Strategic Power Connect Launched To Reduce Energy Costs

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

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.

Strategic 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 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.

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

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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.

The 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 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.

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.

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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.

Since 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 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 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.’

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.

Visit the new website at www.mcconnellsirishwhisky.com

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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.

Sands 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 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.

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.