Business Eye May June 2023

Belfast Welcomes Two Millionth Cruise Visitor

Not so long ago, the idea of cruise ships coming to Belfast would have been laughable. But, last month, the city’s two millionth cruise visitor stepped ashore off the Norwegian Dawn at Belfast’s cruise dock.

12

Business In Tech – Ulster University Degree Welcomed By Business

A new Msc Business In Technology programme at Ulster University sets out to add business skills to the armoury of tech professionals and it’s been warmly welcomed by industry and business leaders in Northern Ireland.

18

John Davison – Mzuri Group Chairman Adds Experience To Ambition

John Davison, a seasoned campaigner from the investment community in London and beyond is relishing his role as Chairman, and a key investor, at Lisburn-based Mzuri Group, better known to most of us as Decora Blinds.

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Olivia Carr – Key Role At NIE Networks

The role of the Company Secretary isn’t always recognised but, in larger organisations, it’s a key role. We catch up with Olivia Carr, Company Secretary at one of our largest organisations and employers, NIE Networks.

26 A New Era For Belfast Pension & Investment Firm

One of Northern Ireland’s largest pension and investment firms, Doherty PIC, is entering a new era as part of one of the UK’s best known wealth management groups, Mattioli Woods.

32 Tech Eye – The Latest Global Technology News

From the rise and rise of Artificial Intelligence to the importance of video content and the slightly worrying concept of digital eternity, we catch up with news from the global world of technology.

38 CSR – How Important Is It For Local Companies?

Local business leaders give us their views on the importance of good CSR, despite the cost pressures facing business at the moment. It’s a concept that’s come a long way since the days when it was a bolt-on for many local organisations.

54 Alpha – Record Year For Office Specialists

There were many prepared to write off the future of office working during Covid and the aftermath of the pandemic. But office working is in our DNA and it’s here to stay, says Paul Black of office interior specialists Alpha, a Belfast-based company now working on some of its biggest office contracts.

66 Killeavy Castle – A Jewel In The Border Crown

To call Killeavy Castle Estate a hidden gem is to do it a bit of an injustice. The awards and plaudits the place has received since it opened four years ago mean that it’s not hidden. But it’s definitely a gem, says Richard Buckley.

70 Titanic Dreams - £4.5 Million Investment At Belfast Landmark

Eimear Kennedy of Titanic Belfast looks to a bright future in the wake of a major £4.5 million investment in visitor facilities at Belfast tourism’s jewel in the crown.

The May local council election results haven’t

Comment

Richard Buckley EDITOR

Irish Magazine Editor of the Year 2005

But, without demeaning the important role of local councillors, none of it matters all that much on the wider scale. Those elected will go on to squabble in council chambers and makes decisions on matters like refuse collection, street cleaning and other local issues.

Most of us would have liked the election results to hasten the return of devolved government to Stormont but they haven’t done that. The DUP has taken their result as a vote of confidence and won’t be shifting position.

There is a glimmer of hope. Some DUP figures have suggested that a nod and a wink from the UK Government in the right direction might do the trick, providing it’s accompanied by a wheelbarrow full of cash for Northern Ireland. That way, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his colleagues can ride in on their white horses and claim a victory.

But do they really intend to settle up their differences, return to Stormont and nominate one of their number to serve as Deputy First Minister under (or alongside, as it’s supposed to be termed) Michelle O’Neill? Despite the reassurances, it still stretches credibility a bit.

The former Alliance Party leader and seasoned observer of local politics, Lord (John) Alderdice, opined in one of his recent assessments that we’re heading inexorably towards an increased and accelerated level of joint authority. A form of direct rule with an increased Dublin input. He might well be right, but it’s hard to see how that can be sustainable in the longer term.

On the other hand, there are those who reckon that the choreography which has been in place for some time remains in place. By the height of the summer, the theory goes, the next steps will be in place for a DUP return to Stormont, although there might not be much life about the old building until the kids go back to school in September.

Why rush, after all? There’s only a major budget crisis and a whole raft of other issues being held up by the continued political logjam.

One of the biggest pities is that we continue to miss out on the chance to sell, sell and sell our unique position of having access to both the UK and European markets.

By almost universal consensus these days, Brexit has been a disaster. Nigel Farage admits it, huge swatches of England, where Brexiteers used to roam freely, have come to their senses, and only a few hang on to the view that leaving the EU has or ever can bring any real benefits.

In Northern Ireland, it’s not something we need to worry too much about. As Jim Allister and other died in the wool unionists keep reminding us (but for different reasons), we haven’t really left. Jim sees that as a bad thing. The vast majority of us see it as a good thing.

Even Sir Jeffrey Donaldson is realistic. He knows the benefits of continued access to EU markets. That doesn’t stop him pursuing more guarantees about access to and from the UK market, but the two tacks can work perfectly well together.

As we head into a traditional Northern Ireland summer season, expect a bit more bite around the set piece loyalist/unionist events of the summer months. But expect continued progress towards a return to Stormont. And expect too a concession or two from the UK government.

We’re the problem child of the British Isles family. Until the UK can work out a way to get us off the payroll, it’s going to have to continue to spoil us.

“We’re the problem child of the British Isles family. Until the UK can work out a way to get us off the payroll, it’s going to have to continue to spoil us.”

changed the optics here in Northern Ireland to any real extent. Some might claim a major victory, others a victory of sorts, and certain political parties have been doing their best to gloss over the fact that they took a bit of a pasting in the polls.

Eye on News

First ever Guinness only bar comes to Belfast

The Clover Group has announced that its flagship venue White’s Tavern is creating a Guinness only serving bar, the first ever of its kind on the island of Ireland.

With an investment of £1.5m, Clover has completely transformed the Belfast City Centre venue in recent years with the addition of an authentic Irish beer hall and a vibrant outdoor beer garden.

The exciting, unique and intimate new addition ‘White’s Store’, which will seat 30 people and serve only Guinness Draught and Guinness Zero adds to, and completes, the bar’s eclectic and vibrant offering.

According to Mark Beirne, Director of the Clover Group, who operate several venues in Belfast including ‘Henry’s & The Jailhouse’

and ‘The Boneyard’, the new venture at White’s is a great fit for the Guinness brand with the bar’s history dating back to the 1700s complementing the rich heritage of the iconic global beer which has been over 260 years in the making.

Fronting onto the original Whites Tavern, the interior of the snug bar will be developed to be an atmospheric space to serve, and enjoy, the Perfect Pint. ‘White’s Store’ will reflect the quality, passion and innovation of the Guinness brand espousing a traditional style pub with familiar interior finishes including salvaged quarry tiles, a reclaimed bar and timber wall panelling. The design, which is being developed by

O’Donnell O’Neill Design Associates, will also have a youthful contemporary edge with local artist commissioned installations and bespoke lighting and furniture.

Commenting Mark Beirne said, “We are very excited about this new partnership with the Guinness brand, which will bring to life unique and unforgettable experiences for our customers as they enjoy the quality of one of the world’s greatest brands in a stunningly intimate and historic venue.

“It has been ever present within our vision, to deliver new, fun and novel experiences for customers and we expect there to be huge demand for ‘White’s

Store’ both from local people and international visitors coming to enjoy the great hospitality that our city has to offer.”

Commenting on the announcement, Guinness Marketing Director, Alan McAleenan said: “We are delighted to partner with The Clover Group and see the first ever Guinness only bar come to Belfast. It’s our aim to create unique experiences where people can enjoy beautiful Guinness. White’s Store will offer the opportunity to enjoy delicious creamy pints and celebrate the heritage of our brand and the vibrancy of our future. I’m looking forward to having a pint there very soon.”

Mark Beirne, Director Clover Group and Austin Guy, Strategic Account Manager, Diageo at the new White’s Store.

Eye on News

Introducing IntoMedia: Uniting three iconic Irish media brands to

launch a best-in-class

media business

IntoMedia is the new umbrella group name for the Irish News, Q Radio and Interpress.

Launched this month to unite the three brands and herald a new era for the businesses, IntoMedia will be housed at the Fountain Centre on Belfast’s College Street.

This strategic union is built on a shared vision of innovation, creativity, and a deep understanding of the evolving needs and preferences of today’s audiences.

“The newly formed IntoMedia group’s mission is to use our independent voice to play a positive role in society,” Sinead Cavanagh, Deputy Chief Executive, begins.

“We inform the conversation, entertain and inspire debate by telling compelling stories and this

was the natural next step for the business and its group companies.”

Over the past year, IntoMedia has worked with the Financial Times, which has supported it on “an exciting journey with an incredibly ambitious growth strategy.”

With a portfolio that spans print, broadcast and digital, IntoMedia is poised to captivate and inspire audiences across multiple platforms.

“When we read of contraction at other media houses, we’re doing the opposite by investing in technology and adding to our team of 132,” Sinead continues.

“We will also rebrand the Irish News later in the year when readers will see a big difference, but with

that change, they can be assured that our quality journalism and trust will remain the same.

“The rebrand is essentially us doubling down on our ethos and who we are. We recognise our unique role in the north and beyond and in some ways, we consider the Irish News to be an ‘institution’ that has a crucial part to play here, with authoritative, trustworthy, highly credible journalism, notable by its balance and integrity.”

The Irish News is the second biggestselling regional daily newspaper in the whole of the UK. Q Radio, which is the only national station here capable of splitting content to offer advertisers a national and hyperlocal model thanks to its seven frequencies, is also recruiting and has welcomed one of the most sought-after comedians in the UK and Ireland, Cork native, Andrew Ryan, to its presenter line-up,

in tune with its commitment to its ‘Big personality, Big Reach credentials’.

The multi-award winning Interpress was established in March 2005 and now prints on average 40 daily and weekly titles with major printing contracts across the island, such as Mediahuis’s Belfast Telegraph and all of the Reach titles including the Daily Mirror, Daily Star, Daily Record and Daily Express

“Our priority now is to build a sustainable business model, continue to strengthen our market leadership locally and identify opportunities further afield.

“By bringing our talented people together, we will unleash synergies that clearly exist and ensure we continue to deliver the best journalism and entertainment for our readers and listeners across all our platforms,” Sinead concludes.

IntoMedia Leadership Team (L-R): Stuart Duncan, Claire McGrath, Paul Donnelly, David Wilson, Dominic Fitzpatrick, Sinead Cavanagh, Noel Doran, Annette McManus & Thomas Carey.

Eye on News

BELFAST HARBOUR WELCOMES TWO MILLIONTH CRUISE VISITOR

Belfast has welcomed its two millionth cruise ship visitor, according to Cruise Belfast, the partnership between Belfast Harbour and Visit Belfast which markets the city as a leading cruise ship destination.

The passenger who took the number of visitors to come to Northern Ireland on cruise ships past the two million mark was on board the Norwegian Dawn, operated by Norwegian Cruise Line, which docked in Belfast recently.

Since the first cruise ship visit to Belfast in 1996, the industry has grown exponentially, with a record 165 cruise calls expected this year.

Michael Robinson, Port Director of Belfast Harbour, said Belfast is now well and truly on the radar for international cruise operators when setting their schedules.

“The arrival of the two millionth cruise visitor to Belfast Harbour is a significant milestone for the cruise industry in Northern Ireland. This year is expected to be a record year for the Port with 165 calls from 34 different

cruise lines, carrying more than a quarter of a million passengers.

“Cruise visitors make an important contribution to the tourism industry in Northern Ireland bringing tourists from across the world for day trips to attractions across the region.”

Mary Jo McCanny, Director of Visitor Servicing at Visit Belfast, said: “Ahead of such a busy cruise season, welcoming the two millionth visitor to Belfast is another great milestone for the city that again demonstrates the vital partnerships that Cruise Belfast has formed with global cruise operators.

“The Visitor Servicing teams work tirelessly to provide a first-class reception for every visitor who arrives into Belfast, showcasing the very best of the city and the wide range of quality tourist experiences on offer.

Belfast has built a strong reputation as a welcoming and exciting cruise destination and that is something we

hope to continue for years to come.”

Naomi Waite, Tourism NI’s Director of Marketing added: “The millions of pounds of investment in our tourism infrastructure and visitor experiences in recent years has ensured Belfast and Northern Ireland are at the forefront of the cruise offering. With new attractions such as the re-imagined Titanic Belfast, Titanic Distillers and the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, we can offer new and exciting itineraries to compete within a highly competitive marketplace, which is crucial to continue to attract strong visitor numbers.

“With an expected record year for the 2023 cruise season, the boost in cruise ship visitors is sure to make for a fantastic year for the Northern Ireland tourism industry.”

Including the Norwegian Dawn, Belfast has seen a total of 1,161 cruise ship calls by vessels from 75 different cruise lines to date,

representing a significant contribution to the growing tourism economy in Northern Ireland. Some of the biggest cruise ships in the world, from worldleading global brands including Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas (347 metres long, gross tonnage 168,666) and MSC Virtuosa (332m long, gross tonnage 181,541) have called at Belfast multiple times in recent years. Between March and October this year, 61 different vessels will dock at the port. The 165 calls expected this season represents a 15% increase on the previous record set in 2019. There will also be 15 ships calling to Belfast for the first time in 2023, including Disney Dream, Norwegian Prima and MSC Preziosa, demonstrating Northern Ireland’s increasing popularity as a cruise destination and providing testament to the quality of the region’s award-winning visitor attractions and tourism offer.

Gary Hall, Belfast Harbour and Mary Jo McCanny, Visit Belfast, with Lea Goodsell, the 2 millionth cruise ship passenger to visit Belfast

It is good to talk … but it’s sometimes better to listen!

Recent GDP figures recorded no growth with the “strike” impact offsetting modest growth within other sectors. Inflation remains at eye-watering levels but is expected to ease as the year progresses and although fuel prices are settling, the cost of energy and salary demands continue to challenge business.

A mixed bag but despite this, we are seeing so much real ambition across the Irish market. There is an obvious ‘fatigue’ post-Covid and a sense of “give us a break …” out there, but overall, I remain positively optimistic as we navigate the bumps and twists of corporate life that our customary resilience will prevail.

To give businesses the best chance they need certainty of funding, flexibility and a ‘partnership’ with a team who listens and understands. We are seeing an increasing number of businesses looking to scale and looking to export markets for growth. Delivering the right solution is key, and it’s all too easy to be attracted to the first offer of funding. However, when contemplating a decision to find a new funding partner to either replace or complement your existing financier, ensuring a good fit is crucial to make certain the relationship works effectively and collaboratively, with aligned goals.

At Upstream, we know how important it is to work with an engaged

and committed team who are focused on finding the appropriate solution to help you drive your business forward. So, if you are looking at growth funding it is worth considering the following criteria to underpin your confidence to fulfil your plans.

Commitment

Every funder will voice their support initially, but the prevailing economic conditions are seeing a tightening of credit across the funding sector which can see commitment wane. Look beyond the traditional funders, to find partners who aren’t affected by overreactive policy changes and are offering the confidence of longerterm support. In Upstream we have focused on developing long-term, supportive relationships that grow and mature in line with your business.

Commerciality

Businesses need to know their funder is ‘on their side’ and the most significant way they can do that is by adopting a practical and commercial approach to doing business together. Business is tough, and we all have our weak points and maybe you even have some ‘history’ impacting performance. Pick a partner that doesn’t just have a ‘tick box’ mentality, but one who is willing to look to the future and not dwell on the past. At Upstream, we spend time getting to know you – and

understanding your needs and goals, so that we can confidently structure a funding solution tailored to you personally. This commerciality should be one of the biggest influencing factors when looking at new options.

Flexibility

Running a business is neither easy nor predictable. Ensuring your funder is flexible in how they work with you is important. You could argue you won’t know this until after you have signed on the dotted line, but there are signs when you first meet up. How much effort do they put into understanding your business and what you are trying to achieve? Do they try to shape the facility to your needs? In Upstream we have a skilled team who will listen, and work with you to develop a solution which is discretely supportive, and fully aligned with your needs.

Communication

In business, things change, and situations arise unexpectedly –opportunities and challenges. It is vital to have open and transparent communication with your funding partner. At Upstream, that’s what you get – we work collaboratively with you to ensure that you always have someone to talk to, someone at the end of the phone, or on a face-to-face basis to discuss and support your plans and offer advice when needed.

Relationships

An open, transparent, and inclusive relationship with your funding partner is the foundation of success. The increased use of IT to streamline our process and enhance efficiencies is to be encouraged, but not at the expense of personal relationships. At Upstream we have always differentiated ourselves through first-class, proactive service whereby we guarantee you access to a dedicated team of experts and locally based decision makers with significant autonomy.

In Upstream, we have scaled our business ten-fold post-Covid, and in the last twelve months alone we have doubled our support to a range of businesses across Ireland. From FMCG to apparel to wholesale and professional services, we have supported several significant corporate-level transactions. By listening carefully, and aligning our solutions to our client’s goals, we have developed thoughtful and innovative structures which have maximised working capital and growth funding. We hope in the weeks ahead to share some of these success stories. There are options if you look, and you do have a choice – because we firmly believe that ambition should be celebrated and supported. Especially as we face these more challenging economic headwinds.

Judith Totten, Owner / Managing Director, Upstream

I’ve had so many conversations recently and the common thread is that It’s difficult to gauge how the rest of 2023 will pan out with so many factors that could facilitate growth and others that might continue to derail recovery.

Musgrave Crowns Store Of The Year Winner

Three local SuperValu, Centra and MACE stores have been awarded the prestigious title of ‘Store of the Year’ at Musgrave’s annual awards ceremony.

The Musgrave awards ceremony celebrates and recognises the achievements, hard work and dedication of its retail partners across the three brands.

SuperValu McCool’s Kells claimed the title of SuperValu Store of the Year for the second year in a row. The store was once again recognised for its outstanding service, friendly and welcoming staff, as well as its excellent standards and support for the community.

Centra McGleenan’s Keady scooped the Centra Store of the Year award, being acknowledged

for its high customer service standards and strong sales driven by a hardworking team.

Mace Store of the Year went to MACE Dolan’s Gortin Road in Omagh. Strong work ethic amongst all levels of staff, high levels of footfall and store standards propelled the store to win this title.

Also on the night, Centra Farrell’s Stewartstown Road was awarded Newcomer of the Year, while SuperValu Portstewart and Centra Carrickfergus were champions in the Musgrave owned store categories. The ceremony also saw SuperValu

Limavady and Centra Bradley’s Maghera crowned Fundraisers of the Year for Action Cancer, while MACE McDonald’s Victoria Street in Lurgan received the same award for its work with Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke.

Trevor Magill, Managing Director of Musgrave Northern Ireland said: “The Musgrave Store of the Year awards provide us the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements, hard work and dedication of our retail partners and Musgrave owned stores, across our three brands.

“I want to say a huge thank you to all our retailers who work so hard to maintain the highest standards across our brands. Congratulations to all the finalists and award winners who never fail to deliver the best customer service to communities across Northern Ireland.”

The awards ceremony was hosted by journalist and broadcaster Sarah Travers last Friday night in The Culloden Estate and Spa Hotel. Finalists are selected following several rigorous rounds of performance and standards audits, with the highest accolade being ‘Store of the Year’.

Back L-R: Julie Cherry, Musgrave NI Trading Director; Trevor Magill, Musgrave NI Managing Director; Paddy Murney, Musgrave NI Retail Sales Director; Peter McCool, owner of SuperValu Kells (winner of the SuperValu Store of the Year award) and Damien McGleenan, co-owner of Centra Keady (winner of the Centra store of the year).

Front L-R: Mace Store of the Year award winners Rosie Dolan and Orla Dolan, from Dolan’s Mace Gortin Road, Omagh; Debbie McGall SuperValu Kells store manager, and Marie O’Neill, Centra Keady store manager.

Eye on Business & Technology

Business in Tech

Ulster University Masters Degree Course earns high marks from industry leaders

Helen McKenna, Course Director and Senior Lecturer in Business Consulting, Ulster University Business School

Eye on Business & Technology

and digital transformation in their organisation.”

“The feedback has been very positive,” Helen adds. An initial cohort of employees from PwC is due to graduate this December, and other students are at different stages on the course.

It could hardly be a more important role for a university that prides itself in being relevant to today’s business world. And, among the latest of the University’s industry aligned courses is the MSc Business in Technology programme, a trio of standalone courses that build to an integrated MSc award, better known as the MBT. This is a multidisciplinary programme developed by the Ulster University Business School and the School of Computing.

“The programme design combines leading-edge academic theory with best practice from industry,” says Course Director and Senior Lecturer in Business Consulting, Helen McKenna. “We work closely with industry to find out their needs and challenges and then co-create a solution that is fit for purpose. One of the key messages from the industry is the need to develop advanced business acumen and leadership skills alongside technological capability– a rare combination highly sought after by employers.”

It’s a programme developed in consultation with Ulster University’s partner institution, Babson College in the USA, one of the country’s top entrepreneurship colleges. But it’s also the result of ongoing engagement with a range of strategic learning partners, including PwC.

The uniquely flexible part-time programme sets out to marry business understanding with technological capabilities through three postgraduate pathways. There is a postgraduate (PG) Certificate in Business Analysis and Consulting, a PG Diploma in Transformation Management and Leadership and the MSc

Business in Technology. Depending on the students preferred way of learning, both blended and 100% online modes of study are available.

Claire Shields, Director of Capability and Development for Execution Managed Services at PwC was involved in the development of the programme. She commented on how the programme was delivering real business value for PwC:

“In a fast-changing world having employees with relevant skills is critical to a high-performing business. Tomorrow’s leaders will need to have a blend of business and technical know-how and Ulster University’s Business in Technology MSc offers exactly that. This programme has been a vital platform in driving skills development across PwC, delivering tangible business benefits through enhanced workforce capability and employee engagement.

“It has equipped learners with the latest insights in business strategy, transformation and technical awareness to address business challenges and navigate opportunities with confidence. The strong practical focus of the course meant that the learnings could be applied to the business almost immediately.”

“The Masters qualification is a specialist business and leadership programme for tech professionals,” says Helen McKenna. “It’s also the first course of its kind to come to market from a leading university. It’s aimed at anyone currently working in a tech or project management role who wants to widen their business and leadership knowledge and expertise to drive forward innovation

“We have designed the modules and course structure to reflect the specific needs of tech professionals and organisations in tech-powered industries. If you work in tech and want to be able to manage stakeholders better, improve your consulting skills, solve complex business problems and take a leading part in transformation in your organisation, you’ll find this MSc is tailored to your needs,” she adds. A course dedicated to the tech sector needs to address the current and future concerns of the industry. Helen McKenna reckons that that’s what Ulster University has done and continues to do.

implement the learning. They’ll leave the programme ready to lead transformation, manage stakeholders, and achieve ambitious business objectives.”

“Our aim is to advance business and leadership capability in a tech-powered world. This means we’re invested in futureproofing students for senior roles in the technology industry and preparing them to succeed in dynamic environments with critical thought and action.”

Designing career-oriented modules means more than teaching the theories and models of business and leadership principles.

“Not only do several members of our academic staff come from backgrounds in the sector, but the Business in Technology programme has been meticulously designed with input directly from industry. We consulted with industry leaders, large organisations and key executives to build our modules and learning outcomes. Course tutors also keep in regular contact with their industry connections and many are involved in commerciallyfocused research projects, staying involved with the programme evolution on an ongoing basis.”

“And while the course is challenging, our staff ensure students are fully supported throughout to understand and

“While it’s important to have a firm grounding in academic thinking, we strive to ensure our students take their learning into the workplace. Where possible, learning is contextualised so students can apply it to real-world challenges and opportunities, ensuring individual and business impact very quickly.”

Applications are now open for September 2023. To find out more about the MSc Business in Technology programme, visit ulster.ac.uk/businessintechnology or for other programme options visit, ulster.ac.uk/postgrad

Ulster University’s Business Engagement Unit, set up several years ago and led by Professor Gillian Armstrong, does exactly what it says on the tin. It works with industry to ensure that Ulster University courses are meeting the needs of employers and supporting the skills agenda.

“If you work in tech and want to be able to manage stakeholders better, improve your consulting skills, solve complex business problems and take a leading part in transformation in your organisation, you’ll find this MSc is tailored to your needs.”

Helen McKenna

“Our aim is to advance business and leadership capability in a techpowered world.”

NIHF Launches ‘Signature Dish’ Competition with Cater2 and Rational to showcase Hotel Restaurants

Destination restaurants are often associated with a hotel brand and viewed as a must visit culinary experience. Despite significant investment restaurants in Northern Ireland hotels often get overlooked as ‘go to’ locations being viewed a lesser cousin to their stand-alone competition.

To showcase the wealth of innovative culinary talent that exists within Northern Ireland’s hotel sector the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF), in partnership with Cater2 and Rational, is launching the ‘Signature Dish’ competition on Instagram.

Discussing the move, Eddie McKeever, NIHF President said: “The Federation firmly believes the standard of food on offer in hotel restaurants makes them ‘destination’ worthy. Hotels are experts at catering for a diverse spectrum of tastes and needs, offering everything from brunches

to banquets. Industry chefs have an extensive skillset and a desire to remain at the forefront of innovation.

“The Signature Dish competition delivered in partnership with Cater2 and Rational will give hotels the opportunity to promote a signature dish from their menu via the NIHF’s Instagram page. The sharing and amplification of these posts will generate increased awareness of hidden culinary gems that exist within Northern Ireland’s hotel network. The public will then vote for their favourite dish, with the dish that receives the most likes being the winner. The competition

prize is a trip to Oktoberfast 2023 in Germany and a tour of the stateof-the-art Rational factory.”

Mr McKeever continues: “Food is an integral part of a hotel’s business model, and the sector has invested heavily in creating modern contemporary dining spaces and tantalising menus that support local producers while showcasing local produce. This Signature Dish competition forms part of our commitment to profiling the culinary side of our industry!”

Encouraging hotels to take advantage of the opportunity Richard Cassells, Commercial Director, Cater2 added: “We’re delighted to be working with the NIHF and industry leader Rational on this project. It’s great to be able to help raise the profile of hotel restaurants and collectively celebrate all that is good about the sector, and of course provide a great prize.”

Welcoming the competition launch Sandy Thomassen, Sales Director at Rational said: “As one of the world’s leading brands, we are keen to not only support the sector but to help it grow by providing sustainable, cost-effective solutions. As a business we are invested in Northern Ireland and committed to strengthening our offering in the coming year. We are looking forward to welcoming the Signature Dish competition winners to our factory in Germany and enjoying time with them at Oktoberfest 2023.”

The NIHF Signature dish competition is open to all NIHF members, and the winner will be announced on 1st June 2023.

For information visit https://www. nihf.co.uk/signature-dish/

Richard Cassells, Commercial Director, Cater2; Ciaran Lowry, Rational and Eddie McKeever, NIHF President, launch online competition to showcase hotel restaurants.

Eye on News

Flights to Jersey have taken off from Belfast City Airport with Aer Lingus Regional, providing a convenient connection between Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands up to twice a week.

Welcoming the commencement of the service, Katy Best, Chief Commercial Director at Belfast City Airport, commented:

“The launch of flights to Jersey come at a perfect time for those wishing to take a summer holiday with Jersey boasting spectacular beaches, attractions to suit all interests, and a wealth of history and heritage waiting to be explored.

“The short flight time means passengers can enjoy the sunniest spot in the British Isles in less than two hours from Belfast City Airport, making it an attractive option for a quick getaway or family break.

“Coupled with our excellent city centre location and fantastic security processing times, an average of only six minutes, passengers can look forward to a smooth and hassle-free journey when they choose Belfast City Airport.”

The new route further bolsters

Jersey Service Takes Off From Belfast City Airport

Aer Lingus Regional’s summer schedule from Belfast City Airport with flights in operation to 12 other destinations across the UK.

Katy continued:

“We have already received brilliant feedback in relation to the choice and experience provided by Aer Lingus and its exclusive operator

Emerald Airlines and we look forward to welcoming its summer travellers through our terminal doors.”

Ciarán Smith, Head of Commercial at Emerald Airlines said:

“We are delighted to be adding this summer hotspot to our Belfast City schedule. Renowned beaches and cliffside walking trails, Jersey is

sure to appeal to for those looking for a summer break in the sun.

“We look forward to welcoming passengers on board and providing them with a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.”

Fares start at only £46.99 each way as part of a return trip and can be booked now at aerlingus.com

First-of-its-Kind ‘Agent Advantage’ Launches for Northern Ireland Property Industry

PropertyPal, Northern Ireland’s leading online property portal, has announced the launch of ‘Agent Advantage’, an innovative suite of tools designed to champion estate agents throughout the region.

Agent Advantage is the first-of-its-kind in Northern Ireland and aims to enhance how estate agents secure new valuation leads, create branded comparable reports and unlock intelligence to maximise their business growth.

The subscription-based, online service provides agents with an edge in the competitive Northern Ireland property market and will initially launch with three main components; Agent Advantage Valuations, Comparables and Intelligence.

The leading property portal is also now enabling the public to discover the estimated value of a property with its free ‘Instant Valuation’ tool and has made it easier than ever to book a professional, in-person valuation with its ‘Agent Valuation’ option - both now

available at www.propertypal.com

Jordan Buchanan, Chief Operating Officer at PropertyPal commented:

“We are very excited to launch Agent Advantage and provide property professionals in Northern Ireland with the resources and tools they need to grow in a rapidly changing property market. With Agent Advantage, we’ve set out to empower agents by giving them access to the latest technology and data-driven insights, equipping them to make informed business decisions and stand out in a crowded marketplace.

“Agent Advantage is designed to streamline the valuation process and enhance efficiency, saving time and resources for agents, while growing brand awareness, leading to greater market share and more new-business opportunities. The tool will empower tech-enabled agents, supporting them to be strategic in their business decisions, while also boosting lead generation and growth.

Jordan continued: “These new tools demonstrate PropertyPal’s ongoing commitment to providing innovative solutions that benefit everyone in the Northern Ireland property market, from estate agents to homeowners and property searchers. This is only the beginning of Agent

Advantage with our team already planning enhancements and new features over the coming months.”

The new Instant Valuation and Agent Valuation tools for the public are now live and available for free at www.propertypal.com

Eye on Growth

John Davison Mzuri Group Chairman Adds Experience To Ambition

It’s a business that, over recent years and unhindered by the pandemic, hasn’t just changed its name. It has also shifted up a number of gears and grown by a series of strategic acquisitions to become a £220 million plus turnover operation with 1600 employees across a number of countries.

Led from the front by brothers Stuart and Russell Dickson, whose parents Michael & Lynda founded Decora back in 1979, Decora and later Mzuri has benefitted from sizeable investments over recent years, not least from BGF, one of the UK’s largest investors in fast growth enterprises.

Another significant shareholder, and now Mzuri’s Chairman, is the highly experienced investor John Davison, a major player in the UK investment scene and a man who says he liked Mzuri and its management team the first time he met them.

“We hit it off straight away,”

says John from his home base in Buckinghamshire. “I was impressed right away by the drive, the ambition and the product range. And I’ve stayed impressed. I’ve invested a bit more into the company and I’m relishing the chairman’s role and being able to play a part in acquisitions and the company’s continued growth.”

John Davison cut his business teeth in his family’s furniture manufacturing business in High Wycombe, the hub of the UK soft furnishing sector, before going to study at Cambridge and then continuing his business education at Harvard.

He initially followed the well-

The Lisburn-based Mzuri Group remains a bit better known to some of us around Northern Ireland as Decora Blinds, a family window coverings business that grew to become one of Northern Ireland’s fastest-growing and most ambitious enterprises.

Eye on Growth

worn path from Oxbridge and Harvard into consultancy and a spell with McKinsey before being headhunted into the Carlyle Group, a multinational private equity player with $376 billion of assets under management.

Five of six years later, he took a career break to prepare and compete as a skeet shooter for Great Britain at the Sydney Olympics of 2000.

From there he joined Warburg Pincus, another New Yorkbased private equity group, and then Bridgepoint Group Plc, the investment vehicle grown out of NatWest.

“I retired – for the first time – in 2009 when the financial crisis hit but I’m not very good at it. It wasn’t long before I was itching to get back and do something,” John smiles. That something turned out to be RBS under Stephen Hester.

“My role, in effect, was to claw back what I could from the bank’s investments, to stabilise companies, reinvigorate companies, to get money flowing back into them, either as a

non-exec or as chairman.”

He worked with some well known companies, not least luxury boatbuilders Ferretti, luggage makers Samsonite, Miller Homes and Jury’s Inn.

“Much more recently, I’ve been working alongside BGF and they’ve asked me to take a look at a number of their potential investments,” he says. “I’ve worked on a number of investments alongside Peter Jones (of Dragon’s Den fame), who is also a near neighbour of mine here in the Chilterns.

“Through BGF I arrived at Mzuri, that brought me to Lisburn for the first time and that’s how I met Stuart and Russell Dickson.

“We got on like a house on fire the first time we talked. They’re a class act and they bring a complimentary set of skills to the table,” he adds. “I like to think that I was the missing link. I’ve been able to help drive the wider investment strategy and the programme of acquisitions. And I’ve become an investor myself, of course. Mzuri is the single largest direct investment that I’ve made.”

John Davison came on board as Mzuri chairman following the BGF investment in 2020, and the group embarked on a series of acquisitions. In April of the same year, it bought Domus Lumina, a Lithuanian manufacturer and retailer, adding UK-based Swift Direct Blinds the following month. In July, it added Dutch online retailer 123 Jaloezie and, by the end of the year, a Swedish online group called Max Gardiner. It also invested in a major GB distribution hub and showroom in Birmingham.

In 2021, Mzuri launched a German online sales operation and acquired the TCMM Shutter Group, one of the UK’s largest wood shutter makers. It went on to add another UK market leader, Tropical Blinds, that same year, as well as Vako, Make My Blinds and took first step into the Australian market.

The acquisition pace continued into 2022 with strategic moves in both the UK online market as well as in Scandinavia.

“Our strategy has been to extend our geographical reach, obviously, but also to build our presence right along the supply chain and into a range of different sales and distribution channels,”

says John Davison. “We’ve come a long way from the company that used to supply blinds to the trade. We’re now selling through various sales channels including a wide range of e-commerce sites and retail operations in a number of different countries.”

Mzuri has also expanded into the shutter marketplace, supplying wooden and PVC shutters, increasingly popular in the home improvement arena.

“It’s a competitive market out there, for sure, but it’s also a fragmented one,” he says.

“The Covid pandemic didn’t do us any harm, though. It’s been well documented that lots of people were inspired by the lockdown experience to invest in their homes, and we’ve been among the beneficiaries.

“Most importantly, this is a company with fantastic people and a great management team. We can all be proud of what we’ve achieved. But we’re definitely not finished yet.”

OLIVIA CARR

VITAL ROLE AT NIE NETWORKS

“Like a lot of accountants, I liked the idea of taking my skills into industry and I became Deputy Financial Controller at Bristol Water Plc, the regulated water utility for the city and wider area,” she says. “It was a great opportunity for me to work in a Stock Exchange listed company and introduced me to regulated utility companies.”

It’s not the case at NIE Networks, part of the ESB Group and the owner of the electricity transmission and distribution networks in Northern Ireland, responsible for delivering electricity to over 910,000 homes, businesses and farms. The organisation also employs upwards of 1,300 people across the region.

Olivia Carr, the organisation’s Company Secretary, plays a key role on the wider governance and management of the business. She’s a former Chartered Accountant who qualified with PwC and worked for the firm in both Belfast and Bristol before moving into industry.

Olivia spent six years in NIE Networks and two years at global law firm Allen & Overy working in their shared service centre in Belfast before returning to NIE Networks, this time in the key role of Company Secretary in 2022.

“It’s a formal role as an officer of the company,” she says. “But it’s also a really important role in our organisation. Corporate governance is crucial to what we do as a highly regulated, investible business serving Northern Ireland customers. And that’s the crux of what a good company secretary does, working closely with the board, its committees and senior management providing support and guidance to ensure the business functions effectively.”

“As a business in the utilities sector, we have to operate within fairly strict legal and regulatory boundaries. We are guided

When it comes to recognising those who play a vital role in our larger business organisations, it’s probably fair to say that company secretaries tend to be overlooked when the plaudits are handed out.

Eye on Cover Story

Eye on Cover Story

by our values and behaviours as we commit to the highest ethical standards in our dealings with each other and those we do business with,” she says. “Alongside compliance, my role also looks after the effective administration of all parts of a wide-ranging organisation, which is the traditional role of the company secretary.

It’s a crucial time to ensure that robust management and governance frameworks are in place as we grow the organisation and invest for the future. NIE Networks has just announced investment plans of more than £3 billion for the network in the period from April 2025 through to the end of March, 2031.

It’s a forward-thinking investment plan, which aims to ensure that the Northern Ireland network can cope with a huge increase in electric vehicles (up to 300,000 of them), much more heat pump technology and 3,900MW of renewable generation by 2030... to meet the government target of 50% of all electricity coming from renewable sources.

“It’s a big investment by any

standards and it’s a major step change for NIE Networks as an organisation. It will also mean that we’ll be adding capacity to the network, and all the challenges that that brings with it.

“To achieve what we’re setting out to achieve as an organisation, we have to borrow money from investors to fund our investments,” Olivia Carr explains. “And, put simply, those investors expect organisations to be reputable, to be well governed, well run and to have all the right systems in place. We have to maintain the trust of the investment community, in other words, so that they provide funding to enable us to deliver the network and services of the future for customers in Northern Ireland.” Then there is Environmental Social Governance (ESG), a set of standards for any company’s behaviour used by socially conscious investors... and that’s most of them in this day and age. The standards consider how an organisation safeguards the environment, including policies around climate change. Social criteria examines how companies

manage their employees, suppliers, customers and communities.

“Again, this is something that’s extremely important to us. We have to make sure that we have our house in order, not just because socially conscious investors are watching us, but because it is the right thing to do as a major utility business, and it’s what we expect of ourselves. We don’t take the trust that is placed in us by customers in Northern Ireland for granted and we look to give back to society. We seek to reach out to those in our society who are vulnerable and do so in line with our Vulnerable Customer Strategy. Our plans out to 2031 commit to strengthening our customer service including further commitments for our vulnerable customers.

“On the environmental front, we want to lead society to a net zero economy in future with electricity at the heart of this ambition. We have an Environmental Strategy in place for the business as a whole with ambitious targets also set and monitored regularly by our board of directors.

“The Company Secretary’s remit in

today’s world requires that they act as a trusted adviser on many aspects of governance including defining and enhancing governance frameworks as well as ensuring that those in the organisation understand and adhere to good governance. Their reach includes guiding decision-making and Olivia relishes this aspect of her role as a strategic partner in the organisation linking working with the board and as a member of the executive team to advising employees on a day to day basis.”

Olivia Carr lives in Belfast with her husband and three young children. If her professional role is something of a balancing act, that’s another to the add to the mix. But, as NIE Networks moves towards its biggest ever investment in electricity infrastructure here, she’s optimistic about the future.

“We have a lot of challenges ahead of us, a lot of tough targets. But, with a concerted effort from everyone involved, we can achieve a lot knowing that we committed to deliver on our plans with strong governance supporting us along the way.”

“It’s a crucial time to ensure that robust management and governance frameworks are in place as we grow the organisation and invest for the future.”

Action Cancer Calling On Adventurers to join its 50th Anniversary 7 Peaks Challenge

Leading, local cancer charity Action Cancer has joined forces with local construction supplier business, U Hire, to host the 2023 7 Peaks Challenge in a bid to raise vital funds in the charity’s 50th anniversary year.

Participants on the U Hire 7 Peaks Challenge will conquer seven of the highest and most spectacular peaks in the Mourne Mountains on Saturday 16th September 2023 while helping those affected by cancer in Northern Ireland.

Action Cancer Trek and Adventure Executive, Conor Brennan said: “We are delighted to be working with U Hire on our 50th anniversary 7 Peaks Challenge. Last year’s event raised a massive £20,000 which was monumental in our work supporting local people affected by cancer. In 2023 we are looking for 30 people to become Action Cancer Adventurers and join us on this amazing challenge.

We work with expert mountain guides who know the area well. They will lead the challenge, ensuring everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience. Participants will be required to

train in advance, so now is the perfect time to get on board. With summer approaching it’s time to get outdoors and take advantage of the beautiful nature trails and mountains.”

During the 15-hour hike participants will trek each of the seven highest peaks in the Mournes; Slieve Binnian, Slieve Meelbeg, Slieve Meelmore, Slieve Bearnagh, Slieve Commedagh, Slieve Donard and Slieve Lamagan.

Action Cancer is asking each participant pay a registration fee and raise £300 in sponsorship which will fund Action Cancer’s range of cancer prevention, detection and support services. These include a newly launched early detection skin cancer detection service, breast screening, counselling, complementary therapies and health improvement services.

The charity receives no regular government funding and relies on support from the general public and local business community in order to fund its range of cancer prevention, detection and support services.

U Hire General Manager, Niall McIver, is taking part in the challenge and has a special reason for

doing so. He said: “I lost my mum to cancer in June 2020. Due to Covid-19 restrictions we couldn’t be with her during treatment. Any family who had the same experience will understand just how difficult that was. Unfortunately, everyone knows someone affected by cancer. I hope that U Hire’s support of Action Cancer will help the charity to reach more people affected by the disease.

“Working in the construction industry, many of our customers spend a lot of time outdoors so we are particularly happy to support the new skin cancer detection service. It will benefit many of the people that we work with. I hope the U Hire 7 Peaks Challenge will raise vital funds that will make a big difference to people in Northern Ireland going through a cancer journey.”

Zoe Mornin, U Hire; Niall McIver, U Hire; Conor Brennan, Action Cancer and Kelly Silcock, U Hire.

Eye on CSR

Peter Holden, Citi Belfast:

Moving beyond simple acceptance and tolerance,

Peter Holden, Citi Belfast MD and Infrastructure Team’s Global Head of Enterprise Services

Peter Holden believes that the entire workforce – and the work it produces – are truly enriched by meaningful engagement with Citi’s diverse team across the board and is encouraging employers across Northern Ireland to actively pursue diversity at all levels in their teams.

“When Citi opened its Belfast office, Northern Ireland was a different place,” said Peter. “Arriving from Australia via London as part of the initial team of 35 tasked with growing the team, I have been inspired and encouraged by the ‘just get on with it’ attitude of Northern Ireland’s workforce,” he said.

This attitude has certainly impacted Citi as a global organisation, and Citi Belfast has far surpassed its original goal of employing 350 members of staff locally, growing to now include almost 4,000 colleagues working in a variety of essential functions for the global bank.

Whilst the initial recruitment drive for Citi Belfast focused on graduates, the approach has widened to remove barriers for people entering careers at Citi. “We have worked to create a step approach where it’s not only graduates coming into Citi Belfast,” Peter added. “From the apprentice programmes to the graduate recruiting and other programmes focusing on return to work, we have so many channels to not only fill

roles, but create a diverse workforce that brings varied perspectives.”

Reflecting on the added diversity created internally by these broad recruitment channels and their impact, Peter said, “It’s important when working for a global company like ours, that we are providing services which resonate and cater for a diverse global population, and to do this, the work should reflect the diversity of its customers.”

A vocal champion of LGBTQ+ equality in the workplace particularly, Peter commented on what has driven his allyship. “After witnessing an issue of a fellow colleague in Australia, and supporting him through this time and, ultimately, having him come out to me, I have developed a passion for championing LGBTQ+ team members and ensuring that they not only feel accepted in the workplace but also feel supported, advocated for, and encouraged to be themselves.”

“Coming from Australia, where

Sydney’s legendary Pride parade has been instrumental for promoting inclusion, LGBTQ+ issues were openly discussed in my upbringing, I noticed a difference when I relocated to Northern Ireland in 2006. I am happy to have witnessed attitudes changing locally, and I am encouraged by the many outspoken LGBTQ+ community members and allies who are part of the Citi team and working to create change internally and in Northern Ireland.”

Peter became the business sponsor for Citi Belfast’s Pride Inclusion Network which has not only worked internally to champion LGBTQ+ rights and topics, but has also worked beyond the walls of Citi’s offices to progress same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland. Citi Belfast was once again recognised in 2023 as a Top 100 LGBQ+ inclusive employer for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer colleagues in the UK in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, ranking 10th out of more than 250 organisation.

Citi in Belfast

• 40 different nationalities working in Belfast

• 5 inclusion networks: Pride, Women, Families Matter, disABILITY, Multicultural

• Stonewall Top 10 LGBTQ+ Inclusive Employer

• JAM Card Friendly Business

• Interaction with Citi employees in over 100 countries

• 50% of leadership roles held by women

• Increased Apprenticeship Recruitment by 70% in 2022

• Apprenticeships offered in Technology, Financial Services and Human Resources

‘Diversity on all levels will be your organisation’s biggest strength’

Commended for its efforts toward diversity, equity and inclusion, Citi Belfast continues its work to ensure all members of staff are encouraged to ‘bring their full selves’ to the workplace.

Eye on News

Holywood-based Smarts named UK’s #1 PR business

Holywood-based PR and creative agency, Smarts has been named the UK’s #1 PR business outside of London by industry bible, PR Week. It was also named #8 Consumer Agency in the UK overall, the only nonLondon agency in the Top 20.

It’s a remarkable story for the locally based, global firm – with growth of 11%, and more than 42 new hires, over the past twelve months alone. The agency now employs more than 130 staff –across offices in Holywood, London, and New York – with a roster of blue-chip brands in more than 20 countries, including Bank of Ireland, Booking. com, BT, Diageo, Siemens, Tui, Visa and Zalando. Significant investment in content production, digital and influencer capabilities has positioned

the agency as a global leader in culture-driven, consumer focused communications – launching the Causeway Distillery for Bushmills; working with Bridesmaids star Melissa McCarthy on Booking.com’s record-breaking 2023 Superbowl ad; and attracting more than a million followers to European fashion giant Zalando’s social media accounts in a year.

Closer to home, the agency recently relaunched its community programme, Be The Smarts Change – investing £0.5m of staff time and expertise into local areas – including support for homelessness charities The Simon Community in Northern Ireland and Crisis in Great Britain (chosen by staff to reflect their passion points); as well as providing content and editorial support for TEDx Stormont to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

In addition, the agency is one of the UK’s only carbon negative communications consultancies.

Its team was also recognised at award ceremonies across the industry throughout the past twelve

months – with over 20 top UK Awards including, CIPR’s Large Agency of the Year award, PR Moment’s Integrated Agency of the Year award, and PRCA’s Large Consultancy of the Year award.

Commenting on the rankings, Pippa Arlow, Global Chief Executive, Smarts, said:

“It’s fantastic to see Smarts rank as one of the UK’s leading PR agencies again this year – cementing our place amongst the world’s biggest communications firms.

“I’m especially proud that this UK-wide position is matched by recognition that our home is in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is an amazing hotbed of creative talent and we’re delighted to be able to continue growing the business from here.

“We’re also passionate about giving opportunities for people from all backgrounds opportunities to thrive here. It’s made our thinking and our output more creative and diverse than ever before, helping us drive genuine cultural endurance for some of the world’s best-known brands.”

Photographed at Smarts headquarters in Holywood are Pippa Arlow Global CEO, Richard Nelson Group Operating Officer, Greg Jones CEO Europe, Colin Corbridge Group Head of Creative & Strategy and Mike DaRe President US.

A New Era For Belfast Pension & Investment Firm

Eye on Pensions & Investment

Doherty Pension & Investment Consultancy, based in Royal Avenue in Belfast city centre, has become part of Leicester-headquartered Mattioli Woods Plc, a group employing more than 800 people across 11 UK locations and with funds under management of almost £15 billion.

Managing Director Terry Lappin has been with the Belfast company for 31 years and has seen it develop from a relatively small pension consultancy into an investment management operation and one of the biggest of its kind in the region.

The Belfast based firm works with a wide range of individual clients and corporate clients. It has a well-established reputation in the area of directors’ pensions and group pension arrangements and is unique because it is the only locally based Small Self-Administered Scheme (SSAS) Provider operating in Northern Ireland.

“Private and family run businesses set up a SSAS for the benefit of the owner, company directors and family members who are employees,” explains Alan Thomson, a Director at Doherty PIC. “We’re the only provider of SSAS services in Northern Ireland and we’ve worked with a range of local companies over the years.

came here as graduates, and we’ve always laid a lot of emphasis on the importance of training our own people.”

Up until the Mattioli Woods acquisition, Doherty Pension & Investment Consultancy ranked as one of relatively few independent firms left in Belfast. Most have been acquired by larger operators over the years.

“We’d reached the stage where we weren’t sure what direction we were going to go in and how we were going to grow the company further,” Terry adds. “Should we look at acquiring or should we be acquired?

Bob Woods, and is well known in sporting circles as the stadium sponsor of Leicester Tigers rugby club.

Building on the success of its pension services Doherty PIC quickly gained a reputation for market leading investment advice and proactively developed this area of the business. Gavin Curran was instrumental in developing our investment philosophy and building our investment team, the foundations laid by Gavin have led us to the point where we are today.

“The move into investments was a natural progression for us as a firm,” says Business Development Director John Dooher.

Doherty PIC’s Investment Division has built significant expertise in Open-Ended Investment Companies (OEICs), collective investment schemes in which the money of numerous investors is pooled to purchase investments in a range of assets.

“Those companies and their directors have often used their pension schemes to make significant investments, buying their own buildings, for example.”

A SSAS is registered with HM Revenue & Customs and so benefits from a range of tax reliefs afforded to pension schemes.

“We’ve built up a really strong reputation based on the quality of our advice, we’ve got a lot of long-standing clients and we also have a long-serving and stable staff,” he says. “Most of our directors

“We had been approached before and we’d turned down those approaches for various reasons. But, right from the start, we were impressed by the team at Mattioli Woods, by their ambition and by their passion for this business. They were very keen to get into the Northern Ireland marketplace and, for them, this was the right way to do it.

“So we decided to explore it a bit further and, a few months later, the deal is done and we’re part of Mattioli Woods Plc. It’s a good move for us, it’s a good move for our staff and it’s a good move for our clients who will be able to benefit from some leading edge pensions and investment advice going forward.”

Mattioli Woods was established over 30 years ago by Ian Mattioli and

OEICs can offer greater potential for growth and can help reduce investment risk as money is spread across a range of assets rather than relying on the fortunes of just one.

“Another area of expertise is Discretionary Management, where the investment manager has discretion to make changes to the portfolio as and when they see fit.”

“In total, we have a total of £600 million under management for our clients and that’s a significant figure for a firm of our size,” adds Terry Lappin.

The acquisition means that Doherty PIC will become Mattioli Woods’ third largest operation outside of its Leicester headquarters.

“It’s been a seamless change for us so far,” says Terry Lappin. “All of our staff have been retained, we’re strong and we’re looking forward to moving into a new era with the strength of the Mattioli Woods group behind us.”

One of Northern Ireland’s largest pension and investment firms is entering a new era as part of one of the UK’s best known wealth management groups.

“In total, we have a total of £600 million under management for our clients and that’s a significant figure for a firm of our size.”

“We’re the only provider of SSAS services in Northern Ireland and we’ve worked with a range of local companies over the years.”

(L-R) Doherty PIC Directors Terry Lappin, John Dooher & Alan Thomson.

Flame Restaurant Relocates to the Ewart

that a new 120-seater restaurant is the latest tenant to relocate to the iconic £85 million Ewart building on Belfast’s Bedford Street.

Flame, which has been a popular Belfast venue since 2013, will open its new restaurant in The Ewart in early summer (2023) providing an all-day food offering for the building’s many office workers, as well as a wider city centre clientele and visiting tourists.

The 2,677Sq ft restaurant, which will be located on the ground floor of the building and accessible via Franklin Street, reflects the growing demand for space within The Ewart which has only 4 office floors remaining.

Flame adds to the rich mix of local and global tenants that have located their offices to the leading city centre development, including Deloitte, AXA

Insurance, MCS Group and Tughans.

As one of Belfast’s premium restaurants which is committed to providing its customer with great experiences, Flame will be a vibrant addition to the best in class, contemporary design of the historic Ewart.

Dating back to 1870, The Ewart is the final phase of MRP and construction partner McAleer & Rushe’s Bedford Square Development which has been fully transformed with a 17-storey building complementing the original Grade B listed sandstone warehouse.

Commenting on the new signing Paul Beacom, Development Director,

MRP said, “One of Belfast’s most innovative, sustainable and flexible buildings, The Ewart is a great fit for the future vision of many businesses and the arrival of Flame reinforces its broad appeal. The restaurant adds to the dynamic and diverse range of businesses that are locating their head offices in our landmark development, and it is further supporting the regeneration and growth of the City Centre.”

A spokesperson from Flame said, “We are absolutely delighted to be part of this new and exciting development in the heart of Belfast. This high footfall area will not only benefit our business but also help

to grow the city centre economy which Flame has been a part of now for more than a decade. We see the original building as a beacon of Belfast’s heritage and have fully embraced the opportunity to invest significantly in a state-of-the-art fit-out courtesy of O’Donnell & O’Neill which bring a new lease of life to Flame as we know it. We look forward to welcoming customers to our new location early Summer 2023.”

Laura Galloway commented: “CBRE NI are delighted to have been involved in the letting’s success of the £85m office development including the recent letting of the ground floor retail unit to Flame.”

We’re the right people to find the right person for the right job. honeycomb.jobs

Eye on News

Bob & Berts Announces Plans For Six New Stores

Independent coffee shop chain Bob & Berts has announced plans to open up to six new stores this year, taking its total footprint to more than 30 sites across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Founded in Portstewart in Northern Ireland by Colin McClean in 2013, Bob & Berts is known for its distinctive style, quality offering and local community focused approach. The brand operates from premises of around 2,500 to 4,000 sq ft on busy High Streets, coastal towns, retail parades and shopping centres.

The company has 15 stores across Northern Ireland in locations such as Belfast, Lisburn, Omagh and Cookstown, six stores in Scotland, including Falkirk, Perth and Stirling and five in England, in towns such as Bury, Lancaster and Carlisle. It employs close to 800 staff across the UK.

Today, Bob & Berts has announced it will shortly be opening stores in Glasgow and Blackpool, which will take its network to 28 stores across the UK. The business has also identified sites for a further four stores in the north-west of England and Yorkshire, all of which could also open before the end of 2023.

The expansion plans follow a record year for Bob & Berts last year, with financial results for the year to the end of June 2022 showing an increase in turnover to £17.8m and operating profits of £1.3m.

Colin McClean founder of Bob & Berts, said: “In June it will be 10 years since I opened the doors of the first Bob & Berts in Portstewart and I

think it is a real mark of the quality of what the business and our staff offer customers that we will open our 30th store in 2023. We are also keen to expand our business further in our already established regions.

“What has been apparent as we’ve grown, first in Northern Ireland, then in Scotland and England, is that our commitment to serving customers proper, quality coffee and great fresh food in a relaxed environment has really resonated with people who wanted something different from the large multi-national coffee chains.

“Our most recently opened sites in Perth and Carlisle are flying, with customers really taking to the Bob & Berts offer, and as we continue to expand and evolve, that core commitment will remain at the heart of everything we do.”

David Ferguson director of Bob &

Berts, added: “We recorded excellent results last year after coming out of the Covid pandemic strongly, having adapted our business model to include delivery and strengthening our traditional sit in offering.

“Like every business in hospitality we are impacted by the challenges facing the economy from food and drink inflation and rising energy costs, but we have strong relationships with our suppliers and we are well placed to manage these cost increases and continue our expansion plans.”

He added: “We’ve always wanted Bob & Berts to offer something different to the competition and our branding, food selection, interior design and the relaxed atmosphere we create in our coffee shops reflects that. As we continue to grow across the UK, all of our new cafes are being created with this culture in mind.”

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Digital Eternity A Real Game Changer

I’ve explored this with my 2020 project ALIVE: Lost for Words, where I photographed people against a projected image of their lost loved ones. Recently, the pandemic left us feeling closer than ever to death, forcing us to confront our own mortality and the legacy we leave behind. With our normal lives disrupted by social distancing, digital tools also radically impacted our traditional death rituals. We said final goodbyes over FaceTime, mourned together via Zoom, lit virtual prayer candles from our laptops.

In 2023, technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain will allow us to create new forms of posthumous digital presences. The adoption of these technologies is already opening our minds to the idea of living forever in the virtual world. For instance, in 2020, hologram experts Kaleida collaborated with Kanye West to create a hologram of Kim Kardashian’s late father

for her 40th birthday. Genealogy platform MyHeritage has created Deep Nostalgia, a deep-fake tool that animates the faces of departed relatives in family photos. Stonses, a blockchainpowered memorial platform, can store digital NFT replicas of our treasured possessions, affording a permanence to the memories we associate with them.

In 2023, the increased adoption of Web3 technologies will take this concept to the next level. Immersive virtual reality combined with multisensory stimulation will also allow us to interact with the image of our lost loved ones in an emotionally visceral way. We’ve already seen such technology used in the entertainment industry, with premium cinema startup Positron creating a range of Voyager VR chairs that amplify cinematic experiences with haptic pillows and scent dispensers. Reimagined for memorial purposes, this tech will allow us to not just see the image of the

deceased, but also smell their signature perfume and physically feel their presence on our skin. In 2023, technology will also be used to not only preserve our conversations with those who have passed on, but also replicate them. This will be possible with tools such as the hyperrealistic online chatbot Project December, which uses AI to emulate the style of whatever text is fed to it. Through learning from the remnants of their digital trails—text messages, blog posts, 3 am tweets—AI will let us talk with a chatbot that mimics someone no longer with us. As these technologies develop and become more accessible, they will increasingly be used in combination, creating “intelligent avatars” of ourselves that continue to “live” long after we have died. We are seeing the beginnings of this with the metaverse company Somnium Space, whose Live Forever mode allows users to create “digital clones” built from data they have stored while alive,

including conversational style, gaits, and even facial expressions. This sense of immortality may be reassuring, but there is a catch. AI avatars will rely on us feeding their algorithms a huge amount of personal data, accumulated through the course of our lives. If we want our digital selves to live on, this is the exchange we must accept: that the unfiltered beliefs and opinions we express today may not only be archived, but consequently used to build these posthumous personae. In other words, we can have a voice in the afterlife, but we cannot be certain about what it may say. This will force us to reconsider how our behaviors today might influence digital versions of ourselves set to outlive us. Faced with this prospect of virtual immortality, 2023 will be the year we broaden our definition of what it means to live forever, a moral question that will fundamentally change how we live our day-to-day lives, but also what it means to be immortal.

It’s human nature to want to keep the memory of the deceased alive. Photography, for instance, has served as a powerful tool to help us do this.

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Video Content The Secret To Success

Be it for product promotion or influencer marketing purposes – engaging video is the crucial ingredient that captures attention and makes a first impression with customers or followers alike. We will explore ways you can amplify and elevate your video game using AI and other powerful tools, so let’s start rolling!

Setting the Stage

Before diving into technical details, setting the scene by planning out your video content and crafting an intriguing narrative is essential. Just as directors painstakingly storyboard every stage of their film, so must you outline its purpose, key messages, and target audience for maximum viewer retention. Take time to craft captivating narratives that touch viewers by building emotional connections and telling an intriguing tale – you will keep their attention until the very last frame!

Enhancing Production Value

Artificial Intelligence has transformed video production, offering unprecedented productivity at an economical cost. AI video maker enables

producers to improve production value without breaking their budget – from automated video editing software that cuts, trims and enhances footage to professional colour grading services that lend professional touches – these AI tools elevate the visual appeal of videos, making them more captivating than ever. They act like having their own virtual production crew ready and waiting at hand, prepared to turn any piece into a masterpiece!

Dynamic Editing

As with symphonic conducting, video editing involves creating an orchestra of visuals in which all aspects are harmoniously interwoven. Cuttingedge editing tools make this possible with seamless transitions and special effects to keep audiences interested.

AI-powered editing software even analyses footage to suggest shots or angles that take your editing abilities even further – it’s like having an expert personal editor at your side, knowing which chords to strike to produce a fantastic masterpiece of videography! If you are not sure how best to edit your work, tools such as ‘auto summarise’ from Pictory can also be very useful!

Subtitles and Captions

Not every viewer of video content consumes it with sound on; captions and subtitles come into play to ensure your message reaches a wider audience, including deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers or noisy environments. In addition, AI transcription services can transcribe the audio in minutes for added timesaving benefits – providing reliable translators that speak the universal language of viewers so your content resonates with everyone watching!

Interactive Elements

Video content doesn’t need to be one-way; it can become an interactive experience encouraging audience participation. For example, adding interactive elements like clickable links, polls and quizzes into a video experience, such as interactive elements creates an immersive journey where your viewership stays engaged throughout; encouraging action by them can turn video into chooseyour-own-adventure stories in which viewers become active participants in shaping what comes next!

Data Analytics

Take control of data analytics! You can gain invaluable insights into viewer behaviour and preferences with analytics tools. By tracking metrics like view duration, click-through rates and engagement levels, you can refine your content strategy and produce more targeted and impactful videos aimed directly at audiences that resonate most closely. It’s like having access to inside knowledge about what resonates most strongly with them so you can deliver content they keep coming back for.

Game Changer

Incorporating video content and harnessing the power of AI tools can be a game-changer in engaging your audience. By planning a compelling story, enhancing production value, leveraging dynamic editing techniques, adding captions, incorporating interactive elements, and analysing data, you can create captivating videos that leave a lasting impression.

In today’s digital world, video content is an effective medium to engage audiences and leave an indelible mark.

Eye on TechEye

Can The UK Lead The Way On AI?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has exploded into the mainstream thanks to tools like ChatGPT. The economic and geopolitical stakes are high as countries compete in a fresh race to advance their AI industries.

Can the UK be a world leader in AI, as the government intends?

While the UK has a history of trailblazing tech innovation, AI is a crowded market. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak isn’t alone as a political leader with the ambition to create a world-leading AI sector.

The government has demonstrated its support for British AI for several years now – see the National AI strategy of 2021. However, the viral success of Microsoft-backed OpenAI and others has created a fresh sense of urgency.

Rather than being contained to a single strategy, AI policies have made appearances across various government communications in recent months.

This year’s Spring Statement was a clear demonstration from the chancellor that the government intends to ride the latest AI wave.

In it, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt promised greater funding for both AI and quantum computing, an AI sandbox to test new technologies, an annual prize for AI innovation, and a robust regulatory framework to balance innovation with safety.

Strong foundations

The UK has a solid history of scientific and technological innovation. It has some of the world’s most respected educational institutions, with the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge and University College London producing a healthy pipeline

of AI researchers and spinouts.

According to the government’s artificial intelligence sector study, over 50,000 people in Britain work in the field and the industry contributed £3.7bn to the economy last year.

But AI is far from a one-horse race. To come out on top, the UK will need to compete with the deep pockets and vast resources of the US and China, as well as dozens of developed international tech communities all vying to define the next generation of AI technologically, economically, and regulatorily.

Government funding

Earlier this year the government announced £2m to fund new AI tech trials, a figure that Ian Wood, head of technology UK&I at Veritas Technologies, described this figure as a “drop in the ocean compared to the figures injected by behemoth technology firms like Microsoft and Google”.

Wood added: “Initial funding for AI startups typically runs at £1m to £2m and then to scale up in the real-world costs millions more.”

In addition to this, the government has allocated £1bn in funding for the next generation of supercomputing and AI research. This will be split as a £100m generative AI taskforce, and £900m to expand compute capacity.

However, the UK’s AI spend still lags behind the US, China, the EU and some of

the larger tech companies. Microsoft, for example, announced a $10bn investment into OpenAI at the start of the year.

Despite this, Wood said that overall it’s a “clear signal of the UK government’s intent to take a leadership position” and added that whilst “large players such as Microsoft and Google can fund R&D at these levels, grassroots innovation will benefit from being able to leverage private funding with smaller amounts of Government support”.

Private AI investment

There is, of course, still plenty of private investment activity for UK AI startups. Since 2016, UK AI companies have secured £18.8bn in private investment. From January to October last year, British AI startups raised a record $3.6bn.

While there has been an overall slowdown in funding, AI companies continue to attract capital. The £2m round for Intelligent AI and the £17m round for machine learning specialist Seldon are just some of the examples this year.

For Steve Salvin, CEO of AI startup Aiimi, becoming an AI leader will depend heavily on the commercialisation and protection of the government’s investment.

“All this investment comes to nought when giant international tech firms can swoop in and eat our lunch, or,

as is often the case, buy up smaller firms, decimate the competitive landscape and consume IP that was developed and funded here.”

Salvin called for a “concerted effort to ‘level up’ opportunities for smaller firms”.

The government’s rhetoric has been bold, from becoming the “next Silicon Valley” to a “science and technology superpower”.

But are the UK government’s AI sector goals feasible?

“The government’s ambition is entirely realistic – the UK has an incredibly strong AI startup ecosystem that it should be both proud of and focused on nurturing and growing,” said Camilla de Coverly Veale, policy director at the Coalition for a Digital Economy (Coadec).

She applauded the “sectoral approach” of the AI strategy as “different uses will need different treatments”, citing AI for medical diagnostics versus AI that supports a B2B system.

The Coadec policy director acknowledged it will take time to perfect the UK AI regime, and so appreciated that the strategy “clearly sees this as a work in progress given the pace of change is so rapid”.

Coverly Veale added: “AI technology will be transformative – but consumers and the wider public have to trust its use – and I don’t think that will happen if the strategy was focussed on making it harder to innovate and improve.”

Eye on TechEye

BETTER TECH CAN LEAD TO BETTER SLEEP

That certainly won’t have been everyone’s individual experience. None of the stresses of that time - working from home, furlough, home schooling, caring for relatives, food supply issues and, of course, trying to avoid the virus itself - were particularly conducive to a good night’s rest.

Nevertheless, data collected by Samsung and its global network of smart watches (with permission) suggests, overall, we slept longer and more efficiently. The US saw the biggest increase in overall duration, while South Korea fared worst, with its citizens getting the least sleep.

‘We don’t know why that is,’ says Samsung’s chief medical officer Dr Hon Pak. ‘But you were doing something right.

‘There was some interesting data, but the bottom line is that sleep really has oversized implications on our health.’

Dr Pak is speaking from the US as Samsung prepares to release a new suite of health-related features for its watches. He probably didn’t get his full eight hours last night, but is keen to stress that everyone else strives to do so.

‘As a physician, I’ve spent my career trying to improve the health of my patients,’ he says. ‘Initially one at a time as they came into my office, but recognising that I knew very little of the context [of the issue] or what’s happening outside the walls of the clinic or hospital.

‘Throughout my career I’ve been trying to make the biggest impact I can, and part of joining Samsung had to do with the billions of people using our devices. I feel very strongly that we have the ability to really make it easier for our users to improve their health holistically, and that includes sleep as the main focus.

‘We all know what our attention and energy levels feel like the morning after a bad night’s sleep, but what is less well known by consumers are the correlations between [poor sleep] and chronic diseases, specifically cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression and obesity.’

That took a rapid turn. However, there is a significant body of work examining and confirming the relationships between sleep disorders,

including insomnia and sleep apnoea, and other health issues.

‘Sleep has many different flavours,’ says Dr Pak, who began his career in dermatology before pivoting to digital health. ‘If you look at the top three factors affecting sleep efficiency and duration, first is sleep apnoea, then insomnia, followed by restless leg.’

Restless leg syndrome is exactly as it sounds - an overwhelming irresistible urge to move the legs, often accompanied by a crawling or creeping sensation.

The thought of that alone might be enough to give anyone insomnia, and while it could be argued that worrying about sleep is itself counterproductive when it comes to achieving a good night’s rest, Dr Pak is a firm believer in not just providing data, but offering insight to help instigate behavioural change.

‘If you are tracking sleep, it probably means you have some concerns - and sometimes perhaps obsessionsabout the lack of sleep,’ says Dr Pak. ‘And that can potentially cause worry, which can keep people up and in a cycle they can’t quite get out of.

‘But our first approach is to make

sure users understand their sleep patterns without trying to cause additional tension. Giving things like number of hours slept, duration of sleep stages, when you moved, snore detection and blood oxygen levels.

‘That helps create a sleep score which offers a baseline, from which you can begin to see what things would change your actual sleep efficiency.’

The sleep score is part of the One UI 5 Watch software due for release later this year, aimed at helping users ‘better understand their sleep patterns, build healthy habits and establish a sleep-friendly environment’.

Healthy habits recommended include avoiding caffeine after 9pm, meditation and avoiding naps - which may come as a shock to some.

‘After you track your sleep pattern over about seven days, the program assigns a character depending on the pattern - like a lion or a deer - then it guides you through a coaching programme and habits to promote a good night’s sleep,’ says Dr Pak. ‘It’s a personalised approach based on the goal you have.’

Finally, One UI will also help develop better ‘sleep hygiene’.

‘We also recognise that setting a sleep-friendly environment is important,’ says Dr Pak. ‘This allows you to control a wide range of smart home products manufactured by us and our partners to do things like close the bedroom blinds at a certain time, turn the lights off or aircon on, stream a relaxing story or guide you through a meditation at a scheduled bed time.’

It’s fair to say there weren’t many positives to come out of the pandemic, but for some, it would appear there was one big bonus. We slept better.

“Our first approach is to make sure users understand their sleep patterns without trying to cause additional tension. Giving things like number of hours slept, duration of sleep stages, when you moved, snore detection and blood oxygen levels.”

Big Dog by Nitec. Cybersecurity to build a business on.

Every evening, your IT network leaves your o ce. It goes to the gym, the pub, cinema, and spends a fair bit of time stu ed inside tight, Lycra cycling shorts. So, wherever it goes, so do we. And yes, that includes the shorts.

Our clients stand on firmer ground by trusting tech thinking that’s more than surface deep. Better informed equals better equipped, better prepared and

better protected. Big Dog, our suite of proprietary cybersecurity solutions, does exactly that. It gives them confidence to build their business on.

Business Leaders Forum

There are few in the business community who would argue with the observation that, not too many years ago, CSR tended to be something of an bolt-on for a lot of local companies outside of the big global players, for whom it’s always been an integral part of doing business.

Considering the pressures on business spending, should investment in CSR remain a priority for local organisations and what do you see as the key bene ts for businesses?

Quite a few of us paid lip service to the concept, organising a charity event every now and then or being pressurised into sponsoring a local football team. For some, that kind of thing was the extent of their CSR, three capital letters that didn’t mean a lot to most business leaders.

It’s all changed. Nowadays, and despite the many cost pressures on businesses, CSR is ingrained. It’s not just ingrained in the ethos of big operations employing large numbers and already making in

impact on their local communities.

It’s also ingrained in the ethos of many medium-sized and much smaller businesses. Even micro enterprises and relatively new start-ups have CSR in their DNA from an early age. Why? Because business owners and leaders see the many benefits of well thought-out, well planned and well executed CSR programmes. On the cosmetic front, they reflect well on the company or organisation. They are good PR, in other words. Heightened awareness isn’t always easy to achieve.

But CSR is also good in other ways. It’s good for employees, giving them the chance to contribute to the wider good outside of the working environment. It’s good for creating a sense of corporate identity and common purpose. It binds people together and it helps to bind companies, employers to their local communities. Whatever their reasons, Northern Ireland companies have embraced, are embracing and will continue to embrace good CSR.

Eye on Business Leaders Forum

Bronagh Luke

Head of Corporate Marketing, Henderson Group

CSR should always be a top priority for businesses, no matter what the economic backdrop. For businesses to survive, they need to invest in their people, their places and our planet, which is the backbone to Henderson Group’s success.

Henderson Group employs over 5,000 people across Northern Ireland throughout our companies and 105 Henderson Retail operated retail outlets. Not only do we invest heavily in employee engagement and initiatives to create a positive and thriving culture in the workplace, but we are committed to SPAR NI’s Nurture Our Neighbourhoods brand pillar at a store level throughout those communities in NI.

Our stores have long-standing relationships with community groups and organisations in their

Galgorm Collection has a longstanding commitment to CSR and remains dedicated to ensuring that our operations are managed and delivered as sustainably as possible. This includes protecting the natural environment, reducing our carbon footprint, behaving fairly and responsibly, and supporting a range of local clubs, societies and charities. It also means that we are continuously driving improvement in working practices for the wellbeing of our team and are pleased to have recently become the first hospitality group on the island of Ireland to achieve official Great Place to Work certification.

“We have a detailed plan of action to achieve carbon neutral status by 2030, encompassing waste management, water use, energy and transport, as well as ways to improve biodiversity in our area. We also plan to introduce a range of initiatives, including the installation of new solar and hydro power projects, cementing our position as a hospitality industry leader.

“Our dedicated CSR programme not only creates positive impacts, but it also supports the development of our brand, enhances employee and customer loyalty whilst attracting investment opportunities that fit with our long-term goals, vision and ethos. Galgorm Collection – and all our stakeholders - place great importance on sustainability, which is why we proactively move to address these issues. It also helps our mission to ensure that Galgorm Collection continues to grow in popularity as a must-visit destination that aligns with the values of our growing customer base.

“Notwithstanding, good CSR requires investment in these more challenging times, but we remain committed to delivering on the goals we have set to ensure that success is achieved in every area.

local areas, as well as our corporate and retail charity partners including Cancer Fund for Children and Marie Curie NI. We have raised over £8m for charity in the past 20 years.

In the past few years we have distributed £60,000 between organisations at grass-roots level through our Community Cashback Grant Fund, an initiative that has been a life-line for many organisations in the past few challenging years. We have also elevated our engagement with the thousands of foodbanks that have become a necessity for households across the country in recent years, and ensure stores and shoppers are donating regularly to help families get their essentials, while simultaneously investing £1.4 million this year to lower the price of everyday essentials throughout our stores with our Mega Deals campaign. Through our Heart of our Community campaign, we have installed 275 Automated External Defibrillators to provide a lifeline within local communities. They have saved 20 lives which

we know of since 2016. When it comes to building a more sustainable business, Henderson Group has attained ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management standard in our wholesale distribution divisions and have set internal targets which include reducing our carbon footprint by 5% per annum, general waste tonnage collected by 1.5% per annum, food waste collected by 7.5% per annum and energy consumption by 5% per annum. CSR can often be looked at as a tick-box, but at Henderson Group it is within our DNA and is the foundation of our success as a responsible local business. When companies invest in CSR, not only will they further engage and inspire their employees, but they will gain loyalty, awareness and a better business in return. For our brands, it also helps increase consumer awareness and shopper loyalty when they know a local business is so invested in their local areas, and helps us expand these great practices when more retailers and customers choose to work with us.

Group Finance Director, Galgorm Collection

Tiarnán O’Neill

Eye on Business Leaders Forum

Dr Terry Cross OBE

Chairman of Hinch Distillery

Dr Terry Cross OBE is at the helm of a thriving business empire. He has earned recognition for his philanthropic endeavours, including his work with the David Cross Foundation for Peace and Reconciliation. Recently, he has dedicated his time and expertise to Co-operation Ireland as a Future Leaders ambassador.

He says: “At a time when inflation is soaring and effective cost management is paramount for businesses, maintaining a focus on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) remains crucial for companies seeking to grow their business and expand their portfolio both now and in the future.

“Regardless of the financial or political challenges we face, we must not compromise on the ethical standards of our businesses. CSR is not just a peripheral aspect; it serves as an additional layer of business that not only drives sales but also strengthens B2B relationships, boosts staff morale and enhances brand perception.

“Reducing investments in CSR could jeopardise a brand’s reputation and limit its potential for business growth.

“Demonstrating commitment to more than just financial gain sets businesses apart, showcasing their adherence to high standards and ethics.

“In the food, beverage, and retail sectors, companies like ours demand high standards from suppliers, particularly in terms of marketplace responsibility. Brands like Hinch that convey a strong message of trust are intensifying their efforts to ensure their suppliers uphold environmental and community standards that align with their own.

“Suppliers who prioritise people, community and the planet, and place that at the core of their business ethos will thrive in today’s fiercely competitive marketplace.

“A successful commercial strategy hinges on a commitment to sustainability, proactive engagement with stakeholders and making a positive contribution to the surrounding community. If anything, in today’s supply chains, CSR has become even more critical as the battle for brand trust continues to unfold.”

As a firm employing over 140 lawyers and business support professionals in our Belfast office, A&L Goodbody (ALG) has always been committed to investing in the passions and interests of our employees and clients – be they in sport, arts and culture, or charitable and community endeavours.

Through our CSR programme, we have been proud to partner with several charities and social enterprises working across Northern Ireland – including the Welcome Organisation, Business in the Community NI, Arts & Business NI, Aspiring Solicitors and Inspire. Most recently, we have announced our new charity partnership with Simon Community NI.

Alongside the array of creative fundraising activities typically expected with such partnerships, our employees have the opportunity to create meaningful impact by volunteering their time and providing their legal expertise on a pro bono basis to a wide range of worthy causes. In recent months this has included assisting Melted Parents NI to set up as a charity, with a focus on lobbying for more affordable childcare in Northern Ireland.

As leaders in the firm, we have always been humbled and inspired by colleagues’ exceptional efforts and the tangible passion and dedication with which they approach every CSR opportunity.

The benefits to our firm of investing in CSR have been significant for both the individuals and teams involved. First and foremost, they derive a huge amount of reward and satisfaction from seeing their time and talents make such a positive impact on the ground, in local communities and organisations. This, in turn, impacts on employee morale, team spirit and productivity within our firm.

Whilst increasing pressures on spending are inevitably being felt by every business to some degree, at ALG we see our continued investment in CSR as central to our culture and remain very much committed in this space.

John Tougher

Partner, A&L Goodbody

Eye on CSR

CSR at the heart of Musgrave NI

Committed to giving back to the communities it serves, Musgrave’s fundraising, through its brands SuperValu, Centra, Mace and Musgrave MarketPlace, makes a truly positive impact to people across Northern Ireland and last year raised a total of £240,000 for Action Cancer and Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke –the most it has ever raised in one year.

While SuperValu and Centra partner with Action Cancer, MACE and Musgrave MarketPlace have supported NICHS since 2016, raising a total of £317,000 to date. This money helps NICHS, which has been leading the fight against chest, heart, and stroke illnesses in Northern Ireland for over 75 years, deliver vital care and prevention services across Northern Ireland and fund ground-breaking research.

Director of Marketing for Musgrave NI, Desi Derby said: “Deaths due to chest, heart and stroke conditions when combined, are the number one cause of deaths in Northern Ireland and sadly we all know someone who has been affected by chest, heart or stroke illnesses. To know our fundraising efforts are helping NICHS make a real difference to people, is something of which we are very proud.”

Teams from MACE stores and

Musgrave MarketPlace branches have participated in a variety of fundraising initiatives, from jolly jumper days and raffles to mountain climbs and static cycles.

A proud supporter of two stand-out local charities, here we spotlight the fundraising efforts of MACE and Musgrave MarketPlace for Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke.

MACE stores including Armagh, Coleraine, Mount Alverno, Shankill Road in Belfast, Main Street in Toome, and Victoria Street Lurgan clocked up 6,000 miles in static cycles last year, raising almost £3,000, with more cycles to come this year. Mace Lurgan also became the first Mace store to reach the £10,000 fundraising milestone for NICHS.

The charity’s flagship event the Red Dress Fun Run which took place earlier this year at Stormont Estate, was sponsored by both MACE and Musgrave MarketPlace, and saw 730 people turn out to walk, run or wheel their way around the 5K route, raising an incredible £73,000.

NICHS’s life-saving Blood Pressure awareness campaign has also had the backing of MACE which hosted free blood pressure checks for shoppers at stores, with more planned in the coming months.

Fidelma Carter, Head of Public Health at NICHS said: “Approximately 15% of the population are living with

high blood pressure but around 1 in every 8 people don’t realise it.

“Last year at Mace stores, we carried out 228 blood pressure checks and of this total, 120 people were signposted to their GP for high blood pressure. With one in two heart attacks and strokes linked to high blood pressure, a simple check really could help save a life.

“We would like to say a huge thank you to MACE and Musgrave MarketPlace and their customers for their ongoing support. Their fundraising is vital to the work we do and will really help support local people living with chest, heart and stroke conditions and their families.”

Desi continued: “It’s thanks to the enthusiasm of MACE retailers and our colleagues in Musgrave MarketPlace branches, and the kindness of our customers that we have been able to raise £300,000 for NICHS. We look forward to continuing our efforts this year and making a valued contribution to this fantastic local charity and to people in our communities.”

Marking £40,000 raised by MACE stores in 2022 are Mace Assistant brand manager Mary Cassidy (left) and NICHS Director of Income Generation Jackie Trainor.

Static cycles at MACE Lurgan.

Hagan Homes: Building Homes and Leaving a Lasting Legacy through CSR and Charity Efforts

Hagan Homes has built more than 5,000 homes around Northern Ireland since its inception 35 years ago.

Some of those developments are located in environs that other homebuilders have overlooked and that endeavour alone illustrates the company’s dedication to a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy that extends beyond its core business

of construction and sales.

“At the centre of our corporate structure is a strong CSR strategy that’s about giving back, and leaving more than a construction footprint but a community legacy,” Hagan Homes Chair and Founder James Hagan says.

The company has earned significant acclaim for its resolute dedication to Corporate Social Responsibility and charitable efforts over its lifetime. However, the team’s motivation extends far beyond receiving praise, James explains.

“The company is wholeheartedly devoted to enhancing the communities it serves, actively supporting local causes and financing vital services that contribute to the well-being of residents. For Hagan Homes,

CSR is not an afterthought or a supplementary concern; it stands as one of the company’s utmost priorities, driving our actions and shaping our impact on society.

“We want to leave a lasting legacy, and that is a moral obligation for us as a thriving business, a business that the people of Northern Ireland have been supportive of.”

The impetus for Hagan Homes’ community and charity focus stems from James’ acknowledgement of the privileged position and

James Hagan, Founder and Chair, Hagan Homes with (l-r) Harris Inch and Aiden Wilson, and (l-r) Lily Lowry and Faith Millar from Central Integrated Primary School, Carrickfergus.

Eye on CSR

success his business has enjoyed over its 35-year existence.

He recognises the importance of creating balance by giving back and today, five years on from an ambitious 30th anniversary CSR strategy to donate £30,000 to deserving causes, he and his team have donated no less than £2.5m to some of the province’s most worthy entities.

Among its efforts is the funding of salaries for hospice nurses and mental health support workers and the support of literacy development in young children through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

The latter partnership is still in progress and will see it deliver 70,000 free books to 2,000 children here over the next three years thanks to a £225,000 investment in the campaign.

Its work with the Northern Ireland Hospice has seen it fund a Ballyclare-based hospice nurse for eight years while in Belfast it has supported Belfast Central Mission — a charity that helps vulnerable young people to live independently, covering the salary of a project worker in East Belfast.

Hagan Homes’ dedication to giving back extends to community events too like the Comber Farmers’ Market and local sports clubs.

Northern Ireland as a whole, such as the Integrated Education Fund (IEF), which has received a substantial donation of £1 million from the business to help foster a harmonious and peaceful future through integrated education.

making sure opportunities are there in educational settings that bring our children together and I have been particularly inspired by the admirable efforts that team has invested.

“When we contribute to organisations like the IEF, we are enriching the fabric of Northern Ireland, making it a more attractive place to live, socialise, work, visit and invest in,” James explains. In-house, the benefits of a hearty CSR strategy are multi-faceted, often inspiring and motivating teams.

fundraising runs, exemplifies their dedication to making a difference.”

Hagan Homes’ CSR program has received enthusiastic support from its staff, demonstrating their alignment with the company’s social conscience. The commitment and loyalty of the employees are evident in the impressive staff retention rate too, with the core team of 10 individuals collectively amassing over 170 years of service.

“We seek out causes and social organisations that resonate with our own goals — to nurture the community — and set about to support them,” says James.

“We carefully select community and charity initiatives in collaboration with the respective communities where our developments are located and we prioritise causes and organisations that align with our mission to nurture those communities, ensuring that the beneficiaries are primarily indigenous to the area,” he adds.

On a regional scale, Hagan Homes supports entities that have a significant impact on

That funding will go towards the charity’s targets laid out within its Strategy 2022-2025. This includes its mission to add 30 more integrated schools to the education stock here through transformations, bringing the total number of integrated education schools and colleges in Northern Ireland to 100.

“I have always been an advocate of integrated education here. I think it is wrong to divide children according to their religious backgrounds and the impact of that division can have financial and societal implications not just in our immediate future but for generations to come.

“The IEF is the backbone to

James continues: “CSR is a great employee engagement and teambuilding tool and promotes higher job satisfaction, improved morale, and increased employee loyalty.

“Our employees wholeheartedly embrace the company’s CSR program. They are engaged in researching charities and social projects and they actively nominate causes that have a significant impact on the community.

“The company encourages staff participation through volunteering, fundraising, and mentoring opportunities, fostering higher job satisfaction and increased employee loyalty. The staff’s involvement in charitable activities, such as sponsored abseiling and

Looking toward the future, Hagan Homes remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting local communities. With a 10-year plan to build 2,000 new homes and an investment of over £300 million, the company aims to expand its construction footprint while simultaneously contributing to neighbouring charities and causes that will shape a better Northern Ireland.

“We hope to continue widening that construction footprint while supporting charities and causes that will shape a better Northern Ireland.

“Hagan Homes firmly believes that building homes goes beyond providing shelter; it involves creating thriving communities and leaving a lasting legacy and by prioritising CSR and charity efforts, we double our impact,” James adds.

Back Row (l-r) Dr Marion Gillooly, Executive Director from The Dollywood Foundation UK; Mervyn Bell, Project Coordinator, Smile Surestart, Duncairn Gardens, Belfast; James Hagan, Chair and Founder of Hagan Homes with (Front Row l-r) Fiadh, Kieran, Lena and Rian at Smile Surestart, Duncairn Gardens.

“We seek out causes and social organisations that resonate with our own goals — to nurture the community — and set about to support them.”

Diageo - A Commitment To ESG Targets

And the company of course, has a major economic footprint here too with a production facility for Baileys at Mallusk, a bottling and packaging facility in East Belfast and its corporate headquarters located in Belfast City Centre.

Business Eye took a deeper dive into the leading global drinks business to learn more about that long standing commitment to supporting the sector and

its ambitious Environment Social and Governance (ESG) goals as part of its ‘Society 2030: Spirit of Progress’ plan.

Supporting a thriving sector

With over 200 brands and sales in more than 180 countries Diageo leads the way in premium drinks, with the company’s purpose of ‘Celebrating life, every day, everywhere’ providing the

platform for the team to be the best they can be at work, at home and in their communities.

That vision to support the sector and wider community sees Diageo providing skills and resources to 1.5 million people through the Diageo Bar Academy, globally, which trains and inspires a hub of industry professionals, helping them further their careers and connect with others within the community.

And the business’ commitment to seed economic growth also sees the company working closely with its customers and partners including Visit Belfast and Tourism NI to create exciting opportunities that build on the success of the staycation market and increase the numbers of tourists visiting, looking for authentic Irish pub experiences.

In supporting the sector Diageo also works to change the way the world drinks for the better by promoting moderation and continuing to address alcoholrelated harm by expanding its programmes that tackle underage drinking, drink-driving and binge drinking. To help address that challenge, Diageo will educate more than 10 million people globally by 2030, on the dangers of drinking underage through a theatre-based programme called SMASHED, its award-winning alcohol education programme. Delivered to 13,500 young people in schools across Northern Ireland this academic year alone, the performances equip students with the information, awareness, and confidence to make responsible choices. The Smashed Online

Diageo is synonymous within the hospitality and tourism industry in Northern Ireland with world class brands, including Guinness, Harp, Baileys and Smithwick’s which are enjoyed by visitors and locals alike.

Eye on CSR

programme has also recently been launched locally , allowing the programme to be delivered virtually and supported by programme ambassadors - it is endorsed by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations, and Assessment (CCEA) in Northern Ireland.

Championing Inclusivity and Diversity

Diageo believes the most inclusive and diverse culture makes for a better business and a better world and it is passionate about supporting communities across Northern Ireland to help shape a tolerant society.

Employing 350 people across three sites, the business aims to create a working environment where every individual feels a sense of belonging and can thrive and contribute to their fullest. A number of years ago the company introduced a new family leave policy whereby all parents employed by Diageo in Northern Ireland are eligible for the same fully-paid 26 weeks, ensuring women and men are supported to have time with their new baby.

Diageo is also accelerating inclusion and diversity in its value chain, measuring and increasing the percentage of its suppliers from female and minority owned businesses year on year.

The company’s Learning for Life skills programme is improving the employability and livelihoods of some 200,000 across the globe. Here in Northern Ireland the programme is adding real value to the sector and creating opportunities, where there had been barriers. The Learning for Life: Hospitality for You programme is a free four-week pre-employment training programme designed to help young people access employment in the hospitality sector, while investing in the skills needed to support the industry’s economic recovery.

Sustainable Leadership

As for sustainability, Diageo has taken the initiative and is setting the standards by doing business the right way that contributes to a fair and just society. The industry leader in grain to glass sustainability, Diageo has set ambitious targets to preserve water for life; accelerate to a low carbon world; and become sustainable by design.

Diageo’s packaging facility in east Belfast is integral to the businesses plastic packaging ambition of ensuring that 100% of its packaging is widely recyclable. By investing in the facility the company has been able to reduce the amount of plastics used in its

beer packaging by removing the plastic ring carriers and shrink wrap from multipacks of Guinness, Harp, Smithwick’s and Hop House 13 and replacing with 100% recyclable, sustainably sourced and biodegradable cardboard. On the island of Ireland, the Baileys and Guinness brands will lead the implementation of Diageo’s 2030 targets. Every drink produced will take 30% less water than it does today; packaging will be 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable;

the production operations will become net carbon neutral and we are working in partnership with our suppliers to halve the emissions in our supply chain.

Diageo believes that by working together we can secure the future of a just and thriving society for all and there can be no doubt that through its considerable contribution and future commitments, it is helping us on that journey to a more prosperous economy and, inclusive and sustainable communities.

Action Cancer officially launches new skin cancer detection service

Action Cancer is delighted to announce the introduction of a new skin cancer detection service, in partnership with the

Cancer),

Skin cancer incidence across the UK continues to increase with Northern Ireland having one of the highest incidences in the UK. Nonmelanoma skin cancer is the

most common cancer in Northern Ireland and melanoma which is associated with moles is the fifth.

In 2015 Action Cancer undertook some initial research into the possibility of delivering onboard

its mobile clinic the Big Bus a free skin cancer detection service, a service provided by no other charity in the UK. The research indicated that conceptually such a service targeting hard to reach groups was of much merit but required a referral pathway into secondary care. In parallel, the former HSCB was designing and developing an IT / app-based photo triage pathway to be rolled out to GP practices

of Health.

across Northern Ireland. In 2022 agreement was reached to allow Action Cancer to also access and use the technology to refer clients with suspect lesions directly into secondary care.

The service on board the Big Bus supplements the service available in most GP practices in Northern Ireland, increasing choice and accessibility. The free service is being delivered on board the charity’s mobile

New service available in Belfast and regionally throughout NI on board the Big Bus

Action Cancer is delighted to announce the introduction of a new skin cancer detection service, in partnership with the Department of Health.

Department

Pictured at the launch are Iona McCormack (Senior Skin Cancer Specialist Nurse, Action

Roger Kennedy (Programme Director, SPPG, Department of Health), Sharon Gallagher (Deputy Secretary, SPPG, Department of Health), Dr David Alderdice (Consultant Dermatologist, South Eastern Trust), Dr John Diamond (GP Clinical Lead Dermatology Photo Triage) and Gareth Kirk (CEO, Action Cancer).

Eye on CSR

unit, the Big Bus (supported by SuperValu and Centra) and at Action Cancer House in Belfast and is being funded by the Department of Health through the COVID 19 Cancer Charities Support Fund to 31st March 2024.

With the skin cancer detection service onboard alongside the existing services of breast screening and health checks, the Big Bus is a truly unique vehicle with no similar vehicle operating anywhere else in Great Britain or Ireland. The charity’s aim is for it to visit annually up to 200 locations throughout Northern Ireland, with 80% of the visits being to areas of high deprivation where health inequalities are greatest.

The skin cancer detection service now available through Action Cancer offers another pathway for people concerned about a new or changing skin lesion. Delivered by a highly qualified and experienced nursing specialist team, the service offers a two-stage process.

Concerned members of the public, who meet the service eligibility criteria, are offered in the first instance a virtual assessment with a skin cancer specialist nurse.

If the specialist nurse feels that further assessment is needed, then a face-to-face appointment is offered on board an upcoming visit by the Big Bus; which visits all five HSC Trust areas across Northern Ireland twice every four weeks or at Action Cancer House in Belfast. Following the face-to-face appointment, the charity then has the ability using the Department of Health recently developed dermatology photo triage referral pathway, to refer the individual directly to secondary care for further assessment.

Iona McCormack who has over 30 years’ experience in Dermatology and is heading up the new service at Action Cancer said: “The majority of people in NI have pale skin that tends to freckle and burn easily. Episodes of sun burning and tanning will increase your risk of skin cancer.

Unfortunately, in Northern Ireland we have high usage of sunbeds and with the introduction of low-cost airlines,

trips abroad to Europe and beyond are more accessible.

Since the service became operational in January earlier this year we have conducted 388 consultations to date, including 246 virtual assessments. We detected several suspect Basal Cell Carcinoma and referred to the patients’ GP for further action. We also made 27 referrals to Dermatology in secondary care due to suspect Melanoma or Squamous Cell Carcinoma.”

One of these referred was 45-year-old, mum of two Carol Marshall from Bangor. Carol is Communications Manager at Musgrave NI whose brands SuperValu and Centra support the Big Bus.

Carol said; “I’ve had concerns about a mole which was hard to monitor and was playing on my mind so when I heard that the new service was up and running, I decided to book an appointment through the Action Cancer website. Following an initial online consultation, the skin cancer specialist nurse at Action Cancer noted some pigmentation

in the mole so I was referred for further assessment. I’ve now thankfully had the mole removed. As well as examining the mole in question, the specialist nurse also does a full body check which is very reassuring. I came away with really helpful literature showing me what to look out for in the future.

I cannot recommend the service enough. If you are concerned about something on your skin, I’d strongly encourage you to contact Action Cancer.”

Sharon Gallagher, Deputy Secretary in the Department of Health added:

“The roll out of this service to Action Cancer is an extension of what is a very successful pathway currently available in 96% of GP practices in Northern Ireland. Providing additional routes for patients to access services will not only help alleviate pressures on hospital waiting lists, but give patients more timely access to diagnosis and treatment plans.

Initiatives like the Dermatology Photo Triage pathway, highlight the importance of good linkages

and collaborative work between all healthcare providers. Primary care, secondary care and charities, all working together to deliver a service, which is central to the successful transformation of health and social care.”

If you are over the age of 18 and are concerned about a changing mole or lesion anywhere on your skin, please visit www. actioncancer.org to see if you meet the eligibility criteria to book a virtual assessment.

To help raise awareness and funds for this fantastic new service Action Cancer is asking businesses to get their employees involved in the ‘Factor 50’ challenge. Employees are being asked to complete 50 workouts throughout the month of May. Is your business up for the Factor 50 Challenge? Help Action Cancer raise £500. Contact lmccusker@actioncancer. org for more info.

Action Cancer’s Big Bus is supported by SuperValu and Centra (Musgrave NI). Pictured are: Iona McCormack (Senior Skin Cancer Specialist Nurse, Action Cancer), Peter McToole (Independent Store Owner), Lucy McCusker (Corporate Fundraising Manager, Action Cancer), Louise McMahon (Corporate Communications Manager, Musgrave NI), Carol Marshall (Communications Manager, Musgrave NI), and Desi Derby (Marketing Director, Musgrave NI).

AGNEW GROUP A Focused Approach To CSR

The group, best known for its Mercedes-Benz and BMW franchises, is owned by the UK-based Sytner motor retail group which in turn is owned by US giants Penske, listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

The company, set up in Northern Ireland back in the 1930’s by Isaac Agnew, has chosen to take a highly-focused and effective approach to CSR.

“More recently, we’ve focused a lot of our efforts on mental health,” says the Group’s Head of Marketing,

Christine Grant. “Why? Because it’s an area where we can make a real difference to people’s lives.”

It started when the Agnew Group linked up with MindWise as its nominated charity. A leading membership based charity based in Northern Ireland, MindWise has been working with and for people of all ages directly affected by mental health issues as well as families, carers, employers and teachers.

“We chose MindWise for a specific reason,” Christine continues. “Our HR department has started to see a

lot more employees coming through their door, wanting to talk about personal mental health struggles impacting them and their families.”

In particular, the Agnew Group then started to look at local mental health charities and chose to partner with MindWise. And the charity then brought to the Agnew

Group the Beyond Bricks initiative, a Lego-based play programme aimed to help P6 and P7 age children in primary schools, initially to cope with anxiety issues post-Covid, but now extended to help the children with a range of mental health issues in their everyday lives, not least the transition from primary to

Businesses don’t come much more rooted in their communities than large-scale car dealerships and one of the largest on the local front is the Agnew Group with its 15 different dealerships spread across major sites in Belfast’s Boucher Road, Mallusk and in Portadown.

MindWise Training Session delivered to Agnew Group employees by Rob Doyle.

Autism Champions receiving their Autism Impact Award from Emma McAllister, Training Development Officer, Autism NI.

Right: Heidi Simpson, Agnew Group; Alan Murphy, Agnew Group; Amy Stothers, MindWise.

Eye on CSR

secondary and grammar schools.

“It’s a fantastic programme that makes a real difference for so many children,” says Christine Grant. “It’s a pleasure for us as a company to be able to support it and help bring it to primary schools all over Northern Ireland.”

We also run two MindWise training events every month to help all customer facing staff recognise and understand the most common mental health issues and spectrum disorders, as well as provide the required skills to manage these sensitive customer journeys effectively. Our goal is to continue to deliver this training across Group with over 400 colleagues receiving training by the end of 2023.

But the Agnew Group’s mental health focus goes a lot deeper than that. It also helps vulnerable adults in a tangible and practical way.

“We have a lot of customers coming through our doors every day,” says Christine. “And we realised some time ago that the experience of coming into a busy car dealership wasn’t easy for some of those customers.

“We, as an organisation, became increasingly aware that we were not open and accessible to neurodiverse

customers and coming into any of our branches would be a challenge.

“So we made neurodiversity and inclusion a priority. We reached out to Autism NI initially and worked together on a reasonable adjustments action plan to introduce pre-visit guides explaining where everything is, who they would meet and what to expect when they visited the dealership. In addition, we introduced quiet rooms, sensory tools, and quiet periods. Our employees were trained to understand sensory and mental health symptoms. Today, we have service and sales Champions in every dealership for customers should they request or need any additional support.”

“We’re very fortunate, as a company, to have a lot of very loyal customers of our dealerships and

our brands, people who’ve been coming through our doors for many years. It’s part of our wider role to help look after all of our customers.”

Amongst its employees, and there are over 1,000 of them in Belfast, Mallusk and Portadown, the company has a £50,000 a year target to fundraise for its chosen charities. It runs a payroll giving scheme, nominated charity champions in each branch and organises monthly charity committee meetings. Regular fundraising events are held for staff, ranging from mountain trips and abseiling to other sports-based challenges, increasing staff engagement across all areas of the Group.

The Group was delighted to raise over £70,000 in 2022, and that money has gone into the delivery of the Beyond Bricks programme in

18 schools across Northern Ireland. The programme has supported 525 children and allowed 40 educational professionals to be trained in Lego-Based Play, ensuring that the programme leaves a legacy with each of the participating schools.

“For us, it has been important to be in a position to work with Northern Ireland-based charities and organisations. Through our MindWise and Autism training we hope that our dealerships and our colleagues can be more aware of the challenges facing our customers when they enter our showrooms. We’re firmly rooted in the local community, all of our customers are from this community, and we want to be able to help them, the local schools and families through our charity efforts.”

Pupils and Mrs Hilary Cunningham Principal, Fane Street Primary School; Christine Grant, Head of Group Marketing, Agnew Group and Fiona Scullion, WorkWise Manager, Mindwise.

Anne Doherty, CEO, MindWise, Yuile Magee, Group Managing Director, Agnew Group.

Suzie Craig, Christine Grant, Jonathan Kerr, Craig Beattie Agnew Group. Jack Cochrane and Mary Montague, Agnew Group.

Women in Business announce partnership with The Department for Business and Trade

Women in Business, Northern Ireland’s leading network for women in the workplace, has announced a partnership with The Department for Business and Trade to further develop Northern Ireland’s economic growth and promote the export market opportunities to businesses here.

The partnership will see the Department and Women in Business explore new international markets for local businesses and support the network in their mission of creating a new economy, one built on inclusive growth.

Raising awareness of Northern Ireland Export Champions who volunteer to share their experience of trading internationally will be

a key element of the partnership as well as supporting the Department’s UK Export Academy, a free training programme helping businesses discover their export potential, increase confidence and upskill knowledge of overseas sales.

Commenting on the recent partnership, CEO WIB Group, Roseann Kelly said: “We are proud to partner with a Department that provides so much support for local organisations and has such a big vision for the future of NI’s economy. Connecting and networking is something that is ingrained in the DNA of the Women in Business network

and more recently we have been working to promote Northern Ireland and its inclusive business ethos on a global scale. Working with the Department we have a renewed ambition to deliver growth and create inclusivity by supporting, connecting and encouraging female entrepreneurs to take opportunities that will ultimately bring prosperity to not only oureconomy but to society as a whole.”

In becoming a Women in Business network partner, all NI staff at the Department for Business and Trade can avail of Women in Business membership, with

benefits including virtual webinars, in person networking events and training programmes as well as peer support and collaboration.

James Toolan, Deputy Director for Department for Business and Trade Northern Ireland said: “The Department for Business and Trade is delighted to partner with Women in Business in Northern Ireland. This unique partnership will allow our team and department to connect with WIB members across Northern Ireland, bringing female leaders from businesses of all sizes and sectors closer to the resources, networks and opportunities available to grow internationally.”

Roseann Kelly with James Toolan of the Department For Business & Trade

Vehicle Conversion Firm Reveals Growth Plans

Vehicle conversion specialist TBC Conversions (TBC) has announced ambitious plans to grow its production workforce by a third to support company growth.

Headquartered in Dungannon, TBC is recruiting for a number of roles including Welders/Fabricators, Fit-Out Operators, Auto Electricians, Finish Operators and Apprentices.

This was bolstered by a Recruitment Open Night last April, that gave interested applicants the opportunity to tour the state-of-the-art factory and talk to current employees about their career with TBC.

As a market-leading conversion company, TBC is at the forefront of innovation in vehicle conversions and has close partnerships with world-class manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Citroen, Vauxhall, and Fiat.

Ahead of the recruitment event, Donavon McKillen, Commercial Director at TBC, commented:

“This is an exciting time at TBC as we plan to further grow our presence across the UK and Ireland.

“With a reputation for innovation and excellence, we want to build another generation of trusted and skilled professionals in the vehicle conversion sector.

“Providing our customers with bespoke conversions and adaptions that not only meet, but exceed, their expectations is what drives our business forward, and we are keen to find talented individuals that will help in achieving that goal.”

Part of Donnelly Group, Northern Ireland’s largest independently owned motor retailer, TBC was named as the highly commended Manufacturer of the Year at the prestigious Business Eye Awards in association with AIB.

RenewableNI Hosts Energy Round Table

RenewableNI has facilitated a visit by The Crown Estate in junction with Invest NI. During the visit, a roundtable discussion took place with representatives from across the sector working together to achieve Northern Ireland’s Offshore Wind industry. In addition to meeting enough clean electricity annually to power 1.6 million homes, or 2.5 million electric cars, connecting 1.2GW offshore by 2032:

• Means a total of £1.9 billion will be spent on NI suppliers.

• This results in a GVA of £2.4 billion and

• 1,500 new jobs in peak construction years with a total of 32,400 FTE years across the life of the projects.

Pictured at the session are (l-r) Zoe Crowe, Head of Renewable Electricity, DfE; Clare Collard, Head of External Affairs and Policy, The Crown Estate; Steven Agnew, RenewableNI Director; Dan Labbad, Chief Executive, The Crown Estate; Rachel Sankannawar, Energy and Resource Manager at InvestNI and Will Apps, Head of Marine Development, The Crown Estate.

Pictured is Emma Meehan, Chief Executive at Down Royal Racecourse and David BoydArmstrong Co-Founder, Head Distiller and Operations Director at Shortcross Gin.

Eye on Business Growth

HM Homegrown Study Shines A Light On Mid-Sized Businesses Rooted In Northern Ireland

Senior Partner at Harbinson

Mulholland (HM), Darren McDowell (centre) Shines a light on the ‘Mighty Middle’ highlighting the strength of mid-sized businesses employing up to 250 people in the top ten companies across 10 sectors in Northern Ireland. The HM Homegrown One Hundred Campaign was launched In partnership with Ulster University at their Academy Restaurant in Belfast. It examines the contribution these businesses make to the local economy providing

£1.7 billion pounds of turnover and 17,000 jobs. Over the next 12 months HM will reach out to each of these sectors and see what support they need to help them grow. The event was attended by representatives from construction, engineering and manufacturing to service stations, retail and hotels alongside food, manufacturing, distribution, services and finally third sector organisations. To find out more about the HM Homegrown One Hundred research go to www.Harbinson-mulholland.com

(Pictured L- R) Dr Karen Bonner Ulster University Economic Policy Centre, Darren McDowell, Senior Partner HM and Professor Mark Durkan, Executive Dean at UU Business School.

onOffice Eye

Record Year For Office Specialists As Return To Work Accelerates

There were many prepared to write off the future of office working both during Covid and in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic.

Eye on Office

Some said that office working would never return to any real degree, others forecast that almost every organisation would move forward on a hybrid working model. But, on today’s evidence, both were wrong.

More and more organisations are returning to full-time office working...or fairly close to it.

It’s something that brings a smile to Paul Black’s face. The Managing Director of Alpha, the leading office interiors specialist with bases in Belfast, Dublin & Glasgow, is in bullish mood as he surveys on office landscape that has changed beyond all recognition in the last 12 months.

“We’re currently working on three major fit-out projects, all of them in GB,” says Paul. “But they’re further proof that more and more people are returning to the office environment that they know and that works for them.”

The highest profile of those jobs is at Silverstone, the home of British motor racing and the annual British Grand Prix. Alpha is completing fit-out on a brand new headquarters for the Aston Martin Formula 1 team, whose 400-strong team will be based in offices right next door to the Silverstone Circuit. Including in Alpha’s brief is a wellequipped office for Lawrence Stroll, Aston Martin’s Executive Chairman and owner of the F1 team.

“It’s quite a coup for us,” says Paul Black. “The desk units and other furniture will be made here in Northern Ireland and shipped across to Silverstone.”

The Belfast company is even fitting out the Aston Martin F1

team’s control room, where a team of 36 engineers, analysts and other specialists operate from during every Formula 1 Grand Prix, wherever it is taking place in the world.

In Glasgow, meanwhile, Alpha is already working on one largescale office contract and is about to embark on another.

The first is a refit of international merchant bank JP Morgan’s back office base in the Scottish city. The bank’s 14-storey city centre office building is home to 3,500 employees and the office fit out contract is the

first that it has awarded to one single office furniture supplier.

“And we’re just about to start work on new building fit outs for the University of Glasgow, which has what most reckon is the most modern campus of any university in the UK, and a level of interior finish that would put a lot of professional workplaces to shame,” adds Paul Black.

“One all of these projects, we’re looking at almost one desk for every person in each case. That’s how things are nowadays and it flies in the face of what some were saying during Covid and immediately after it. The pandemic is fast becoming a distant memory and we’re reverting to type when it comes to workplaces.

“We’re busier now than we were immediately before Covid,” he says. “Yet, when the pandemic was with us and offices were shut down, we were very worried about what the future might hold.”

But the look and feel of our offices has changed as a result of Covid. There are more open spaces, more collaborative areas and a more open feel to working buildings. Alpha’s busy showroom at its Dargan Road headquarters in Belfast reflects that trend, with its cafe culture feel.

“Offices these days are a whole lot more than just desks,” says Paul

Black. “And we’re happy to work with our clients on how they can create better workspaces for their people.”

The company has even been dipping a toe into the hospitality marketplace for the first time. Alpha recently won a contract to supply bedroom furniture, beds and bathroom pods for a 140-bedroom hotel in Dublin.

The group itself employs a team of 105 across its Belfast, Dublin and Glasgow offices and thanks in large part to the £10 million JP Morgan contract, it’s likely to post 35% growth this year compared to last year.

“The downside for us, if we can call it a downside, is that the JP Morgan contract is an exceptionally large one and won’t be repeated for a while,” says Paul Black. “The challenge for us is to make the revenue stretch out into 2024 and beyond.

“We’d love to see more inward investors coming into Northern Ireland. There is enormous potential here and it would be great to win some larger-scale business right on our doorstep instead of in the Republic and across the Irish Sea.” alphayourspace.com

Progress Your Business Potential with venYou

Belfast has established an international reputation as one of the best places to grow a business, particularly in the technology, cyber security and financial services sectors. It is classified as one of the world’s top regions for both new software development and fintech inward investment projects, and in recent times, has seen large investment from US companies.

It’s imperative to the city’s economic growth that it continues to remain attractive to these FDIs, as well as indigenous companies, and one company that is contributing to Belfast’s success through its premium serviced office and business workspace offering, is venYou.

venYou has experienced exceptional growth since its launch in 2019. The company was established in response to the growing demand for serviced office space in Belfast City Centre that the management team, Donna Linehan and Jonny Hill, were experiencing first hand due to increasing interest in its flagship property, the Scottish Provident

Building, which has been a premium serviced office location for 11 years.

Recently celebrating its fourth successful year in business, venYou’s portfolio has now grown to include Ascot House and Northern Court, and the newly acquired Thomas House, which is currently undergoing a complete refurbishment before its launch later this year.

Donna Linehan, Client Services Director at venYou said, “We are seeing an increasing number of enquiries for serviced office space, not just from local companies but from FDIs that want a presence in

the City Centre because they can see the potential and highly skilled talent within Belfast and Northern Ireland.

“In addition, many of our current clients that started life at the Scottish Provident Building are experiencing continued growth and outgrowing their current serviced office space, so our flexibility and availability of additional properties allow them to move to a bigger space, whilst still availing of our five-star service.”

venYou is currently home to a number of global organisations, as well as some of Northern Ireland’s most progressive and innovative companies from sectors including recruitment, finance, law, media, tech and cyber security.

Renowned for ‘Progressing Business’, it has a unique approach to how it works with clients to find the right solution for their needs.

Operations Director, Jonny Hill, said, “We understand that each business has differing needs and a key aspect of our service is meeting those needs in whatever way we can. Whether that’s through the provision of a virtual or serviced office space, we will work with companies at all stages of their

business journey. We do not offer lengthy leases, which means companies can remain flexible and agile and respond to market changes with ease.”

Jonny continued, “With a venYou serviced office, clients can literally walk into the space, set up their computer and begin working, as our team will look after all the menial tasks prior to their arrival and subsequent service including housekeeping, call answering, meeting room set up etc. This has been of particular interest to our clients, particularly the FDIs and large multi-nationals.”

venYou’s clients also have the assurance of on-site security, 24/7 access, state-of-the-art technology including high-speed internet, telecoms and video conferencing equipment. Regular networking and social events are held throughout the year offering clients the opportunity to meet with other businesses across venYou’s buildings.

venYou Operations Director, Jonny Hill and Client Services Director, Donna Linehan.

Premium serviced office and business workspace provider, venYou, is launching its fourth property, Thomas House on James Street South in Belfast later this year.

There are serviced offices, then there’s venYou.

Eye on Office

Home Office Working KEEP IT SAFE

Since working from home is here to stay, at least to some extent, it’s important to consider how to do it in the safest way possible. Whilst there are many benefits to working remotely, there can be a few drawbacks that will have significant implications for your health.

Simon Walter, Director at Rhino Safety, says that “a decade ago, most employers would have been shocked at the notion that employees would regularly be working from home. This has had the secondary effect of leaving many people unprepared for all the challenges they would face. The most critical drawback would be the effects of remote working on our health.”

Write a Risk Assessment

A working from home risk assessment might not have crossed your mind until just now. However, with the CIPD stating that around three-quarters of employers are now offering hybrid work, it is something that should be on your radar. A risk assessment will detail how these hazards may cause harm and what can be done to reduce the possibility of these hazards causing harm.

There are generally 5 key parts to a risk assessment:

1. Identifying hazards – listing anything that could pose a potential risk in the home working space

2. Assessing the risks – determining how likely it is that these hazards will lead to any negative outcomes

3. Controlling the risks – defining how the risks can be minimised or what will happen in the event of an accident

4. Recording your findings – having a physical copy of your risk assessment and a system in

place for reporting any changes or events.

5. Reviewing the controls – how often will the risk assessment be updated and the risks reassessed?

The risk assessment can be as detailed as you need it to be. At the very least, you should write a few brief notes to get started.

Request Ergonomic Office Supplies

Between 2021 and 2022, there were 17,052 cases of NHS hospital-admitted patients due to overexertion and strenuous or repetitive movements. This is a rare increase over pre-pandemic levels as there were overall fewer patients going to the hospital for less severe injuries. Whilst better equipment won’t remove all risk for these types of injuries, it will lessen them.

Asking your employer for an adjustable monitor stand, or ergonomic mouse, keyboard and chair will ensure that you are protecting your neck, wrist and back.

Tidy your Work Environment

The most common workplace injuries are due to slips, trips and falls. If you are unable to set up a workstation somewhere out of the way, it can easily overwhelm the area and make it more dangerous to navigate. Simple things like arranging equipment in such a way that it

avoids trailing leads and cables are really important when it comes to alleviating unnecessary risk. You should also keep your work area tidy and free from clutter. This often means rearranging furniture so that you aren’t stepping over them to get in and out of the workstation as well as giving your work area a quick tidy every so often as to not injure yourself.

Ensure you have good lighting

Adequate lighting is really important when it comes to avoiding eyestrain. The best thing to do is move your workspace into an area with an abundance of natural light. However, this cannot always be achieved. So instead, you should brighten up overhead lighting with a higher-watt bulb. On top of this, you will need to have some adjustable lighting in your workstation. This can be achieved through relocating or purchasing floor or desk lamps.

Look after your Mental Health

Remote work can be an isolating experience, particularly if you are living alone. That’s why it is always important to stay in contact with your manager and colleagues. Having a quick chat every so often can do wonders for your mental health. You should also talk to them about your workload and how you are feeling as they may be able to do something for you.

Take regular breaks during the day and only work during regular hours. It can be very easy to revisit your computer throughout the evening but there needs to be a clear divide between your work and home life.

onTourism Eye

Eye on Tourism

Tourism at our Fingertips

Hospitality Exchange

2023 will take place on the 17 and 18 of October 2023 in Crowne Plaza Belfast. Organised by the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF), the event is in its twenty fourth year and is the largest hospitality conference in Northern Ireland, attracting a wide audience from the hotel, restaurant and wider tourism and hospitality sector.

Launching this year’s Hospitality Exchange, Eddie McKeever, NIHF President, said:

“I am delighted to be able to launch this year’s Hospitality Exchange and to build on the legacy of the last 24 years. This year we will be looking at the opportunities the industry offers, the transformation it has undergone and how we

can grow the market. We’ll be exploring the creation of a sustainable tourism sector with the ability to grow and support local communities, whilst recognising operational constraints, costs, and challenges.”

Focusing on investment, Mr McKeever added: “Growing the sector and discussing how we can attract more international visitors is imperative as this underpins our future success.

The Federation’s recent hotel report highlighted how ONE BILLION POUNDS has been invested in the sector over the last twenty years.

“The 2023 programme will include an economic update on the real value of tourism and the significant contribution it makes to the local economy.

The hotel industry has given me a great career and I really believe with the investment to date, and the product we now have, that the world is at our fingertips. Our combined efforts, along with supportive government policy, will enable an increased contribution that will ultimately create a better place for everyone.

“This is an industry about people, a perpetual topic requiring radical thinking. People remain a core issue and the 24th Hospitality Exchange will be taking a positive stance focusing on the success of winning teams and skills solutions, with interesting stories to showcase innovation in practice.

“After a successful launch in 2022, we will also be recognising the 2023 Rising Stars in the

sector, rewarding them for their contribution and telling their stories. The Federation realises how important it is for people to come together and I’m looking forward to meeting colleagues, making new connections and being inspired at Hospitality Exchange 2024!”

For further information please contact Public Relations Consultant Sonya Cassidy on M: 07824 467897

International opportunities, global trends and winning ways feature in Hospitality Exchange 2023

NIHF President Eddie McKeever launches Hospitality Exchange. Organised by the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF), the two day conference will take place on 17 and 18 of October 2023 in Crowne Plaza Belfast.

SMALL CHANGES, BIG IMPACT

At Hilton Belfast we are proud to share that we have recently been awarded Green Tourism Silver Accreditation.

Our award winning, Meet with Purpose program offers Meeting Planners and Travel Managers the tools to make a big impression on guests while making a positive impact on the world with every meeting or event.

Impact

Meet in a more sustainable way using the Hilton LightStayTM meeting calculator. Reduce your environmental footprint by making informed low-waste choices and with Carbon Neutral Meetings we will offset your event s carbon emissions by investing in quality carbon reduction projects

Energise with locally sourced and balanced menus, designed by our Head Chef, to boost energy and minimize leftovers. Share the bounty; quote Business Eye when making your enquiry and we will donate £1 per delegate to The People’s Kitchen Belfast.

Engage with rewarding social impact opportunities that align with your company ESG goals. At Hilton Belfast we have partnered with Clean the World to recycle our discarded soaps. We can offer recommendations on how your organisation can do this.

A new outdoor dining experience with spectacular riverside views.

Eye on Tourism

The AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast launched its waterfront hotel on Belfast’s Maritime Mile five years ago, and the hotel has marked the milestone by investing £300,000 into a new outdoor Terrace.

AC Hotels, a brand by Marriott, launched in 1999 and created to disrupt the current marketplace with a more effortless, design-led hotel chain, opened its only NI site in April 2018 to the tune of £25m.

With the addition of the JeanChristophe Novelli Restaurant — launched in conjunction with the renowned French chef — the venue quickly became a popular choice for residents and non-residents alike who can dine while enjoying unrivalled views of Belfast’s Titanic Quarter and the River Lagan.

That unique vista is being celebrated even more as the hotel celebrates five years in operation with the opening of The Terrace, an outdoor space that soaks up Belfast’s maritime space, old and new, as well as the animation of the increasingly popular area.

The Terrace will serve up a varied menu with a selection of tapas, Mediterranean inspired dishes and traditional Irish classics, as well as an extensive cocktail and wine menu. Within the cocktail list is ‘The 1847’, in honour of the Belfast Harbour Act, created with flavours from the imports which made Belfast one of the busiest ports in Europe.

A special accommodation package

has also been created; ‘Summer and the City’ which includes an overnight stay for two with a house cocktail on The Terrace and breakfast the next morning.

Speaking about the milestone and the opening of The Terrace, David Anderson, Divisional PresidentAimbridge Hospitality EMEA, said:

“It’s fantastic to see the AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast’s impressive alfresco dining concept come to fruition. The Terrace’s waterfront location and outstanding views, coupled with its uniqueness in terms of what’s already on offer in Belfast’s city centre, means it’s a recipe for success. Developing The Terrace is part of the continued investment by Belfast Harbour Commissioners into maintaining the excellent standards at the AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast, which was built to the highest specification just five years ago.

“The hospitality industry has faced incredibly difficult headwinds over the last three years, but our business is committed to creating incredible guest experiences in line with consumer trends. Operational excellence is crucial when it comes to attracting and retaining guest loyalty across our properties, and so ensuring areas such as food and beverage remain innovative is vital.”

While more than half of the venue’s life was during the pandemic, when hospitality establishments were forced to operate under extreme restrictions,

the property has proven that it has come out bigger and better than ever.

As well as the addition of The Terrace, the hotel has introduced mobile keys which allow guests to access their room via their mobile phone and it has plans to further extend its digital capabilities to keep ahead of current trends in guest experience.

It has also recently introduced seven new family rooms to accommodate the growing leisure guest market and this has also given the hotel the flexibility to accommodate group stays of up to 12 guests within a dedicated space, perfect for family or friend getaways.

Perhaps one of the hotel’s biggest commitments to date is reducing its own and guests’ carbon footprints for which it recently received a Green Tourism Silver accreditation.

That drive will include the evolution of technology onsite to better serve the environment and it will echo in the restaurant where the menu will continue to boast even more indigenous ingredients.

When Novelli’s launched, it was Jean-Christophe’s Irish debut, with the restaurant serving an authentic Mediterranean menu with locally sourced produce. Speaking about serving the city over the past five years, multi-Michelin-starred and 5-out-of-5 AA Rosette-winning chef Jean-Christophe Novelli said: “I opened a restaurant in Belfast to be part of the city’s growing food movement. For me, the restaurant was a great addition to the local food

scene and, sitting here five years later, that continues to be the case.

“Novelli’s has gone from strength to strength and had a record breaking 2022. We have benefitted from having exceptionally strong front-of-house and back-of-house teams and I want to thank them for all their hard work and dedication to the brand and the customer.

General Manager Paula Stuart added: “AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast boasts the same high-spec service, interiors and food that it did when we opened in 2018 but with increased innovations and additions. Over those years we have impressed guests, from the domestic and international markets, and as the pandemic opened us up to the closer-to-home customer, we have decided to launch a new element to the business that will serve all of those markets.

“AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast enjoys a stunning riverside location on the Maritime Mile and we really wish to capitalise on this location with our unique outdoor Terrace so that guests can fully enjoy the area and the outstanding views of the iconic Titanic Quarter and the SSE arena. We believe The Terrace will become a destination spot for those who really want that Mediterranean feel for a casual or special occasion and we look forward to welcoming them.

“I would like to thank our staff, all 94 of them, some of whom have been with us from the beginning. We look forward to seeing what the future brings.”

L-R Graeme Johnston, Property Director at Belfast Harbour Commissioners; Malcolm Allan, Director of Operations and Quality Aimbridge EMEA; Jean-Christophe Novelli, Novelli at City Quays; Paula Stuart, General Manager, AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast and Nick Pattie, Managing Director, Whitebridge Hospitality.

L-R Members of the team from AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast. Paul Cunningham, Alannah Quigley, Hayley Loughrey, Fiona Hamilton, Siobhan Kielt (Director of Sales and Marketing), Paula Stuart (General Manager) and Ruairi McLaughlin.

Eye on Tourism

Promotion underpins performance

Tourism supports a myriad of businesses, from hospitality to retail and transport.

back with tourists predicted to return to pre-pandemic levels by 2025. There are challenges on a global scale and unfortunately many are beyond the control of local agencies and businesses. Occupancy has held up well and the summer months appear to be very strong. During the pandemic, and once restrictions were relaxed, promotional activity ramped up, particularly in the domestic and Republic of Ireland (ROI) market. Hotel Occupancy in 2022 was 71.5%, not back to the record levels of 2018, but moving in the right direction.

once people have visited they have become great advocates of our offering, noting the ‘great welcome’ and ‘good value’ that Northern Ireland has to offer.

Food, agriculture and heritage also have a part to play in the multifaceted world of tourism. However, at the heart of tourism is a simple premise, attracting people to visit your destination and to spend money whilst visiting.

The UN World Tourism Organisation sums it up aptly in their definition, “Tourism is a social, cultural and economic phenomenon which entails the movement of people to countries or places outside their usual environment for personal or business/ professional purposes.”

The visitor is at the heart of all activity and if you are operating in the hotel sector, it’s about getting people to stay in your premises, enjoy the experience, tell others about it, and of course coming back to stay again!

An interesting selection of things to see and do is an intrinsic part of a destination’s appeal, along with the ability to access the area and travel around with relative ease.

Hotels, in the main, have bounced back from COVID-19 reasonably well. They may have more debt, their business model may have altered, and costs may have risen, but footfall has come

Interestingly, ROI overnight trips to NI broke the one million barrier for the first time in 2022, with associated spend growing by more than two-thirds to a record breaking amount. Industry data shows the local staycation market holding up well in terms of volume and spend. The Great Britain (GB) market, which has had dedicated Northern Ireland campaigns, is growing and recovery of international markets continues, although not yet back to 2019 levels.

Anecdotal evidence suggests a significant increase in North America visitors and an extension in the season with many holidaying in Ireland for Thanksgiving, Labour day and even Christmas. Pent-up demand has played a role in this but promotional activity has also kept us firmly on the consumer radar. A good reputation gained over the last three years as a healthy destination with outdoor options has helped. Increased marketing budgets has been a game changer and,

As we approach another summer season, it’s important that we not only embrace the ‘giant spirit’ of tourism, to paraphrase our strong brand message, but that we continue to tell people about it by way of promotion in the autumn and beyond. Building the brand is as important for tourism, as building an attraction, new road, or experience. Tourism is a competitive industry and in this digital age, you must be constantly in the market. If you snooze, you simply lose market share.

Over the last twenty years, the hotel sector has invested over one billion in expansion modernisation and future proofing, but it has yet to reach its full potential. Tourism can transform a village, town, or city in a sustainable way, offering local people prosperity whilst protecting economic livelihood that enables us to protect the infrastructure.

In an industry that’s all about people, (hopefully we will manage to attract a lot more of them into the industry in coming years), seeing the Derry Girls promote the destination internationally has brought a smile to even the most seasoned traveller. Having a great night’s craic is what it’s all about but having a platform to promote and the budget to do so will ensure tourism reaches its full potential, by attracting visitors in greater numbers.

By Janice Gault, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Hotels Federation

Eye on Tourism

Galgorm Collection checks out as a Great Place to Work

The prestigious endorsement by Great Place to Work, a global authority on workplace culture and wellbeing, was awarded following an extensive independent employee survey which engaged Galgorm Collection’s workforce of around 1,000 team members.

Employees voted across all six properties - including the globally renowned Galgorm, AA Hotel of the Year The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat in Templepatrick, Ireland’s Blue Book recommended property The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn, and its collection of restaurants which include Fratelli and Parisien in Belfast city centre - and concluded that their workplace is a great place to work.

The only hotel group on the island of Ireland to achieve the exceptional standard, the distinguished certification rewards outstanding employers who demonstrate a high-trust, ‘people-first’ workplace and cultivate a culture which embodies values such as credibility, fairness, respect,

camaraderie, honesty and pride.

Laura Millar, HR Associate Director at Galgorm Collection said:

“What makes this accreditation so important to us is that it’s based on authentic employee feedback which is rigorously analysed using data-driven methodology and we can be confident that staff feel trusted, valued and supported in their roles and enjoy the many benefits of working with the region’s premier hospitality group.

Our success has always depended on our great people. From chefs to bar tenders, spa therapists and managers, to facilities staff, housekeepers, drivers and night porters, our people are what makes us famous for our warm welcome and unforgettable hospitality experience. Through our dedicated People Strategy, we work hard to ensure we offer the most competitive benefits and lead in the development of skills, training and career development opportunities.”

Based solely on rigorous and validated employee feedback gathered by Great Place to Work –

the global authority on workplace culture – the accreditation signifies that employees have a consistently positive experience in the workplace.

“At the heart of every organisation are its people, and looking after their wellbeing should be a priority for every employer,” Great Place to Work managing director Benedict Gautrey said. “We know when employees feel genuinely contented and at ease within their roles, they are much more engaged and productive, which leads to better results for everyone.”

A major local employer, Galgorm Collection has dramatically scaled up its hospitality footprint and workforce over the last decade following a £90 million investment into the ongoing expansion and refurbishment of its flagship property Galgorm, with its latest investment project aiming to add new accommodation types and spa facilities by 2027.

Since 2020, Galgorm Collection has acquired and opened two major new hotels, The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat in Templepatrick

and The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn, growing its workforce by 30%.

“Galgorm Collection’s award-winning customer excellence and reputation for first-class hospitality is down to the dedication, skills and professionalism of our team and that’s why we continually invest in our workplace culture, training and development and in enhancing career prospects for everyone to make this a great place to work. We’re thrilled that our team voted with their feet to endorse what we do, and we are grateful for the superb work they deliver for our customers and the group every day,” Galgorm Collection managing director Colin Johnston said.

As an officially certified Great Place to Work, Galgorm Collection will automatically be entered into the prestigious Best Workplaces ™ list which recognises organisations which demonstrate an effective management culture that focuses on the individual, their strengths and potential. All of this promotes innovation in the company and their associated economic success.

Major Northern Ireland employer Galgorm Collection has become the first hospitality group on the island of Ireland to achieve official Great Place to Work certification across its entire portfolio of award-winning luxury hotels and restaurants.

Killeavy Castle Estate A Jewel In The Border Crown

It’s beautifully located on the eastern base of Slieve Gullion, less than an hour’s drive from Belfast and much the same from Dublin, and it’s a place of contrasts. There’s the restored original 19th century castle itself, surveying the 300-odd acres of its estate

from the hillside. Then there’s the ultra-modern, sustainable hotel building below it complete with 45 bedrooms, a spa, bistro bar and award-winning restaurant. But the place is also home to a working farm, rearing Longhorn cattle and Cheviot sheep.

That’s not to mention an extensive walled garden where, on our visit, we watched one of the team of chefs cutting fresh herbs and rhubarb for use that same day. And, aside from a variety of walks around the estate grounds and hillsides,

there’s a farm shop stocked with meat, vegetables and even honey produced on the estate itself. Well worth a visit before bringing any trip to Killeavy to a close.

For those of us of a certain age, it’s hard not to think back to this area’s more recent history when you swing off the A1 south of Newry and head west into border country. Back in the day, the whole area was dotted by army bases and lookout posts and echoed to the sound of low-flying helicopters. That’s long gone, thankfully, and the stretch around Slieve

To call Killeavy Castle Estate a hidden gem is to do it a bit of an injustice. The awards and plaudits the place has received since it opened four years ago mean that it’s not hidden. But it’s definitely a gem.

Eye on Tourism

Gullion is as peaceful and beautiful an area of countryside as can be found anywhere in Ireland. As a result, the views from the south-facing bedrooms and the bar and restaurant are majestic. Here’s the thing about Killeavy. It’s easy to feel at home immediately. Part of that is down to the location. But a bigger part is down to an easy informality (always a good thing in a hotel) and a really friendly team of local staff, all of whom give the distinct impression that they’re very proud of the place. And why wouldn’t they be? It’s quite an achievement to take an old, rundown castle and not just renovate it, but add a state of the art hotel and then build a hospitality and culinary reputation in double quick time...with the small matter of a pandemic thrown in for good measure.

There are a few key elements to any short hotel stay. In no particular order, there’s the room. Then there’s the food. Then there are the ancillary facilities. And the people who make it all happen. Killeavy scores well on every front.

Working backwards, we’ve already mentioned Killeavy’s people, an excellent bunch from the receptionist to the guy who started our pint of Guinness just as we uttered the first syllable of the order. For ancillary facilities, read spa. An exercise pool, spa pool, outdoor hot tub and sauna with views of the estate. There’s an extensive range of treatments on offer too. Despite urgent need of any kind of facial, we didn’t avail.

Moving on to much more familiar

territory, the food is top-notch. Most evenings, you’ve got two options. A multi-course tasting menu in the main restaurant, or an excellent a la carte choice served in the neighbouring bar bistro.

Call us philistines, but we’ve an uneasy relationship with tasting menus. Too many bits of sea bass with squid ink emulsion just when we didn’t really want them have taken their toll. So, jaded by another recent experience requiring a late-night cheese sandwich, we made a bee line for Killeavy’s bar bistro. And it didn’t disappoint.

Smoked salmon, sirloin steak, vegetables and a spot of Irish cheese later, washed down by a

nifty rioja from the decent wine list and we were replete. Replete enough to bring another glass of Spain’s finest up to the room for a spot of later evening relaxation.

And, as for the rooms, they’re bright, they’re modern, they’re spotlessly clean, they’re roomy, soft carpeted, with floor to ceiling windows and the bed linen and pillows had lulled us into a dreamlike state almost before (not not quite) the rioja was finished.

Killeavy’s is a remarkable story of a remarkable place. Once owned by some prominent local familiar, it fell into disrepair and neglects since the 1980’s. Rescue came in the shape of Mick Boyle, born in

the parish and a founder of one of Australia’s largest civil engineering and infrastructure developers. It was the Boyle family’s investment, and foresight, that took the castle and estate, brought it back to life, and developed the hotel and resort that now occupies the Slieve Gullion site... breathing new tourism life into South Armagh at the same time. That’s quite a legacy. As for the rest of us, we can enjoy the fruits of their labours.

www.killyeavycastle.com

Eye on Tourism

Tourism NI awarded gold for investing in its workforce

do and believe that they really make a difference to Northern Ireland communities”.

An international organisation, IiP takes notice of businesses who value their people and found, that at Tourism NI, “efforts are made to get the best out of” its employees.

The IiP accreditation provides assurance that an organisation is investing heavily in the development, progression and performance of its workforce.

Over the last 30 years IiP have accredited more than 50,000 organisations and the `We invest in people’ accreditation is recognised in 66 countries, which makes it the global benchmark when it comes to people management.

When awarding gold accreditations, IiP looks at what companies are doing to invest in people.

Awarding the gold accreditation,

IiP found, that at Tourism NI, the “approach to communications helps staff see the connection between their jobs and the organisation’s aims and objectives”.

It added that the organisation encourages “upward feedback” and provides “opportunities for discussion and engagement”.

In addition, it was also noted that at TNI “people are encouraged to perform well” adding that this is achieved by employees receiving and utilising feedback which `supports’ them in their roles and `enhances’ their performance.

IiP added: “This comes from genuine interest in doing a good job and making a meaningful contribution through their work.

“There is a passion for delivering and striving to exceed. Your people are proud of what they

Furthermore, IiP also found that the hybrid ways of working implemented by TNI supports its employees “to be more flexible and agile in how and where they work.

It added that TNI’s approach “balances the needs of the individual, team, and organisation. People truly value the increased trust, autonomy and flexibility they now have”.

TNI was also praised for getting “the best out of people by providing clear structures within which they can operate”.

An IiP survey of TNI staff concluded that 91% of employees agree it is “a great place to work”.

Staff comments included: “It’s an amazing place to work overall”, “I just love everything about tourism … I go home from work feeling happy”, and “People speak about this organisation with pride … I love it. I’m proud to work here”.

Paul Devoy, CEO of IiP, said: “We’d like to congratulate Tourism NI.

“Gold accreditation on `We invest in people’ is a fantastic effort for any organisation, and places Tourism NI in fine company with a host of organisations that understand the value of people”.

Louise Fitzsimons, Head of People & Organisational Development at Tourism NI, said: “I am delighted that Tourism Northern Ireland has been recognised as a gold standard place to work.

“Achieving `We invest in people’, gold accreditation was one of our key objectives for the year and it has been made possible by the passion of the amazing team here in Tourism NI,” she said.

“It is an outstanding achievement and reflects our culture which puts our people at the heart of everything we do”. She added: “Only a small percentage of organisations with IiP achieve the gold standard and we’re thrilled to have joined the club”.

Tourism NI has been awarded the gold accreditation from Investors in People (IiP) for actively making its workplace better for its employees.

Meetings and Events with a di erence, at Killeavy Castle Estate

From small meetings to major conferences and events, our meeting venues and event spaces can cater for all your business requirements. Ideally located just one hour from both Belfast and Dublin and 10 minutes outside Newry City, Killeavy Castle Estate offers much more than a venue.

In addition to a range of spaces, function rooms and outdoor areas that can be

the setting of Killeavy Castle Estate that sets it apart from other venues, providing a calm space to make strategic decisions, a break from the norm that will rejuvenate your creativity and a surrounding landscape that provides the opportunity to take part in a range of unique activities that promote cohesion within teams. The abundance of natural daylight in our event spaces will stimulate fresh thinking, while the scenic landscape of Slieve Gullion provides a mindful focal

point that will keep delegates calm, centred and focused.

With modern audio-visual facilities, award-winning cuisine, and a range of accommodation options, we are proud to offer a unique venue and tailor-made

meetings and events. Whether it’s a small client meeting, a corporate away day or a company conference or board meeting, our dedicated meeting and events team will work with you to ensure its success.

Centred around a fully restored 19th century Castle, our Estate offers elegance

guaranteed to impress your guests. Our 45-guestroom boutique hotel is ideal for residential stayovers, with the opportunity for your guests to enjoy nightly entertainment

‘Farm to Fork’ approach to dining in our 2 AA Rosette award-winning Restaurant.

killeavycastle.com or email events@killeavycastle.com

Eye on Tourism

TITANIC DREAMS

Million Investment At Belfast Landmark

£4.5

There has just been a £4.5m investment at Titanic Belfast – tell me about what is new for visitors?

Yes, we recently completed a £4.5m investment programme which has seen the introduction of four exciting new themed galleries, providing our most spectacular visitor experience to date.

The reimagined Titanic Experience has introduced The Pursuit of Dreams as a new theme and uses immersive technology combined with the authentic Titanic Story in our refreshed spaces which are called Never Again; Ballard’s Quest; The Ship of Dreams and The Lasting Legacy.

The experience showcases never heard before stories of the hopes and dreams of passengers, a significant collection of new artefacts, many of which are being displayed in Northern Ireland for the first time, an illuminated 7.6m long scale model of RMS Titanic which is suspended from the ceiling and fully rotates and an original music score which beautifully encapsulates the stories and emotions throughout.

We are really proud of the changes and are confident that the reimagined Titanic Experience will ensure Titanic Belfast remains a world-class, ‘must-see’ global visitor attraction for years to come.

What was the motivation behind the project and why was it important?

Titanic Belfast is a key driver for Northern Ireland’s tourism industry, and we know the importance of attracting domestic and international visitors, as well as welcoming back those who have been before. So, we felt it was time to give people another reason to visit Titanic Belfast, and indeed Northern Ireland!

We spent five years planning the refreshment programme and it’s been our most ambitious project and single largest investment to date. Innovation and pushing boundaries have always been part of our ethos at Titanic Belfast and, just like the designers who created Titanic, we continually innovate how we tell her story and find new ways to capture the imagination.

An Interview With… Eimear Kearney Head Of Sales & Marketing, Titanic Belfast

We wanted to enhance the existing Titanic Experience to create a new ‘wow’ factor moment, set us apart from competitors and help continue to build upon our reputation as a world-leading visitor attraction, driving new and repeat visits, all while ensuring we maintained the authentic Titanic story at the heart of what we do. I’m pleased to say, that the results have exceeded our expectations!

How has have the changes been received since reopening and what sort of impact do you think it will have on visitor numbers? Since we re-opened our doors in March the feedback from our guests, stakeholders and industry has been incredible! Every single team member has enjoyed seeing such a positive response from visitors. In the planning stages, we knew it was going to be our most emotive experience to date and we have definitely achieved this with many guests leaving feeling quite emotional as they connect with the stories we are telling.

We recently welcomed our seven millionth visitor to Titanic Belfast and are very much looking forward to building on this now, ensuring that the reimagined Titanic Experience will continue to act as a catalyst for tourism to Northern Ireland. It’s an exciting time for the local tourism industry, and with the start of the busy summer season which includes 170 cruise ships, including 15 new ships visiting the city for the first time, we are confident that Titanic Belfast will be a port of call for many as we are hugely popular with cruise passengers.

We are also continuing to experience strong visitor numbers from Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain due to our strategic marketing campaign and that of our tourism agencies around the refreshment programme, alongside pent-up demand arising from our short closure. We’re also seeing a strong return of the North American market, and although European markets are slower to return, we will be working to target these visitors in the coming months.

Eye on Tourism

You mentioned Titanic Belfast is a key driver for tourism, how important do you think Titanic Belfast is to the destination?

Over the last 11 years, as the guardians of Titanic’s story, we have certainly played our part in putting Belfast and Northern Ireland on the world stage.

In our first 10 years we contributed £430 million in direct spend for the Northern Ireland economy and inspired £60 million of wider heritage preservation across Titanic Quarter, where it has been wonderful to see such development over the last decade too. We offer a White Star Premium Pass which gives people the chance to enjoy three great experiences for one incredible price - exploring the world’s most authentic retelling of the iconic story in the Titanic Experience, together with SS Nomadic, an authentic piece of Belfast’s industrial heritage, as well as our award-winning guided Discovery Tour, which can be enjoyed as part of a full itinerary exploring the wider Maritime Mile.

Not to be overlooked, over the years our building has come to represent the giant spirit of the people of Northern Ireland; most recently having been featured in the opening sequence of Kenneth Branagh’s Oscar nominated film, ‘Belfast’ – an attest to just how iconic Titanic Belfast has become as a beacon for the city.

Titanic Belfast also houses a portfolio of luxury event spaces –have there been any developments across this side of the business?

Titanic Belfast has not only driven leisure tourism but has been fundamental in reinvigorating Belfast’s event industry as one of the city’s signature venues

having hosted over 3,000 business and leisure events.

Having invested hugely in the Titanic Experience, we have also been working hard to further elevate the experiential elements across all areas of the business including at events and gala dinners and this is something we are very excited about.

Recently we welcomed back Dr Robert Ballard, the man who famously discovered the wreck of RMS Titanic and as part of the festivities we held a VIP experiential event in our giant atrium, with food theatre and high-end white glove service showing how 11 years on, we are still leading the way in events, still innovating and trying new things.

Titanic Belfast is a unique event destination – there really is nowhere like it for events in Northern Ireland. We offer a diverse and versatile selection of options across multiple venues with something for every event organiser including conference and banqueting facilities in an array architecturally distinct spaces. When combined with the amazing visitor experience, this provides

a unique selling point for organisers to drive footfall to their events.

Added to this is our renowned reputation for providing a high-quality food and service from our highly experienced team, guaranteeing a seamless and truly five-star service.

Our expert chefs create seasonal menus tailored to each event with stunning courses expertly prepared using the very best of local provenance ensuring all guests enjoy a dining experience to remember.

Titanic Belfast has a continued focus on sustainability and we were the first organisation on the island of Ireland to receive Silver Awards for both Green Tourism and Green Meetings - the latter being a new standard specific to meetings and events venues. We have also partnered with Visit Belfast to support ‘Changing the Menu. For Good’ a pioneering project to raise funds and supplies for those experiencing food poverty in our city. We have an action-packed calendar of private events in the months ahead including the return of the AVA Festival

to the slipways, the Critical Care Conference which welcomes delegates from all over the world and a full building takeover for the closing ceremony of the One Young World event in October. And during the summer months, the public will also be able to visit some of the spaces that aren’t usually accessible with our popular Sunday Afternoon Tea at the Staircase which will be taking place on the last Sunday of every month starting in June, and an exciting summer exhibition, Exodus, in partnership with Terry Bradley opening in July which will be free to visit in The Andrews Gallery. We’ll also have the seasonal reopening of Hickson’s Point our destination bar which is open from 1st July – this can also be booked as a private event space.

Eye on Tourism

VISIT BELFAST EXPECTS CITY TOURISM GROWTH TO EXCEED PRE-PANDEMIC LEVELS IN 2024

Visit Belfast, the destination marketing management organisation (DMMO) for the Belfast City Region, has announced its plans are on track to deliver around £120 million to the local economy this year through its sales, marketing and visitor servicing activity, marking a fresh growth milestone in the organisation’s almost 25-year history.

Established in 1999 as the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau (BVCB) - a year after the Good Friday Agreement was signed. Visit Belfast is a not-for-profit public, private and community partnership focused on driving city and regional tourism growth through business events, leisure breaks and cruise.

In an update to industry partners and stakeholders at St Comgall’s, which recently opened after a £7.2 million restoration and transformation for community, cultural, business and tourism use, Visit Belfast outlined its plans for the final year of its three-year Rebuilding City Tourism 2021-24 strategy.

Speaking at the event, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Christina Black, said:

“Over recent years, every sector of our economy and society has felt the impact of a variety of factors beyond our control, including the Covid-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, inflation and a cost-of-living crisis.

Yet, despite the challenges which presented in 2020, tourism IS recovering - thanks to the efforts and commitment of Visit Belfast working in partnership with Belfast City Council and the wider tourism industry.

Belfast City Council’s 10-year Tourism Strategy sets out an ambitious vision for the future of city tourism and we will continue to work collaboratively to achieve its potential across the key pillars; grow, position, experience and sustain.”

Last year, Visit Belfast’s combined marketing, visitor servicing and business

development activities delivered an above-target £111 million for the local economy, which included welcoming 60 new conferences, 131 cruise ships with 250,000 visitors and handling 578,000 visitor enquiries. This year the city is set to welcome at least 79 major conferences and a record 170 ships will visit the city this year carrying 362,000 passengers and crew.

Visit Belfast Chair, Kathryn Thomson said:

“City, regional and international tourism performance has progressed at a pace beyond expectations from Spring 2022 fuelled by pent up demand, staycation and VFR market and a record number of business events taking place in the city.

Since we launched our strategy in April 2021, we began the slow but steady path to recovery, illustrating a step change in our approach to our marketing and visitor servicing activity. Partnership is the central pillar of Visit Belfast, and by facing the challenges together we are succeeding in rebuilding tourism to Belfast and the wider city region.”

Visit Belfast will capitalise on several market opportunities in 2023, including a competitive value for money proposition in the key city-break markets of GB and ROI, favourable

exchange rates, increasing air capacity from GB, Europe and North America and the reduction of APD by 50% (from GB).

Gerry Lennon, Visit Belfast Chief Executive, said:

“Visit Belfast has set ambitious targets to continue the journey to full recovery. Our industry partnerships play a vital role in Belfast tourism success and through collaboratively working, Visit Belfast leverage opportunities to attract more visitors, increase tourism spend and cement the city’s credentials as a premier visitor destination. Working together, we’ve delivered great progress and we remain on track to achieve 2019 record levels.”

Naomi Waite, Director of Marketing at Tourism NI said:

“Tourism Northern Ireland welcomes Visit Belfast’s ambitious plans for the year ahead. We are committed to working together with the wider tourism sector, delivering a co-ordinated and focused approach to tourism marketing and sales that maximises our contribution to the NI economy.

With recent and continued investment in attractions such as the re-imagined Titanic Belfast, the Titanic Distillers and the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, there are even more giant experiences for visitors to enjoy.”

Kathryn Thompson, Gerry Lennon, Visit Belfast chief executive and Gerry McConville, director of Falls Community Council

Eye on Tourism

Tourism Is A Northern Ireland Success Story

By Brian Murphy, Managing Partner, BDO NI and David Warnock, Director, Advisory,

Well, what if we were to tell you that some things have in fact been changing and ever changing for the better.

The events marking the 25th anniversary of the Belfast/ Good Friday Agreement have provided the opportunity to reflect on the changes that have taken place over these years. In reality, Northern Ireland has been growing and evolving, almost beyond recognition, and the scale of change has probably been the most dramatic of any part of the UK or of this island.

Over the last 25 years, Northern Ireland has gone from rebuilding our cities and towns to building the foundation on which now sits one of the most sought-after tourism and hospitality offerings in Europe and indeed globally.

The arrival of a leading low-cost airline, also 25 years ago, provided affordable flights for everyone, opening the world up to local people, and more crucially opening Northern Ireland up to the world. And the world

has been coming in their millions.

Most recent figures released from NISRA (year to November 2022) show it is expected that well over 6.5 million people (domestic and overseas) will pass through our NI airports this year and more routes being announced on a regular basis. The cruise ships so often associated with exotic locations, are now common sights in Belfast, with tourists enjoying the warm welcome they receive from our burgeoning hospitality sector.

With a pre-covid turnover of £2bn to the local economy and the fourth largest private sector employer in the region, hospitality sits at the heart of Northern Ireland’s economic offering. Not only does the region now boast three Michelin Star restaurants, it is home to two of the most globally recognisable tourist destinations in the Titanic Museum and Giants Causeway. It is therefore no wonder that the number of overseas visitors to Northern Ireland has more than doubled from 1.3m to 3m in the last 25 years.

The hotel sector has invested over £1bn in the last two decades bringing some of the biggest international brands to Northern Ireland and with it investing in the local infrastructure and facilitating long term training and employment opportunities. With further investment potential of upwards of £300m by 2025, the sky is the limit for a prospering hospitality and tourism sector in Northern Ireland.

So, for a region with a population of only 1.9m, how is it that Northern Ireland is able to compete with some of the biggest economic powerhouses in the world?

The investment in key infrastructure projects across Northern Ireland has clearly facilitated increased economic investment and whilst there is no doubt that cost competitiveness initially played a part in attracting companies to Northern Ireland, businesses and industries have worked hard to offer more than cost efficiency to those looking to invest.

The presence of a highly skilled, highly motivated workforce with excellent infrastructure and a probusiness environment are all reason enough for businesses across all sectors to see Northern Ireland as a potential investment opportunity. An example of this is demonstrated by the fact that 1,200 foreign companies have established bases here in Northern Ireland, with over 70% of these re-investing further.

To build on the success of the last 25 years it is important that the tourism and hospitality industry is provided the opportunity to expand further and to create new and exciting offerings that will open Northern Ireland up to new and emerging markets.

BDO NI, working alongside our partners, Trade NI, has prepared a ‘Reimagined Prosperity Roadmap’ focusing on what is required to allow us as a region to take that next step along our economic journey.

This Roadmap celebrates the successes achieved to date and the efforts of our many stakeholders. We need to capitalise on Northern Ireland’s achievements, to secure funding for new projects and developments and to regenerate many of our towns

and cities that have been impacted by out-of-town developments and the growth of online shopping.

Our focus should also be on building the workforces of the future, growing our green economy, and developing even more innovation hubs. Of course, to achieve all of this we need a level playing field, so we must overhaul the current planning system and review Government procurement, with an emphasis on the importance of buying local.

Working in collaboration with the local business community, local and national government, and the public and private sector, there is a very real opportunity for Northern Ireland to reach for a sustainable and viable economic future, cementing its place as a location for people to come to visit, work, live and invest.

Northern Ireland has so much to offer. It has grown and developed so far in such a relatively short period of time, its sometimes easy to overlook the progress that’s been made. The changes as they happened may have been incremental but looking back, the culmination of these advances have been seismic.

Looking ahead, we need to fully emerge from the shadows of our past and ensure our people, their creativity, warmth, and hospitality is shown in its true light. That is a responsibility for us all and something we can all play a part in delivering.

The next time someone asks us what’s new in Northern Ireland? We’ll be saying, “lots, why don’t you come over and see for yourself, trust us you won’t be disappointed.”

Brian Murphy, Managing Partner, BDO NI

“Things are still the same” and “nothing ever changes here” – how often do we say this when speaking with colleagues, family, or friends about Northern Ireland? These are the sort of comments that many of us make without actually pausing to think.

David Warnock, Director, Advisory, BDO NI

BDO NI

Eye on Tourism

How the National Minimum Wage Impacts Hospitality and Tourism

Businesses will be impacted, not only by the increased costs, but also by greater pressure to ensure they are fully aware of the NMW regulations and common risk areas. In 2021, 191 companies, including big name retailers, were ‘named and shamed’ by the Government for failing to pay their employees correctly. While HMRC is active across all sectors, the numbers of compliance checks are increasing across several sectors including retail, manufacturing, hospitality, warehousing and distribution, healthcare, and professional services.

What should the travel and hospitality sectors look out for?

Uniforms/Dress code

Where a dress code is in place and a worker must supply their own items of clothing to comply (i.e. white shirt/ blouse, black trousers, shoes) the cost of purchasing these items will likely constitute a deduction from pay. HMRC will review the likely cost of such items by interviewing staff and calculating average costs/replacement cycles.

Even if there is no documented dress code in place, the employee perception of what they should wear to work can be enough for HMRC to challenge that an implied dress code applies. A regional manager requiring specific-coloured trousers or shoes can result in NMW underpayments, and the associated reputational risk that comes with the Government’s naming and shaming regime. Where an employer offers a discount on clothing, and an employee must purchase items as part of dress code requirements, the amount contributed by the employee will likely also reduce pay for NMW purposes.

Living accommodation

Frequently, hospitality and tourism businesses will provide accommodation for staff, for ease of operations and to draw in employees. While within the NMW legislation there is a permitted amount per week/ month which an employer can withhold from an employee, care must be taken to ensure that the living accommodation itself meets the necessary requirements, and the amounts withheld do not exceed the offset permitted.

Missed birthdays

Missed birthdays when employees turn 18, 21 or 25 years old and move from one NMW rate to another can also pose a risk. Employers should ensure that their payroll software is set to identify these dates, and businesses may also wish to consider introducing sample testing to ensure that no pay increases are missed.

How to minimise risks Reviews

A review of the employee worker categorisations, policies, pay elements and benefits identifies a businesses’ risk areas and what needs to be worked on to ensure compliance.

Clarification of communication

All communication on policies, including dress code and working time, need to be clear and understandable for all employees to avoid any perceptions that policies result in a deduction of NMW pay.

Internal Audit

Businesses should consider implementing an annual NMW check to avoid any underpayments and to ensure any new NMW legislation is captured and applied.

Richard Gardiner, office managing partner for RSM in Belfast, concluded

“This is a vital area of focus in sectors such as retail, hospitality and manufacturing, all of which are key to the Northern Ireland economy. There is a significant risk factor to be managed for employers, but the picture is wider than that, and there is a competitive advantage to be gained. Getting policies and procedures right attracts, incentivises and retains the best people, and this is essential in an ever more competitive and expanding local marketplace.”

RSM Belfast is hosting a National Minimum Wage seminar for businesses on June 22nd. For more information on this, or any advice on NMW in any sectors, please get in touch with RSM’s specialist NMW team by emailing Julie.Moore@rsmuk.com

Richard Gardiner, office managing partner for RSM in Belfast

On 1st April National Minimum wage (NMW) rates increased by around 10%, representing the biggest increase in NMW since the legislation was introduced.

Eye on Finance

Accounting IntelligenceDigital Accounting experts in Northern Ireland

PGR Chartered Accountants is celebrating two significant milestones in 2023 - 20 years in business and appointment as “Strategic Partners” to global accounting software giant Quickbooks.

The accountancy sector is awash with chatter about digital transformation and the adoption of cloud accounting technologies, all of which are alleged to make the role of an accountant redundant in a few years. Peter Greene, managing partner has a different perspective and argues that accountants will always be needed but that the skills required to provide an

effective service to the business sector are changing. The use of digital accounting tools such as Quickbooks is rapidly reducing the monotony of routine bookkeeping but challenging accountants to think much more analytically and provide useful advice and support to their clients, rather than just bookkeeping / payroll and compliance led accounting services.

PGR is also looking to the future with the appointment of two new partners, each with a specialist expertise in the key areas of interest for our clients.

In partnership with Quickbooks software, we are transforming how we provide our services using digital / cloud based tools, to support clients in real time, reducing the time and effort to maintain records and prepare

Eye on Finance

financial statements at year end.

Jonathan McNeill, a Chartered Accountant and Quickbooks certified “ProAdvisor” will lead our team for audit and accounting services, providing “Accounting Intelligence” thereby leveraging the power of “AI” for the benefit of our own business and also for our clients’ businesses.

Over the years, PGR’s effective use of technology to simplify routine accounting processes in their clients’ businesses has enabled them to focus on more important areas such as strategy, business structures and tax planning. At a time when the taxation obligations of business owners has never been more complex, this has proved to be a successful strategy, and the firm’s second partner appointment reflects an investment in specialist taxation skills designed to keep clients ahead of the curve.

Leanne Hillock, chartered tax advisor and STEP practitioner will lead the firm’s tax practice offering the complementary professional taxation services essential to assisting owner managed businesses to maximise the value and income from their efforts.

In 2022, PGR were selected by Intuit, the owners of Quickbooks software as an exclusive “Strategic partner” for Northern Ireland which puts the firm right at the heart of developing digital technologies useful to SME’s and owner managed businesses. Quickbooks software is already embracing aspects of AI – (we like to call it Accounting Intelligence) to make keeping records easier for businesses and help to deal with the ongoing challenges of the HMRC initiative – Making Tax Digital.

Managing Partner, Peter Greene said, “I am delighted to announce that I will be joined by Jonathan McNeill and Leanne Hillock as new partners in the business going forward. Both Jonathan and Leanne have been part of our team for the last couple of years and together we hope to continue to improve the quality of our service offering to clients, whilst at the same time expand the firm with new clients.”

Our aim is to make the transition to digital for our clients a smooth and hassle free process. Once implemented, a successful cloud

accounting solution will reduce the burden of performing those mundane monthly reconciliations, streamline processes, and ensure compliance and timely delivery of information to key stakeholders and HM Revenue and Customs. By efficiently completing the compliance activities efficiently using Cloud technologies, we can focus on helping and advising on key business decisions and tax planning opportunities.

Jonathan is a Chartered Accountant with over 10 years of practice experience and training in larger firms. “I am looking forward to the challenge of advancing the firm in this digital accounting age. Having embraced digital as a firm we continue to support our clients with the transition to the cloud. It is an exciting time to be an accountant with the opportunities ahead in tech and AI.”

PGR’s taxation expertise is targeted at the owner managed SME sector and has developed significantly in recent years as changes to the tax landscape are being introduced with increasing frequency. Many business owners find it challenging to keep up to date with the latest legislation and with complying with HMRC’s increasingly rigid return filing requirements arising from the Making Tax Digital initiative. Quickbooks is an ideal software to assist with achieving compliance with payroll, VAT and CIS obligations, but the firm’s real focus is on longer term strategic tax planning such as business structuring, R&D tax credits, the effective use of family companies and LLP’s to increase business value and maximise the efficiency of profit extraction. Peter Greene advises that “Leanne will expand our capacity further in this area, through her interest and expertise

in tax efficient shares schemes, business structuring, as well as IHT and succession planning which allows the firm to provide more complex tax analysis and planning, and help our clients maximise the efficiency of their business structures”. Leanne states “Since joining PGR I have supported a number of our clients with different types of tax planning to ensure their businesses are arranged efficiently for the future. However, not all clients are in the same place on the technology curve and we are also widely supporting those at an earlier part of the journey who have encountered issues with simply remaining compliant with monthly and quarterly filings. The new penalty regimes are challenging unless businesses are properly organised, and our team of technicians and Quickbooks experienced staff are routinely helping our new clients with day to day issues.”

If you are looking for assistance on the journey to more efficient accounting and tax services, PGR have the capacity to help and can be contacted at 028 9078 8880.

“Many business owners find it challenging to keep up to date with the latest legislation and with complying with HMRC’s increasingly rigid return filing requirements arising from the Making Tax Digital initiative.”

Catalyst launches new programme to support young people in their path to employment

Catalyst has announced the launch of a new inclusive innovation skills programme designed to help young people in Northern Ireland access training, build their entrepreneurship skillset and get a real-world work experience.

The ‘Innovation for All’ programme will be funded by the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) and delivered by Catalyst in partnership with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation and seven local youth organisations.

In year one of the programme two cohorts of 15 young people in Belfast and Derry-Londonderry will gain leadership qualifications and receive training in creative problem solving, design thinking and entrepreneurial thinking, alongside tailored work experience within a technology ecosystem that will improve their employability.

Catalyst unveiled the project this morning at its annual stakeholder

meeting, where a year ago it launched a new vision with a focus on opportunity for all from world leading innovation.

Adrian Johnston, Catalyst’s Director of Strategic Business Development, said: “We’re hoping this is the programme that breaks the mould when it comes to accessibility to employment for young people in Northern Ireland.

“We want to reach young people across a diverse range of communities, but we can’t do this alone. We need to do that with key partners, so this programme has been co-designed with local youth organisations and stakeholders that share our vision. They have

consulted how best we can enable our network to remove barriers and create pathways to opportunity for the young people they work with.”

Ellvena Graham, Catalyst’s Chairman said: “Catalyst has a brilliant network that includes every type of business, from innovative start-ups to globally recognised companies. These organisations have the ability to give young people the skills they will need for the world of work, whether that’s in employment or to become an entrepreneur themselves.

“We believe there’s a real need for a programme that provides this opportunity and we hope that we will be able to expand the programme so it can be offered to young people from all council areas in Northern Ireland in future.”

Paddy Harte, IFI Chair added: “The IFI is committed to delivering support to communities who feel that the Peace Process hasn’t

delivered for them. Through our unique Personal Youth Development Programme (PYDP), we are able to engage successfully with those furthest away from education. Collaborating with organisations such as Catalyst enable us to ensure that we can instil confidence, encourage entrepreneurship, and help create positive role models for the future.”

Catalyst will deliver the new programme in partnership with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation alongside Long Tower Youth Club, St Mary’s Youth Club, Monkstown Boxing Club, YMCA Ireland, Holywood Family Trust, St Columb’s Park House and St Peter’s Immaculata Youth Centre. The programme will also be monitored by a reference group consisting of representatives from Belfast City Council, Derry City & Strabane District Council, the Education Authority, and the Department of Justice.

Pictured ahead of Catalyst’s annual briefing are Catalyst Chair Ellvena Graham and Paddy Harte, Chair of the International Fund for Ireland, which is funding Catalyst’s new ‘Innovation for All’ programme.

Eye on News

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2023 Finalists Revealed

Independent coffee shop chain Bob & Berts has announced plans to open up to six new stores this year, taking its total footprint to more than 30 sites across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The 24 shortlisted entrepreneurs span a range of sectors including technology, manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, retail, consumer products and engineering. Collectively this group of world class business leaders are already generating annual revenues of more than £614M (€700M) and employ over 5,000 people.

The finalists who hail from across the island will compete across three categories - Emerging, Established and International - with a special Sustainability Award presented to the finalist who is making the biggest contribution towards environmental sustainability through their business. One overall winner will be selected as The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2023 at a gala awards ceremony which will take place in November.

Three of the finalists are from Northern Ireland - Douglas Adams

of Belfast-based Connected Health, David Beggs, the founder of the Pure Pharmacy Group and Andrew Woods of tech firm Catagen.

Commenting on the announcement, Rob Heron, EY Northern Ireland Managing Partner, said: “We received a record number of nominations for this year’s programme and the highest ever number of nominations for female entrepreneurs which we are delighted to see. This year’s finalists represent a broad spectrum of industries, including technology, manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, retail, consumer products and engineering to name but a few. Our finalists come from diverse backgrounds and communities across Ireland north and south, showcasing the depth of entrepreneurial spirit and talent running through the island.

“The theme for this year’s programme is ‘The Art of

Entrepreneurship’. Both Artists and Entrepreneurs are creators, thinking differently and bringing new ideas and concepts which inspire and challenge. The EOY alumni group welcome and foster that spirit of innovation like no other, collectively impacting the ambition and culture of our Island. I would like to extend a very warm welcome to our 24 eminent finalists into the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ community and I look forward to working with them closely over the coming months.”

This year’s finalists have been shortlisted out of more than 150 nominations by an independent judging panel of previous winners, chaired by Anne Heraty, Founder of CPL Resources Plc, and EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2006 who commented: “The calibre and number of nominations received for this year’s programme was incredibly high. The process of selecting 24 finalists posed a very real challenge to our judging panel. It highlighted in a very big way that the spirit of entrepreneurship right across Ireland and Northern

Ireland is very much alive and thriving and gives much hope for optimism for the future of our island. I would like to congratulate this year’s finalists and extend a very warm welcome into the EOY community. I know first-hand just how incredible an experience awaits them and along with my fellow alumni I look forward to them playing a valuable part in our network.”

Since its inception, the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Ireland™ community has grown to a tight-knit network of more than 600 alumni who harness each other’s wealth of experience, with three quarters (75%) conducting business with one another. Together, the EOY alumni community generates revenues of €25 billion, and employs more than 250,000 people across the island of Ireland.

The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Ireland programme is supported by Premium Corporate Sponsor Julius Baer International, and Government sponsors Enterprise Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland. For further information, please visit www.eoy.ie

Jeremy Fitch, Executive Director, Invest Northern Ireland; Rob Heron, Managing Partner, EY Northern Ireland; Andrew Woods, Chief Executive CATAGEN; and Breige McCartney, Director, EY Northern Ireland.

Enterprise Clocks Up Highest Passenger Numbers For 20 Years

The flagship Enterprise train service linking Belfast and Dublin is celebrating a significant milestone with over 1 million passenger journeys made on the crossborder service between Belfast and Dublin in 2022/23 - the highest level in 20 years.

Hilton Parr, Head of Rail Customer Services, Translink said: “For over 75 years, Enterprise has been connecting people to friends, family, business and leisure opportunities. We’re pleased to mark this impressive passenger journey milestone that highlights the ever-growing popularity of this flagship rail service.

“Passenger numbers have continued to exceed pre-pandemic

levels with a surge in demand for cross-border journeys and customers choosing to travel by rail. There are many reasons to choose Enterprise from family trips to corporate meetings, concerts to sporting fixtures. The service continues to be a vital service for our customers while helping to bolster the local economy and drive modal change to sustainable travel options.”

Colin Mc Cabrey, Director of Trade,

InterTradeIreland comments:

“InterTradeIreland recognise this key milestone for Translink and the Enterprise. Cross-border trade plays a huge part in our all-island economy and continues to grow year on year. InterTradeIreland proudly supports initiatives that help businesses build strong connections with an island wide network of partners and centres of excellence, connections which play a critical role in future economic

growth and business success.”

The Enterprise offers 16 daily departures, 8 in either direction (Mon-Sat) and 10 departures on Sundays. Why not visit Dublin Zoo, spend the afternoon shopping, or attending a sports event or concert. Enterprise is the affordable, comfortable, convenient and environmentally way to travel.

Check out the latest good value webfares at www.translink.co.uk

Colin Mc Cabrey, Director of Trade, InterTradeIreland, Eddie Campbell, Cross Border Services Supervisor, Translink and Declan McGinley, Enterprise Cross Border Manager, Translink celebrate over 1 million passenger journeys on the Enterprise train service in 2022/23.

Shortcross Gin the right mix for Down Royal

Down Royal Racecourse has renewed its partnership with Northern Ireland’s leading craft spirit, Shortcross Gin.

The agreement will see the Co. Down-based company become the racecourse’s exclusive Irish Gin partner, giving the brand naming rights for Down Royal’s premium hospitality suite.

‘The Shortcross Gin Suite’ will give the brand a presence amongst the 50,000 racegoers expected to attend the remaining 11 meetings on Down Royal’s 2023 racing calendar.

Emma Meehan, Chief Executive at Down Royal Racecourse said: “We are thrilled to continue our relationship with Shortcross Gin, Northern Ireland’s first award winning craft distillery. Building long-standing relationships with our sponsors is important to us and something we strive towards.

“The Boyd family has a strong history with the course and a genuine passion for horse racing, and this, combined with a brand which shares our passion

and vision for great quality and the creation of unique experiences is very fitting for us. We are looking forward to seeing this relationship evolve over the next three years.”

Shortcross Gin was established in 2014 by husband-and-wife duo Fiona and David Boyd-Armstrong with a mission to create and lead the resurgence in gin distilling. The first gin to be distilled in Northern Ireland, the pair have gone on to create Ireland’s Most Awarded Gin, Shortcross Gin.

Fiona Boyd-Armstrong, Managing Director of Shortcross Gin said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to renew our partnership with Down Royal, allowing us to continue to showcase our Shortcross Gin and wider Shortcross product range to the racecourse’s audience.

“We consider our partnership with Down Royal to be the perfect mix, providing us with the ideal environment to target, attract and engage with a highly discerning

crowd and to share with them the ultimate Shortcross Gin experience.”

Situated on the ground floor of the Hospitality Pavilion, ‘The Shortcross Gin Suite’ overlooks the finishing straight of the Down Royal racetrack so is an ideal location for guests to enjoy Down Royal’s premier hospitality.

AG unveils brand new factory following major investment

Leading paving and building product manufacturer AG, a winner in February’s Business Eye Sustainability Awards in association with Strategic Power, has officially opened a new factory in Fivemiletown, following a major £3m investment.

The business has been an industry leader in hard landscaping and building solutions for over 60 years, providing world class products and services for a wide range of commercial and domestic projects throughout the UK and Ireland.

Stephen Acheson, CEO, said: “We are delighted to unveil this brand-new factory at our Fivemiletown site. We have experienced unprecedented demand for our products over the past few years in both commercial and domestic sectors. This new facility will significantly increase our production capacity allowing us to produce more products to keep up with demand levels - helping us to satisfy new and existing customers.

The new factory will produce a wide range of flagstones for customers throughout Ireland and the UK.

The firm has invested in state-of-the-art technology to increase performance efficiency, improve health and safety and reduce its carbon footprint.

Stephen Acheson continued: “At AG we remain committed to producing the best products for all our customers. Our continued investment in facilities and new technology will ensure continued quality, higher productivity, and improved energy efficiency. We have expanded our product portfolio whilst maintaining our determination to always manufacture products that are better, faster and safer”.

As part of a wider consolidation of its sales and administration functions, AG has closed its Dungannon site where manufacturing ceased more than a year ago. The former Dungannon Outside Room is to be replaced with a new retail facility within JP Corrys in Dromore, County Down. There have been no redundancies, with staff being offered relocation options within the business.

To find out more about AG, please visit www.ag.uk.com

Pictured is Emma Meehan, Chief Executive at Down Royal Racecourse and David BoydArmstrong Co-Founder, Head Distiller and Operations Director at Shortcross Gin.

For further information on upcoming race meetings at Down Royal visit: downroyal.com/fixtures

NI Firm Pioneers Virtual Reality Technology

The team of virtual reality experts at Belfastbased Immersonal, set up in 2021 has developed one of the world’s first affordable and simple ways for non-tech savvy businesses, organisations and individuals to create their own virtual reality experiences and training simulations.

The futuristic technology can transform how companies train their staff and do business.

Immersonal CEO Tom Houston explains: “We have spent two years developing the software for a new user-friendly platform Immersonal360 which is now available to subscribe to worldwide.

“Until now it was expensive and too complex a process for end users to create virtual reality experiences without the support of a software development team. Our product is a game changer.

“Immersonal’s technology is designed for nontechnical users to create advanced VR simulations that can automatically be used across a range of platforms.

“The ‘create once’ principle allows the same experience to be used on VR headsets, desktop or laptop computers, tablets, smartphones and embedded into a company’s website.

“It is giving lay people – not software developers – the chance to create virtual reality experiences.”

The innovation has helped the company secure a £500,000 contract with the Scottish government and another with the International Criminal Court in the Hague to help make court processes easier for victims of crime.

A working prototype for both Glasgow Sheriff Court and the High Court in Glasgow has already been developed, with roll-out to all 52 Scottish courts in the next year.

The Immersonal technology allows victims and witnesses in Scotland to use virtual reality headsets to walk through a three-dimensional world which recreates the actual court building where their case is to be held.

It enables them to interact and familiarise themselves in a virtual environment that includes people and surroundings they can expect to encounter in court.

The local firm secured the contract through CivTeach, a Scottish government digital and economic initiative set up to drive daring and innovation in the public and third sectors.

Tom Houston said: “It is an incredible vote of confidence for our product to be selected for this project. We have been working with Victim Support Scotland and CivTech creating prototypes, and testing for the past six months.

“Now to see it live and active in the hands of users and the benefits they derive from it is an incredibly gratifying experience for the entire Immersonal team.

“The Foreign Commonwealth Development office has also contracted us to develop it for the International Criminal Court. Initially they want to use it for lay people and particularly kids who, when brought into the formal legal environment of a court room, can be overwhelmed with anxiety, and often just freeze.

“Our technology takes the pain out of that process allowing them to familiarise themselves with court room settings, people and processes. This can be done in the comfort of their own homes if need be.”

The foundations for this ground breaking technology have been laid in Northern Ireland through the Immersonal’s sister company Sentireal, a multi award-winning leader in bespoke virtual reality and augmented reality software applications.

Sentireal has created virtual reality training in multiple settings here – providing virtual reality health and safety training for prisoners through NIACRO, a virtual reality theatre experience during Covid-19 for the Lyric Theatre and even a clinical classroom for medical students at Queen’s University.

Immersive training is already widely used in areas as diverse as healthcare, the military, warehouse training, education and sports development.

Tom Houston adds: “The potential for Immersonal 360 is limitless. Within minutes, a user can capture footage and turn it into a ‘gamified’ training experience published to their entire team or company.

“The interest has been phenomenal and we are currently in talks with a number of organisations and companies, including a police force in England hoping to bring it into schools to help tackle bullying, drugs and gangs.

“We believe this is a game-changer in how virtual reality technology can help in all sorts of work and real-life environments. We are hopeful, following its success in the UK and the Hague, the technology will also be picked up in the NI and ROI markets.”

Immersonal CEO Tom Houston with company founder David Trainor.

A Northern Ireland tech startup company has pioneered a revolutionary new way for business and individuals to use virtual reality technology and has secured two major contracts of for the use of its cutting-edge application in criminal court settings.

Catalyst announces Platinum Partnership with Dassault Systèmes and Solid Solutions

The partnership will be pivotal in providing 3D Computer Assisted Design (CAD) training to members of all backgrounds in the Catalyst ecosystem, from students and younger people up to experienced entrepreneurs.

Providing value to start-up companies is a key mission of Dassault Systèmes, with the support of Solid Solutions, and this partnership with Catalyst will help foster the success of high-growth, high-potential companies by offering events, training, and new opportunities for collaboration.

Dassault Systèmes is a global software company that provides software solutions

to businesses through its 3DEXPERIENCE platform. The company has 290,000 customers and 25 million users across 11 industries worldwide.

Solid Solutions, a partner of Dassault Systèmes, is one of the leading providers of SOLIDWORKS, an industry-leading CAD software, throughout the UK and Ireland. The company has a local office in Northern Ireland, employing 8 staff, alongside working onsite at Catalyst’s Titanic Quarter Innovation hub. They offer an array of CAD solutions to businesses, enterprises and education institutions, helping them design products and environments for real world applications.

As one of Catalyst’s Platinum Partners, Dassault Systèmes and Solid Solutions will also work with Catalyst’s other partner organisations to help grow the range of start-up and entrepreneur programmes.

Tim Kernohan, Sales Manager at Solid Solutions said: “Solid Solutions is pleased to be partnering with Catalyst in continuing to support local entrepreneurs on their design and manufacturing journey. As a leading Dassault Systèmes Partner, we have established a track record of success across various industries and look forward to working with the members and team at Catalyst.”

John Kitchingman, EuroNorth Managing Director at Dassault Systèmes said: “A core part of our business for the last 5 years has been to assist new start-up programmes and companies. In

this time, we have helped over 3000 companies, and it’s an absolute delight to see so many flourishing and driving success for their people and clients.

“Our collaboration with Catalyst, through our partner Solid Solutions, is a wonderful example of an innovation hub delivering incredible opportunities and for whom we wish tremendous success.”

Fiona Bennington, Head of Entrepreneurship and Growth at Catalyst added: “We are so thrilled that Solid Solutions and Dassault Systèmes have partnered with Catalyst to support entrepreneurs and innovators in our community. This relationship will offer us new avenues to upskill and equip entrepreneurs with the ability to try new things in an accessible way. I am looking forward to what we can achieve together.”

Global leader in sustainable innovation Dassault Systèmes, in partnership with Solid Solutions, has become the latest Platinum Partner to join Catalyst’s growing Partnership programme.

[L-R]: Tim Kernohan – Sales Manager at Solid Solutions; Joe Edwards-Broome – Northern Europe Marketing Manager at Dassault Systèmes; Niamh Griffin – Head of Community at Catalyst; Joe Wilson – Partner Relationship Manager at Catalyst; Ciara Shorten –Program Marketing Specialist at Dassault Systèmes.

For when business success needs admin support

Eye Moving On

Patricia Burns has been appointed Interim Chief Financial Officer by Belfast City Airport. With over 27 years’ experience working in the finance industry, Patricia will be responsible for long term financial planning, tracking cash flow and managing the company’s strategic financial direction. And Michael Jackson has been appointed Head of Commercial at Belfast City Airport. With over 20 years’ experience, working across retail, hospitality and aviation industries, Michael will be responsible for leading the commercial team at Belfast City Airport while pursuing new business opportunities.

The Almac Group has announced the appointment of Ramees Raja as Global Energy Manager, a new role which will drive actions to support Almac’s commitment to be net zero by 2045 and to reduce the Group’s Scope one and Scope two emissions by 50 percent, by 2030.

Ramees has more than 12 years’ experience working with a range of organisations, including Ameeri Industries and Iqonomic. He joins Almac from Muntons where he was Group Energy Manager, responsible for group’s Energy management and Renewable Energy Projects.

Laura Dowie has been appointed Director of Timely Careers, a social enterprise and support service which is part of the WIB Group. Laura will be responsible for the management of the service, working with both applicants and employers, whilst also focusing on the growth and development of the business. She is the founder of Little Women NI, an initiative which aims to develop a range of life-assuring skills amongst young girls, and has held six tenures as a board member on the Chartered Management Institute.

Accountancy and advisory practice Baker Tilly Mooney Moore has announced the appointment of Brian Lenehan as HR Consultant. Brian brings broad experience across multiple industries including food production, the tourism sector and aviation. Most recently, he worked as a People Advisor with Flybe and has held positions with Tourism Northern Ireland and Moy Park. Brian studied Human Resource Management at Queen’s University Belfast and has focused on recruitment support, HR policy and procedure development and employee training throughout his career.

Solicitor Luke Thompson has joined leading Belfast law firm, Millar McCall Wylie, as part of its Real Estate team. An experienced lawyer with expertise in all areas of real estate law, particularly landlord and tenant work, commercial property acquisitions and developments, Luke holds legal qualifications from the University of Dundee and qualified as a solicitor in Belfast in 2016. He joins Millar McCall Wylie having previously worked in a multi-national law firm.

3. Ramees Raja

2. Michael Jackson

4. Laura Dowie

1. Patricia Burns

5. Brian Lenehan

6. Luke Thompson

For when business success needs admin support

Eye Moving On

7

Foyle Port has appointed Ian Luney in a newly established role as Chief Development Officer. Reporting to the Chief Executive, Ian will seek to secure sustainable revenue streams for the organisation by attracting investment into the Port’s extensive landbank at Lisahally. Ian has extensive experience in Irish and global power markets and joins the Port from EP UK Investments Ltd, the owner of Ballylumford and Kilroot Power Stations, where he was Director of Corporate Affairs.

Northern Ireland building warranty and building control specialist ICW Group has appointed Andrew Spratt as Managing Director for ICW Insurance Services. Andrew joined ICW in 2020 as Operations Director and has managed the insurance services team through a period of exponential growth. With over 15 years of professional services experience, Andrew brings with him a strong set of technical and financial skills and an excellent reputation for relationship building and team leadership.

Leading global law firm Eversheds Sutherland has appointed two new senior consultants in its Belfast office. Aisling O’Hare and Nuala Maguire have joined the firm’s commercial and construction and projects teams respectively and bolster an already strong team of legal experts based at Montgomery House in Belfast city centre. Aisling brings over 10 years’ experience advising public and private sector clients on commercial contracts, intellectual property and data protection matters. She also has significant experience advising on technology and innovation related contracts, including software development, licensing and support agreements, reseller agreements and SaaS agreements. Nuala joins the firm as Of Counsel in the Construction and Projects Team from a large public sector organisation, having previously worked in private practice specialising in construction and procurement issues. Nuala focuses on all aspects of construction projects from procurement to drafting and negotiating construction and related contracts, managing completion deliverables and dispute avoidance.

Experienced product designer and entrepreneur Fiona Bennington has been appointed as Catalyst’s new Director of Entrepreneurship. Fiona joined Catalyst in 2021 as Head of Entrepreneurship and Growth and has played a leading role in many of Catalyst’s programmes that focus on supporting start-ups and early-stage businesses, including Generation Innovation, Co-Founders and INVENT. In her new position, she will oversee the growth and development of Catalyst’s core initiatives, continue to build a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs and champion Northern Ireland as a destination for investment.

9. Aisling O’Hare

8. Andrew Spratt

10. Nuala Maguire

7. Ian Luney

11. Fiona Bennington

Bus And Coach NI Celebrates 20 Years As Driving Force Of The Industry

And members have acknowledged the vital role it has played in the huge growth of the sector including getting it back on the road after it was decimated by Covid-19.

Industry data has revealed that the local bus and coach industry carries 20 million passengers every year and directly employs 3,000 people contributing £60m per annum to the economy.

Caroline McComb, Chairman of Bus and Coach Northern Ireland and owner of McComb’s Coach Travel said: “In the last 20 years the bus and coach industry has seen huge changes. 20 years ago, we weren’t even viewed as an industry, female bus or coach drivers were like mythical creatures and electric vehicles were only a thing for futuristic films!

Over the last two decades Bus and Coach NI has worked tirelessly

to change this and in doing so, has transformed the industry. In this time, we have demonstrated the huge economic driver and fundamental role the industry plays, not only in transport provision, but through local and regional development, employment and tax generation.

It is an industry that crosses over from passenger transport to sport, education, tourism, and culture and both the public and private sector operators truly are better connected.”

“Bus & Coach NI has played a pivotal role in this growth. And when our industry was abandoned during the pandemic, the organisation was there, knocking down doors to the government to get us the funding support that we so desperately needed and deserved. It secured the future of our industry, ensuring that the most reputable operators have survived the pandemic. Thanks to

Bus & Coach NI, we are now thriving and operating in Northern Ireland’s booming travel, tourism and leisure industry,” Caroline continued.

Karen Magill, Chief Executive of Bus & Coach NI said: “We are delighted to celebrate 20 years of Bus & Coach NI and recognise the work the organisation has done on behalf of our members and the transport industry and indeed, domestic and international passengers, communities, organisations and businesses across Northern Ireland.

It has not been easy, having started our journey with an industry made up of a fragmented and disparate group of private operators who thankfully had identified a desperate need for things to change. Looking at where we are today and the huge transformation it has undergone, it’s a very satisfying realisation that we were the catalyst for change.”

“And whilst we have come a long way, we still have so much to do to improve Northern Ireland’s transport system. Transport is facing many challenges and there are issues that need to be addressed to improve our infrastructure, sustainability, modal shift, climate change and the obvious concerns over the impact the introduction of an Electronic Travel Authorisation will have. However, as an industry, we are much better connected than we were 20 years ago and we are committed and ready to play our part. The private bus and coach industry has earned the right to take its place now.

“I am very proud of our journey to date and excited for our future. I continue to pledge my unwavering support to our members and the industry and I am confident that we are well positioned to face these challenges together,” Karen concluded.

Bus and Coach Northern Ireland Chief Executive, Karen Magill (second left) and Chairman, Caroline McComb (second right) are joined by Joanne Stewart Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance and Chris Conway, Chief Executive of Translink.

Bus and Coach Northern Ireland, has marked 20 years as the organisation representing the local bus and coach operators and industry suppliers.

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NEUEDA EXPANDS AGAIN WITH CONYGRE ACQUISITION

Neueda, the Belfastbased global technology training and consulting firm behind the upskilling solutions for Morgan Stanley, Citi, Royal Bank of Canada, Dell and Ericsson has acquired Conygre, a leading UK-based cloudengineering consultancy for BBC, Rolls Royce, Jaguar Land Rover, Visa, Lloyds Banking Group and the NHS among others.

The multi-million dollar acquisition is part of Neueda’s ambitious growth strategy, scaling its capacity to deliver cloudengineering training and application modernisation support. The combined forces of both companies will further enhance their client portfolios in many of the world’s largest financial services, telecoms, automotive and technology firms and help businesses attract and retain top talent.

With the creation of a ‘two systems’ approach, Conygre has

the capacity to greatly enhance the client experience via an infrastructure provisioning platform that enables them to deliver training on any technology, regardless of the computing capabilities of the client.

Neueda will also benefit from Conygre’s Automated Assessment Engine to the portfolio, boosting their ability to verify the effectiveness of their training programmes and provide certification to participants.

“Our 10-year partnership with Conygre delivering training

programmes across the Americas, Asia and Europe has given us the opportunity to see them in real action”, says Neueda director and founder, David Bole. “The team continues to impress us with their cloud-engineering expertise and the acquisition is part of our deliberate strategy to offer the best technology training solutions to the market. Together we will help our clients continue to futureproof their teams, strengthening employees’ knowledge and commitment to their companies.”

“The technology industry is constantly evolving at a rapid pace, so cutting edge training is key to staying relevant”, comments Conygre CEO, Nick Todd. “Our bespoke training programmes perfectly align with Neueda’s high working standards, making the partnership extremely strategic and robust. A timetested partnership with Neueda’s visionary pathway proves this a smart alignment in extending our joint technology skills training for customers globally.”

Nick Todd, Conygre CEO, David Bole, Neueda Director and Founder, Kevin Corrigan, Neueda COO.

Volvo majors on electric

Time was when Volvo’s stood for safe and sensible, especially safe. Every Volvo advert majored on their near indestructible qualities, which found favour with buyers looking for a bit of extra reassurance when ferrying their loved ones around.

Volvos are still very safe but that’s not the main selling point anymore.

Volvo wants to be a premium brand… cool, upmarket and, increasingly, electric focussed. It plans to be a fully electric car maker by 2030 with latest versions of its small SUV, the XC40, pointing the way.

There’s no longer a diesel version while petrols feature hybrid electric technology. The big thrust is now on the electric Recharge versions, which come as either plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or fully electric (BEV).

Previously only available in AWD drive, Volvo has widened the appeal of the fully electric XC40 by introducing a two-wheel drive version, which means prices for the cheapest Recharge model now start around £46,000.

Latest versions of the XC40 also feature other upgrades, including

faster charging and increased range. Thanks to enhancements in cooling efficiency, the front-wheel drive version, which features a 69kWH battery pack, can now deliver increased range up to 286 miles according to the WLTP test cycle.

Using a 150kW commercial / public faster charger, it’s possible to go from 10 to 80 per cent in less than half an hour. The usual caveats apply though… these superfast chargers are still rarer than hen’s teeth in Northern Ireland. The more likely option is that you’ll charge overnight at home.

The singe motor, front-wheeldrive version, produces 238bhp and is good for a 0-62mph time of 7.4 seconds. Like most electric cars, it feels quicker thanks to the smooth and progressive way it gets to that mark.

The dual motor, all-wheeldrive version delivers extra grip

and pace. Boasting 408bhp, it’s capable of reaching 62mph from a standing start in under five seconds. You also get extra towing capacity – 1800kg, up from 1500 kg in the two-wheeldrive model. Thanks to a bigger battery pack, it also delivers better range, up to a claimed 342 miles.

Real-world driving will deliver 10-20 per cent less depending on conditions and driving style. Both versions come in all trim levels – Core, Plus and Recharge – with the all-wheel-drive costing around £5,000 more.

The Volvo’s cabin is stylish and minimalist. It has a tall roofline, which makes it feel light and airy.

The rear has plenty of room for two tall adults while the interior comes nicely fitted with good quality, soft-touch materials throughout.

The boot isn’t as big as those in the Audi Q4 e-tron or the BMW

iX3 but at 461 litres, it’s more than adequate. Unlike some electric cars, the XC40 also has an extra small boot under the bonnet, which is ideal for storing charging cables.

The base Core trim comes well-equipped, with comfortable textile-covered seats and the same 9.0-inch infotainment unit and 12.0-inch driver display you get in higher trims.

The 9.0-inch infotainment screen comes standard with sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Bluetooth connectivity and DAB radio. The Volvo system is quick and relatively easy to use though because absolutely everything is controlled through this interface it can be a little fidgety, especially when adjusting on the move.

The entry-level Core trim (from £46,505) comes with 19 inch alloy wheels, climate control, cruise control, automatic wipers and LED lights and rear parking sensors.

Mid-spec Plus trim (from £52,555) adds keyless entry, heated and electrically adjustable front seats and a reversing camera. Rangetopping Ultimate (£56,605) adds ambient interior lighting, leather upholstery, a panoramic opening sunroof, a 360-degree camera, a Harman Kardon sound system and 20-inch alloy wheels.

All versions enjoy super low Benefit-in-Kind company car tax rates of just 2%.

Latest versions of the XC40 SUV point the way to Volvo’s all electric future, writes James Stinson.

Motoring with James Stinson

Eye on Motoring

Evolution not revolution from Suzuki

Suzuki is a quirky brand, with plenty of loyal followers. It’s had a reputation for making reliable, no nonsense, good value cars and that shows no signs of changing. Sure, there are plans for fully electric Suzukis in the pipeline but for the time being at least, the Japanese car maker is choosing evolution over revolution.

That means constant tweaking, including the introduction of a new fully hybrid version of this small family crossover, the S-Cross. Suzuki’s conservative approach is admirable because competition in the shape of the Skoda Karoq, Seat Ateca, VW Tiguan, Nissan Qashqai and others is nothing short of fierce.

But there’s enough here to suggest that plenty of buyers will still land at Suzuki’s door. It’s honest, reliable and very well equipped. There’s a couple of decent

engines that deliver good economy and it comes with a four-wheel drive option.

The ‘mild hybrid’ 127bhp 1.4 turbocharged petrol engine will go from 0-62mph in a highly respectable 9.5 seconds. The AllGrip four-wheel-drive option takes this out to 10.2 seconds.

A newly introduced “full hybrid” 113bhp 1.5 litre-engined version is slower, taking 12.7 seconds to reach 62mph (13.5 seconds in AllGrip form).

Both are being offered side-by-side but don’t be fooled by the full hybrid

claim. It will travel on electric power for very short distances only and there appears to be very little benefit in overall economy, which sits at 53.2mpg and 54.3mpg respectively.

The full hybrid does feature an automatic transmission while the smaller engine only comes as a manual but you’re still better off opting for this and enjoying the extra performance it delivers. Both come with the option of four-wheel.

Price start from £26,099 which means it undercuts entry level versions of the Seat Ateca and the VW Tiguan. The S-Cross also comes with a lot of standard equipment, including adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition and a parking camera.

Other features included as standard includes heated front seats, dualzone climate control, a 4.2-inch driver information display and a seven-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both fitted as standard, too. It also has 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, aluminium roof rails

and electrically folding door mirrors.

Opt for the range-topping £30,899 Ultra model and you get leather upholstery, a sliding panoramic sunroof and a 360-degree parking camera.

The flagship model also boasts a larger nine-inch infotainment system, which features sharper graphics and a slicker interface than other Suzuki systems, so the sat-nav screen is a lot easier to read.

Ultra models with four-wheel drive also have a dial to change driving modes (Normal, Sport and Snow) conveniently placed next to the handbrake.

The cabin is pretty functional. Everything feels well positioned, sturdy and comes easy to hand but the overall feel is a little underwhelming compared to rivals.

There’s plenty of room in the front and good all-round visibility but tall passengers might feel a little squeezed in the back. There’s a decent sized boot. The rear seatbacks split in a 60/40 configuration and you can fold them down by pushing buttons next to the head restraints. You can also recline the rear seatbacks slightly for a more laid-back seating position.

The S-Cross is a good value, no nonsense offering which should be cheap to run. There’s a lot of standard equipment while Suzuki has some of the best reliability scores around. It isn’t as refined as some of its rivals though.

Motoring with James Stinson

“Suzuki’s conservative approach is admirable because competition in the shape of the Skoda Karoq, Seat Ateca, VW Tiguan, Nissan Qashqai and others is nothing short of fierce.”

Suzuki’s small family crossover does just enough, writes James Stinson

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