to gain real-life experience,

need to work in partnership with

the wealth of options open to young

in the business community.”

and mentoring from leading

businesses who can help us deliver

women, providing them with the

females in business and society.

and scale the programme. We’re

networks and practical skills to achieve

local businesses to get involved and

The programme has been developed

So, we strongly encourage more

looking for businesses who can

their fullest potential. I strongly

sign up to mentor the pupils to help

by the charity SistersIN in partnership

provide mentors, job shadowing

believe in the power of education to

them reach their full potential.”

with foundation partners Danske Bank,

opportunities or funding support.

provide opportunity and transform

the Education Authority and The James

“It is our hope that, by bringing

lives and am hugely excited to see

2022-23 are Ashfield Girls High

The ten schools participating in

Kane Foundation, and collaboration

together some of the most influential

the programme expand to provide a

School, Assumption Grammar

partner, Women in Business.

people in industry, in education and

bright future for all the participants.”

School, Glenlola Collegiate, Our

The first phase kicks off in

in life in Northern Ireland, we can

Aisling Press, Managing Director of

Lady’s Grammar School, St Cecilia’s

September through 10 schools

create and offer a unique experience

Personal Banking at Danske Bank and

College, St Genevieve’s High School,

across Northern Ireland, with

to over 400 highly talented and

Assumption Grammar alumnus added:

St Ronan’s College, Strathearn School,

ambitions to expand the programme

ambitious girls who we have identified

to other schools in the future.

as potential future leaders.

Speaking at the launch, Peter Dobbin, Principal of Assumption

“I’d like to welcome the Education Authority, Danske Bank and The

“I’m inspired by the vision and

Thornhill College and Victoria College.

ambition of SistersIN to make a real difference in showing our girls that anything is possible

For more information contact the schools or visit www.sisters-IN.org

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Eye on News

Chartered Accountants Ireland Calls For More SME Support The largest accountancy body on the island of Ireland has called for a reduction of the regulatory burden for businesses in Northern Ireland to help SMEs survive and flourish.

Dr Brian Keegan, Director of Public Policy, Chartered Accountants Ireland

T

he call comes as Chartered Accountants Ireland publishes its annual blueprint for creating a better business environment.

This is the third year that the Institute has published ‘The Next Financial Year’, informed by the insights of its 30,000 members.

The blueprint contains over 100 individual recommendations to optimise the business environment, particularly for SMEs; to meet individual business needs; and to address personal finance and societal issues so that employees can succeed as well as businesses.

Commenting, Dr Brian Keegan, Director of Public Policy, Chartered Accountants Ireland said: “This document sets out what is required for well-functioning economies and societies into the next year. Is it informed by the views of our members across the island of Ireland, and speaks to structural challenges in the business environment,

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the individual needs of businesses, and critically, the need of employees living in our communities.”

In the new report, Chartered Accountants Ireland calls for a range of tax measures to support businesses across Northern Ireland. These measures include ‘Time to Pay’ for tax debt; Business Asset Disposal Relief; innovation support; Digital Tax Credit for SMEs; reform of the Capital Allowances Scheme; Green tax incentives and a lower rate of VAT for the hospitality sector, among other measures.

Dr. Keegan notes: “The pandemic experience has highlighted the resilience of the business community in Northern Ireland, its proven ability to adapt and continue to trade, no matter the obstacles. At the same time, government showed how effective it can be when it intervenes swiftly and in the right way.

“In the aftermath of the UK’s exit from the EU and the Covid-19 pandemic, the UK economy is again in crisis mode with sky-rocketing energy prices and the invasion of Ukraine contributing to high inflation.

The economy needs to be stimulated as growth is beginning to slow, raising concerns of a recession.

“The UK Government should provide effective business policies, support schemes and financing structures, as well as reliefs and other measures through the tax system to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly in the SME sector. There is an opportunity not only to improve the grants, programmes and tax reliefs already in place that support these activities, but also to introduce new measures that reflect the current economic environment.”

‘The Next Financial Year’ also calls for Government to make more money available for business funding, prioritising the needs of SMEs and creating a vibrant business debt and equity market.

The report highlights the uncertainty created by the hiatus of the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly, and the lack of clarity around business support programmes provided by Invest NI as a result, while calling for a greater level of commitment to business funding.

Dr Keegan commented: “As the positive effect of the Covid-19 support schemes wanes, a longer-term, sustainable, and mature system of funding is needed for SMEs in Northern Ireland, involving an appropriate mix of grants, loans and equity investment.

“Given the immense business potential of Northern Ireland, driven by its innovative start-ups and growing SMEs, it is arguable that at least £300

million should be available from government sources as part of a ‘fund of funds’ for SMEs in the region.

“With the right funding approach and leverage, there is an opportunity to create a more vibrant and self-sustaining SME sector in Northern Ireland. We suggest benchmarking with other devolved nations and regions of the UK where this has worked, for example, the Northeast and the Midlands.”

Chartered Accountants Ireland has also called for the re-introduction by Invest NI of a Business & Financial Planning Grant, like the scheme launched in October 2020 in response to the pandemic, which remained open for only a few months.

This scheme provided a grant of up to £8,000 to businesses towards 80% of the eligible costs of an external consultant to undertake a business and financial review to plan for recovery. ‘The Next Financial Year’ suggests that it is 100% funded, up to the limit, and that it is open to nonInvest NI clients in a broader range of sectors across the economy. It also suggests that the scheme be established on a permanent basis, particularly for micro and small businesses.

Hybrid working now features in business models beyond Covid-19. A recent survey of Chartered Accountants in Northern Ireland found that over half want to adopt a hybrid approach to office work.

Before the pandemic, only 9% of respondents had this kind of working arrangement.

Skills and labour shortages experienced by employers in Northern Ireland have resulted in employers offering more flexible arrangements to attract talent. In a recent survey, 75% of Chartered Accountants in Northern Ireland report increasing difficulties in finding the right people for roles.

‘The Next Financial Year’ highlights the need for supports to enable the success of this work model and asks government to encourage and assist organisations and people as they make the transition to hybrid working.

‘The Next Financial Year’ proposes that the Northern Ireland Executive launch a public consultation on the establishment of a freeport in Northern Ireland, considering the advantages and disadvantages, and any impact of the state aid provisions in the Protocol.

The UK Government has committed to creating up to 10 freeports as hubs for global trade, innovation and investment, focal points of community regeneration and job creation. To date, no freeports have been announced for Northern Ireland, although research has identified two potential sites that could form part of a NI Economic Zone.

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Eye on News

Ulster Bank Funds Diverse Entrepreneurship Ulster Bank has partnered with three organisations to champion diverse entrepreneurship across Northern Ireland.

Nisha Tandon, Founder and Executive Director, Arts Ekta; Lori Gatsi-Barnett, Founder of the Join Her Network; John Ferris, Regional Eco-System Manager, Ulster Bank, Helen Fitzpatrick, Commercial Projects Manager, Enterprise NI and Chris Lynch, (front) Chief Executive of the One in Five group. Each of the organisations will use the funds to promote and encourage entrepreneurship.

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rtsEkta, One in Five, and Enterprise Northern Ireland, have each been awarded funding through Ulster Bank’s Enterprise Fund to support projects aimed at promoting and encouraging entrepreneurship, particularly

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amongst those typically underrepresented in this space.

As part of Ulster Bank’s purpose-led strategy to encourage entrepreneurship, the new partnerships also align with the bank’s commitment to increase representation for

females and ethnic minorities so as to reduce any inequalities these groups may face.

Each of the three successful organisations will put this grant money towards delivering fullyfunded programmes for new and potential entrepreneurs who have ambitions to start or grow a business. ArtsEkta, has put together an entrepreneur development programme designed to create inclusion for diverse ethnic minority entrepreneurs right at the beginning of their business journey. The aim is to help fulfil the skills gap which will, in turn, see an increase in diverse community startups and growth for pre-existing businesses.

Enterprise Northern Ireland is focusing on creating more engagement with women to build their awareness of the opportunities presented by selfemployment and strengthen their capabilities and confidence to start or grow their own business. And local entrepreneur and founder of the One in Five group, Chris Lynch, has set out to create a dedicated platform of disabled-led content online.

His hope is that the programme and collaboration with Ulster Bank will lead to a new wave of content creators and develop a newly empowered, high-skilled group of entrepreneurs.

Established in 2019, the Ulster Bank Enterprise Fund was created to address some of the issues highlighted in the Rose Review into female entrepreneurship. The government-backed report found that access to finance was the number one barrier preventing women and entrepreneurs from ethnic minorities from

business ownership. To date Ulster bank has provided over £215,000 through the fund to 12 social enterprises, charities and educational organisations.

These groups have gone on to support around 1,600 people, creating around 100 new jobs and an additional 84 businesses. Previous recipients of the fund include Ulster University, Belfast Multicultural Association and AwakenHub. John Ferris, Regional Ecosystem Manager with Ulster Bank, said that making this funding available to entrepreneurs was a key part of the bank’s enterprise ambition.

“To date the enterprise fund has supported around 1,600 individuals or businesses through targeted programmes with our partners and we’re proud of the work done to date in reaching underrepresented entrepreneurs including women and those from ethnic minority backgrounds.

“Our goal is to continue to be a champion for diverse entrepreneurship and we hope that by working in close collaboration with our three new partners we can deliver more opportunities for entrepreneurs, create jobs and drive for further investment. We are excited to work with these organisations during the next 12 months and look forward to seeing the positive impact this work can make.”

For more information about Ulster Bank’s support for entrepreneurship or to find out about the dedicated business Accelerator programme, visit www. ulsterbank.co.uk/accelerator

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Eye on News

Countdown To Hospitality Exchange 2022 Takes A Spanish Flavour It is 99 days until Hospitality Exchange 2022 and there are at least 99 reasons why it’s a ‘not to be missed’ event for those in the tourism and hospitality industry.

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major reason is the appearance of Spanish guest chef, José Pizarro, who will join the 2022 line up to discuss his culinary career, passion for simple Spanish ingredients

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and views on the future of food.

His pathway to the kitchen is an interesting one, as believe it or not, he was torn between studying dentistry or food. Thankfully, his love of food was just too

strong, and he left his passion for dentistry at the kitchen door.

Originally from a beautiful village, Talaván in Cáceres, Extremadura, José has lived in London for over 20 years, and is often described as the Godfather of Spanish cooking in the UK. He spent his early years training in the top restaurants in Spain, before becoming Head Chef at a Michelin Star restaurant.

After José landed on UK soil, he worked at some of London’s most prestigious Spanish restaurants including Eyre Brothers, Brindisa and Gaudi. In 2011, José opened his first solo venture, José Tapas Bar on Bermondsey Street. José Tapas Bar is a small and cosy venue, inspired by the bustling tapas bars of Barcelona.

Today, José has six venues in the greater London area and his passion for his native cuisine and its amazing range of ingredients has created a huge following, giving us an understanding of Spanish flavours, simple recipes and seasonal flavours.

A mantra of simplicity along with José’s charm, enthusiasm and passion for Spanish food has led to José appearing on popular foodie TV programmes.

A regular on BBC 1’s Saturday Kitchen, José has also appeared on Sunday Brunch, This Morning on ITV, Weekend Kitchen with Waitrose, Rick Stein’s Christmas, Food Network’s ‘The Big Eat’ and James Martin’s Saturday Morning.

José has penned six books and his latest, The Spanish Home Kitchen: Simple, Seasonal Recipes and Memories from My Home, is testament to his love of cookery and the emotions it

evokes. Dedicated to his mother, Isabel, her role as his culinary muse is evident. Recipes and their associated memories are brought to life with superb photography.

Stephen Meldrum, President of the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF), said: “The countdown is now officially on for Hospitality Exchange 2022, which takes place in the Crowne Plaza Belfast on the 11th and 12th October 2022.

“The line-up is one of our most impressive yet and we are delighted that guest chef, José Pizarro, will be in Belfast to share some trade secrets with aspiring chefs.

“The programme will focus on key industry issues, looking towards the future while focusing on food, people, performance and the economic importance of the sector.”

Whether you own, manage or work in a hotel, B&B, pub, restaurant, museum, airline or coffee shop, if you’re interested in developing and want to tap into innovation to drive business, then Hospitality Exchange is where you need to be.

For further information, log on to hospitalityexchange.org.uk

Eye on News

Honey Fair Makes A Sweet Return To Hillsborough Castle After a successful inaugural year which had the Gardens of Hillsborough Castle buzzing, the Hillsborough Honey Fair is back and bringing some sweet tastes, sights and sounds to the historical venue on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 August.

C

hef Paula McIntyre will headline the popular Food Demo Stage each day, which will also see a line-up of local chefs - including Royal Hillsborough’s own The Plough and The Hillside, preparing delicious dishes inspired by the ingredient of the moment – honey. UTV’s Rita Fitzgerald will host the demo stage, talking through each recipe with the chefs and taking questions from the audience.

Alongside the demos, almost 50 of Northern Ireland’s local producers will sample their products, all tweaked to include local honey, which can also be brought home by sweet-toothed visitors.

Meanwhile, the beekeepers of Northern Ireland, including Hillsborough Castle and Garden’s very own beekeeper, Gwen Earnshaw, will bring samples of their hives and honey to the Fair for visitors to get up close with, and learn more about our vital pollinators. Hillsborough’s expert gardeners who care for

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Head of Hillsborough Castle, Laura McCorry is pictured with Chef Paula McIntyre who will headline the chef demo stage at the Hillsborough Honey Fair, with UTV’s Rita Fitzgerald who will host a series of local chefs, returning to create a dish inspired by honey, as the popular event returns for its second year on 06 and 07 August 2022.

the Castle’s 100 acres of stunning grounds will also be on hand to share how we can nurture bees in our own back gardens.

The weekend’s entertainment will all be set to a backdrop of live music from gospel to jazz and blues, plus a special Family Waggle

Dance experience, inspired by worker bees, with Leonie Pony.

Laura McCorry, Head of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens recently met with Paula McIntyre and Rita Fitzgerald in the gardens to launch the Honey Fair, commenting; “We have an incredible weekend

of family entertainment, delicious foodie treats, arts and crafts, dancing and music, all inspired by bees and their beautiful local honey.

“The Hillsborough Honey Fair aims to inspire our visitors to understand just how important bees are to the environment, from their pollination to helping plants grow, which of course allow our local food producers to make their incredible products. We’re delighted to have once again teamed up with Food NI who have curated a wonderful array of local farmers and producers who continue to put Northern Ireland on the map as a foodie haven.

“With our family entertainment from dancing to storytelling, beeswax food wrap workshops and everything in between, we hope our visitors will be inspired to do their bit in their own gardens, support local producers and live even more sustainably.”

Michele Shirlow, CEO of Food NI added; “We are thrilled to help bring the Hillsborough Honey Fair back to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens and create an event which continues to educate and inspire through our rich food heritage, which thrives thanks to the care taken to sustain our land and wildlife, helping our farmers and growers to nurture their quality produce for the future.

“Enabling our local food and drink companies to interact with a captive audience and showcase, sample and sell their products to the public is essential to the growth of our local food industry which is what we’re all about.”

For when business success needs admin support

Eye Moving On

1. Alister Bell

4. Jayne O’Neile

7 John Coyle

2. Robyn Osborne

5 Susan Nightingale

8 Lynn Taylor

3. Amy Hunter

6 David Quinn

9 Míchéal Austin

1 Alister Bell joins Visit Belfast as Visitor Services Operations Manager, with over 20 years’ experience in operational and events management for a number of Local Authorities in leisure, theatres, arts and culture, most recently at The Gobbins Cliff Walk. Also at Visit Belfast, 2 Robyn Osborne becomes Web & Digital Marketing Manager. Graduating from John Moore’s University Liverpool in English Literature and Media Studies, Robyn has over 8 years of digital marketing experience within the UK and Ireland.

She joins Visit Belfast from AV Browne Group.

3 Amy Hunter joins as PR & Communications Manager and is responsible for the development, implementation, management and evaluation of PR, content and Visit Belfast’s communications strategy. She joins Visit Belfast from a London 4 based Creative Marketing agency. And Jayne O’Neile is appointed as Visitor Services Project Manager. Jayne most recently worked for Tourism Northern Ireland. During her thirteen years with TNI, Jayne managed the NI Visitor Information Centre Network and worked closely with stakeholders including Local Authorities and airports to improve the in-destination visitor experience.

The British Business Bank has appointed 5 Susan Nightingale UK Network Director for the Devolved Nations. She will head up the Bank’s activity in Northern Ireland with her remit also covering Wales and Scotland.

Susan, who has been with the Bank since January 2020 as UK Network Senior Manager for Northern Ireland, takes over from former Devolved Nations Director, Mark Sterritt, who has recently moved to the Bank’s UK Regional Funds team.

Queen’s University Belfast has appointed a new Executive Director for its £58m Global Innovation Institute, an expansion of the Institute of Electronics, Communications and Information Technology (ECIT) which will be completed in the 6 next three years. David Quinn, who has had a 30-year career in business consultancy and is a former Consulting Partner in PwC in Northern Ireland, has taken up the role which will see him lead the Belfast Region City Deal-funded project.

Leading Commercial Property Agency Lisney has made two key promotions to the senior team at its 7 Belfast office. John Coyle has been promoted to 8 Director whilst Lynn Taylor becomes an Associate Director. John Coyle, who joined Lisney in 2019 as an Associate Director, works in the firm’s Professional Services Department. He is a trusted and respected valuer and brings his wealth of experience to the team. Lynn Taylor moved to Lisney in 2015 and soon became Senior Surveyor. She is responsible for a mixed portfolio of properties including retail, office and leisure schemes in both the Property Management and Agency Departments.

9 Míchéal Austin has been appointed Accounts Manager for Lisburn-based digital accountancy specialist Exchange Accountants. Míchéal is a fully qualified Chartered Certified Accountant with over 13 years’ experience in the accounting field; predominately specialising in corporate accounts and taxation. He has worked in practice managing a wide range of corporate clients, as well as self-assessment and charitable entities and will be responsible for managing the accounts department at Exchange.

10 Ellen Wright

10 Ellen Wright becomes Senior Brand Marketing Manager at Moy Park, responsible for the promotion of the Moy Park brand portfolio in UK and Irish markets. Ellen has seven years of extensive brand marketing experience across various sectors including agri-food, retail, tourism & transport. She joined Moy Park in March 2019, progressing from Brand Marketing Executive to Senior Brand Marketing Manager.

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Eye on Insurance

Insurance policies may need adjusted in face of spiralling costs With news that it can cost up to £20,000 more to keep a lorry on the road compared to last year, soaring fuel prices have created extremely challenging working conditions for the transport industry.

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oad users have been hit by record pump prices since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine led to an increase in the cost of oil because of supply fears.

Latest figures from Experian show that petrol prices have reached another new record high of 185.p at UK forecourts.

The same applies for diesel prices as the average price rose from 185.2p to an unprecedented high of 191.2p. There are concerns that the price will soon pass the £2 per litre mark.* The spiralling cost of fuel has had added to existing pressures including a driver shortage, subsequently high salaries and an increase in companies’ national insurance payments.

On top of that there has been an increase in vehicle maintenance costs and a shortage of new lorries and

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vans. Sourcing parts for delivery vehicles has had a further strain on the industry as a result of the global shortage of chips.

These increases in the cost in logistics subsequently means the value of goods in transit has risen dramatically within a short period of time.

So, whether you operate a major haulage firm or work for yourself as a delivery driver, now is a good time to work with a good insurance broker to conduct a review of your policies to ensure you have the right level of cover for your business needs.

At AbbeyAutoline, we have a team of commercial experts who are dedicated to helping you put in place the right types of cover.

The team will guide you through the many industry specific legal regulations and obligations you may also need to consider.

It is no secret that the

pandemic has embedded online shopping for consumers resulting in a high demand for delivery drivers both locally and internationally.

People are now comfortably ordering their groceries, clothes and electronics online with it being delivered right to their door, paying little to no delivery fee. As a result of rocketing fuel prices and soaring shipping costs, the consumer is now noticing the increasing price of delivery which is contributing to the overall cost of living.

A goods in transit insurance policy is specifically designed to protect those goods against loss or damage whilst they are in transit from the outset until their final destination.

A policy taken out even a few months may not now have the right level of cover in place due to the rising costs.

The best broker can help you

adjust your cover to ensure your business remains protected.

To help you navigate the whirlwind of rising fuel prices and the rising value of goods, we recommend having a broker that knows you and your business. Having a personal broker can be a salvation for your business especially among such challenging times.

Your broker will help you assess any additional elements of cover you may need, so you have a tailored package that safeguards you against a wide range of risks to your vehicle and business.

At AbbeyAutoline, our brokers work with some of the largest insurance companies across the UK and Europe and we are constantly working hard to negotiate the best possible prices and cover for our business clients.

Our team will help you assess any additional elements of cover you may need, so you have a tailored package that safeguards you against a wide range of risks to your business. *Prices based on time of writing, subject to change

At AbbeyAutoline our team of dedicated experts are ready to help. To find out how we can assist your business visit www.abbeyautoline.co.uk

www.cityauctiongroup.com

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Eye on Motoring

Motoring with James Stinson

Honda’s surprise package

The new Honda HR-V is a welcome break from the norm, writes James Stinson.

H

onda doesn’t really do all-rounders but is very good at finding niches… The little Jazz is highly ingenious, the Honda e is quirky as hell and this brand new HR-V is really rather quirky.

It’s not perfect but it’s very distinctive, with on trend styling and a novel hybrid set-up that delivers impressive fuel economy.

It’s not cheap and the boot isn’t very big but doing a couple of things very well might be enough to tempt some buyers.

You’d be hard pushed to recognise the new HR-V from its predecessor, which was so forgettable I had to look it up to remind myself what it looked like.

By comparison, this new HR-V has real presence. It sits high on the road with a purposeful front end, a shortish body and sloping a rear. The rear door handles, hidden within the door frame, accentuate the three-door vibe.

The front grille, because it isn’t black but the same as the rest of the bodywork, catches the eye too. It’s all a bit racy and not very

74

Honda… which is a good thing.

While fully battery electric vehicles are the future, hybrids of different shades have a big part to play in getting us there and Honda’s answer is to go down the self-charging hybrid route.

This uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine that acts as a generator to charge the two electric motors driving the front wheels, with regenerative braking tech helping to recharge the battery. Producing a maximum 129bhp, it’s the sole available power option for the HR-V and is coupled with an e-CVT transmission.

Using something called Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) the HR-V automatically switches between electric, petrol engine power and hybrid (a mixture of both), depending on the type of driving you’re doing, in order to provide the best performance and efficiency.

At low speeds in and around

town this means mostly all electric running with a combination of electric and petrol only running propelling you along at faster speeds. It’s all pretty seamless apart from the noise of the engine kicking in.

The combined power output is 129 bhp, which is capable of delivering the HR-V from 0 to 62mph in 10.6 seconds. Fuel economy is really impressive.

Honda quotes a claimed 52.3 mpg but a week’s driving, mostly in and around town, comfortably delivered more than this during our week-long test drive.

The CVT gearbox too is at its best when not being pushed.

Put your foot down and the revs surge to noisy levels before settling down again.

Inside, the HR-V boasts a simple, well thought out cabin, with excellent build quality and a

pleasing material fit and finish.

There’s plenty of space in the front though the sloping roofline means tall passengers may feel a little compromised in the rear.

At 335 litres, the boot isn’t the biggest but if you fold down the rear seats, you’ll reveal a completely flat 1,305-litre load space. The HR-V also gets the Honda ‘magic seats’, which have bases that flip up like cinema seats, allowing you to carry tall items in the rear.

Elegance, Advance and Advance Style make up the available trim levels, with the entry specification including 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, digital dials, heated front seats, and a nine-inch touchscreen with a reversing camera.

Honda expects the Advance trim to account for 60 per cent of HR-V sales - attracting buyers with extra standard kit such as an automatic tailgate, dual-zone climate control and a heated steering wheel. At the top of the range, Advance Style models add a contrast roof colour, LED active cornering lights, an upgraded audio system and a wireless smartphone charging function.

Prices start from £29,410, with the Advance model starting from £31,780 and Advance Style available from £34,850.

Finance options are available from £285 per month.

SELL YOUR CAR OR VAN NOW! LET THE EXPERTS SELL YOUR VEHICLE THE SIMPLE YET EFFECTIVE WAY!

3 NO HASSLE, NO TYRE KICKERS, GREAT PRICES! 3 SIMPLE, EFFECTIVE WAY TO SELL YOUR VEHICLE NO MATTER THE AGE, MAKE OR PRICE RANGE! 3 WE CAN EVEN ARRANGE SWIFT TRANSPORT OF YOUR VEHICLE FROM YOUR DOORSTEP

www.cityauctiongroup.com Contact Richard Smith 07966 536521 anytime for an instant valuation or email corporate@cityauctiongroup.com

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Eye on Motoring

Motoring with James Stinson

Megane gets electrified

Renault has confirmed full pricing and specification of the All-New Megane E-Tech 100% Electric, which is available to pre-order now priced from £35,995.

T

he new Megane E-Tech is the first of a new generation of electric vehicles built on the firm’s new CMF-EV platform. With an electric driving range of up to 280 miles it features a classleading digital experience with a 12.3-inch dashboard display and 9-inch multimedia display, and Android Automotive OS with integrated Google services.

To help customers make the transition from a conventional petrol or diesel

vehicle, available PCP finance packages have also been designed to include the car and the supply and installation of a home charging unit. This ‘turn-key’ package costs £1,170 allowing customers to install a home charging wallbox, which is pretty much essential if you want to do a full charge from empty overnight.

Powered by a new 160 kW electric motor with 300 Nm of torque and four levels of regenerative braking,

the Megane is capable of accelerating from 0-62 mph in just 7.5 seconds.

The new motor is particularly compact and weighs only 145 kg – 10% less than the previous generation motor currently used by Zoe – and doesn’t require the use of rare earth metals.

As previously highlighted, standard equipment includes a sizable 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 9-inch infotainment setup, which runs Android

OS. Google services are integrated into the system, which also features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A variety of driver assistance systems, such as traffic sign recognition, lane keep assist and automatic emergency braking, also feature as standard.

Entry-level Equilibre models receive a rear parking camera, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, as well as LED headlights and a set of 18-inch wheels.

Techno trim adds extra safety features such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and a rear cross traffic alert. The styling is tweaked, too, with the addition of adaptive LED headlights that feature scrolling indicators and a distinctive running light signature.

Larger 20-inch wheels also mark out the Techno. Inside it features recycled fabric upholstery, 48-colour ambient lighting and dual-zone climate control, along with customizable driving modes. Automatic wipers and a wireless smartphone charging pad are included, too.

The Megane E-Tech Electric Launch Edition tops the range, gaining a new 20-inch wheel design, a smart rear view mirror, a 3D parking camera system and a Harmon Kardon stereo. Orders are being taken now for deliveries later in the year.

Far Eastern brands dominate ‘best cars to own’ survey

T

Kia’s XCeed is the clear winner

76

he balance of power in Britain’s car market is swinging eastwards, according to this year’s Auto Express Driver Power ownership survey. Far Eastern brands have claimed seven of the top ten rankings for ownership satisfaction.

The latest Auto Express Driver Power ‘Best Cars To Own’ survey also features a bespoke EV in the top ten for the first time, and highlights that the SUV body style is king in terms of owner satisfaction.

Driver Power provides an insight into drivers’ long-term experience of their cars, with up to 60,000 people assessing

ten main aspects of ownership, ranging from performance and comfort to practicality, safety and running costs.

Skoda and SEAT are the only European brands represented in a top ten this year dominated

by Kia - which scoops three places - along with Mazda, Hyundai, Honda and Toyota.

Kia’s XCeed is the clear winner, with Auto Express noting an unusually strong margin of victory over the most popular runners up, the Mazda CX-5 and Kia Rio. Tesla’s appearance as the 9th best car to own also signals a landmark moment in EV popularity, with the Model 3 also topping the Executive car class.

The ten best cars in Britain - according to their owners 1 Kia Xceed 2 Mazda CX-5 3 Kia Rio 4 Hyundai Kona 5 Skoda Kodiaq 6 Kia Sportage 7 Honda CR-V 8 Toyota C-HR 9 Tesla Model 3 10 SEAT Ateca

ASSET MANAGEMENT & RECOVERY SPECIALISTS

• 30+ years experience in Northern Ireland providing a professional asset recovery solution for government departments, liquidators, insolvency practitioners, solicitors and financial institutions • Our aim is to provide a professional one-stop asset management and realisation solution using cutting edge technology and qualified personnel to generate revenue whilst eliminating excessive costs • Extensive experience managing highly sensitive assets, secured in protected centralised storage facilities and remarketing assets such as vehicles, HGV and Plant/Machinery, real estate, jewellery by digital online or physical auction • Nationwide coverage with secure storage compounds strategically located in Belfast 5 acres, Omagh 6 acres and Portadown 3 acres • Valuation service undertaken by qualified asset remarketing specialists • We bring the auction to your premises! On site auction specialists with extensive experience providing the complete solution for business clearance auction events • Expert digital online timed auction events to compliment all physical auctions to ensure global worldwide coverage to maximize the value of your assets

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From a fleet of one to a fleet of many At Fleet Financial, we pride ourselves on having the right solution for your business whatever your company requirements.

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