BDO NI Launch Agile Working Framework

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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.

Following 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 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 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”.

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.

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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.

The 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 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.”

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