Business Eye October November 2022

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07

BGF Exits Successful Kitchen Manufacturer

BGF – the UK and Ireland’s most active growth capital investor – has announced a highly successful exit of its investment in Uform, the market–leading Toomebridgebased manufacturer of kitchen doors and equipment.

14

Ardmore Sets A Net Zero Vision

Leading advertising agency Ardmore is on course for net zero status after becoming the first creative agency in Northern Ireland to sign with three leading national and international industry bodies focused on sustainable transformation.

20 HSBC UK– Keeping Close To Customers Whatever The Challenges

Businesses in just about every sector across Northern Ireland, whatever their size, are squaring up to plenty of new challenges just at the moment. But they don’t have to do it alone, say the two men heading global bank HSBC’s charge in Northern Ireland.

24 Greiner Packaging – Celebrating 50 Year Of Dungannon Plant

Greiner Packaging UK & Ireland has celebrated its 50th anniversary in Dungannon, Co Tyrone with a visit from the Austrian parent company’s senior management as well as local representatives and investors.

28

FinTrU – Innovation At The Core For Fast-Growing Firm

FinTrU Chief Commercial Officer Karl Hanlon is in no doubt about the role of innovation within one of our fastest-growing companies. It influences the company’s recruitment and staff retention as well as the work it does for the world’s top investment banks.

32

The Legal 500 – Northern Ireland’s Top Legal Talent

This year’s Legal 500 lists Northern Ireland’s leading lawyers across a wide spectrum of specialist areas of practice, from corporate to commercial property and from planning to personal injury.

40 Northern Ireland’s Real Estate Sector – The Way Ahead

A Business Eye Round Table Discussion looks at Northern Ireland’s Real Estate sector – how it has recovered from the Covid era and what challenges it faces going forward.

44 Labour Relations Agency – A Vital Service For Employees & Employers

It’s a busy time for Northern Ireland’s Labour Relations Agency. Against the background of the cost of living crisis and labour market shortages, the organisation finds itself conciliating on the rising number of strikes either happening or about to happen. We chat to Chief Executive Don Leeson.

47 NI’s First Sustainability Awards Are Launched

Northern Ireland companies and individuals leading the way on the sustainability and net zero agenda will be recognised in a brand new set of awards launched in Belfast recently. The Business Eye Sustainability Awards, in association with Strategic Power Connect, will take place for the very first time next February.

60

BCC Cleans Up With Hubflow

Belfast Cleaning Company, the fast- growing local specialist cleaning firm planning a major expansion into the GB marketplace, is extending its services to Hubflow, the flexible working space company with centres in Belfast & London.

63

Low Energy Housing For A Brighter Future

Fraser Millar, is a family-run construction company, with almost 60 years’ experience in building houses, and are leading the way in the future of home-building in Northern Ireland. Director David Millar explains the concept.

64

Buckley Publications

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City Auction Group Unveils New Centre

The NI-based City Auction Group has unveiled its brand new, state of the art vehicle remarketing complex in Peterborough.

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Editor Richard Buckley Commercial Director Brenda Buckley

Richard Buckley EDITOR

Irish Magazine Editor of the Year 2005

The very thought of smiling election candidates’ jolly posters mingling with the holly and the ivy would have been enough to make the festive mood take a serious nosedive.

But we, unfortunately, marooned in another period of political impasse, Northern Ireland-style. It’s nothing new but that doesn’t make it any more welcome.

For those who argue that the lack of an Executive and Assembly doesn’t make much of a difference, it’s only right up to a point. Business can go on, the economy can go on, most daily lives can go on. But there’s no doubt that the failure of devolved government here is having an effect.

It’s having an effect on practical matters like the much-promised energy support payments, safely delivered to our English, Scottish and Welsh cousins, but still on its way through the system to our pockets.

But – more crucially – it’s having an effect on lives. Our health service, everyone agrees, needs recurring funding to be in place and it’s not. So, by way of example, we have by far the worst waiting times for cancer patients anywhere on these islands. It’s nothing to be proud of.

Our political world, it seems, consists entirely of sniping, attacks, bile and bitterness. Our politicians attack each other, blame each other and sling mud on a daily basis. What they don’t do, unlike their colleagues south of the border, in Wales or in Scotland, is govern. What they don’t do is look after the people who elected them.

The DUP, the party whose walk-out has caused the latest impasse, will claim that it has good reason for doing so, and that it has support from its electorate for doing so. Others will claim that its actions are depriving everyone in Northern Ireland, whoever they vote for, from being properly governed. And it’s hitting them where it hurts.

It’s a situation that can’t be allowed to go on indefinitely, even though our relatively new Secretary of State, Chris HeatonHarris, now seems to be a pale shadow of the bold and decisive Minister he promised to be when he took on the job.

He has left the prospect of an election lurking somewhere in the long grass and he and our trusty civil servants are clearly going to try to run the shop until such times as the DUP come back and they can all get back to what they’re supposed to be doing.

Meanwhile, in recent weeks, speculation has increased that the UK Government and the EU are edging towards a deal on the NI Protocol, an arrangement which some see as the work of the devil himself and others view as a major opportunity for Northern Ireland as a region.

If that’s the case, it will have to be a deal that Sir Jeffrey Donaldson can gift wrap and sell to his members, and his voters, are something of a victory for the party and its stance.

Somehow, it’s very hard to see that happening.

What’s much more likely is an extended and prolonged period without devolved government here in Northern Ireland. And, if that’s the case, we need to decide how we’re going to manage in the meantime.

“Our politicians attack each other, blame each other and sling mud on a daily basis. What they don’t do, unlike their colleagues south of the border, in Wales or in Scotland, is govern.”

If there has been one piece of positive political news in the last number of weeks, it’s that none of us will have to suffer an Assembly Election in the weeks running up to Christmas.

Eye on News

Randox Laboratories Hosts NHS England Entrepreneurs & Mentors

Randox Laboratories has hosted more than 40 entrepreneurs and mentors from NHS England’s Clinical Entrepreneur Programme at Randox Science Park in Antrim as part of an initiative to bring together NHS and business professionals.

The visit was part of an NHS workforce development programme, aimed at providing commercial skills and knowledge to enable clinical and non-clinical staff to gain experience of developing innovative solutions to the challenges facing the NHS. It is run in conjunction with Anglia Ruskin University.

The entrepreneurs spent the afternoon at Randox, as part of a wider visit to Northern Ireland, seeing how Randox coordinates its clinical, engineering and software R&D in the production of diagnostic products.

Dr Mary Jo Kurth, Randox Business Development Manager said, “We very much welcomed the opportunity

to host the NHS entrepreneurs and commend them for their commitment to the programme – amongst all the other demands on their time.

“We are all now aware that there are now greater demands than ever on healthcare resources. Developing innovation and entrepreneurial skills within the NHS will be key to achieving better outcomes, through increased efficiency, for patients, staff and the wider NHS.”

Dr Frances Duffy, Consultant Clinical Psychologist from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust Trust, one of 500 doctors, dentists healthcare scientists, nurses, midwives, pharmacists and allied health professionals to have joined the programme since launch in 2016, said:

“I am delighted to have attended the NHS Entrepreneurs event at Randox Laboratories yesterday. This was a great opportunity to explore collaborations and develop innovative solutions to healthcare challenges to improve patient outcomes.”

LK Communications is Northern Ireland’s PR Consultancy of the Year

Holywood-based public relations consultancy LK Communications is celebrating a quadruple award win this week after officially securing Northern Ireland’s ‘PR Consultancy of the Year’ title at the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Pride Awards 2022.

Based in London, the CIPR is the world’s only Royal Chartered professional body for public relations practitioners, with nearly 10,000 members.

In addition to winning ‘PR Consultancy of the Year’, LK Communications also secured two coveted Gold Awards and a Silver Award in three highly competitive categories at the annual awards ceremony which this year was held in the Merchant Hotel.

Securing two Gold awards for the region’s best Consumer Relations and Healthcare campaigns for its work with Lidl Northern Ireland, LK Communications also picked

up a silver award in the Travel, Leisure and Tourism category for its work with Galgorm Collection.

Managing Director Nikki Larkin said: “We are absolutely thrilled and incredibly proud to have won PR Consultancy of the Year in Northern Ireland which is a big affirmation for our team and its commitment to consistently developing and delivering cutting edge, creative PR campaigns on behalf of our clients. I’m delighted that our work with Lidl Northern Ireland and Galgorm Collection has been recognised by the industry’s top professional body and I’m grateful for our clients’ support for the success we have achieved”.

Since it was established in 2005, LK Communications has won numerous accolades for its consumer and corporate communications work representing some of the UK and

Ireland’s leading brands, including Lidl Northern Ireland, Lookers Plc and Charles Hurst, Visit Belfast, Galgorm Collection, Aflac NI, ABC Council, Gas Networks Ireland and Wirefox.

Pictured at Rockdene Beach House in Portrush (L-r) are David Roberts, Director of Strategic Development at Tourism NI and Mark Bethel, Owner of Rockdene Properties Limited.

Pictured (l-r) are Claire O’Boyle, Gráinne Molloy, Director Dave Cullen, Founder & Managing Director Nikki Larkin, Geri Wright, Kayleigh Tinney and Amy Millar.

Eye on News

BGF SUCCESSFULLY EXITS SPECIALIST KITCHEN MANUFACTURER UFORM

Founded in 1993 by Eamon and Paul Donnelly, alongside their late father Eddie, Uform employs 415 people at facilities in Co. Antrim and Co. Donegal and delivers more than 1,500 kitchens per week to a growing, loyal and diverse customer base throughout the UK and Ireland.

Cardinal Ireland Partners, the Irish private equity growth fund managed by Cardinal Capital Group (“Cardinal”), has invested in Uform, with plans to scale the business. As part of the deal, BGF will re-invest alongside Cardinal and will continue to back the company as a minority shareholder.

BGF first partnered with Uform in 2019, when it made a multi-million equity investment in the business to enable founders Eamon and Paul Donnelly to accelerate the growth of the business. Following

the investment by Cardinal, Eamon and Paul will remain on the Board of Uform and as significant shareholders alongside BGF.

As a result of BGF’s investment Uform has, over the last three years, invested in its production facilities and new state-of-the-art equipment, as well as significantly expanding its product range. This has enabled the business to achieve an annual growth rate of 40% and significantly expand its market share in the UK, Northern Irish and Republic of Ireland markets.

Beyond growth capital, BGF’s Talent Network – one of the largest groups of board-level non-executives in the UK and Ireland – also introduced Uform to non-executive chair Jim Meredith to provide additional strategic support.

Uform’s strong performance has

continued this year as consumers continue to place increased value on kitchens post pandemic, with buyers favouring personalised, premium fitouts and replacing kitchens more quickly – all which Uform is ideally positioned to capitalise on.

Graham Clarke, investor at BGF, said: “It is fantastic to see Uform attracting new funding to support its ambitious future growth plans. Over the last three years, we have developed a strong relationship with the business and have worked together to deliver an impressive rate of year-on-year growth.

Moving forward, we’re excited to be re-investing in the business and continuing our association with the company as it enters this next phase in its growth journey.

“We are also really pleased to be able to report our first significant exit in Northern Ireland. BGF was set up to back brilliant businesses that are looking to scale and that is exactly what Uform has done. The exit of our original investment has generated a return of greater

than 2x with a strong IRR of 25%, which clearly demonstrates the high quality of entrepreneurs and businesses we are backing.”

Eamon Donnelly, co-founder of Uform, said: “We have built a very strong relationship with the BGF team, who from day one bought into our vision and strategy of where we want to take the business and provided invaluable support. The network BGF brings has opened many opportunities for us across the UK and Ireland and we are delighted that they will continue to remain invested in the company.”

Simon Oliphant, Group Managing Director of Uform, said: “Uform has always had the ambition and the ability to grow. We see very considerable opportunity in both the Irish and UK markets. We are really pleased that BGF will continue to be an investor as we strive to achieve those objectives.”

BGF has invested in six companies from Northern Ireland to date: Braidwater, RiverRidge, Audit Comply, Uform, Bob & Berts and Mzuri.

BGF – the UK and Ireland’s most active growth capital investor – has announced a highly successful exit of its investment in Uform, the market–leading Toomebridge-based manufacturer of kitchen doors and equipment.

(L-R) Simon Oliphant, Group Managing Director of Uform with Paul Donnelly and Eamon Donnelly Co-Founders of Uform.

Eye on News

Fibrus awards £55k to help address digital poverty

Telecommunications and broadband provider Fibrus has announced the latest recipients of its £55,000 community fund.

The Fibrus Community Fund, which aims to address digital poverty in rural Northern Ireland, is managed in partnership with the Community Foundation Northern Ireland, awarding grants that enable local groups and organisations access to digital technology.

The fund has a particular focus on supporting grassroots organisations that support older people and young people aged 18 and under.

19 organisations received funding through the latest tranche.

Sensory Kids is one of the recipients and will use their £2,000 award to integrate technology into its learning programmes. The Broughshane charity provides children and young adults with

a safe and secure environment aimed at reducing anxieties and promoting their development, as well supporting parents to understand and support their children’s needs.

Sensory Kids Youth worker, Kathryn Davidson, said:

“Sensory Kids aims to enhance children’s development through play by offering early intervention to those who may or may not have a diagnosis.

“This a very welcome boost from the Fibrus Community Fund will help enhance our services and resources for the young people we work with.

“We plan to incorporate technology into our youth group with iPads to help young people learn life skills, such as communication and interpersonal skills, with a

view to learning how to cook and boost their own personal care.”

Linda McMillan, Chief People Officer, Fibrus, said:

“Fibrus is committed to supporting the communities in which we operate. By investing through our Fibrus Community Fund, we are able to give back to some of the organisations like the outstanding Sensory Kids, doing wonderful work to enhance and support our thriving towns and villages across Northern Ireland.

“It is embedded in our culture that we continue to support projects which are specifically aimed at young people who have a need for increased access to technology or connectivity, as well as initiatives that combat digital exclusion amongst the elderly or those more vulnerable in our society. We wish Sensory Kids, and all of the other successful applicants

every best wish for the future.”

Marcus Cooper, Fund Development Manager at Community Foundation NI, said:

“We are delighted with the awarding of this funding, growing the ability of rural communities to stay connected.

“Addressing digital exclusion is a priority for the Community Foundation NI and this fund is tackling this head on.

“Many groups and charities working directly with isolated or vulnerable members of our communities in rural areas are telling us that strong and sustainable broadband in their area is vital. The access now provided through the Fibrus Community Fund to purchase devices to get online and to build computer skills is an opportunity that will only boost the ability to stay connected.”

L-R Marcus Cooper, Comunity Foundation NI, Linda McMillan,Fibrus & Mary Connor, Sensory Kids at Sensory Kids in Broughshane)

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Eye on News

Belfast Harbour and Stena Line open new passenger terminal

Northern Ireland’s largest ferry operator, Stena Line, has opened the doors of its new passenger terminal at Victoria Terminal 2 (VT2) in Belfast Harbour.

The new-look passenger terminal has been expanded and refurbished to provide new facilities to cater for the increased passenger levels on the busy Birkenhead route, with a further £3m investment by Belfast Harbour. The significant upgrade to facilities has transformed and extended the original terminal

building with new check-in booths for passenger vehicles and includes a full refurbishment of the interior of the terminal.

The development includes a new departure lounge with an increased capacity for approximately 200 people, as well as a new Barista café area and passenger waiting area. Externally, there are three new vehicle check in booths and an extended queueing area for passengers in vehicles and coaches.

Paul Grant, Stena Line’s Irish Sea Trade Director said: “It is

great to see the next stage of the investment in our Belfast operations come to fruition. In partnership with Belfast Harbour, we have taken our old and dated building, with limited space, and totally modernised the design with a great new range of improved facilities. Customers using our new modern vessels needed a new modern terminal to serve them and now they have that, to ensure they get the best travel experience from departure to arrival. Over the past 26 years we have grown our Belfast hub into the biggest within the Stena group across all of our European routes,

and we will continue to invest and improve our services in Belfast and Northern Ireland.”

Michael Robinson, Port Director at Belfast Harbour, said: “We are really pleased to see the newly refurbished VT2 open to passengers after a significant investment from both Stena Line and Belfast Harbour. We believe that providing modern facilities for our customers and investing in the Port’s core infrastructure is essential to supporting our partners’ ambitions, and to achieving our goal of becoming one of the world’s leading regional ports. As passenger traffic levels on Stena Line’s services continues

to grow, we are committed to supporting our partners at Stena Line, as they meet increasing customer demand.”

The VT2 upgrade project took more than a year to complete and was undertaken while maintaining current ferry services. It follows significant investment in recent years by Stena Line in its Belfast operations, with the recent the launches of two brand new ferries on the route, Stena Edda and Stena Embla, which increased passenger and freight capacity by over a third and has now led to record traffic volumes being carried on the Belfast-Birkenhead route.

Maxol, Northern Ireland’s leading family-owned forecourt and convenience retailer, has begun work to redevelop Maxol Edenderry Service Station on Crumlin Road, Belfast and Maxol Downpatrick to meet the growing customer demand for contemporary forecourt services that include both retail grocery and a convenient food-to-go offering.

From design and construction, through to the sites’ ongoing operations, Maxol is using cutting-edge technology to help each site reduce its existing carbon footprint. These measures include the use of low energy CO2 refrigeration; installing LED lighting systems; heat recovery from refrigeration for use in the Delish Deli, and “on demand” fan controllers to reduce energy use.

The £2.3million development at Maxol Edenderry includes a brand-new retail store 70% larger than the former premises, built on new land adjoining

the original site purchased in 2021. The grocery offer will more than double in size, while customers can expect larger dairy and chilled ranges for greater choice. A new Delish Deli will also be introduced along with a self-serve chicken bar.

Maxol’s Premium Fuel range will be introduced to enable customers to make greener choices and car parking facilities will be extended to twentyseven spaces giving more room to ease the flow of traffic on site.

Up to six additional jobs will be created in the Edenderry community when the refurbished site

opens in mid-November.

In Maxol Downpatrick, the £1.5million investment will provide a large extension to the existing retail store from its current 105 sq. meters to 181 sq. meters. This will provide a new SPAR shop and the introduction of a new Delish Deli for fresh food-to-go.

The refurbished forecourt will see the introduction of Maxol’s Premium Fuel range and parking spaces will be extended to nineteen to provide more room and convenience for customers using the site.

Brian Donaldson, Chief Executive Officer of The

Maxol Group said: “These are significant and important developments that will transform both service stations and ensure that when the projects are complete, our valued customers can shop locally for all their daily needs in a modern, vibrant, sustainable and welcoming environment.

“Both Maxol Edenderry and Maxol Downpatrick are very much part of the community,

operated under licence by local people, John & Sharon Bailey and Pamela Turnbull along with their staff teams. As part of our investment plans, we are delighted to be upgrading each site with the latest food concepts and convenience goods ensuring we continue to meet the needs of our customers. We are thrilled to see the work at an advanced stage to make this happen.”

Maxol, Chief Executive Officer, Brian Donaldson on site as the work progresses at Maxol Edenderry.

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Eye on Energy

Power NI marks one year anniversary with Ulster Wildlife

NI’s largest energy provider, Power NI, part of Energia Group, has worked closely with Ulster Wildlife to regenerate peatland areas and restabilise habitats over the last 12 months and is proud to continue the partnership for another year.

Since the beginning of the partnership, Power NI staff have donated 240 volunteering hours to the charity with 120 of those specifically used to manually tend to peatlands in its care, such as Ballynahone Bog Nature Reserve where there are a several hundred thousand tonnes of carbon stored. The team removed invasive birch tree saplings from the bog which were then collected and could be replanted in a suitable alternative environment. They also tidied up the peatland in general and removed any litter in sight.

Alongside the physical restoration of the peatlands, Power NI has also facilitated several surveys, data collections and monitoring processes which assess the health of the peatlands and localised species, helping to make sure that the work carried out by the charity is truly beneficial.

Ulster Wildlife is Northern Ireland’s largest nature conservation charity and over the last 12 months Power NI has facilitated vital restoration work and research on peatland sites extending almost 250 hectares, while helping to raise awareness of the significance of our precious peatlands.

As part of Energia Group, Power NI is committed to a number of specific UN Sustainable Development Goals and the first and foremost is Climate Action. As the information and research expands on how we can best prevent

climate change without drastically interrupting the daily workings of households and businesses across the island, there has been an increased focus on peatlands. A vitally important and somewhat undervalued pillar of our environment, peatlands make up 12% of Northern Ireland’s land mass and are crucial not only for the maintenance of biodiversity, but for the reduction of carbon in our atmosphere.

When in a healthy state, peatlands can absorb up to three times more carbon than trees, but when in an unhealthy state, the stored carbon

is released into the air resulting in the opposite effect. And so, last year, Power NI teamed up with Ulster Wildlife to help restore some of our precious peatlands to their natural glory and aid in the fight against climate change.

To date, Power NI has supported the repair of hundreds of dams installed at the charity’s Ballynahone Bog and Glenullin Nature Reserves which are essential to help hold back water on the bogs and block up historic drains, dug for peat extraction, which dry out the bogs.

Now on to the second year of the partnership, the two organisations are looking forward to continuing their work on the education and rejuvenation of the peatlands in Northern Ireland and to continue playing their part in tackling the climate and biodiversity crises.

For more information on how Power NI has supported Ulster Wildlife and how your business can get involved, please visit www.powerni.co.uk/ ulster-wildlife or www.ulsterwildlife. org/corporate-support

Power NI volunteers set out to help Ulster Wildlife restore our native peatlands.

Creative ad leader Ardmore grounds its net zero vision in industry first for Northern Ireland

Pictured (l-r) are Ardmore Deputy Managing Director, Miriam Moertl, and Ardmore Strategic Business Director, Paul James.

Leading advertising agency Ardmore is on course for net zero status after becoming the first creative agency in Northern Ireland to sign with three leading national and international industry bodies focused on sustainable transformation.

Cementing a new partnership with Planet Mark, a globally-recognised certification for progress and excellence in sustainability, Ardmore is the first creative agency locally to join a list of more than 800 international organisations around the world committed to achieving net zero and driving positive environmental change within their respective industries.

Additionally Ardmore has become the first in its industry locally to enrol with UK ad agency trade body The Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) on its Media Climate Charter, to lead on transitioning to a zerocarbon future. It has also affirmed its support to the Business in the Community (BITC) Climate Action Pledge which supports local companies in their pledge to track, cut and report greenhouse gas emissions.

As a result, Ardmore is now driving forward an industry-leading programme focused on implementing new sustainable practices, led by its newly established Ardmore

Climate Target (ACT) Collective. Ardmore Deputy Managing Director, Miriam Moertl said:

“As a global, award-winning marketing communications agency, we’re proud to be the first in Northern Ireland to step up and commit to a powerful new initiative which will drive progress towards net zero within our own industry and among the wider business community.

“Climate change is here and now and, increasingly, clients are coming to us for solutions to sustainably manage their communications. Recognising the important role we can play in tackling the issue, we established the Ardmore Climate Target (ACT) collective, and are delighted to have enrolled with three of the top national and international sustainability initiatives to continue our hard work to date in reducing our carbon footprint to date, and to reinforce our commitment to achieve net-zero status as quickly as possible.”

Under the ACT Collective, Ardmore has committed to transforming operations

across three key areas: reducing its operational footprint to zero, educating and inspiring its teams to reduce and report personal emissions, and inspiring change amongst clients, suppliers and the wider community.

Steve Malkin, CEO and Founder of Planet Mark, said; “As the first creative communications agency in Northern Ireland to partner with Planet Mark, Ardmore has demonstrated a clear commitment to reducing its carbon emissions and making positive changes to tackle climate change. We’re delighted to broaden our scope of work with likeminded organisations in Northern Ireland and to reach a new industry here early. I hope that Ardmore’s impressive work to date and in the future in tackling climate change serves as a catalyst for others to sign up so that together we can work towards a better future.”

Through its partnership with Planet Mark, Ardmore completed an extensive and rigorous assessment process to measure its current climate impact analysing its social data across a wide range of areas – from energy efficient buildings to waste management and recycling, travel and transport and hybrid working practices – to produce an overall climate impact score, from which Ardmore’s new sustainability goal was set.

By undergoing this rigorous assessment, Ardmore has already helped to protect an acre of rainforest through Cool Earth, a charity taking action to keep millions of trees, preserve wildlife and maintain the balance of the earth’s climate.

Kieran Harding, Managing Director, Business in the Community NI, said;

“Signing the Climate Action Pledge is an act of public accountability that proves to an organisation’s stakeholders, customers and employees that they are taking ambitious action on the climate crisis. To make a real difference, businesses need to collaborate and act now. We are delighted that Ardmore has joined our growing group of Northern Ireland organisations that have made a public declaration to take action urgently.”

Based in Holywood, County Down Ardmore is a Campaign UK Top 30 regional agency representing a range of premier clients including Network Rail, Stena Line, Lidl, Dale Farm, Phoenix Natural Gas, Power NI, Translink, and National Trust.

Ardmore has also been included in The Drum’s list of the UK’s Top 100 independent agencies and is a longstanding partner and shareholder in Worldwide Partners Inc. (WPI), a global network of more than 70 independent agencies in over 40 countries.

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Eye on News

Jet2holidays and Jet2.com flying high at NI Travel & Tourism Awards

Jet2holidays and Jet2.com were flying high at the 30th Northern Ireland Travel & Tourism Awards, soaring off with no fewer than three awards at a glitzy ceremony in the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle, County Down.

Guests and VIPs across many sectors attended the annual travel industry ‘Oscars’, and Jet2.com and Jet2holidays were one of the big winners yet again.

With 19 summer destinations announced just last week from Belfast International Airport for Summer 24, Jet2holidays is the UK’s leading tour operator to many holiday hotspots across the Mediterranean and Canary Islands and scooped the coveted Best Tour Operator to Europe award for the seventh consecutive time.

On top of that, Jet2holidays were awarded for their continued partnership approach to working with independent travel agents by scooping the accolade for Best Internet Booking System.

As if that wasn’t enough, a successful evening was capped off when Jet2.com won Best Airline to Europe for the fourth time running.

The past few years have been challenging for the travel industry but Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have been widely praised and commended bycustomers, consumer organisations and media for their handling of the

Covid-19 pandemic, winning many high-profile awards and accolades in recognition of their unrivalled industryleading customer service, including the Which? Travel Brand of the Year.

The companies promptly refunded more than £1.7bn to customers whose travel plans were affected by programme changes brought about by the pandemic. Since the removal

of travel restrictions earlier this year, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have worked tirelessly to take all customers on their long-awaited holidays and, unlike many other airlines, have not made any cancellations to their schedules because of staff shortages.

Last week, the company announced its Summer 2024 programme from Belfast, its earliest ever summer launch, to give customers the opportunity to look ahead and get a well-deserved summer break booked into the diary with the price locked in so they can spread the cost of their holiday over time.

Offering fantastic choice and flexibility to a range of destinations across the Mediterranean, customers and independent travel agents can book or travel on a summer break to popular sunshine destinations in the Canaries, Balearics, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Cyprus, Croatia, and Portugal, with four seaons on sale including Summer 24.

Belfast City Centre Gift Card Is The Business This Christmas

Searching for the perfect Christmas gift for staff or corporate clients? The Belfast City Centre Gift Card is the ideal solution. This versatile gift card gives the cardholder the choice to spend in over 200 businesses across Belfast City Centre.

From retail, health and beauty, bars, restaurants, and hotels - the cardholder can choose to spend whenever and wherever! It’s simple to purchase - visit www.belfastgiftcard.co.uk choose the amount, load it and gift it. If you’re placing a large corporate order contact Karen on karen@belfastone.co.uk or call 07747235688. Last orders for cards is Friday 16th December 2022.

For a limited time only, every £1000 purchased will receive a free £100 Gift Card. Cards are valid for a year and can be used at participating businesses – see website for details.

Purchasing a Belfast City Centre Gift Card provides your business with

the comfort of knowing that you’re giving the perfect corporate gift as well supporting the local economy this Christmas, with all spend going back into Belfast City Centre.

The Belfast City Centre Gift Card initiative is a partnership funded by the Belfast Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) Belfast One, Linen Quarter BID and Destination CQ and features participating businesses from across the BIDs locations.

Kathleen McBride from Belfast One said:

“The BIDS continue to work together on this joint initiative with a focus on supporting Belfast City Centre businesses, especially in the run up to Christmas. The

Belfast City Centre Gift Card has strengthened its offering over the past few years now with 200 shops, restaurants and businesses signed up to take part. It is the perfect corporate gift this year!”

Chris McCracken from Linen Quarter BID added:

“The Belfast City Centre Gift card is a fantastic way to experience our vibrant city. With its versatile use and access to a wide variety of venues; we are certain businesses will enjoy giving this experience to staff and clients this Christmas.”

Damien Corr from Destination CQ commented:

“The Belfast City Centre Gift Card is the perfect corporate Christmas

gift solution. Give someone a great choice in a gift, while at the same time making sure your money is spent in the local economy. Plus with the added incentive if you buy £1000 worth of Gift Cards you receive a free £100 Gift Card – it really is the business.”

HSBC UK

KEEPING CLOSE TO CUSTOMERS WHATEVER THE CHALLENGES

sector, which is really strong here in Northern Ireland, is a very good case in point.”

But the message from the new-look top team at HSBC UK’s Northern Ireland operation is that the bank, more than ever, intends to stay close to its business customers and to be ready to provide help and advice as and when required.

“We’re not long out of the Covid pandemic and all of the many challenge that it brought, particularly to businesses in certain sectors. Now we’re all facing a sharp rise in the cost of doing business,” says Scott Wilson, Head of Corporate Banking for Northern Ireland.

He and his namesake (no relation) and second in command Dan Wilson, Deputy Area Director for Northern Ireland, head up a dedicated team of relationship managers based in Belfast.

“We have a very experienced and stable team here in Belfast,” says Dan Wilson. “That’s important to our customers. In just about any survey on business banking, customers say that the thing that annoys them most is when banks regularly

change who their first point of contact is. So it’s something we at HSBC UK try not to do.”

HSBC UK has a busy permanent business banking base in Belfast, and the bank has carved out a reputation in two key areas – business and corporate banking from small businesses up to £50 million turnover operations. The bank also has a small retail network here, with branches in Belfast, Portadown and Coleraine.

“As a global bank there can be a misperception that we’re only interested in dealing with big, international businesses. That’s definitely not the case. We have a lot of small businesses right across the sectors on our books here in Northern Ireland,” adds Dan Wilson. “But what we can do is bring national and international expertise in for the benefit of any Northern Ireland customers who might need it.

“Because of that expertise, we do work with a lot of importing and exporting businesses based here. The agri-food

HSBC, the parent company of HSBC UK, serves customers worldwide from offices in 63 countries and territories in its geographical regions: Europe, Asia, North America, Latin America, and Middle East and North Africa and is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations.

Scott and Dan Wilson, a Scot and Yorkshireman respectively, form the HSBC Belfast team in place of the former Regional Director, Gillian Morris, who was promoted recently to become UK Head of Franchising at the bank.

“Our aim is simple,” says Scott Wilson. “We want to grow HSBC UK’s business banking presence here in Northern Ireland and our share of the market. We have a strong local presence here, we have an experienced team of relationship managers, we’re ready to do business and we have the power – and the expertise – of a world-leading bank behind us. It’s something that sets us apart from some of our competitors in the business banking space here.

Around these parts, despite its global scale, HSBC is considered as a ‘challenger’ to the so-called big four ‘local’ banks, although the term ‘local’ is open to discussion.

Businesses in just about every sector across Northern Ireland, whatever their size, are squaring up to plenty of new challenges just at the moment.

“We do work with a lot of importing and exporting businesses based here. The agri-food sector, which is really strong here in Northern Ireland, is a very good case in point.”

Eye on Cover Story

and banking products,” he adds. “Different customers need different facilities.

Business banking is never a one size fits all marketplace.”

In the current fast-changing climate, both men see energy costs as the biggest challenge facing many businesses here in Northern Ireland. “Interest rates are another issue, clearly, and so is volatility in the foreign exchange markets to those who are trading internationally,” says Dan Wilson. “There is a general uncertainty out there, with some companies’ carrying extra debt from the Covid pandemic.”

HSBC UK has launched its own digital business banking operation, HSBC Kinetic, designed to make banking simpler, faster and more intuitive for small businesses. In part, it’s the bank’s response to the threat posed by the various online challenger banks to the established financial players.

“It’s an app-based banking solution, it’s very popular among young start-up businesses, and it’s something we’re very proud of,” says Scott Wilson.

“Consistency is something that we strive for here at HSBC UK,” he adds. “We aim to bring a consistent approach to working with our customers and helping them to navigate the current challenges.”

“We’re quite happy to be considered a challenger bank,” smiles Scott Wilson. “It’s not a bad position from which to approach the business marketplace.”

Both men underline the importance of the bank communications with its business customers at all times, but add that it’s a two-way street. “We always tell our customers to keep in touch

with us,” says Dan Wilson. “If there’s a problem or question, pick up the phone. It’s better to over communicate with us than not communicate at all.”

HSBC UK’s relationship managers, he says, work hard to maintain regular contact and avoid falling into the old banking trap of only seeing customers twice a year when they go out to conduct a credit review.

HSBC UK here in Northern Ireland helped to steer a lot of its business customers through the challenges of the Covid era. “It was very tough for some businesses,” says Scott. “But some companies did very well during Covid. Others re-invented themselves and have been doing well since.

“We were able to help by giving businesses access to a spectrum of different facilities

“We have the power – and the expertise – of a world-leading bank behind us. It’s something that sets us apart from some of our competitors in the business banking space here.”

Eye on News

Over £180m in commercial investments brought to the market during Q3

Commercial

CBRE Northern Ireland’s Quarterly Real Estate research report showed that almost £20m worth of commercial property deals were done, which is close to the £21m recorded in 2021.

Prominent deals completed in Belfast in the three months to the end of September include the sale of the Premier Inn, Four Corners, for £12.2m and Imperial House for £7.1m.

Although investment activity has experienced headwinds, the office sector has bounced back following the pandemic, with Belfast city centre’s recorded take-up hitting 201,974 sq ft for the year-to-date.

Whilst take-up is below the rolling five-year average, the Q3 take-up of 99,505 sq ft is approaching pre-Covid levels.

CBRE NI managing director Brian Lavery said the UK Government’s mini-budget negatively impacted commercial property in the third quarter by creating “huge uncertainty in the financial markets”.

“In Northern Ireland, we now have close to £200m of commercial

investment stock on the market and the success or failure of these sales will determine the final quarter in terms of performance.”

He added: “The increase in interest rates and funding costs will invariably impact on yields. However, we do expect assets with good property fundamentals, including lease, tenant covenant and ESG credentials, to be impacted less in terms of value than most secondary assets.

“We also expect to see increased interest from international investors and potentially US outbound capital seeking to take advantage of the exchange rate arbitrage during the next quarter.”

The real estate specialist expects the office sector to continue to grow in the fourth quarter, with the recent launch of Olympic House in Titanic Quarter, Belfast Harbour’s City Quays 3, The Ewart and the completion of Paper Exchange early in 2023.

Demand has been boosted by companies seeking high quality, energy efficient offices – to meet ESG credentials, provide better

spaces for clients and help them attract and retain staff – and Belfast has brought some impressive Grade A offices to the market.

CBRE NI said the number of buildings under offer and deals agreed will ensure healthy take-up in Q4 and into 2023.

Meanwhile, lettings across retail, industrial and hotels have remained active over Q3.

Demand for industrial and logistics space continues to attract much interest and, with limited space available, good quality accommodation is letting or selling quickly.

Year-to-date figures confirm that approximately 900,000 sq ft has been let or sold across Northern Ireland, with Global Point in Newtownabbey close to capacity following planning approval for the new Ardagh Metal Packaging factory and the Sensata facility.

Challenges remain in the local retail market, although Belfast city centre has experienced positive activity, with a number of units agreed for lease.

Gilly Hicks, owned by Abercrombie and Fitch, opened its first standalone Ireland store at Victoria Square and Sweaty Betty is due to open at the end of this month. In addition, Nike is seeking 6,000 to 8,000 sq ft.

November’s long-awaited Primark reopening is expected to provide a massive boost in the run up to Christmas, while the opening of Ulster University’s Belfast campus should also bolster footfall in the city’s core retail area.

Starbucks, Tim Hortons, Caffè Nero and Greggs are continuing to expand, as is grocer Lidl, which opened a new store at Castlereagh Road.

The report said the hotel market saw a strong summer of trading, with the return of international tourism and large scale music events, including Belsonic and EMERGE Music Festival, increasing leisure demand. Corporate activity was also stronger over the past few months.

investments amounting to over £180m were brought to market in the third quarter of this year, new research has found.

Eye on Innovation Greiner Packaging Celebrates 50th Anniversary Of Dungannon Plant

Greiner Packaging UK & Ireland has celebrated its 50th anniversary in Dungannon, Co Tyrone with a visit from the Austrian parent company’s senior management as well as local representatives and investors.

The original plant was established 50 years ago as Wilsanco Plastics before the local company was acquired by Greiner Holdings AG in 2006. The company manufactures some of the world’s most sustainable packaging for food and non-food applications and employs some 300 people. Its end products are in almost every households – in the form of yoghurt pots, convenience food containers, even the familiar purple tubs used to hold Cadbury’s Roses at Christmas.

At the 50th anniversary event,

the company announced new investments totalling over £10 million, for the installation of new bespoke machinery, the commissioning of a new manufacturing hall, and the expansion of the warehouse from 3,000 to 11,000 spaces.

“For fifty years, we have produced some of the world’s most sustainable packaging for food and non-food applications at our factory in Dungannon,” says director of operations at Greiner Packaging International, Jarek Zasadzinski.

“As we celebrate this important

anniversary, we are proud to announce these new investments which follow the more than £35 million we have invested since acquiring Wilsanco in 2006.

“Sixteen years ago, the site was turning over £15 million and today we are achieving £60 million. Our goal is to grow this site to £100 million over the next five to seven years.

“These investments, by Greiner Packaging International, were partly funded by Invest NI, UK government, and EU regional development funds, and have contributed to building a highly

successful and sustainable manufacturing business which services hundreds of customers across the UK and Ireland.

“We are so proud of our achievements, of our loyal and committed workforce, and to be celebrating 50 sustainable years in Dungannon in 2022.”

To mark the 50 years, five trees were planted, one for each decade.

Born in Poland, Jarek Zasadzinski joined Greiner Holding AG in 2004 and took a leading role in the acquisition of Wilsanco in 2006.

In 2008, he became the youngest CEO in the history of the Greiner

Director of operations at Greiner Packaging International, Jarek Zasadzinski.

Eye on Innovation

Group. He led Greiner Packaging UK and Ireland into the league table of the 100 most profitable firms in Northern Ireland, doubling the company size to over £30 million, and achieved five major industry awards for the innovative projects introduced in the factory.

In 2013, he won the Young Business Personality of the Year Award at the UTV BusinessEye Awards; and in 2015, he won Aer Lingus Viscount Awards Business Person of the Year, accepting the award at the House of Commons, Westminster as the first Polishborn business leader to win.

The company recently invested over £3.7 million in a new PET decontamination and extrusion line to enable the use of more recycled materials in its marketleading packaging ranges.

This is the latest step in Greiner Packaging UK and Ireland’s continued commitment to innovate, increase capacity and reduce its carbon footprint.

The European Food Safety Authority has now approved the decontamination process to recycle post-consumer PET into food contact materials.

Globally, Greiner Packaging employs a workforce of over 4,900 people at more than 30 locations in 19 countries around the world. In 2021, the company

generated annual sales revenues of €772 million (including joint ventures), which represents almost 35 per cent of Greiner’s total sales.

“There have been a lot of firsts for this factory and for this company,” says Jarek Zasadzinski. “It has led the way in the production of plastic packaging for the off industry over quite a number of years.

“The previous owners, with the support of the government, invested more than £20 million in the Dungannon plant.

biggest challenge for us now is around energy costs. Clearly, we’re a big energy user so rising costs are a major concern for us. Political uncertainty, meanwhile, isn’t helpful to anyone.”

“Since Greiner took over, turnover has quadrupled and there has been a lot more investment in the site. Back in 2007, we built a

new state of the art warehouse and we’re about to triple its size in the coming years. More recently, we’ve invested in

“The

Eye on Innovation

on the island of Ireland. It’s a stable business to be in. Even during Covid, demand increased as more people bought and consumed products at home.”

The company works across the board on improving its carbon footprint. One example is a move alongside transport partners to ensure that the firm’s products are transported to customers using bio fuels.

Jarek Zasadzinski pays tribute to a loyal and hard-working team at the plant in Dungannon. Staff retention, he says, is important because Greiner’s operations require a number of specialist skills.

“The biggest challenge for us now is around energy costs. Clearly, we’re a big energy user so rising costs are a major concern for us. Political uncertainty, meanwhile, isn’t helpful to anyone.

technology enabling us to produce combined plastic and cardboard packaging. The new investment that we’ve just announced is for the latest generation of the same technology.”

A circular economy strategy lies at the heart of Greiner’s operations in Dungannon, as well as globally. The new combined plastic and cardboard products aren’t just 100% recyclable. They also self separate during the sorting process.

“Another key investment has been in technology that enables us to re-use recycled PET. It’s a really exciting development, a UK first, allowing us to put recycled plastic flakes in at one end and produce finished packaging pots at the other. Closing the loop in a very real sense.”

The current tax legislation around sustainability means that packaging must contain at least 30% of post consumer waste, otherwise it attracts higher tax rates. “Here at Greiner, our aim is that 100% of our packaging is recyclable and 100% of our packaging contains at least 30% of post consumer waste. We’re well on the way to getting there.

“The whole business model changes to meet sustainability targets,” Jarek explains. “We work closely with the UK recyclers who supply us with post consumer waste material. At a global level, we recently purchased one of Europe’s

latest recycling companies based in Serbia. In addition, we have certain types of of our own packaging coming back to us post-use.”

Post-Brexit, the Dungannon plant became more important as far as UK customers are concerned. “They need security of supply, so we see it as a big opportunity, and our goal is to grow from our current £60 million turnover to £100 million.”

“It’s much more cost effective now for our UK customers to source their packaging from within the UK,” says Greiner’s Sales & Marketing Director, Julie Eller, who works directly with those customers all over the

country. “It also takes away the risks of currency fluctuations.

“Traditionally, almost 80% of our products went to the diary sector, including all of the big names and lots of local dairy producers,” says Julie. “In the last few years, there has been a push to diversify out of dairy and into different markets. We’ve been very successful. We now lead the market in instant snacking – soup, porridge, noodles, etc – and we also have some confectionery sales, including the big purple tub.

“From the Dungannon plant, about 80% of output goes to GB customers with 20% staying

Looking forward, both Julie Eller and Jarek Zsadzinski say the Greiner’s UK plant in Dungannon will continue to innovate and continue to diversify. “We’ll also continue to work towards our recycled product targets, although that has its own challenges,” says Julie. “Recycled material has gone up in price, and cost is still king as far as our customers are concerned.”

“This company and our industry is all about circularity,” says Jarek. “We’re already doing things differently and we’ll continue with our focus on that innovation. We all have to change our behaviours, ourselves included.”

Eye on Events

Muldoon & Company unveils new office expansion

As Belfast-based accountancy practice Muldoon & Company approaches its 30th anniversary it has officially opened its newly expanded offices in the Queen’s Quarter in Belfast.

Led by partners Sean Muldoon, Robbie Barr and Raymond Tiffney, the practice has grown to a team of over 40 accounting, tax, audit and advisory professionals.

To accommodate the growth of the business, Muldoon & Company

has increased its office space by another 2,500 square feet, adding 20 Mount Charles to its existing offices at number 16 and number 18.

The latest expansion has seen the company refurbish its offices and add several new features designed to enhance the client and employee experience. A café style break-out area has been added along with showers, a gym, a new boardroom and private parking for clients.

Pictured marking the opening of their newly expanded offices are Muldoon & Co partners Robbie Barr, Raymond Tiffney and Sean Muldoon.

Brian Conway, Sarah Andrews and Conor Walsh

Theresa Nixon and Robbie Barr

Sam Baird and Paul McGuire

Danielle Calow, Daniel Haslett and Andrew Dougan

Denise Rooney and Terry Lappin

Muldoon & Company has officially opened its newly expanded offices

David McCurley, Sarah Orange and Raymond Tiffney

David Rice, Linda Brown and

Emma-Lee Flack

Eye on Technology

FinTrU–Innovation At The Core For FastGrowing Firm

Eye on Technology

“Innovation is crucial for us, right across the board,” he says. “Let’s start with ‘why’. At FinTrU our vision is to build global trust in tomorrow. Put simply, we use technology and services to simplify and streamline Client Lifecycle Management (CLM) processes within financial services, enhancing the trust of all stakeholders. The opportunity to disrupt and transform CLM through innovation is significant”

“In the current climate, investment bank profits are under pressure due to a drop in fee income and increased loan losses. It is now more important than ever that FinTrU goes beyond providing high-quality solutions. We need to support our clients by driving efficiencies, and this can only be done through innovation. And this is not just about being creative in terms of solutions, more importantly it’s about being curious in terms of the problems. Everyone in FinTrU, from the Analyst up is encouraged to be curious, to think differently about what they do and where the problems lie . Solutions are actually the easy part! And FinTrU has a unique advantage, in that we are a ‘business up’ rather than a ‘technology down’ organisation. We can build better technology because we work every day with data and processes across the top investment banks in the world”.

Karl Hanlon has been with the firm for two and a half years. “I joined a couple of weeks before we started to work from home at the very start of the pandemic,” he smiles. “It’s great now to be back on the road, meeting clients face-to-face.” Prior to that, he worked for Deloitte in Dublin along with several fast scaling Regtech and Legaltech companies.

“Our innovation focuses on three main areas. Firstly, we believe there is a fundamental opportunity to change the way CLM is conducted, by building a shared utility to onboard clients rather than the current method, whereby each financial institution is undertaking the

same work separately. Secondly, FinTrU is using its know-how from providing managed services to our clients to produce best practice benchmarks, to develop standard and optimised operating models. And finally, we’re using cutting edge technologies such as Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Machine Learning and Robotic Process Automation to capture and analyse data and automate workflow”.

Founded by Darragh McCarthy in 2013 FinTrU is a multi-awardwinning technologically enabled Regulatory Solutions company, specialising in the areas of KYC, Compliance, Legal, Risk & Controls and Operations. Its initial base in Belfast, FinTrU has grown from 0 to 1,100 people in just under 10 years and has opened bases in Derry/Londonderry, New York, Maastricht, Dublin, Letterkenny as well as a new operation in Portugal opening this year.

The firm continued to grow throughout the pandemic, adding two more global investment banks to its client list, and significantly expanding engagements with existing clients. It’s exceptional growth hasn’t gone unnoticed, being named as one of the fastest growing companies in Europe by the Financial Times for the second year in succession, listed on the Virgin Atlantic Sunday Times Fast Track 100 League Table, winner of the ‘Global Player’ Award at the NI Chamber Awards and winner of the ‘Company of the Year’ at the 2021 Business Eye Awards.

“But having an innovation mindset goes beyond the solutions we provide for our clients, says Karl Hanlon. “FinTrU is a people business first and foremost, and FinTrU always strives to lead in terms of our people, our society and the environment.”

Its recent announcement that it was offering its employees a £2,000 one off payment or 5% of salary, whatever is greater, to help counter the cost-of-living increase grabbed the attention of the entire local business

community. But it’s a move that fits in with FinTrU’s employee focus, there from the start but accentuated and accelerated by the Covid pandemic.

When it comes to home working, hybrid or office working, FinTrU takes a simple line.. “People can choose the way of working that suits them best. We do see the merit in office working and collaboration, but for us, there are no mandates. Most of our people, though, choose to be in the office two or three days a week.”

“We didn’t miss a heartbeat at the start of the pandemic,” says Karl Hanlon. “We switched to home working really quickly, providing all our employees with laptops, desks, chairs and screens, and we continue to provide a working from home alllowance. We’re now embracing hybrid working and we’re pleased to see our productivity overall has increased!”

“Of course there is an ongoing battle for talent out there, and having the right kind of work life balance and wellbeing measures help us to attract and retain top talent. Our flexible working arrangements are just part of this. FinTrU employees also get

four weeks paid sabbatical once they’ve served five years and we’ve led in terms of employeefocused policies such as our Pregnancy Loss policy. This is important to us, and whilst we’re proud to have won ‘Best Place to Work’ at the Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards this year, the real reward for us is the quality of talent we have throughout the company..”

“So innovation is part of our DNA. It’s something that we do right throughout our own organisation, and it’s something that our clients want to see from a long-term partner.”

Added to that, the position of sterling means that a GBP supplier like FinTrU represents better value for money right from the start. The demand for our services has never been higher” he adds.

FinTrU has its main base in Belfast’s Gasworks, where it has also just moved into the painstakingly restored historic Meter House, a listed building designed in 1887. The FinTrU Innovation Hub is also located here, a focal point for employee collaboration, engagement and creative problem solving.

FinTrU Chief Commercial Officer Karl Hanlon is in no doubt about the role of innovation within one of our fastest-growing companies.

Eye on Law

Key to success in the legal industrybuilding a people-first culture

Since opening its office in Belfast in 2012, law firm TLT has grown from delivering litigation services to a number of key clients in financial services, to expanding service lines across future energy, real estate, employment and the public sector.

In the last decade, the firm has increased from a couple of employees to a team of 60 professionals working on some of the highest profile and significant deals in Northern Ireland. The firm’s success has, in part, been attributed to TLT’s commitment to creating a people-first culture, which has cemented the organisation’s position as one of the most progressive law firms in the sector.

This commitment was recently recognised when the firm became the first organisation to achieve Silver Diversity Mark on its first application – an endorsement that comes where TLT has rapidly developed its people-focused initiatives across the business.

In 2021, TLT launched a new robust ED&I strategy, which has seen the firm launch a number of people-focused initiatives including new family-friendly benefits, employee networks (including

LGBTQ+ and a BAME network), and mental health and wellbeing champions. These initiatives have, in part, significantly contributed to improving diversity at senior level – this year, TLT reached 31% female partnership bringing the firm a step closer to achieving its target of 33% by 2025.

Legal director in TLT’s employment team and member of the firm’s Women’s Network Leeanne Armstrong stated that “the firm’s people-first culture is evident in the ED&I initiatives that have been created and embedded into all aspects of TLT life. As a member of the firm’s Women’s Network, I have seen first-hand the collaborative space it has created. Employees share experiences and ideas which have informed real change to TLT’s policies and procedures to allow all staff, regardless of their gender, to flourish in their careers.”

2021 also saw TLT introduced a new fully flexible approach to working, which empowers its employees to choose when and

where they worked based on their clients and their own needs. The new approach, called TLT World, is being supported by a multimillion-pound investment in tech platforms and offices to make the shift as seamless as possible.

Speaking about flexibility at TLT, Leeanne commented: “TLT provides me with the flexibility to work in a way that ensures my work and family commitments are met. The firm’s commitment to harnessing the benefits of home working that came from the Covid-19 pandemic has been shown in the roll out of TLT World.”

With the current war on talent in the legal industry, TLT’s initiatives have gone a long way in attracting and retaining employees. The firm recently retained 100 per cent of its newly qualified lawyers as four remain with TLT after successfully completing their training contracts in Belfast. The team was also joined by two new associates and four new trainees who will complete two years of training in Belfast.

Managing associate MaryJane Byrne started her journey at TLT as a trainee in 2014 before qualifying into the real estate team as an associate.

Mary-Jane commented: “The people-first culture at TLT is one of my favourite things about working here. I’m proud to be part of a firm which is moving away from the traditional 9 to 5, office-based approach and offers its lawyers the choice to work where, and when, allows them to be most productive.”

“I’m confident our continued success in Northern Ireland can be attributed to the firm’s people first culture. It’s uplifting to work for an organisation that places inclusivity, diversity, equality and wellbeing at the heart of everything it does.”

For more information about TLT, please visit www.tlt.com

Managing associate Mary-Jane Byrne

Eye on Legal 500 Eye Legal 500

LEGAL 500... The Leading Individuals

Northern Ireland’s Top Law FirmsKey Drivers Of The NI Economy

Northern Ireland’s legal sector, or the key part of it serving business in the region, continues to play a crucial role, nominally as key advisers to business decision-makers but in reality much more than that.

If Northern Ireland itself is a place apart, then its legal sector also has to be that little bit different, populated by lawyers who are well aware of the region’s unique geographical and political position. Add to that the Covid-19 pandemic and the fact that almost every law

Employment HALL OF FAME

Anna Beggan - Tughans

Adam Brett – Lewis Silkin (N.I.) LLP

Orlagh O’Neill - Carson McDowell

Michael Black - Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Adrienne Brock - Elliott Duffy Garrett

Fiona Cassidy – Lewis Silkin (N.I.) LLP

Julie Anne Clarke - Elliott Duffy Garrett

firm is now working, at least in large part, remotely...and there are plenty of challenges out there.

That’s before we even start considering the post-pandemic economic landscape and the many legal challenges that will bring.

The authors of the annual Legal

Dispute Resolution

HALL

500, considered by many to be the authoritative guide to the top law firms and individual lawyers across each UK region, talk each year about Northern Ireland’s combination of cost competitiveness and legal excellence. That’s what has attracted a very different legal sector to our shores, the Belfast offices of big multinational law firms like Herbert Smith Freehills, Allen & Overy, Shoosmiths and Baker McKenzie. And it’s also drawn legal investors to the region, with big UK firms snapping up local law firms.

But Northern Ireland has long had a really strong indigenous legal sector, populated by firms with a long and distinguished history of

OF FAME

Brendan Fox - A&L Goodbody

Catriona Gibson - Arthur Cox

David Kirkpatrick - Pinsent Masons LLP

Declan Magee - Carson McDowell

Michael McCord - Tughans

Amanda Wylie - Kennedys

Patrick Brown - Tughans

Rosemary Connolly – Rosemary Connolly Solicitors Ltd

Jan Cunningham - Millar McCall Wylie LLP

Ciara Fulton – Lewis Silkin (N.I.) LLP

Paul Gillen – Lewis Silkin

Rosemary Lundy - Arthur Cox Belfast

Rachel Penny - Carson McDowell

Gareth Walls - A&L Goodbody

Patrick Fleming - Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Emma Hunt - Mills Selig

Katharine Kimber - TLT

Marie-Louise Lowry - Elliott Duffy Garrett

Caroline Prunty - Millar McCall Wylie LLP

Chris Ritchie - Arthur Cox Belfast

Paul Tweed - Gateley Plc

serving clients in the region, as well as by some of the bigger names in law on the island of Ireland.

It all adds up to a fascinating mix, but, a bit like Premier League football, the big names, the key players, the league leaders in Northern Ireland business and corporate law don’t tend to change to much, at least not on a year to year basis.

The listings below show a top cohort of half a dozen or so big firms whose names crop up with regularity right across the key areas of practice, and an expanded group of 10-12 firms who effectively dominate the marketplace. Here are the key lawyers and the key firms for 2022:-

Corporate and M&A HALL OF FAME

Richard Gray - Carson McDowell

Michael Johnston - Carson McDowell

Paul McBride – Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Kevin McVeigh - Elliott Duffy Garrett

Neasa Quigley - Carson McDowell

Alan Taylor - Arthur Cox

Mark Davis - Shoosmiths LLP

James Donnelly - Tughans

Hilary Griffith – Carson McDowell

Chris Guy - Mills Selig

Alastair Keith - A&L Goodbody

Lynsey Mallon - Arthur Cox Belfast

Damian McParland - Millar McCall Wylie LLP

Peter Stafford - A&L Goodbody

Mark Thompson - A&L Goodbody

Eye

LEGAL 500... The Leading Individuals

Commercial Property

HALL OF FAME

Kathryn Collie - Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Andrea McIlroy-Rose - Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP

Tracey Schofield - A&L Goodbody

Mark Tinman - DWF

Rowan White - Arthur Cox

Mark Blair - Shoosmiths LLP

Emma Cooper - Carson McDowell

David Jones - Tughans

Joe Marley - Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Peter McCall - Millar McCall Wylie LLP

Dawson McConkey - Carson McDowell

Anne Skeggs - Mills Selig

Construction

HALL OF FAME

Brendan Fox - A&L Goodbody

Michael McCord - Tughans

Andrea McIlroy-Rose - Pinsent Masons LLP

Lisa Boyd – Gateley Plc

Cahal Carvill - Arthur Cox Belfast

Patrick Fleming - Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Adrian Kerr - Mills Selig

Tim Kinney - Tughans

Aaron Moore - Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Stuart Murphy - Carson McDowell

Energy, Project Finance & PFI

HALL OF FAME

Stephen Cross - Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Gerard Armstrong – Carson McDowell

William Curry - Arthur Cox Belfast

Ciaran McAlinney - A&L Goodbody

Richard Murphy - Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP

John Palmer - Shoosmiths LLP

Neasa Quigley - Carson McDowell

Andrew Ryan - TLT

Mark Thompson - A&L Goodbody

Banking and Finance

HALL OF FAME

Stephen Cross - Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Avril McCammon - McKees

Sinead McGrath - Carson McDowell

Kevin McVeigh - Elliott Duffy Garrett

Fearghal O’Loan - Tughans

Louise Bailey - A&L Goodbody

Judith Brown - A&L Goodbody

Caroline MacLaughlin – TLT

Stuart Mansfield - Arthur Cox Belfast

Ciaran McAlinney - A&L Goodbody

HALL OF FAME

John Kearns - Mills Selig

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Eye on

Elliott Duffy Garrett celebrates 50 year milestone

Elliott Duffy Garrett opened its doors for business in April 1973. During those fifty years, business activity in Northern Ireland has been transformed and the legal profession is no exception. However, some things have not changed. We always put our clients first. We strive to secure the best outcome for each client. And we deliver the highest level of customer service. Since 1973, Elliott Duffy Garrett have established a reputation for providing high quality, cost-effective, value-driven legal services to a wide range of clients in Northern Ireland and beyond. Our reputation is created by our people. Our lawyers are experts in their respective fields and they share with clients the benefit of many years of experience. We also place great importance on training and developing the next generation of lawyers who will be the future of the firm. We invest constantly in new technology so we can respond, quickly and efficiently, to the needs of our clients. We have always been a Northern Ireland business. We believe that our historic knowledge of the local commercial environment gives us a distinct advantage over law firms that have their headquarters elsewhere. But we also have an international reach. As a member of TAGLaw, one of the largest and most respected multidisciplinary alliances in the world, we can provide clients with access to lawyers in over 90 countries. The TAGLaw motto could have been written for Elliott Duffy Garret - “Globally Connected, Locally Respected”. All of this is reflected in The Legal 500 UK Solicitors 2023 directory and, in particular, the testimonials

Corporate

‘In all instances I found them very professional, very thorough in their work, and most of all very knowledgeable in their field of expertise.’

Corporate Recovery

‘They

Commercial Property

‘They have a depth and quality within a wide team’

Dispute Resolution

‘This is a stand-out firm, combining wide-ranging legal expertise and commercial pragmatism.’

Employment

‘Outstanding employment law team.’

Private Client

have demonstrable expertise in securing best outcomes, for which they are highly regarded in the local jurisdiction, and in cross-jurisdictional matters.’

‘The private client team in Elliott Duffy Garrett leads the field in its unique combination of exceptional legal expertise combined with in-depth local knowledge and high levels of client service.’

Eye on News

56new graduates will start their careers on the Deloitte graduate scheme in Northern Ireland this year, as well as 37 new BrightStart apprentices– the highest number of new apprentices at Deloitte outside of London.

Co-created by Ulster University Business School and Deloitte, the BrightStart programme is an earnwhile-you-learn apprenticeship, with the chance to gain professional and degree level qualifications. The programme was recently ranked in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer list.

The graduate programme offers a permanent job with a competitive salary, benefits and endless opportunities for learning, development and progression. Graduates get to innovate and collaborate with some of the most

Deloitte

talented people in their fields and make an impact every day on the projects they want to work on.

The wider UK firm is set to welcome a cohort of more than 300 BrightStart apprentices and nearly 2,000 graduates this year, with applications now open for its 2023 programme.

Jackie Henry, Office Senior Partner at Deloitte Northern Ireland, said:

“We’re exceptionally proud of our graduates and apprentices and I look forward to meeting the latest cohort very soon. Our graduates and apprentices are a talented group of people from diverse backgrounds, and they bring with them fresh approaches and new ideas that will make a real impact for our clients and our firm. They will have some exciting opportunities waiting for them and we’ll be helping them to build the skills they need to succeed

in an ever-changing world of work.

“Deloitte has ambitious growth plans in Belfast and both our graduate and school leaver programmes will have a huge role to play in these plans. Since the BrightStart programme launched in 2015, we have tapped into a rich vein of talent among young people, and I am always encouraged by the calibre of school leavers and graduates that choose Deloitte as the right place to begin their careers.”

Hollie McGuire, 18, joined Deloitte as a BrightStart apprentice in Belfast in September 2022. She is an analyst in consulting and first joined the firm’s work experience programme, Career Shapers, in 2021.

Hollie said: “I am thoroughly enjoying my first few weeks starting as an analyst with the BrightStart apprenticeship programme at Deloitte. Everyone has been so welcoming and made me feel at ease when starting the firm, which made the transition into my first full time job a lot easier.

“I’m so glad I chose the apprenticeship, as an alternative to going to university. I’m able to

get first-hand experience whilst setting my sights on getting a first-class honours degree.”

Growth in Northern Ireland

Deloitte’s Belfast practice employs more than 1,000 people and the firm has approximately 3,000 people across the island of Ireland. While currently based across two offices in Belfast’s city centre, including the Technology Studio, Deloitte will open a new office in Belfast’s Linen Quarter in the summer of 2023.

Following the acquisition of leading data and digital transformation specialists Etain earlier this year, Deloitte has created Northern Ireland’s largest AI and data practice.

Deloitte is currently recruiting across all services lines in the UK, including in Deloitte Digital which is set to double its headcount to 2,400 over the next three years. This is in addition to hire more than 6,000 new people into the firm’s UK Audit & Assurance practice over the next five years.

A group of the 2022 BrightStart apprentices pictured at The Ewart, Bedford Square, Belfast.

welcomes over 90 new graduates and BrightStart apprentices in Belfast

Eye on News

Continuing its 50th anniversary celebrations, Greiner Packaging UK & Ireland’s “We love sustainable packaging” message will now be seen by thousands of consumers all over the UK and Ireland, as a fleet of newly liveried trailers heads out onto the nations’ roads.

“We recently celebrated our 50th anniversary at Dungannon, Northern Ireland, in the presence of representatives of regional and local government, investors, and the Greiner Family Council from Austria,” says Director Operations at Greiner Packaging International, Jarek Zasadzinski.

“At the event, we announced new investments totalling over £10M, for the installation of new bespoke machinery, commissioning of a new manufacturing hall, and the expansion of the warehouse. These new investments follow the more than £35M we have invested since acquiring Wilsanco in 2006. Sixteen years ago, the site was turning over £15M and today we are achieving £60M. Our goal is to grow this site to £100M over the next 3-4 years.”

“For fifty years, we have produced some of the world’s most sustainable packaging for food and non-food applications at our factory in Dungannon, so putting our essential sustainability message on the road

in an exciting and important step.”

Newry, Northern Ireland-based logistics company Surefreight has been providing logistics services to Dungannon, Northern Ireland-based Greiner Packaging UK & Ireland for more than five years, and has decided to take the packaging company’s sustainability message on tour.

“Thousands of people see messages on trucks on a daily basis,” says Surefreight Business Development Manager Stuart Ferris. “Greiner Packaging is a valued partner, and we are proud to promote its sustainability message as it so closely aligns with our own environmental values. We were planning the addition of dozens of new trailers for the fleet, and immediately thought about using the opportunity to share important messages on what are effectively mobile billboards.”

“We understand the value of getting people to think about packaging and sustainability, and half a dozen of our new trailers now feature Greiner’s important message.”

Greiner Packaging’s Sustainable Message Hits The Road BULLITT HOTEL’S ROOFTOP AREA GETS

Tetto, formally known as Babel, located in one of Belfast’s most iconic rooftops, has opened its doors following a £1million renovation since its closure due to a fire earlier this year.

Reopening with a completely fresh look and feel, Tetto is a bright, modern, design-led restaurant, bar and garden with breath taking panoramic views of Belfast city.

Offering something truly unique in Northern Ireland, Tetto will showcase fresh local seafood with an Italian accent alongside sourdough pizza and imaginative aperitivo inspired cocktails.

Opening Wednesday to Sunday, guests can expect an energetic, soulful playlist, resident DJs in the garden

every weekend and garden parties throughout the year as well as delicious, laid-back weekend brunch served every Saturday and Sunday.

Since reopening in August 2022, Belfast’s much-loved Bullitt Hotel has welcomed guests back in their droves to the city centre location having been dearly missed by locals and tourists alike.

Offering top class food, drinks and entertainment from Taylor & Clay Grill, the Courtyard & Lobby, Rattlebag and now Tetto, Bullitt Hotel continues to be a hospitality hub in Belfast City Centre.

Commenting on the launch of Tetto, Conall Wolsey, Managing Director of Beannchor said:

“After the fire in March, we had to carry out significant

restoration work and decided to use this time to completely renovate the entire rooftop bar, garden and restaurant.

“During the seven-month closure, we invested £1million and have given Tetto a completely new design and feel with a carefully curated food and drink menu to

match its modern vibe.

“The whole team’s jobs were protected throughout this closure along with creating a number of new full-time positions. We are delighted to have everyone back and ready to welcome customers through the doors of Tetto.”

Tetto officially opens to

the public at 10pm Friday 14 October and can be accessed through the entrance at 70-74 Ann St, Belfast BT1 4QG.

Tetto is part of the Beannchor Group, Ireland’s largest hospitality group, which boasts a portfolio of over 50 pubs, hotels and restaurants across Northern Ireland.

Bank of England takes forceful action on interest rates to bring inflation down

By Frances Hill, Bank of England Agent in Northern Ireland

Consumer price inflation has risen significantly this year and was just over 10% in September, well above the Bank of England’s 2% target.

There are several reasons why inflation is so high. The biggest of these is the rise in energy prices as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. A rise in the prices of imported goods is another significant factor, caused partly by supply chain problems across the world.

Developments in the UK are also playing a role in pushing inflation up. Companies have increased the prices of goods they sell in response to higher costs. Additionally, the labour market in the UK is extremely tight, with unemployment having fallen to 3.5% and in Northern Ireland, it is even lower at 3%.

Many of the businesses I speak to on my regular company visits here in Northern Ireland say they are struggling to fill job vacancies. This means they are having to offer higher wages to attract workers and they are passing on these higher costs into the prices of the services they provide.

One of the main reasons for the current labour shortage is that fewer people are actively seeking work following the pandemic, sadly in some cases due to long-term sickness.

The resulting inflation is hitting households and families hard, especially as the prices of some essentials such as energy and groceries have increased by more than 10%. This is something that came across clearly during discussions with members of the public at a recent Citizen’s Panel we held in Northern Ireland. People have less money to spend on

other things and this means that the output of the UK economy has started to fall.

It is very important that we get inflation back down to the Bank’s 2% target. Low and stable inflation is part of the bedrock of the economy, allowing people to go about their daily lives and plan for the future with confidence.

This is why the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee increased interest rates at its latest meeting to 3%. In total, since December 2021, we have increased our interest rate from 0.1% to 3%.

We understand that raising interest rates means that people’s mortgage payments are increasing at the same time as prices are rising. But the impact on everyone would be even worse if the Bank does not take strong action now to bring inflation down.

The Monetary Policy Committee may need to increase interest rates further over the coming months, but it thinks that less is likely to be needed than financial markets predict.

There is a lot of uncertainty at the moment, but as things stand, we expect inflation to fall sharply from the middle of next year. We don’t expect the cost of energy to increase so quickly and the scheme the government recently announced will cap the price of energy bills for households and businesses over the next 6 months. The prices of other goods should also rise less rapidly as supply problems faced by companies are starting to ease. And the slowing in households’ demand for goods and services will also lead to a slowing in price inflation.

The Bank’s Governor, Andrew Bailey acknowledged at the recent press conference that “the road ahead will be a tough one.” He added that “the economy will recover. And inflation will fall.”

Frances Hill.

Frances Hill is Agent for Northern Ireland.

Eye on Round Table

Northern Ireland’s Real Estate Sector – Covid, Recession & Beyond

Business Eye hosted a Round Table Discussion held in the unique surroundings of The Resolution Centre Belfast, the Bar Council of Northern Ireland’s meeting and mediation facility in The Boat, Donegall Quay.

An influential panel looked at Northern Ireland’s real estate/ commercial property sector postCovid, at the challenges it faces, at how it is performing and at what the future holds.

RB – Let us start with a general question to each of you. How do you view the real estate market here post-Covid?

PM – Wind back to the easing of the first strict lockdown in 2020 and you will remember that the housing market went crazy and it has stayed strong until recently. The commercial sector is harder to explain but we’ve just had our strongest two years, transacting £250 million worth of business and doubling our staff. Why? I think there is still a feeling that Northern Ireland represents good value for money for investors. When any good real estate goes on the market, it’s snapped up very quickly.

DM – In 2020, we’d just set up Duneane AM to invest in a city we knew and a city that we think has a way to go. I think we’re coming out of Covid better than most other comparable cities. We have more people back in the city working as a percentage of workforce than say Dublin or London. We’ve seen Merchant Square, Paper Exchange and The Ewart being built driving this period and the buildings seem to be leasing up well. What’s clear is that every landlord needs to have smart and the best in class buildings.

As business people here, we tend to plough whatever is happening on the political front. However, external investors don’t see it like that. They look for stability.

RW – I hope we can look back and view Covid was a once in a lifetime event. There is no doubt it has caused considerable pain in this industry. We were all looking for some post-Covid stability but it hasn’t quite worked out like that. We have all had to look at our businesses through a different lens, but a lot of us have come out stronger.

There is uncertainty, but there is also opportunity.

Martin Mallon, Managing Director, South Bank Square, one of our largest residential developers with interests in the Belfast residential market and the hotel sector.

Richard Buckley, Business Eye

Peter McCall, Head of Real Estate & Managing Partner, Millar McCall Wylie, and one of Northern Ireland’s top ranked property lawyers.

Donall McCann, Founder & Chief Executive, Duneane Asset Management, and former Head of Regional Capital Markets at Lambert Smith Hampton.

Ryan Walker, Managing Director, Magell, a property investment and development company with interests in the office and retail sector. Magell is also the owner of Urban HQ, the flexible workspace in Belfast City Centre.

Gareth Graham, Chief Executive, Oakland Developments, the firm behind Belfast’s Merchant Square, now occupied by PwC and currently developing an aparthotel in Queen Street. Gareth also heads up Belfast Commercial Funding, a new player in the property finance market.

The Participants

Eye on Round Table

GG – There was a real sense of optimism coming out of lockdown, as Peter said. But more recent events, the issues caused by what happened on September 23rd in London. Rising inflation and interest rates have taken their toll and, as sure as eggs are eggs, they will affect our sector. There will be difficulties ahead.

MM – The fact that construction was allowed to keep going during Covid was a big positive factor. We kept going, and as a region, we’re very good at that. Certainly, we came out of Covid a lot stronger than many of us would have expected. But the 23rdSeptember mini budget changed a lot of that.

RB – So the financial crisis caused by the mini budget is the big issue. But what about on a local level? What are the challenges facing real estate?

DM – Our city needs people back into workplaces. I’d encourage anyone – private or public sector – to get their people back to work on whatever basis works best. We do have a new way of working but we can and have adapted to that. On an optimistic note, there are properties across all sectors on the market at the moment and the competition from buyers is strong.

Our market remains of interest to cash rich family offices. Outside NI,investors continue to look for perceived value.

MM – But we don’t want people coming because we’re seen as cheaper or cheapest. It is all about value. I agree on office working and I think employers are trying to hit their own sweet spots when it comes to hybrid working. In terms of challenges, construction costs are the biggest alongside the availability of labour.

GG – That is true. Construction costs are going up, labour costs are going up, energy costs are going up and the cost of funding is going up. All of that will have an impact and I think we will see a slowing down.

PM – Do you see all of that having an effect on house prices, Martin?

MM – No. It’s not like is was back in 2008. No house builder I know has stock built and not sold. You sell as you go along and, at most, you might be half a dozen houses ahead. We all knew that 2% interest rates would not be around forever. However, what 23rd September did was to take rates from 2% to 6% overnight. The crucial thing for the housing market is the availability of

mortgages so we could be in for a period of stagnation until things settle down. Builders cannot afford to sell houses any cheaper than they are at the moment.

RW – I think the high inflationary environment we are living through makes property attractive as a safe harbour to invest in, but there’s going to be a difference between the price expectations of sellers and where buyers see values. We’ve already seen, and will continue to see, opportunistic buyers coming to the market. We are moving from an era of low interests rates to a more prolonged period of higher rates and I do think that impacts yield profiles and values. If your debt costs are more than 5% then an asset producing less than 5% yield does not make a lot of sense.

PM – We have to mention the fact that we don’t have a functioning government in Northern Ireland. Therefore, we have nobody selling Northern Ireland at governmental level. In addition, we have major infrastructure problems that aren’t being addressed. If you compare the political class here with the political class in the Republic, there’s a night and day difference from a pure business perspective.

MM – It’s scandalous that we don’t have an Executive to draw down the budget that’s earmarked for Northern Ireland. No one can justify a situation like that.

GG – There is an incredibly difficult road ahead and we have no one driving the bus. We all go out and sell Northern Ireland and the first question we all get is about instability. Yes, we live with it and we manage our way around it. The world still turns. But it should not be like this.

RW – It seems a fixation on constitutional ideology has hijacked the business of successful government. As others have said, we have a great resilience. Uncertainty is our certainty. However, it really impacts institutional buyers and investors from beyond these shores and it affects our ability to pull capital from external sources.

PM - You could link that in, Ryan, with the lack of an engaged banking sector, which has largely pulled its horns in since the financial crisis. We have some alternatives, and Gareth can talk about Belfast Commercial Funding, but the shortage of funding is something that needs to be addressed.

Eye on Round Table

DM – One problem we have is that we don’t have a bank whose core decision making function lies in this city. We’re not big and scale becomes a problem for us when it comes to external money. I think it’s a huge problem for the entire business community. Not just property. Property investors and developers can, however, find alternative funding, it has proved this.

GG – It’s true. Northern Ireland has no indigenous banking system. When trouble arrives, they pull the shutters down. In their defence, they’re very constrained in what they can lend. But there has to be options for businesses who need funding. As interest rates creep up, it’s going to become even more difficult.

Belfast Commercial Funding was born out of my own experience of trying to raise funds for Merchant Square. We went to every financial institution here and in the south and we ended up travelling the world to raise the funds. None of the funding came from the island of Ireland. It came from New York and it came from London. What we need is to get more nonbank funders into our market. If the banks can’t or won’t fund, and there is no political pressure on them, there is space for alternatives.

MM – What about developments which are talked about but never get off the ground? We seem to have had a few, and it can’t help when it comes to creating the right perceptions to institutional investors and others outside of Northern Ireland.

GG – That’s something we do better than anyone else. We are great at announcing big schemes that never happen. When we were planning Merchant Square, the banks here told us that there was no

need for it, no demand. But we’ve got to keep fighting against the kind of thing.

RB – We’re sitting here with quite a few office developments in sight. What is the potential for the office sector?

GG – There’s a temporary oversupply where there used to be a shortage. Fantastic building, brilliant space, great finish but a combination of Covid and more recent events, it’s going to take time for those to finish letting up. Once they do, there will be new opportunities.

DM – But that’s what always happens, Gareth. The last financial crisis left us with so-called white elephants. It might be Covid, it might be a lack of funding, but we will see space being let. We are seeing buildings leasing up, and we are seeing the emergence of a distinct and prominent offices zones in Belfast for the first time. We need something to set us apart. It won’t be tax because there will soon be a big gap between us and the Republic on corporation tax. What we do have is dual market membership; pressing on the benefits of this should provide huge opportunity.

MM – I’d go further. I’d say that this is the golden opportunity for this place in the business sense. This is where we can really make gains. But no one is going to come unless that know it’s here for good. Of course, there is no logic in there being too many checks on a lorry load of goods coming across on the ferry for our supermarkets. Surely, these difficulties aren’t insurmountable.

PM – If we could leverage some sort of tax harmonisation into the protocol

negotiations , we could end up with access to two big markets and a more level playing field on tax with ROI , which would be a game changer.

DM – We have a position where the American government is invested here, the British government is invested here, the Dublin government is invested here and the EU is the same. We’ve got four of the biggest players all involved for the right reasons. We could not have a better line-up.

MM – Maybe the British government has worked out that this is their opportunity for this place not to cost them anything. With dual market membership, over time, we can go it alone.

PM – The business community has been shouting these advantages from the rooftops for past few years. Scotland’s government and its business community would bite your arm off for what we have. We really have to grab this and take advantage of it while we can.

MM – I keep coming back to it, but we need to make sure that it stays this way and that everyone knows it is staying this way. Investors will not invest if the goal posts are going to shift in three years’ time.

RB – We’re here in the heart of Belfast. Do we need a masterplan for the city? And how do we encourage more residential development here?

MM – We’re way behind other cities in terms of urban living. There are reasons for that, of course, going back to the bad old days.

PM – There new student accommodation beside the Ulster University campus is very impressive. We’re getting kids used to living in the city centre but they won’t be able to live here, as things stand, once they graduate. That’s a crying shame.

MM – When you say masterplan, I get the shivers. We’ve had plenty of masterplans which have ended up gathering dust on shelf somewhere. We need to sort out the basics – the planning system, the water and sewerage infrastructure, the surplus of bureaucracy around development.

PM – I know that you had plans to develop Fanum House in Great Victoria Street for residential use, Martin.

MM – It’s a good case in point. We’ve been talking to the authorities about demolishing the old 1960’s office block and replacing it with a 17-storey build to rent apartment building but it’s been knocked back at the pre-planning stage. So, never mind construction costs, funding and other hurdles, if we can’t get a positive regeneration project through the pre-planning, stages, it’s all going to be very difficult.

The Deloitte Crane Survey showed that where Liverpool has built 2,000 apartments and Manchester more than double that, Belfast had built 34. Why are we not building? Because it is too difficult to get planning permission. Councillors need to be educated about what city centre living means and what it can do for the regeneration of the city. There is just no foresight and they’rereading off the wrong set of rules.

The role of the planning service is to be facilitate development, not to stand in its way.

Eye on Round Table

RW – There exists a ‘Northern Irishism’ whereby there is nearly a stigma attached to lodging a planning application. It’s like the cards are stacked against you from day one; perceptions of developers trying to make profit at all costs. Instead of planning being a collaborative process where you are engaging co-operatively, it feels as though you are stabbing in the dark. It sometimes feels like pushing a ball up the hill.

GG – I’ve had plans that have been in the process for up to 18 months with no sign of any decision. Applications go out to various statutory consultees and all it takes is one or two of those to ask for an extension and the process goes on…and on.

MM – The bottom line is that planning must serve its basic function. The Planners should be able to take a planning application, on which thousands of pounds has been spent, and process it within a reasonable timeframe, engaging in a positive twoway conversation along the way.

RB – Can we touch on a couple of areas fairly quickly. Hotels and retail.

DM – We’ve had a good summer on the hotel front. We’re up 40% on our room rates. But we need tourism to continue to grow. But, as things stand, there is demand for rooms in the city. We wouldn’t like to get back to an oversupply situation but that needs to happen in a way to ultimately grow overall tourism numbers.

RB – What about business tourism?

GG – The operators who are taking on our new aparthotel, Room2, have a cross

section of guests who they’ll try to attract – families, tourists, business visitors. That mix covers all bases. Any visitors are good news for a city like Belfast.

DM – There is a demand for rooms and that will help encourage more of the big hotel operators to come in here. They’ll only come to places where there is a proven demand.

MM – I’ll repeat what I said earlier. It’s never good to be the cheapest. We’re definitely not the cheapest when it comes to hotel stays any more and it’s a good thing. We still have a way to go. We’ve all seen tourists knocking around Belfast on a Sunday morning with nowhere to go. So we need to work on that, and on the state of our city centre. It’s about getting the basics right.

RW – It seems like a long time since retail was the darling of the property market. We’ve seen massive structural shifts, a big change in the landscape, but we can’t group retail into one big category. Some retailers are doing really well, others are struggling. We do have too much retail space, that’s for sure. It’s all about creating the right offering. There are challenges in the shopping centre space, where inflation is impacting on tenant service charges and general occupational costs. Also, rates are unreasonably high and that doesn’t help matters. Retail parks are particularly strong and represent a liquid part of the market. They’ve also proved resilient through Covid. So a bit of a mixed bag, but retail isn’t a bad proposition in terms of yield values and there is most certainly a future; you just have to be prepared to take the rough with the smooth.

DM – There is a market for retail definitely. But the current issues like energy costs and inflation are causing problems. You’re right about rates... they’re far too high but the problem is the outdated system, they are a big issue, I think. But the cost of living crisis means that it’s a time more than ever to keep close to all retailers and work through this period together. ’

But we have retail assets on the market right now. Rushmere in Craigavon is the prime example. And it’s attracting interest from smart people who know retail well – it’s a good sign.

RW – Retail is cyclical, let’s not forget that. If you can get the right fundamental asset and develop it well, the time will come when it comes back into focus.

MM – The other challenge for retail is, as the high street shrinks, what to do with the old assets? Can they be repurposed as offices or residential, for example?

RB – Let me ask you each one closing question – what does the future hold? Are you optimistic or pessimistic?

PM – I’m optimistic. If we could address the problems we’ve discussed here today, the sky’s the limit.

DM – We’ve kicked the politicians and the banks a bit today, but all for the good! We have to work hard together to connect all of us as a business community better and to sort out our infrastructure issues. But we can do good things. I’m optimistic.

RW – There are reasons to be optimistic but some challenges to overcome. We’re resilient so let’s keep going.

GG – We’ve got more potential than any other UK region. Stability would help to unlock that potential.

MM – Look at what we’ve been doing. We’ve been running uphill against the wind. Imagine what it will be like when we can run downhill with the wind at our backs...

RB – And what about retail, Ryan?

Eye on Employment

Patricia Coulter & Don Leeson

Eye on Employment

Labour Relations Agency –A Vital Service For Employees & Employers Alike

It’s a busy time for Northern Ireland’s Labour Relations Agency. Against the background of the cost of living crisis and labour market shortages, the organisation finds itself conciliating on the rising number of strikes either happening or about to happen.

Working behind the scenes on strikes is something the Agency is well known for. What is less well known is the sheer breadth of what it does on collective disputes, and on individual cases, for employees and employers.

“The first piece of advice we’d give anyone is easy. Talk to us early. Don’t be afraid to ask us for advice before any situation becomes more difficult,” says Don Leeson, the LRA’s affable Chief Executive. “Individual disputes can become very stressful, very quickly, so early advice and early action can make a real difference.”

The Agency’s conciliation and arbitration services have one central aim in mind – to avoid the need for costly and protracted legal proceedings. It’s something that’s in the interests of both parties to any dispute.

“It’s a fact that only around 7% of employment disputes ever reach the tribunal stage,” says Don. “The majority will reach a resolution using our services, or they’ll settle out of court before the case begins. A lot of our time is spent explaining the realities of the whole process to those involved in disputes.

“Mediation is central to what we do,” he says. “In any dispute or potential dispute, it’s about looking closely at each party’s position and trying to find common ground and potential solutions, but we absolutely have to be impartial, and we must engender trust in everything we do.

“It’s hard work. It can be exhausting for our staff members, but it can be very rewarding, especially when a successful outcome is reached.

“Our dedicated telephone helpline handles up to 20,000 calls every year,” he says. “When the economy is strong, the number of calls goes down. When there are issues, like at the present moment, the volume goes up.

“And our staff work with some very distressed people, some of whom are suffering from mental health issues as a result of their workplace problems.

“So, as well as trying to find solutions for our users, we also have to look after our own members of staff who have a very challenging job to do.

Don Leeson heads up an organisation with an experienced board including representatives from trade unions and employers as well as HR specialists. The current chairman is Gordon Milligan, Deputy Group CEO at one of Northern Ireland’s biggest employers, Translink.

As well as its dispute resolution, conciliation and mediation roles, the Agency has an education remit. It runs regular seminars and webinars on good employment practice, aimed at reducing the number of potential disputes.

“Our doors are always open to employers who want some practical advice on how they can improve their employment practices, and what they can do to avoid conflict situations,” adds Don Leeson. “We work proactively to get our messages out there.”

The Labour Relations Agency also works alongside industry groups such as Hospitality Ulster, with whom it has developed an employability charter for the broader industry. It has also collaborated with Manufacturing NI.

“Employers, in general, want to do the right thing by their employees and they also want to be able to retain staff, especially in these days of a very challenging labour market.

“Employers are also well aware of the cost of conflict, the time and money spent trying to resolve grievances.”

Don draws a definite link between good employment practices and improved productivity and it’s an assertion that few employers would have an issue with.

“The Agency has commissioned two pieces of research: one into the business benefits of good employment relations and the other to estimate the costs of not getting this right. We hope to launch both reports at our stakeholder conference on 23rd February 2023.”

The Agency has also been busy post-Covid advising on return to office protocols and hybrid working practices.

A native of Grimsby, Don started his working life on the town’s fish docks and remains an avid supporter of the local football team. He describes himself as a ‘romantic migrant’ to Northern Ireland back in 1999.

He has worked with the Equality Commission, the Human Rights Commission and the Consumer Council before arriving at the Labour Relations Agency where he worked in a number of different roles before being appointed as Chief Executive in December, 2020.

Helen Smyth, Advisory and Economic Development Manager at the LRA, pictured with Colin Neill, Hospitality Ulster.

HOT OFF THE PRESS –NEW TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS LAUNCHES INTO NI MARKET

Newly established IT solutions and document technology leader Innovative Workspace Solutions (IWS) has invested in opening its headquarters in Northern Ireland, with the aim of helping businesses in Northern Ireland to create smarter workplaces.

As the premier partner of Xerox products and services in NI, IWS has opened their innovation centre on Belfast’s Heron Road. Owned by long-established Irish business National Business Machines (NBM), the company has growth firmly in its sights, with plans to invest £1.8M into developing its network of customers over the next three years. 11 full time staff will be in post by the end of this year and further recruitment is planned for 2023.

IWS is led by the previous managing director of Xerox Ireland, Mark McPhillips: “Our focus is on helping organisations work smarter, more efficiently and more effectively through the deployment of innovative IT services

and workplace technology solutions.”

“We talk about creating ‘the workspace of tomorrow’ through innovative technology. We know businesses must create modern, efficient and secure workspaces for their people – in both their physical and virtual offices.”

Speaking about their decision to launch in Belfast, Mark McPhillips continues: “Northern Ireland represents a fantastic growth opportunity for us. The entrepreneurial spirit, innovation and sheer level of business talent in Northern Ireland makes it an ideal place for us to set up our headquarters. We look forward to embedding ourselves in the local community and building positive working relationships across a wide range of sectors.”

L-R Stephen Moore, Senior Business Development Manager; Norman McNellis, Commercial Director; Mark McPhillips, Managing Director, IWS.

L-R Irene Rafferty, Finance Director; Norm an McNellis, Commercial Director; Mark McPhillips, Managing Director; Michael Galvin, Chairman; Niamh Galvin –Marketing Director, IWS

Northern Ireland’s First Business Sustainability Awards

Are Launched

Monday, 24th October.

The Business Eye Sustainability Awards, in association with Strategic Power Connect, are due to take place for the first time at the Culloden Estate & Spa on the evening of Thursday, 23rd February, 2023.

Local businesses, and business leaders, will be able to enter a comprehensive range of 13 categories, including awards aimed at sectors such as food & drink, hospitality & tourism,

manufacturing and retail.

Top of the bill on the evening will be the announcement of Northern Ireland’s Sustainable Company Of The Year and Business Leader of the Year.

The awards were launched at PwC’s Merchant Square building in Belfast city centre, one of the most advanced office buildings anywhere on the island in terms of its environmentally friendly and sustainable features and facilities.

Keynote sponsors of the new Business Eye Sustainability Awards are Strategic Power Connect, one of Ireland’s leading suppliers of renewable energy solutions to large energy users.

The new awards are being launched and organised by the team at Business Eye, the driving force behind the annual AIB Business Eye Awards and the new Business Eye Family Business Awards.

“We hear so much today about how local businesses are reinventing how they do business to reflect the onus on each and every one of us to make our contribution to a more sustainable environment. Local companies are working hard to make a difference and we felt it was time to recognise those efforts and those achievements,” says Richard Buckley, Editor of Business Eye.

“We’ve had a really high level of interest so far and we’re really looking forward to seeing the entries coming through from local organisations over the coming months.”

Paul Carson, Managing Director, Strategic Power Connect said, “We are delighted to be the keynote sponsor of the first sustainability awards in Northern Ireland. Strategic Power Connect are committed to supporting businesses in the north and south of Ireland, achieve their sustainability goals through renewable energy systems and solutions.

Partnering with Business Eye to recognise the best performing businesses in Northern Ireland is a perfect fit for us. I believe the event will be the highlight of the 2023 NI event calendar and I look forward to reviewing the entries alongside other members of the judging panel.”

Richard & Brenda Buckley, Ruth Kimbley & Paul Carson, Strategic Power Connect.

Northern Ireland companies leading the way in the field of sustainable business practices were recognised in a brand new set of business awards launched in Belfast on

Eye on Awards www.businesseyeawards.co.uk

Paul Carson, Strategic Power Connect addresses the audience.

Eye on Awards www.businesseyeawards.co.uk

Barry Turley, Lanyon Group & Steven Agnew, Renewables NI.

Julie McCandless (Queen’s Management School), Paul Carson, Strategic Power Connect & Andrew Ryan, TLT.

Richard Buckley addresses the audience.

Carolyn Boyd & Orla Farren, Tourism NI and Ciara Donnelly, Business Eye.

Eye on Awards www.businesseyeawards.co.uk

Stephen Simpson, & Mark Cunningham, Bank of Ireland, Brenda Buckley, Business Eye & Paul McClurg, Bank of Ireland.

Julie McCandless & Xinwu He, Queens Management School.

Heather White, IOD, Gary McDonald, Irish News, Jasmine Moorehead, PWC Mark McCallum, PWC & Iain Lees, Strategic Power Connect.

Liam Faulkner & Paul Carson, Strategic Power Connect with T Balendran, Davy.

Julie McCandless, Queens Management School, Ciara Donnelly, Business Eye, Cormac Gribben, Tarasis Enterprises, Brenda Buckley, Business Eye & Xinwu He Queens Management School.

Ciara Donnelly, Business Eye with Ruth Kimbley & Paul Carson, Strategic Power Connect.

Eye on Awards

Orla Farren & Carolyn Boyd, Tourism NI with Richard Buckley (centre).

Gary McDonald, Irish News, Glyn Roberts, Retail NI and Barry Turley, Lanyon Group.

Andrew Ryan, TLT with Paul McClurg, Bank of Ireland.

Iain Lees & Ryan McBirney, Strategic Power Connect with Mark McCallum, PWC.

Mark Cunningham & Stephen Simpson, Bank of Ireland with Richard Buckley, Business Eye.

Brenda Buckley with Andrew Ryan (left) and Kevin Murphy from TLT.

Eye on Awards

Sustainable Hospitality & Tourism Business of The Year

This award is open to all types of business operating within the Hospitality & Tourism sector here in Northern Ireland, including hotels, pubs/restaurants and visitor attractions. Entrants must demonstrate how a commitment to sustainability forms part of their business model.

www.businesseyeawards.co.uk

Sustainability Business Leader of the Year

Aimed at owners and senior managers, the award will recognise a business leader who has led his or her organisation to real sustainability achievement, and whose leadership can serve as an example for other business owners and leaders to follow.

Sponsored by Queen’s University

Sustainable Services Company of the Year

Aimed at all NI-based services organisations (ie. not manufacturing) and highlighting best sustainability practice in how the organisation provides its services to customers.

Sustainable Retail Business of the Year

Similar to the Sustainable Services Company of the Year category, but aimed exclusively at retail businesses of any size with sustainability at the heart of their operations.

Sustainable Manufacturing Business of the Year

For manufacturers, embracing sustainability as an ethos can be more challenging than for businesses operating in other sectors. Entrants should be able to show how their manufacturing processes and systems have been adapted to improve the environmental impact of the organisation’s operations.

Sustainability Team of the Year

Many NI organisations now have their own sustainability units, teams committed to spotlighting the sustainability agenda in everything their organisation does. This award sets out to honour the best local sustainability team working within a local organisation.

Sponsored by Tarasis Enterprises

Waste Reduction Project of the Year

Waste reduction, and recycling, are both central to Northern Ireland’s sustainable future. This award sets out to recognise a project which reflects the sustainability targets of the region and contributed to the wider goals.

Sustainable Company of the Year 2023

Innovation in Sustainability Award

Open to all organisations based in Northern Ireland, this special award sets out to recognise genuine and tangible innovations which have produced real environmental and sustainability improvements and helped to change the way the organisation operates.

The headline award, presented to the Northern Ireland company, of any size and from any sector, which has demonstrated the most impressive and lasting commitment to sustainability across all of its activities and operations.

Built Environment Project Of The Year

This award sets out to recognise the very best sustainable and environmentally focussed projects completed in the wider built environment. Entries are welcomed in respect of commercial developments, office/retail, infrastructure and housing/residential projects.

Sustainability Project of the Year

The individual project within a wider organisation which, in the opinion of the judges, best exemplifies the wider sustainability and net zero targets of the region as a whole.

Young Sustainability Champion Award

The award will be presented to a young business/organisation manager (30 years maximum at entry closing date) driving positive change towards sustainable/net zero targets within their own organisation and/or in the wider community.

Sustainable Food and Drink Company of the Year

Open to NI-based food and drink manufacturers, processors and suppliers with sustainability incorporated into their production/supply processes and whose products reflect the sustainable ethos of the organisation.

Sponsored by Tourism Northern Ireland

Sponsored by Bank of Ireland

Sponsored by TLT Solicitors

Sponsored by Strategic Power Connect

Sponsored by Maxol

Hassle

Eye on News

Kingsbridge Healthcare Group Announces Opening of new Outpatients Centre at Kingsbridge Private Hospital North West

Kingsbridge Healthcare Group has announced the opening of the new ‘Liz Dallas Outpatients Centre’ at Kingsbridge Private Hospital North Westin Ballykelly, just 16 months after they acquired it.

Named after the longest serving employee in the original Hospital, this latest development is part of an overall £6 million investment in the hospital’s facilities which has also created an additional 80 jobs in the area.

Anthony McKenna, General Manager at Kingsbridge Private Hospital North West explained what clinical and support services will be delivered within this latest addition to the hospital.

“When we first took over the hospital in Ballykelly we announced our commitment to not only build on current services offered but to deliver a wide range of specialisms that will enhance the choices available to everyone in the north west region and across the island.

“With this significant investment, patients will now benefit from eight medical consultation rooms and a

nurse treatment room on the ground floor, a newly installed laundry service which will be used across the whole hospital group, and on the first floor, we have created additional office space for our expanding administration support teams.”

Mark Regan, Chief Executive of Kingsbridge Healthcare Group outlined the benefits of the investment across whole hospital.

“The new outpatients centre will be underpinned with a comprehensive refurbishment programme, which has already commenced for the wider hospital and will result in a complete remodelling of all ward bedrooms, and consultation rooms in the main hospital along with the provision of additional paediatric services for the Group.

“To complement these services, we have installed a multi-million pound MRI Scanner, the only

private scanning facility of its kind in Northern Ireland which can scan patients while under anaesthetic. This is of particular use for young children or patients with disabilities who are unable to stay completely still for the scans which can last between 15-60 mins. The scanner will also be of interest to those patients who are anxious, or experience claustrophobia given its faster scan times, its extra wide tunnel and a 70% reduction in noise. The scanner will offer the latest in high quality imaging and diagnostics as well as providing a better experience for patients and faster turnaround times for our clinicians”, said Mark.

At the new Outpatients Centre Mark welcomed Mrs Liz Dallas, who was

previously the Matron and Hospital Director at NWIH, to unveil a plaque in her honour and officially open the ‘Liz Dallas Outpatients Centre’.

” Liz was so well respected and highly regarded when she worked at the hospital here for nearly three decades, so it was very fitting to call the new outpatients centre after her. The staff and management were delighted to welcome Liz back and give her a VIP tour of the new amenities.

Facilities at Kingsbridge Private Hospital North West include 38 overnight beds, 8-day case beds, an endoscopic suite, 3 theatres two of which are laminar flow with a state-of-the-art recovery unit. The Hospital also has emergency bloods on site and 90 car parking spaces.

Mark Regan, CEO KHG; Sarah Marks Group COO at KHG; Mrs Liz Dallas who officially opened and Anthony McKenna GM at KPHNW in Ballykelly.

Eye on News

Future of startups at serious risk due to loss of EU funding,warns business body

The future of local entrepreneurship and indigenous start-ups in Northern Ireland is at serious risk if a replacement to EU funding cannot be agreed, according to the body which represents local enterprise in Northern Ireland.

Enterprise NI has warned that uncertainty over the proposed UK Shared Prosperity Fund risks squeezing start-ups and micro and small businesses out of the market.

The organisation, which supports Northern Ireland’s aspiring entrepreneurs and start-ups and works with more than 4,000 entrepreneurs and micro and small businesses every week, has said that local entrepreneurship will be among the hardest hit if future funding is not distributed effectively.

Enterprise NI’s warning comes as Finance Minister Conor Murphy confirmed this week that the proposed replacement funding will “deliver too little money, risks duplication of provision and lacks alignment to our local priorities.”

The Finance Minister also said in

an Assembly Written Answer that the UK Government’s centralised approach to the funding “has crystallised a significant loss of spending power for the Executive.”

Ahead of the publication of the Northern Ireland Investment Plan as part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund at the end of this month, Enterprise NI are calling on the UK Government’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to urgently confirm that funding for local enterprise will not fall by March 2023. It is also calling on the department to ensure that it is distributed efficiently so that funding is not spent unnecessarily on management of fragmented, cumbersome programmes and that start-ups and local businesses get the right support at the right time and through an easy-to-access service.

Enterprise NI is planning to bid to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to resource a newly designed service through the Fund’s ‘Supporting Local Business’ stream. This will deliver a connected support system for entrepreneurs and businesses across Northern Ireland as well as a comprehensive ‘preenterprise’ service to help budding entrepreneurs get off the ground.

Michael McQuillan, Chief Executive of Enterprise NI, said: “Local economic development across Northern Ireland faces a cliff edge in March 2023 when EU funding streams come to an end. This deadline is looming and, with just six months to go, we are no clearer to how this vital funding will be replaced or even whether it will provide the same level of funding.

“EU funds were crucial in supporting start-ups and entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland, helping foster entrepreneurship and enterprise, and delivering billions of pounds in local economic development. It’s therefore deeply concerning to hear the Finance Minister confirm again this week that the planned replacement

will not deliver the required level of funding and doesn’t align to Northern Ireland’s priorities.

“At the absolute least, the British Government must ensure that the Shared Prosperity Fund provides the same level of funding to support pre-starts and startups, if not more given the serious hurdles currently facing business owners of all shapes and sizes.

“Enterprise NI has been engaging with elected representatives across the country from all political parties to highlight how our proposed ‘Primary Care Network’ service will ensure local economic development can be delivered in a more joined-up cost effective, impactful way post-March 2023. It’s vital that the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities recognises the efficiencies that our bid can deliver and ensure that entrepreneurship in Northern Ireland does not fall off a cliff edge in six months’ time. Without it, start-ups, young entrepreneurs, and micro businesses will be squeezed out of the market before they even get off the ground.”

Eye on News

27 community projects awarded grants by Bank of Ireland Begin Together Arts Fund

to support artists and arts projects in communities across the island of Ireland.

Over £250,000 is being awarded in the third round of funding for projects taking place between October 2022 and December 2023.

For this round of the Begin Together Arts Fund, in partnership with Arts & Business NI and Business to Arts, the projects supported aimed to inspire and uplift their local communities. Arts Fund grant recipients will receive up to £12,900 to support the creation of new works in music, theatre, dance, traditional arts, and the visual arts, and the aim is for the projects to benefit a wide range of audiences.

organisations across Northern Ireland. This year’s focus on projects that inspire and uplift their local communities represents an important part of our wider support for communities through our Begin Together initiative.

“We’re looking forward to seeing these projects brought to life in the coming months and to celebrating these artists and local groups for the role they play in enhancing and connecting communities.”

Mary Nagele is CEO of Arts & Business NI said:

Bank of Ireland, in partnership with Arts & Business NI and Business to Arts, has announced the projects that will receive financial

support from the Begin Together Arts Fund. Since 2020, the all-island Begin Together Arts Fund has allocated more than £800,000 in arts funding

William Thompson, Head of Consumer Banking NI, Bank of Ireland said: “I’m delighted that the Bank of Ireland Begin Together Arts Fund, in partnership with Arts & Business NI, is supporting a broad range of artists and local arts

“Bank of Ireland is actively connecting people and creative communities across Northern Ireland through the Begin Together Arts Fund. The diverse arts groups awarded funding enrich so many lives and foster a real sense of wellbeing and community and I am delighted to see the bank continue to provide this valuable support to the arts in this way.”

Central Belfast Apartments crowned Northern Ireland’s best at World Awards

Belfast owned, Central Belfast Apartments, was crowned ‘Northern Ireland’s Leading Serviced Apartments’ at the 2022 World Travel Awards in Spain.

The World Travel Awards, now in their 29th year, honour excellence within the hospitality industry and celebrate the standard of service the provider has demonstrated to visitors throughout the year.

The awards, recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, are considered the most prestigious travel and tourism event of the year, bringing together many leading industry figureheads and VIPs from across all continents.

This award is the latest accolade to cement Central Belfast Apartment’s reputation as the leading serviced apartment operator in Northern Ireland.

Founder and Managing Director of Central Belfast Apartments, Dave Cordner comments: “It’s fantastic to be recognised globally as a leader in the hospitality sector. To walk away with the title of THE leading serviced apartment provider

in Northern Ireland on an International level is a tremendous achievement for the company, and it’s a real testament to how our team embraced the changes and difficulty that the past few years have thrown at us, and how our investment in the business is paying dividends.

“We have worked hard over the past year to acquire great properties, in enviable locations, to ensure guests who are travelling to NI have the accommodation stay that they deserve.

“Northern Ireland has so much to offer tourists, so we hope this award brings more attention to that too, and tourism numbers continue to grow.”

Established in 2016, in just over six years, Dave has grown the business from a one-person team to a thriving company with a portfolio of 60 properties.

As one of Northern Ireland’s most recognised serviced accommodation

providers, Central Belfast Apartments offers luxury, affordable, serviced holiday apartments Belfast wide, for both short and long-term stays. Congratulating Central Belfast Apartments on their win at the World Travel Awards, Visit Belfast’s Chief Executive Gerry Lennon said:“Congratulations to the Central Belfast Apartments team on another great win, to be recognised on such a global scale is a huge achievement. Offering a

wide range of accommodation choices is crucial to attracting visitors to the city and positioning Belfast as welcoming to all.

“Central Belfast Apartments are at the forefront of ensuring the city’s accommodation providers offer more than just a place to stay, going above and beyond to provide memorable guest experiences that continue to position Belfast as the incredibly exciting and welcoming city break destination, we are renowned for.”

William Thompson, Head of Consumer Banking NI, Bank of Ireland, Mary Nagele, CEO of Arts & Business NI and Maiden Voyage dancers Fiona Johnston (Belfast Movement Choir trainee) Rosie Mullin (Dance Artist) and Sandy Cuthbert (Belfast Movement Choir Lead Artist).

Central Belfast Apartments General Manager, Cheryl McCook and Dave Cordner, Founder and Managing Director of Central Belfast Apartments

Eye on Recruitment

VANRATH’s Barbara McKiernan & The Fast Changing People Business

Barbara McKiernan, Managing Director of VANRATH, who has taken over the day-to-day management of the business from company founder Wayne Sullivan, describes the past few years as memorable. “We moved into new offices in February of 2020, just before Covid struck, and were suddenly catapulted into a new way of operating”

she says. “The strength of our senior management team and the collaborative culture amongst our consultants carried us through the challenging market conditions.”

VANRATH is one of the larger operators in the NI recruitment space with a current complement of 45 consultants working across an expanded range of sectors, stretching from its core areas of IT and Accountancy into HR,

Engineering, Sales & Marketing and Construction & Supply Chain. At the same time VANRATH have rapidly expanded its Temporary division, largely supplying contract & interim staff across the NI public sector.

“We’ve been able to improve our employee engagement and build a positive culture across our business.” says Barbara. “ We have significantly invested in our people, added an increased benefits

package and comprehensive health & wellbeing programme for all VANRATH employees.”

VANRATH have also promoted internally to appoint Richard McFarland as its first Head of Talent. This newly created role ensures that VANRATH does what it advises its clients to do – reward and retain its staff in the face of tough competition!

This newly created role has also allowed VANRATH to establish its own training academy ensuring that the quality service they are known for remains their top priority.

The firm has also stepped up its wide-ranging marketing activities, with regular sponsorship of business events around Northern Ireland, partnerships put in place

It’s been an action-packed few years for recruitment specialist VANRATH. Covid, war in Europe and an economic crisis aside, the Belfast firm has effectively doubled in size, moved to brand new offices in the city centre and continued to expand its service offerings across different industry sectors.

Eye on Recruitment

with academia and professional organisations and a well-known, highly visible, marketing display at George Best Belfast City Airport.

“At the heart of it, we’re still a very results-driven business, but have worked hard to remain focussed while engaging with and empowering our employees to create a really rewarding culture within the business.”

Turning to the recruitment marketplace, Barbara McKiernan is upbeat. “There are significant opportunities for experienced hires across Northern Ireland,” she says. “It’s true to say that companies are more carefully considering their hires, but the opportunities are there and so is the movement in the market.”

“The post-Covid change in the way most of us work has definitely impacted on the market” she adds. “Employers are struggling with how they adapt to the hybrid working model – with most opting for two to three days in the office. But what employees are looking for is flexibility. There’s also demand from those who want to work remotely on a full-time basis.”

“One thing has to be acceptedwe are not going back to the way we used to work before Covid.”

“Inward investment has yet to return to pre- Covid levels” she observes, but insists that the foundations are still here in Northern Ireland. “We still have a really good talent pool, particularly in IT, and this is a cost effective place to do business.”

Barbara McKiernan has some advice for employers wrestling with the challenges and attracting new staff and retaining existing people.

“It’s all about culture,” she says simply. “It’s about engaging with, and listening to your people while recognising employee contributions to your business. Effective communication and a strong, clear strategy are also important to the wider picture.

“Salary as a stand-alone isn’t enough these days,” she adds. “Employees are looking for flexibility, perks, the right CSR programme and sustainability credentials, amongst many other things. Candidates from Generation Z and X weigh up all these sorts of factors when deciding who to work for.”

She goes on to add a further, and important, piece of advice for those negotiating with employees.

“If an employee does get another offer and decides to leave, don’t panic and rush into making a counter offer,” she warns. “It will only upset the balance in your workplace and you run the risk of losing the employee in the longer term in any case.”

Staff shortages are much talked about these days, and there are shortages of candidates in certain areas, Barbara confirms. “Although much focus is on the real shortage of Software Developers, and there has been for a long time,” she says. “There is also a lack of Accountants, for example, as well as experienced HR professionals.”

“But shortages in certain areas have always been a fact of life in this marketplace. We’re still very positive about finding the right people for our clients and the best next career move for our candidates.”

“Employers are struggling with how they adapt to the hybrid working model –with most opting for two to three days in the office. But what employees are looking for is flexibility. There’s also demand from those who want to work remotely on a full-time basis.”

BCC Cleans Up With Hubflow

Eye on Professional Services

Belfast Cleaning Company, the fastgrowing local specialist cleaning firm planning a major expansion into the GB marketplace, is extending its services to Hubflow, the flexible working space company with centres in Belfast & London.

BCC already supplies professional cleaning and management services to the Hubflow.com co-working spaces on Belfast’s Dublin Road and two centres in Adelaide Street. Now, it’s extending its reach to cover Hubflow’s busy base at Buckingham Palace Road in London’s Victoria, over 3,000 sq.ft of space occupied by Hubflow clients.

“We’ve worked hard to build up a lot of experience in the office cleaning, maintenance and management sectors here in Belfast and around Northern Ireland,” says Stuart Carlisle, Belfast Cleaning Company’s Managing Director. “The next logical step forward for us is to expand into bigger markets. Gary McCausland, Declan Mellon and the team at Hubflow recommended that we take a look at London, and that’s what we’re doing.

“But we don’t want to stop there. We’d like to extend our range to other major cities like Dublin, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow.”

BCC provides a bespoke cleaning and maintenance service at Hubflow’s Dublin Road base, one of the new developments in the city helping to change how we work and will work going forward.

“We’re a flexible working business with several hundred members and counting, and we also provide private offices, meeting rooms and event space, all in an ultra modern, vibrant and work friendly environment,” says Gary McCausland, entrepreneur, property developer and CEO of the Richland Group as well as Hubflow.

Members can sign up for the Belfast centres to use from one to five days a week at competitive rates starting at £49.50 per month for a hot desk As has been well documented, it’s a style of working that’s been growing rapidly since the Covid pandemic.

“We have to offer the best quality working space, we have to offer professional services, superfast wi-fi and a range of other facilities like Barista coffee machines and

kitchen areas,” adds Hubflow’s General Manager, Declan Mallon. “But we have to all of that at the best possible cost to our members.

“But, if we’re going to offer a truly professional service and a really great workplace, it has to be well presented and it has to be clean. That’s where Stuart and the team at Belfast Cleaning Company come in. We rely on them to make sure that our workplaces are spotless ...all the time. So they’ve become trusted partners and an important part of what we do behind the scenes for our members, and our future members.”

Hubflow is a fast-expanding concept. Gary McCausland and his team are currently working hard to identify new sites across London. A centre in Holborn opens shortly and others in Paddington and Waterloo should follow soon.

“We’re confident that we will soon be opening three or four new centres across London, one in Dublin and another two or three here in Belfast,” says Gary McCausland. “There’s no doubt in our minds that the demand is there in the post-Covid working environment. Co-working centres and flexible spaces are definitely here to stay.

“Our vision beyond that is to be a global company and a global brand name within five to 10 years.” Stuart Carlisle, a Belfast-based entrepreneur who has worked in a number of sectors over the years, is keen to continue working with Hubflow at it new London bases. “But Hubflow isn’t our only customer,” he smiles. “We’re working with a growing number of companies here in Northern Ireland on commercial

cleaning contracts, and we also offer specialist cleaning services to the domestic marketplace.

“What’s crucial to our business, and the growth of our business, is maintain consistently high standards. That comes down to having the right people and having the right training and procedures in place,” he says. “We know that we’re only as good as our last job. And, when that job is cleaning, expectations tend to be high.”

His company enhanced its reputation during the later stages of the pandemic. As workplaces tentatively swung back into action, BCC teams were called upon to conduct regular deep cleans and fogging/sanitisation for a wide range of customers.

“Covid added a whole new dimension,” says Stuart. “Suddenly, what we were doing became even more important and it’s remained important as we move into the post-Covid era.

“We work in partnership with Hubflow and we work in partnership with all of our customers. We listen to what they tell us and we also listen to what our people are telling us. We’ve been fortunate to be able to grow organically over the past number of years, and we’re excited about what the future holds....both here in Northern Ireland and elsewhere.”

www.hubflow.com www.belfastcleaningcompany.co.uk

Eye on News

RUA Annual Exhibition celebrates 15-year partnership with KPMG

including painting, drawing, print, sculpture, photography and video.

The milestone sponsorship from KPMG marks a two-way partnership which has been hugely beneficial for both organisations. As well as being the main sponsor, the professional services firm also sponsors the KPMG Young Artist Award. This year’s winner, chosen by KPMG staff, was by recent Ulster University graduate Oisin McDonnell for ‘Eternity in an Hour’.

our most exciting established and up and coming artists have once again proved that this exhibition draws some of the best talent in the world.”

The Royal Ulster Academy of Arts (RUA) is celebrating a 15-year partnership with KPMG as it opens the doors to its Annual Exhibition 2022.

Once again held in the Ulster Museum, the 141st year of the exhibition sees it move to the largest gallery in the museum and accommodates a host of work across a variety of mediums

Johnny Hanna, Partner in Charge of KPMG in Northern Ireland, said: “The RUA Annual Exhibition is a highlight in the KPMG calendar, particularly so this year as we celebrate 15 years working together. We are immensely proud of a partnership which has proved so worthwhile for us as a firm and again shown that close cooperation between business and the arts is a powerful combination.

“Congratulations to all the finalists and to the RUA for curating such a fine exhibition. The works from some of

Dan Dowling, President of the RUA, said: “The RUA Annual Exhibition showcases a plethora of both established and up-and-coming artistic talent which cements this event’s welldeserved reputation as world class. Throughout the exhibition we also run a very comprehensive outreach and education programme which includes guided tours and ‘meet the artist’ talks. Best of all, entry to the exhibition and the events are free”.

“Thanks to KPMG for its continued support and to the Ulster Museum for hosting the exhibition.

The adjudicator for the RUA Annual Exhibition 2022 is Belfastborn artist, writer, DJ, broadcaster and journalist, Joe Lindsay.

The exhibition has already opened and will run until 3rd January 2023.

Diana, who has served as RICS NI Chair, Chair of the global Planning and Development Faculty Board of RICS and member of RICS World Governing Council, as well as Deputy Chair of RICS Lionheart, has had a distinguished career across the public, private and voluntary sectors. She was presented with the accolade on Friday afternoon at a gala in the Londoner Hotel on Leicester Square.

The RICS Awards are a highly prestigious event, presenting accolades to the most impressive building projects and teams in the UK. This is the first year in the longstanding awards history that a lifetime achievement award has been presented.

Judges said that Diana Fitzsimons FRICS was an extremely worthy recipient.

Currently a Belfast Harbour Commissioner and

a Visiting Professor at Ulster University, Diana is immediate past Chair of Radius Housing and has been active throughout her career at an international level. She regularly gives conference papers on her favourite subjects of sustainability, urban regeneration and Belfast Harbour’s regeneration activities.

Diana worked in private practice for many years as a planning consultant leading the Belfast office of Turley, then her own practice, and before that was a principal Planning Appeals Commissioner for a decade. Before that she was a Senior Lecturer in Planning and Development at Ulster University, involved in course development, teaching and research in her field of urban regeneration.

Diana’s Lifetime Achievement Award came at an event where Northern Ireland projects and professionals swept the board. The Erne Campus of South West College was named Public Sector Project of the Year as well as overall Project of the Year. An Chroí Community Hub in the North West was highly commended in the Community Benefit Project category, whilst the project team delivering the North West Multi Modal Transport Hub won Infrastructure Team of the Year.

Eye on Greener Living Low Energy Housing Development Leads The Way In NI

by David Millar, Fraser Millar Homes

design and exacting standards. Following on from John’s initial work we gathered together a fantastic team of Passivhaus consultants and set about investigating the best way to do this on a large-scale. Effectively, to design and develop, from an existing planning approved site, the largest certified developerled Passivhaus residential project in the whole of the UK and Ireland.

We are one year into a five-year development which will span a total of 219 houses across 26 acres and are proud that this is the first large-scale residential development with an Energy Performance Certificate A Rating (EPC A), meaning optimum energy efficiency, unrivalled in any other development of its size in Northern Ireland.

through the ventilation system which helps to remove toxins from the home, reducing the effects of allergies and respiratory ailments.

How have these homes been received by buyers so far?

Phase 1 of the development went on sale in September 2021 and comprised of 21 units. All houses were booked and sold within a few hours of being released. This month we released five turnkey houses, three of which were large detached houses fitted with Photovoltaic Solar Panels, all of which sold out, similarly, within hours of going on sale. We are now looking ahead to our next release and have a waiting list of interested buyers.

Their current development, Lancaster Park, a £70M Flagship project in South Belfast, is making serious waves as the largest certified developer-led Passivhaus residential project in the whole of the UK and Ireland.

The homes are all built to Passivhaus low energy building standards, helping to dramatically reduce home-heating bills for buyers whilst improving living standards. They are modern in design, excellent in quality and located in a highly sought after location.

In this interview, Richard Buckley talks to David Millar, about the project…

How did this project come about?

The Fraser family have been building homes in Northern Ireland for almost 60 years, and quality and innovation has always been at the forefront of our mission. We carried out extensive market research which showed us that the modern buyer wants homes to be healthy, future-proof, considerate to the eco challenges of sustainable development and less costly to live in and enjoy.

One of our Directors , John Carrigan, had a particular interest in creating a true Low Energy housebuild for the ordinary working family. Time and time again, throughout his research, Passivhaus came up as the leader in low energy, low cost living thanks to their fabric first

What

is a Passivhaus and what makes it different?

A Passivhaus is a building built with meticulous attention to detail and rigorous design and construction according to principles developed by the Passivhaus Institute in Germany.

It is different from a builder simply calling a development ‘low energy’ as a Passivhaus is certified by a third party, ie: the passivhaus Institute in Berlin. Our passive houses require exceptional standards of airtightness, are triple-glazed and super-insulated, with Mechanical Heat Recovery Ventilation so that they require almost no heating and have a constant supply of clean, filtered, fresh air.

Purchasers will receive a certificate, assuring them of the quality of design , build and the efficiency of the home, from the Passivhaus Institute in Germany, who will rigorously check all aspects of the home and certify it as a Passivhaus.

The homes are considerably less expensive to run because of the implementation of passivhaus design principles and they also will not be using any fossil fuel burners, such as gas or oil, helping to reduce the owners carbon footprint. The owners will also benefit from a consistent stream of filtered fresh air pumped

With the current Energy Crisis, are you finding more interest than normal in these homes?

Yes – homeowners face a very uncertain winter in terms of homeheating prices and the low running costs of a Lancaster Park home has proved to be very attractive.

The houses are superbly insulated with excellent air tightness, so once they are heated they retain their heat. We recently had a site visit from Passivhaus experts from all over the world, and, Emma Osmundsen, Managing Director, Exeter City Living who has been developing Passivhaus Homes in England for 15 years, said that 60 per cent of people who live in their passivhaus classic standard homes haven’t needed to turn their heating on for 14 years. This is a truly exciting time for this industry.

What other projects have Fraser Millar got in the pipeline?

We are about to launch another new development in the coming weeks which will help us further our promise of delivering pioneering homes which are low energy, easier on the pocket and better for your health. Watch this space!

Visit www.frasermillar.co.uk for further details.

Fraser Millar, is a family-run construction company, with almost 60 years’ experience in building houses, and are leading the way in the future of home-building in Northern Ireland.

Eye on Motoring

City Auction Group Opens New Peterborough Centre

City Auction Group, the fast-growing NI-based vehicle remarketing group, has opened its new, state of the art remarketing centre in Peterborough.

Eye on Motoring

The company now has established locations at Carryduff on the outskirts of Belfast, and at the East of England Showground complex in Peterborough. New corporate contract wins with major car manufacturers, leasing companies and financial institutions have been fuelling the continused growth of the business.

A native of Peterborough now based in Northern Ireland, City Auctions CEO Michael Tomalin says that it’s been poignant to come full circle on his professional journey. He started his career 30 years ago at British Car Auctions in Peterborough.

“I have worked tirelessly for over a decade building a brand to compete in the vehicle de- fleet and re-marketing sector, which has the ability to challenge the competition. The growth has been immense and we have sensational plans to ensure the business develops across the UK to support our current centres in Belfast & Peterborough.”

City Auction Group has created 25 more jobs on the Peterborough site and now employs more than 100 at its English base.

The opening event held earlier this month saw 166 on site attendees with an additional 274 joining online. An impressive 312 vehicles were sold.

Michael Tomalin (right), Chief Executive of City Auction Group, with Commercial Director Maria Avery and the MP for Peterborough, Paul Bristow.

Eye on Charity

In Good Company Ladies’ Business Lunch

On Thursday

13th

October, Action Cancer

Hosted a Ladies’ Business Lunch at Waterman House, Belfast, jointly sponsored by Brennan & Co (NI) and Siemens Healthcare. Hinich Distillery provided Ninth Wave Gin and tonic for guests on arrival.

The event, hosted by Sarah Travers (Bespoke Communications) brought together 65 ladies from the NI business community and provided a wonderful opportunity to network, while also raising funds and awareness for Action Cancer’s breast screening programme during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The agenda for the afternoon included a 2-course lunch followed by a panel discussion on self-care, breast awareness and the importance of breast screening. Action Cancer was delighted that Ms Sam Sloan, Clinical Lead and Breast

Surgeon (BHSCT) was able to take time out of her very busy schedule to join the panel discussion alongside Pamela Brady (Ambassador whose breast cancer was detected by the charity at the age of 40), Geraldine Kerr (Head of Professional Services Action Cancer) and Joanna Currie (Consultant Radiographer, Action Cancer).

Local Make Up Artist and Influencer Lyndsay Maurice (Dolly Pond) carried out a make up demonstration and provided the guests with some useful tips and techniques.

The event raised a fantastic £4,000 towards the charity’s breast screening service. It costs Action Cancer charity £120 to provide a free mammogram to women in their 40s and over the age of 70 (outside of NHS screening age range) at Action Cancer House and on board the Big Bus (supported by SuperValu and Centra) which visits 200 locations across NI every year. Visit www.actioncancer.org to book your appointment.

Sarah Travers (Bespoke Communications)

KPMG and one of the event sponsors Brennan & Co (NI)

Catagen Ltd and clients

Panel discussion on breast cancer featuring Ms Sam Sloan, Clinical Lead and Breast Surgeon (BHSCT)

Fundraising

Eye on Charity

FinTrU and KPMG

Anne Dickson Executive Director, Chief Executives’ Forum with Katherine Allen, Jane’s Kitchen

Harbinson Mulholland and clients

Pink-themed Ladies’ Lunch at Waterman House

Hinch Distillery treated guests to a Ninth Wave Gin and tonic on arrival

BT Opens State-of-the Art Cyber Security Operations Centre

With the scale and complexity of cyber attacks constantly increasing, organisations of all types are looking to ensure they have the right protections in place. The SOC will leverage BT’s global security expertise and leading cyber technologies to defend public and private sector bodies against the latest threats.

The significant investment by BT into the 40 seat centre of excellence, follows the award of a £6.3 million contract from the Department of Finance for the provision of a Security Information Event Management (SIEM) and SOC managed services. The SOC

will provide 24/7 management 365 days a year for ICT assets across the Northern Ireland Civil Service.

The new specialist centre, which is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, is designed to support growth in the company’s UK customer base providing up to the highest levels of security classification. The SOC in Riverside Tower forms part of a wider multi-million pound investment by BT in the building. Currently all 11 floors are undergoing significant refurbishment to create a fantastic future-fit workplace for approximately 1800 colleagues, with the final floors being complete in early 2023.

Ireland, said: “Each day, millions of people around the world rely on BT’s expertise in cyber security to ensure they can go about their lives and run their businesses safely.

“Our investment in the opening of BT’s Security Operations Centre in Belfast is significant and we look forward to working with the Northern Ireland Civil Service in this partnership to deliver the most effective cyber support for the public sector here.

“Using a wealth of talent from local cyber experts, the SOC will help to tackle the unprecedented challenges of sophisticated cyber threats. As an increasing number of public services are delivered online, our partnership with central government will help to ensure that

the public can trust the services that they access and that the data they provide is secure and protected.”

Paul Duffy, Director of Enterprise Shared Services added: “Protecting the cyber security of government IT and infrastructure is vital. The service provided by BT plays an important role in gathering intelligence on cyber threats and enables the Civil Service to enhance its capacity to help defend and protect our IT systems and essential public services we deliver.”

BT operates an international network of SOCs. They include more than 3,000 cyber security professionals, who use their expertise to watch, learn, predict and respond to the latest cyber threats for a range of both public and private sector clients across the globe.

Paul Murnaghan, Regional Director for BT’s Enterprise business in Northern

BT has officially opened a brand new state-of-the-art cyber Security Operations Centre (SOC) in its flagship Riverside Tower building in Belfast.

Paul Murnaghan, Regional Director for BT’s Enterprise business in Northern Ireland, Valerie Wilson, Senior Operations Manager at BT and Paul Duffy, Director of NICS Enterprise Shared Services at the official opening of BT’s brand new state-of-the-art cyber Security Operations Centre (SOC) in its flagship Riverside Tower building in Belfast.

Eye on News

Produced by leading governance, risk, and compliance consulting firm fscom, the Financial Crime Compliance Report 2022 uncovered the most common weaknesses in AML compliance programmes based on the analysis of a large sample of audits.

The report comes as the International Compliance Association warns that financial crime now accounts for 3.6% of global GDP as criminals acquire more sophisticated means of laundering money and financing terrorism.

The top five areas of AML strategy in which deficiencies were identified are

• Customer Risk Assessment;

• Whole Firm Risk Assessment.

• CDD (file testing);

• PEPs;

• Sanctions and Adverse Media; and

• Compliance Monitoring.

The main issues detected across these areas were:

• Whole firm risk assessment not being detailed enough, and only high-level risks identified.

• Compliance monitoring plans either not being executed or non-existent.

• Firms failing to update their risk assessments with key changes made by HM Treasury or European Commission.

Key financial crime and anti-money laundering risk areas for businesses revealed

A major report has revealed the key financial crime and anti-money laundering (AML) compliance challenges facing financial services firms in 2022.

Regularly brought in by financial services firms of all types and sizes to audit their financial crime and AML compliance processes, fscom compiled the analysis by studying 57 audits carried out in the year prior to July 2022.

Within the audits, the team of deep-domain experts assessed both the firm’s compliance with regulatory requirements designed to safeguard against financial crime, and the potential impact of each risk on the firm.

Authored by Financial Crime Director Philip Creed and Senior Compliance Associate Richard Dunlop, the report also includes key trends in risk and compliance that firms should prepare for, and the best practice steps to mitigate risk.

fscom Director Philip Creed said:

“Financial crime becomes more prevalent with every passing year as criminals grow more sophisticated in their attacks. Financial services firms are at a constant risk and have a duty to ensure their compliance processes are tight as criminal activity continues to drive global corruption and inequality.”

“Though this report features the most striking findings, they are risks that all firms should be aware of. We hope it will provide a useful benchmark of how a company may be doing in terms of compliance, and the areas they should consider revisiting to protect against external threats. Of course, every firm faces its own challenges, so our advice is to speak with a financial crime expert if you think your existing processes require more detailed investigation.”

Fscom’s Philip Creed

Skin Tag Removal

Cosmetic Mole and Skin Tag Removal

COSMETIC MOLE AND SKIN TAG REMOVAL

Mr Chris Hoo is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Cosmetech and offers skin tag and mole removal and other non- surgical treatments including PDO Thread-lifts, Dermal Fillers and Anti-wrinkle Injections. He also offers Cosmetic Surgery at Kingsbridge Private Hospital. Today we interview him about minor surgery for skin tag and mole removal:

Mr Chris Hoo is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Cosmetech and

Q: How are skin tags and moles removed?

Skin tags are a bit easier and can be removed by cutting, freezing (cryotherapy) or burning off (electrotherapy). This should be done in a controlled sterile setting to minimise the risk of infection, and they do bleed so the clinic needs to be able to manage this.

Q: How are skin tags and moles removed?

Skin tags are a bit easier and can be removed by cutting, freezing (cryotherapy) or burning off (electrotherapy). This should be done in a controlled sterile setting to minimise the risk of infection, and they do bleed so the clinic needs to be able to manage this.

lesions are being removed obviously it will take a bit longer. A skin tag can be removed in a matter of seconds but again, it is key that this is done in a controlled sterile setting (don’t try this at home).

lesions are being removed obviously it will take a bit longer. A skin tag can be removed in a matter of seconds but again, it is key that this is done in a controlled sterile setting (don’t try this at home).

Q: Can I drive home afterwards?

Q: Can I drive home afterwards?

Q: How are skin tags and moles removed?

Moles are usually excised with a scalpel. Occasionally they are shaved off but to ensure completion of the removal, especially if there are any suspicious features, the whole depth of the skin needs to be removed in one piece. Moles should be sent to the lab for pathology to ensure there are no suspicious cells. At Cosmetech we send all moles for pathology.

Moles are usually excised with a scalpel. Occasionally they are shaved off but to ensure completion of the removal, especially if there are any suspicious features, the whole depth of the skin needs to be removed in one piece. Moles should be sent to the lab for pathology to ensure there are no suspicious cells. At Cosmetech we send all moles for pathology.

Q: How long does the procedure take?

Usually there is no issue with driving unless for example the lesion was near the eye and vision was temporarily affected by swelling or watering. Hand surgery can also affect driving but the vast majority of these lesions are small enough not to cause a problem. If in doubt bring a friend or relative or take a taxi.

Skin tags are a bit easier and can be removed by cutting, freezing (cryotherapy) setting to minimise the risk of infection, of the skin needs to be removed in one

Usually there is no issue with driving unless for example the lesion was near the eye and vision was temporarily affected by swelling or watering. Hand surgery can also affect driving but the vast majority of these lesions are small enough not to cause a problem. If in doubt bring a friend or relative or take a taxi.

Most of these procedures are very

Q: What about aftercare?

Q: What about aftercare?

Q: Does it hurt having these removed?

Q: Does it hurt having these removed?

If there is going to be significant discomfort the doctor or surgeon should usually administer local anaesthetic to numb the area. There will be mild discomfort as the anaesthetic is being injected but it is usually not significant and the anaesthetic takes effect within a couple of minutes. For very small skin tags, they can sometimes be frozen off without anaesthetic. Cosmetech has local anaesthetic cream which can be applied in clinic in advance of the procedure. We don’t like causing pain and make every effort to minimise it.

If there is going to be significant discomfort the doctor or surgeon should usually administer local anaesthetic to numb the area. There will be mild discomfort as the anaesthetic is being injected but it is usually not significant and the anaesthetic takes effect within a couple of minutes. For very small skin tags, they can sometimes be frozen off without anaesthetic. Cosmetech has local anaesthetic cream which can be applied in clinic in advance of the procedure. We don’t like causing pain and make every effort to minimise it.

There is usually a dressing for the first 3 to 7 days and, depending upon the operation site, sutures may need to be removed.

Administration of anaesthetic and skin preparation add some time, and

There is usually a dressing for the first 3 to 7 days and, depending upon the operation site, sutures may need to be removed.

tag can be removed in a matter of seconds but again, it is key that this

On the face these are often removed between 5 to 7 days, but are left a bit longer on other body areas. Again these should be removed by someone skilled and experienced as doing it incorrectly can leave bits of stitch in the skin, or risk reopening the wound. After about a week most wounds do not need dressed but should be kept clean, and paraffin ointment often helps at this time. Depending on your surgeon, the wound may be dressed with ointment alone or sometimes skin glue.

Q: How long does the procedure take?

Q: How long does the procedure take?

Most of these procedures are very quick. A mole can be removed and the skin sutured within 5 to 10 minutes. Administration of anaesthetic and skin preparation add some time, and if several

Most of these procedures are very quick. A mole can be removed and the skin sutured within 5 to 10 minutes. Administration of anaesthetic and skin preparation add some time, and if several

Q: Does it hurt having these removed? discomfort as the anaesthetic is being anaesthetic cream which can be

66

Q: Can I drive home afterwards?

Q: Will I have a scar?

On the face these are often removed between 5 to 7 days, but are left a bit longer on other body areas. Again these should be removed by someone skilled and experienced as doing it incorrectly can leave bits of stitch in the skin, or risk reopening the wound. After about a week most wounds do not need dressed but should be kept clean, and paraffin ointment often helps at this time. Depending on your surgeon, the wound may be dressed with ointment alone or sometimes skin glue.

Q: Will I have a scar?

All surgery which cuts through the full depth of skin will leave a scar. Skin tag excision shouldn’t leave much noticeable scarring but mole excision usually

All surgery which cuts through the full depth of skin will leave a scar. Skin tag excision shouldn’t leave much noticeable scarring but mole excision usually

Maypole Clinic 5-7 Shore Road Holywood BT18 9XH T: 028 9042 3200 E: frontdesk@cosmetech.co.uk www.cosmetech.co.uk

Q: What about aftercare?

to 7 days and, depending upon the operation site, sutures may need to be

After about a week most wounds do not

wound may be dressed with ointment

will. The quality of the scar can vary depending on genetics. To optimise the scar we perform precise stitching, remove stitches at the appropriate time, and encourage scar management in the form of moisturising and massage. Scars can take up to 2 years to mature to their final appearance. If a scar does become thicker or remain red for a long time there are

Q: Will I have a scar?

will. The quality of the scar can vary depending on genetics. To optimise the scar we perform precise stitching, remove stitches at the appropriate time, and encourage scar management in the form of moisturising and massage. Scars can take up to 2 years to mature to their final appearance. If a scar does become thicker or remain red for a long time there are treatments such as steroid injections or laser colour reduction, but these are thankfully rarely necessary.

the scar we perform precise stitching, remove stitches at the appropriate time, and encourage scar management in the can take up to 2 years to mature to their are treatments such as steroid injections

028 9042 3200 or email frontdesk@cosmetech.co.uk

Cosmetech Maypole Clinic 5-7 Shore Road, Holywood, BT18 9XH Tel: +44 (0) 28 9042 3200

Surgical Skin Clinic

Same Day See And Treat Service

Treatments available include:

Treatments available include:

Mole Removal

Mole Removal

Tag Removal

Tag Removal

Cyst Removal

Cyst Removal

Lipoma Removal Surgery

Dermal Fillers

Dermal Fillers

Anti-Wrinkle Injections

Anti-Wrinkle Injections

EarBuddies (Ear Correction for Babies)

Lipoma Removal Surgery

Split Earlobe Repair

Split Earlobe Repair

Facial Threadvein Removal Thread-Lifts

Facial Threadvein Removal Thread-Lifts

Aqualyx - Fat Dissolving Injections Leg Vein Treatment (Sclerotherapy) Pinnaplasty Skin Biopsy

EarBuddies (Ear Correction for Babies) Aqualyx - Fat Dissolving Injections Leg Vein Treatment (Sclerotherapy) Pinnaplasty Skin Biopsy

Call 028 9042 3200 today or e-mail frontdesk@cosmetech.co.uk to book a consultation with one of our Consultant Surgeons.

Call 028 9042 3200 today or e-mail frontdesk@cosmetech.co.uk to book a consultation with one of our Consultant Surgeons.

Treatments available include:

Cosmetech Maypole Clinic, 5-7 Shore Road, Holywood, BT18 9HX cosmetech.co.uk

Cosmetech Maypole Clinic, 5-7 Shore Road, Holywood, BT18 9HX cosmetech.co.uk

Mole Removal

Tag Removal

Cyst Removal

Facial Threadvein Removal Thread-Lifts

Fat Dissolving Injections

Cosmetic Surgery is also available at Kingsbridge Private Hospital Belfast. For more information please visit kingsbridgeprivatehospital.com

Lipoma Removal Surgery

Split Earlobe Repair

Dermal Fillers

Anti-Wrinkle Injections

Cosmetech is a partner company of the Kingsbridge Private Hospital Group.

Leg Vein Treatment (Sclerotherapy) Pinnaplasty Skin Biopsy Dermatology

Cosmetic Surgery is also available at Kingsbridge Private Hospital Belfast. For more information please visit kingsbridgeprivatehospital.com

EarBuddies (Ear Correction for Babies)

Cosmetech is a partner company of the Kingsbridge Private Hospital Group.

Contact us today to book a consultation with one of our Consultant Surgeons. E: frontdesk@cosmetech.co.uk | cosmetech.co.uk

Cosmetech Maypole Clinic, 5-7 Shore Road, Holywood, BT18 9HX 028 9042 3200

Cosmetech @ Kingsbridge Private Hospital, Church Hill House, Main Street, Ballykelly, BT49 9HS 028 7776 3090

Cosmetic Surgery is also available at Kingsbridge Private Hospital Belfast and Ballykelly. For more information please visit kingsbridgeprivatehospital.com

Part of Kingsbridge Healthcare Group.

Eye on News

BDO NI continue to invest in talentwith latest Graduate intake

Leading professional services and business advisory firm, BDO Northern Ireland have welcomed 12 new graduates to the firm, further bolstering their team with some of Northern Irelands brightest young leaders.

The announcement follows a period of continued growth for the organisation, with 26 interns joining the company across a range of disciplines in the summer and a further four senior hires joining the team in recent months.

The graduates will take up their new roles across the business in its Audit, Tax and Business Advisory departments. They will support the company in their efforts to guide clients across sectors as they manage the continued changes in the economic and regulatory environments that ultimately impact on their business and marketplaces.

The company also recently announced their flexible agile working model which has been rolled out across the

organisation and which the graduates will avail of.

Laura Jackson, Partner at BDO Northern Ireland said, “Our new intake, which sees graduates coming from Queens, Ulster University and Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh doesn’t just offer the chance to gain the very best in knowledge and experience in their chosen fields, they will become fully fledged members of the team. They will manage their own workload and schedule through our new agile working framework, placing more emphasis on them to prioritise and manage expectations across their teams and clients.

“Northern Ireland continuously produces highly skilled motivated graduates, and we are pleased

to be investing in both our future and theirs as they progress their professional development. There is an onus on companies like BDO NI to attract and retain emerging talent, who will then give back by contributing to the development of the local economy for years to come.

“Whilst we have strong competition from other parts of the UK and Ireland in retaining talent, we have continuously demonstrated that as a region we are competitive in what we can offer in terms of expertise, experience and future prospects”.

BDO Northern Ireland is an awardwinning accountancy practice that employs more than 150 people in Northern Ireland. They recently launched their new Agile Working

Framework

staff with achieving a more sustainable work life balance away from the traditional 9-5 working day.

Rokas Gostautas, one of the new graduates added,

“The current job market is extremely competitive with a growing number of individuals looking for the right position to further their career aspirations. This competition gave me the opportunity, probably for the first time, to compete with some of my peers and sell myself to a highprofile company like BDO NI.

“This type of experience will be invaluable, and I am looking forward to getting started and learning from some of the best advisers in the sector”.

which will support

Pictured at Waterman Restaurant in Hill Street, Senior Partner, Nigel Harra and Partner, Laura Jackson (1st and 2nd left, standing) with the BDO NI Class of 2022. The 12 new graduates were also joined by two of the class of 2021 who welcomed them to the BDO NI team. Standing L-R: David Houston, Laura Magill (class of 2021) Marcus Greenfield, Ronan Gilligan (class of 2021) and Amy Jordan. Seated L-R: Tunrayo Akinnigbagbe, Jack Black, Abbie Laughlin, Emily Black, Martin Prior, Eve Cunnigham, Rokas Gostautas, Laura Wright and Jack Montgomery.

Eye Moving On

Law firm Mills Selig has announced three new appointments. Christina McDowell has joined Mills Selig’s litigation team and will work alongside industry experts in all matters of commercial cases, including media and defamation. Newly qualified Christopher Fairfield will join the firm’s award winning corporate team having completed two years training with the firm. He will work across a variety of legal matters, supporting the full team in all aspects of high value and complex transactions. Mills Selig has also announced the expansion of its Climate and Energy team with the recruitment of newly qualified solicitor, Aveen McGahon

Belfast accountancy and advisory firm Baker Tilly Mooney Moore has announced the appointment of Claire Galloway and Halyna Bondarenko to the Business Services team. Claire joins the growing team as Payroll Manager, while Halyna takes on the position of Bookkeeper.

Maria Pick has been announced as the new IT, Process and Change Director of Hughes Insurance. Maria who has a background in Business Transformation was previously a Senior Project Manager at Hughes Insurance and has been with the company for four years.

FinTech NI, the not-for-profit industry association representing the £392 million fintech sector in Northern Ireland, has announced the appointment of Chris Jessup as Chairperson. Chris comes to the helm after serving three years on the Board of the FinTech NI Association, succeeding outgoing Chair and Northern Ireland FinTech Envoy Andrew Jenkins. A Partner at leading corporate law firm A&L Goodbody, he has a background in financial services and years of experience advising fintech companies and financial services institutions on UK and EU regulatory matters.

Belfast City Council has appointed Steve Daniels as the new Chair of Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall Ltd., the organisation responsible for ICC Belfast, Belfast’s only purpose-built conference centre, the adjacent Waterfront Hall, and the iconic Ulster Hall. Steve has previously held a variety of senior leadership positions in the Financial Services Sector..

Morgan Hamill has been appointed as Property Administrator at Hagan Homes. She will be a first point of contact for Hagan Homes customers, resolving queries or issues from all new and existing customers, and will create a range of supporting material to aid the customer journey. In addition, Morgan will assist the Hagan Homes After Sales Manager and Director of Construction.

Lisa Robinson has been appointed Head of Client Services at venYou, the business workspace provider. She has worked in its flagship building, Scottish Provident Building, since 2014 as Client Services Support and has played an integral part in venYou’s growth. In her new role, Lisa will oversee the Client Services Support team in maintaining an exceptional service, and assist in ensuring the smooth daily running of the service to venYou’s extensive client base.

Tanya Hedley has been appointed Chair of Sentinus, the educational charity that works with more than 60,000 young people from schools and colleges across Northern Ireland each year, delivering programmes that promote engagement in STEM subjects and support the development of scientific and technological skills. A board member at Sentinus for over 5 years, Tanya is the Director of Networks at the Northern Ireland Utility Regulator leading the team that regulatates electricity, water and gas networks in Northern Ireland. She is also a Board Member of CASE (Centre for Advanced Sustainable Energy) based at Queens University Belfast.

4. Claire Galloway

2. Christopher Fairfield

6 Maria Pick

3. Aveen McGahon

5 Halyna Bondarenko

1. Christina McDowell

7

Chris Jessup

10

Lisa Robinson

8

Steve Daniels

11 Tanya Hedley

9 Morgan Hamill

MJM Marine Expands Polish Office

A team from Northern Ireland based Marine Outfitter, MJM Marine visited the company’s new satellite office in Gdansk as part of an ongoing expansion and recruitment drive.

The appointment of these new roles will expand the existing Design and Contract Management team as well as adding new roles such as logistics and technical engineering positions. The office in Gdansk plays a vital role in the support of key activities and projects at the company head office in Newry, Northern Ireland and across the world.

Elizabeth O’Connor, MJM HR and Legal Director; Colm Cunningham, MJM Contracts Director and Brian Webster, MJM Design Manager spent two days meeting staff in the office as well as conducting interviews for roles including Trainee Furniture Technologists and Designers.

Elizabeth O’Connor said of the visit: “MJM Marine has long had a proud connection with Poland. A large group of our Northern Ireland workforce are originally from Poland and our supply chain has a strong Polish element also. Opening an office in Gdansk has been a great step in continuing our close relationship with the country and its citizens. It adds to our global expansion plans and commitment to attracting a diverse pool of talent and a strong supply chain throughout the EU, maintaining our status as a leader in the global marine outfitting market.”

The new appointments will be joining the company at a time of significant growth and opportunity in the cruise industry. MJM will

be commencing significant refurbishment work onboard cruise ship Marella Discovery in November this year. The work will see the outfitting of the cabins and suites as well as the introduction of Vyv antimicrobial lighting into the wet units.

Andrzej Pater, Design Manager in the Gdansk office said: “We really enjoyed welcoming the team from our Northern Ireland Head Office to Gdansk and working with them to grow the team based here. These new additions to the team will further assist us with supporting the activities and projects at the company Head Office in Northern Ireland such as the upcoming outfitting of Marella Discovery in Cadiz”.

MJM Marine is a leading international specialist in cruise ship outfitting and refurbishment with almost 40 years’ experience. Recent works include Virgin Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady, Silversea Silver Wind and Royal Caribbean International Wonder of the Seas. Due to ongoing growth and demand, MJM Marine have extended their service offering to clients through a range of carpet and upholstery services including, reupholstery and restoration of furniture; and carpet fitting and installation. MJM Marine also offer a range of antimicrobial lighting and air filtration systems through partnerships with Vyv, manufacturer of antimicrobial lighting; and Ilimex, manufacturer of UV-c air sterilisation systems.

Eye on News

Aircoach secures deal to acquire Derry’s Airporter

Aircoach, Ireland’s leading private bus and coach operator, has acquired the well-known North West based passenger transport company, Airporter.

• Stops at Foyleside Coach Park, Drumahoe Park and Ride, Belfast International Airport, Belfast City Centre, Dublin Airport and O’Connell Street.

• Reduced fares between Derry/ Londonderry and Belfast International Airport by up to £13 based on a return fare.

“We’re privileged to be Ireland’s leading transport operator, bringing people to work, students to university, reuniting families, and bringing new visitors to our cities from all around the world. This new route is a major addition for those in the North West as it will enhance connectivity for thousands more tourists and visitors throughout the year.

The deal will see Aircoach expand its commercial operation and increase its daily routes to seven with the new all-island route connecting the North West to Belfast International Airport, Dublin Airport and Dublin City Centre. The acquisition includes the Airporter base at the Springtown

Industrial Estate in the city, and the transfer across of all Airporter drivers and operational staff to Aircoach to service the new timetable and route.

The new service which launches in the coming weeks, brings a range of new benefits for customers including:

• Routes running seven days a week beginning at 01:15am daily.

The new service also means that travellers from the North West will now be able to arrive at Dublin Airport for early morning flights to the likes of key European destinations and major US cities. Dervla McKay, Managing Director of Aircoach said: “Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone for Aircoach with the creation of an all-island service for the first time. This has been made possible with the acquisition of Airporter, a company which has served customers so well for over 25 years to and from the North West. The deal marks a great step forward for Aircoach and we look forward to launching the new route in due course.

“The new service will further transform airport connectivity for those in the region, reducing fares for passengers and enabling them to avail of early morning flights at the two main airports on the island of Ireland.

“The progress on the completion of the A6 is improving travel time and increasing the viability of this route like never before. Aircoach is fully committed to ensuring that the North West is connected to major travel and economic hubs to improve the attractiveness of the region as a place in which to invest.”

The award-winning company, Aircoach is a subsidiary of First Group plc which is one of the UK and Ireland’s largest transport companies.

Pinnacle’s Judith Neill Joins CDN Board

She joins fellow appointees, Julia Belgutay and Professor Ken Thomson OBE, together with whom she will help to support CDN’s vision that Scotland’s colleges will enhance student success, support a prosperous economy, and help the country’s communities to thrive.

Based in Stirling, Scotland, CDN leads on innovation, creating opportunities for Continuing Professional Development and the sharing of ideas for best practice. The organisation currently supports Scotland’s 26 colleges.

Judith Neill, General Manager at Lisburn – based business growth consultancy, Pinnacle Growth Group, has been appointed to the board of College Development Network (CDN). Judith is one of three new board members appointed by the Scottish organisation.

Judith says, “It is an honour to have been appointed a board member by CDN. In this role, I hope to help the organisation realise its vision of leading, creating and sharing across learning.

“At Pinnacle Growth Group, we enable business growth for clients right across the UK and Ireland and I hope to harness this experience to help CDN realise its aspiration of becoming the ‘go to’ organisation for anyone involved in Scotland’s college sector.”

With over 20 years’ national and international experience, Judith has

successfully nurtured the development and commercial growth of numerous organisations across a spectrum of sectors.

Having operated across various private and public sector organisations, including those governed by international regulatory bodies, she brings experience across various levels of governance, and of implementing processes to support adherence.

During her career, Judith has steered various organisations forward utilising quantitative and qualitative analysis to support key decision making, whilst developing an extensive national and international professional network.

Paul Houlden, Chair of CDN Board, comments: “We are delighted to welcome three such experienced and high calibre new Board Members to CDN.

“Judith, Julia and Ken bring a wealth of knowledge to their roles and the CDN Board and team very much look forward to working with them, as we continue to support the college sector.”

Eye on News

Henderson Group’s Sam Davidson honoured at recent CIPD NI Awards

Henderson Group employs almost 5,000 people across Northern Ireland through its logistics, wholesale, print, technology and retail companies.

The Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development NI Awards took place recently, where Sam was presented the Award for Outstanding Contribution in the Field of People Development in Northern Ireland for the second time. It is presented to an individual in recognition of their outstanding and exceptional contribution to the people profession in Northern Ireland.

In recent years, Sam has overseen progress of the four companies within Henderson Group spanning

Wholesale, Retail, Foodservice and Property to the achievement of up to Gold Standard accreditation for Investors in People, while also leading the expansion of the workforce, which has almost doubled over the last decade.

Sam commented; “This is a huge honour to be recognised by my peers in the industry, and at such a prestigious event as the CIPD NI Awards. I am incredibly lucky to work at Henderson Group where I am surrounded by a fantastic team of colleagues, all of whom make a huge contribution to our success in recruiting and developing talent at all levels. No two days are the same, but always enjoyable! It’s a privilege to be part of the Group.”

Lee Ann Panglea, Head of the CIPD in Scotland and Northern Ireland said: “This is an award which cannot be applied for in the same way as the other categories. Instead, our judges are asked to nominate individuals, and the winner is decided each year by the entire CIPD NI HR Awards judging panel.

“Sometimes the same individuals are nominated and considered year after year as their experience and list of achievements build and evolve, and as such, the judges selected Sam Davidson for this award for a second time.

“Sam is well known within the HR community in NI for being a strong leader and role model to others.

“Sam consistently demonstrates a commitment to building the professional capability of his people teams, while being prepared to challenge the norm. He leads an HR function that is highly-valued within Henderson Group, as he has done

before in the organisations that he has worked in, not just within NI but in roles throughout his career working across the UK and beyond.

“The judges in particular acknowledged the leadership role that Sam has continued to play in the retail and food sector, which has been particularly challenged in recent times.”

In other categories on the night, Henderson Retail Ltd. picked up a highly commended accolade alongside Stepping Stones NI for Best Inclusion and Diversity Initiative. The company established the partnership with the organisation to develop the Step into Retail and Step into Deli academies, securing employment for 13 Stepping Stones NI clients this year.

Sam Davidson, Group Human Resources Director at Henderson Group, one of the biggest employers in Northern Ireland, has been honoured at a recent Awards ceremony for his outstanding contribution to the industry.

Sam Davidson is presented the award for Outstanding Contribution to the Industry at the recent CIPD NI Awards by Lee Ann Panglea (left). Also pictured is awards host, Serena Terry.

Eye on Motoring

Kia Niro covers all the bases

What sort of car do you buy these days - allelectric, hybrid or plugin hybrid? It’s an important and expensive decision that lots of us are having to make at the minute.

Electric cars (EVs) are cleaner, quieter and cheaper to run but they’re also a good bit more expensive to buy.

Range has improved dramatically with the best now coming in well north of 200 miles and more. They make most sense as a company car option because of the very low BIK tax rates.

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVS) – cars that combine battery and petrol power - are less expensive and also quite cheap to run. They’ll run on battery power alone for 30-40 miles and will drive as far as you like so long as there’s petrol in the tank. They’re also a decent company car option.

And then there’s standard hybrids (HEVs). These are the cheapest of the lot but more expensive to run. Using a small on-board battery, these will travel very short distances on battery power alone but for most of the time run just like a conventional petrol car though with much improved economy and lower emissions.

There isn’t a right or wrong answer to which one you choose. Much depends on what you can afford, what type of driving

you do and whether you can charge at home. Thoughtfully, Kia gives you a choice of all three with its latest Niro.

The Niro – a compact SUV – was first launched in 2016 and has been a big seller ever since. This second-generation Niro sees incremental improvements across the range making an already very good car, even better.

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions use the same 1.6 litre petrol engine and six speed gearbox but the PHEV has a more powerful electric motor. This gives it a combined output of 180bhp, versus the 139bhp in the regular hybrid. Despite this, it isn’t a whole lot quicker, getting from 0-62mph in 9.6 seconds, compared to 10.4 in the HEV.

The fastest Niro by far is the EV, which thanks to its 201bhp powertrain can go from 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds and reach a 104mph top speed. Range on the electric only model is now up to 285 miles.

The trick with the plug-in hybrid over the regular hybrid is the electric only range, which has been extended to 39 miles. If you keep the battery charged and use it mostly in electric mode only - in and around town - it can deliver claimed mpg north of 300 mpg. The standard (and cheaper) hybrid is pretty good on the economy

front too with a claimed mpg of 60mpg, while adopting a slow and steady driving style will help get you closest to these figures.

Elsewhere, the new Niro looks a good bit more striking than its predecessor, taking many design cues from the recently launched EV6. The interior is unfussy with plenty of soft touch materials, gloss black finishes and chromelike detailing to the fore.

The cabin is airy and spacious with plenty of room for leggy passengers, front and back. Boot space varies by powertrain. The most spacious is the EV with an impressive 475 litres. The hybrid comes next with a respectable 451 litres while plug-in hybrid comes in with just 348 litres, because the battery is located at the rear.

The trim level line-up remains unchanged with the Niro kicking off with the entry-level ‘2’, then the ‘3’ and finally top-spec ‘4’. Equipment levels are among the most generous around with all models getting 16-inch alloy wheels, dual LED headlights, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, an 8-inch touchscreen and a towing pack as standard.

Pricing for the cheapest 2 Hybrid model starts at £27,745, with the Niro plug-in hybrid starting at £33,525. The all-electric Niro EV is the most expensive option; available from £36,425.

Motoring with James Stinson

Eye on Motoring Motoring with James Stinson

infotainment technology.

The basic AMG Line model comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and the AMG Line exterior package. It also gets heated sports seats in the front, twozone climate control and a huge 11.9-inch touchscreen, as well as the digital instrument display.

Wireless charging, smartphone integration and black fabric roof lining are also included as standard. AMG Line Premium specification adds 20-inch alloy wheels, memory settings for the seats, mirrors and steering wheel, as well as a 360-degree parking camera. Keyless entry is included, too, along with a 64-colour ambient lighting system.

How times have changed at Mercedes. Once renowned for its big executive saloons, the German marque recently revealed its most successful model is now its smallish SUV, the GLC.

Some things never change though… the latest GLC has a typically upmarket feel and price tag. Prices start at £51,855 for the GLC 220d, rising to £72,210 for the GLC 300e Premium Plus.

The updated car comes with mild and plug-in hybrid powertrains and a choice of three trim levels, as well as Mercedes’ latest-generation

The range is topped out by the AMG Line Premium Plus with its panoramic glass sunroof and four-zone climate control, as well as head-up display and Burmester high-end sound system.

All models feature a new design of sports seats which come in Black Artico as standard with a non-cost option of brown or grey as an alternative. With the AMG Line Premium Plus Black Leather is standard with the choice of Saddle Brown or Power

Red leather for no extra cost.

New Mercedes GLC Pricing Revealed

There’s a choice of petrol and diesel engines, all of which come with mild-hybrid technology. The cheapest option is the 2-litre GLC 220d diesel, with 192 bhp, while there’s also a GLC 300d with a more powerful 241 bhp 2-litre diesel engine. Petrol power appears in the GLC 300, another 2-litre engine with 255 bhp.

Above those engines are two plug-in hybrids, offering customers the option of pairing an electric motor with a petrol or diesel engine. The GLC 300 e is the petrol option, teaming a 2-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to produce 308 bhp, while the GLC 300 de sees a 2-litre diesel engine combine with electrical power to offer 329 bhp.

Because both plug-in hybrids come with a massive 31.2 kWh battery pack, though, some customers will barely use the internal combustion engines.

Notable exterior features include a simulated chrome underguard, roof rails and running boards while new look headlamps connect directly with the radiator grille, helping to accentuate the vehicle’s width.

Orders are being taken now for delivery early in 2023.

Sales Surge For Plug-In Cars

years has been the move away from diesel, making up fewer than onein-ten new cars sold in the month. A decade ago, diesels accounted for about a half of all new car sales.

Diesels have been on the receiving end of a government-led crusade to tackle air pollution, which is hitting diesel owners in the wallet. Diesel cars are now being charged more to drive in clean air zones in London and elsewhere. And there have been increases in car tax and company car tax for some diesels too.

While new car sales across the UK were up 4.6% in September compared to the same month last year, sales remain subdued compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Overall, registrations for the month were still some 34.4% below prepandemic levels as the industry continues to battle issues constraining supply to fulfil a backlog of orders.

In Northern Ireland, sales during September were up 12.6% and were 1.8% higher for the first nine months of the year.

Plug-in cars, be they all-electric or plug-in hybrid, made up one fifth of all new cars sold in the UK in September. At just over 38,000 or 16.9%, sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in September were the second highest ever recorded. Plug-in hybrids accounted for 5.5% of sales.

The direction of travel is clear though we are still some way off a tipping point for plug-in cars. Fully or partially electric vehicles as well as various hybrids, full and mild, accounted for just over half (54.7%) of all sales. Pure petrol and diesels make up the rest.

The other big story of recent

But despite the extra charges, diesel could still make sense particularly if you choose a recent model that complies with the latest emissions standards – known as Euro 6 - and cover many miles, which will give you the chance to save money on fuel compared with a petrol equivalent.

The Nissan Qashqai was the bestselling car in Northern Ireland in September, with 170 vehicles sold, followed by the Volkswagen Polo on 139.

But Hyundai’s Tucson remains the leader in sales throughout the year with 929 cars sold, followed by the Ford Kuga on 865 and Ford Puma with 716.

There is a new place to do business