Business Eye September 2019

Issue 191 September 2019 £2.50 Voted best Business Magazine in Ireland 2005 and Magazine of the Year for Northern Ireland

Sarah Ramsey BL...

Bar of Northern Ireland Chair on Excellence, Engagement and Empowerment at the Bar Features:

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NI Water Funding…

A Crisis For Northern Ireland

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Legal 500…

NI’s Top Lawyers 2019

From one to many, find out how we can help your business at fleetfinancial.co.uk

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Keenan CF… At The Corporate Finance Front Line

Contents

September 2019 ISSUE 191

Cover Story

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Making Law Accessible To All

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Catherine Toolan & ICC Belfast…

Targeting International Growth

Accessibility, or making justice more accessible for everyone, is the key theme for the Bar of Northern Ireland’s current chair, Sarah Ramsey. A specialist in family law and a barrister with some 25 years experience, Sarah is half way through her two-year spell in the chair at the Bar Library in Belfast, home to Northern Ireland’s 630 QC’s and barristers.

When Belfast’s world class conference facility first opened three and a half years ago, it’s target to deliver £100 million worth of economic impact by 2021 looked ambitious. But, with plenty of time still on the clock, the venue has delivered £96 million of that target. And it’s definitely not stopping there.

Tughans…At The Sharp End Of NI’s Legal Marketplace

Top Lawyers 2019

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Legal 500 - NI’s Top Lawyers & Law Firms Revealed Business Eye takes its annual look at the legal sector here and reveals the Legal 500’s report on the top law firms by sector as well as the leading individual lawyers across a range of key areas of specialisation.

Tughans Managing Partner Patrick Brown isn’t one to indulge in the legal firm numbers game. He’s the first to admit that the historic Belfast firm is bettered by others in that respect. But when it comes to activity, he reckons that Tughans is leaving others in its wake.

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Keenan CF - At The Centre Of NI Business

Belfast’s very own Asia Supermarket, on the Ormeau Embankment close to its junction with Ravenhill Road, sets new standards when it comes to ethnic and exotic food shopping in the city. The result of a multi-million-pound investment, Asia Supermarket is fast approaching its first year in business at the new site and is attracting a growing numbers of customers, either through members of the public within retail, or servicing their traditional customer base of business owners.

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Bishop’s Gate…At The Centre Of The City

When Tom Keenan founded Keenan CF in 2008, he had a simple aim in mind. The business would focus firmly on the local Northern Ireland marketplace. And that’s exactly what Tom and his colleagues at Keenan CF have done.

They have built and honed a boutique firm providing a range of finance services to companies, financial institutions and individuals here in Northern Ireland.

Derry-Londonderry’s excellent Bishop’s Gate Hotel has won a series of awards in the number of years that it’s been open for business. And that won’t come as any surprise to those of us who’ve stayed there, eaten there and simply enjoyed a drink there. It’s a unique city centre hotel with a first-class staff.

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First Trust Bank Business Eye Awards 2019

Infrastructure Investment

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NI Water Funding….A Crisis For Northern Ireland Underfunding at NI Water, the Government-owned company charged with managing the water and sewerage network here, looks set to have far-reaching implications on the construction, development and other sectors here.

That’s the stark warning from NI Water’s Paul Harper and David Fry of the Construction Employers Federation.

The First Trust Bank Business Eye Awards for 2019 were launched in style at ICC Belfast recently. The closing date for entries across all 18 categories will be Friday, 25th October, and the Awards will be presented in front of a 600-strong audience at ICC Belfast on 28th November.

Corr’s Corner Marks 100-Year Milestone One of the institutions of the local hospitality industry has been celebrating a remarkable 100 years in business. Corr’s Corner Hotel at Newtownabbey forms part of the McKeever Hotel Group, owners of the Dunsilly Hotel in Antrim, Ballymena’s Adair Arms, Dillon’s in Letterkenny and the Dunadry Hotel & Gardens.

Eye on Talent

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Eye on Banking

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Eye on Risk Management

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Eye on Personal Finance

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Eye on Corporate Finance

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Eye on Events

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Eye on Law

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Eye on Communications

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Eye on Moving On

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Eye on Financial Management

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Eye on People

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Eye on Motoring

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Editor Richard Buckley Commercial Director Brenda Buckley

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Asia Supermarket & ITMS Ireland...

Creating a State of the Art Retail Experience

Corporate Finance

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News of the collapse of Wrightbus in Ballymena came as the worst possible industrial news at the worst possible time for Northern Ireland.

Comment

“Despite calls for government itself and plenty of worthy advisers for companies to prepare for Brexit, it’s pretty damn hard to prepare when none of us really knows what we’re supposed to be preparing for.”

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ith no progress on what shape or form Brexit will take, if it takes any form at all, and no final call on whether or not it will happen on October 31st, business and the economy here continues to suffer and to feel the pain of our politicians’ continued failure.

The Wrightbus collapse came hot on the heels of the crisis at Harland & Wolff. But the news from Queen’s Island shows that there can be light at the end of the tunnel. It’s a testament to the determination of the workers and the hard work of the administrators Brian Murphy and Michael Jennings of BDO that a deal looks to have been found with InfraStrata.

Wrightbus, not too long ago, was being feted as the big beast of Northern Ireland manufacturing, a company which was producing buses for London, Dublin and cities and countries all over the world.

The Wright family has been quick to defend itself and point the figure at a change of trend in the public transport business worldwide to electric-powered vehicles.

But that’s surely something they should have seen coming around the corner.

Mind you, those who blame Brexit and a lack of devolved government in Northern Ireland are clearly wide of the mark too. In any case, it’s not about blame. It’s about learning lessons and trying to look after the people whose livelihoods have been devastated by the news.

Our local politicians, though, should spare us the crocodile tears. Their lack of action on the local front is affecting the economy and it is affecting business here even if it’s not directly responsible for what’s happened at Wrightbus or what could have happened at Harland & Wolff.

It’s time they faced up to their responsibilities.

Richard Buckley EDITOR Irish Magazine Editor of the Year 2005

Brexit, meanwhile, remains something of an unknown quantity. Despite calls for government itself and plenty of worthy advisers for companies to prepare for Brexit, it’s pretty damn hard to prepare when none of us really knows what we’re supposed to be preparing for.

At the time of writing, the Supreme Court’s decision has thrown a fairly large cat in amongst the pigeons, Boris Johnson remains determined and Jeremy Corbyn is giving us all a good imitation of someone who hasn’t a clue what they’re doing.

As for Northern Ireland’s largest political party, the DUP, they continue to hang on grimly to the Prime Minister’s coat tails. But it all looks ultimately futile and there are very, very few in business around here who have a good word to say about the DUP’s MP’s and the stance that they have taken.

If anything, it looks more likely now that the Prime Minister needs to find some sort of deal to get Brexit across the line. A No Deal Brexit, thank heavens, looks a lot less likely even though it’s still a possibility.

Whatever deal he finds, the question of this small part of the world will be front and centre.

Will a Northern Ireland only backstop still make a late appearance. Don’t rule it out.

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Eye on News

Killeavy Castle Reaches Four Stars R

Pictured at the announcement (L to R) are Caroline Adams from Tourism NI with Jason Foody, General Manager of Killeavy Castle.

Killeavy Castle located at the foot of Slieve Gullion in County Armagh has achieved a four star grading from Tourism NI.

ecently awarded the National Winner Newcomer of the Year 2020 at the Georgina Campbell Irish Food and Hospitality Awards, the luxury four-star boutique hotel, spa and wellness centre opened to the public in April 2019 following a £12 million investment.

Surrounded by three hundred and fifty acres of mixed farm and woodlands, guests at Killeavy Castle can step into a world of history and explore the castle grounds including the walled garden and café area.

Caroline Adams, Tourism NI’s Quality and Standards Manager, Commented; “Killeavy Castle is a fantastic addition to the accommodation offering for any visitor wishing to discover more of the area. It is the perfect base for both local and international visitors to escape, retreat, relax and unwind.

This four star rating now gives it a great springboard to draw even more visitors to the County Armagh area.”

“We congratulate Jason and the team on this fantastic achievement and wish them every success for their future.”

Jason Foody, General Manager of Killeavy Castle commented on the 4 star grading; “Achieving our desired four star grading from Tourism NI, only being open seven weeks, is something that I am delighted and immensely proud of. This result would not have been attainable without the team that surrounds me every day and I am extremely grateful as a manager for their hard work and dedication that helped achieve this result.”

Jason further commented; “Killeavy Castle Estate looks forward to working with Tourism NI for the development of Northern Ireland and in particular the Ring of Gullion and making Killeavy Castle Estate a leading destination for those that holiday within Northern Ireland.”

Women in Business Proud to Reveal New Centre of Learning Women in Business is proud to reveal its new Centre of Learning which will play host to a suite of market-leading training programmes for its members, including accessible and relevant one-day programmes for those who are short on time.

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he Centre of Learning initiative was launched with the ‘Back to Business’ programme which is aimed at female employees who are returning to work after maternity leave. This innovative programme will offer support to these women returning to their role, equipping them with the tools, insights and confidence to influence and excel.

Following research and extensive feedback from valued Women in Business members, the Centre of Learning will offer a wide range of bespoke programmes that will actively support, mentor and aid business people, from female entrepreneurs to corporate professionals, on both their personal and professional journeys.

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Upcoming programmes are currently planned to run until February 2020 and will provide networking opportunities for like-minded professionals and peers to create lifelong friendships whilst also growing their career or business. Programmes include, ‘Back to Business’, ‘Grit and Grace’, ‘Brilliant Communication’, ‘Your Best Life Designed’, ‘Negotiation Skills’, ‘Mentoring Programme’ and ‘Resilience Skills’.

These innovative workshops and programmes will be delivered by recognised industry experts including Joanne Kelly, William J Clinton Leadership Institute; Mark Garrett Hayes, Your Best Life Designed; Niamh Shiells and Debbie Cousins, Advance Coaching Mentoring; and Camilla Long and Sarah Travers from Bespoke Communications.

Women in Business is confident that there is guaranteed to be something to benefit everyone.

Head of Business at Women in Business, Lesley O’Hanlon commented, “These facilitated programmes were established to provide an empowering space

to support Women in Business members personally and professionally throughout their careers. Women in Business is Northern Ireland’s largest and fastest growing business support network for women and we are extremely passionate about encouraging our members to climb the ladder of success and understand that, through continuous learning and training, they can continue to develop transferable skills and the motivation needed to create a sense of purpose”.

With a vision to equip women with the skills they need to, start their own business or develop their careers, rising into senior manager and leadership positions, Women in Business is excited to offer such a wide variety of programmes and would urge its members and the surrounding business community to take full advantage of what they have to offer.

To find out more about the programmes on offer, or to book your space, visit www.womeninbusinessni.com or contact Programmes Manager nicky@womeninbusinessni.com

Eye on News

IoD NI: ‘REWARDS ARE THERE FOR FIRMS THAT FOCUS ON REPUTATION’ Businesses that focus on building a strong reputation and preparing for times of crisis will reap the rewards, the Institute of Directors Northern Ireland (IoD NI) has said.

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he leading business organisation is hosting a Reputation & Crisis Management Seminar next month as part of its Connect and Influence series, which will focus on key drivers of successful recovery from damaged reputation.

The workshop, taking place at Riddel Hall on 23rd October, will be delivered in partnership with law firm Eversheds Sutherland and communications experts ReputationInc, whose Group CEO John Mahony will be among a panel of speakers.

IoD NI National Director, Kirsty McManus said: “According to a study by the World Economic Forum, on average, more than 25% of a company’s market value is directly attributable to its reputation.

“Reputation is far too important to be ignored or underappreciated.

Building a strong reputation and preparing for times of crisis, helps both to win new business and enables organisations to cope when faced with difficulties.

“Many company directors identify reputation risk as their key business challenge but very few know how to address this issue.

“This workshop aims to address the knowledge gap amongst directors in relation to practical steps required in a crisis.

“Both members and nonmembers are invited to attend this event, which presents a valuable opportunity to hear and learn from leading experts in the fields of law and communication.”

Lisa Bryson, Partner at event sponsor Eversheds Sutherland, added: “Eversheds Sutherland welcomes this opportunity to partner with the IoD through the Connect and

Influence seminar, as we seek to highlight the importance of strong reputation and crisis management from the legal perspective.

“It is an issue that can have real business repercussions and a major impact on the bottom line.

“The primary responsibility for safeguarding a company’s reputation must lie with its directors, meaning that they must be well versed in responding in a calm and measured manner to events which may have the potential of having a negative impact on their organisation’s reputation.

“By sharing our collective expertise and providing directors with the necessary steps and information, we hope to equip and prepare them to be able to manage and minimise the potential negative fallout of any crisis their business may face.”

The event will also hear from Eversheds Sutherland Partners Marie McGinley, who is Head of the firm’s Intellectual Property, Technology, and Data Protection departments, and Matthew Howse, who heads up its Litigation team in Belfast.

ReputationInc CEO John Mahony

For more information about the workshop, speakers and how to book a place visit www.iod.com/ni.

Abbey Links Up With First Trust Bank

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eading County Antrim furniture manufacturer fit out and joinery company Abbey Upholsterers has announced First Trust Bank as its business banking partner in Northern Ireland. The award winning family business established by George Devlin Sr in the early 1900’s provides high end bespoke furniture product globally. The company, which employs over 120 staff across Northern Ireland and the UK has undertaken fit outs for a range of leading hotels including the 5 Star Galgorm Resort as well as projects for Claridge’s Hotel in London and the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin.

Globally Abbey Upholsterers delivers bespoke interior fit-out projects for a number of the world’s top luxury brands, combining chic style and stunning substance.

Commenting on the new business banking partnership with First Trust, Managing Director of Abbey Upholsterers, Paul Devlin said; “As a family-run business since early 1900’s we work with a demanding sector to deliver unique joinery and upholstery solutions as well as interior fit-out services.

Our reputation has enabled us to grow our market across the leisure sector including bars and restaurants in addition to private luxury residences – so it is essential that our business is fit and ready to support customers and suppliers. This banking partnership with First Trust will ensure we are at the top of our professional game when it comes to delivering our well known Abbey Upholsterers high business standards. This new banking partnership will be great for staff and suppliers a like, making for easier business delivery all round.”

Joanne Early, Business Manager with First Trust, added; “We are delighted to work with this successful family run business. As Abbey’s new Banking Partner, we look forward to supporting the Company to grow in the future and look after their personal needs & the needs of their staff.”

The 100% family owned company, overlooking the shoreline at Carrick, boasts over 90 years’ providing high quality solutions. Created in its 100,000 sq. ft. factory, Abbey’s work can be seen across Ireland, the UK and the world.

Michelle Harbinson (Centre Right), Head of Business Acquisitions, and Andrea Elston (Centre Left) Relationship Manager, First Trust Bank join Paul Devlin, (Far Left) Managing Director, and George Devlin (Far Right), Finance Director, of Abbey Upholsterers.

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For when business success needs admin support

Eye on News

Shelbourne Motors Opens New £5M Multi-Franchise Complex In Newry Shelbourne Motors has opened its new £5m multi-franchise complex in Newry with the creation of 60 new jobs.

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he 50,000 sq ft development features state-of-the-art showrooms for global car manufacturers Renault, Dacia and Kia, and a purpose-built Autoselect Used Car Supermarket.

The facility - designed

by Clarman Architects and constructed by O’Hare & McGovern - also includes new car handover bays,drive-in service centre and lounge-style waiting area.

The 60 new jobs fill a number of key roles in customer service, sales and technical support at the family-owned vehicle retailer’s multi-franchise complex.

Paul Ward, Sales Director at Shelbourne Motors said: “The opening of our new £5m multi-franchise complex in Newry is a significant landmark moment for our business. It is the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance to fulfil our ambitions of expanding into the Newry and Mourne area.

“We worked with Clarman Architects and O’Hare & McGovern to deliver a state-ofthe-art facility that matched our long-term vision, and they certainly didn’t disappoint. It’s been meticulously designed and constructed to provide an unequalledsales and after-care experience to customers.

“We look forward to welcoming all of our customers –old and new - to experience its sleek and modern layout with its host of technologicallyadvanced features.”

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“We have also appointed a dynamic and experienced team of 60 new staff, across a range of customer service, sales and technical support roles, tasked with delivering our ethos of exceptional choice and service to our loyal and everexpanding customer base.”

The addition of Kia Motors (UK) to the family-owned vehicle retailer’s franchise portfolio expands the number of manufacturers it represents to five across its Newry and Portadown locations.

The deal with Renault and Dacia strengthens Shelbourne Motors’ relationship with the French car manufacturer having operated a franchise of the brand at its Portadown headquarters since 2003.

Paul added: “The Kia and Renault partnerships position Shelbourne Motors as the only dedicated dealership supplying new and used Renault, Dacia and Kia vehicles in the Newry and Mourne area.

“These global manufacturers are a perfect fit for us and we believe we have delivered spectacular showrooms and top-class staff synonymous with the marketleading qualities of each brand.”

Shelbourne Motors was founded by the Ward Family in 1973 and its Portadown headquarters operates Toyota, Renault, Nissan and Dacia franchises, as well as a Used Car Supermarket, Accident Repair Centre and Valet Centre.

Pictured opening the new £5m multi-franchise complex in Newry is Caroline Willis, Financial Director; Paul Ward, Sales Director and Richard Ward, Sales Director.

honeycomb.jobs

Eye on News

Chartered Surveying Agency Invests Further In Its Belfast Office

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multi-disciplinary UK chartered surveying agency has invested further in Belfast by recently completing a move to prime city centre Grade A office accommodation.

Gordon Ingram Associates (GIA), which is headquartered in London’s South Bank, has moved into River House on Belfast city centre’s High Street.

GIA, which is an industry-leading expert in Rights of Light, Daylight and Sunlight and Party Wall & Neighbourly matters, also has a major presence in Manchester and has recently opened an office in Bristol.

The firm currently has six members of staff in Belfast, and has plans to significantly add to its headcount by employing a further ten people in the next 12 to 18 months.

GIA Partner Kevin Francis, who heads up the Belfast office, said that the firm’s continued growth and investment in Belfast comes in response to the increasing market demand for its bespoke services in Northern Ireland.

He added: “As the commercial real estate

sector in Northern Ireland continues to grow, it is clear to see that there is an appetite and relevance for GIA in the local market.

“Our recent office move is a clear indication of the confidence that the firm has in the Belfast practice and highlights our long-term ambition and commitment to the city.”

Stephen Friel, Head of Department and Senior Partner at GIA said: “GIA isn’t a traditional chartered surveying agency. We endeavour to turn linear perfunctory processes into contextual holistic strategies and strive to find the best possible solution for our clients.

“Having been in business for 25 years, GIA has a proven track record in the commercial property market across the UK and has worked on many high-profile projects including The Gherkin, The Shard and the newly constructed 22 Bishopsgate in London.”

GIA is also behind the revolutionary VU.CITY technology, which is an innovative and interactive 3D platform that models and helps shape the future of the built environment in cities across the globe.

Kevin Francis, Partner and Head of Belfast, GIA (centre right) and Stephen Friel, Head of Department and Senior Partner at GIA (centre left) with members of the GIA team in Belfast.

VU.CITY has been adopted by 25 of London’s boroughs, as well as other major cities world-wide including New York, Paris, Manchester and Belfast.

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BOOK ONLINE AT WWW.TRANSLINK.CO.UK

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Eye on News

CRASH open Derry / Londonderry Branch in Expansion

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CRASH Services, Northern Ireland’s leading accident management company, have opened the doors to their new branch on the Culmore Road in Derry/ Londonderry as part of expansion plans that have created five new jobs in the city.

onathan McKeown, Chief Executive Officer at CRASH, commented “We announced earlier this year our intention to set up in the North West. We are delighted to have secured premises in such a prime location, close to the city centre.

“Our service is very appealing to anyone unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident. We aim to get our customers back on the road quickly and with the least inconvenience possible.

There is no fee for our accident management service as all costs are recovered from the insurers involved. Whilst customers can be assured that we will inform them of all their entitlements, so they are at no financial loss as a result of their accident.

“We have several existing long-term relationships with vehicle repairers, motor dealers and insurance brokers in the area and we hope to establish new partnerships with other local businesses

over the coming months.”

CRASH Services offers a complete one-stop service for motorists involved in road traffic accidents.

This includes; vehicle recovery, collision investigation, arranging repairs, supplying replacement vehicles, claims management, access to legal and medical assistance. CRASH Services can assist any motorist, regardless of what type of vehicle they drive, including for example Taxi and van drivers, and no matter who they are insured with.

Established in 1996, CRASH Services have experienced significant growth in business over the last two years, with cases handled increasing by nearly 20%.

Overall staff numbers have now grown to 88 across their locations in Belfast, Newry and now the new Derry/ Londonderry Branch.

Their fleet of replacement vehicles has now grown to over 200.

For more information please visit crashservices.com

Selective Travel Management Win Multi Million Pound Contracts Keith Graham, Managing Director Selective Travel Management

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elective Travel Management has won two major contracts worth £1.5million and £1million respectively through a successful tendering process conducted by the Southern Universities Purchasing Consortium (SUPC). The successful tendering process has also presented the company with further opportunities of winning contracts worth £160 million a year.

The SUPC conducted a tendering exercise on behalf of multiple Higher Education Consortiums across the UK. This is the third time that the Belfastheadquartered company, Selective Travel Management has held this contract to service the worldwide travel requirements of the consortium membership of nearly 500 Institutions

across the UK. This important business success reinforces their position as one of the UK’s fastest growing independent travel management companies and will immediately create multiple new positions across a range of levels bringing our Belfast staff numbers from 115 to over 140 by the end of the year.

For the first time, Selective Travel Management has also been awarded the contract to provide travel management under the Student Travel Management Services contract. Keith Graham, Managing Director of Selective Travel Management, says: “By strengthening our position in the Higher Education sector, it has allowed us to branch out into the new and exciting Student Travel sector. We are looking forward to making our mark within this sector and continuing to be

able to offer our full range of services to all our Higher Education Customers.”

Keith continues, “We are naturally delighted with this win as the new contracts reinforce our pre-eminence in the academic sector who have complex global travel requirements. Our established expertise and experience within the sector enable us to respond to this development with fully tailored, flexible IT solutions and measured, transparent value, while our commitment to excellence in customer service allows every traveller to connect seamlessly with us as travel provider.

“We know the work will be as demanding as it is varied, but our team here in Belfast is perfectly positioned to handle the challenge, delivering outstanding 24/7 support to customers who may be anywhere in the world.”

Eye on Law

THE IMPACT ON POTENTIAL COST TO BUSINESSES AS LIBOR IS PHASED OUT

As LIBOR is set to be discontinued, Stuart Mansfield, Finance Partner at leading law firm Arthur Cox, explains why businesses should act now to ensure they don’t end up paying over the odds.

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he traditional benchmark used by financial institutions when setting interest rates is due to be replaced. It could mean significant additional costs to businesses depending on what provisions have been made by their lenders to charge interest in the future.

LIBOR (the London InterBank Offered Rate), is invariably relied upon as a base rate by financiers but will be phased out by 2021.

It is imperative therefore that borrowers review existing loan

and hedging agreements to determine whether these need to be updated in light of the changes.

LIBOR was historically based on an estimate of the price a panel of banks would pay, to borrow from each other in a number of currencies and over different time periods.

The rate became notorious however during the financial crisis, when it emerged the practice of using estimations had left LIBOR vulnerable to manipulation.

A series of amendments were subsequently introduced in a bid

to ensure the rate more accurately reflected the actual price banks paid, but despite the reforms the rate will be discontinued, with SONIA (the Sterling OverNight Index Average) set to replace it.

Based on actual trades in the UK overnight unsecured lending and borrowing market, SONIA has been supported by the Bank of England as its preferred near riskfree interest rate benchmark, and the Financial Conduct Authority has told lenders to stop using LIBOR as the basis for pricing.

Unlike LIBOR, the SONIA benchmark is aligned solely to sterling, but other rates exist for major global currencies that should be taken into account for those with interests beyond the UK borders.

Existing documentation relating to lending arrangements, although drafted with a reliance on LIBOR,

will likely include some provision or fall-back position to account for the intermittent availability of the rate.

However, these are intended as short-term remedies and may also result in increased repayments, so maintaining the status quo is not a viable option.

Earlier this year, the Loan Market Association stated that there was no practical way to enable the transition to a new reference rate without amending each existing loan document individually.

Some of the required changes to documentation may be complex.

For example, it is common for hedging products that are tied to the loan agreement also to be linked to intra-group loan arrangements that use the same interest calculation mechanics.

Amending the benchmark rate within the main loan agreement could result in a mismatch in payments within those related documents.

Therefore, a full audit of all current loan and hedging arrangements is recommended for borrowers to negate any inherent risk as the underlying rate changes. Seeking professional guidance will ease this process and ensure borrowers are not left counting the cost when the new benchmark becomes effective.

With extensive experience advising borrowers and financial institutions on the drafting of loan agreements, and a clear understanding of the wider financial landscape, the Arthur Cox Finance Team is ideally placed to assist parties on all sides in preparation for the post-LIBOR future. Call +44 28 9023 0007 for further information from Stuart or your regular Arthur Cox contact.

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Eye on Infrastructure

NI Water Funding...

A Crisis For Northern Ireland

NI Water’s largest Wastewater Treatment Works was commissioned over 20 years ago. Significant investment is needed urgently to enable continued new connections to the sewer network from 2021.

Underfunding at NI Water, the Government-owned company charged with managing the water and sewerage network here, looks set to have farreaching implications on the construction, development and other sectors here. That’s the stark warning from NI Water and construction industry chiefs.

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he region has increasing and significant issues with its sewerage infrastructure.

As things stand, over a third of the sewer systems serving 90% of the Northern Ireland population are either at full capacity or fast approaching full capacity....and no

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longer able to safely manage any increase in sewage volumes.

As a direct result, NI Water may not be able to allow new connections to sewer systems in a growing number of cities and towns across the region. And it’s situation which can only get worse

unless a funding solution is found.

The fact that the sewerage infrastructure can’t cope with expansion has clear and direct ramifications for developers, house builders and the construction industry as well as agri food manufacturers, tourism and hospitality and other key users of sewerage systems.

NI Water’s current funding of £990 million – which comes directly from the UK Block Grant via the Department of Finance covers the period 2015 to 2021, and the company can only spend within this public expenditure budget. It’s not permitted to hold surplus cash reserves and reported account profits provide no additional spending power.

In addition, the organisation has been impacted by further annual public expenditure cuts.

“If underfunding continues and our capacity issues can’t be addressed, there are a couple of obvious risks to Northern Ireland – restricted economic growth across housing, manufacturing, agri food and tourism – and the increased potential for environmental pollution,” says Paul Harper, NI Water’s Director of Asset Delivery.

“As things stand, we estimate that Northern Ireland needs over £3.3 billion to meet the requirements of the water and sewerage infrastructure here. If we could fix and upgrade everything that needs fixed or upgraded, that’s the total bill that we’re looking at.

EyeonInfrastructure

David Fry, Executive Assistant Director, Construction Employers Federation

Paul Harper, NI Water’s Director of Asset Delivery

The investment need in Belfast alone is around £1 billion.”

In other words, the gap between the amount of money needed to bring the water, but especially the sewerage network up to scratch and the amount likely to be made available to NI Water looks almost certain to grow.

At the moment, according to Paul Harper, NI Water is effectively ‘keeping the taps running’, investing and spending what it has available to it to protect and maintain safe, clean drinking water....always its core objective. Wastewater issues (sewage) as the second priority have suffered from the funding gap.

NI Water’s next round of funding will be set through the PC21 Price Control process for the period 2021 to 2027 and the company has already embarked on the lengthy process of making its submission, as process which includes seeking the approval of the Northern Ireland’s Utility Regulator.

“Our problem at this moment is that we have a large network of a thousand or so Wastewater Treatment Works serving communities right across Northern Ireland and we’re unable to invest in these. We have to be very efficient and very effective. But

cope, those plans just aren’t realistic.

“There is no doubt that housing developments are being put on hold because of problems with the sewerage infrastructure.

It’s happening now, and the situation isn’t likely to improve in the foreseeable future.”

Property developers, house

we can’t invest in the way that Northern Ireland needs us to. As a result, we have to do the best with what we have at our disposal.

That’s the root of the problem that is facing this industry.

“What we’re talking about is a crisis for Northern Ireland. Not just for Northern Ireland Water.”

“I think that our local councils are ignoring what is a massive elephant in the room.

It’s all very well talking about ambitious development plans and re-population. But if our infrastructure doesn’t work and can’t cope, those plans just aren’t realistic.”

David Fry, Assistant Director of the Construction Employers Federation, is warning that NI Water’s funding crisis is already having a direct effect on a beleaguered construction sector already facing up to the fact that Northern Ireland’s market is on the verge of recession.

“I think that our local councils are ignoring what is a massive elephant in the room. It’s all very well talking about ambitious development plans and re-population. But if our infrastructure doesn’t work and can’t

builders and construction companies, he warns, are already walking away from potential developments because of problems with the sewerage infrastructure.....and the problem is set to grow.

“But it also impacts on manufacturers and a number of other key sectors. This is a fundamental issue for Northern Ireland, and it’s one that hasn’t been addressed by the additional funds earmarked for Northern Ireland under the DUP’s agreement

with the Tory government.

“The problem here is that a very high proportion of available funds go to the big flagship projects – the A6, the Belfast Transport Hub, the new Children’s Hospital, and while not doubting the importance of these, there is little thought given to the funding of other key elements of infrastructure here.”

As Northern Ireland’s demands continue to grow, NI Water expects the number of sewer systems with capacity issues to continue to increase on the run up to its next funding round.

David Fry adds: “Ideally, some form of political intervention before next summer would help to break the logjam. Our politicians have to be brace, upfront and visionary.”

Paul Harper argues that NI Water’s case is a simple one at heart. “All we want is funding at a level where we can meet our objectives, support our customers and support Northern Ireland as a whole,” he says.

“We have a corporate plan that is ready to go but it’s a frustration that we can’t set it into action.

It’s all very well talking about regeneration projects and ambitious plans. But we have to get the infrastructure right first, or few of these can actually happen.”

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Eye on Recruitment

The Cost of Hiring the Wrong Leader…

Very few companies can say they have never hired a wrong leader but did you ever think of what this truly cost the organisation?

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ome simple mathematics include the cost of advertising or the agency fee, hiring activity, training, the candidate’s salary whilst not performing and throughout any performance management process, plus any legal fees or compensation paid.

However, the fallout may be even more costly if the wrong leader is appointed, with reduced productivity, potential sales or customers lost, additional burden placed on other leaders, reputational issues and, of course, increased staff attrition.

If the appointment goes wrong, there will then be further recruitment fees (the second choice candidate will no longer be available and re-advertising the role may have reputation damage), further hiring activity, another notice period, the on-boarding process and the time it takes for the new hire to get up to speed. All with no guarantee that the second time around a better outcome is achieved. Even if it is case of second time lucky, the process will have taken 12 months and industry experts estimate the total sum for a wrong hire at middle management level is eight times their annual salary and for directors it can be up to fifteen.

And then there’s the human cost.

Most senior management hires who don’t work out are not at fault through incompetence. Far from it. Most have been hired because their experience is the right fit for the job profile. Quite often they are already known to the organisation and occasionally fast-tracked through a less than thorough interview process. But

16

without the right organisational fit they may not gel with the new employers’ culture, values or indeed other staff, and therefore won’t fit its future or make the strategic contribution they should.

This might have been explored at interview but, for speed or ease of process, expectations were neither properly communicated, nor fully understood by both parties. Speed and ease are now irrelevant and you’re back to the drawing board.

The result is that a highprofile individual with personal commitments and a solid career to date has lost their job. They might feel they were mis-sold the role or that they weren’t treated well.

There is reputational damage to both parties and, regardless of whether you knew the individual personally beforehand, the parting of ways will have been painful for both.

If you could turn back the clock and do things differently, would you have invested more effort in hiring the right leader the first time?

When it comes to senior appointments, hiring the wrong leader can be worse than having no leader at all. Hiring the right candidate for the long-term needs time and attention and working with a professional Executive Search firm is an investment.

The right Search firm will work with you to define the role and candidate requirements in terms of skillset, fit and potential. They will create a proposition that is attractive in the market but a true reflection of the opportunity now and in the future.

Narratology’s search model is based around our in-house

Ruth McDonald, Managing Director, Narratology

research function. We have the capability to identify the best candidates in a particular market and, critically, a robust process to engage and assess those candidates to guide you on the best fit for your organisation.

Just as we take time to assess candidates, we also ensure they are realistically informed of the requirements and expectations of the role. We use a range of assessments over the course of the process, but the most important yardstick is the chemistry between the two parties. Industry experience might be crucial to you, but what about skills like communication, leadership, critical thinking or willingness and ability to collaborate. If the fit or relationship isn’t there at that stage, how can

you jointly run a business, make vital decisions and have tough conversations when you need to?

Finding that new leader to shape and grow your business is such an exciting time. An Executive Search firm should have addressed any queries or concerns well before offer stage but total transparency and agreed expectations are essential before either party commits.

Taking the time to hire the right leader is not a cost but a solid investment for the long term.

Contact Tel: 02890446336 or e-mail: r.mcdonald@ narratologyexec.com

Independent advice you can trust ! (0$ˏ) * #!)!*0ˏ+.ˏ"%* * % (ˏ,( **%*#ˏ%/ˏ +10ˏ )1 $ˏ)+.!ˏ0$ *ˏ 15%*#ˏ"%* * % (ˏ,.+ 1 0/Ȑ 0ˏ%/ˏ ˏ$+(%/0% ˏ(+*#ȥ0!.)ˏ,( *ˏ0$ 0ˏ %)/ˏ0+ˏ$!(,ˏ5+1ˏ0+ˏ $%!2!ˏ5+1.ˏ(%"!ˏ#+ (/ȑˏ1* !./0 * ˏ5+1.ˏ0 4ˏ + (%# 0%+*/ȑˏ,.+0! 0ˏ5+1ˏ%*ˏ /!ˏ+"ˏ1*!4,! 0! ˏ%((*!//ˏ+.ˏ &+ ˏ(+//ˏ * ˏ!*/1.!ˏ0$ 0ˏ5+1.ˏ3! (0$ˏ%/ˏ, //! ˏ+*ˏ0+ˏ0$!ˏ *!40ˏ#!*!. 0%+*ˏ%*ˏ(%*!ˏ3%0$ˏ5+1.ˏ3%/$!/Ȑ $ 0!2!.ˏ5+1.ˏ %. 1)/0 * !/ȑˏ+1.ˏ!4,!.%!* ! ˏ0! )ˏ $ 2!ˏ0$!ˏ!4,!.0%/!ˏ*!! ! ˏ0+ˏ"%* ˏ0$!ˏ/+(10%+*ˏ0$ 0ˏ%/ˏ .%#$0ˏ"+.ˏ5+1ˏ * ˏ5+1.ˏ" )%(5Ȑ

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The value of investments can go down as well as up. Past performance is not an indication of future performance and you may not get back the full amount you originally invested.

If you are in any doubt about tax implications that may affect you, please seek advice from a tax specialist before making any decisions.

Fairstone Financial Managaement NI is a trading name of Fairstone Financial Management Ltd. Fairstone Financial Management; Fairstone Financial Management (City); and Fairstone Private Wealth are all authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

The regulated firms are all part of the Fairstone Group Limited. Company No: 06599555.

Registered Address: 1 the Bulrushes, Woodstock Way, Boldon Business Park, Tyne & Wear NE35 9PF *All Trustpilot references are correct as of time of print, 20/09/2019

Eye on Business Tourism

Catherine Toolan & ICC Belfast...

Targeting International Growth

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Eye on Business Tourism

It’s not in doubt that ICC Belfast, the world class event space formerly known as Belfast Waterfront, has transformed Belfast’s status as a venue for mobile international conference events.

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hen the extended facility first opened three and a half years ago, it’s target to deliver £100 million worth of economic impact by 2021 looked ambitious. But, with plenty of time still on the clock, the venue has delivered £96 million of that target.

“We had a total of 57 international conference events here last year,” says Chief Executive Catherine Toolan. By international events, she means those that attract out of state visitors to the city. “We’re really pleased with the progress that we’ve made in a relatively short space of time and we’re very ambitious about what we can achieve going forward.”

In tandem with the continued growth of ICC Belfast as a venue, the city’s stock has also risen.

Back in 2017, Belfast was ranked 89th in the all important ICCA (International Conference & Convention Association) rankings.

By 2018, it has leapfrogged up to 64th in Europe and Catherine Toolan is confident of an event higher spot when the 2019 rankings are published.

“The rankings are based on a measurement of all international conferences over 50 delegates who rotate their events around the cities of the world, so they’re a lot more than just rankings,” she

explains, paying tribute to the other stakeholders in the ongoing promotion of Belfast, not least the City Council and Visit Belfast.

The rebrand of the venue’s conference offering from Belfast Waterfront to ICC Belfast has provided a significant boost, but so has the venue’s strong track record in delivering large scale events ranging from the RCN (Royal College of Nursing) annual congress to a series of events

its achievements as a venue. “As anyone in business will testify, it’s much easier to maintain existing customers than to find new ones,” smiles Catherine Toolan.

Belfast’s efforts to put itself onto the business tourism map are based on sound economics.

Research shows that the average spend per delegate per night at major conferences is a cool £488... spread across hotels, transports, entertainment, food, drink, etc.

“People make all the difference in any business, and we’re no different. From this office through to our international sales team and on to the team who deliver the food and the technical services for events when they come here...they’re all hugely important. We’re fortunate to have a really dedicated team right across the board.” for HBO, the makers of Game of Thrones. The venue hosted the world premiere of the final series of Game of Thrones earlier this year.

The international conference business is one which operates on long timescales. The team at ICC Belfast has events in place right out to 2028 and also has some repeat business on its books... the best possible testament to

“When you bear that in mind, you start to see how we can hit the £100 million economic impact target and how we can go on from there towards £200 million. And we’re still a Tier 2 city in international conference terms, despite the fact that we’re competing for events with the Tier 1 cities around the world.”

Belfast, says Catherine

Toolan, has to continue to look at its product offering right across the board. A world-class conference centre with the very latest technology and a strong food offering isn’t enough. The city around it also has to have its act together.

“And we’ve made a lot of progress as a city,” she says. “There are some great pubs, some excellent restaurants and we’ve managed to make significant progress by adding a lot of extra hotel bedrooms to the total on offer here. But it’s crucial that we keep working hard on infrastructure and how we present ourselves.

“We have to embrace technology, make the best use of social media and we also have to try to make sure that our air routes and transport systems are up to scratch.”

Recent announcements by Ryanair and Aer Lingus have pushed things in the other direction, but Catherine Toolan – like her colleagues in the industry – accepts that a lot of international visitors to Northern Ireland arrive here via Dublin Airport. It’s a fact of life.

ICC Belfast has picked up a series of major awards over recent years, the most recent being a joint high commendation alongside the ICC Birmingham at the UK-wide Conference & Incentive Travel Awards in September of this year, where Visit Belfast scooped the ‘Best Event Destination’ award for the second year in a row.

“Awards like that are very important and a powerful statement about what we are doing here at ICC Belfast and as a city,” adds Catherine. “But we benchmark all the time.

This is a highly competitive industry, and our customers, the conference organisers, have a lot of choices open to them. So a big part of our job is to monitor what other cities and other venues are doing all the time.

“People make all the difference in any business, and we’re no different. From this office through to our international sales team and on to the team who deliver the food and the technical services for events when they come here.... they’re all hugely important. We’re fortunate to have a really dedicated team right across the board.”

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Eye on Cover Story

Sarah Ramsey BL...

Bar of Northern Ireland Chair on Excellence, Engagement and Empowerment at the Bar Outreach, and promoting the value of the independent referral Bar across the business community and beyond, is a key focus for the Bar of Northern Ireland’s current chair, Sarah Ramsey.

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specialist in family law and a barrister with some 25 years’ experience, Sarah is half way through her two-year spell as Chair at the Bar of Northern Ireland nestled in the Bar Library in Belfast, next door to the city’s Royal Courts of Justice, and home to Northern Ireland’s barristers.

“This is a unique place,” says Sarah. “I am the leader of a thriving profession of over 600 self-employed barristers working in independent practice with a unique specialism and expertise in legal advocacy.

The Library acts as a fulcrum for all of them, a facility, a learning library and a centre of excellence.”

The building is certainly iconic and a central hub within the legal profession, not only do barristers carry out their day to day work from the premises it also serves as a meeting space for consultations and the renowned Inn of Court function room hosts prestigious legal leaders and judicial speakers regularly.

“Like all sectors and professions, we have seen much change in recent

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years both in terms of the law itself and how it is delivered. As the law, particularly in relation to commercial law and business transactions, has become more complex the expert knowledge of our practitioners is more sought after than ever before by the business community – in areas as diverse as insolvency, employment, contract negotiations, procurement, mediation, planning and judicial review”.

The work of a barrister, Sarah says, goes well beyond that of being an effective advocate in the court room. “A little-known fact is that every barrister is a sole trader who has to run their business as well as their court cases. We understand the challenges facing small businesses in Northern Ireland because we face those same challenges – this gives us real empathy for the issues faced by business clients and adds to the client service we can provide.”

The concept of an Independent Referral Bar is perhaps unfamiliar to many but it is the model used in Northern Ireland for the delivery of

legal services. Clients seek help from their local solicitor who provides an early assessment, supports the client and seeks the advice and opinion of a barrister who specialises in a specific area of law.

“It is a fair system, and one that works well in Northern Ireland, offering public access to a wide choice of high quality, independent legal representation and advice. It enables barristers to remain true to one of the fundamental tenets of the profession. A member of the Bar is obliged to act for anyone, in any case, without fear or favour, regardless of the client’s popularity, financial status or alleged ‘crime’.

This is a core principle in supporting access to justice and the rule of law and one that we hold dear.”

It is also a system in which there is a high degree of competition as a client has extensive choice over which barrister they may want to represent them. Sarah again feels that this is in keeping with business clients’ expectations and that this competition helps to drive up standards.

“One of the core benefits is the service provided to the client.

They benefit from the support of a solicitor who they know and respect, having worked closely with them on various matters over the course of their lives, often across generations. They also benefit from access to a choice of barristers who provide the expert opinion or

advocacy services when necessary.

Our objectivity is vitally important – the client can have confidence that it is expert, uncompromised and ultimately, in their best interest.”

Legal services play a particularly important role in this jurisdiction by facilitating access to justice. Sarah says that “during my first year in office I have been determined to put the spotlight on the vital role of the independent referral Bar and the importance of a strong, independent and vibrant legal profession in supporting the rule of law and access to justice in Northern Ireland”.

Sarah highlights that “we also need to stop thinking of legal services as simply being a drain on the public purse as some reports would have us believe. Various international studies have shown that they can also be an economic driver – we’re part of a UK legal services sector that contributes £26 billion to the UK economy & £292 million to Northern Ireland’s economy annually”.

She is also of the view that the time has come to make the Bar more accessible and its role better understood. “Barristers have traditionally remained in the background but, more than ever, outreach and engagement with stakeholders is crucial for the Bar. We need to be making the Bar relevant to everyone from policy makers to the business community to our young people, and highlighting the vital role of the independent

Sarah Ramsey BL, Chair at the Bar of Northern Ireland.

21

Eye on Cover Story

referral Bar as a cornerstone of any functioning democracy given the danger that this is often either not sufficiently understood or an inconvenient truth, particularly in the increasingly turbulent political times that we are living in”.

The Bar has been at the cutting edge of thought leadership within the justice sector and houses some of the most sought-after legal minds in the UK and Europe. Sarah explains that “the Bar has harnessed this to launch a Leaders in Legal Excellence discussion series in the last legal year, creating a conversation space for representatives of the legal and justice sectors & beyond to come together and explore ideas and opportunities on topical policy issues in the absence of any devolved Government locally”.

Sarah, like many barristers, is well used to working long hours in any given week during the legal year splitting her time between appearing in court, meeting clients, preparing cases, chairing Bar Council meetings and representing Northern Ireland’s barristers at legal and other functions both at home and on the international stage.

She heads east soon for the 2019 International Bar Conference in Seoul, Korea, and recently attended the American Bar Conference where justice for all was a key

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theme. “It’s really important that we maintain international links and work alongside our colleagues in other jurisdictions. People trust their lawyers to find innovative solutions to their legal problems and attending international events which brings the sector together allows for the sharing of ideas and sparks innovation.” Northern Ireland may be a small jurisdiction, but it holds its own on the world stage.

Sarah Ramsey will continue in the Chair at the Bar of Northern Ireland until September 2020 as the Bar heads towards its 100year anniversary the following year, 2021. A profession with a long history, the Bar is continuing to build for the future as Sarah explains through her priorities for the remainder of her term in office.

“The Bar is home to over 600 highly-trained legal professionals.

It is a significant pool of knowledge and a resource which contributes enormously to Northern Ireland as a whole. We’re at the forefront of leading excellence with values firmly rooted in principles dedicated to serving justice and the public interest. I will continue to advocate for our role in upholding the rule of law and positioning the Bar to provide high quality advocacy for all and a world-class legal system for Northern Ireland in the

next 100 years and beyond”.

A commitment to sustaining and improving diversity across the profession is also a personal priority for Sarah. During her term, she has been instrumental in promoting a series of Women in Law Lectures in Belfast. Sarah uses her network and position heading up the Bar Council to source influential and inspiring women working in the law who have paved the way for the next generation. This lecture series not only highlights women working at the very top of their field, including the Supreme Court and the European Court of Justice, but drills down into how they got there; personal resilience, overcoming challenges and hard work are all common stories from the series.

“Another key part of leading the profession is the training of the young barristers who come to the Bar every year. They have come through years of study before undertaking a 12-month pupillage with extensive mandatory training in advocacy, and they must to be prepared to work very hard indeed.

A career at the Bar requires a commitment to ongoing learning and self-development over many years - there’s no doubt that this is a vocation – and as Chair I will be overseeing the ongoing enhancement of our advocacy

training offering to benefit members and clients over the next year.”

The Bar Library also includes a state-of-the-art legal knowledge and information service managed and staffed by highly qualified staff. The library was this year’s winner of the BIALL Lexis Library Award for Excellence, in competition with law libraries across the UK. A fantastic benchmark for the quality services on offer for practising barristers in Northern Ireland.

Weighty legal tomes still form part of the fabric of everyday life at the Bar Library, but this award was recognition that Northern Ireland’s barristers, according to Sarah Ramsey, have been moving with the technological times.

“The Bar is embracing evolution through the intelligent use of technology to improve services not only for members but in knowing that this will have a knock-on effect for business clients and the services we offer. Technology is a vital enabler within our profession and we are in the midst of some very exciting ways in which we are seeing it change legal services”.

And so after a very busy year Sarah seems keen to see what the next twelve months will bring, despite the economic and political landscape the wheels of Justice must continue to turn.

Eye on Accountancy

Change In The Construction Industry The VAT domestic reverse charge for building and construction services has been delayed until 1st October 2020, allowing businesses more time to prepare for a major change in the accounting for VAT. Overview From 1 October 2020 a subcontractor will no longer have to account for VAT on the invoices it raises to a contractor. It will be the responsibility of the main contractor to account for the VAT on the transaction as both Input VAT and Output VAT. This is known as the “reverse charge�.

The reverse charge does not change the VAT liability: it changes the way that VAT is accounted for.

In most cases, no net tax on the transaction will be payable to HMRC. The charge affects only supplies at standard or reduced rates where payments are required to be reported via The Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). It does not apply to: t ;FSP SBUFE TVQQMJFT t 4FSWJDFT TVQQMJFE UP AFOE VTFST or ‘intermediary suppliers’.

In outline, the scheme is expected to operate as follows: A VAT-registered business, receiving a supply of specified services from another VATregistered business, for onward sale, on or after 1 October 2020: t 4IPVME BDDPVOU GPS UIF PVUQVU VAT on supplies received through its VAT return t %PFT OPU QBZ UIF PVUQVU 7"5 to its supplier on supplies received from them t $BO SFDMBJN UIF 7"5 PO supplies received as input tax, subject to normal VAT rules The supplier should: t *TTVF B 7"5 JOWPJDF JOEJDBUJOH the supplies are subject to the reverse charge

An end user should: t /PUJGZ JUT FOE VTFS TUBUVT so the supplier can charge VAT in the usual way

Specified services Construction services covered by the reverse charge are those falling within the category of construction operations’ for CIS. Supplies excluded from the charge – where these are supplied on their own - include the services of architects, surveyors and some consultants; and the manufacture of building or engineering components, materials or plant.

Services with reverse charge and excluded elements Where excluded services are supplied with services subject to the reverse charge, the whole supply is subject to the reverse charge.

End users Domestic reverse charge applies to VAT registered businesses throughout the CIS supply chain, but is designed not to apply to ‘end users’ or ‘intermediary suppliers’.

End users are VAT-registered businesses receiving supplies of specified services which are not sold on as construction services.

Examples could be a construction firm selling an interest in land as a newly-built office, or a large retail business having trading premises built for its own use.

Intermediary suppliers are VAT and CIS registered businesses that are connected or linked to end users. Examples could be landlords

and tenants, or recharges of building and construction services within a group of companies.

Planning for change The new rules will have a significant effect on VAT compliance and cash flow. We therefore recommend planning to accommodate this before the October deadline. Key areas to consider now include: t *T UIF SFWFSTF DIBSHF MJLFMZ to apply to supplies to and from other VAT-registered contractors and subcontractors you deal with? t )PX XJMM ZPVS BDDPVOUJOH systems calculate and report reverse charge supplies? t )PX XJMM ZPV DIFDL PO BO ongoing basis that supplies and purchases are treated correctly? t 8JMM ZPVS DBTI nPX TVGGFS JG you no longer hold output tax, and would changing to monthly VAT returns help?

t 8IBU USBJOJOH XJMM TUBGG SFRVJSF to deal with the new rules? t *T UIFSF BEEJUJPOBM information you will need from your customers and how will you obtain this? t *G ZPV VTF UIF 7"5 'MBU Rate Scheme, how will the charge impact you?

How we can help Please contact us for an in-depth discussion, or for advice on cash flow and financial management strategies to help your business adapt successfully.

Ronan McGuirk is a Director at ASM Chartered Accountants Newry. If you would like to discuss the VAT domestic reverse charge for building and construction services, please do not hesitate to contact ronan.mcguirk@asmnewry.com or tel: 028 3026 9933

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Eye on Leadership

Leadership Live 2019

With a mix of keynotes, panellist and interactive sessions, the event will encourage engagement ‘Leadership Live’ is a global summit for business leaders dedicated to harnessing the power of communications. The event will bring together senior leaders from across a variety of business functions to share best practice, build connections and further develop their capabilities

2 24

with particular focus on face-to-face and communicating in a live environment.

The aim is to push boundaries and raise the bar for both corporate and commercial communications.

Uniting key functions from a range of businesses, this exceptionally thought-provoking event pulls together the unique insight and knowledge gained from delivering and hosting leadership events for world class brands.

Collaborating for the first time, DRPG, Callow Event Management, Visit Belfast,

Business Eye and ICC Belfast draw on their industry-leading strengths to bring a wealth of international experience to the summit, and will leave a lasting impression along with defined actions corporate leaders can utilise to take their communications strategies to a global level.

With a mix of keynotes, panellist and interactive sessions, the event will encourage engagement, and promote skills and knowledge-sharing, taking away practical insights that

can be applied in various aspects of attendees professional careers and everyday lives. Delegates will be taken on a journey to create even more effective communications that have a lasting impact.

This collaboration sees DRPG cementing their presence in Ireland and showcasing their capabilities as a global agency.

Eye on Leadership

Spotlight on the collaborators!

DRPG A global creative communications group that’s packed full of passionate problem solvers. It’s our purpose to take the impossible and create solutions with impact, with ideas that get noticed, by people that get results. We listen, we learn and continually innovate to create effective communications.

If it’s your thing, it’s our thing.

Callow Event Management Callow Event Management Ltd are a bespoke event, experience & destination management company, proud to be working in Belfast, promoting, showcasing and championing all that Northern Ireland & Ireland has to offer. Working alongside our sister companies Mammoth & Massive PR, we are creative yet strategic thinkers, driven by our focus on delivering highquality, innovative and memorable events with brand engagement at the forefront of every project.

Business Eye Business Eye was first published in 1999 and since has grown in stature to become the leading business magazine serving the Northern Ireland marketplace. Aimed at readers in senior management positions across the spectrum of business in Northern Ireland, Ireland and further afield, Business Eye has gained an enviable reputation for its quality, style and content. The magazine is written and produced to appeal to the widest possible business audience – from owners/managers of small businesses to large organisations and the public sector.

Visit Belfast Belfast’s transformation into a vibrant events destination is nothing short of remarkable. 2019 is a special year for the city marking the 20th anniversary of Visit Belfast and a landmark year of tourism growth, investment and achievements, including, most recently being awarded Best Events Destination by C&IT Magazine, for a second year running.

ICC Belfast ICC Belfast is Northern Ireland’s only purpose-built international convention centre with over 20 years’ experience in delivering premier events for local, national and international clients.

Formerly Belfast Waterfront, the venue repositioned its conferencing brand to ICC Belfast in October 2018. ICC Belfast boasts exclusive infrastructure, state of the art technology and an experienced and ambitious multi-disciplinary team who always strive to exceed expectations.

By attending an event in ICC Belfast, not only do visitors experience the passion and warmth of the ICC Belfast team, but of the entire city for who events deliver socially, culturally and economically.

Today, tomorrow and beyond.

3 25

Eye on Recruitment

New Executive Recruitment Agency Challenges Old Models

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Eye on Recruitment CO3 – Chief Officers 3rd Sector – has formally launched its bespoke, executive and board-level recruitment service under a new brand.

‘E

ngage Executive Talent’ is a social enterprise that offers a holistic, full-service recruitment package to organisations in the public, private and third sectors.

Led by CO3 Chief Executive Nora Smith and newly appointed Director Patrick Minne, ‘Engage Executive Talent’ recruits highly talented people at Chief Executive, Board and Senior Management level on both a permanent and interim basis The recruitment service has evolved under the direction of Nora at CO3 since 2014, initially addressing executive recruitment needs in the third sector, to now meeting a growing need in the private and public sectors that goes further than simply appointing new leaders.

The recruitment team works with clients to secure talented individuals and continue that work after appointment to support the appointee in their new role and offer a suite of development opportunities and ongoing peer to peer support.

The launch of the service under its new dedicated brand, ‘Engage Executive Talent’ demonstrates a statement of intent from the agency, growing to meet an increasing demand for a highly specialist and bespoke recruitment service.

Engage Executive Talent Director Patrick Minne said: “I am thrilled that we have formally launched our new recruitment service, Engage Executive Talent.

“This is a service whose design incorporates thirty years of CO3’s

“We know from working with Chief Executives and Directors over the years that succession can be challenging, so Engage will support them in deciding the best way forward.” experience in the service of third sector leaders, encompassing permanent and interim executive and board appointments for a wide range of organisations and, crucially, that includes ongoing support after appointment.

“The demand for the service has led us to this point where we are formally launching a highly specialised recruitment consultancy aimed at matching experienced and talented individuals who have the right values and motivation, with organisations and boards that require their expertise and ability.

“Our CO3 heritage means that we’re driven by our ethics, but we compete on service quality.”

The new, innovative approach to recruitment is something that has been shaped over several years by CO3 Chief Executive Nora Smith who said: “A recent survey we carried

out with CEOs and Directors found that more than 61% do not have plans in place about what to do when someone senior leaves the organisation.

I found this surprisingly high.

“We know from working with Chief Executives and Directors over the years that succession can be challenging, so Engage will support them in deciding the best way forward. Filling a permanent role may be the answer, but the interim service is also an effective tool to help stabilise organisations in transition and smooth the road for a permanent successor.

“We not only provide a first-class appointments service, but provide support after the appointment to ensure the new postholder maximises impact in their new role.”

The recruitment agency team and new brand will be unveiled at a launch in The Merchant Hotel on Friday 27 September.

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Eye on Wealth Management

Mortgage IQ and IQ & Co Ltd; Advisers Who Know What It Takes

Janine Davis (Operations Manager), Tanya Martin (Director), Angela Forsythe (Director) and Janine Baldie (Branch Manager) of Mortgage IQ in Holywood.

Mortgage IQ are celebrating the launch of their new branch in Holywood, Co Down.

M

ortgage IQ are one of Northern Irelands market leading mortgage specialists with 11 other branches already well established in Northern Ireland. The new branch signifies a growing demand in Northern

28

Ireland for advice on mortgages and protection, the BBC reported on 14th August 2019 that 5210 residential properties were sold in Northern Ireland between April and June of this year with house prices rising 0.8% from quarter one 2019 to quarter two. This reflects that the housing market is moving fast and as such more people need support navigating through the home buying process.

The new branch itself has been garnering attention thanks to its striking window display and boutique

feel. Branch Manager Janine Baldie, who has joined the business as a result of the expansion, said “we were very keen that the exterior of the branch stayed in keeping with local businesses around us and really embraced its locality. We engaged a local window designer who was able to “capture Holywood” within the display and we especially love that we have the option to change the window in keeping with the seasons and themes…so watch this space!”

Directors of Mortgage IQ Tanya

Martin and Angela Forsythe hosted the launch of the new branch, officially declaring it open for business.

The launch saw Mortgage IQ staff visit local businesses and bring staff from other branches to celebrate locally. Angela said “it is great to see the new branch open and all the staff together celebrating. We have had a presence in Holywood for a number of months with our IQ & Co Ltd branch on High Street which specialises in Wealth management. The growth in the Wealth Management business has meant that we have the demand to provide both services separately in Holywood prompting the opening of this new Mortgage IQ Branch, we have four mortgage and protection advisers and two support staff in the new branch. It has also created space for our IQ & Co Wealth advisers who can utilise offices in this new building to meet more customers in a comfortable and confidential setting. Our business is growing and especially within IQ&Co, the Wealth Management side, we are bucking the industry trend; where a lot of advisers have dropped out of the business due to increased scrutiny and qualification requirements, we are seeing growth in our Financial adviser numbers. ” Tanya Martin commented on how IQ & Co Ltd has grown and that Mortgage and Protection Advisers with links to a Wealth Management team are able to “provide an overall service; helping customers with their mortgage and protection needs but also helping to identify other needs which may need the expert advice of a financial adviser. Market research has shown that a fresh approach is needed which is what Mortgage IQ and IQ & Co Ltd intend to deliver. We provide smart, simple, transparent advice and are passionate about the

Eye on Wealth Management

development of our people; at the moment 6 mortgage and protection advisers are part way through the journey of becoming qualified financial advisers so it is great to see both business’ complementing each other so well.” Tanya added “we are keen to immerse ourselves within the local communities of our branch locations, we want Mortgage IQ and IQ & Co Ltd to continue to be a trusted, local name and with the new branch, we are already working with the Holywood Chamber of Commerce and have fundraising activities underway to stay active in the community and raise money for charities close to our hearts.”

The new Holywood Branch is now open at 2-4 Church Road, Holywood, 02890999888.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Staff from Mortgage IQ in Holywood, from left are, Janine Davis, Elizabeth Caughey, Neal Caldwell, Suzanne Robb, Tanya Martin, Angela Forsythe, Sarah Beattie, Janine Baldie and Loraine Lyttle.

The Partner Practice is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group’s websitewww.sjp.co.uk/products. The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives. Mortgage IQ is a trading name of IQ & Co Ltd which is registered in England & Wales No. NI645266. Registered OAce: IQ & Co Ltd, First Floor, 45 High Street, Holywood, County Down.

29

Eye on Corporate Finance

First Trust Bank...

A Model For Partnership Success

For the past number of years, First Trust Bank has invested heavily in rebuilding its customer offering for the modern banking era. As it moves forward across the corporate, business and personal banking markets, we catch up with its recently expanded Customer Acquisitions Team on its approach to business growth, teamwork and how it’s helping local companies develop.

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“W

e are a relationship driven bank. Taking a partnership approach with our customers and working closely with them and their other advisors is at the heart of our culture,” says Michelle Harbinson, Head of Business Acquisitions at First Trust Bank.

“We place a strong focus on the need to support our customers in all of their banking needs and this is the main driver behind the new Customer Acquisitions team.”

First Trust Bank’s newly expanded Customer Acquisitions team consists of a number of

experienced professionals across both the Business and Corporate markets as well as dedicated teams which deal with the bank’s Homes, Premier and Workplace Banking offerings. It provides customers with a one-stop-shop for their banking needs, offering companies and their directors both business and personal banking services as well as helping add value for their employees.

As modern life becomes more complicated, First Trust Bank has evolved its offering to meet customer’s demands including those of its business

customers and their employees.

Michelle explains how, “We aim to work with customers as their trusted advisor and long-term banking partner. Whatever the banking need may be, we have the talented team and now the operating model to meet that requirement.”

“Everything we do is designed to make life easier for customers.

The new Customer Acquisition family was developed to include a recently rebranded ‘Homes’ team which seeks to help customers achieve their dream of home ownership, and a new Workplace

Eye on Corporate Finance

Banking proposition which seeks to add value to employers and employees by bringing banking to the workplace. By working closely together under one new Customer Acquisition family, we enhance our relationships with customers and seamlessly meet their requirements.”

Alongside a focus on sustainable growth and a strong partnership approach, The bank also attributes much of its success to strong internal collaboration. Emphasising the benefits of the revised model Clare Stokes, Head of Corporate Acquisitions at First Trust

“We work in partnership with other teams in the bank as can be seen across the Acquisitions Teams and the Business and Corporate teams, ensuring customers have a seamless banking and development journey, whatever their dreams and ambitions are.”

Bank explains “How we work with each other is as important as how we interact with our customers. Our revised operating model facilitates a smooth internal collaboration and it’s around this

framework that we can deliver results for our customers. We work in partnership with other teams in the bank as can be seen across the Acquisitions Teams and the Business and Corporate

teams, ensuring customers have a seamless banking and development journey, whatever their dreams and ambitions are.”

Fionnuala Brennan, Head of Corporate Property at First Trust Bank, and Orla McGerr Head of Corporate Trading work closely with the new customer acquisition teams and echo this sentiment. “We are involved from early on in the customer’s journey with the bank to ensure we understand what our new customer wants to achieve, and how we can assist them in doing so” says Fionnuala. “The Corporate and Property teams are there to strengthen the relationships and to support our existing customers in their business growth journeys as well as to continue to deliver solutions for all of their wider banking needs.”

The team is confident that this is the right strategy for a prosperous future as Orla outlines.

“We collaboratively work with customers, both existing and new, making ourselves available to support and help them grow, and as a testament to that approach we have many relationships spanning over 30 years.”

“By backing our customers, we are also supporting the communities in which they live as well as the local economy, and that’s when we as a bank also ultimately benefit,” says Clare Stokes when looking at the bank’s recent successes. “From our research, new lending is up by over 40% year on year and 40% of that new lending is attributable to new customers across all sectors of the marketplace.

We are really pleased with that level of progress and it shows that the momentum is there, despite these uncertain times.”

Looking to the future Clare says that the bank will continue to focus on supporting customers of all sizes right across Northern Ireland. “Our approach centres on solid relationships and collaboration. We aim to ensure we consider the full needs of the business, the personal needs of the principals of the companies we support as well as their employees through added value Workplace Banking.”

31

Eye on Events

UPSTREAM CELEBRATES UP ON THE ROOF! Babel Rooftop bar & garden at the Bullit Hotel in Belfast was the venue for the recent event, hosted

by Founder and Managing Director, Judith Totten and the team at Upstream Referral Partners, staff and advisers joined the Upstream team to celebrate backing from a major US funder that will see the company triple its funding lines along with exploring other growth opportunities including acquisitions and funding receivables’ businesses throughout the UK and Ireland.

Ian Beatty, Danske, Bill Hichens, Upstream and Vincent Malone, Upstream

Steve Harper, Invest NI and Gordon Carson, 4C Executive

Paul Millar, Whiterock Capital Partners, Judith Totten and Stephen Casey, Aspects Financial

Angela James, Helen Megarry, Judith Totten and Sandra Ashe, Upstream

Vincent Malone, Upstream, and Jeremy Fitch, Invest NI

Nigel Birney, Willis Towers Watson and Stephen Casey

Alan Wardlow, Judith Totten and Aidan Dolan, Upstream

32

Neil McCabe, Whiterock Capital Partners, Ciara Lagan, Allen & Overy and Scott Murray, Keenan CF

Eye on Legal 500

LEGAL 500... The Leading Individuals

Northern Ireland...

A Legal Sector Punching Above Its Weight The Legal 500’s overview of the Northern Ireland marketplace makes for interesting reading...for those of us who sometimes take the local economy for granted.

I

t talks about a ‘compelling combination’ of cost competitiveness and legal technical excellence which has attracted investors such as Citi, Herbert Smith Freehills, Allen & Overy, Axiom Law, and Baker McKenzie. Meanwhile. mergers and acquisitions of Northern Ireland law firms by national brands such as Shoosmiths, Keystone and Fieldfisher have driven the growth of new teams delivering UK-wide client and firm services.

At the same time Northern

34

Ireland’s indigenous legal cluster continues to grow as major legal technology innovators leverage the region’s reputation as a global tech hub and a growing cadre of home-grown, internationallyfocused legal tech vendors service top tier firms with a suite of industry specific solutions.

Exceptional Talent Northern Ireland has a still largely untapped pool of culturallycompatible, highly-educated

legal talent seeking quality

office rental costs in Europe –

legal roles in the region.

The region boasts two of the top 20 law schools in the UK (The Guardian 2018).The legal talent pool includes an annual surplus of some 500 law graduates as well as an experienced cadre of professionals who are keen to return and re-locate to the region.

typically 75% less than London and 50% less than Dublin.

Cost Competitiveness Operating costs are typically 20-30% lower than in the rest of the UK and Europe. Typical operating costs for a legal services centre in Northern Ireland are around 50% less than London and around 40% less than New York. Northern Ireland has some of the lowest prime

Innovative expertise Both Northern Ireland universities, Queen’s University and Ulster University have globally recognised research centres across a range discipline and have been key drivers in the development of the region’s technology and knowledge industries.

Employment

Commercial Property

Corporate and M&A

HALL OF FAME

HALL OF FAME

HALL OF FAME

Anna Beggan - Tughans

Phyllis Agnew - Tughans

Richard Gray - Carson McDowell

Adam Brett - Jones Cassidy Brett Solicitors

Kathryn Collie - Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Michael Johnston - Carson McDowell

Adrienne Brock - Elliott Duffy Garrett

Andrea McIlroy-Rose - Pinsent Masons

Paul McBride - Arthur Cox Belfast

Fiona Cassidy - Jones Cassidy Brett Solicitors

Tracey Schofield - A&L Goodbody

Alan Taylor - Arthur Cox Belfast

Julie Anne Clarke - Elliott Duffy Garrett

Mark Tinman - DWF

John-George Willis - Tughans

Rosemary Connolly - Rosemary Connolly Ltd

Rowan White - Arthur Cox Belfast

Hilary Griffith - Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Jan Cunningham - Millar McCall Wylie LLP

Mark Blair - A&L Goodbody

Chris Guy - Mills Selig

Ciara Fulton - Jones Cassidy Brett Solicitors

Rosemary Carson - Carson McDowell

Alastair Keith - A&L Goodbody

Paul Gillen - Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP

Emma Cooper - Carson McDowell

Lynsey Mallon - Arthur Cox Belfast

Beverley Jones - Jones Cassidy Brett Solicitors

Jim Houston - Keystone Law

Damian McParland - Millar McCall Wylie LLP

Rosemary Lundy - Arthur Cox Belfast

Joe Marley - Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Kevin McVeigh - Elliott Duffy Garrett

Orlagh O’Neill - Carson McDowell

Peter McCall - Millar McCall Wylie LLP

Neasa Quigley - Carson McDowell

Rachel Penny - Carson McDowell

Dawson McConkey - Carson McDowell

Peter Stafford - A&L Goodbody

Gareth Walls - A&L Goodbody

Anne Skeggs - Mills Selig

Mark Thompson - A&L Goodbody

Eye on Legal 500

LEGAL 500... The Leading Individuals Construction

Energy

Personal Injury: Defendant

HALL OF FAME

HALL OF FAME

Andrew Anthony - Tughans

Brendan Fox - A&L Goodbody

Stephen Cross - Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Peter Campbell - BLM

Michael McCord - Tughans

Alan Bissett - John McKee Solicitors

Kenneth Chambers - Johnsons Solicitors

Lisa Boyd - Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Richard Murphy - Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP

David Craig - Johnsons Solicitors

Patrick Fleming - Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Neasa Quigley - Carson McDowell

Lester Doake - DAC Beachcroft

Adrian Kerr - Mills Selig

Andrew Ryan - TLT

Sean McGahan - DAC Beachcroft

Tim Kinney - Tughans

Mark Thompson - A&L Goodbody

Kathy McGillie - Tughans

Stuart Murphy - Carson McDowell

Roger McMillan - Carson McDowell IT and Telecoms

Alistair Wilson - Tughans

Dispute Resolution

HALL OF FAME

Amanda Wylie - Kennedys

HALL OF FAME

Paul McBride - Arthur Cox Belfast

Brendan Fox - A&L Goodbody

Adrian O’Connell - Tughans

Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate

Catriona Gibson - Arthur Cox Belfast

William Curry - Arthur Cox Belfast

HALL OF FAME

Gareth Jones - DWF

Dawn McKnight - Carson McDowell

Neil Bleakley - Carson McDowell

David Kirkpatrick - Pinsent Masons LLP

Jonathan Forrester - Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Declan Magee - Carson McDowell

Insolvency and Corporate Recovery

Michael Graham - Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Michael McCord - Tughans

HALL OF FAME

Stewart Nash - Elliott Duffy Garrett

Patrick Brown - Tughans

John Kearns - Mills Selig

Conor Wylie - Millar McCall Wylie LLP

Emma Hunt - Mills Selig

Kieran McGarrigle - Arthur Cox Belfast

Katharine Kimber - TLT

Michael Neill - A&L Goodbody

Planning and Environment

Marie-Louise Lowry - Elliott Duffy Garrett

Jeanette Donohoe - Cleaver Fulton Rankin

HALL OF FAME

Chris Ritchie - Arthur Cox Belfast

John Gordon - Napier Solicitors

Karen Blair - Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Paul Tweed - TWEED

Toby McMurray - Tughans

Gary McGhee - Carson McDowell

Amanda Wylie - Kennedys

Brigid Napier - Napier Solicitors

Maria O’Loan - Tughans Andrew Ryan - TLT

Banking and Finance

Intellectual Property

HALL OF FAME

HALL OF FAME

Project Finance and PFI

Stephen Cross - Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Paul McBride - Arthur Cox Belfast

Gerard Armstrong - Carson McDowell

Avril McCammon - John McKee Solicitors

Adrian O’Connell - Tughans

William Curry - Arthur Cox Belfast

Kieran McGarrigle - Arthur Cox Belfast

Alan Taylor - Arthur Cox Belfast

Ciaran McAlinney - A&L Goodbody

Sinead McGrath - Carson McDowell

Mathew Forde - Forde Campbell LLC

Deborah Archer - Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Scott Kennedy - Millar McCall Wylie LLP

Louise Bailey - A&L Goodbody Judith Brown - A&L Goodbody

Personal Injury: Claimant

Stuart Mansfield - Arthur Cox Belfast

Oonagh McClure - Thompsons NI Solicitors

Ciaran McAlinney - A&L Goodbody

Nikki McConnell - Worthingtons

Fearghal O’Loan - Tughans

Ernie Telford - McCartan Turkington Breen 35

Eye on Legal 500

LEGAL 500... Specialists At The Top Of Their Game *Firms are listed A-Z within tiers CORPORATE AND COMMERCIAL

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

FINANCE

Corporate and M&A

Dispute Resolution

Banking and Finance

1

1

1

2

A&L Goodbody

Arthur Cox Belfast

Arthur Cox Belfast

Carson McDowell

Carson McDowell

Carson McDowell

Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Tughans

Elliott Duffy Garrett

Tughans

Keystone Law

Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP

Millar McCall Wylie LLP

Tughans

Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP

DWF

TLT

2

Davidson McDonnell Solicitors

Kennedys

Elliott Duffy Garrett

Elliott Duffy Garrett

Millar McCall Wylie LLP

John McKee Solicitors

Johnsons Solicitors

Mills Selig

Mills Selig

TLT

TLT

3

Napier Solicitors

1

PRIVATE CLIENT

Carson McDowell

Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate

Jones Cassidy Brett Solicitors

1

Carson McDowell

Tughans

Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Elliott Duffy Garrett

Elliott Duffy Garrett

Millar McCall Wylie LLP Arthur Cox Belfast

Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP

John McKee Solicitors

Rosemary Connolly Solicitors Limited

Mills Selig

Eversheds Sutherland

Thompsons NI Solicitors Worthingtons

A&L Goodbody Arthur Cox Belfast

2

Arthur Cox Belfast

Mills Selig

36

Insolvency and Corporate Recovery

A&L Goodbody

2

DWF

John McKee Solicitors

Worthingtons

Employment

Millar McCall Wylie LLP

3

Millar McCall Wylie LLP

Johnsons Solicitors

HUMAN RESOURCES

2

2

Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP

3

1

A&L Goodbody

Arthur Cox Belfast

Mills Selig

3

A&L Goodbody

Carson McDowell Cleaver Fulton Rankin Tughans

3

Elliott Duffy Garrett Mills Selig Napier Solicitors

4

Millar McCall Wylie LLP

Eye on Legal 500

LEGAL 500... Specialists At The Top Of Their Game *Firms are listed A-Z within tiers INSURANCE

Project Finance and PFI

Planning and Environment

Personal Injury and Clinical

1

Arthur Cox Belfast

1

Carson McDowell

Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP

2

Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Negligence: Claimant 1

McCartan Turkington Breen

2

Thompsons NI Solicitors

A&L Goodbody

TLT

Carson McDowell

Tughans

Worthingtons

3

A&L Goodbody

Personal Injury and Clinical

REAL ESTATE

Negligence: Defendant

Commercial Property

TMT(Technology, Media & Telecoms)

1

1

A&L Goodbody

IT and Telecoms

Carson McDowell

Carson McDowell

1

DAC Beachcroft

Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Kennedys

Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP

Tughans

Tughans

Forde Campbell LLC

Arthur Cox Belfast

Tughans

2

3

BLM

Arthur Cox Belfast

2

Johnsons Solicitors

DWF

Lacey Solicitors

Millar McCall Wylie LLP

Cleaver Fulton Rankin

3

A&L Goodbody

Mills Selig

John McKee Solicitors

Elliott Duffy Garrett

1

Napier Solicitors

Eversheds Sutherland

Arthur Cox Belfast

Mills Selig

Carson McDowell

TLT

Millar McCall Wylie LLP

Worthingtons

Tughans

A&L Goodbody

4

Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP Arthur Cox Belfast Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Construction 1

Tughans

A&L Goodbody

Cleaver Fulton Rankin Forde Campbell LLC Mills Selig Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP

A&L Goodbody Carson McDowell Cleaver Fulton Rankin

John McKee Solicitors

Mills Selig

2

3

TLT

Millar McCall Wylie LLP

John McKee Solicitors Keystone Law

Carson McDowell

3

2

Intellectual Property

Energy

2

Carson McDowell

Davidson McDonnell Solicitors

3

Projects, Energy & Natural Resources

1

Arthur Cox Belfast

Tughans 2

Arthur Cox Belfast

3

Mills Selig Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP 37

Eye on Law

Tughans...

Leading The Way In A Dynamic Environment Tughans is one of the Northern Ireland legal market’s most historic firms and one which has been home to some our most eminent lawyers over the years.

It’s something that Managing Partner Patrick Brown is very much aware of but it’s no surprise that he’s more focused on future growth than dwelling on the past.

W

hen it comes to activity, independent market analysis confirms that Tughans is leaving others in its wake. According to the Experian business monitoring figures, Tughans has ranked as the most active law firm in Northern Ireland over the past four years - and has maintained that leadership into the first six months of this year.

The Experian ranking is based on corporate transactions with a value of more than £500,000 and real estate transactions with a value of more than £15 million.

38

“Overall, the report confirms that on an annual basis we have been involved in over 30% more of those transactions than any other law firm in this jurisdiction,” he says. “That business continues to be led by our corporate and real estate teams, but with strong contributions from banking and finance, insurance, employment, planning, construction, disputes and other departments within the firm.”

The Experian results are particularly impressive as the firms success has continued at the same

time as a period of succession planning in the corporate and real estate departments. Two of its longest-serving partners, John-George Willis in corporate and Phyllis Agnew in real estate continue with their market-leading practices as consultants at the firm, replaced in the department head roles by James Donnelly and David Jones respectively.

At the same time, Douglas Anderson has been appointed as a new partner in the banking and finance department while Michael McCord has moved

into the Senior Partner role, succeeding John-George Willis.

“Our overriding ethos is that we have a team of high quality people doing high quality work for high quality clients,” says Patrick Brown. “But that’s something that we have to work hard to maintain.

We have to continue to focus on people development throughout the firm and we have to continue to innovate and invest. We aim to be the best in the areas in which we choose to practice.”

In recent months and years, that has meant engaging with

Eye on Law

Managing Partner Patrick Brown pictured with recently appointed newly qualified Solicitiors and Trainee Solicitors.

its members of staff across the diversity, inclusion and social responsibility agendas.

“It’s also important that we’re able to offer all our people support in their personal and professional development and ensure they are able to make a rewarding contribution to all areas of the practice and to the wider community. We’re all too aware that it’s a competitive marketplace for the best young lawyers these days.”

Tughans continues to do the lion’s share of its work in the Northern Ireland jurisdiction, but a particularly high volume of dual qualified lawyers within its 80-strong complement of lawyers able to work in England & Wales and Ireland has meant that the firm is able to support clients as they expand their own businesses into other markets.

Looking to the external environment, the Tughans Managing Partner is concerned – like everyone else – about the impact of Brexit, but adds that a bigger current concern

is over the continued lack of an Assembly and Executive here in Northern Ireland, and the effect that it is having on government decision making, infrastructure, investment and the local economy.

they think are most profitable.

The arrival of the big near shoring legal services organisations into Belfast along with other global companies, he says, has disrupted the employment marketplace,

“When you are a leading firm working on the major corporate, real estate and other transactions, it’s a bit easier to make yourself more attractive.

And, once you’ve done that, it’s about concentrating on our culture and on developing and nurturing our people.”

“I think we will see a consolidation of the legal marketplace here, and I also think that the trend will continue with increasing specialisation and the investment required in technology and compliance,” he adds. “The climate out there definitely has its challenges and there’s no doubt that most firms are concentrating on the areas that

but he goes on to add that it’s a factor that the traditional law firms here have to recognise and adapt to themselves.

“They’ve changed the nature and the demographics of the marketplace in employment terms, but there isn’t much we can do to change that, apart from continue to make ourselves attractive to the best legal talent. The whole

sector is much more mobile these days and increasingly impacted by technology. It’s a major change from how it was several years ago.

“But, when you are a leading firm working on the major corporate, real estate and other transactions, it’s a bit easier to make yourself more attractive. And, once you’ve done that, it’s about concentrating on our culture and on developing and nurturing our people.

“There might be challenges out there, but Northern Ireland has a lot of high-quality talent and world-leading businesses across a number of sectors. It will meet the challenges and it will continue to prosper.

“As a market-leading law firm, we’ll be there to work alongside those businesses and to provide the specialist legal advice and solutions that the best companies need to thrive.”

39

Eye on Law

Specialist Knowledge Proves A Strong Draw David Rowan, A&L Goodbody’s newly appointed partner in Corporate and M&A, explains how the firm’s in-depth expertise is proving a hit with a growing number of clients

F

or anyone working within the legal world in Northern Ireland, or indeed for any of the firm’s clients, David Rowan’s promotion to partner at A&L Goodbody in Northern Ireland won’t come as a surprise and he has recently been recognised as a “Next Generation Partner”

by Legal 500 UK for 2020.

David has been at the heart of the firm’s corporate and M&A work over the last six-and-a-half years and has become the go-to practitioner for clients across Northern Ireland and beyond.

A graduate of Trinity College, Dublin and Nottingham Law School, he began his career at a US law firm in London before returning to Northern Ireland to join A&L Goodbody.

Since then David has worked on some of the largest and most complex deals to have taken place in Northern Ireland over that time,

40

including Prestige Insurance’s acquisition of Insure NI/Autoline, Jose Cuervo’s acquisition of The Old Bushmills Distillery Company and Hasting Fund Management’s acquisition of Phoenix Natural Gas. “We do a wide range of work for companies of all sizes and from all jurisdictions here in Belfast,” David said. “The list of transactions we have carried out ranges from seed funding rounds for startups and early stage companies to acquisitions and disposals for larger firms; there is a real spread of work across all sectors.”

That work has been a big part of A&L Goodbody’s evolution since arriving in Belfast 12 years ago.

“It has been exciting to be part of the firm’s growth. We are a relatively young and innovative office and operate in a fast-paced environment where we work hard to support each other and provide the best service to clients.”

Such an approach is paying off, with A&L Goodbody growing business with current clients and adding new names to its client base, drawn by its vast specialist expertise.

“Whatever the concern or issue in any business we will have the appropriate specialist to deal with it and can tap into a wealth of unrivalled knowledge across the firm.”

That broad reach stretches across the firm’s Dublin, London and the US offices and gives A&L Goodbody the unique quality in the Belfast legal market of being able to leverage such expert resource from a local base.

In addition, A&L Goodbody is stretching its reach further through a range of ground-breaking initiatives with its India, Germany and China programmes, the latter having seen over 70 Chinese lawyers to date spending up to

six months working in the firm’s offices and lawyers from A&L Goodbody spending time in China.

“These are areas of expected economic growth and therefore of focus for the firm. If we have clients thinking of doing business in those regions we have an extensive contact base and will be able to help them.”

The firm’s focus on legal innovation and technology combined with that spread of expertise and local presence means the Corporate and M&A team in Belfast remains busier than ever as David moves into the partner role.

“I’m looking forward to having more direct involvement in the dayto-day management of the firm and I’m excited to contribute and be part of the wider partnership group. Hopefully I can bring a different perspective to the group and help drive further growth in the next few years.”

Experienced in delivering the highest quality legal advice through award-winning innovation and market leadership. www.algoodbody.com/belfast

BAND 1 LAW FIRM 2020

Eye on Law

MILLS SELIG CELEBRATE 60 YEARS IN BUSINESS Mills Selig, a leading corporate and commercial law firm in Northern Ireland, is celebrating a landmark 60 years in business.

42

A

host of Northern Ireland’s top business leaders, and clients of the firm, joined Mills Selig yesterday evening at Café Parisien, Belfast to commemorate the years passed, and to celebrate the future of the local law firm.

First formed in 1959 under the partnership of Stratton Mills and Ivan Selig, the firm has grown steadily year on year attracting both an exceptional list of clients and an elite team of lawyers.

Best known for their wide range of legal services, from corporate and property, to commercial and construction, Mills Selig sits firmly as the go to law firm for high value and complex deals and transactions.

Today the firm employs more than 50 people, having recently recruited 12 new individuals in the past year to work across their impressive portfolio of clients and multimillion-pound transactions.

Announcing plans for further expansion at the celebratory event, Mills Selig Managing Director, John Kearns said, “Our team has grown exponentially over the last number of years but we’re not stopping there. We have ambitious plans and are committed to growing our team by a further 50% in the coming years.”

The creation of jobs sits hand in hand with the continued growth of the firm. Sharing an insight as

to what makes Mills Selig unique, John Kearns continued, “Our team of lawyers are the best in the business. Our strategy is simple, we provide a personable, proactive and exceptional service to our clients to ensure we achieve the best outcome. We pride ourselves on being business focused advisors. We’re local, we know and understand the business landscape inside and out.”

Having been awarded numerous awards and prestigious accolades for their work, many of the lawyers are also highly positioned in Chambers and Partners within their respective fields.

It is no surprise that the firm is celebrating a successful 60 years in business given their dedication to their work and clients.

With the focus very much on the future of the firm and the creation of jobs, Mills Selig’s ambition remains aligned with the formation of the business 60 years ago; to be known as one of Northern Ireland’s leading law firms whilst remaining local and independent, providing exceptional and uncompromising legal advice to their clients.

For further information on Mills Selig and their areas of expertise, visit www.MillsSelig.com

Specialist legal expertise.

Unbounded potential.

CLEAN ENERGY DIGITAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LEISURE PUBLIC SECTOR REAL ESTATE RETAIL

Navigating complexity and uncertainty demands not only leading-edge legal advice but also in-depth sector expertise and fresh thinking. Luckily, TLT has that in spades. We are always focused on how we deliver the best solutions for our clients.

Our specialist sector expertise and approach underpins our consistent strong growth.

As one of Northern Ireland’s leading law firms, we are ambitious for the future and committed to delivering the best results for the businesses we work with.

We look to solve problems by focusing on possibilities rather than constraints. Whatever your challenge, we believe the power of new ideas will help pave the way for future success.

For more information visit our website: tltsolicitors.com

Belfast | Bristol | Edinburgh | Glasgow | London | Manchester

Eye on Law

Law Firm Launches Business Advice Service Commercial law firm, John McKee, has announced a substantial investment in an innovative market intelligence data system which enables the company to provide real-time market advice to help clients manage risks when making business transactions.

Chris Ross, Managing Partner of John McKee

C

lients of the Belfast firm can now avail of the new service which receives over 60,000 data changes every 24 hours and provides a unique depth of knowledge on every business sector in the UK with information on over 6.5 million companies.

Chris Ross, Managing Partner of John McKee said: “We have made a significant investment in an innovative market intelligence data system, allowing our clients to make further insightful decisions on the business transactions they are considering and indeed on our own business development planning. By

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analysing this information, we are able to delve deeper when assessing any financial risk or exposure potential deals may have for our clients.

The big data system evaluates every UK business against over 140 indicators of financial health and breaks this down into an easy-to-use financial health rating. John McKee can build a monitoring system that provides the business intelligence we and our clients need, when they need it. Whether this is for business development, compliance, case-work or credit control we have information in real-time allowing for better decision

making. We have designed this, so it is delivered directly into CRM systems and the inboxes of our entire staff. We have already seen the difference big data has made to our business and that of our clients.”

“We have also integrated the data system into our bespoke CRM integration using an API, so our data will be updated automatically every day. This means all our data is up-to-date and compliant with the GDPR regulations. We understand the regulatory environment we operate within and the requirements of it. The system is designed with this in mind

and we can extract the key information we need ensuring our compliance operations are based on the most current data available,” Chris concluded.

With offices in Belfast and London, John McKee has a multi-jurisdictional team with a specialist capability in corporate and financial legal services, energy and renewables, real estate and dispute resolution.

2015 2016 2017 2018 No 1 Ranked Corporate & Real Estate Advisors for the past four years

tughans.com

solicitors since 1896

* United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, Deal and Advisor League Table, Northern Ireland M&A Activity.

Eye on Corporate Finance

Keenan CF...

At The Centre Of Northern Ireland Business

When Tom Keenan founded Keenan CF in 2008, he had a simple aim in mind.

The business would focus firmly on the local Northern Ireland marketplace.

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A

nd that’s exactly what Tom (previously a Partner in Deloitte where he led its Corporate Finance business in Northern Ireland) and his colleagues at Keenan CF have done. They have built and honed a boutique firm providing a range of finance services to companies, financial institutions and individuals here in Northern Ireland.

With Keenan in overall

charge as the firm’s Managing Director, he’s joined by Scott Murray, at the helm of Corporate Restructure working with companies, financial institutions and others when businesses experience financial distress.

Thomas McKenna, who came to Keenan CF eight years ago after working as Deputy Official Receiver for the government’s Insolvency Service, looks after the Personal

Insolvency department, providing solutions for individuals rather than corporate entities. And John Reynolds, a very recent recruit to the Keenan CF management team after a number of years working in Corporate & Investment Banking in both London and Dublin, heads up Keenan CF’s Advisory team, dispensing advice and practical assistance on strategic financing, acquisitions, disposals,

Eye on Corporate Finance

valuations and other key areas.

The four form part of a 12-strong team at Keenan CF’s Gloucester Street offices in the centre of Belfast.

For the Corporate Restructure team, the years following on from the financial crisis have all been busy ones, and the likelihood is that current uncertainties won’t make the corporate picture any more stable in the short term.

“The big problem at the moment is clearly Brexit and the uncertainty it brings,” says Scott. “The property cloud from 2008 hung over the local economy for a number of years. As this finally lifted along came Brexit and replaced it.

There’s no doubt that a lot of decisions and investments have been put on hold at least until the picture becomes clearer.”

The Keenan CF Corporate Restructure team will work with its business clients to produce business reviews and initiate restructuring plans working with business principals, creditors and stakeholders and financial institutions.

“Our aim is to be the leading independent transaction and restructuring adviser in the local marketplace,” says Scott Murray.

“We’ve worked on a number of large assignments over recent years delivering quality solutions to complex issues for local businesses and financial institutions. As a smaller firm, we

are agile, versatile and flexible to the needs of our Clients.

“If a business is at risk, we’ll look at all of the options and, if it comes to it, we’ll help guide our clients through administration and liquidation if that’s what is required. If there is a key message, it’s that issues are identified and addressed early. By not addressing problems when they arise it can rule out some options that would be available through early intervention.”

John Reynolds jokes that he heads up the ‘glass half full’ side of the Keenan CF business. His Advisory team helps to bring deals together – whether acting on the sell side for disposals, buy side for acquisitions or working on MBO’s, MBI’s, or providing advice on finance raising or valuations.

“The continued uncertainty around Brexit has been unhelpful,” he says, agreeing with Scott Murray’s assessment of the current landscape. “But business continues to get done. Equity and debt providers continue to have plenty of dry powder available which presents a range of funding options for local business owners. Additionally, the continued weakness of sterling can actually present value for cross border or overseas purchasers.

“Whilst we are a locally focused firm our relationships across Ireland, the UK and further afield mean we are well

“We’re here to help companies and individuals through any difficulties they might have. But we’re also here to help them grow, to help them thrive and to help them take advantage of opportunities when they arise.” positioned to quickly assess and advise on all available strategic financing options.”

Thomas McKenna’s Personal Insolvency team continues to work its way through the hangover from the financial crash.

“Our services are all about offering trusted and confidential personal insolvency advice and support,” says Thomas.

“We’re fortunate to have a very professional and dedicated team who can move quickly to help our clients in practical ways.

“We work with our clients to clarify and assess their financial situation and we’ll move from there into plans and projections. Where individuals are unable to meet their debts, we’ll look at the option of an informal agreement with creditors before, if necessary, moving on to the formal IVA (Individual Voluntary Agreement) process and bankruptcy as a last resort.”

It’s a busy environment, says Thomas McKenna, although he does note that majority creditors are increasingly willing to work with individuals who are open and transparent in

order to find solutions to deal with their financial issues.

“Bankruptcy levels have been falling over the past couple of years,” he adds. “In any case, we’ll work hard with our clients to manage and solve debt issues rather than add to those bankruptcy statistics.”

All four agree that the current Brexit environment is not helpful. “It has taken a long time for property to get back on to anything like an even keel,” says Tom Keenan.

“Now the local economy is being affected once again by the Brexit uncertainty. And, if there was any change in interest rates as a result of all of this, we could see a big negative impact. Things are fragile.”

“But we are optimistic and we’ll remain optimistic. We’re here to help companies and individuals through any difficulties they might have. But we’re also here to help them grow, to help them thrive and to help them take advantage of opportunities when they arise. In corporate finance, across the board, businesses today have more options open to them than they’ve ever had.”

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Eye on Data

Big Data Belfast Experts Set To Explore ‘The Value Of Data As A Critical Business Asset’

Big Data Belfast returns this October to unlock the secrets of big data and chart a course through the world of data analytics.

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one-day conference focusing on all aspects of data within the business environment, Big Data Belfast takes place on Thursday October 24 at the ICC Waterfront and promises fascinating data insights and inspirational thought leadership from practitioners and business managers.

The organisers promise to “educate, inform and inspire” with contributors

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such as AI expert Paul Brook from sponsors DELL Technologies and machine learning engineer Dr Clair Sullivan from GitHub on the line-up.

Presented by Analytics Engines and backed by headline sponsors Ernst & Young (EY), the conference will deliver a wealth of speakers and workshops delving into everything from AI and ML to fintech, digital transformation and business analytics.

Now in its 7th year, Big Data Belfast is also supported by DELL, Allstate Northern Ireland, SmashFly, SpotX, Altra Executives, CME Group, Invest NI and Signifyd.

While the notion of big data has been around for years, the most forwardthinking organisations are now realising that if they capture all the data that streams into their businesses, they can apply analytics to uncover hidden patterns, correlations and other insights.

It’s been estimated that datadriven technologies will contribute over £60 billion per year to the UK economy by 2020, according to the Centre for Economics and Business Research. Yet less than 10% of UK businesses use customer relationship management software to collect, store, and share customer information within their businesses, and only 6% of businesses use this information for marketing purposes, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Ireland’s most forward-thinking companies are now adopting AI and ML as well as IoT and cloud technologies and reaping the benefits by becoming more efficient, understanding their markets and customers better and identifying emerging risks and challenges to their business.

No single technology is at work instead, big data combines the likes of machine learning, data management, data mining, in-memory analytics, predictive analytics and text mining to deliver spectacular insights, drive change and navigate a new world of disruptive tech.

Organisers for the conference are Analytics Engines, a market-leading provider of data analytics solutions to industry and public sector organisations.

Analytic Engines MD Dr Aislinn Rice says: “At Analytics Engines, we have supported organisations to embrace data-driven decision-making in order to reduce risk, generate efficiencies and increase revenues. At Big Data Belfast we aim to show how data can be utilised for both commercial and social good.

With a strong focus on both the technical aspect of data and the business use cases that have driven the latest data innovations, Big Data Belfast will provide a platform to educate, inform and inspire.”

This year’s speakers include GitHub machine learning engineer Dr Clair Sullivan, who won the American Nuclear Society’s Mary J. Oestmann Professional Women’s Achievement Award in 2015, and DELL Technologies director of data analytics and AI, Paul Brook, author of ‘The Life of AI’.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Paul Brook says: “We urge people not to think that it’s the technology in and of itself that is transformative. That is just a tool for the organisational idea that you have - it’s your idea that has the value.

“We need more people to get involved and engaged. This is not something that folks should step back and leave it to the techies - this involves everyone, so get involved.”

Delegates will also hear from Zscaler’s Americas chief information security officer Bil Harmer, who pioneered the processes for security and privacy compliance used by Cloud vendors today, and SpotX chief scientist Neal Richter who has published more than 15 academic papers in machine learning in artificial intelligence.

COO of EY’s UK&I Delivery and Innovation Centre Roger Eigenheer said: “EY are proud to be principal sponsor of the 2019 Big Data Belfast Conference.

As a recognised global leader in data and analytics services, and with significant capability right here in Belfast, we appreciate the value of data as a critical business asset and the differentiation that decision science can bring to our clients. We look forward to being inspired by the data community through case studies, thought leadership and debate.”

For tickets and further information visit www.bigdatabelfast.com

Eye on Communications

Beat the acronym challenge and switch ISDN for VoIP – it’s easy Local businesses are upgrading fast as NI’s telecom’s network preps for a transformational change.

By Stuart Carson, Rainbow Communications

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t’s easy to talk telecoms at my end – technical jargon, acronyms and abbreviations are almost a given. They’re not for everyone of course, but I do find that when I’m talking about an imminent deadline, I have more than a listening ear!

Like many people, I like deadlines.

They bring focus and an objective to completing a task. They motivate, force clarity and action – and, more often than not, they are part of something more strategic.

And one imminent deadline I’m acutely focused on in my sector is the imminent demise of ISDN and the introduction of its replacement, VoIP technology.

In my book, of the more than 25 acronyms rolling at any one time, these are among the most important.

So, what’s ISDN? It’s short for Integrated Service Digital Network, which in basic terms is a circuitswitched telephone network system that allows both voice and data services to be delivered over digital lines simultaneously. It was launched

by BT in 1986 to migrate outdated landline technology to digital, and it’s what many are still using now.

The important thing to note, however, is that ISDN is on the way out.

From 2023, you won’t be able to order an ISDN line and from 2025, there will be no ISDN network at all! But rest easy, there is already a mature solution to replace it in the form of newer digital technology known as Voice over Internet Protocol (or VoIP for short).

Put more simply, it just means running your phone calls over broadband, Wi-Fi and 4G and 5G networks.

Stuart Carson is Sales and Marketing Director at Rainbow Communications, Northern Ireland’s largest independent telecom provider. For more information on its full range of services, including bespoke solutions, visit www.rainbowcomms.com

An even greater thing to note is that switching from an ISDN to VoIP isn’t as complicated as you might think. It’s already standard practice and thousands of local businesses are already on board. If you’re using WhatsApp, then you’re using VoIP. The change will offer potential benefits to consumers such as clearer phone calls, and it will help ensure that the UK’s telephony system is fit for the future with a solid and secure foundation for new technologies and uses.

Should all this be a cause for worry?

Absolutely not! For almost everyone, switching to VoIP is easy. You will continue to receive what you recognise as a traditional phone service and for most, the only change they will need to make will be to connect your new handsets to your existing CAT5 network.

Can my internet connection support it?

In nearly all cases, yes. In fact, VoIP doesn’t use very much data when compared with other services like video and you will still need enough bandwidth to deliver voice on top of everything else your office does. Some VoIP providers suggest a minimum of 1Mbps upload over a fibre connection, for a very small office of up to five users, though most broadband providers offer much, much more.

Will my existing phones support it?

Are there other benefits?

They are almost limitless. VoIP allows organisations to truly adopt flexible, remote and mobile working, by allowing workers to work from any location at any time and still have the same experience. It means greater flexibility.

Using any broadband connection, you can log in and phone away.

Time is running out and if you switch now, you can also get the greater benefits available from the cloud, which means you can work anywhere, anytime. Less stress, more savings.

More opportunities. Why wait?

Though VoIP is cloud based therefore removing the need for a physical phone system, it can be added to most modern phone systems. This can help businesses mitigate against any investment, whilst adding functionality, capacity, linking sites and importantly reducing costs.

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Eye on Retail

Asia Supermarket & ITMS Ireland...

Creating a State of the Art Shopping Experience

Belfast’s very own Asia Supermarket, on the Ormeau Embankment close to its junction with Ravenhill Road, sets new standards when it comes to ethnic and exotic food shopping in the city.

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Eye on Retail

T

he result of a multimillion-pound investment, Asia Supermarket is fast approaching its first year in business at the new site and is attracting a growing numbers of customers, either through members of the public within retail, or servicing their traditional customer base of business owners.

Open seven days a week from 8.00 am to 6.30 pm, Asia Supermarket is a spacious, open plan retail and cash & carry facility which is proving particularly popular for local people searching for specialist Eastern foods, spices, sauces, exotic fruit and vegetables, meat, poultry and seafood which is difficult to source elsewhere Asia Supermarket also boasts its very own in-house cafe, serving breakfast, lunch, snacks, tea and coffee throughout the day which has proved very popular with customers.

The retail, cash & carry and catering complex on Ormeau Embankment is powered by a state-of-the-art IT system designed, installed, maintained and supported by Belfast & Dublinbased ITMS Ireland, a leading local specialist in IT managed services.

“We were delighted to be awarded such a prestigious contract,” says ITMS Managing Director, Bill Kennedy.

“We started work here three months before the building opened for business. Our task was to design and install a system which would provide seamless integration through the whole business...from the server cabinet through to communication between all of the departments

and the very latest point of sale tills at the check-outs integrating with the company’s stock control and Sage ERP platform.

“The fully integrated IT system also includes a strong emphasis on security including a strong firewall to keep the company’s IT system separate from the guest wi-fi provided on the premises.

“And, to back all of that up, we also provide ongoing support and maintenance on a 24/7 basis.”

A company spokesman stated that the Asia Supermarket director’s were very happy with the customer response to their investment at Ormeau Embankment.

“People in Belfast will be aware that Asia Supermarket had been in business for over thirty years on the old site at Agincourt Avenue/Ormeau Road.

Albeit a very busy store the site had logistical issues, particularly with customer parking and access for delivery vehicles.”

“At Ormeau Embankment we now have our own large customer car park and a separate delivery hub for vehicles, not to mention the new cafe, so the facilities, space and shopping experience that we can offer our customers on the Ormeau Embankment complex has markedly improved.”

“Also important to the director’s

was for Asia Supermarket to invest in the local community.

As a result the Company have approximately 20% more staff at the new site, 85 people in total, almost all of them drawn from the greater Belfast area.”

“Over the past 12 months everyone within the Company has worked hard to improve and develop the business , with the owners confident about the future of the store which they feel is unique to the city of Belfast. There may be other outlets selling similar products but Asia Supermarket believe they offer the best customer choice and value in the marketplace.”

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Eye on Recruitment

Future Proof Your Recruitment Strategy changed significantly in the last 5 years and that change will continue at an accelerated rate over the next 5, so it is important to critically review the role and assess whether; t 5IF KPC SPMF JT TUJMM SFMFWBOU to the organisation in its current and future state. t )BT ZPVS DVTUPNFS CBTF diversified since last appointing for the position, leading to a change in technical skills/ systems knowledge required for the role? t *T UIF SFOVNFSBUJPO XPSLJOH patterns and benefits pitched at a level that will attract the best talent on the market?

Taking the time to consider the organisation, and thus the role, in its future state will support strategic hiring decisions that will ultimately sustain the business in the long-term.

Mairead Scott, Managing Director, Honeycomb Jobs

As we are facing continued uncertainty across both the political and economic landscapes, with according to some forecasts, a recession on the horizon, many businesses are preparing for a tough trading period ahead.

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t is natural for organisations and business leaders to review costs when faced with a period of uncertainty or change, and with labour/payroll often contributing to the largest percentage of overall operating costs, recruitment is firmly in the spotlight.

While the tendency for some is to put a pause on all recruitment and ‘baton down the hatches’, this is often the wrong approach, as stable teams with the right people in the right roles, is often the key to businesses not only surviving, but thriving through periods of uncertainty.

With prudent hiring decisions becoming even more critical when building and maintaining effective teams, Honeycomb

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has been working with our clients to develop robust hiring strategies to ensure that they have the right team structure in place to support the business now, and in its future state.

So, if you are reviewing your recruitment strategy or have an immediate role to fill within your team, here are some points to consider;

Complete a Job Role Evaluation When a vacancy arises, it is tempting to reach into the archives and dust off the job specification that was used the last time you recruited for the role. However, business has

Consider the talent within Cultivating a stable team environment is key to ensuring business growth. Opportunities for career progression is a key factor in positive employee engagement levels, and very often, businesses will have talented individuals within the organisation ready to make a move to the next level or side-step into a new and challenging area. So, before you advertise a role externally, consider your current team; this could be the perfect opportunity to promote internally, while looking externally at a more junior level.

t )BWF BMM EFDJTJPO NBLFST signed off on the vacancy and job specification? t *G UIFSF JT B DMFBS UJNFGSBNF agreed, with key hiring managers available to interview/ appoint as required? t )BT UIF JOUFSWJFX QSPDFTT IBT been defined? (How many stages, interview format etc). t )BWF ZPV EFWFMPQFE B TVJUF PG tailored interview questions to ensure a consistent approach, while probing technical skills, experience and behaviours?

(A range of competency based and behavioural questions will provide a rounded approach to the interview). t %P ZPV SFRVJSF BEEJUJPOBM TLJMMT testing, psychometric testing or assessment centres to be incorporated into the process?

With all this said, it is important to remember that at the heart of all successful businesses are great people. Whilst technical skills, industry experience and a well-defined process are important steps in building your team, in a climate of change, it is those soft skills that will set your people apart.

Regardless of the role, successful teams and organisations will require individuals who have the resilience, adaptability, emotional intelligence and people skills to not only navigate the everchanging business landscape, but to build and maintain long term and meaningful relationships with your customer base.

Design a clear and effective recruitment process A clearly defined recruitment process is key to ensuring a positive candidate experience, and in turn, developing your employer brand throughout the recruitment exercise. When going to market with a role, consider;

If you are considering your recruitment strategy, or are seeking to add talent to your organisation, contact the team at Honeycomb to schedule a private consultation. https://www.honeycomb.jobs

For when sharp minds need safe hands.

The smartest, quickest and biggest brains in business wouldn’t look quite so sharp without support staff to keep the wheels turning while they get on with being geniuses. That’s why the brightest and best companies in Northern Ireland trust the only niche business support recruitment agency in the region. We’re here for when your brilliant minds need steady heads and equally safe hands.

honeycomb.jobs 028 96 20 70 50

For when business success needs admin support

Eye on Hospitality

When HOTEL is nicer than HOME

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ishop’s Gate Hotel was listed in the 45th Anniversary Edition of the prestigious Ireland’s Blue Book at the end of 2018. The book is a guide to an impeccable collection of 56 country house hotels, manor houses, castles and restaurants located throughout the island of Ireland. It currently features four Northern Ireland properties: Bishop’s Gate Hotel and Ardtara House in Derry-

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Londonderry, Newforge House in Armagh and Bushmills Inn Hotel in County Antrim.

Loyal members nominate new properties which are assessed for inclusion on an annual basis. Ireland’s Blue Book Chairperson, Simon O’Hara comments: “As we celebrated the 45th Anniversary of Ireland’s Blue Book, I was delighted to welcome Bishop’s Gate to the portfolio. Not only does

How does an ultra-special hotel become a tradition for life? We look at the pros, the perks and the personality of one of only four Northern Ireland Blue Book

members – Bishop’s Gate Hotel.

this fine property provide wonderful locally sourced food and luxurious accommodation, but their charm, history and individuality make them a highlight of any Irish journey or occasion.”

Discussing the listing Ciaran O’Neill, Managing Director, Bishop’s Gate Hotel says: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have been selected for inclusion in Ireland’s

Blue Book. Out of the hundreds of accommodation providers that exist across the island of Ireland, only 56 properties are listed. This is an endorsement of our service offering.

We consistently strive to exceed customer expectations and to deliver an unrivalled service across all aspects of our business, from our accommodation, right through to our fine dining.”

Eye on Hospitality

Say THANK YOU with a Bishop’s Gate Hotel Voucher

PROS Location, Location, Location - Bishop’s Gate Hotel is positioned within the historic city walls of Derry-Londonderry, nestled in the heart of the city’s “Cathedral Quarter”. Meander through the bustling, compact streets bursting with independent shops and cosy pubs, all just a stone’s throw away. Make your trip extra special and take the magnificent train journey from Belfast to Derry, once described by Michael Palin as “one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world”.

PERKS It’s very chilled and welcoming. Think of fires, a warm relaxed atmosphere and endless ways to enjoy a visit to the North West. At the heart of the hotel, The Wig and Gown Champagne Bar and Restaurant offers all day, casual, high end dining.

It is the perfect place to relax and unwind with a cocktail or glass of Champagne, complemented by live entertainment on select evenings. Or why not indulge in the decadent afternoon tea, served in the Hervey Library. This is an experience not to be missed.

PERSONALITY An iconic landmark, it is the epitome of Edwardian elegance. The building now occupied by Bishop’s Gate Hotel was originally home to The Northern Counties Club, a private members club where many civic leaders, intellects and business leaders such as Sir Winston Churchill, W.B. Yeats, William Carson and many others, met to discuss plans and ideas. This is an award-winning boutique hotel with a heart. Each stay is personalised and considered.

From the moment you enter through the revolving doors, you’re going to feel thrilled you chose Bishop’s Gate.

Vouchers Happiness is opening a Bishop’s Gate Hotel or Blue Book Gift Voucher. This year, Bishop’s Gate Hotel is offering a bespoke Festive Shopping Break from £139 per night in November and December.

To order a Bishop’s Gate Hotel voucher contact:

To order an Ireland’s Blue Book voucher contact:

Bishop’s Gate Hotel www.bishopsgatehotelderry.com 028 7114 0300

Ireland’s Blue Book www.irelandsbluebook.com +353 1 676 9914

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Eye on Awards

First Trust Bank Business Eye Awards 2019 Are Launched The First Trust Bank Business Eye Awards, an exciting new version of Northern Ireland’s leading business awards, will take place at ICC Belfast on Thursday, 28th November, 2019.

Brenda Buckley of Business Eye, Adrian Moynihan of First Trust Bank, Tina McKenzie of Grafton Recruitment.

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he Awards carry on the 13-year mantle of the former UTV Business Eye Awards. And this year’s showpiece awards will have no less than 19 categories up for grabs.

First Trust Bank, a key supporter of the Northern Ireland business community,

has partnered Business Eye for the past four years.

The new-look First Trust Bank Business Eye Awards were officially launched for 2019 in early September at Bar Level 2 at the world-class ICC Belfast venue. Business Eye’s Richard Buckley and Seamus McGuckin, Head of

Seamus McGuckin, First Trust Bank addresses the audience.

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Business Banking at First Trust, launched the awards and welcomed guests, who also heard from Tina McKenzie, Chief Executive of Grafton Recruitment and last year’s winner of the Business Personality of the Year award category.

The closing date for entries

to the BEFTA’s 2018 will be Friday, 25th October, with the judging panel due to meet in early November.

And local companies and individuals will be able to enter no less than 18 different categories covering most aspects of the local economy and business life...

Richard Buckley, Business Eye addresses the audience.

Eye on Awards

The 19 Award Categories & Criteria Company of the Year SPONSORED BY

Executive Support Professional of the Year SPONSORED BY

Family Business of the Year Award SPONSORED BY

Northern Ireland’s overall company of the year in the opinion of the judging panel. Companies can be of any size/ scale, number of employees, and must be able to exhibit exceptional performance, especially but not exclusively during the 12 month period to 31st October 2019.

This award will honour one of the ‘unsung heroes’ of the business world here, Northern Ireland’s leading Executive Support Professional, a key member of staff in any organisation providing exemplary support services to management within the organisation.

Northern Ireland’s economy is built on family business success and this key category will recognise the family-owned business, of any size of scale, which can demonstrate exceptional achievement during the year to 31st October 2019

Medium/Mid-Sized Business of the Year

Innovative Business of the Year

Professional Services Firm of the Year

SPONSORED BY

This category will recognise a leading player in the 50-250 employee sector of the Northern Ireland economy, a key sector which includes a number of our leading private sector companies. As with Company of the Year, entrants must demonstrate exceptional performance across the board.

Employer of the Year SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

Innovation, across every sector, is a key driver of business success. In this category, our judges will look for clear evidence of innovation in action, along with evidence of how innovation has helped to contribute to business success.

This category sets out to honour Northern Ireland’s leading accountancy, legal or other professional services firm working with and providing key advice to clients in the local business community.

Young Business Personality of the Year

Research & Development Project of the Year

SPONSORED BY

This category sets out to recognise those local organisations exhibiting best practice in terms of people management.

The judging panel will look for clear evidence of class-leading initiatives designed to make the organisation a better and more caring employer.

SPONSORED BY

The category is open to senior managers and leaders in businesses and organisations across the private, public and voluntary sectors who are aged 35 or younger at 31st October 2019, and whose leadership and achievement can be clearly demonstrated.

SPONSORED BY

The Research & Development (Innovation) project which, in the opinion of the judges, is the best example of how companies can harness research, development and innovation to further their business aims and objectives.

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Eye on Awards Tourism/Hospitality Company of the Year SPONSORED BY

The company or organisation making the most valuable contribution to the continued development of tourism & hospitality here in Northern Ireland.

Possible entrants might include hotels/hotel groups, other forms of accommodation, tourism development organisations, restaurants, travel facilities, etc.

Fast Growth Business of the Year SPONSORED BY A private sector organisation able to show clear rapid growth in terms of profit, turnover and/or employee numbers during the 12 month period to 31st October 2019. This category is open to private sector businesses of any size and operating in any sector.

Manufacturer of the Year SPONSORED BY

Manufacturer of the Year is open to all manufacturing organisations, of any size and scale, operating in Northern Ireland.

The judging panel will look for evidence of innovation, attention to detail, state of the art engineering and product market success.

Agri Food Business of the Year Award

Community (CSR) Award SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY This category sets out to recognise notable achievement in the wider agri food sector and is open to companies and producers of all sizes as well as to individual products or innovations from those companies.

Green Company of the Year SPONSORED BY This award sets out to recognise achievement by a private sector Northern Ireland organisation towards the wider environmental cause. This may focus on a wide programme of environment measures, or one specific initiative which improves a company’s environmental contribution.

Small Business of the Year SPONSORED BY The organisation with 50 employees or less which, in the opinion of the judges, exemplifies best practice and achievement across the board. Evidence of growth and development, clear vision and strategy to deliver growth, commitment to superior customer service, demonstration of innovation across the business.

Corporate social responsibility plays an important role for NI companies and this specialist category sets out to recognise an organisation from the private, public or voluntary sectors making a clear and impactful contribution to its local community as a whole.

Technology Company of the Year SPONSORED BY Aimed at recognising impressive performance by one of Northern Ireland’s leading businesses operating in the technology sector, to include hardware, software, telecommunications, technology support and services.

Exporter of the Year SPONSORED BY

Business Personality of the Year SPONSORED BY The keynote award at the awards and one which will honour Northern Ireland’s outstanding business personality over the past 12 months, an individual whose leadership achievements have contributed to business success and to the wider local economy.

The Northern Ireland-based company exhibiting the most impressive track record and recent growth in export sales of goods or services outside of Northern Ireland. Export markets to include ROI and GB, but the judging panel will give special consideration to organisations exporting worldwide.

For further information please contact Ciara Donnelly at Business Eye on 028 9047 4490 or ciara@businesseye.co.uk

enter online at www.businesseyeawards.co.uk

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Eye on Awards (1)

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(1) Brenda Buckley of Business Eye, Nick Read of Ulster University, Edel Creery of NIE Networks. (2) Tina McKenzie, Business Personality of the Year winner 2019. (3) Conor McCann and with Ruth Verner of Davy. (4) Jordan Duffy and Mairead Scott of Honeycomb with Richard Buckley of Business Eye. (5) Mark McKeown of First Trust Bank, Brenda Buckley of Business Eye, Kevin Fitzpatrick of First Trust Bank. (6) Michael Blair RSM, Brenda Buckley of Business Eye, Richard Gardiner RSM.

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Eye on Awards (7)

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(7) Marcus Cooper of Community Foundation, Richard Buckley of Business Eye, Siofra Healy of Community Foundation. (8) Judith Carville and Lorraine McGoran of Visit Belfast with Ciara Donnelly of Business Eye. (9) Richard Buckley of Business Eye, Treena Clarke of Harbinson Mullholland, Nuala Martin of First Trust Bank, Joanne McNeill, McNeill Communications, Seamus McGuckin of First Trust Bank. (10) Darren McDowell of Harbinson Mullholland and Brenda Buckley of Business Eye. (11) Brenda Buckley, Seamus McGuckin, First Trust Bank , Caroline Feeney of Grafton Recruitment and Ciara Donnelly. (12) Maeve Donnelly and Edel Creery of NIE Networks with Brenda Buckley of Business Eye.

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Eye on Awards (13)

(14)

(15)

(16)

(13) Ruth Verner of Davy, Jennifer Mahon, Sean Rogan and Clare Stokes of First Trust Bank. (14) Seamus McGuckin, Head of Business Banking, First Trust Bank. (15) Michael Blair RSM, Maureen Fox, Ulster University, Nuala Martin of First Trust Bank, Richard Gardiner RSM. (16) Robbie McGreer and Denise Falls of Queens University with Richard Buckley.

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Eye on Insurance

Lockton Commercial Fights The Corner For Northern Ireland SMEs

For many of us, our insurance is something that falls to the bottom of our to-do lists. Whether it’s for our car or home, selecting the cheapest option online and completing a tick box form at break neck speed usually suffices.

But, when it comes to insuring businesses, a ‘tick box’ approach is opening SMEs up to serious risk.

Geraldine Morgan FCII, Chartered Insurance Broker, Head of Lockton Commercial.

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ockton Commercial has found that many SMEs in Northern Ireland have a history of purchasing low-cost insurance that fails to provide sufficient cover. Moreover, renewal processes are done at the touch of a button, perhaps pushed by sales-driven insurance brokers.

Too many assume that they have ‘ticked the box’ and are covered.

Unfortunately, this approach has the potential to upend a business and damage its longer-term viability. This is not to say that leaders of local, family run businesses are not business-savvy.

They are very knowledgeable on their finances and taxes and are in regular conversation with their bankers and accountants. Also, small business owners are well-aware of the risks that their businesses are facing. The problem is that these insights often fail to be reflected in their insurance policies.

This disconnect between known risks and policy coverage has the potential to be catastrophic for businesses.

Geraldine Morgan, head of Lockton

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Commercial, cited an instance where her team looked at the insurance policies for a local welding company, only to discover that welding activity was excluded from the policy that they had been operating under.

Under-insurance largely stems from of a lack of awareness of what business owners should be looking for in their policies, while at the same time being led by sales-driven insurance professionals who fail to ask the right questions that would lead to the right coverage.

This is where a ‘corporate view’ should come into play, ensuring small businesses approach their insurance in the same way that a large multi-national would. This is the view that Lockton Commercial team takes when it acquires a new client - its first order of business is to assess and potentially restructure the existing insurance program.

Many SMEs have complex risks which require tailored solutions that cannot be addressed through a ‘tick box’ policy approach. In order to tackle this and other issues, Lockton Commercial is

going back to its traditional values of a face-to-face advisory. This enables the team to take a comprehensive view of the complex risks facing companies on a case-by-case basis.

An additional consideration is that due to the nature of the Northern Ireland market, many SMEs operate across the border, importing and exporting their products and services to the Republic of Ireland and overseas.

They need reassurance that their key risks have been identified and can be transferred, where viable and cost effective, to the insurance market.

This is becoming increasingly important as Brexit looms large. While the conversation is ongoing, the outcome will inevitably complicate how companies’ policies are structured.

The result may be that SMEs require two insurance policies to cover their EU and non-EU day-to-day trading.

While other brokers look to digitalisation to speed up the insurance process Lockton Commercial has other strings to their bow. Part of a global

Company, Lockton Commercial can tap into the business’ worldwide reputation in the market, giving them leverage to obtain even better deals for clients.

The strong market position bolsters their handpicked team of selected professionals already known in the insurance market for their skills to provide high levels of expert risk identification, in-house risk management and claims services.

Ultimately, clients do not want to be in a position of having to claim under their policy. They are partnering with experts to secure the best risk management preventative measures to ensure the continuity and viability of their business when faced with fortuitous events.

Lockton Northern Ireland, 8th Floor, The Clarence West Building, 2 Clarence Street West, Belfast BT2 7GP T 02890 248989 www.locktoninternational.com

5he next best thing to an in-house insurance team When was the last time you really looked at your business insurance cover?

Lockton are a world-leading, privately owned local commercial insurance broker. Our knowledgeable, locally-based experts spend time getting to know you so they can make informed recommendations to help minimise risks aligned to your business.

We know every business is different, that’s why Lockton is the next best thing to an in-house insurance team.

Brian Mullen, Commercial Insurance Consultant, Lockton E: Brian.Mullen@uk.lockton.com T: +44 (0)28 9034 8477

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere

DRINK RESPONSIBLY The BAILEYS, GORDON’S, CAPTAIN MORGAN, SMIRNOFF, GUINNESS, SMITHWICKS, CARLSBERG and HARP words and associated logos are trade marks © Diageo 2015.

Eye on Events

Business From The Inside Out

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ocusing on wellbeing from the ‘Inside Out’ was the theme for a recent networking event hosted by leading business advisory firm Grant Thornton NI at the Baby Grand. More than 130 female business figures from across Northern Ireland attended the exclusive lifestyle show that featured speakers from the worlds of fashion, health and fitness, and beauty. Pictured, from

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left, Tara Grimes, personal trainer and nutritionist, Anne Phillipson, People and Change Consulting Director, Grant Thornton, Amanda Jones, Action Mental Health Katherin Farries, Victoria Square personal stylist, Louise Kelly, Audit and Assurance Partner, Grant Thornton, and make-up artist Grainne McCoy.

Invest NI Chair To Address WiB Awards

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omen in Business has announced newly appointed Invest Northern Ireland Chair, Rose Mary Stalker as the keynote speaker at this year’s prestigious Women in Business Awards.

Taking place on Thursday 7 November at The Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast, the annual Awards welcome over 500 business people from across Northern Ireland. Now in its ninth consecutive year, the Awards

have become firmly established as one of the most recognised events in the business calendar.

Rose Mary Stalker was appointed to the position in August. She is an experienced business leader having operated successfully at Executive Team and Board level in complex multi-disciplinary global organisations, including Ford, Boeing and Rolls-Royce. Her speech at the awards will be her inaugural after dinner speech as Chair of Invest NI.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere

DRINK RESPONSIBLY The BAILEYS, GORDON’S, CAPTAIN MORGAN, SMIRNOFF, GUINNESS, SMITHWICKS, CARLSBERG and HARP words and associated logos are trade marks © Diageo 2015.

Eye on Events

Recycling In Focus

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ictured at the final of the Power of Video Creator Competition at the Ulster Hall (L-R) is Laura Spiers from Dundonald and Neal Hunter from Ards, representing McDonald’s UK, Damien Gallagher and Billy May from Power of Video, Bangor girl Karina Robinson

from charity Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful and (front centre) winner Nick Wichman.

Nick won £5000 worth of high tech prizes for his video on the importance of recycling. To find out more search #POVBelfast or visit www.powerofvideo.co.uk

AA Award For Galgorm

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algorm Spa & Golf Resort is celebrating after receiving the prestigious AA Four Red Star Award for its levels of quality throughout the Resort and outstanding levels of hospitality and service, presented at a ceremony at Grosvenor House in London this week.

The award complements the Resort’s existing three AA Rosettes award for culinary excellence at fine-dining restaurant, the River Room. Led by Head Chef Chris Rees, the River Room is one of only four establishments in Northern Ireland to hold such a coveted title and is awarded to outstanding restaurants that ‘demand recognition

well beyond their local area’, and that demonstrate excellence in timing, seasoning and judgement of flavour combinations, as well as boasting a select wine list.

Colin Johnston, Managing Director of Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort, said: “We are delighted to accept this award which is testament to the continual hard work and dedication of our fantastic staff. Their commitment to delivering excellence across all our offerings at Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort is unparalleled, from luxury accommodation, to famous golfing greens, a world-renowned spa offering and an award-winning fine dining restaurant.”

Eastside Awards Are Launched T

he Eastside Awards, in partnership with George Best Belfast City Airport, have been launched for the fourth year running. Open for entry until 25 October, the awards will celebrate the achievements of the businesses and people at the heart of East Belfast.

Keith Thompson of Ulster Bank,

Jonathan McAlpin of Eastside Awards and awards host Tara Mills launch the Eastside Award for Business Growth sponsored

by Ulster Bank at George Best Belfast City Airport. Enter now at www.eastsideawards.org

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Eye on Events

Corr’s Corner Hotel Marks 100 Year Milestone One of the institutions of the local hospitality industry has been celebrating a remarkable 100 years in business.

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orr’s Corner Hotel at Newtownabbey forms part of the McKeever Hotel Group, owners of the Dunsilly Hotel in Antrim, Ballymena’s Adair Arms, Dillon’s in Letterkenny and the Dunadry Hotel & Gardens.

Eugene & Catherine McKeever, the driving forces behind the development of the group, hosted a recent 100th anniversary reception alongside the Northern Ireland Family Business Forum, attending by 120 guests.

At the breakfast event, Eugene & Catherine McKeever – joined in the business by son and daughter Eddie & Bridgene – shared their memories on the growth of the hotels group and talked about succession planning and the wider industry to Business Eye’s Richard Buckley.

Eugene & Catherine McKeever with Darren McDowell of the NI Family Business Forum & Harbinson Mulholland.

Eugene McKeever, Bridgene McKeever, Darren McDowell, Catherine McKeever & Eddie McKeever

Eugene & Catherine McKeever chat with Business Eye’s Richard Buckley

Eugene & Catherine McKeever

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Eye on News

Retail Crimewatch Goes Digital Retail Crimewatch, an information and image sharing Exclusion Order project between Belfast City Centre Management (BCCM), retailers and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), has gone digital.

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ver 400 retailers have signed up to become members of Retail Crimewatch. As part of the crime reduction project, each month, members receive images of individuals from across Northern Ireland who already have a number of convictions for shoplifting.

Members of the Retail Crimewatch scheme can issue an Exclusion Order to any individual found committing theft, attempting to commit theft or going equipped for theft.

The Exclusion Order advises the offender that from the date the order is issued, the individual is no longer permitted to enter the retailer’s premises, or any other business that is a member of the scheme, for a period of 12 months.

Discussing the digitalisation of the initiative, Andrew Webb, Chair of Belfast City Centre Management says: “We are celebrating two significant milestones in the Retail Crimewatch scheme. We have gone digital which not only allows images to be distributed faster and more securely within a live environment from the PSNI, but it also allows BCCM to bring more users from different policing districts on to the system.

This in turn means that more images of offenders can be circulated, which increases the potential for crime reduction.”

Andrew adds: “The second milestone that we are celebrating is the successful implementation of the Flagging System. BCCM in partnership with the PSNI and the Public Prosecution Service spent some time exploring ways to escalate penalties served on prolific offenders. This led to the

(L-R) Roger Davison, Assistant Director Public Prosecution Service Belfast; Chief Superintendent Jonathan Roberts, Police Service of Northern Ireland and Andrew Webb, Chair of Belfast City Centre Management.

creation of a ‘flag system’, which works by highlighting to police officers, where an individual has been detained for shoplifting and an ‘excluded flag’ has been created against their name.

If someone with an ‘excluded flag’ commits a further theft from a member store, it will be mentioned in any prosecution as an aggravating factor and consideration should be given by the Public Prosecution Service to have the excluded person tried on indictment for burglary.

These two developments have undoubtedly enhanced the efficiency of the Retail Crimewatch scheme, which is one of the only business crime partnerships across the UK actively pursuing burglary convictions for its members.”

Commenting on the Retail Crimewatch’s partnership approach to tackling offending Roger Davison, Assistant Director Public Prosecution Service Belfast, says: “The retail community plays an important role in our society, creating meaningful employment for thousands of people. Retail

crime can cost businesses thousands of pounds, impact on sustainability and ultimately put jobs at risk. That’s why we must tackle it. By working in partnership with Retail Crimewatch and the PSNI, we have introduced a mechanism to address retailers concerns around prolific offending.

Retail Crimewatch’s new Flagging System is designed to provide a mechanism that enables the judiciary to deal proportionately with those who seek to consistently engage in retail crime.”

Explaining the benefits of Retail Crimewatch, Chief Superintendent Jonathan Roberts says: “Retail Crimewatch has become a valuable partnership between police, the business and retail sector which helps us to collectively address the challenges which we face in making Belfast a safe and prosperous city.

“What initially began as an initiative offering training sessions for retail staff and management on how to prevent business and retail crime, has now evolved into its current form, utilising digital

technology to ensure we can quickly communicate and share information with each other about prolific and repeat offenders.

“The scheme is delivering tangible, measurable results.

To date, there have been 42 successful convictions resulting in 20 custodial sentences for burglary involving prolific offenders, helping to create a safer environment for staff, customers and the public. We look forward to continuing this work with Belfast City Centre Management and our partners in the business and retail sectors as we seek out ways to develop this important service which helps prevent crime and keep people safe and I would encourage all businesses to consider joining the scheme.”

For further information on Retail Crimewatch please contact Belfast City Centre Management on 02890 242111 or email sa.attwood@ belfastcentre.com.

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Eye on News

27 Hospitality Jobs at Titanic Belfast The world-leading Titanic Belfast is recruiting for 27 hospitality roles to deliver some of Northern Ireland’s most high-profile events.

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head of a busy event season, it is on the lookout for hospitality staff for roles including conference and banqueting team leaders, food and bar waiters, conference and kitchen porters.

Over the years, Titanic Belfast has hosted over 2,500 business and leisure events including BBC’s Biggest Weekend, Queen Elizabeth’s Jubilee lunch, G8 Summit Reception, BBC Sports Personality of the Year, Giro D’Italia and MTV Sounds and has served guests including Her Majesty The Queen, TITANIC director James Cameron and Presidential Candidate and former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Siobhan Lynch, Director of Operations, commented, “We are looking forward to a busy event

Titanic Belfast’s Siobhan Lynch, (centre), Brendan Collins (left) and Lloyd Jackson (right) are pictured as it set to recruit 27 hospitality roles to deliver some of Northern Ireland’s most high-profile events. For more information visit www.titanicbelfast.com/careers.

season ahead, and are on the lookout for five-star hospitality staff to help us deliver Northern Ireland’s most prestigious events.

If you have a passion for customer

service - you are invited to our Hospitality Careers Open Day on 21st August from 12:00pm – 4:00pm to meet the team and learn about our world-class offering.”

She continued, “We are not just passionate about putting on fivestar events but the hospitality industry as a whole. We have been working hard to showcase it as a career of choice and providing an alternative pathway into senior level roles, as well as entry level. We have invested in training, skills development, mentorship, a robust benefits package as well as flexible working and assistance with transportation, so whether you are an experienced hospitality professional, embarking on your career or want to work part-time while you study, we have something for everyone and the roles are open to all levels of experience.”

The range of roles include fulltime permanent and casual and will be under Head of Hospitality, Lloyd Jackson and Executive Head Chef, Alastair Fullerton, who have over 50 years combined experience in the industry. For more information or to apply, visit www.titanicbelfast.com/careers.

Progressive Building Society Launches Foreign Currency Mortgage Progressive Building Society has launched a foreign currency mortgage meaning that residents in Northern Ireland with earnings or assets in either Euro or US Dollars, can now take out a Sterling mortgage with the Society.

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Jane Millar, Head of Lending & Savings at Progressive Building Society.

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ome 30,000 people cross the border on the island of Ireland daily, so there is clearly a market for those earning in Euro but living in Northern Ireland to benefit from a Foreign Currency Mortgage option.

According to Jane Millar, Head of Lending & Savings at Progressive Building Society the new product could prove vital to local consumers whose income comes from the EU or US: “Our new mortgage option will provide a solution for people who earn in Euro or US Dollars but want to purchase a home in Northern Ireland. For those paid in Euro or US dollars, this product provides access to a Northern Irish mortgage. We believe our

expertise within the mortgage market enables us to deal with various mortgage offerings, such as foreign currency, in a manner which is straightforward, effective and efficient for applicants.”

Jane Millar from Progressive added: “Given our knowledge of the local marketplace, Progressive prides itself on the constant development of products and services to meet the needs of the people of Northern Ireland. Employment patterns continue to change, and at Progressive we want to ensure our mortgage products support the individual needs of all people who live here. We will continue to listen to our customers and adapt our products to enable more people to achieve their dream of home ownership.”

Eye on News

Ulster Bank introduces new £20 note designs ‘for the craic’

Ulster Bank has revealed what its new £20 polymer note will look like when it enters circulation.

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uilding on the design theme of ‘Living in Nature’, which was developed by a panel of experts and people from across Northern Ireland, the £20 vertical note focuses on NI as a ‘dwelling place’.

The new designs were showcased at an event in the bank’s Culmore Road branch in Derry~Londonderry with star of the hit comedy ‘Derry Girls’ Jamie-Lee O’Donnell The twenty pound note will feature street entertainers and their appreciative audience, reflecting local music and culture, as well as tiles, brickwork and patterns inspired by NI’s ubiquitous redbrick tenement buildings. Other elements of the note are drawn from the ornate decoration found on and in famous public buildings, corporate architecture and domestic homes in Derry, Belfast and other cities in Northern Ireland.

The note is also incorporating Derry~Londonderry’s much-loved Hallowe’en celebrations into the security features of the note – under a UV light, skeletons and Leisler’s bat – the largest type of bat in Ireland – can be seen.

Speaking at the launch, Jamie-Lee O’Donnell said: “As a Derry Girl both on and off-screen, I am really pleased to be supporting Ulster Bank with this historic launch. It’s wonderful to see such strong references to the culture and architecture of the area and celebrate the universal appeal of our city.”

In continuity with the bank’s other polymer notes, the note will contain advanced security features. It will feature elements from the natural world, including the Hawthorne

flower and a transparent outline of Lough Neagh. The note will also feature its famous eels, a key catch for local fishermen, which spawn in the Sargasso sea before travelling hundreds of miles across rivers, waterfalls and dams and reside in Northern Ireland.

Terry Robb, Head of Personal Banking in Northern Ireland, added: “We’ve received really positive feedback on our unique designs . Bank notes continue to be an important part of the way that people interact with us, and we’re proud to introduce these bold new designs which celebrate our cities and commitment to enjoying ourselves.”

In addition to revealing the new designs, the bank also reminded customers to use or exchange their paper £5 and £10 notes before they are withdrawn completely from circulation. The bank has been phasing the paper notes out over 2019. After the notes are officially removed from circulation, Ulster Bank will still exchange the old paper notes for their new polymer equivalents, but shops and businesses will no longer accept them.

Northern Ireland banknotes are legal currency across the UK and Ulster Bank has continued to work with vendors and retailers to ensure acceptance of the new notes when they are released next year.

3fivetwo Group Welcomes New Chairman

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he Directors of the 3fivetwo Group, Northern Irelands largest private healthcare group, have announced the appointment of Tom Riall as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Tom is currently CEO of Integrated Dental Holdings (IDH)- the UK’s only fully integrated dental services company; with annual sales of £600M and more than 7000 employees and associates.

Previously, he was CEO of Priory Group, Europe’s largest independent provider of mental health services, with sales of £600M in 322 facilities.

He spent 8 years at Serco, both in the UK’s Government division, with turnovers of £1.3bn, employing staff and operations in the UK, Germany, US, Canada and Australia; and subsequently at Serco’s Global

Services Division in Mumbai with turnovers of £1bn and 54000 employees across 12 countries.

Tom brings with him a wealth of experience in both the public and private sectors. He is passionate about using his experiences in listed company corporate governance to deliver high quality services; and is well versed in the challenges of public sector contract delivery.

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Eye on News

Lidl Northern Ireland Packs a £179m Annual Boost for Local Economy J.P. Scally, Managing Director of Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland, Neil McCullough, Oxford Economics, and Conor Boyle, Lidl Northern Ireland Regional Director.

Lidl Northern Ireland contributes almost £180 million to the local economy every year and sustains around 3,500 jobs according to results of an independent report specially commissioned by the region’s fastest-growing supermarket.

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ith 38 stores and more than 880 employees, Lidl Northern Ireland has powered through two decades of growth with its high quality, low price proposition since it opened its first store in Cookstown in 1999. Marking its 20th anniversary this year, the company commissioned Oxford Economics to directly examine its growing impact and capture its value to the local economy.

In addition to £179 million generated within the region from the retailer’s local operations, last year Lidl Northern Ireland also procured more than £290 million of goods, the majority of which was sold to stores outside the region, boosting exports and its support for the local agri-food sector, the analysis

by Oxford Economics confirmed.

In 2018, Lidl Northern Ireland was responsible for sustaining an estimated 3,500 local jobs through its combined store-based activity, local purchasing power and direct consumer spend. Reflecting its strong growth, its store turnover has also been growing at a record 7.5 percent annually since 2008 and at a rate more than four times greater than the annual NI retail average.

HLM Architects continued growth extends into the Dublin market

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eading design and architecture company, HLM Architects, has strengthened its offering to its growing portfolio of clients as it extends into the Dublin market.

The Dublin base, located at Fitzwilliam Place, facilitates HLM Architects continued growth and success. The workspace located in central Dublin will enable HLM to access wider opportunities and develop activities across Ireland.

With studios across the UK and internationally, the award-winning firm responds creatively to the unique circumstances of each

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project. HLM’s studio in Belfast has undertaken several projects across Ireland for over 20 years.

The firm recently marked a milestone with the completion of the urgent care centre for Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) at Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown, with work progressing on Children’s Health Ireland at Tallaght University Hospital.

HLM delivers thoughtful design, with spaces and places that improve lives central to its offering. The 180 strong team has completed projects across a range of sectors including education, healthcare,

residential, hospitality and leisure, defence, workplace and culture.

Commenting on the Dublin base, HLM Director Nick Beecroft, said “Through this expansion we have reinforced our commitment and offering to our ambitious clients in the Ireland market. The new HLM base ensures we are better suited than ever to create memorable places across Ireland, always understanding the needs of the people who use them.

“We are continually developing our already strong network in Dublin and are really excited to explore the opportunities across all our sectors.”

Almost a third of Lidl’s NI turnover was generated within the Belfast and the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon districts - the two largest council areas by population.

J.P. Scally, Managing Director at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland said: “With 38 stores and over 300,000 weekly customers, our commitment to deliver high quality locally-produced products at market-leading prices has helped to drive our phenomenal growth for two decades and we’re proud of the deep local relationships with our suppliers and staff which we have established in this time.”

To support its expansion and new store programme, Lidl Northern Ireland has also invested around £8 million every year since 2008 – last year, that figure was almost £13 million.

The report confirmed that the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon area, Mid Ulster, Mid and East Antrim and Fermanagh benefited most from Lidl’s agri-food procurement spend – of the £290 million worth of goods purchased in 2018, around £200 million were sold in Great Britain, while almost £49 million went to stores in the Republic of Ireland.

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New Job. New Opportunity. New You. Eye Moving On

graftonrecruitment.com

Business Eye Banner Ad.indd 1

14/01/2019 11:57:32 1 Dawn Hesketh has joined PR firm MCE at Client Director. With 10 years’ experience, Dawn has worked with some of the UK’s most recognised names including Aldi, Marriott and Harvey Nichols. She returned from a six-year stint in Manchester to drive record growth in her role as Associate Director at Serious PR, also in Belfast.

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1 Dawn Hesketh

2 Andrew McKee

3 Andrew Molloy PhD

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4 Emma Murtagh

5 Lucy Ashe

6 Mark Priestley

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Hamilton Architects of Belfast and London have appointed six new members of staff to their 48-strong staff team of designers and technologists.

Andrew McKee, who graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Architectural Technology and Management from Ulster University, will work as a technologist on a range of diverse projects in the education and health sectors.

Andrew Molloy PhD already has extensive experience in the conservation and heritage arena, as well as many domestic, commercial and public sector projects. He joins Hamilton as Project Architect on a range of important conservation schemes.

Senior Architect Emma Murtagh, a QUB alumni, has 10 years’ post graduate experience in the residential, office, retail and education sectors in practices across Northern Ireland. She will be working on major education sector projects, currently Christ Church Canterbury University.

Lucy Ashe joins the team as Senior Architect after gaining 13 years’ post graduate experience with practices in London and Northern Ireland, delivering projects in the aviation, mixed use commercial and high-end residential sectors.

Mark Priestley, Project Architect, has over 20 years’ experience with some of Northern Ireland’s leading practices on a variety of largescale health, education, retail and residential projects throughout GB and Ireland.

Ryan Cuthbertson, a BSc and MA graduate from Liverpool John Moores University has 3 years’ post graduate experience in the residential, healthcare and transport sectors. He will be working as a Project Architect on new healthcare and education schemes.

Donnelly Group has appointed company stalwart 8 Paul Harvey as Land Rover Sales Manager at its new £6 million Jaguar Land Rover showroom in Dungannon. Paul, who is from Lurgan, has over 20 years’ experience in the motor retail industry.

9 Stephen Allen has been appointed to the position of Corporate Banking Relationship Director with Barclays in Northern Ireland. Stephen is a Chartered Accountant with 20 years’ experience having held senior roles across practice, banking and industry.

7 Ryan Cuthbertson

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8 Paul Harvey

9 Stephen Allen

New Job. New Opportunity. New You. Eye Moving On

graftonrecruitment.com

Business Eye Banner Ad.indd 1

14/01/2019 11:57:32 Millar McCall Wylie has announced the 10 appointment of employment solicitor David Mitchell following a period of significant growth at the Belfast-based firm. The appointment will see Mr Mitchell, who qualified as a solicitor in 2014, advising and representing both employees and employers alongside the leading law firm’s Employment Partner, Jan Cunningham.

10 David Mitchell

13 Mark Feeney

11 Ryan Loughran

14 Guy Truman

12 Chris Griffin

15 Collette Keenan

Lockton Commercial, Insurance and Risk Advisors to the SME Sector, have made 3 new appointments.

11 Ryan Loughran has joined as Account Executive. With 15 years’ experience in the Insurance Profession he brings a wealth of experience in Business Development and Client Management, with a particular focus on the local manufacturing sector.

12 Chris Griffin has joined as Account Executive.

With 10 years’ experience in the Insurance Profession and specialist knowledge of the Charity & Not-for-profit Sector along with a Business Development background.

With experience in Broking, Management 13 and Operations, Mark Feeney has joined as Account Manager with responsibility for Market Relationships and Placement.

Newry-headquartered food-to-go leader Around Noon has made key appointments to support the expansion of its business in 14 the UK and Ireland. Guy Truman joins as Commercial Director in the UK at the innovative 15 company while Collette Keenan takes up the role of Head of Business Development 16 and Orla Morris is appointed Business Development Manager for Northern Ireland.

Around Noon employs over 330 people and its clients include a range of blue-chip companies, including leading convenience retailers, contract caterers and coffee shop chains. In addition to its Newry headquarters, it has a manufacturing facility in Slough.

17 Louise Kearney joins Co-Ownership as Head of Human Resources & Organisational Development from Tourism Northern Ireland, where she held the position of Director, HR & OD since July 2007. She formerly spent 17 years in the private sector working across the manufacturing, FMCG, telecommunications and professional services sectors having been a senior management consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers before she joined Tourism NI.

16 Orla Morris

17 Louise Kearney

18 Karson Tong

18 Karson Tong joins ARCEN as a senior architect.

Karson has extensive experience and a proven track record of designing and delivering high profile schemes such as the Titanic Hotel. In his new role Karson is responsible for all phases of development including pre-design, schematic design, design development, construction documents and construction administration.

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Eye on Events

GRAND CENTRAL HOTEL HOSTS CORPORATE AFTERNOON TEA The Grand Central Hotel hosted a Corporate Afternoon Tea in the stunning Observatory on the 23rd floor. Representatives from a range of companies including PwC, CME Group, A&L Goodbody and Baker McKenzie also had the opportunity to view the hotel’s modern business meetings and events spaces which offer modern luxury and high technology facilities.

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Mags Dolan from Cowan, Jackie Wright from John Thompson & Sons Ltd and Gary Strain from Hastings Hotels are pictured with Karen Kissane from Cowen, Gale Sergeant from W&R Barnett and Patrice McGurk from Hastings Hotels.

Olivia McGivern and Margaret Curry from Baker McKenzie with Stephanie Prentice from CME Group

Laura Humphries and Glenda McStravick from A&L Goodbody with Jo Ferguson from CME Group

Patrice McGurk (centre) from Hastings Hotels is pictured with Heather McFerran and Aimee Ferguson from Pinsent Masons

Aileen Martin (centre) from Hastings Hotels with Carol Mccausland, Deirdre Overend, Catherine Fitzpatrick and Kathryn Lilley from PwC

Eyeon Motoring

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dfcbelfast.co.uk

Eye on Motoring

As a business owner do you buy or lease your vehicles?

It’s an important question as they can eat up considerable time and money for any business.

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he truth is there’s no right or wrong answer. It depends on your circumstances.

But you don’t know if there’s an easier way or better deal out there for you?

This is why we’ve produced this FREE guide to simplify vehicle finance for you.

We want to give you key information and let you make an informed decision you’re confident in. The decision that’s best for your business.

In our FREE guide you’ll discover: t 5IF USVF DPTU PG SVOOJOH a vehicle - you need to consider more than just the acquisition of the vehicle t :PVS GJOBODF PQUJPOT - By looking at the pros and

cons of each finance option this will give you a better idea of what suits you t 8IP UIF SJHIU QSPWJEFS is for you - Tips on deciding what dealership or vehicle management company is best for you.

PLUS, get a FREE one-to-one consultation with one of our dedicated account managers to see how choosing the right finance can save your business time and money.

Call us on 02890 734222 or email sales@dfcbelfast.co.uk for your free guide.

Local Company Local People Local Service

DFC is Northern Ireland’s only major independent locally owned Vehicle Management Company.

For almost 30 years DFC have supplied, funded and managed cars and vans. We are confident we can provide a cost effective solution for your business or individual needs.

Call us today for more information on our car and van offers on 028 9073 4222 or email sales@dfcbelfast.co.uk

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For used VAT qualifying vehicles visit our website...

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Eye on Motoring

Example of New Car Offer at DFC BMW X2 sDrive 20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto BCH

£280

From plus vat/month (6 + 47, 8k pa)

PCH

£336

From plus vat/month (6 + 47, 8k pa)

Features: ê Sat Nav ê Leather Seats ê Rear Park Distance Control ê Alloy Wheels ê Bluetooth Connectivity ê Climate Control

This finance example is for a Contract Hire agreement, a contract mileage of 8,000 miles per annum applies. All figures include Road Fund Licence* (RFL) for the term but excludes maintenance. A quotation for our maintenance package is available on request. This is a contract hire option and you will not own the vehicle. Failure to make payments may affect credit rating. This introduction does not amount to independent financial advice. Excess mileage charges will apply at contract end if you exceed your contracted mileage. Contract may be subject to further charges depending on the condition/mileage of vehicle when returned Picture for illustration purposes only.

To request your personal quotation please call us on 028 9073 4222 or email sales@dfcbelfast.co.uk or visit dfcbelfast.co.uk 79

dfcbelfast.co.uk

Eye on Motoring Motoring

DFC Your Local Company For All Your Vehicle Requirements DFC are totally independent so will only ever advise on the best option for you. Below are a few special offers.

All makes and models available on both Business and Personal Contract Hire.

Family Cars

Cross Over Cars

Superminis

From £199 + vat/month

From £199 + vat/month

From £139 + vat/month

Executive Cars

Saloon Cars

Hatchback Cars

From £199 + vat/month

From £209 + vat/month

From £139 + vat/month

Estate Cars

Electric Cars

Vans

From £219 + vat/month

From £249 + vat/month

From £189 + vat/month

To find out more about our offers go to www.dfcbelfast.co.uk/contract-hire-offers, email sales@dfcbelfast.co.uk or call us on 028 9073 4222

dfcbelfast.co.uk

Eye on Motoring

Motoring with Derek Black dbmotoring@btinternet.com

Revised Astra Engines Work Some Magic To Beat Diesel Penalty!

They are calling it a facelift but it amounts to a major clean-up of the engines in one of the most popular of company cars.

T

he latest Vauxhall Astra actually beats the 4% BIK diesel ‘penalty’ with emissions of as low as 94g/km from its 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine.

This engine has the full box of tricks to reduce emissions - it has an oxidation catalyst, AdBlue injector, SCR catalyst and Diesel Particulate Filter. Other changes make it 200kg lighter and the aerodynamics have been smoothed out. This is a car that majors on value and running costs.

I was also surprised to find how nice the Astra is to drive - with lightness comes added agility.

Inside, it is decently roomy. The

‘repmobile’ is a lot more civilised with its infotainment screen and has the ability to talk to both Apple and Android smart phones. But the On-star assistance system is gone.

Posher models run to a digital dashboard, blindspot monitoring, self-parking and Bose multi-speaker sound.

The engines have balancer shafts to add refinement and they call it the ‘whisper’ diesel with either 110 or 135bhp. There is a flagship 160bhp twin turbo version and the most powerful diesel has the option of a new nine-speed automatic gearbox.

There are 1.0 litre turbo petrols

and a long-legged 1.4 turbo petrols as well. But company buyers will not go past the diesels, particularly as the latest fig-ures exempt the Astra from the 4% diesel surcharge on BIK. These fall to 90g/km for the 103bhp models, and the 120bhp diesel.

The petrols are down to 99g/km.

The list prices start from just over £18K but discounts are expected in this sector of the market, especially for fleet purchases. The Astra is never going to be the top car in its class but it is now a lot more attractive on value and economy.

Evoque Is Great To Drive And Tops The Desirability League I must admit I had never driven a car with “flush deployable door handles” before!

Y

es, they pop out when you press the remote and a circle of light is pro-jected onto the ground next to the door. These are just part of the myriad charms of the latest baby Range Rover!

The sheer desirability of the new Evoque is reflected in PCP payments as low as £259 per month. This, in turn, is the outcome of the predicted strong resale value after a three-year lease.

That is something for the company ac-countant to ponder on!

Yes, there are cheaper SUVs of a similar size but the Evoque does conjure up an almost unique blend of prestige, performance and

practicality. Like the rest, Land Rover is moving towards mild hybrids as a stepping stone to an electric future, but diesel is still much to the fore.

My review car had the 180bhp version of the 2.0-litre Ingenium turbo diesel which made for a willing drive. It can scurry up to 62mph in under 9 seconds and was biddable on the road and peerless off the road with its terrain re-sponse system that can be set to suit the surface.

It came with a nine-speed automatic gearbox but is rated at a disappointing 41mpg on the tough new WLPT standard. Emissions are not great either with 150g/ km which will cost in BIK. (There is a 150bhp version with two-wheel drive only that can manage 44mpg) Economic realities aside, there is everything to like about the Evoque.

It is quite chunky and has a bit more

room in the back thanks to a longer wheel-base. The driving position is commanding, it is comfortable with 17-inch wheels and drives better than most of its type.

Packed with technology including Apple and Android

mirroring - it has a sumptuous interior and all the modern comfort features. This is one of the best of the feel-good cars on the market.

Prices span from just over £30K to more than £40K so it is not cheap but you would not expect it to be.

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dfcbelfast.co.uk

Eye on Motoring

Motoring with Derek Black dbmotoring@btinternet.com

Volvo Takes The Hybrid Route Towards An Electric Future C

Volvo is taking the hybrid power road with a new plug-in twin engine that debuts in the XC40 compact SUV.

alled the T5, the power pack consists of a 180bhp 1.5-litre three cylinder petrol unit and an 82bhp electric motor making it the most powerful XC40 in the range.

Drive off in the latest XC40 and you could well believe you are in a hot hatch! It can hit 62mph from rest in just 7.3 seconds which is not what you expect from an economy vehicle. It is fitted with a sevenspeed automatic gearbox and has a claimed top speed of 127mph.

Such high performance is not what hybrids are supposed to be about - rather they are designed to impress the legislators on economy and emissions.

Preliminary figures under the more stringent WLTP formula suggest com-bined economy of up to 141mpg and emissions from just 38g/km. That puts it in the 16% BIK bracket and the car is exempt from road tax. So it will imme-diately

appeal to the company car driver.

Of course, what you will actually achieve in everyday motoring is controlled by your driving style and the road conditions. Realistically, you should be able to match and possibly beat the best diesel returns.

The range of 28miles on pure electric is not to be scoffed at either if you do short runs at a time and have access to charging points on your journey. This means ‘free’ motoring and escape from any congestion charges that we may face in the future.

Volvo is claiming to be the industry leader in electrification and will roll this new T5 range out across its range of saloons, estates and SUVs. Their first all-electric vehicle will appear next year.

Meanwhile, the XC40 T5 goes on sale from £40,905 in R-Design trim. It is a step towards the future and one that does not involve performance sacrifice nor loss of premium features.

Mazda 3 Puts On The Style And Eyeballs The Golf And Focus!

Enter the latest Mazda3! This is no facelift but a complete work-over that produces an eyecatching and dynamic hatchback capable of competing strongly with the best in its class.

I

was impressed by its roadability on the launch in the hills of northern Eng-land. These first impressions have been confirmed by the chance to drive it on Ulster roads.

Okay, it is not a sports car but it is fun to drive with sharp steering, strong roadholding and a slick gear change.

Two engines are available so far - a 1.8 diesel and a 2.0 petrol this time I tried the diesel. Mazda used clever SkyActiv engineering to make its conventional engines as clean and efficient as possible.

Both are quiet and relaxed, making

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the Mazda 3 feel very refined.

The diesel felt flexible with plenty of torque to pick up the pace after bends or crests. It is rated at 116PS giving a useful everyday range of power. Its emissions are stated at 107g/gm.

A radical new petrol engine is to be added later this year.

Called the SkyActiv X, this high compression ignition unit is said to combine the advantages of diesel and petrol power.

Inside, the Mazda3 has more of a premium feel. Clear round dials,

simplified controls and a quality feel are very close to the up-market German brands Technology includes a head-up display to project your speed on the wind-screen.

Safety features abound including automatic city braking, lane warnings and driver drowsiness alerts.

All round, this is a most

impressive new car from Mazda with a lot of equip-ment in even the starter model.

The Mazda 3 diesel is priced from £22,395. There is a walk up through SEL-lux, Sport and GT trims. The diesel GT Sport with automatic gearbox tops out the range at £27,470.

WHERE CAN YOU GO WHEN YOUR BANK SAYS NO?

Will your bank exit along with Brexit?

With the UK’s exit from the European Union comes uncertainty in lending for businesses. What are the chances of your bank amending your lending (downward) as we approach Brexit? At Upstream, we are committed to supporting local businesses, bringing certainty in an uncertain world.

Talk to us about your growth plans and funding needs for today and well into the future.

Upstream. Never Mainstream.

Invoice Finance Trade Finance Credit Management Services Asset Finance Advisory T 028 9099 9450

www.upstreampositive.co.uk

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Talk to us about using your brand to inspire staff and boost performance from the inside out.

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