Business Eye December 2018

Issue 184 December 2018 £2.50 Voted best Business Magazine in Ireland 2005 and Magazine of the Year for Northern Ireland

Adrian Moynihan...

Focussing on Growth At First Trust Bank Features:

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Flybe’s Roy Kinnear…

Ulsterman At The Controls

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TV & Creative Industry Celebrates Success

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The BEFTAs 2018…

A Night To Remember

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Contents

December 2018 ISSUE 184

Cover Story

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Adrian Moynihan... Focussing On Growth At First Trust Bank

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Interest Rates... A Strategic Approach Frances Hill, the Bank of England’s Agent for Northern Ireland, takes a closer look at recent developments in the UK economy and helps to explain the Bank’s approach to interest rate management.

Adrian Moynihan, who took over as Head of First Trust Bank last summer after a career at parent company AIB, talks to Business Eye about recovery, restructuring and the bank’s position in the Northern Ireland marketplace, and its plans for the future across the corporate, business and branch banking marketplaces.

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Property Law & The Ownership Question

Aviation Industry

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Roy Kinnear... Ulsterman On the Flightdeck At Flybe

Naomi Lamont of Elliott Duffy Garrett takes a look at the implications, and potential pitfalls, of property ownership, at partnerships and at how inheritance tax and impact on property holdings and investments.

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Technology Futures A four page special section, published in conjunction with Antrim based IT specialists NITEC Solutions, takes a timely look at the very latest digital, technology and communications news and futures.

Roy Kinnear has more excuses these days to visit his native Northern Ireland. The Ulsterman has travelled the globe as an aviation industry executive, with British Midland, Gulf, Etihad, Jet Airways and Air Seychelles. Nowadays, he’s the Exeter-based Chief Commercial Officer for Flybe, the biggest operating airline at Belfast City Airport.

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To Dubai & Beyond

Charity Sector

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Northern Ireland Gives... Foundation Keeps Up The Pace

Niel Alobaidi is UK & Ireland Managing Director for Emirates Holidays, an award winning tour operator which forms part of the Emirates airline group, and now offers tailormade holidays in Dubai and further afield using Emirates’ twice-daily service to Dubai from Dublin Airport.

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Screen Winners Take Centre Stage

The Community Foundation, one of Northern Ireland’s most prolific and productive charitable organisations, continues to make a difference on the ground throughout Northern Ireland. We take a closer look at the charity and at some of its most recent initiatives, including a crowdfunding event that raised £18,000.

Northern Ireland’s top television production houses and creative industries had their chance to shine at the Royal Television Society’s Northern Ireland Award, staged at The MAC Belfast, at the tail end of 2018.

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Lyric Theatre Launches 2019 Season

Business Awards

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BEFTAs 2018... Northern Ireland’s High Achievers Honoured

The Lyric Theatre has launched its programme for spring and summer in 2019 and it’s a rich and varied line-up of stage productions which should appeal to a wide range of audiences.

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Northern Ireland - A World Food Destination Northern Ireland was voted The Best Food Destination in the recent World Travel and Tourism Awards held as part of the prestigious World Travel Market in London, a remarkable accolade which could boost tourism here.

Sam Butler looks at initiatives to ensure we have skills needed to support our rapidly developing food culture.

The 2018 BEFTAs, the Business Eye First Trust Bank Business Awards, were presented in late November at ICC Belfast in front of a 650-strong audience of business leaders and guests. FinTrU was named as Northern Ireland’s Company of the Year while Tina McKenzie lifted the covered Business Personality of the Year trophy.

Regulars

Specials

Eye on Finance

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Eye on Communications

23

Moving On

66

Eye on Personal Finance

12

Eye on Transport

48

Eye on Events

74

Eye on Finance

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Eye on Events

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Eye on Motoring

77

Eye on Law

16

Eye on Digital

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Buckley Publications 20 Kings Road Belfast, BT5 6JJ Tel: (028) 9047 4490 Fax: (028) 9047 4495 www.businesseye.co.uk

Editor Richard Buckley Commercial Director Brenda Buckley

Business Development Manager Ciara Donnelly

Design Hexagon Tel: (028) 9047 2210 www.hexagondesign.com

Photography Press Eye 45 Stockmans Way Belfast, BT9 7ET Tel: (028) 9066 9229 www.presseye.com

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As we head inexorably towards the start of 2019, it’s a bit hard to know where to start when it comes to summarising where we stand as a Northern Ireland business community at the end of 2018.

Comment

“A People’s Vote, despite the groundswell of support, looks unlikely on the basis that it will make the Brexiteers even more revolting!

But a soft-ish and relatively comfortable Brexit is still achieveable.”

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ne thing’s for sure. Whatever your perspective, whatever your political viewpoint, the Brexit process has been and is an unmitigated shambles.

Perhaps more importantly, it has split the UK into two embittered, angry camps.

At the time of writing (yes, it’s that old phrase again...), Prime Minister Theresa May continued to try to sell her draft withdrawal agreement.

It’s a draft deal that would have been very good for Northern Ireland business, whatever the DUP might say. Despite their protestations to the contrary, it would have delivered a ‘best of both worlds’ scenario and the potential economic benefits might have been legend.

But the DUP thinks otherwise. And, in any democracy, we have to respect the electoral mandate that the party possesses. The DUP argues its case on the constitutional front, rather than the economic one, and that’s not going to change.

Those of us who would grab the draft withdrawal agreement with both hands and stick it into our back pockets also have to admit that the DUP isn’t alone. There are plenty of others who think that the draft deal isn’t a good one... ranging from hard Brexiteers on the right to the most fervent of Remainers on the left.

There are even more than a few out there, in UK terms, who seem happy that the British Government picks up its football and walks off the pitch with no deal in place. People like our former Secretary of State Owen Paterson and Labour’s very own Ulsterwoman, Kate Hoey. But don’t get us started...

As we’re in the season of goodwill, maybe it’s time for a spot of goodwill. Despite all that we’ve written over the past months and years, it’s probably fair to say that the DUP – with its position of power – won’t be setting out to damage Northern Ireland’s economy.

Richard Buckley EDITOR Irish Magazine Editor of the Year 2005

They don’t want a hard border on the island of Ireland, and they don’t want a hard Brexit. And, apart from the aforementioned lunatic fringe, nor do very many people in the corridors of power.

As we drift into 2019, it seems that the best we can hope for it some sort of reasonably good Brexit deal. A People’s Vote, despite the groundswell of support, looks unlikely on the basis that it will make the Brexiteers even more revolting! But a soft-ish and relatively comfortable Brexit is still achieveable.

Let’s hope so. And it’s important to be optimistic, even though the challenges make that kind of mindset really difficult.

Whether the indefatigable Mrs. May survives in 10 Downing Street for much longer remains to be seen.

It would be a real pity to see her toppled, and an even bigger pity to see her replaced by a hard Brexiteer.

But what the Northern Ireland business community needs to avoid more than anything else is one of two possible scenarios.

The first is any kind of a hard Brexit with the potentially catastrophic consequences that it brings with it. The second is the fall of the current government and a victory for Labour in any General Election.

The prospect of Jeremy Corbyn in Number 10 and John McDonnell next door in Number 11 doesn’t really bear thinking about...

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Eye on News

Northern Ireland Screen Opens The Pixel Mill The Pixel Mill, a creative co-working space in Ormeau Baths Innovation Centre designed to hot house local game development teams, has officially opened.

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even start-ups are already in place taking advantage of free working space, a business support programme which is second to none and access to finance to develop their ideas and games content.

The Pixel Mill is funded by Northern Ireland Screen with support from the Department for the Economy.

Situated in Belfast City centre, facilities on site include a state of the art user testing lounge powered by Dolby, access to 100mb per second broadband, modern co-working space, breakout and creative spaces for informal working and meeting, boardroom and event space.

The seven occupant companies are; Blackstaff Games, Brain and Nerd, Capstone Games, Cupboard Games, Northern Softworks, Rocket Flair Studios and Whitepot Studios. Over the coming months it is hoped that more developers will take up residence in what is undoubtedly one of best supported games incubators in the UK and Ireland.

Speaking at the launch event, Dr Jo Twist OBE, CEO of UKIE (The Association for UK Interactive Entertainment) said;

“The global games industry is thriving and there has never been a better time to support emerging companies and talent so they can access the opportunities the global digital economy offers. Initiatives like this are critical in supporting young companies and creating a sense of community and potential collaborations between them. This venture provides an opportunity to develop and support games clusters that are the building blocks for innovation and creativity, which can make a real difference to the industry right across the UK and Northern Ireland.”

Ormeau Baths is also home to Digital Catapult NI’s Immersive Lab which will give residents of The Pixel Mill the opportunity to get hands-on experience with the latest immersive technology including Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality enabling them to demonstrate, innovate and test their own business ideas and research.

The Pixel Mill is Northern Ireland Screen’s key commitment to the Future Screens NI programme, a creative industries R&D partnership between Ulster University, Queen’s University

Belfast and local industry, which aims to advance and grow the creative industries sector in Northern Ireland.

Richard Williams, CEO of Northern Ireland Screen said; “We are delighted to open Northern Ireland’s first games incubator, thanks to the Department for the Economy’s support of our Opening Doors Phase 2 strategy this has been made possible. We hope that being housed here with these wonderful facilities and alongside Digital Catapult NI’s Immersive Lab and access to R&D funding from Future Screens NI we’ll see these start-up companies grow to achieve global success.”

Steve Pette, co-founder of Ormeau Baths, said: “Our objective for Ormeau

Baths is to be a thriving, diverse start-up community and a hub for talented tech entrepreneurs, so we are really excited that Northern Ireland Screen has chosen to establish the Pixel Mill here. Gaming is a multi-billion-pound industry which holds massive potential for Northern Ireland and with the Pixel Mill and Immersive Lab anchoring side two of the expanded Ormeau Baths building, we intend to play an active role in helping the sector move up to the next level.”

The Pixel Mill will also serve a larger role as a gaming community meeting place, a window to the Northern Ireland gaming ecosystem, and a platform for gaming initiatives here.

NEW MEMBERS ELECTED TO IoD NI COMMITTEE The Institute of Directors Northern Ireland (IoD NI) has elected four new members, drawn from across the private and public sectors, to its Northern Ireland committee.

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oining the committee are Paul Stapleton, Managing Director, NIE Networks; Barry Byrne, Managing Director, Mount Charles; Natasha Sayee, Senior Lead Public Affairs Specialist, System Operator for Northern Ireland, and Kathryn Thomson, Chief Executive, National Museums Northern Ireland.

Gordon Milligan, IoD NI Chairman commented: “I am pleased to welcome our newly

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elected members to the Northern Ireland committee. Each brings with them a wealth of experience in senior business roles and will significantly boost representation on the committee across key sectors.

“Their input will be invaluable in helping to fulfil the committee’s important role of guiding the IoD as an organisation as we seek to support leaders across the economy in their efforts to improve corporate governance and secure better business outcomes.

“The coming year will be a hugely significant one for the region as we continue to prepare to leave the European Union. I look forward to working alongside the committee as we continue to engage with members in the months leading up to Brexit and beyond.

“Amid uncertain times, we aim to provide a strong voice for the business community as we move towards our common goal of

seeing agreement on post-Brexit trading arrangements that will allow Northern Ireland to prosper for the benefit of all.”

The Northern Ireland Committee is made up of 14 elected members each of whom serves a minimum term of three years.

The committee, which meets four

times a year aims to reflect the broad spectrum of the IoD’s membership which comprises 950 directors from organisations across Northern Ireland.

For more information about IoD NI, visit www.iod.com/ni.

Eye on News

Top Agents Unite to Sell 3rd Phase of Ireland’s Smartest Homes Colliers International and Simon Brien will team up to sell the latest phase of Ireland’s smartest homes, Portland 88.

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his cooperation is in response to the high levels of demand for the award winning apartments which are integrated with smart technology.

The £17m Portland 88, located on the Ormeau Road Belfast, are city centre apartments with smart technology. This smart technology allows the owner to control the heating and lighting, and other appliances, all from their smartphone, from anywhere in the world. The developers behind Portland 88 are Barnett Developments.

Portland 88 recently won the Belfast Telegraph Property Award for ‘Innovative Use of Smarthome Technology’ at the awards gala. Portland 88 will also be partnering with Victoria Square who will be providing a range of perks for new buyers in December including a £1000 gift voucher and a personal home stylist experience.

Nick Barnett, CEO of Barnett Developments, explained: “We realised that if we were going to sell Belfast’s dream apartments then we would need to form a dream team, and that’s what we have. By bringing together the Colliers International New Homes team and Simon Brien.

“Our purchasers so far have been a mix of overseas investors to local, young, urban professionals and couples who want live as well as work in the city. It also includes people who are relocating to Belfast for work. However, the thing that they all have in common is the desire to live in a prime location, right at the heart of the city allowing them to be connected to everything. We are very excited about the results that this collaboration will bring.”

Rebecca Holmes from Simon Brien added: “We are excited to be a part

Ryan Dougan of Colliers with Simon Brien’s Rebecca Holmes

of this game changing project.

Portland 88 offers a truly unique proposition for buyers.

A modern design, an ideal location, and surrounded by the latest technology. Portland 88 sets the standard for what city centre living in Belfast should be. We look forward to working with Colliers to ensure that we keep up with the demand for these apartments.”

Ryan Dougan from Colliers

International commented: “It makes sense that smart apartments will require a smart approach to selling. We are expecting this collaboration to be a successful one. With the innovative appeal of Portland 88 we’re confident that it won’t take long to find buyers who are looking for the perfect home in the city centre.”

Portland 88, constructed on Belfast’s Ormeau Road, features

88 ‘smart’ turnkey apartments which are kitted out with the latest cutting-edge ’Smart’ Home Intelligence System. The appliances include the Fibaro® Home Intelligence System, BringMe® smart mail and package deliver box, and come with an Amazon Echo® with their Alexa® virtual personal assistant.

To-date, over £6million worth of property has been sold which has exceeded initial expectations.

Fathom and Flender win Best International Growth at Spiders 2018 One of the biggest events in the digital calendar in Ireland – the 2018 Spider Awards – resulted in an exciting win for Belfast-based UX agency, Fathom. The awards took place on 20 November 2018 at the RDS in Dublin.

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athom’s user experience project for Flender’s app won the International Growth category. Flender enables businesses and consumers to lend and borrow money through an app that links in with social network connections.

Fathom took Flender from a partially built

technology platform to a complete product with a beautiful user experience and user journey from end to end. The results have been outstanding. Following the launch of the improved user experience, Flender.ie sales went from zero in March 2017 to over €4.6m as of November 2018, with over 270 jobs created.

In the seven years since Fathom was founded, the business has grown to 10 people and boasts among its clients some of the best-known brands in Ireland (AIB, Firmus, Bord Bia, Kingspan, Permanent TSB, Three, Tesco Mobile, PSNI) as well as the most exciting apps and start-ups growing today (Flender, Rubicoin, Plotbox, Digital Printing).

Their UK footprint is also growing, with significant contracts with the Met Office and NHS Scotland.

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Eye on News

McMILLAN & QUIGLEY TAKE TOP JOBS AT CARSON MCDOWELL Pictured (L-R) are Carson McDowell’s current Managing Partner Michael Johnston, new Managing Partner Roger McMillan and Senior Partner Neasa Quigley.

Northern Ireland’s largest independent law firm Carson McDowell has announced two senior appointments.

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oger McMillan and Neasa Quigley will take over the responsibilities of the managing partner role from Michael Johnston, who has served eight years as Managing Partner and will continue to act as a consultant to the firm after stepping down.

From May, Roger McMillan will become

Managing Partner, with a primary focus on the internal running of the firm and core operational matters such as finance, staffing and IT. Neasa Quigley will assume a parallel role as Senior Partner, leading the firm’s overall strategic direction and its external engagement

with clients and stakeholders.

Michael Johnston said: “The firm has grown significantly in terms of people and practice areas since I first became Managing Partner in 2011 and the partners agreed it now makes sense to split the managing partner role into two. This will enable both Roger and Neasa to continue to undertake valuable client work while also driving the growth of the firm.

“Roger will be focused on the internal running of the business while Neasa will lead the firm’s strategic direction and represent the firm in an external capacity. I believe it will be a powerful combination that will deliver fantastic results for the clients and staff of Carson McDowell and I congratulate them both on their appointments.”

Roger McMillan said: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of Managing Partner at Carson McDowell. The firm currently has 96 lawyers and 167 staff and represents some of the most prestigious and successful businesses and organisations in Northern Ireland, which is testament to our commitment to hiring and retaining the best

lawyers. The partners would like to thank Michael for his long service and commitment to the firm.”

Neasa Quigley said: “I look forward to the opportunities that my new position as Senior Partner with responsibility for strategy and relationships will bring. It is essential that Carson McDowell continues to build on its recent success and reputation in the Northern Ireland marketplace and farther afield. The firm has room for further growth and I look forward to playing a hands-on part in that process.”

Roger McMillan joined the firm in 2001. He is currently head of Carson McDowell’s Healthcare team and joint head of its litigation team, specialising in the defence of clinical negligence claims and healthcare regulatory matters. FollowingRoger’s new appointment, current joint head of litigation Declan Magee will become head of the litigation team.

Neasa Quigley joined Carson McDowell in 2010 and is currently the joint head of the firm’s corporate team. She has practised as a corporate and commercial lawyer throughout her career in Dublin and Belfast, working across a number of sectors and specialising in energy and technology. When Neasa takes up her new role, current joint head of corporate Richard Gray will become head of the firm’s corporate team.

Danske Becomes First NI Bank To Launch Open Banking Feature

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anske Bank has become the first of the ‘big four’ NI banks to introduce a feature within its mobile banking app that allows customers to view their account information from another bank.

Danske customers who have a personal current account with Santander can choose to view their Santander balances and transactions when they log on to Danske’s New Mobile Bank, giving them a clear view of their money without switching between apps.

More banks will be added in the coming months.

In the UK, Barclays is the only other bank to offer account aggregation inside its mobile banking app.

The new feature is enabled by industry-approved Open Banking technology. Open Banking lets customers authorise access securely without having to reveal their username or password to anyone other than their bank. It works using application programming interfaces (or APIs), the same technology that lets you book a hotel room using an online travel booking site, or to sign in to online accounts using Facebook.

David Thompson, Senior Manager, Open

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Banking at Danske Bank, said the feature has been built with customers in mind: “Many consumers today have more than one bank account. Now they can have a clearer view of their finances on just one screen, making it easier to manage their money and saving them time. This is just the beginning – we are working to add more banks within the next few months and we’ll be taking customer feedback on board as we continue to build the service.

“We know that security is a huge concern for consumers. We will never ask our customers to share their login details for another bank. Customers will only use services enabled by Open Banking if they give permission to us or any other regulated app or website - it’s always the customer’s choice.

Open Banking is also regulated and uses rigorously tested software and security systems.

“The idea behind Open Banking is that it will bring more competition and innovation to financial services which, in turn, is hoped will lead to more and better products to help consumers and businesses manage their money.”

To set up the feature, customers simply choose the bank with which they have another account using the ‘View all accounts and Cards’ option and selecting ‘Add Bank’ within Danske’s New Mobile Bank app.

They will then be securely redirected to Santander’s online banking page to choose which accounts they would like to connect.

The new feature is available for customers using Danske’s new mobile banking app on an iOS or Android device.

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During a placement at the recent Business Eye Awards in the Waterfront Hall, we asked attendees to drop a business card into a box to be in with a chance to win an overnight stay at the prestigious Grand Central Hotel in Belfast.

...Simon Hunter from Co. Antrim congratulations Simon! We hope you enjoy your prize.

Eye on News

Asia Supermarket Opens Multimillion Ormeau Embankment Site The brothers behind Belfast’s successful Asia Supermarket have officially opened the business’s brand-new site on the Ormeau Embankment.

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lbert and Spencer Pau, who opened the original Asia Supermarket 35 years ago, have made a multimillion-pound investment in to the new 22,693 sq. ft warehouse and adjoining 25,705 sq. ft. retail outlet, which spans across two floors and to date has created 12 new jobs for the area.

The new site, part of which was acquired from Department for Communities (DfC), boasts increased capacity for the business’s successful retail, cash & carry and warehousing facility, extended car parking facilities as well as a café, custom designed and built by GMR Architects Ltd, QMAC Construction

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Ltd & associated design team.

The brothers, whose children are also employed within the business have worked with the developers, architects and contractors to ensure

energy efficient technology and the most up-to-date equipment have been used to enhance the shopping experience on site.

Albert & Spencer Pau, who both came from Hong Kong to Belfast in the ‘70s stated the building is more than just a business, it is a symbol of the family’s ambition to create a unique space for shoppers and traders here; “When we first opened the Asia Supermarket in 1983, it was designed to bring a taste of home by bringing the Chinese culture through Chinese cuisine to the local community in Belfast, and to provide authentic and tasty ingredients for the hospitality trade here.

“We also provide Indian, Korean, Philippine, Thai & Middle Eastern food, and are always looking for opportunity to extend our range.

“The business has grown steadily over the decades, and it has been our ambition to open this

state-of-the art, bespoke retail and warehouse facility designed to meet both our business needs and those of our customers.”

DfC Deputy Secretary for Housing, Urban Regeneration & Local Government, Louise Warde Hunter said; “Following a development brief competition arranged by DfC, Asia Supermarket was selected as the preferred developer for this significant strategically located site which had been derelict for a number of years.

“The redevelopment of the site has brought both physical and economic regeneration to this area of East Belfast whilst bringing the land back into meaningful use and providing employment and investment opportunities.

It is a great example of how the private sector and Government Departments can work together to help stimulate regeneration and encourage economic growth.”

Eye on Economics

Interest Rates…

A Sustainable Approach

By Frances Hill, Bank of England Agent for Northern Ireland

In this article I’d like to flag three recent announcements by the Bank. All of them relate to money in one way or another. One was about the official interest rate set by the Bank; one was about the new fifty pound note; and one was about the future of money itself.

Frances Hill.

The outlook for interest rates On interest rates, last week the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) provided its latest assessment of the economy and the path of interest rates needed to bring inflation back to the 2% target over the coming few years.

The MPC think the economy is now close to full capacity – I hear from businesses in Northern Ireland for example that they are struggling to recruit staff or that they have no more space or equipment with which to grow.

That means that if the economy performs as the MPC expects, interest rates may have to rise gradually from 0.75% towards around 1.5% over the next two or three years.

Of course, there is still a great deal of uncertainty about the outlook for the economy because of Brexit.

As a result, the path of interest rates set by the Bank will depend on the nature of future trading arrangements and whether there is a smooth transition to them.

Importantly, whatever happens, the Bank will set interest rates in a sustainable way to ensure that inflation returns to target, while supporting jobs and activity during this most important time of change for the people of Northern Ireland.

The new fifty pound note – think science!

On 2 November, the Bank announced the start of the character selection process for the new polymer £50 note.

The character is to be drawn from those from the UK who have made an outstanding contribution to science.

What’s more, the public are invited to nominate the scientist they would most like to see on the new fifty.

If you’d like to learn more about the selection process and how to submit an idea, please visit the Bank’s website.

Frances Hill is Agent for Northern Ireland. You can read the Bank’s latest Inflation Report in full here or the Agents’ latest Summary of Business Conditions https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/ agents-summary/2018/february-2018 @BoENIreland

The future of money And it’s not just the future of the £50 note we are thinking about: we’re asking the public to talk to us about the future of money, in all its various shapes and sizes.

The Bank has launched its annual Future Forum to hear what people think about topics ranging from the rise of cashless payments, to crypto assets and financial technology.

As part of the event, the Bank’s Governors will be hosting live online Q&A sessions – so this is your chance to talk directly to Mark Carney and his senior colleagues. There are also great opportunities for youngsters to get involved. For more information visit www.bankofenglandfutureforum.co.uk.

Meanwhile, my colleagues and I in the Agency network continue to meet with our contacts in companies and charities to deepen our understanding of what’s happening in the economy in every part of the United Kingdom.

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Eye on Finance

‘Tis The Season To Be Jolly Fairstone NI is celebrating an award-winning year which has seen the firm grow and win top industry accolades.

T

he year got off to a great start with the award of High Growth Firm of the Year at Fairstone’s Annual Conference in January, while the estate planning section of the business won the Estate Planning Achievement of Excellence 2018 from Solidus.

Mortgage adviser Wanda Moore netted two converted industry awards, including Top Female Broker in the NatWest Northern Ireland Awards and Mortgage Planner of the Year at the Money Management Annual Financial Planner Awards, recognised as one of the most prestigious awards in the advice profession. [1]

[3] Grace Kelly-Speck, Susan Reid, Natalie McKnight, Amy Campbell

“It has been an incredible year and we are extremely proud of our team and everything that has been achieved.” Sean Larkin Wanda, has over 24 years’ experience working in the financial services industry and beat off stiff competition to win the most sort after award, which celebrates excellence within the financial planning sector and recognises her dedication and passion to her work and clients.

[1] Wanda Moore CEMap, CeRER

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[2] Mark Blaney, Paul McCord, David Stewart

Fairstone NI was also shortlisted for Business Eye’s Professional Services Firm of the Year and Business Principal Sean Larkin was recognised for his expertise in the Professional Adviser Awards, where he was shortlisted for Estate Planner of the Year, rounding off a successful year of sector recognition for the company.

Reflecting on the past 12 months, Business Principal, Sean Larkin, said: “It has been an incredible year and we are extremely proud of our team and everything that has been achieved.”

Highlighting Fairstone’s commitment to education and training, the firm has also

enjoyed a number of educational achievements this year.

Congratulations to Business Principal Sean Larkin who has successfully completed a Masters in Financial Planning and Business Management at Manchester Metropolitan University and to Marketing Executive, Susan Reid, who has also completed a two-year, part time Masters in Illustration at the University of Hertfordshire.

A number of the firm’s advisers and staff have taken the time to advance their skills and knowledge, Fairstone are delighted with the team’s educational feats this year with over 15 qualifications being attained. [2]

Commenting on their successes, Business Principal Peter Savage said: “We strongly encourage professional development and it’s great to see the team thrive in this area.”

Alongside professional successes, the business continues to grow, with two new appointments within paraplanning and administration, with the introduction of Grace Kelly-Speck and Natalie McKnight.

Meanwhile Susan Reid has been promoted to Marketing Executive and fellow team member Amy Campbell, is now a Personal Executive Assistant for the firm’s Business Principals. [3] It has certainly been a fantastic year for the Fairstone team who’ve gone from strength to strength.

Here’s to a bigger and better 2019 for the Fairstone NI family.

Recognised as one of the UK’s largest Chartered Financial Planning firms, Fairstone Group is one of the country’s fastest-growing fullservice financial advisory houses.

If you would like to speak with a member of the team, further information is available by telephoning 02892 605 088 or emailing info@fairstoneni.co.uk

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Eye on Tax & Accounting

Making Tax Digital - a recap & update below the VAT-registration threshold.

HMRC have reacted to MTD concerns from businesses with more complex VAT issues and have deferred the VAT scheme’s start date to 1 October 2019 for businesses who fall into one of the following categories: t 5SVTUT t A/PU GPS QSPGJU PSHBOJTBUJPOT UIBU are not set up as a company; t 7"5 EJWJTJPOT t 7"5 HSPVQT t 5IPTF QVCMJD TFDUPS FOUJUJFT SFRVJSFE to provide additional information on their VAT return (Government departments, NHS Trusts); t -PDBM BVUIPSJUJFT t 1VCMJD DPSQPSBUJPOT t 5SBEFST CBTFE PWFSTFBT BOE t 5IPTF SFRVJSFE UP NBLF payments on account and annual accounting scheme users.

What is Making Tax Digital for business?

Making Tax Digital (“MTD�) is a government initiative that is set to transform the tax system for businesses. The aim of MTD is to make tax administration more effective, more efficient and easier by the implementation of a fully digital system. MTD is the biggest change in tax administration in recent years and will affect most businesses in the UK. In particular it will change the way businesses are required to keep their accounting records and the way they report their income and expenses to HMRC. Although the MTD regime has suffered several setbacks and delays, MTD for VAT remains on course to take effect for most businesses from its planned implementation date of 1 April 2019.

Which businesses are affected?

MTD is compulsory for VAT-registered businesses with turnover above the current VAT-registration threshold of ÂŁ85,000. From the start of their first VAT return period or after 1 April 2019, VAT-registered businesses will need to comply with the digital record-keeping and reporting requirements of MTD for VAT. VAT-registered businesses whose turnover is below the VAT registration threshold will be able to choose whether to join MTD for VAT. Once within the scheme, a business must remain in it while they are VAT-registered, even if their turnover falls

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What are the requirements of MTD? Under the scheme, VAT-registered businesses are required to maintain digital records, complete their VAT return from the digital records and send it electronically to HMRC using MTD compliant software. For the first year the requirement will relate solely to the final VAT figures but this will move on in future years to providing electronic details of all VAT transactions.

In addition HMRC has indicated that a future requirement will be to submit quarterly updates to HMRC (for taxes other than VAT) and also provide an ‘end of year’ return. HMRC has indicated that this will not take effect until April 2020 at the earliest and has provided limited details at this juncture.

What are digital records?

Certain records must be kept by businesses. Going forward these will have to be maintained digitally within functional compatible software. This includes: Designatory data – your business’ name and an address, your business’ VAT-registration number and a record of any accounting schemes used must also be recorded digitally.

Supplies made - for each supply made by your business, you must record the time it was supplied, how much it was worth at the time and the rate of VAT charged.

Multiple supplies made at the same time

don’t need to be recorded separately.

Supplies received - businesses will have to record the time of supply, the value of supply (including any VAT that cannot be reclaimed), and the amount of input tax to be claimed.

The use of software HMRC has stated that it won’t provide its own software but it will ensure that basic apps and software products are available for businesses with the most straight forward affairs. It is envisaged that most businesses will be required to use more comprehensive third party functional compatible software.

Functional compatible software is the cornerstone of MTD for VAT. It will be used to maintain the compulsory digital records, calculate the return and submit it to HMRC via an application programme interface (API). The software must be capable of: t SFDPSEJOH BOE QSFTFSWJOH records in an electronic form; t QSPWJEJOH JOGPSNBUJPO BOE SFUVSOT from the records to HMRC in an electronic form; and t SFDFJWJOH JOGPSNBUJPO GSPN ).3$ HMRC are aware that a lot of businesses currently use spreadsheets to record their data and have confirmed that spreadsheets will be an acceptable form of digital record. However, users will need to ensure that the spreadsheet is able to meet all the necessary requirements of MTD and that the spreadsheet is able to be submitted to HMRC in a MTD compliant format. HMRC have stated that this is “likely to involve combining the spreadsheet with software�. While the use of spreadsheets is a welcome concession, the practical realities are likely to mean that using MTD compliant software will be a more efficient option.

How does this impact on clients?

The roll out and impact has already begun. Businesses have access to a digital account which the can use to record and manage their details with HMRC. At the moment, businesses keep their accounting records in a variety of ways, on paper records (manual records), spreadsheets or accounting software.

These records are then used to prepare a VAT or tax return for the business at a later date. With MTD those businesses

who maintain manual records they will need to adopt digital records using functional compatible software or apps.

Businesses will have to report their information via their digital account without the manual input of the data.

Is there any good news?

It is clear that there will be a significant cost to tax payers, and increased pressure on both advisors and clients to meet five reporting deadlines during a year rather than one. However, the rationale behind MTD is a good one. The ability to have a digital account with HMRC which deals with all the tax affairs of a business in one place is a welcome idea. The changes will also help improve the quality of recordkeeping for businesses, reducing the likelihood of mistakes, and help businesses to manage their affairs more effectively.

Business owners will now have access to information on a timelier basis which will offer insight into their business performance and this will aid decision making. This is also an opportunity for some businesses to get control of their finances, to simplify and modernise their systems in order to give them valuable information, at the right time.

What can ASM do to assist with the transition and the new reporting requirement?

The countdown has begun and VATregistered businesses need to start getting ready. It’s important to understand what is required and what records must be held digitally. It’s also important to decide what software will suit the business, and whether a single piece of software or a set of software will be best for you.

ASM Chartered Accountants have prepared a number of solutions for dealing with the transition to MTD and have invested in a range of MTD compliant software that can be used by businesses of all sizes and complexities. These solutions can be tailored to your business’s needs and with our help we can assist you in meeting the requirements of MTD. Adrian Patton is a Senior Manager at ASM Chartered Accountants. If you require any further details on MTD or would like to discuss this please do not hesitate to contact adrian.patton@asmbelfast.com or leanne.hillock@asmbelfast.com on 02890 249 222.

Eye on Law

Avoiding The Pitfalls Of An Unregulated Franchise Sector Lynsey Mallon, Corporate and Commercial Partner at leading law firm Arthur Cox, examines some of the key legal considerations that must be taken into account for those operating in the growing franchise sector.

T

he franchise industry in the UK has never been more prosperous, with the sector now encompassing a wide variety of services far beyond the traditional retail, hotel, and food and drink outlets.

According to The British Franchise Association, franchising contributes more than ÂŁ15 billion to the UK economy annually.

Despite its size, and in contrast to other major global economies, the sector is not regulated by any franchise-specific laws in the UK and the flexibility of our common law has enabled brand owners to put in place a myriad of hybrid franchise models.

However, there are a number of important legal issues that must be taken into account by expanding franchisors and franchisees or, those entering the industry for the first time. These include deciding upon the type of agreement to use, territory, exclusivity, brand protection, duration of the franchise, sales targets and the termination provisions amongst others.

Competition Franchise agreements also typically include non-compete provisions which are potentially anti-competitive and can be difficult to enforce. Therefore, they must be drafted very carefully to ensure that they have the intended effect. Failing to take expert legal advice from experienced

franchising lawyers in this regard can have costly consequences.

By way of example, Australian gym company F45 pursued an injunction application against its former English-based franchisee Leo Star Ltd, on the basis that Leo Star Ltd had breached the noncompete clause in the franchise agreement by writing to customers, upon expiry of the franchise agreement, and informing them that it was setting up a new gym.

F45 was refused the injunction on the basis that damages alone were an adequate remedy for a breach of the non-compete clause and that F45 had not included anything in the agreement to ensure that they had exclusive ownership of the customer details.

The case illustrated that franchisors must be confident injunctive relief is the appropriate remedy before launching costly proceedings. It also highlighted the need for clear contractual provisions over the ownership of customer data.

Trade marks A dispute between two pizza businesses, meanwhile, showed the importance of checking if prior rights exist when seeking to register trade marks.

The owner of a chain of restaurants in Birmingham, known as Caspian Pizza, entered into an oral agreement with a business of the same name in Worcester, permitting it to use the mark in return for royalty payments.

A subsequent claim in the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court contended that once the agreement had ended, the defendant’s use of the name constituted trade mark infringement.

However, the Judge held the word mark was invalid, because at the date of registration in 2005, the defendant had established enough localised

goodwill in the name Caspian.

It showed that prudent applicants can protect their position by restricting a trade mark’s geographical applicability or reaching an agreement with the earlier right holder.

In Northern Ireland, we are seeing strong interest in the continued roll out of franchises from UK and global retail, hotel and restaurant chains, while indigenous firms are also creating their own new brands to expand under a franchise model.

Given the lack of regulation and potential legal pitfalls for

those involved in the sector, seeking sound and experienced professional advice is crucial to avoid costly errors.

With extensive knowledge and experience working with franchisors and franchisees, the Corporate and Commercial team at Arthur Cox is well positioned to advise on all aspects of the sector. For further information, call Lynsey, or your usual Arthur Cox contact, on +44 28 9023 0007.

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Eye on Law

Can Blockchain protect your Intellectual Property?

When we think of blockchain we automatically think of the technology that underpins Bitcoin – but it can do much more than that.

B

lockchain technology is now being developed across multiple sectors where it is expected to have a transformational effect; from healthcare to pharma through supply chain logistics to food safety.

Technologists are also exploring how it can be used to better protect intellectual property, with clear benefits for creators of intellectual property.

What is Intellectual Property?

Intellectual Property (IP) refers to all material created by mental power – including art, images, written materials, inventions, design work, symbols and names.

When properly protected and utilised, IP can be very valuable, able to generate income from the sale or licensing of products and services.

Two of the challenges for those commercialising IP are (i) proving that you are the owner/author of the IP and (ii) being able to identify who is using your IP. Can Blockchain help overcome these challenges?

Kathryn Walls, Director, Mills Selig

one computer. The entire system is secured by high level cryptography.

It is heralded as being low cost, transparent and resilient to fraud. Just about any database or ledger can be created and managed using blockchain.

Still not sure what blockchain is?

Imagine blockchain as taking a document, copying it one hundred times and storing a copy on one hundred computers at once. That initial document forms the first block in what is now a shared database, visible to all users holding a copy. Each time the document is added to or changed, all users must approve or verify the change and the change gets recorded (and timestamped) on all one hundred copies. The change becomes a new block in the chain. Each block is encrypted in a special way so all users in the chain can view the database and all chronological activity for the chain. (Old versions do not get deleted, they stay as part of the chain and new blocks cannot be deleted.) Only users with special encryption keys can add to the chain – so changes cannot be made by just anyone.

What is Blockchain?

Blockchain is technology that records electronic transactions on a public database that all participants in the chain can access known as a ‘decentralised ledger’. Each new piece of information added to the chain (a block) is verified by all users in the chain creating a trustworthy and transparent record. With blockchain, databases are not maintained by one person nor stored centrally on

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How can Blockchain protect IP? Many forms of IP are already regulated by national/international patent and trademark offices – so how can blockchain technology help?

Firstly, blockchain can help because not all IP is registerable – that is, there is no national or international registry to record ownership of certain categories of IP. Copyright, for example, is an automatic

right that is not registered anywhere.

Secondly, businesses today increasingly operate on a global basis from inception and are less likely to establish a reputation locally before expanding internationally. Consequently, business owners need to protect, register and manage their brand and reputation internationally in numerous countries from the outset which is neither cost nor time effective.

Potential applications for blockchain technology include: t Innovation ledgers – businesses can create and maintain a blockchain database of ideas generated within a business. This will help avoid complex and costly legal challenges about when an idea or concept was generated, particularly where the innovation has not yet been (or cannot be) formally protected or registered. t Collaboration/development ledgers - where businesses operate on a global basis from more than one office, employees in different offices can collaborate to develop IP and that real-time collaboration can be clearly recorded. t Licensing ledgers – recent highprofile patent disputes have been exacerbated by difficulty in verifying ownership of patents as often businesses have not maintained clear records of licenses granted or acquired. A blockchain ledger will allow a business to keep a record of each

new license, and also make searching to see who is using their IP much easier and help stop third party infringement. t IP Registration ledgers (in-house) – whilst businesses will be trading globally, most IP registrations can only be done on a country by country basis. Keeping track of and managing these valuable registrations is fraught with difficulty. Using blockchain will help simplify management of IP. t Registration ledgers (National IP Offices) – the process of registration of ownership of IP can be simplified and codified using blockchain technology.

Blockchain databases can include copyright which currently is not recorded on any form of register. This can also help businesses who want to licence existing IP source the relevant owner and obtain a licence to use their IP rather than use the work illegally. t Smart Contracts – blockchain can be applied to allow automation of contracts granting IP rights and can also allow royalty or other payments associated with the contract to be paid automatically. This will make the process of selling or licensing IP much easier and quicker and ensure that IP creators are properly recognised and rewarded.

Can we use blockchain now?

The potential for blockchain in relation to IP is clear, and some very early adopters like the musician Imogen Heap and her blockchain project for artists and music rights ‘Mycelia’ are already demonstrating the power of the technology to benefit creators of music.

Legal hurdles to blockchain becoming mainstream such as governing law and jurisdiction, data security and privacy need to be overcome before blockchain can be applied as described in this article.

Government agencies and IP registries are actively exploring the uses of Blockchain and global standards for selfexecuting contracts are being discussed.

It’s ultimately only a matter of time until the legal hurdles are addressed and blockchain is being utilised to protect and manage intellectual property!

Eye on Awards

2018 – A Rewarding Year For Wilsons Auctions This year has proven to be very rewarding for Wilsons Auctions as it achieved recognition in a number of industry awards across the UK and Ireland.

F

ollowing significant expansion throughout the group over recent years, with new branches acquired and an increase in staff and auctions across the group as a result of the substantial tenders won, Wilsons Auctions has been recognised in various categories for its business growth, innovation and longevity as a family-owned business.

In November, Wilsons Auctions received the Innovation and Technology Award at the Turnaround, Restructuring and Insolvency (TRI) Awards in London. The prestigious national award ceremony championed the tireless work and commitment of outstanding firms, teams and individuals in turnaround, funding, corporate restructuring, insolvency and personal debt advice.

The TRI Awards recognised Wilsons Auctions for its innovation over the past 12 months, having sought to develop the world’s first fully insured storage and sale facility for crypto assets.

This was a significant win for Wilsons Auctions which also saw it shortlisted in the Asset Valuer / Auctioneer of the Year category and confirms its position as a forward-thinking company with an ability to constantly evolve, ensuring it is ahead of its competition.

Elsewhere Wilsons Auctions was named Family Business of the Year at the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2018 earlier this year, marking a special milestone for the company’s Dalry branch which also celebrated its 20th Anniversary this year.

Collecting the Innovation and Technology Award at the TRI Awards was Peter Johnston, Aidan Larkin and Mark Woods from Wilsons Auctions along with (far left) Credit Strategy’s Consulting Editor, Marcel Le Gouais, (second right) Credit Strategy’s Commercial Director Ben Millar and (far right) comedian and host Ed Byrne.

Further regional recognition continued at the South Dublin County Business Awards with the auction company named Best Family-Owned & Managed Business. This was the second year in a row that Wilsons Auctions was recognised at these business awards which celebrates all that is good within the business community in the South Dublin County.

As a family-owned business of over 80 years and the largest independent auction company in the UK and Ireland, these awards are testament to the hard work of the directors, management and staff who have continuously ensured the longevity of the business through its sustainable growth across the group.

In addition, Wilsons Auctions was awarded Highly Commended in the Company of the Year and Innovative Business of the Year

categories at this year’s Business Eye First Trust Bank Awards.

Having been nominated across four awards, this was fantastic recognition for the business in what was two very strong categories.

These awards recognised Wilsons Auctions for its continued growth across the business including its innovation through the development of a new bespoke online web platform, a market leading system that allows clients to purchase assets in the most cost effective, efficient and streamlined method of asset disposal.

Wilsons Auctions was also shortlisted in several awards throughout 2018 including the Commercial Motor Awards. A finalist in the Auction House of the Year category, Wilsons Auctions’ Commercial Team from across the entire group represented the company at the gala ceremony in Birmingham.

Finally, Wilsons Auctions was shortlisted in the Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards where it was named a finalist in the Employer for the Future category and Wilsons Auctions’ Marketing Department was named a finalist in the Team of the Year category.

There was further recognition for the Marketing Team when it was shortlisted for Marketing Team of the Year in the CIM Ireland Marketing Awards in Belfast and Marketing Manager, Andrew Dickinson was shortlisted for Marketer of the Year.

The group-wide recognition Wilsons Auctions achieved in 2018 reflects the hard work carried out on a daily basis by its extensive team across its 18 sites in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales.

As the company continues its growth in 2019, it will look to achieve further award success across the UK and Ireland.

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Eye on Tourism

Winter Is Coming… TBL International brings GAME OF THRONES : The Touring Exhibition to Belfast TM

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Eye on Tourism Call your bannermen … TBL International is bringing HBO® Licensing & Retail and GES Events’ GAME OF THRONES: The Touring Exhibition to TEC Belfast, Northern Ireland for its debut visit to UK and Ireland for a limited run.

TBL International is the management company behind the award-winning Titanic Belfast, SS Nomadic and TEC Belfast led

by Chief Executive Judith Owens, Operations Director Siobhan Lynch and Finance Director Michele Scott.

The local company is bringing the official and largest GAME OF THRONES® public display, designed specially by GES Events in collaboration with HBO Licensing & Retail, to the 5,000m2 venue.

The exhibition combines costumes, authentic props and majestic settings from all seven seasons of the Emmy award-winning series to create an interactive and immersive GAME OF THRONES experience like no other.

The series based on books written

by George RR Martin is broadcast in 200 territories and each episode is viewed by 15 million people and is a significant economic driver and tourism draw for Northern Ireland.

GAME OF THRONES: The Touring Exhibition, located in the footprint of Titanic Studios, where much of the series was filmed over a 10-year period, aims to build on the show’s incredible legacy in Northern Ireland, the home of Thrones.

Jeff Peters, HBO’s Vice President, Licensing & Retail, said, “Given the unique and central role that Northern Ireland has played in the life and legacy of the show, and we are thrilled that we are bringing GAME OF THRONES: The Touring Exhibition to Belfast.

We’re so happy to invite our fans in Northern Ireland, the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland to join us in the Titanic Quarter in Belfast to immerse themselves in the world of GAME OF THRONES.” TBL International’s Chief Executive Judith Owens said, “We are delighted and proud to be working with HBO and GES Events, a world leader in live events, exhibitions, conferences and entertainment experiences, to bring GAME OF THRONES: The Touring Exhibition to Belfast. There is no better place for the exhibition that celebrates

the artistry and craftmanship behind the Emmy award-winning series than Northern Ireland, the principle filming location, both in natural settings and within Titanic Studios. Our combined experience will ensure that every experience is energised for fans and they can experience something truly unique.”

GAME OF THRONES: The Touring Exhibition, supported by Tourism NI, adds to Northern Ireland’s GAME OF THRONES Territory, which is already home to more of the seven kingdoms locations than anywhere else in the world, boasting of 26 stunning filming locations and 20 visitor experiences.

Tourism NI’s Chief Executive, John McGrillen commented, “The arrival of the exhibition in Northern Ireland will be the first official experience covering up to season seven for fans in the UK and Ireland and will be perfectly timed with the highly anticipated final season of Game of Thrones next spring. The exhibition will offer an authentic travel opportunity for fans to immerse themselves in the world of Westeros and fully experience the breath-taking landscapes and rugged charm of Northern Ireland.

We are delighted to support the exhibition and look forward to welcoming many more visitors in

“There is no better place for the exhibition that celebrates the artistry and craftmanship behind the Emmy award-winning series than Northern Ireland, the principle filming location, both in natural settings and within Titanic Studios.”

association with this initiative.”

Robin Stapley, Vice-President of Design and Creativity at GES Events, said, “People from Northern Ireland are already familiar with the world of Westeros but this exhibition takes fans to the next level and allows them to delve deeper as we bring the world of Westeros to life. Visitors will get to see the beautiful, hand-crafted work from the seven seasons made by the talented artisans, designers, and craftsmen, many of whom are from Northern Ireland. We are thrilled to bring this unique and immersive exhibition to Belfast on 11th April.”

Venue TEC Belfast 17 Queen’s Road Belfast BT3 9DU Hours of Operation April and May Monday – Sunday 10am – 7pm June, July, August Monday – Sunday 9am – 8pm Ticket Prices April and May Monday – Thursday Adult (13+): £15 Carer: Free Friday – Sunday Adult (13+): £17.50 Carer: Free June, July, August Monday – Sunday Adult (13+): £17.50 Carer: Free

To book tickets for this not-to-bemissed blockbuster visit www. gameofthronesexhibition.co.uk

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Eye on Cover Story

Adrian Moynihan...

Focussing on Growth At First Trust Bank Adrian Moynihan’s arrival earlier this year to head up First Trust Bank in Northern Ireland dovetailed neatly with the advent of a new era for the bank, a subsidiary of Dublinbased AIB Group.

“F

or the past number of years, this bank like all banks has been more internally focused,” he says.

“In a nutshell, we had to look inward and fix what needed to be fixed and restructured. We had to invest heavily in rebuilding our customer offering for the modern era of banking. Having done that, now the focus for First Trust Bank is external, on our customers. We’re moving forward across our corporate, business and personal banking markets.”

A native of Tipperary, Adrian Moynihan has been with the AIB Group for 18 years, moving north from Dublin where most recently he headed up the bank’s housing division, covering both mortgages and development finance. Prior to that, he was in charge of wealth management and deposits, and worked across a number of different roles in his earlier career with the bank.

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He had few doubts when he was approached about the role of Head of First Trust Bank. “It’s a great role, with a great team and one that gives me the opportunity to work right across all parts of the market, with business and corporate customers and on the personal banking side of the business.

“Also, I think the timing couldn’t have been much better. First Trust Bank is coming out of a comprehensive transformation programme and has been through a lot of changes for the better. My priority is to lead a really strong and ambitious team, taking this business forward into the future. Our role as a bank is to back our customers and help them realise their dreams and ambitions, whether they are developing and growing their businesses, or whether they are personal customers buying their home.”

First Trust has already stepped up its efforts in the wider marketplace.

It has developed five new regional business centres and strengthened its corporate banking team, both of which are now at the leading edge of its corporate and business banking operations.

It has also embarked on its first major drive for new business customers in recent years. The bank recently appointed experienced banker Patrick Short to head up a new customer acquisition team focused on actively looking for customers new to First Trust Bank – be that in business banking,

corporate banking or mortgage customers. And Adrian says First Trust is “strong” and “single minded” in its corporate and business aspirations with business acquisition forming an important part of the bank’s future strategy.

It’s already paying dividends, according to Adrian Moynihan.

“We’re up by 40% year on year on new lending, and 40% of that new lending is attributable to new customers,” he points out.

“We’re really pleased with that level of progress. It shows that the momentum is there, and it extends across all sectors of the marketplace.”

While the bank operates across all sectors of the business and corporate markets, it has set its sights on six key sectors of the corporate and business banking marketplace in Northern Ireland, and Adrian Moynihan believes it is on track to build its market share from the lower teens in percentage terms to hit the 20% mark.

“We’re confident that we’re growing faster than our competitors at the moment, and we’re determined to continue that level of progress,” he says.

He’s quick to add that those levels of customer growth refer to the corporate and business banking side of the business. Growth in personal banking, he says, has a bit further to go and is also dictated by consumer confidence. But it’s clear that it will quickly become an area of priority for the bank.

“Our role as a bank is to back our customers and help them realise their dreams and ambitions, whether they are developing and growing their businesses, or whether they are personal customers buying their home.�

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Eye on Cover Story

“There is always a balance to be struck in banking,” says Moynihan.

“There is a trade-off between market share and profitability.

Striving for a larger market share can mean lower profits. So, it’s about ensuring growth is sustainable and it’s about how you play it.

“But, at the moment, growth is very definitely on our agenda and the momentum is definitely with us at the moment.”

First Trust Bank continues to operate a 15-strong branch network across Northern Ireland and the bank has invested in renovating and updating that branch network. Its recent partnership with the Post Office now enables its customers to conduct their everyday banking transactions in any of the 500 Post Offices across Northern Ireland and customer take up has already surpassed expectations.

But, at the same time, it has been investing in the continued development of its digital delivery channels. First Trust recently pioneered a paperless personal loan proposition, capable of delivering loan funds into an account within hours after an application has been lodged.

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On the corporate and business banking front, First Trust operates a relationship-led approach and, as mentioned, has targeted a number of key sectors of the Northern Ireland economy:-

business customers. Alongside the Acquisitions Team, Business & Corporate Banking is headed

by Brian Gillan, ably supported by the two respective heads of Business & Corporate, Seamus McGuckin and Ann McSorley.

Agri Food Manufacturing Tourism & Hospitality Healthcare Energy Property “We’ve built up our own expertise across all of these sectors. So, we have experienced people in place able to talk to customers about their business, their sector and the challenges and opportunities they face in those areas of the economy. What is also important is that we can engage and add value to large corporates but also be able to support much smaller businesses. The local economy, after all, is dominated by those smaller businesses.”

Adrian Moynihan has an experienced team working with him to deliver for the bank’s

“At the moment, growth is very definitely on our agenda and the momentum is definitely with us.”

The senior management team is due to be completed shortly when Kevin Nealon moves northwards from AIB Group to take up the role of Head of Branches at First Trust Bank. “Kevin’s appointment represents an important statement of intent for the bank, and a real commitment to the future growth of branch banking as part of our multi-channel customer offering.”

Looking to the future, Adrian Moynihan is all too aware that the business sector in Northern Ireland faces a number of

challenges, amongst them the lack of devolved government here and the ongoing uncertainties posed by the Brexit process.

“The business community here is nothing if not resilient,” he says. “We can see that in the key economic indicators. We also see that in our own new business lending volumes. Being up by 40% year on year speaks volumes for the continued drive and determination of that business community despite the challenges that it faces.

“I think that we will see knock on effects of the lack of decision making at Stormont coming through in 2019, and there’s no doubt that business here could not countenance any kind of hard Brexit, as has been well documented in recent weeks and months.

“But our role is to be here and to continue our support for businesses of all sizes right across Northern Ireland, whatever the prevailing economic conditions are. We’re growing as a bank, we’re adding new business customers all the time, and we’re confident that if we remain focussed on and deliver for our customers, we will continue to do just that.”

Eye on Communications

What Will Your Resolution Be? Whether a new gym membership or a new superfast broadband connection, make 2019 your year of change.

By Stuart Carson, Rainbow Communications

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t Rainbow, in the course of managing our business and corporate accounts, we deliver in excess of ten million minutes a month and more than 250,000 gigabytes of data.

As such, we continue to maintain our reputation as market leaders and foresee a number of changes to the sector in 2019 that everyone should be aware of, regardless of telecoms requirements.

Throughout the last 12 months there have been numerous developments that have affected our industry, most notably the ongoing retirement of the legacy ISDN lines and the move towards cheaper, more effective technology, in particular the removal of bulky equipment.

VoIP is fast becoming a staple of the business world with corporations and organisations utilising its advanced features and cost-saving benefits. As more and more technology becomes reliant on the internet and a connection to the outside world, data and connectivity is critical for all companies to have, while ‘the Cloud’ is combining to join both the private

and public aspects, delivering software and storage seamlessly.

Yet what do we see on the horizon as the new year approaches?

We can expect to see the continued roll out of ultrafast fibre broadband across those parts of Northern Ireland still lacking a decent connection, in particular around Belfast.

connecting to the internet to add capacity and advanced features to their existing phone system, helping their businesses grow.

A hybrid cloud solution offers scalability and cost benefits of a public cloud with the security and privacy of a private cloud.

Network providers have an opportunity to benefit from

“We can expect to see the continued roll out of ultrafast fibre broadband across those parts of Northern Ireland still lacking a decent connection.”

Once this happens, more businesses will have the opportunity and capability to upgrade their systems and make best use of improved connectivity and so we will see an increase in those moving to VoIP. We are also expecting hybrid systems to remain popular as businesses start the process of weening themselves off the traditional – and outdated – ISDN and PSTN lines, whilst

this trend, especially those that leverage location intelligence to position their service delivery appropriately and effectively for businesses in certain areas.

Something we have noticed over the last few years is a shift in focus from the consumer demand for connectivity and high-speed access to the B2B market, and we are expecting this trend to continue to grow in 2019.

2019 will see a marked increase in the use of chat apps in B2C messaging but we imagine this will be hampered by slow adoption due to commercial considerations, hoops to jump through and a period of adaptation as consumers get used to the less than personal touch from chat bots and similar.

As the months go by, we will continue to monitor and manage how the telecoms market evolves, assess how this evolution will affect all players in the value chain and highlight potential new opportunities to our suppliers and clients alike.

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

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Eye on Office Design

Re-Imagining Office Space To Bolster Productivity At Home With a rise in employees working from home, Paul Rothwell and Jo Azevedo, Managing Director and Head of Design at Belfastheadquartered furniture supplier Sliderobes, discuss the link between home office design and productivity, and how to utilise this space to create the most superior working environment.

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ith the number of people working from home on the rise, more and more workers are considering home offices.

A sound working environment has a considerable impact on employee productivity and concentration levels with bad lighting, clutter, mess and noise being some of the biggest culprits when it comes to disrupting workers and the standard to which their work is completed.

Paul Rothwell, Managing Director at Sliderobes which has just opened its newly refurbished showroom on Belfast’s Boucher Crescent, said: “Working from home is a rising trend as more tasks can be carried out remotely than ever before,

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mainly thanks to technology.

“As a result, in recent years we have noticed a significant increase in the number of people re-designing an area within their home into a suitable working space.

“Creating a home office is an exciting task as these spaces offer an excellent blend of comfort and efficiency that, at times, is not available within a traditional office environment.

“It allows individuals to remain in full control ensuring the balance and design is right for their needs. An office that is too casual or is not adequately separated from the home environment, may reduce productivity levels. However, there are steps that can be taken to maximise

productivity whilst not compromising on comfort, design and practicality.”

Following significant investment, Sliderobes, which designs, manufactures and installs bespoke furniture and storage solutions, has launched its refurbished showroom in Belfast featuring a new Design Studio concept with this approach set to be rolled out across 12 partner sites throughout the UK and Ireland.

Having appointed Joanna Azevedo as Head of Design, the renewed focus of the company is fixed firmly on providing intelligent storage solutions that make the best of any space whilst being beautiful at the same time.

She commented: “At Sliderobes, everything we make is entirely bespoke, whether that be a walk in wardrobe, an open plan storage unit, a desk with built in storage or bedside tables and drawer units.

“When engaging with a new client we consider a number of factors in order to determine the desired look and feel of the space – however big or small that may be.

“With regards to a home office, some of the factors to consider include what type of work will be done; will clients or colleagues ever meet at this location; will conference calls be scheduled; what time of day will most of the work be done; the list goes on. Delving under the skin of the client allows us to deliver solutions that meet their needs and exceed their expectations.

“The layout and organisation of a

home office is tremendously important.

Today there are so many storage options available, the task is selecting the type that works for each individual.

“If a person works from right to left, they may want their shelving or drawers placed on the right-hand side, allowing quick and easy access to files and documents. This may seem like common sense, but even small details such as this contribute massively to how effective the office is in increasing productivity.

“Physical boundaries must be made between the designated working space and the rest of the house. It is difficult to work at the optimum level surrounded by a noisy home environment.

Divider-walls that double as cabinets are a common choice, and if designed correctly, can offer a space which is private but not entirely secluded.

“Standing desks are a major trend at the minute as they help mitigate against back and neck pain. Alongside this there is an emphasis on strong natural light which can help to prevent eye strain. Natural lighting may not always be available, depending where in the home the office is located, therefore having lights fitted within the desk or cabinet can be smart solutions.”

Paul concluded: “Ultimately, a home office should be functional whilst reflecting the home-worker’s personality, and this should shine through every level of design, from the colour of the paint to types of material used.

“The space should inspire focus rather than distraction and be a safehaven that someone enjoys spending time in, encouraging a positive mental attitude and resulting in higher productivity and performance.”

“Speaking to a professional will allow a home office to be designed in a manner that perfectly reflects personal preferences whilst ensuring the individual meets the requirements of their job.”

To speak to a member of the Sliderobes design team, please contact 028 9068 1034, or visit www.sliderobes.co.uk

Eye on Law

Property Law & A Question Of Ownership

By Naomi Lamont (Private Client Solicitor, Elliott Duffy Garrett)

‘I

’m driving home for Christmas, Oh I can’t wait to see those faces; I’m driving home for Christmas, yea’. Familiar lyrics by Chris Rea played during the festive period, with the emphasis on ‘home’ striking a chord. The image of a family cuddled around the fire opening presents is a central Christmas theme with ‘home’ being at the heart of the picture. Yet, how many of us consider the legalities of how we own our home or what will happen to our home on death?

In this short article I will consider the ways in which you can legally own your home (“property”) and what happens to it on death.

Ownership One person is termed the sole owner of a property, however, if you and another person own a property together there are two ways in which you can do so.

Firstly, you and another person/s can own a property as joint tenants.

This is a common way to own a property, particularly for couples.

As joint tenants when one of you die, then the survivor automatically inherits your half of the property, irrespective of any instructions in your Will. Land law (which governs joint tenancies) trumps a Will.

The other way which two or more people can own a property is by way of a tenancy in common.

This means that each individual has a distinct half share in the property. On the death of one tenant in common, their half share will pass in accordance with their Will (or under intestacy laws if they have not made a Will).

Most people wish to leave their share in a property to their spouse, especially as gifts to spouses on death are free of Inheritance tax.

However, how you and a third party own property is important

as you may not wish for the third party to inherit your share of the property on your death.

Inheritance Tax There are also inheritance tax implications of having one or more properties. Currently, each individual has an Inheritance Tax Nil Rate Band (NRB) (i.e. the amount before their estate taxed) of £325,000.00. As noted, gifts to spouse are tax free, therefore if everything is left by one spouse to the other on first death, subject to any chargeable lifetime gifts made particularly in the 7 years before date of death, then no Inheritance Tax is payable. On the death

of the second spouse, the first spouse’s NRB can be transferred to them, increasing the NRB on second death to £650,000.00.

In April 2017 an additional allowance was introduced known as the Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB). Each individual currently has an additional tax free amount of £125,000.00 which can be offset against their primary residence and is set to rise each year.

However, there are some points to note regarding the RNRB. Firstly, it can only be claimed if you leave your property to a direct lineal descendant such as your son/daughter. Therefore, if you have no children and leave

everything to your nephews/ nieces, this relief is not available.

Secondly, if you have a mortgage on a property, it will come off prior to the relief. For example, if you have a property worth £300,000.00 but a mortgage of £200,000.00, you can only use £100,000.00 of the relief against the property. Thirdly, if there is any discretion in your Will as regards beneficiaries then you may not be able to avail of the relief.

In summary, this Christmas as you head home, take some time to reflect on the future implications of owning that property.* * Always take independent legal and tax advice.

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Eye on Law

Stormont Stalemate...Who’s In Charge?

Peter May, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Justice, Paul Frew MLA, DUP Justice Spokesperson, Sarah Ramsey BL, Chair of Bar Council, Karen Quinlivan QC, John Larkin QC, Attorney General for Northern Ireland

The Bar of Northern Ireland launched its new Leaders in Legal Excellence discussion series with a debate entitled “Stormont Stalemate: politicians, civil servants or the courts – who decides?”

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he invited panel considered the impact of the absence of an Executive on the legal and justice sector and the potential implications of the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation and Exercise of Functions) Act 2018.

Bar Council Chair Sarah Ramsey opened proceedings by highlighting that the Bar’s Leaders in Legal Excellence discussion series will run during the 2018-2019 legal year, creating a conversation space for representatives of the legal and justice sectors & beyond to come together and explore ideas and opportunities on a range of topical policy issues.

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The Chair stated that Northern Ireland has been without a fully functioning devolved Assembly and Executive since January 2017 causing policy initiatives to stall across many sectors, including justice.

Consequently, there are a raft of justice policy matters needing action, ranging from some of the recommendations contained in the Review of Civil and Family Justice and the creation of a domestic abuse offence to, more specifically, the personal injury discount rate and QC appointments.

The panel discussion featured Attorney General John Larkin QC, Department of Justice Permanent Secretary Peter May, DUP Justice Spokesperson Paul Frew MLA and public law specialist Karen Quinlivan QC. Panelists initially considered the powers of civil servants under the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation and Exercise of Functions) Act 2018 with Peter May confirming that they will not be able to progress any major policy decisions. However, if a matter is not considered major then it can be progressed under the public interest test contained within the legislation,

alongside some public appointments.

Ultimately only “modest decisions” can be taken with the reality being that transformation projects still cannot be taken forward without Ministerial approval. Karen Quinlivan QC countered this by highlighting that if civil servants decide not to take decisions because they are “controversial” then this can still be viewed as a political decision.

The panel also speculated about the constitutional implications of the 2018 Act. Karen Quinlivan QC pointed out that the generalities contained in the guidance accompanying it will undoubtedly open up the possibility for the judicial review of any decisions that the civil service potentially takes. The case of JR80, involving the failure to implement a compensation scheme for victims of historical institutional abuse, is already in train.

Karen also contended that this legislation was not necessitated by the Court of Appeal decision in the Buick case, relating to the Department of Infrastructure’s lack of power to grant planning permission for a major waste treatment centre and incinerator, and instead merely

represents a “breakdown in democratic accountability and leadership” in both Northern Ireland and Westminster.

Attorney General for Northern Ireland John Larkin QC also spoke about the unusual character of the 2018 Act which is a “stop gap” for decision making in this jurisdiction. In response to questions from the audience on the capacity of the 2018 Act to extend the package of welfare reform mitigations, the Attorney General noted that this matter is not within the capacity of the legislation even if an overwhelming civic society consensus exists that these measures should continue.

Paul Frew MLA also recognised that the new 2018 Act represents a “constitutional shift”, adding that the accompanying guidance is unclear as to who can say that a decision is in the “public interest” or what represents a “major” policy issue.

Finally, the panel also considered how to improve confidence in the justice system in the absence of political leadership. The Attorney General highlighted that active and engaged citizens are essential if we are to have a functioning democracy in NI; the linkages between universal credit, low incomes and access to justice were also highlighted as requiring attention by both the Attorney and Karen Quinlivan QC. Permanent Secretary Peter May highlighted that tackling avoidable delay within the system remains a priority, alongside progressing a consultation paper on a stalking offence and considering the review into the law and procedure in serious sexual offences in the coming months.

Meanwhile Paul Frew MLA reflected on the aspects of devolution that worked effectively during the previous Assembly mandate, particularly the structure of the Committee scrutiny system, and he spoke of his priorities around progressing problem-solving courts and a review of public protection arrangements in NI.

The Bar’s next Leaders in Legal Excellence discussion will take place in February 2018 – contact media@ barlibrary.com for more information.

Visit bit.ly/LegalExcellenceNI to read more about the work of the Bar of Northern Ireland.

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Eye on Women In Business

Celebrating Continued Lean In Success Locally The ongoing success of women in leadership empowerment network Lean In is not only deserving of being celebrated, but it is a remarkable surge in its membership and achievements in Northern Ireland.

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et up here just four years ago by entrepreneur Nuala Murphy of Moment Health Lean In locally now has more than 2,000 members across the country with 30 of its trademark ‘circles’ across multiple industry sectors.

With its global mission to empower all women to achieve their ambitions the foundation of its growth in Northern Ireland started in a…coffee shop.

Nuala explained that the spark came from the book ‘Lean In: Women Work and the Will To Lead’ by Sheryl Sandberg.

“I read the book in 2013 it was then in 2014 when navigating starting a family I realised I didn’t know anyone in my peer group doing the same,” she said, adding: “At the back of the book it suggested to start your own circle of peers I did just that. I reached out to some folks to join and Lean In Belfast was born.”

Since its humble beginnings over coffee it has inspired many women, as it did for Nuala.

“It inspired me to launch my own business Moment Health that is focused on bringing early intervention to women’s mental health illness.

“We launched our first product The Moment Hath app available in Apple and Android for new and expectant parents to safeguard and keep on top of their mental health at this time. ”And, as Nuala explains the benefits are evidence based.

“It has given women a voice to join forces to support each other. 85% of circle members the world over are experienced career advancement, pay rises, increased confidence, inspiration and support to start new businesses and many other advantages.”

With its aim to be a supportive community focused on building more equal workplaces, communities and society at large it provides a big dose of inspiration and access to networks and opportunities typically difficult for women to access as well as an opportunity to

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learn and share our challenges, find peers, supporters, and exchange of ideas.

“Across the board we see lack of women in senior positions be it private or public sector,” said Nuala.

“The biggest challenges are access to mentors, access to networks and opportunities to progress. We also need male allies in this journey.

“In order to truly affect change we call on our male ally to roll up those sleeves and Lean In with us.”

Another devotee of Sheryl Sandberg’s book is Dorcas Crawford, Senior Partner in Edwards & Co Solicitors, who met Nuala on Twitter and quickly it was a meeting of minds.

And, it has evidently been a benefit.

“The incredible, unconditional support of other women has been invaluable in decision-making, running my business, feeling there are others who are juggling in the same way as me,” she said.

Dorcas believes every woman needs to become involved: “You don’t know what you’re missing! I only wish there had been a movement like this when I started my career 30 years ago”.

The Belfast based legal expert launched the SME Twitter initiative #Belfasthour to link up and promote businesses free of charge and the conflict management service ‘The Better Way’.

In addition to Dorcas’ own involvement in Lean In Belfast it has become a family affair.

“My daughter Niamh has been involved in forming a Circle this year and I couldn’t wish for a better support system for her as she begins her career.”

Another devotee is Women In Finance circle leader Cathy Brennan who believes in its power: “The support & empowerment you get is life changing, if you proceed and be bold!”

Her involvement came when she was considering a change in career path. Instead she developed “I started a new job in November

last year having spent nearly 17 years with the same company,” Cathy said.

“I was considering a new career in IT having worked 20 years in financial services.

“After a discussion with Claire Nixon from Women in Tech who is a recruiter, she said retraining in another sector should only be considered if I didn’t enjoy my sector.

“I then decided to set up women in finance Lean In circle to support women in financial services. I wanted to encourage more women to join the sector.

“We have 45 plus members in our circle from a range of finance roles.”

Orla McKeating attended her first Lean In event three years ago and hasn’t looked back.

“My business had been running for three years and was going ‘great’ but I realised I really needed a better support network.

“I had joined a few other business events and I didn’t find they were for me but I had read Lean In on maternity leave and was drawn to the inclusive and growth vibes it presented. “ From that one meeting I managed to meet women who have become great friends, mentors and a part of my ‘tribe’.

My self-confidence has come back, I am more motivated than ever and I know I have the support when I need it. I have since joined a number of different circles and I’ve developed new skills through speakers and events and also expanded my friendship group and regularly meet fellow Lean In-ers for coffee dates, other seminars and even play dates.”

Orla strongly believes women need to get involved in Lean In. “I would highly recommend joining this

group. These are networks that genuinely want you to achieve your goals, celebrate your successes and share your challenges.

“I found the Lean In Network a safe place for meeting people who were in my position, entrepreneurs, mothers, employees, leaders who all had the same goal and wanted to succeed in a positive way.“ Circle leader, fashion and features journalist Niamh Crawford Walker is passionate about Lean In. “I started the Future Female Leaders circle with Jean Barrett-Quinn after being a part of the Lean In organisation for a year,” she said. “Inspired by the support I witnessed among other women within Lean In, we wanted to reach out to women at earlier stages of their career (mostly between 18-25 years old) and offer that same support, providing them with the tools necessary to build confidence and progress in their career aspirations. Within our circle we hope to build a safe space for young women to address issues associated with navigating career goals from an early stage.”

Backed by Barclays, Lean In has been growing and developing across the country steadily in recent years.

Rachel Thomas, Co-Founder & President of The Sheryl Sandberg & David Goldberg Family Foundation (LeanIn. Org, and OptionB.org) said of Lean In: “Companies have an important role to play in reaching gender equality, and we will benefit when they succeed.

“A fairer, more inclusive workplace is good for all employees, and more diverse companies produce better results.

Advancing women is not just the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do.

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Eye on TechEye

Compension Plan For Broadband Users

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any customers who experience fixed broadband or landline loss will soon automatically receive compensation.

The £8-per-day deal follows a new agreement between Openreach and five of the UK’s

internet service providers.

It will apply only when the fault takes longer than two days to fix.

If an engineer does not arrive on schedule, or cancels within 24 hours, the compensation will be £25. There will also be £5-per-day offered for new services not starting on time.

BT, Sky, TalkTalk, Virgin Media and Zen Internet have all agreed to the plan, which is not compulsory for the industry.

Plusnet and EE have also previously suggested that they will sign up.

The deal follows industry watchdog Ofcom releasing details of its voluntary automatic compensation code of practice in November 2017, which set the payout rate.

It said at the time it would allow a 15-month implementation period for the new system meaning it

should be ready in early 2019.

Openreach said it would pay compensation even when others prevented it from accessing its network - if, for example, a vehicle is parked in front of a cabinet or it is unable to access a pole on private land. But it said it would not pay in the event of “measures beyond reasonable control”, such as flooding.

However, the internet service providers who have signed up may still be obliged to pay in those cases, said journalist and IT consultant Mark Jackson, writing on the website ISPreview.

“Openreach’s steadfast position not to pay out during ‘force majeure-type events’ has caused some irritation, particularly while Ofcom continues to insist that retail ISPs will have to cover the cost of that themselves,” he wrote.

Mr Jackson also noted that most faults are fixed within two days, meaning that compensation will not apply.

Both home and small and medium business customers will be eligible.

Openreach said in a statement that it has offered compensation for broadband failures since 2008.

“We have fully supported Ofcom’s voluntary code of practice since its inception, and are pleased to have reached an agreement with those communication providers intending to offer automatic compensation,” it said.

A spokesman for the regulator said: “We’re pleased this agreement has been reached, following our intervention to secure automatic compensation for customers facing problems such as delays and missed appointments.”

Hole-Punch Cameras To Debut On Market

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wo smartphone-makers have unveiled handsets featuring a “hole-punch” selfie camera.

The screens of the Samsung A8s and Huawei Honor View20 both feature a small circular

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space for the component.

The design is intended to be less obtrusive than a “notch” - as popularised by Apple and later by many Android smartphone manufacturers.

One expert said the innovation highlighted how competitive the market for mid-range devices had become.

Both Samsung and Huawei claimed to be first to launch the notchless camera design.

The Chinese company may have slightly edged out its rival by unveiling its device at an event in Hong Kong a few hours before Samsung’s launch.

But the South Korean company had previously hinted at the screen-engineering feat by showing off a line drawing of the feature in November.

Neither handset features the kind of facial identification sensors that

spurred Apple to introduce a notch in the first place.

One industry-watcher said the phones instead represented midrange devices, which made them a good match for the new look.

“Huawei is relentless at using the Honor brand to really grab as much share in the marketplace as possible,” said Ben Wood, from the consultancy CCS Insight, “This is a very important part of the market, particularly for Samsung with the professional pressure it is facing from Huawei.”

Samsung was the world’s most successful smartphone brand in the July-to-September quarter, when it shipped 72.2 million units, according to research company IDC. Huawei came second, according to the same report, with 52 million devices shipped over the same period.

But both companies face challenges.

Samsung has lost substantial market share in the mid- and lowertiers to Chinese rivals over the past year, while Huawei faces claims it broke US sanctions on Iran and poses a wider security threat to the West.

Huawei also claimed the Honor View20’s main camera, on its rear, represents another world-first.

It offers a resolution of 48 megapixels and is the first to use of a sensor made by Sony that was announced in July.

The benefit is that users can crop in more closely into their photos without risking them looking pixellated when printed out. But the downside is that higher-resolution shots take up more storage space.

Xiaomi has also indicated it will soon launch a handset with the same sensor.

Samsung previously announced it had created its own 48MP sensor but has yet to reveal in which handset it will debut.

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Eye on TechEye

More Retail Businesses Take The Cashless Route

Cashless establishments may be safer and more convenient, but are they more popular with the public at large?

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fter yet another breakin at his London pub, Arber Rozhaja decided enough was enough.

Burglars were after cash lying around after lock-up, but what if there was never any cash on site at all?

Mr Rozhaja, operations director at the pub’s parent firm, London Village Inns, calculated the volume of cash transactions and was bowled over.

“Somewhere in the region of 10-13% of the total revenue would be cash and the rest was card,” he says.

So in October, the Crown and Anchor went fully cashless.

Customers can use debit cards, credit cards and contactless payments including Android Pay and Apple Pay. But a fiver will get you nowhere.

Signs dotted around the pub announced the move to customers: “Apologies, but it is the digital age.”

Four of the firm’s pubs now refuse cash, with the remaining two set to turn their backs on notes and coins in the New Year.

What began as a move to deter thieves has turned out to be a timely business decision, according to Mr Rozhaja.

For staff at London Village Inns’ businesses, the benefits of working in a cashless public house include not having to count up endless piles of coins at the end of the night.

And managers no longer need to travel across town with bags of cash to be lodged at the bank.

There are even additional charges to processing cash transactions versus digital ones, says Mr Rozhaja.

He adds that while he’s had a few complaints from customers, the response has generally been positive. There has been no discernible fall in business.

“It’s a short time for me to have a proper analysis but if it was bad you

would see straight away,” he says.

But is cash dying out in the UK? And what about the rest of the world?

It was only in September that a pub in Suffolk claimed to be the first in the UK to go cashless. A string of “cashless cafés” has cropped up in the UK, too, Northern Ireland included.

And establishments that turn down “hard” currency are becoming more common all over the world.

Take the trendy eateries in New York, for example, which say “no” to readies. Or the new supermarket in Singapore where robots pack your bags and banknotes are futile. Even Ikea in Sweden has experimented with a cashless outlet.

Cash, as Mr Rozhaja found, is often a hassle. And if it accounts for a negligible fraction of turnover, why not drop it?

Ikea found that so few people - 1.2 in every 1,000 - insisted on paying in cash that it was financially justifiable to offer them free food

in the shop cafeteria instead.

“It’s slightly surprising to me that there aren’t more of these cashless places already,” says Dave Birch, director of payments at Consult Hyperion, a research consultancy.

He feels that some societies are embracing the cashless revolution more quickly than others.

“I was in Australia last week where the use of contactless is near ubiquitous. In fact, if you don’t tap to pay for something it’s regarded as rather strange already,” he explains.

Getting rid of cash frees up retail staff so they can spend more time with customers, adds Mr Birch. And tills stuffed with grotty banknotes don’t clutter up serving space.

UK Finance, a trade association, projects that in Britain cash will be used in just one fifth of all sales by 2026. In the last year alone, 4,735 cash machines have disappeared, according to research by Paymentsense.

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Eye on TechEye

Gadget Fatigue...Is It a Real Phenomenon?

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usy British and Irish people are suffering from “gadget confusion,” a study has found.

Research revealed millions are baffled by the number of buttons, symbols and switches on devices which are difficult to use.

It also emerged a large percentage claim they don’t have the time to read instructions and three quarters confessed to being confused by gadgets.

Another eight in 10 admitted using a “trial and error” approach when it comes to their devices and appliances.

And more than a third can’t be bothered to try different settings or options.

Three in four also said they purchase gizmos and gadgets and completely disregard the instructions, leaving only half of them aware how to use the basic settings on their tech.

Tom Guy, global product director at Centrica Hive, which commissioned the study, said: “Technology needn’t be scary, especially with the number of innovative smart devices out there now.

“Our research shows how modern

life leaves a number of Brits without the time or patience to get to grips with their tech, but smart devices in the home like thermostats, cameras and sensors are created to make life easier and give peace of mind.”

The study also found Britons “guess” their way to using their tech because one third think it’s too complicated and one fifth admitted they will forget what they’ve read.

As a result, the average Briton will use just 26 per cent of their mobile phone settings and apps.

Of the 17 per cent who currently own a smart speaker, half won’t use their device for anything other than listening to music.

Six in 10 are making life harder for themselves by manually changing their heating preferences as they don’t know how to set the timer on their home thermostat.

And nearly a third had no idea their microwave has pre-programmed settings to help them cook things like jacket potatoes or fish hassle-free.

One sixth of adults don’t know which way to turn the dial in their fridge to change the temperature, with more than a third sticking to the same cycle on their dishwashers.

And half won’t veer away from the same single setting on their iron.

Brits use an average of just two settings a month on their dishwashers, as they understand less than half of the functions available to them.

The research found 82 per cent wished technology was easier to understand; with seven in 10 in agreeing manufacturers could do more to make their devices easy to understand.

Nearly three quarters have been amazed by someone else showing them a new “trick” or setting on their gadgets.

And despite half the nation owning a piece of smart tech, an equal number of Brits think smart technology is too complicated to understand.

Consumers Keep The Faith Despite Data Breaches

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onsumers still put their brand trust in big companies and are willing to part with personal data if they believe it can benefit them.

This is according to Janrain which conducted a survey to better

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understand how consumers really feel about brands in the wake of so many data breaches.

The company polled 1,000 UK adults as part of its Consumer Attitudes Toward Data Privacy and Security Survey and found that most consumers are still willing to part with their personal information if it can somehow benefit them.

While big internet companies like Google and Facebook remain among the least trusted businesses, a large number of respondents put the most faith in pharmaceutical and travel companies including airlines.

While this may be surprising, given the recent British Airways attacks that affected 380,000 customers, it’s great news for companies in these industries.

By addressing consumer privacy

and security concerns, while highlighting the benefits of sharing personal data, pharmaceutical and travel companies can gain an edge with customers, driving repeat business and gaining new fans in the process.

When it comes down to doing business with trustworthy brands, only 18% of people noted that they would be likely to walk away from a business that required them to provide highly personal data like an email or phone number.

Financial data and account passwords ranked among the highest concerns of data points that consumers feel the need to protect. Meanwhile, only 25% noted that they want to keep their personal viewing habits private.

Consumers are also willing to part with their personal information if it can somehow

help them. The survey revealed that just over 52% of people would willingly allow a company to use some of their data if they had something to gain from it.

“Our survey is incredibly good news for brands that take the personal data privacy and security of their customers seriously,” said Janrain CEO, Jim Kaskade.

“Despite high-profile missteps and outright failures in the way brands have approached data privacy and security, consumers are very open to a consentdriven relationship with brands, which will go a long way toward solidifying trust for stronger, longer-term relationships.”

Sponsored by nitec.com

NI’S PREMIER TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

Eye on TechEye

Kids & Technology...

A Parental Challenge

I

t only confirms what most of us already knew, but a recent study shows that more than half of parents struggle to keep up with the costs of the latest technology for their kids, it has emerged.

Of 2,000 parents polled, one third admitted “going without” themselves in order to buy the latest products for their children.

The study also found 37 per cent save all year to ensure their little ones have the same hightech gadgets as their mates.

But while eight in 10 parents feel ‘under pressure’ to make sure their kid has the latest technology, seven in 10 have refused to buy brand new due to the sky-high price tags.

And 38 per cent have opted for refurbished kit instead.

It also emerged seven in 10 believe technology is too expensive a gift to buy for children, and a fifth report their child wants to upgrade their phone every 18 months.

When buying refurbished technology, more than a third of parents kept the fact the gadget wasn’t brand new and box-fresh a secret from their kids, in case they turned their noses up.

And almost four in 10 don’t want their kids to know their parents struggle to afford the latest gadgets.

People reckon they saved themselves on average £102 the last time they bought a refurbished product compared to a brand new one – and the majority

of parents think their children wouldn’t know the difference anyway.

Two in five parents don’t think refurbished technology products look any different to a brand-new purchase.

Smartphones and tablets were revealed as the gadgets most likely to be bought refurbished, according to the research conducted via OnePoll.

This was followed by games consoles like PlayStations and Xboxes, and a quarter would be happy to buy a refurbished laptop.

They would also expect a piece of refurbished technology to last them just under a year and a half before it needed replacing – or upgrading – again.

But some of the top reasons parents wouldn’t opt for an as-new gadget

include not being able to trust where it came from, worrying about it breaking too soon and that the kids won’t like it.

Four in 10 respondents also fear their refurbished gadget won’t be as good in quality as something bought brand new.

The research was conducted by site musicMagpie.

A spokesman, Liam Howley, said: “Technology moves at a frightening pace.

“What was once the cutting edge of the industry can find itself next to obsolete within the space of months – and even weeks in some cases.

“It can be hard enough even keeping up with the latest advances in technology, let alone having the cash to upgrade all your own gear.”

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Eye on Air Travel

Roy Kinnear Ulsterman On The Flybe Flight Deck

Roy Kinnear gets more of a chance to visit his native Northern Ireland these days than he’s had during most of a chequered career in the aviation industry.

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native of Armagh, Kinnear left Northern Ireland in the 1980’s after graduating from the University of Ulster and took his first airline industry job with British Midland at its Castle Donington headquarters close to East Midlands Airport.

Sixteen years from British

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Midland was followed by a similar number of years working overseas, first with Gulf Air based in Bahrain, then with the fast-growing Eithad in Abu Dhabi, a year in India working with Jet Airways and ultimately to the holiday paraside of the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean, where he was Chief

Executive of the national airline Air Seychelles for three years.

Earlier this year, he took the job that has re-connected him with Northern Ireland. Kinnear was appointed as Chief Operating Officer at Flybe, part of an Exeter-based senior management team led by Flybe’s French CEO, Christine Ormieres-Widener.

Although based in Devon, Roy Kinnear is responsible for a Flybe route network that includes Belfast City Airport as one of its largest and most important operating bases.

“I’m responsible for our network, our fleet and the entire commercial side of the business, including our ticket sales, digital channels, pricing, engineering and revenue streams. So it’s certainly a wide-ranging role but it’s one I’m really enjoying.”

Flybe has been through various periods of change, as well as name, in its lifetime. And the airline has been subject of media conjecture in recent months with rumours circulating about potential acquisition by one or other of the big names in the aviation world.

Eye on Air Travel

Given that Flybe is a Plc, Kinnear and his senior colleagues aren’t able to comment on any of the current rumours. He prefers to concentrate on the challenge of doing business.

“The airline business is relatively simple at the bottom line,” he says simply. “Revenue per seat is the key measure. And, year to date, we’ve seen a healhy 8% growth in our revenue per seat. That’s in an economy where I think we are seeing a tightening of belts, especially as a result of Brexit uncertainty.

“For an airline like Flybe, on time performance is crucial. Our average flight time is something like 50 to 55 minutes. So what’s important to our passengers isn’t an onboard meal or anything like that. It’s getting through airports quickly, leaving on time and arriving on time at the other end. It’s about hassle free flying.

“From our perspective, that translates to having efficient operations and a schedule that works for our customers, as well as generating as much revenue as we can along the way.”

Flybe runs a fleet of Embraer 175 jets and Bombardier Q400 aircraft, with the latter forming the backbone of the Belfast-

based part of the fleet. The airline has no less than nine aircraft based here, and that includes one replacement aircraft..... held (expensively) on stand-by in case of operational issues.

“It’s a well-known fact in the industry that we’ve become a bit of a training school for pilot who train on our Q400’s and go on to work for bigger airlines all over the world,” adds Kinnear.

The airline, he says, constantly re-evaluates its busy schedule out of and into Belfast. It announced recently that it was to cut its flights to Liverpool, but to use the extra aircraft capacity to add additional slots to its Belfast-Glasgow service.

It has also stepped up flights on the Belfast-Aberdeen route.

Roy Kinnear underlines the success of the Belfast CityLondon City route which now offers more flights each day on the only direct route between the two city airports.

“Our Big 4 operating bases are Manchester, Birmingham, Southampton and Belfast,” he says.

“We carry 1.7 million passengers into and out of Belfast each year.

That’s equivalent to the entire population of Northern Ireland.

On average, Flybe’s Belfast service run at around 80% full.

“That makes us very important, we think, to Northern Ireland, its economy and its business community. We’re providing short-haul routes to airports from Inverness in the very north to Southampton and Exeter on the south coast. We are meeting the real needs of the travelling public on these islands.

“In fact, it you strip out the London airports, we are the number one operator in something like 15 regional airports across the UK. That means that we’re a very important regional operator by any measure.”

In common with almost every other senior executive in the airline industry, Roy Kinnear takes any opportunity to fly the APD flag. Air passenger duty, he says, continues to be the largest single problem facing aviation in this country.

“And it’s an even more crucial problem here in Northern Ireland where passengers coming into or out of Belfast are hit by the tax. But, if they fly into and out of Dublin, they can avoid it.

So it is a serious handicap for airlines and airports alike.”

Meanwhile, back on to his operational role at Flybe, Roy Kinnear says that the airline, as a

matter of priority, is working hard to improve its digital channels to make booking easier and more seamless for passengers.

And it’s working in particular to open up code-sharing opportunties with airline partners.

Once these improvements are in place, passengers will be able to use the Flybe website to book worldwide flights connecting with partner airlines.

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Eye on Travel

Emirates Holidays...

To Dubai & Beyond From Dublin Northern Ireland-based travellers have a new high-end choice when it comes to luxury holidays throughout the year.

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mirates Holidays, the packaged holiday arm of one of the world’s fastest-growing airlines, has been around in various guises for upwards of 30 years. It took on the Emirates brand six years ago, and was launched earlier this year on the Irish marketplace, building on the fact that Emirates runs two flights every day from Dublin to Dubai.

The airline also flies to Dubai from nine different airports across the UK, including regional airports such as Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester....giving Northern Ireland travellers the choice of flying via the UK, changing in London or elsewhere, or directly via Dublin.

“We can offer our customers prices in sterling for our holiday packages departing via Dublin,” says Niel Alobaidi, Emirates Holidays Managing Director for the UK & Ireland.

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Niel Alobaidi

The company offers a comprehensive range of holidays, with an extensive choice of hotels in Dubai itself as well as holidays to destinations throughout the

Indian Ocean, Thailand and Australasia.

“Close to 70% of our customers stay in Dubai, with 30% venturing further afield using flights connecting at Emirates Dubai hub. And we only offer 4 and 5-star properties, handpicked by the team at Emirates Holidays.

“The team here prides itself on its knowledge of Dubai as a resort as well as its hotels. We might not always be as cheap as online hotel sites, but we add value in different ways.

“For example, we can offer a half board option in a lot of our hotel properties.

And it’s not the kind of half board option that some might think. This one gives our customers access to some of the best a la carte restaurants in some of Dubai’s biggest and best hotels.”

And that’s a bonus which can’t be underestimated. Anyone who has

ever spent time in Dubai will be well aware of the cost of eating out there.

Also part of the Emirates Holidays service is a VIP meet & greet transfer from Dubai Airport to hotel and a free one-day ticket to Dubai Parks & Resorts – including Motiongate, Legoland & Legoland Water Park.

“For us, it’s all about adding value to the holiday packages that we’re offering,” says Niel Alobaidi. “Our aim is to make sure that our customers are looked after right through the booking process and on to the holiday itself. And our NPS (Net Promoter Service) scores would suggest that we’re getting it right.”

Alobaidi joined Emirates Holidays four years ago after a career with Tui, one of the big guns of the global travel industry.

He joined Tui as a graduate trainee and worked in a variety of roles there, latterly as MD of a Tui business serving the Denmark/Sweden marketplace.

“But, when this role came up, I jumped at the chance. Emirates is a really high quality brand in the aviation market, and there is so much potential to what we can do in the packaged holiday space,” he says.

The company has offered holidays to NI travellers for some years, but until now on the basis of Flybe feeder flights linking to Emirates services from the main UK airports. But the development of flights from Dublin to Dubai, the increase to a two flights a day service, and the much improved travel times between Northern Ireland and Dublin Airport have changed how the company does things.

Travellers can also choose from a range of other options, such as Club Rooms, at various Dubai properties.

And they can choose to book their Emirates Holidays trip via a travel agent or direct via the Emirates Holidays website – www.emiratesholidays.com Or, and for many this is a preferred option, advice from staff who know a thing or two about Dubai and the various onward destinations is available by calling on 020 8972 8951

Eye on Communications Sponsored by

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Eye on Communications

5 Reasons To Invest In Your Workflow

The global field service market is set to grow by 16.5% by 2020, so it is no surprise that productivity software is the number one priority in businesses’ tech budget. (source: Salesforce)

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orkflow management and streamlining your business processes is essential to ensuring efficient operating.

Workflow management software has become a vital part of business function as it is expected that by 2020, 75% of field service organisations with

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over 50 employees will deploy mobile workflow apps (source: Gartner). WorkPal – a Workflow Management Software solution has helped numerous businesses across the UK and Ireland to streamline their operations in various industry sectors.

Recently, one of WorkPal’s clients - an award winning interior

fit out company, explained their reasons why investing in workflow management software was the best thing for creating a more efficient business.

Pure Fitout specialises in providing a fully integrated development and fit out using sustainable construction and environmental best practices. The company was established in 2015 and offers a range of services from small, bespoke shop fittings to major commercial roll-outs.

The company were facing a number of issues with the workflow of their facilities management and were looking to invest in a software that

would provide them with the tools to better organise their processes. Pure Facilities Manager, Shane McDonagh emphasised the company’s need for an effective workflow management solution to ensure all incoming jobs were scheduled and tracked. “The main issue we had was tracking jobs, mainly the facilities management end, with the extremely quick growth of our company and the growing demands of our ever expanding client base.” Pure Fitout has highlighted the immediate benefits it has experienced since implementing workflow management software.

Eye on Communications

1. Increased Efficiency Efficiency is key to the operation of any business with software functionality being the most important reason for choosing a workflow software solution (source: Capterra).

Scheduling, allocating and tracking offers clients the ability to manage incoming job requests more accurately. Shane says, “WorkPal has really helped us monitor our job tracking. We are able to assign jobs directly

to operative’s mobile phones and monitor their progress, materials, timings and travel for each job.” The improved communication between operatives means jobs are completed to a high quality and duplication does not occur, saving the business time and money. An average taken from several businesses currently using a workflow management software noted an annual saving of around £24,000 per year.

2. Paperless Offices The idea of a paperless office was once a laughed off joke administrators used to tell each other. Now it is something most organisations are striving to achieve. However, 52% of service companies are still doing things manually (source: Field Technologies Online).

Shane emphasises, “From start of project to completion and invoicing, there were many different platforms being used to track and monitor jobs such as excel spreadsheets and handwritten job sheets. This was difficult and time consuming from an administrative point of view. WorkPal has significantly reduced our administrative time as we have zero physical paper work to manage. This alone is a major benefit of the system.”

By going paperless your business could save up to £60 per employee and free up between 50-70% of office space. According to SAP’s 2017 report on paper usage, the cost of a business processing a single paper invoice is around £10.

Translate that into a monthly and yearly total and you could

be shocked at how much you actually spend on handling physical paper documents.

3. Improved Cash Flow Workflow management software incorporates all aspects of your business operations, from job scheduling right through to quote management and invoicing. Information is collated on the system and invoices produced once a job has been signed off. Additional labour or materials are automatically picked up from the job file and added to the invoice ensuring all expenses are accounted for.

Most software solutions will store previous jobs, labour and material requirements. This supports more accurate and faster pricing at the quote management stage. Shane highlights, “We are able to invoice quicker and more accurately than if we were waiting on timesheets and material lists. The ability to store information on previous jobs, dates, times, operatives, images and costs enables us to provide precise quotes to potential customers on the

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Eye on Communications

go from an iPad or desktop PC.” According to Capterra’s Field Service User Research, 90% of users said the number of quotes they won were positively impacted after implementing a workflow management software. Quote creation functionality was the most desired feature of workflow management software, followed closely

by CRM integration (source: Capterra).

WorkPal integrates with various other software providers including Sage, Xero and Quickbooks to provide a seamless experience for users. Invoices can be automatically generated once a job is completed and linked directly to your accounts team.

4. Informed Decision Making The collection and delivery of real time data will enable management to make more informed decisions. Certain industries can be very reactive therefore real time data that syncs immediately back to the office means businesses can react faster to changes in job requirements. Jobs can be reported on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis, highlighting company performance. The ability to compare data will aid in making necessary changes to operations in order to improve workflow in the future.

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5. Enables Business Growth Reduction in administration time and a more efficient workforce means resources can be allocated to helping business growth.

“The reduced admin time enabled us to focus more energy on completing jobs, engage more with our clients and also take on more projects.” Says Shane.

An effective workflow management software will benefit not only you but also your customers as expectations will be meet, if not exceeded. This in turn lead to a positive customer experience that will help generate more business in the future.

Pure Fitout’s positive experience with WorkPal means their business is now running more efficiently with a streamlined workflow across their facilities management sector. Shane says, “We would highly recommend Workpal. The ease of use and structure of the Workpal system has helped us to manage our workload effectively.

To have all the information on one platform, accessible at any time or location, is the perfect solution for any company running both small and large scale projects and sites.

We have recommended the system to other companies we work with as a solution for their job management issues.”

About WorkPal WorkPal is our software solution for mobile workflow management, reporting, tracking and invoicing. It has been designed and developed by our in-house software team and is a Web App for Office users and a Smartphone App for iOS and Android that instantly synchronises the paperwork of office and field based teams, transforming the distribution, management and time frames of jobs, paperwork and invoicing.

We work with clients all over the world, from Ireland to the USA. Our experience has allowed us to develop our solution to meet the changing needs of our customers and this is why we are one of the leading providers of workflow management software.

Eye on Awards

RTS NI REVEAL WINNERS OF 2018 PROGRAMME AWARDS The winners of the Royal Television Society Northern Ireland (RTS NI) Programme Awards were announced last night at a glittering awards ceremony in The Mac Belfast, hosted by Actress Bronagh Waugh.

C

asting Director Carla Stronge was announced as the winner of the Brian Waddell Award which recognises her outstanding contribution to the local television and film industry.

Belfast born Carla set up The Extras Dept in Belfast in 2007 with Siobhan Allan and went on to set up Carla Stronge Casting in 2013.

Carla has worked on all 8 seasons of HBO’s Game of Thrones; BBC 2’s THE FALL and recent Belfast set true story Doing Money; ITV’s The Secret and Channel 4’s Derry

Girls as well as films including The Dig, Kissing Candice, and upcoming 2019 release We Don’t Talk About Love. She has won two Emmy’s for her work on Game of Thrones in 2015 and 2016.

Carla Stronge says: “This is a mind-blowing honour. Waddell Media was the first place I did work experience, so I am very proud to be the first recipient in the Award’s new name. It’s a great privilege to be congratulated by your peers and those whom you massively respect.

We’re in a very exciting chapter of

The Brian Waddell Award for Outstanding Contribution sponsored by Ka-Boom. Carla Stronge receives her award from Zach Willis from Ka-Boom. Also pictured is actress Bronagh Waugh.

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growth and development here in our industry in Northern Ireland, when elsewhere everyone is calling Time’s Up! Here in Northern Ireland the time is now to build on our success. I know with the most pro-active screen agency in the UK, if not Europe and the world, we can continue to grow this place as a centre of excellence in every way, with values of equality, respect and inclusion at its core. I’m very honoured to be a small part of that journey.”

Derry Girls picked up the Award for Best Scripted Comedy for Hat Trick Productions and No Stone Unturned won the Current Affairs Award for Fine Point Films.

Fine Point Films also picked up the Award for Best Documentary with Cyprus Avenue Films for 66 Days with the Specialist Factual Award going to Erica Starling Productions & Ronachan

Children’s and / or Animation - sponsored by Millar McCall Wylie. Zodiak Kids Studios: Joe All Alone – Home Alone – Steven Andrew, Nadine Marsh-Edwards; Beryl Richards are presented with their award by Damian McPartland from Millar McCall Wylie. Also pictured is Bronagh Waugh.

Films for Leonora Carrington – The Lost Surrealist.

Come Home filmed in Belfast

by Red Production Company Ltd took the Award for best Drama and the Entertainment Award went to Nice One Productions & Hindsight Productions for What Makes You Tic? Rachel Allen: A Cook’s Adventure took the Features/ Factual Entertainment Award for Big Mountain Productions with the Award for Original Music Score going to Below The Radar for Rocky Ros Muc. BBC Newsline picked up the News Award for its Paedophile Hunter Investigation and the Award for Children’s Animation went to Zodiak Kids Studios for Joe All Home – Home Alone with BBC Northern Ireland also picking up the Interactive Award for 1943 Berlin Blitz.

Current Affairs - sponsored by Carson McDowell LLP Fine Point Films: No Stone Unturned – Barry McCaffrey and Emma Rogan receive the award from Olivia O’Kane from Carson McDowell LLP. Also pictured is Bronagh Waugh.

Eye on Awards

Documentary - sponsored by Performance Film and Media Insurance. Cyprus Avenue Films / Fine Point Films: 66 Days - Brendan Byrne receives the award from Gareth Graham from Performance Film and Media Insurance.

Also pictured is actress Bronagh Waugh.

Drama - sponsored by Yellowmoon. Red Production Company Ltd: Come Home – Danny Brocklehurst receives his award from Greg Darby from Yellowmoon. Also pictured is actress Bronagh Waugh.

Entertainment - sponsored by NEP Ireland. Stellify Media: Don’t Say It Bring It. Nice One Productions & Hindsight Productions: What Makes You Tic? Chris Jones and Lewis Nickell are presented with their award by Steve Curran from NEP Ireland. Also pictured is actress Bronagh Waugh.

Features and / or Factual Entertainment - sponsored by Mac-Sys. Big Mountain Productions: Rachel Allen: A Cook’s Adventure – Philip and Jane McGovern receive their award from Stuart Mallet from Mac-Sys.

Interactive - sponsored by Flint Studios. BBC NI: 1943 Berlin Blitz - Warren Bell and David Whelan from BBC NI are presented with their award by Jeremy Biggerstaff from Flint Studios. Also pictured is Bronagh Waugh.

News Coverage - sponsored by Queens University Belfast.

BBC NI: BBC Newsline Paedophile Hunter Investigation.

Adam Smyth, Kevin Magee, Catherine Morrison and Damian Magee receive the award from Trevor Johnston .

Original Music Score – G&H Film and Television Services.

Below The Radar: Rocky Ros Muc – Michael Fanning, Andrew Simon McAllister Robert receive their award from Alan Grozier from G&H Film and Television Services.

Also pictured is actress Bronagh Waugh.

Scripted Comedy – sponsored by City Air Express.

Hat Trick Productions: Derry Girls – Ian McElhinney and Siobhan Sweeney receive the award from Kevin Doherty from City Air Express. Also pictured is Bronagh Waugh.

Specialist Factual - sponsored by Flame Distribution Ltd. Erica Starling Productions & Ronachan Films: Leonora Carrington – The Lost Surrealist – Rachel Hooper and Martha O’Kane receive the award from John Caldon from Flame Distribution Ltd. Also pictured is Bronagh Waugh.

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Eye on Charity

NI Gives - local generosity unwraps £18,000 gift for charity on Giving Tuesday Three local charities have boosted their fundraising efforts ahead of Christmas at a crowdfunding event organised by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland.

L-R Nuala McKeever, Laura Denny Families with Ups and Downs, Baby Nathan Denny, Eamonn Og Denny, Andrew McCracken Community Foundation NI

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he NI Gives event which raised £18,522.50 was held on Giving Tuesday - a global day of giving following the shopping overload of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Charities benefitting include Mind Your Mate and Yourself (MYMY) - a mental health charity co-set up to deal with an increase in suicides in a Co. Down community, Families with Ups and Downs - a voluntary group of families of children and young adults with Down Syndrome, and MACS - a charity

which helps children and young people, including those leaving care as well as those in general need of support.

Each charity pitched for support for various aspects of their work at the event hosted by comedienne Nuala McKeever.

Whilst those offering financial backing to the charities include individuals, families and local businesses. The Telecommunity Fund which is managed by the Community Foundation pledged £1500 in support to each charity, and the Community Foundation doubled

donations by match-funding on the night.

Ray Cunningham from MYMY said: “We work with thousands of people each year and offer a confidential one-to-one service for people experiencing difficult issues and feelings. We currently have a long waiting list and an increasing demand for our counselling service.

“We help people to look at life from a completely different perspective, it’s so easy for people to get caught up in their own heads - and I know this myself from experience, but when self-care becomes a priority, life can be wonderful, so this event has been a great opportunity for us to bring in some valuable support for our counselling service and share our message further.”

Laura Denny whose four month old son Nathan has Down Syndrome pitched on behalf of Families with Ups and Downs: “When I was told Nathan would have Down Syndrome, I immediately started searching the internet for any information I could find. I was twelve weeks pregnant and had no idea what to expect.

“As a young mum in my twenties, a diagnosis of Down Syndrome for my baby came as a shock. But I haven’t looked back since being introduced to Families with Ups and Downs. They have offered Nathan and I fantastic support, and I was delighted to share my story of how they have helped me so that others might benefit from the support on offer.

“There are often very few places for families to turn and this charity provides a vital lifeline. It is a huge relief knowing that Nathan has got this group to grow up with, and that he will have

days out and most importantly, that he will have friends and people who can help him live the best life possible.”

Trevor McMahon from MACS supporting children and young people said: “It is our aim that MACS “Muddy Paws” dog walking and pampering service will help improve the overall wellbeing of young people, using the physical activity associated with the new social enterprise to address some of the key issues that the young people we work with can face, including low confidence, disengagement from employment, and a lack of training opportunities.

“To be able to tell people about the work we do and the young people we work with, at an event like this, is a unique opportunity and we are grateful for all the support we have received. It will truly make a positive impact in the lives of the young people we work with and is one of the best gifts we could receive - particularly at Christmas”.

Siofra Healy Director of Philanthropy at the Community Foundation said: “The Community Foundation connects people who care to causes that matter. We aim to encourage and support those who want to give, and to empower local communities to create change for the better, so this event was a fantastic opportunity to do just that.

“I am delighted that we have been able to facilitate support for these three amazing charities and particularly on Giving Tuesday and at Christmas, a time when many of us give to others.

Over the last year the Foundation has secured £2m in new funding towards causes that matter in NI and we will distribute over £230,000 this month to help groups continue the inspiring work they undertake in our community.”

The event brought together a wide range of people and provided an opportunity to engage with the charities, privately offer support and have a massive impact on the lives of people in our local community.

To find out more about the Community Foundation visit: www.communityfoundationni.org

Give Inc members Jackie McCoy, Orla McGreevy, Maeve Monaghan, and Helen Hughes

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Ray Cunningham MYMY, Trevor McMahon MACS, Eve Rosato BBCNI, Carrie (young leader) MACS, Laura Denny Families with Ups and Downs

To add your support to the three charities, please visit: www.justgiving.com/cfni

Eye on Charity

Families with Ups and Downs

Laura Denny pictured far right with Families with Ups and Downs

At twelve weeks pregnant, 26 year Laura Denny from Belfast was told that her baby had Down Syndrome. She was told her baby was also very unwell and had a zero percent chance of survival.

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ne year later and Laura is pitching at a Community Foundation crowdfunding event for support on behalf of Families with Ups and Downs, a voluntary group of families of children and young adults with Down Syndrome. Laura tells the audience: “My zero percent chance of survival baby is called Nathan and he’s now four months old and is here tonight in the arms of my husband Eamonn.”

Laura’s story clearly strikes a chord, as the charity went onto raise £6560.50 at the event held in Ormeau Baths, which as Clare Joudeh from Families with Ups

and Downs explains will be used towards the costs of Makaton language classes - enabling many families to communicate with their child for the first time.

Laura tells how she became involved with the charity: “A prenatal diagnosis of Down Syndrome is terrifying and when I was told Nathan would have the condition, I immediately started searching the internet for any information I could find. I was twelve weeks pregnant and had no idea what to expect.

“As a young mum in my twenties, I was in shock, i’d always thought that Down Syndrome was something which only affected older mothers.

But I came across Families with Ups and Downs who guided me and introduced me to another young mum in a similar position and I haven’t looked back since being introduced to the group.”

Laura says that the group has offered her and Nathan fantastic support, so much so that she was determined to share her story at the crowdfunding event so that others might become aware of the charity and benefit from the support on offer.

Laura highlights how much this support has helped her, in demystifying the condition and helping her and husband Eamonn Og see the possibilities for Nathan’s future: “There are often very few places for families to turn and this charity provides a vital lifeline. It is a huge relief knowing that Nathan has got this group to grow up with, and that he will have days out and most importantly, that he will have

friends and people who can help him live the best life possible.”

A total of £18,522.50 was raised on the night and other charities benefitting include Mind Your Mate and Yourself (MYMY) - a mental health charity co-set up to deal with an increase in suicides in a Co. Down community, and MACS - a charity which helps children and young people, including those leaving care as well as those in general need of support.

Each charity pitched for support for various aspects of their work at the event hosted by comedienne Nuala McKeever.

Whilst those offering financial backing to the charities include individuals, families and local businesses. The Telecommunity Fund which is managed by the Community Foundation pledged £1500 in support to each charity, and the Community Foundation doubled donations by match-funding on the night.

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Eye on AirTravel

Updated Car Park Products Ensure Flexibility For Passengers At Belfast City Airport our passengers. With a revised range of products, our customers can now avail of higher levels of flexibility and value when booking.

Those booking in advance directly at belfastcityairport.com will continue to benefit from the biggest savings.

“As part of the £15m investment which has already seen significant improvements to our security area and Departure Lounge, work has now commenced on a covered walkway between the airport and car parking areas. This is a feature that has been requested by our customers so we are thrilled it will be a reality by early 2019.”

“The airport has also been awarded Park Mark status from the British Parking Association as part of its national Safer Parking Scheme.

This recognises car parks which are properly managed and maintained meaning drivers benefit from that extra peace of mind knowing their car is secure whilst they are away.”

PREMIER CAR PARK

With three convenient, official car parks located at George Best Belfast City Airport, passengers can now avail of improved products.

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The airport car parks provide convenient parking solutions for arriving and departing passengers, as well as meeters and greeters who can avail of 10 free minutes

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whilst parked in the designated Pick up and Drop off area.

As part of a £15m investment aimed at enhancing the passenger experience at the airport, a new car park booking platform has been launched making the process quicker and easier for passengers.

Katy Best, Commercial Director at Belfast City Airport, commented: “At Belfast City Airport, our focus remains on providing passengers with an enjoyable, convenient, superior airport experience.

“Our parking facilities are convenient and well situated for

In addition to the Short Stay and Long Stay Car Parks, the airport has introduced its Premier Car Park which is located just a two minute walk from check-in and arrivals.

Passengers booking this car park can avail of one complimentary fast track security pass meaning they have even longer to relax in the Departure Lounge before boarding their flight.

Katy added: “The Premier Car Park is the closest car park to the terminal and this has been really popular with our business passengers as it gets them from the office and on to the plane as quickly as possible.

“The Premier product can only be pre-booked online to ensure capacity and passengers who make four bookings within one month are automatically entered into a prize draw to win a monthly parking pass.”

SHORT STAY AND LONG STAY Both the Short Stay and Long Stay Car Parks at the airport are less than a ten minute walk from the main terminal. Customers can ensure best value by pre-booking their stay online at belfastcityairport.com Katy said: “Our Short Stay Car Park is ideal for customers travelling overnight on business or leisure passengers jetting off for the weekend. Our designated parking bays for blue badge holders are also located in this Car Park.

“For passengers travelling for longer periods of time such as a week or longer, the Long Stay Car Park remains the most cost-effective option.”

ANNUAL PASS Annual parking passes are available for all on site car parks in either three, six or 12 months, and with tap in / tap out technology, there is no need for passengers to prebook every time they travel.

Katy continued: “Frequent travellers can save both money and time when investing in an Annual Pass. This allows passengers to come and go as required with unlimited visits per vehicle. These are sold at a set price for a period of the customer’s choice, and we are working closely with corporates to ensure best value for frequent users.

For the best value, book your parking online at belfastcityairport.com To avail of corporate rates or to enquire about an Annual Pass, please contact annualparkingpasses@bca.aero

Business parking at Belfast City Airport

Close & convenient

Safe & secure

Car Park Benefits • Easy access to check in and arrivals • A guaranteed space if you prebook online in advance • Airport security CCTV coverage and 24/7 patrols offer peace of mind whilst you’re away • Short transfer times mean greater convenience • Our flexible bookings allow for stress free experiences

Official & on-site

P

Flexible booking

LONG S TAY CAR PARK

Our cheapest and most popular car park

P

SHORT S TAY CAR PARK

Offers a covered walkway to the terminal

P

PREMIER

CAR PARK

The closest car park to the terminal

Frequent flyers can save with a 3, 6 or 12 month pass For further information, or to arrange a visit from a Belfast City Airport representative, please contact annualparkingpasses@bca.aero

Eye on Events

Translink To Offer Inside Track For Prospective Suppliers At Engagement Event Registration now open for Supplier Engagement Event at Titanic Belfast on 26th February 2019.

T

ranslink has joined forces with InterTradeIreland to deliver a supplier engagement event with a difference.

Taking place on Tuesday 26th February 2019 in Titanic Belfast, suppliers will have the opportunity to not only meet Translink’s procurement team but also engage directly with decision-makers across the Group’s key business functions.

Suppliers will gain an invaluable insight into Translink’s specific business needs and how they can most effectively offer their services.

The event will include engagement opportunities across a range of disciplines including engineering, fleet and vehicle maintenance, construction, professional services, property maintenance, marketing/ PR and technology. There will also be workshops examining various aspects of the tendering process plus a number of current Translink suppliers will discuss sub-contractor opportunities.

Encouraging prospective suppliers, particularly SMEs, to register their place at the event, Translink’s Chief Financial Officer Paddy Anderson says it’s an exciting time to be doing business with the public transport operator: “We deliver important services which really benefit society and last year over 81 million journeys were made on Translink services – the highest number in 20 years.

Our business continues to grow as more people choose public transport as their first choice for travel in Northern Ireland.

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Translink’s Chief Financial Officer Paddy Anderson, Translink Head of Procurement Tricia Massey and InterTradeIreland Chairperson Ken Nelson MBE.

“We have a diverse range of key projects including major infrastructure programmes like the Belfast Transport Hub / Weavers Cross development and exciting technology projects such as the Translink Future Ticketing Programme. So, attracting the best suppliers to meet all our business needs is essential to support our continued growth and success.

“By working with InterTradeIreland we are able to provide this unique opportunity for suppliers, particularly SMEs, to engage directly with us and help overcome any barriers which could deter them from pursuing opportunities with us in the future. We’re now encouraging any businesses who

are interested in working with us to register and secure their place at this major event,” said Paddy.

InterTradeIreland Chairperson Ken Nelson MBE said: “‘’InterTradeIreland is pleased to be delivering this event with Translink in 2019, a year which marks InterTradeIreland celebrating 20 years of cross-border business.

“InterTradeIreland continues to support SMEs to tender successfully for public sector contracts through a range of supports and services including tender workshops, mentoring and meet the buyer events. This particular event provides SMEs with a unique chance to learn about Translink’s upcoming opportunities and to build connections with

one of the key public sector buyers in Northern Ireland.

“It is widely recognised that SMEs can and do provide a valuable service to the public sector so I would encourage them to come along to this event which is FREE to attend as to have the opportunity to meet buyers personally and showcase your company is invaluable.’’

For more details and to register your attendance visit www.intertradeireland.com/events and follow @Inter_Trade @ Translink_NI #sell2translink.

Working with the best.

Mills Selig is proud to have advised some of Northern Ireland’s leading businesses in 2018.

We advised DCC Energy Ltd, a subsidiary of DCC plc, on its disposal of both its Northern Ireland oil distribution business and its oil storage terminal in Belfast.

We advised Whiterock Capital Partners LLP in relation to its two new funds – the £30m Growth Loan Fund II and the £30m Growth Finance Fund.

We advised First Derivatives plc in relation to the acquisition of Telconomics09 S.L., a provider of telco analytics software.

We advised Belfast agri-firm Devenish Nutrition Limited on its acquisition of 50% of Turkish company, Yem-Vit A.S.

We acted for ITV plc in the sale of Havelock House to Olympian Homes.

We acted for the selling shareholders of NI company Kilco International in its acquisition

by Kersia.

millsselig.com

21 Arthur Street, Belfast, BT1 4GA,

T. +44 (0)28 9024 3878 F. +44 (0)28 9023 1956

Northern Ireland

E. info@millsselig.com

Eye on Technology

NIAVAC Showcases Latest Presentation Technology N

IAVAC held a customer event at its East Belfast headquarters recently to showcase the very latest audio visual presentation technology, including a ground-breaking 10 metre x 3 metre LED video wall. Hosted by NIAVAC Managing Director James Conlon, the sports-themed event welcomed guest speakers Wilma Erskine, Secretary Manager of Royal Portrush Golf Club, which hosts the 2019 Open Championship next summer, and gaelic football legend Peter Canavan. The panel discussion was hosted by Adrian Logan.

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Steve Nicol, NIAVAC, Richard McCullough, Ryan Irvine and Patrice Doherty from DesignCo

Peter Canavan, Sky Sports Analyst, James Conlon, NIAVAC, Wilma Erskine. Secretary Manager. Royal Portrush Golf Club and Adrian Logan, presenter

Steve Nicol, NIAVAC and Mark McGeehan, J&K Coaches

James Conlon, NIAVAC and Barry Faloona, Event-ful

Adrian Logan, presenter, Wilma Erskine, Royal Portrush Golf Club and Peter Canavan, Sky Sports Analyst

Carl Jones, Education Authority and Ian Corbett, Bailie Associates

Jason Tunnicliff, Panosonic, Mirek Matwiejczyk, B-tech

Alan Scott and Stuart Ogg, NIAVAC

NORTHERN IRELAND’S LEADING BUSINESS AWARDS

Eye on Awards

‘FinTrU To Form’ - Financial Services Specialists Come Out On Top At Befta18 Business Awards Company Of The Year

Highly Commended

FinTrU

Andrew Dickinson, Peter Johnston, John Ardill & Craig Walker from Wilsons Auctions with Adrian Moynihan (third right) and Brenda Buckley (left).

Brenda Buckley of Business Eye with the winning team from FinTrU.

Highly Commended

Belfast businesswoman Tina McKenzie has been named ‘Business Personality of the Year’ at the 2018 BEFTAs, the Business Eye First Trust Bank Business Awards. Meanwhile, the overall ‘Company of the Year’ accolade went to financial services specialists FinTrU, who also completed a rare double by picking up the award for ‘Fast Growth Business of the Year’.

T

he awards, now in their 13th year and re-branded from the former UTV Business Eye Awards, were presented at a glittering ceremony attended by a 600-strong business audience at ICC Belfast last night (Thursday, 22nd November). Sponsored by First Trust Bank, the awards honoured companies and business leaders across 18 different categories, rewarding growth, innovation and commitment to CSR, the environment and people development.

Tina McKenzie was chosen by the judging panel for steering the growth of the Staffline Group in the Northern Ireland marketplace, and for her contribution to the local economy as a prolific spokesperson on business issues in her role as NI Policy Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses.

Financial services group FinTrU, set to grow to over 800 employees here over the coming years, took the ‘Company of the Year’ title at the 2018 BEFTAs. The company, led by founder and CEO Darragh McCarthy, was also named as ‘Fast Growth Business of the Year’, following the recent rapid growth of the business, only formed in December 2013.

Multi-award-winning Mash Direct took the ‘Family Business of the Year’ award, while Bangor-based Denroy Plastics was named as ‘Manufacturer of the Year’.

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In other awards, PKF-FPM Accountants were inaugural winners in a new ‘Professional Services Firm of the Year’ category. Meanwhile, a hotly-contested’ Young Business Personality of the Year’ title was awarded jointly to Maire Claire Reid of Ballymenabased haulage firm TST Transport and Gavin Halpin of Belfast animation/TV house Paper Owl Films.

Speaking at the awards, Adrian Moynihan, Head of First Trust Bank said; “The BEFTAs are Northern Ireland’s longest running business awards and are an opportunity to celebrate the stand-out organisations and leaders in our business community, while very importantly recognising the value of their achievements to our economy and wider society.

Everyone who has been shortlisted and our winners should be very proud of their achievements.

“The event is also an important platform to beat the drum for the Northern Ireland business community and given the uncertain times we live in, politically and economically, we must ensure our voices are heard loud and clear at this critical time.

“Last week we saw a significant and positive step forward in Brexit negotiations with the publication of the draft Withdrawal Agreement and a date set for the EU Summit. While maybe not perfect, we agree with the views and position of the leading Northern

Adrian Moynihan with Angela Connan and Conor Boyle from Lidl Northern Ireland.

Ireland business organisations and representative groups who have voiced their support for the draft Agreement. It is clear that most business leaders understand and agree that a ‘No Deal’ Brexit could be hugely damaging for our economy and is simply not an option. This deal at last brings some certainty and allows us to turn our attention to the future trade relationship with the EU - safe in the knowledge that we have a transition period to negotiate it and a backstop to fall back on should those negotiations fail.”

Commenting on their award success, FinTrU Founder & CEO, Darragh McCarthy, said: “I am delighted that the dedication and high-quality work of the employees here at FinTrU has been recognised in this way. FinTrU is a ‘people business’ and our employees are a critical driver of our success.”

Speaking about her recognition as ‘Business Personality of the Year’, Tina McKenzie said; “It is an absolute honour to receive the award for Business Personality of The Year - a big thank you to my teams who work tirelessly to allow me the freedom to give back in other ways and also the team at FSB NI. I am proud to be part of the wider NI business community where we all support each other.”

Eye on Awards Full List of Winners Business Personality of the Year Sponsor: First Trust Bank Tina McKenzie, Group MD, Staffline Ireland HIGHLY COMMENDED: Judith Totten HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Glyn Roberts

Company of the Year Sponsor: First Trust Bank FinTrU HIGHLY COMMENDED: Wilsons Auctions HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Lidl NI

Young Business Personality

Employer of the Year

Manufacturer of the Year

Waste Reduction Project of the Year

Sponsor: Clear Channel

Sponsor: Nimbus CS

Sponsor: ISL Waste Management

Action Cancer

Denroy Plastics

Pritchitts

HIGHLY COMMENDED: FinTrU

HIGHLY COMMENDED: BMI Trailers

Family Business of the Year

Technology Company of the Year

Sponsor: Momentum Group

Sponsor: Harbinson Mullholland

Sponsor: U105

Bloc Blinds

Mash Direct

First Derivatives

HIGHLY COMMENDED: ATG Services

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Killowen Contracts

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Henderson Technology

Agri Food Innovation Award

Innovative Business of the Year

Sponsor: Community Foundation NI

Sponsor: Musgrave

Sponsor: Business Eye

ATG Group

Davison Canners

Neurovalens

HIGHLY COMMENDED: George Best Belfast City Airport

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Around Noon

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Salt DNA HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Wilsons Auctions

Sponsor: Ulster University

Tourism & Hospitality Project

Maire Claire Reid, TST Transport

Sponsor: Visit Belfast

Medium Mid-Sized Business

& Gavin Halpin, Paper Owl Films

Andras House Group

Sponsor: QUB Leadership Institute/ CE Club

HIGHLY COMMENDED: We Are Vertigo

AMI

Telestack

Fast Growth Business of the Year

Professional Services Firm of the Year

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Brookvent

Sponsor: Fleet Financial

Sponsor: Davy

FinTrU

PKF-FPM Accountants

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Selective Travel Management

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Exporter of the Year Business Eye

Highly Commended

R&D Project of the Year

Community (CSR) Award

Executive Support Professional Sponsor: Honeycomb Janine Smalls, Homecare Independent Living

A&L Goodbody

Business Personality of the Year Tina McKenzie

Judith Totten from Upstream receives her Highly Commended certificate from First Trust Bank’s Ann McSorley.

Highly Commended

Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive of Retail NI, receives his Highly Commended certificate from Brenda Buckley & Ann McSorley.

Tina McKenzie receives the 2018 Business Personality of the Year award from Ann McSorley (right), Head of Corporate Banking at First Trust Bank, and Business Eye’s Brenda Buckley

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Eye on Awards Highly Commended

Research & Development Project of the Year Bloc Blinds

Tom Verner presents the Highly Commended certificate to Ciaran O’Neill & Scott McKinney of ATG Services.

Drums n’ Roses.

Tom Verner (left), Chief Executive of The Momentum Group presents the R&D Project of the Year Award to Patrick McGirr & Kathryn Bleakley of Bloc Blinds.

Exporter of the Year

Highly Commended

Telestack

Ciara Donnelly of Business Eye presents a Highly Commended certificate to David Kernoghan and Dane Duffy of Brookvent.

Padraig McDermott of Telestack receives the Exporter of the Year trophy from Business Eye’s Ciara Donnelly. Looking on are Mairead McCrory (left), Samantha Thompson and Philip Waddell.

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Richard Buckley, Business Eye.

Eye on Awards Family Business of the Year Award

Highly Commended

Mash Direct

Darren McDowell presents the Highly Commended certificate to Brian & Damien McGivern of Killowen Contracts.

Tracey & Lance Hamilton of Mash Direct receives the Family Business of the Year trophy from Darren McDowell, Senior Partner, Harbinson Mulholland.

Highly Commended

Adrian Moynihan, Head of First Trust Bank.

Innovative Business of the Year Neurovalens

Nicole Allen and Martine McGrath of Salt DNA receive their Highly Commended award from Business Eye’s Brenda Buckley.

Highly Commended

Jess Johnston, Peter Johnston, Craig Walker and Laura Streight of Wilsons Auctions receive their award from Brenda Buckley (Business Eye).

Brenda Buckley (second left) presents the Innovative Business of the Year trophy to (l-r) Steven George, Olivia Burns, Chris Lavery, Veronika Martinakova & Sarah Dynan of Neurovalens.

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Eye on Awards Fast Growth Business of the Year

Highly Commended

FinTrU

Keith Graham & Stephen Staerk from Selective Travel Management receive their Highly Commended certificate from Damien Campbell of Fleet Financial.

Damien Campbell of sponsors Fleet Financial presents the Fast Growth Business of the Year Award to (l-r) Richard McGuinness, Denise McCann, Claire Henry and David Phun from FinTrU.

(L-R) Seamus McGuckin, Head of Business Banking, First Trust Bank; Ciara Donnelly, Richard Buckley, Sam Buckley & Brenda Buckley (Business Eye); Roisin Hackett, Head of Marketing, First Trust Bank.

Waste Reduction Project of the Year Pritchitts

Michelle Emerson, Adrian Moyinhan and Brian Gillan pictured at the Business Eye First Trust Bank Business Awards at the Waterfront.

Jolene O’Hare and Michael Munnion pictured at the Business Eye First Trust Bank Business Awards at the Belfast Waterfront.

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Celine McLarnon of sponsors ISL Waste Management presents the trophy to Ciara Donnelly and Peter McIlwaine of Pritchitts, a Lakeland Dairies company.

Eye on Awards Highly Commended

Employer of the Year Award Action Cancer

Laura McNerlin presents a Highly Commended certificate to Kathy Bell and David Strachan from FinTrU.

Peter Savage and Sean Larkin pictured at the Business Eye First Trust Bank Business Awards .

Gareth Kirk, Chief Executive of Action Cancer, receives his award from Laura McNerlin of sponsors Clear Channel.

Agri Food Innovation Award

Highly Commended

Davison Canners

Michael McCormack of Musgrave presents the award to Philip Morgan and David Graham from Around Noon.

Michael McCormack, Managing Director of sponsors Musgrave Group presents the award to Glen Waddell, Graham Davison and Alan Davison of Davison Canners.

Ruth Flood, Paula Quigley, Kieran Kelly, Naomh McElhatton and Caroline Feeney pictured at the Business Eye First Trust Bank Business Awards.

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Eye on Awards Highly Commended

Tourism/Hospitality Award Andras House Group

Gareth & Lorna Murphy from We are Vertigo receive a highly commended award in the Tourism & Hospitality category from Ann McMullan, Visit Belfast.

Colin Dundas, Judith Totten and Alan Wardlow pictured at the Business Eye First Trust Bank Business Awards.

Rajesh Rana & Vicky Green from Andras Hotels receive the Tourism & Hospitality Award from sponsor Ann McMullan, Visit Belfast.

Young Business Personality of the Year

Young Business Personality of the Year

Maire-Claire Reid

Gavin Halpin

Marie-Claire Reid, TST Transport receives the Young Business Personality of the Year (joint award) award from sponsor, Tom O’Neill, Ulster University Business School.

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Gavin Halpin, collects the Young Business Personality of the Year (joint award) award from sponsor, Tom O’Neill, Ulster University Business School.

Eye on Awards Executive Support Professional of the Year

Highly Commended

Janine Smalls

Mairead Scott, Honeycomb (sponsor) presents a highly commended award in the Executive Support Professional of the Year category to Fran Devenney, Pinsent Masons.

Janine Smalls, Homeware Independent Living receives the Executive Support Professional of the Year Award from sponsor Mairead Scott, Honeycomb.

Highly Commended

Leanne Hayle, Stacey Cairns, Leanne Murray and Jackie Surgenor pictured at the Business Eye First Trust Bank Business Awards.

Community CSR Award ATG Group

Stephen Patton & Michelle Hatfield from George Best Belfast City Airport receive a highly commended award in the Community CSR category from sponsor Siofra Healy, Community Foundation.

Graham Holt, Oliver Hughes and James Beattie pictured at the Business Eye First Trust Bank Business Awards.

Scott McKinney, Lauren McKinney & Alastair Christy from ATG Group received the Community CSR Award from Siofra Healy, Community Foundation.

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Eye on Awards Medium/Mid-Sized Business of the Year AMI

Natash McClean, Sharon Ferguson, Kelly McConnell and Sheri Michael pictured at the Business Eye First Trust Bank Business Awards.

Michael McWilliams, Rob Chowne, Paul Moffett andBill Waring pictured at the Business Eye First Trust Bank Business Awards.

Faye Thomas, AMI receives the Mid Sized Business of the Year Award from Dr. Joanne Murphy, WJ Clinton Leadership Institute (sponsor). Award was sponsored by WJ Clinton Leadership Institute & The Chief Executives Club at Queen’s University.

Professional Services Firm of the Year

Highly Commended

PKF-FPM Accountants

Glenda McStravick & Michael Neill, A&L Goodbody receive a highly commended award in the Professional Services Firm of the Year category from Chris Power, Davy Private Clients (sponsor).

Chris Power from sponsors Davy Private Clients presents the Professional Services Firm of the Year Award to Michelle Hawkins &Teresa Campbell, PKF-FPM.

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Mukesh Sharma, Anna Low, Deidre Heenan and Conor Houston pictured at the Business Eye First Trust Bank Business Awards.

Eye on Awards Technology Company of the Year

Highly Commended

First Derivatives

Brian Gillan. First Trust Bank, presents a highly commended certificate in the Technology Company of the Year category to representatives from Henderson Technology ; Darren Nickels, Craig Roberts, Kristine Moore, Gillian Kelly & Ron Whitten (Henderson Group).

Brian Gillan, First Trust Bank, presents the Technology Company of the Year Award to Paul Hollway, First Derivatives.

Highly Commended

Siobhan Fitzsimons and Tina McKenzie pictured at the Business Eye First Trust Bank Business Awards.

Manufacturer of the Year Denroy Plastics

Barry Mullan, Barry McIlvanna, Brendan McIlvanna, Jonny McKeever & Niall O’Neill from BMI Trailers receive a highly commended award in the Manufacturer of the Year category from sponsor Gareth McAllister, Nimbus CS.

Cathy Martin, Anne McMullan and Mary Jo McCanny pictured at the Business Eye First Trust Bank Business Awards.

David Dickson, John Irwin, Kevin McNamee & Dr John Rainey, Denroy Plastics, receive the Manufacturer of the Year Award from sponsor Gareth McAllister, Nimbus CS.

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Eye on Awards

Lauren McAuley, Carolyn Scott snd Lauren McKinney pictured at the BEFTAs.

Nabeela Yasin-Iannelli, Anna Low, Krishan and Nisha Tandon and Mukesh Sharma pictured at the Business Eye First Trust Bank Business Awards.

James Joyce and Katie Thompson pictured at the Business Eye First Trust Bank Business Awards.

Trevor Kennedy, Chris Tyndall, John Toner, Lorraine Weir, Matthew Hamilton, Jim Burke and Anna Burling pictured at the BEFTAs.

Chris McAtackney and Pauline Timoney pictured at the Business Eye First Trust Bank Business Awards.

Connor, Emma, Brian, and Gloria McCloskey, Laura Dallat, Alan and Margaret Cunningham pictured at the BEFTAs.

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Darren and Tracey Leslie pictured at the Business Eye First Trust Bank Business Awards.

Eye on Awards

Michelle Hawkins, Stephen Chu, Ashok Thomas, Caroline Preston, Feargal McCormack, Teresa Campbell and Lowry Grant pictured at the Business Eye First Trust Bank Business Awards.

Michelle Hatfield, Stephen Patton and Laura Duggan pictured at the BEFTAs.

Ron Whitten, Kristine Moore, Gillian Kelly, Craig Roberts and Darren Nickels pictured at the BEFTAs.

Richard Grundle, Eddie Mack, Alastair Christy, Scott McKinney and Ciaran O’Neill pictured at the Business Eye First Trust Bank Business Awards.

Host Marc Mallett makes the charity draw alongside Brenda Buckley of Business Eye and Siofra Healy of the Community Foundation of Northern Ireland.

Re-Take That entertaining guests following the awards.

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Eye on Digital

Football, Alexa, Brexit, Facebook and baby Isla W

hat 2018 showed me is that having a newborn in the house doesn’t really work well with redeye flights to England, nor the decision to take the 0645 Enterprise later that morning.

Little Isla cared not a jot about all our pitches and client meetings for Tibus and Zesty and of course quite right she was too!

And it wasn’t just in the Maybin household that big changes could be seen this year.

In Tibus we saw massive increases in live streaming of English football commentary, particularly for the Saturday 5.30pm games. Our sister company talkSPORT broke its own record for online audiences repeatedly this year. Interestingly the main device for listening at Saturday teatime was a phone rather than a computer – is that because football fans can’t always get to a TV at that particular time of the weekend? Our lives are certainly busier. Live streaming radio is getting bigger by the year.

Despite baby Isla’s interventions in the ‘wee hours’ throughout the year, Zesty won its two biggest contracts ever in 2018, something we’re really

proud of. The key driver for both was centred around a much smarter way of evaluating the overall return from digital spends. Gone are the days of ‘jam tomorrow’ - we’re now talking results-based analysis in almost every client meeting we have. Or to put it another way, we’re seeing a much more educated client out there and I think that will continue in 2019 and beyond. This is positive – all good agencies welcome those kinds of questions from clients.

Is this the year that voicebased control and smart speakers break through?

The single biggest selling electronics item this Christmas is set to be the Amazon Dot smart speaker. I’ve talked a lot about Alexa this year: what voice means for web searches and SEO rankings, what it means for usage patterns and yes, for those of you that have heard me on my soapbox, what it means for us human beings and how we use the Internet.

I think 2018 will be the springboard year for smart speakers and the impact of that for our businesses is something we all need to understand. Voice based search is fundamentally different to keyboard based search.

Have we passed peak Facebook?

At the Future of Marketing event last month I asked for a show of hands. My question was about folks’ Facebook usage in 2018, in comparison to their Facebook usage in 2016. 46 of the 50 people present said they used Facebook less or much less than they did two years ago. So is the platform

dead? Clearly no – it’s the 2nd biggest company on the world by some measures. It is also a brilliant, cost effective marketing tool for lots of companies.

But look at good old Zuck’s problems in Congress (and his no-show at Westminster). Look at the blame it’s attracting for election irregularities and social unrest. Facebook’s ‘trust issues’ around personal privacy seem to be getting worse. We’ve been advising clients that rely on Facebook to start thinking contingency next year - I think this platform is showing lots of worrying signs.

Brexit [shakes head at the mess] will dominate again next year…and in Tibus and Zesty we’re looking hard as to what it means. Really, I guess we want our local politicians to be more knowledgeable about the realities of a competitive market and to be more supportive of us out there doing the best we can for our businesses. If our amazingly talented NI companies get a better chance to succeed following Brexit, that really would make for a great 2019!

Andrew Maybin is Managing Director of Zesty, an award-winning UX, digital strategy, design and development agency and Tibus, one of Ireland’s premier hosting and connectivity providers. Clients include Bank of Ireland, Easons, Ulster Orchestra, Coca Cola and safefood. Visit tibus.com and simplyzesty.com for more information.

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9 Sectors Worked Across

14

New Colleagues Welcomed

169,921 Miles Travelled to Client Meetings

9,212 28

Lines of Code Written

2,112 Support Requests Completed

New Office Move Completed

Thanks to all our clients both new and familiar in 2018.

We’ve been delighted to go further for you.

From all your friends at Zesty, here’s to an even better 2019!

simplyzesty.com

ten

1

Business Cards Printed

3,500

Phone Calls Received

Air Con Setting Arguments per Day

Cadbury’s Starbars Ea

UX Workshops Hosted

Cities Visited for Client Engagements

ce

352,586,224

15

1,175

27 4,935 86

Playlists Endured in Offi

Website Projects Completed

658

Design Concepts Presented

Post-Its Used per Workshop

140

43

Team Birthdays Celebrated

75

User Personas Developed

160

Cups of Coffee Consumed

Passion for what we do.

Eye Moving On

www.graftonrecruitment.com

Business Eye Banner Ad.indd 1

03/10/2018 17:09:45 1 Michael Weston has been appointed as the new General Manager of the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa in Newcastle. He has almost 20 years’ management experience in the hospitality industry and previously worked for Walt Disney World, the Mooney Hotel Group, Hilton Hotels and Radisson Hotel Group.

Joining him as Deputy General Manager at 2 the Slieve Donard is Niall Burns. Niall has worked for Hastings Hotels for over eight years and is a former Bar Manager of the Year at the NI Institute of Hospitality Awards.

1 Michael Weston

2 Niall Burns

3 Claire Murray

The Lyric Theatre has appointed two new board members and a Head of Development & Marketing.

3 Claire Murray takes up the Development & Marketing role after 15 years with Coca-Cola and Heineken Ireland, as well as marketing roles with the National Trust and the MAC Belfast.

4 The two new board members are Nuala Donnelly, Head of Sponsorship at the O2 Arena 5 in London, and Olwen Dawe, a consultant and policy analyst as well as a board member on a number of Irish arts organisations.

6 Jason Crane joins GOC Estate Agents at Letting Manager. He has over 20 years’ experience in the corporate relocation industry assisting clients relocating to Northern Ireland to find new homes.

4 Nuala Donnelly

5 Olwen Dawe

6 Jason Crane

LEDCOM helps to create 235 new jobs in 2018 One of Northern Ireland’s top business enterprise centres helped to create 235 jobs in new start-up companies this year with a financial boost of £5m to the economy.

LEDCOM CEO Ken Nelson welcomes new chair Dr Norman Apsley to the company’s AGM at Willowbank Business Centre in Larne. This year LEDCOM’s work with start-up businesses helped create 235 new jobs.

LEDCOM (Local Economic Development Company) also provided opportunities to more than 1,000 people with a range of skills development programmes.

The figures were revealed at the social enterprise’s AGM as it unveiled its new chair, Dr Norman Apsley, former CEO of Catalyst Inc and renowned expert in the Knowledge Economy.

The Directors’ Report highlighted LEDCOM’s social and economic

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impact by injecting almost £350,000 into the wider social economy and delivering support to 157 business and social enterprise start-ups.

CEO Ken Nelson described this year’s figures as excellent, showing that LEDCOM was continuing its key role in supporting economic development across Antrim and Newtownabbey and Mid and East Antrim areas working in partnership with local councils and other bodies.

Speaking at LEDCOM’s Willowbank Business Park site in Larne, Mr Nelson welcomed the appointment of Dr Apsley, who is taking over from Henry Fletcher who served with distinction in the post for six years.

He said: “Dr Apsley has a long and distinguished career in business, including 18 years as CEO of Catalyst Inc, formerly the Northern Ireland Science Park. He is dedicated to the promotion of innovation and enterprise and we look forward to his advice and influence. I would also like to pay tribute to our outgoing chair Henry Fletcher who has been a great servant to LEDCOM and the business life of this area for many years.”

Dr Apsley said he looked forward to the challenge of working with one of Northern Ireland’s longest established enterprise agencies: “LEDCOM’s record of economic development in Northern Ireland over more than 33 years is second

to none. It has continually adapted to changing circumstances and has been at the forefront of enterprise, innovation and business support. I hope that my experience will help to add value to its ongoing work.”

LEDCOM, in association with Intertrade Ireland and Enterprise NI, delivered the Co-Innovate Programme designed to support SMEs and micro-businesses in Northern Ireland and the Border Region develop and improve their innovation capabilities and boost cross border trade.

It also provided mentoring and business support for small businesses by delivering a range of enterprise initiatives for local councils and Enterprise NI including the Northern Ireland Business Start Programme; Exploring Enterprise 4, the ASK/Amplify Programme and the Kickstart Programme.

With EU Peace IV funding through local councils LEDCOM developed and delivered a range of community and skills development initiatives supporting community groups, young people and women.

The company currently has 54 tenant businesses and 350 employment and training places at its business parks and continues to offer managed workspace with wrap round support to encourage new businesses to develop and grow.

Passion for what we do. www.graftonrecruitment.com Business Eye Banner Ad.indd 1

03/10/2018 17:09:45 7 Oliver Tighe has been appointed associate solicitor in Carson McDowell’s Commercial Property team.

He qualified in 2006 and has gained experience as a general practitioner in property and probate law, developing a specialist interest in commercial property.

7 Oliver Tighe

10 Fiona Anderson

8 Nicola McClean

11 Joanne English

9 Clare Daly

12 Helen Skeffington

Morrow Communications has announced four key 8 appointments. Nicola McClean becomes Senior Communications Director leading a number of Morrow Communications key accounts including Asda, Flahavan’s Porridge, Greggs and Irwin’s Bakery. Nicola joined Morrow Communications in 2007 after graduating from Ulster University with a First Class BSc Honours degree in Communications, Advertising & Marketing.

9 Clare Daly becomes Communications Director responsible for the strategic direction and delivery of campaigns for a number of Morrow Communications key clients including Moy Park, First Trust Bank, Fujitsu and InterTradeIreland. She is a member of CBI NI’s ‘Future Leaders’ Forum and holds a Masters degree in Politics from the Queen’s University, 10 Belfast. Fiona Anderson is appointed as a Senior Communications Executive, having joined the team two years ago as a marketing graduate 11 from Ulster University, while Joanne English becomes Senior Events Manager working to deliver strategic events for clients in both NI and ROI. 12 Helen Skeffington has been appointed Payroll Manager at Mount Charles. She is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals and has worked in payroll for over thirteen years.

During her career Helen has worked within the recruitment, voluntary and retail sectors, providing payroll support to operations. She has also worked in finance, managing budgets and reporting.

Kings Hall Health And Wellbeing Park To Boost Economy By £47M A Year And Support 640 Jobs

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he Kings Hall Health and Wellbeing Park will boost the Northern Ireland economy by £47m annually and support 640 full time equivalent jobs, while also improving access to services for patients, according to an economic impact assessment of the proposed new development.

The primary care complex, residential care, independent living and hotel proposed for the site - which is recommended for approval to Belfast City Council Planning Committee on Tuesday - will also support a further 320 indirect jobs, research carried out on behalf of developers Benmore Octopus said.

It estimated that new residents in the proposed independent living units on the site would contribute £260,000 a year to the local economy while the uplift in visitor expenditure from overnight stays in the hotel will offer a £2.9m boost.

Meanwhile, the economy will receive

a boost of £60m in gross value-added terms during the 10-year construction phase of the build, supporting 60 full-time equivalent construction jobs and a further 30 indirect construction jobs on a full-time equivalent basis.

Total investment in the refurbishment of the existing building and construction of new properties will reach £88.5m, the research has shown.

The proposed development will see the iconic Kings Hall building – which has lain vacant since 2013 – and surrounding site transformed into the most innovative health and wellbeing hub in the UK. The redevelopment and refurbishment of the listed King’s Hall will also provide a significant heritage gain for South Belfast.

A GP hub is proposed for the Kings Hall where the co-location of up to 32 GPs and other trust-led primary care services can be accommodated in modern, fit-for-purpose accommodation.

Detailed analysis also found the Kings Hall would offer the most accessible location for the total patient population of Finaghy Health Centre and Dunluce Health Centre combined. A total of 76% of the combined patient population lives within 2.5 miles of the Kings Hall compared to 67% for Finaghy Health Centre and 63% at Dunluce Health Centre.

The extended Kings Hall site - formerly the Balmoral showgrounds - will also include care for the elderly and assisted living accommodation, a mixed-use medical facility, a 150-room hotel and a multi-storey car park.

Benmore Octopus, the company behind

the proposals is a joint venture between Benmore Group and Octopus Healthcare.

Benmore Group is an award-winning, Northern Ireland-based investment and development business specialising in urban regeneration projects across the property sectors.

Octopus Healthcare, part of the Octopus Group, is a leading UK healthcare property investor, developer and manager of healthcare properties. Octopus Healthcare invests in and develops properties as well as creating partnerships to deliver innovative healthcare facilities to improve the health and wellbeing of the UK.

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Eye on Arts

Jilly Campbell, Jon Bromwich, BYMT & Conor Mitchell

Ericka Roe and Ali Hardiman

Anika Graham and Clare Montgomery

Erica Murray and Jimmy Fay

Lyric Theatre Launches 2019 Programme

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yric Theatre, Belfast has officially announced their Spring 2019 season programme. Featuring the best of world-class theatre and new writings the programme, themed Transformation, will explore current cultural themes and their impact, as well as platform an array of artistic talent, old and new.

Highlights include: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2-23 Feb), The 39 Steps

Clare McMahon, Benjamin Gould and Lisa May

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Paul Boyd, Libby Smyth and Richard Orr

(2-31 Mar), Dark of the Moon (26-30 Mar),Ulster American Theatre (24-28 Apr), A Streetcar Named Desire (4 May – 1 Jun), All Mod Cons (18 May – 8 Jun), The Young Pornographers: A Concert Reading, Letting Go or Losing It (16-18 Apr), Paperboy (1-4 Aug) and Sir Ian McKellen (25-26 Jul). The Naughton Studio will host Bat the Father, Rabbit the Son (5-6 Feb), Ruby! (13-17 Feb); The Trials of Oscar Wilde (19-24 Feb),Tryst (31 Jan-2 Feb), The Big Fellow (15-17 Mar), The Harvest (9-10 Apr), I Am Maura (2-4 May).Christmas 2019 will be a

new musical adaptation of Peter Pan. Executive Producer at Lyric, Jimmy Fay said: “The title for the programme for 2019 “Transformation” was chosen to address issues of change and choice.

The Lyric’s programme is announced in the looming shadow of Brexit, a time of apprehension in our community, and the Lyric needs to be at the forefront of exploring the cultural impact that this sense of the unknown will have and the turbulence that change brings in its wake. We are excited to present

a full programme of new and classic writing that help us explore these ideas, and are delighted to welcome Erica Murray as Artist-in-Residence for the next year, thanks to the continued support of our funders and sponsors.”

For further information and bookings for the Spring season visit www.lyrictheatre.co.uk Tel: 028 9038 1081 or follow Lyric Theatre on Facebook and Twitter.

Aoife Browne, Ellie McKay and Rebecca Mairs

Al Logan, Louis Rolston and Roma Tomelty

Walter Sutcliffe, Judith Wiemers, and Claire Murray

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Eye on AgriFood

Initiatives To Boost Chefs As Northern Ireland Named World’s Best Food Destination

Michele Shirlow, Food NI chief executive, accepted the World’s Best Food Destination at the World Travel and Tourism Awards in London. She is pictured with John Best, a former Food NI chairman, John McGrillen, Tourism NI chief executive, and Andrew Nethercott, Food NI chairman

Northern Ireland was voted The Best Food Destination in the recent World Travel and Tourism Awards held as part of the prestigious World Travel Market in London, a remarkable accolade which could boost tourism here. Sam Butler looks at initiatives to ensure we have skills needed to support our rapidly developing food culture.

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ood NI chief Michele Shirlow picked up the World’s Best Food Destination award for Northern Ireland in the first-ever World Travel and Tourism Awards at a recent gala event for the global industry.

The judges were thoroughly impressed by the achievements of Food NI in the hugely successful Year of Food and Drink 2016 and placed Northern Ireland ahead of such long established food hubs as San Sebastian in Spain’s Basque Country, often described as ‘the world’s food capital’, and West Cork.

What the prestigious award has done, according to Mrs Shirlow, is “to reinforce Northern Ireland as a global player in food and drink and hospitality to be reckoned with”. “It signposts Northern

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Ireland internationally as the place to go for exceptional quality, innovative and, perhaps above all, outstandingly tasty products and meals,” she continues.

“The world travel trade has said that Northern Ireland is the place to go for great food and drink. We’ve got to take advantage of this hugely important accolade…and quickly. The challenge facing us now is to ensure Northern Ireland benefits from this award in terms of increased tourism and even greater recognition for our superb food and drink,” she adds.

The award could prove to be a massive boost for our food, drink and hospitality sectors.

But one of the widely recognised difficulties facing the local hospitality

industry is a severe shortage of essential skills especially cheffing. It’s a problem that Food NI is endeavouring to address through its successful and highly innovative Chefs’ Steering Group which has introduced chefs to local artisan producers as well as programmes to develop knowledge and skills.

“We need to invest in the existing cadre of chefs and draw many more young people into this important industry.

This is essential if we are to maximise the benefits of the world’s Best Food Destination status particularly over the next 12 months. For instance, San Sebastian has 16 Michelin star restaurants and several listed in the world’s top 50.

We have two Michelin stars and several holding Bib Gourmand status. We need to see – and help - more restaurants to reach for the stars. This requires measures to increase skills and to improve conditions,” adds Mrs Shirlow.

The hospitality sector currently contributes more than £1.3 billion to the economy and supports more than 60,000 jobs. And it’s a contribution set to grow as tourism here continues to expand to meet ambitious targets set by Tourism NI and Tourism Ireland. A key objective is to grow tourism revenues to £1 billion

by 2025. There’s certain to be further significant growth during next year’s British Open at Royal Portrush Golf Club.

Hospitality Ulster, the industry body, has long been calling for government for support to address the skills shortage in Northern Ireland.

Research shows that the hospitality sector in Northern Ireland needs to recruit more than 2,000 chefs by 2024 if it is to support the predicted growth in tourism here in particular.

Hiring suitable chefs is a serious problem for restaurants in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Food NI has also backed schemes by Belfast Metropolitan College and the South East Regional College (SERC) in Bangor to showcase the importance of skills and to attract more young people to consider cheffing as a worthwhile and rewarding career. SERC recently held a VIP dinner to raise the profile of chefs and attract funding to support this. The initiative was supported by celebrity chefs Michael Deane and Paula McIntyre. Hastings Hotels, in addition, weighed in to back the scheme.

“Underpinning our tourism focus is research showing that visitors generally spend around a third of their holiday budget on food and drink. We want them to experience and enjoy as much quality local food and drink as practicable in our hotels and restaurants. This also means working with chefs to create original and delicious Northern Irish dishes. They have a crucially important role to play in creating and nurturing a distinctive Northern Irish cuisine. We certainly have the outstandingly tasty foods readily available and many talented chefs. But we need more,” continues Mrs Shirlow.

“Food NI is working closely with a number of local councils and individual producers to project Northern Ireland as a location for great food and drink. We set up our Chefs’ Steering Group specifically to broker contacts between chefs from across Northern Ireland and smaller food and drink producers in particular.

“In addition to introducing chefs to

Eye on AgriFood the highly innovative products from local artisans and promoting business contacts, the scheme provides a framework for chefs and producers to explore collaboration on dishes and new food ideas.

“What we are creating is a collaborative network within the food and drink industry, especially Skilled chefs are in demand across the island of Ireland involving smaller enterprises and artisan producers and chefs.

We are ideally placed to do this because of the strength of our membership that includes the vast majority of smaller food companies and many of the biggest producers as well as hotels and restaurants.

“Promoting and developing our food culture is also a key feature of our widely acclaimed Taste the Greatness strategic action plan,” she adds.

At the forefront of another major initiative is the Chef Network Skillnet, which spans the island and includes Michelin star Michael Deane, of the Michelin star EIPIC restaurant in Belfast, and Paula McIntyre, supported a recent initiative to increase support for trainee chefs. chef Danni Barry, who previously created original dishes at EIPIC in Belfast and Clenaghan’s, near Moira. have personally gained so much out of my Ruth Hegarty, head of community Danni Barry says: “I would strongly involvement with them,” she adds. “Chef at Chef Network, adds: “Chefs all encourage chefs and those working Network events give us the opportunity over the country have been coming in the industry to get involved to come together as a community to together to talk about their love of with Chef Network, which is doing address the challenges we face as chefs, their profession, their passion for such important work to support as well as working together to promote what they do and their commitment chefs and improve our industry. cheffing as the amazing career that it to making the industry better and “I is. It’s certainly been good for me.” attracting the chefs of the future.

Chefs across the island have been “At our round tables and student forum, gathering to discuss why being a chef is a chefs spoke of the camaraderie in the great career choice, and working together industry, the creativity and variety in on how best to promote the profession the job, and the many opportunities and to chefs of the future, and how to make different career paths it affords them. the industry the best it can be. Long hours We need the whole industry to join us in and stressful conditions are often seen telling this positive side of the story as Ruth Hegarty of Chef Network as the profession’s biggest problems. well as supporting chef’s commitments to Chef Network Skillnet, the training creating a better workplace in kitchens.” arm of the Chef Network, which The Chef Network was launched chefs in the industry. It emphasises a represents over 3,000 chefs on the in February 2016 with the backing collaborative and peer-led approach island of Ireland, has been hosting a of the Irish Foodservice Suppliers to education and training, and aims series of round table events across the Alliance as a professional network to create a more learning-focussed country with industry professionals for chefs of all levels and from all environment within the industry. brainstorming on how best to support sectors on the island of Ireland.

As Michele Shirlow adds: “The chefs and to develop and retain talent The network’s core aims are to create economic potential of our food and within the sector, as well as discussing a collaborative community for chefs, drink is endless and our ambition is what they love about being a chef. contribute to the professionalism clear. It is “to set us apart as a tiny A ‘Better Kitchen Workplace Charter’ and professional development of region with a huge heritage in food and has since been developed to promote chefs, make the industry better, drink and hospitality with the drive, the career and enhance conditions in and positively promote the career. heart and imagination to match it. kitchens across the island. This manifesto Over 3,000 chefs across Ireland “Enhancing our cadre of talented and contains a set of principles for each have already joined the network. creative chefs is essential to enable Michelin star chef Danni Barry is kitchen team to adhere to, which will The network’s focus is on professional us to develop a dynamic and globally at the forefront of the drive to foster a working environment built on development and up-skilling of chefs recognised food culture in line with our attract more young people to respect, learning and create a place where to tackle skills gaps and challenges, success in achieving the World’s Best consider a career as a chef people are happy to come to work. and to contribute to retention of Food Destination status,” she adds.

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Eye on Technology

NI Water...

New SMART Water Metering TechnologyFor Better Business

NI Water is trialling new smart water metering technology with over 30 business customers in Northern Ireland.

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ore and more utilities are starting to integrate advanced ICT solutions into their operations to improve the services they provide. Smart water metering is just one ICT solution and the potential benefits for both business customers and the water utility are significant.

Dr Gary Curran, NI Water’s Head of Metering and Billing explains the thinking behind the trial and the benefits that are emerging.

Water consumption savings “Businesses pay directly for their water and waste water. Historically, water meters have been read manually for the primary purpose of calculating and issuing water bills.

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However as a result, any analysis of water consumption has been a basic year on year comparison.

In 2017 we recognised that emerging smart water metering technology could vastly improve the level of information that a business could see and that it would enable them to manage their water consumption much more effectively and efficiently.

“The smart water metering system collects detailed, hourly reads remotely and displays them on a customer interface. Each customer with a smart meter installed can see how much water their business uses on an hour by hour, day by day, week by week, month by month basis.

This data can then be interpreted

and analysed in the context of the business’s operations.

“Take a hotel for example; you’d expect water usage to fall away significantly during core sleeping hours or with a school you’d expect water consumption to drop to almost nothing over the summer months. In both cases, if the smart water meter readings doen’t reflect these trends there must be a reason. Perhaps it’s simply that the urinals are continuing to flush at the same frequency as they do during the busier periods but it could be a more serious issue, perhaps a leak in the internal plumbing that could also be causing damage to internal structures. In either case the smart water metering data in conjuction with guidance

Eye on Technology Dr Gary Curran, NI Water’s Head of Metering and Billing

from NI Water can help identify potential water consumption issues and the customer can investigate and remedy as appropriate, reducing their water usage and their water bill.

“The system also provides daily, weekly and monthly water consumption profiles and trends and comparisons can be made.

For example where a Group has a number of similar businesses or sites it can compare consumption from business to business or site to site and differences identified and investigated.

Similarly, if a sudden increase in water consumption is noticed but nothing else has changed operationally then the likelihood is that a leak or burst has occurred.

Energy consumption savings “The business benefits of smart water metering aren’t restricted to aiding efficient water usage and reducing the associated water cost. For many business there is correlation between the water that they use and the energy they consume; water may need heated, pumped etc., so it makes sense that if a business is managing its water use efficiently, the associated energy needed will also be efficient.”

Smart water meters are rarely in convenient reach of mains power.

For NI Water the potential benefits are significant too.

Every day NI Water treats and pumps on average 570 million litres of water and 340 million litres of wastewater to and from businesses and homes across Northern Ireland. Chemicals and power costs are significant.

In fact, NI Water is the largest electricity consumer in Northern Ireland representing c.3% of Northern Ireland’s total annual electricity consumption.

Operational cost improvements Dr Curran continues, “It’s follows on that if customers have the ability to monitor and manage their water consumption more efficiently, NI Water will only have to treat

and pump water that is actually needed and chemical and power costs will be kept to a minimum.

“The real strength of smart water metering for NI Water is in the improved operational capabilities created by monitoring and analysing the data; the early identification of leaks and bursts, establishing consumption patterns and using this information to inform current and future water supply volumes and pressures required across Northern Ireland.

“However the technology is still developing. As an example, smart water metering differs from smart energy metering in that smart water meters are rarely in convenient reach of mains power supply. As a result smart water meters are dependent on a reliable

and long-lasting battery to power data transmission. Ensuring a 15 year battery life, which matches the lifespan of most meters, is essential and because of the proximity to water and possible submersion of meters, batteries must be sealed water-tight and are not meant to be replaced.”

Dr Curran sums up, “Our trial is showing that smart water metering can deliver significant operational and management improvements for both business customers and NI Water. But the technology isn’t quite there yet.

We will continue to watch this space very closely, work with our business customers and suppliers, and take their feedback to make sure that the best smart water metering technology can be put in place at the earliest opportunity.”

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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

(L-R) Staff members Sinead McStravock, Chloe Cassidy, Shauneen Mcnally, Salon Manager, Sorcha Walls, Roisin Doherty, Nicole Mullan and Ria Doherty.

Giant’s Causeway Boosts Local Economy Tyrone Entrepreneur Opens New Salon

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University of Ulster economic and social impact report commissioned by the National Trust into the Giant’s Causeway, has revealed that the UNESCO World Heritage site helped generate £484.26 million last year for Northern Ireland and the Causeway Coast and Glens region.

Fuelled by a strong increase in visitor numbers across recent years, the Giant’s Causeway which is owned and operated by the National Trust has made a significant contribution to the region. Welcoming visitors from over

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160 countries from around the world, the report found that the average spend per tourist staying in the area is £420, making a tangible economic impact on businesses locally.

Recognised as Northern Ireland’s leading visitor attraction and one of the most popular on the entire island of Ireland, the site attracted over one million visitors in 2017. However, the benefits extend beyond the site, with the region profiting from tourism expenditure on accommodation; food and drink; shopping and transport in the local area.

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yrone businesswoman Roisin Doherty has announced the creation of eight new jobs at her successful hair and beauty salon; as a result of investing £100k into the redevelopment of the popular Coalisland business. The multiaward-winning salon has also introduced ‘Retail by Roisin Doherty’, a tailor-made hub, stocking specially curated beauty products, available to purchase within the salon.

Launched in 2015, Roisin Doherty Hair & Beauty burst onto the local scene and has experienced significant growth

since first opening its doors. The newly configured space will accommodate the business’ additional services and provide more opportunities for training and development of staff. Roisin has worked alongside Cookstown based designer Neal Calvert, to create bespoke desks for all technicians with the latest technology included. The salon has been adapted to create a more immersive setting for all customers, allocating more space for services such as nail treatments, makeup applications and facials.

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

Trevor and Gavin Annon with Sandra Moore of The Welcome Organisation.

Freshly Chopped Opens City Centre Store

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ealthy fast-food chain Freshly Chopped’s has opened its flagship outlet in Donegall Square West, with franchise owner and foodservice giant Mount Charles pledging to donate surplus food to homeless people in the city.

Mount Charles will partner with The Welcome Organisation, a Belfastbased charity that provides a range of potentially life-saving services to

people affected by homelessness, to distribute unused food from Freshly Chopped every night.

The flagship Freshly Chopped store opening in Donegall Square West follows the successful launch of the outlet at Ulster University’s Belfast campus in October. There will be six high-end stores opened in total over the next three years, creating around 150 jobs in total.

CDE headquarters set to open in first half of 2019 CDE is on course to move into its new Centre of Excellence in Cookstown in the first half of 2019, after the developer handed over the impressive new campus to the company today.

P Pictured L-R is Paul Simpson, CEO Quilter Investors, Michael Kerr, Managing Director, Kerr Henderson Group and Emma Ann Hughes, FTAdviser

ictured marking the hand-over of the development are, left to right, Jason Arthur, from architects and engineers Teague and Sally, Tony Convery, Chairman of CDE, and Mark Campbell, from building contractor Felix O’Hare. CDE will now put in place the finishing touches to the impressive facility, including erecting signage, before beginning to move equipment and staff into the building in the months ahead.

The new offices will enable the fastgrowing business to continue to expand its team, providing space for over 400 staff across areas including engineering, product development, and business services.

It will be the world’s largest campus dedicated to the wet processing of materials in the sand and aggregates, mining, construction and demolition waste recycling, industrial sands and environmental sectors.

Kerr Henderson Group Named in Prestigious UK Award

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orthern Ireland’s largest financial advisory firm, Kerr Henderson is celebrating after being ranked forth in this year’s FTAdviser’s Top 100 Financial Advisers list.

The Belfast based company is the only Northern Ireland IFA to make the

prestigious list, with rankings based on the key factors that would encourage clients to work with them. These include sales, assets under management and the number of highly qualified staff.

With uncertainty in the market greater than usual, additional factors such

as fund management experience, longevity and continuity of advisors and customers was also taken into account.

Family firm, Kerr Henderson has been advising clients for over 50 years since 1962, has offices in London and Belfast, and has over £1 billion funds

under management. It offers a holistic advisory service to both companies and individuals, areas of expertise include: pensions, investments, actuarial, wealth management, employee benefits, healthcare, group risk, general insurance and protection.

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Eye on News

BT Secures Northern Ireland Public Sector Contract BT has been awarded a multimillion pound nine year contract by the Department of Finance (DoF) to provide industry leading telecommunications services to all public sector bodies across Northern Ireland.

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T will deliver network and unified communication services including new hardware, software and network security services across eleven Government departments and other public sector bodies.

The contract, which is valued at around £50m over nine years, could grow to a maximum of £400m as other services and customers take advantage of the benefits the new network offers.

Paul Murnaghan, BT Enterprise’s regional director in Northern Ireland, said: “BT is committed to playing its part in helping to shape and deliver transformational public services for people across Northern Ireland now and into the future.

“This contract will see us deliver a commercially innovative communications framework, which will provide the building blocks for a future-proofed solution to meet the developing needs of public sector users and citizens. Connecting public sector employees, citizens and services in ways that haven’t been possible before.

“We are committed to ensuring best value for money, providing the opportunity for all local

communication providers to deliver their services.”

Paul Wickens, CEO of Enterprise Shared Services, Northern Ireland Civil Service, said: “This advanced network solution will allow us to provide high quality services. The new telecommunications infrastructure will replace a wide range of diverse networks.

It offers high levels of security and operational stability, providing strong foundations for the new IT system for Northern Ireland’s citizens, who make use of a variety of public sector services.”

The contract underpins Northern Ireland’s Programme for Government and its stated objectives. The programme is an important enabler for the adoption of shared services across the public sector. In particular, the future provision of network services will provide better services for the people of Northern Ireland.

The first core network services will be available for use by summer 2019. BT will manage the core telecommunications infrastructure, including business continuity plans for the network.

WADDELL MEDIA CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF PROGRAMME MAKING

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orthern Ireland’s first independent production company Waddell Media celebrated 30 years of programme making at The Orpheus, Belfast last night (6 December).

Surrounded by colleagues from the now thriving creative industries in Northern Ireland, Jannine Waddell, MBE paid tribute to her late father Brian Waddell, who had the foresight in 1988 to set up Brian Waddell Productions in Holywood, Co Down, which was the start of the fledgling production industry in Ireland.

Jannine Waddell, Managing Director of Waddell Media said: “I’m very proud that over the past 30 years we’ve produced well over 300 series, broadcasting in over 80 countries and

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watched by millions of viewers worldwide.

“My father broke new ground when he started this business 30 years ago and was instrumental in developing the television production industry in Ireland which is now going from strength to strength. Today Waddell Media has Irish DNA but with a global focus.

“We continue to create successful returnable series like the travel show Getaways, now in its 11th series and At Your Service the hotel make over series for RTÉ as well as new documentaries like Celebrity Meltdown: Britney Spears shortly to be shown on Channel 5, among so many others for broadcasters around the world. We are very proud of our programming, our people and our heritage.”

Eyeon Motoring

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Eye on Motoring

Do you have a dashcam?

Nearly 3 million are recording their journeys with in-car cameras according to the RAC.

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igures of car camera users is also expected to rise now that the government have announced police will receive a funding boost to use video evidence for road safety.

Here’s 5 reasons why you should have a dash cam.

1. Driving Accidents - By recording the facts you can prevent many post-accident legal headaches.

2. Parking Accidents - Just because you’re not driving doesn’t mean your dash cam needs to stop recording. Your dash cam could capture an incident such as being scrapped or vandalised that often happens unattended.

3. Insurance Fraud - With video evidence you can prevent someone trying to pull a fast one over you.

4. Documenting Your Road Trip - Dash cams don’t have to just capture crashes and scuffles. You can record any road trip and save some great memories!

5. Capturing The Unexpected By keeping on your camera you never know what you’ll capture!

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Eye on Motoring

New Cars in 2019 As we come to the end of 2018 there’s no better time to look at what new cars, we can look forward to in 2019.

BMW 3 Series

Ford Focus Active

One of the best-selling executive saloons is back with it’s 8th generation and most technologically advanced version yet. The 3 Series is said to have reversing assistance for the first time ever, acoustic windows to reduce unwanted background noise such as traffic and allow you to enjoy the Harman Kardon surround sound system uninterrupted and a BMW Digital letting you use your smartphone as a key!

Ford is introducing a SUV inspired Ford Focus. The Focus Active has undergone a facelift with bulkier plastic body bumpers, unique grille and wheel-arch extensions to give it a 4x4 appearance. There will be an array of safety kit on the new model such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance technology. It’s clear to see safety is a clear priority for Ford

Mazda 3

Volkswagen Golf

At motor shows in 2018 Mazda turned heads with a sleek new design for their next hatchback. The model will also feature a new SkyActiv-X petrol engine which is said to deliver the efficiency of a diesel to a petrol engine!

The Mk8 goes into production in the middle of 2019. There’s been a big embrace of autonomous driving technology from Volkswagen. It’s reported the digital cockpit and assistance systems will be the benchmark for connectivity and safety.

Interested in any of these or a new car for 2019?

Contact us at email sales@dfcbelfast.co.uk or call us on 028 9073 4222 80

dfcbelfast.co.uk

Eye on Motoring

Motoring with Derek Black dbmotoring@btinternet.com

ROOMY AND COMFORTABLE DS7 BIDS FOR PREMIUM STATUS T

Most people don’t think of an Audi as a Volkswagen but a DS is still seen as a Citroen by many.

he challenging target of creating a premium brand is still work in progress for the Peugeot group. The DS7 cross-over is pitched as the next stop in the process.

It is difficult to make a SUV stand out from the crowd - the parameters create jelly mould styling so the discrete DS badge on the grille is the main identity clue. But with ‘high up’ cars dominating the market these days there is no escape from offering one.

The DS7 scores on roominess and comfort but is not much above average as a driving machine. Its interior is the most distinctive element with a 12-inch touch screen dominating the dash and a digital instrument panel with different layouts to choose from. Other highlights include a clock modelled on a designer watch and stylish buttons on the central console.

Engines, petrol or diesel, are familiar from other Citroen and Peugeot models.

Models at the business end of the range have the evergreen 1.5 turbo diesel which delivers emissions of 107g/km but is more weak-kneed at 128bhp than its 2.0-litre sibling with 178bhp.

The is 1.6 turbo petrol with either 178 or 222bhp and an eight-speed automatic gearbox with fast acting paddles just behind the steering wheel.

The DS7 scores on quietness, comfort and easy driving. Prices start from around £27K but it is very well equipped and has lots of modern technology. You get a rear parking camera, lane departure warning, keyless entry and push button starter.. automatic plus emergency braking, blindspot detection and a driver attention monitor on higher grades.

There is no doubt that the DS7 has all the gear and a better finish than others in its stable. But it faces the toughest of competition in the shape of the Audi 5 and the BMW X3. It makes a change from the Germans, but is that enough?

Fourth Time Around, Focus Is Still Tops On Driver Appeal!

This is the fourth generation of Ford’s Focus, a fleet favourite if every there was one.

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t looks different with its concave flanks and the latest version of the distinctive front grille that looks like it was borrowed from Aston Martin! Things are better in all departments including dynamics already rated as best in class.

One of the few weaknesses of the previous model - its tight rear seat has been addressed.

As I lower myself into the driving seat, I notice that the new Focus sits close to the road. Indeed, it has a sporty feel with a forgiving ride. For a mass market leader, the Focus is

surprisingly good to drive, some even describe it as a driver’s car.

There are eight engines to choose from, but the choice is basically between petrol and

diesel. The petrol ones are 1.0 and 1.5 three cylinder units called Ecoboost with various outputs from 84bhp up to 180bhp.I tried the most powerful version of

the smaller unit which has about 125PS and feels frisky enough. It returns up to 57mpg combined and emits 111g/km putting it in the 23% BIK Bracket.

The diesels are called EcoBlue - don’t ask me why? - and offer 95bhp to 148bhp with up to 78mpg and emissions from 97 g/ km which translates into a 22% BIK rating. So there is plenty of power choices to tailor to your daily driving requirements.

Prices range from just over 18K to over 25K, depending on choice of engine or trim.

The trims range from Style through to ST Line X on the top - and most expensive models.

Safety kit includes auto emergency braking, lane assistance and a stop go system that stops the car in traffic and restarts when the car in front moves off. There is an alarm and immobiliser on all models.

So this is an even better Focus to drive with more space and practicality. Prices are on the stiff sided though the usual Ford discounts are to be expected.

dfcbelfast.co.uk

Eye on Motoring

Motoring with Derek Black dbmotoring@btinternet.com

RESHAPED KIA CEED AIMS FOR THE TOP OF THE CLASS! C

Having dropped the apostrophe from its curious title, has Kia done enough to drive their Ceed family hatchback up in the popularity stakes?

ertainly it is a bit more dynamic to drive and feels better built than before. The redesign also gives it a more accomplished look.

The previous model sold on value - and that tempting 7-year warranty - The new one has more showroom appeal and a choice of 1.0-litre turbo petrol or larger turbo diesel engines.

The business choice is the 1.5-litre turbo diesel that I drove. It is a steady driver, low on adrenalin but high on bottom line performance. It can manage the 62mph from rest sprint in under 10 seconds which is fine for everyday driving. The combined consumption figures of 72 to 74mpg are outstanding and the emissions of between 99 and 102 g/km put it in the 22 to 24% BIK group.

The petrol choices include a 1.0-litre three cylinder that gives adequate performance and up to 50m pg and the nippier 1.4 Turbo that does

48mpg and is in the 25% BIK band.

The improvements to the handling - said to be tuned to European roads - become obvious on the road.

It feels better than before and the springing does a decent job on coping with speed humps or pot holes. Not as sharp as a Golf or Focus but a lot better than previous models.

Inside there is a smart layout with the inevitable touch screen in the middle of the dash and buttons and stalk controls fall easy to hand for. It is good to have a knob for the sound volume and a handy twist action to clear the rear windows. A reversing camera is standard on all models. Higher grade models have auto emergency braking, auto dipping headlamps and lane departure warnings.

The Ceed may not yet be top of its class but it is getting there over the years. A sound fleet choice at a decent if not bargain basement price.

Don’t Like SUVs? The Mazda6 Tourer Could Be The Answer!

Smooth, sharply styled and sophisticated, the Mazda6 is an alternative to the avalanche of SUVs that has smothered the market in recent years.

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ars like this are in danger of becoming wallflowers as they fall out of fashion.

That would be a shame for the Mazda6 Tourer that I have been driving has a lot to offer the high-mileage business driver.

In many ways it is knocking on the door of the premium class in terms of build, performance and equipment. Priced in the £25 to £31K bracket it looks value and is without the dreaded options escalator of the posh brands.

The car I drove had the latest version of the 2.2-litre diesel which now has a power output of 181bhp, up from 171bhp. This is an easy engine to get along

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with as it is quiet and has loads of torque and long legs, you could drive it all day without feeling stressed. Despite its large capacity, it is remarkably frugal.

Thanks to Mazda’s efficient engineering, the Combined consumption of up to 62mpg is close to if not better than some smaller diesel engines. Emissions are a creditable 119g/k though the current penal tax system relegates it to the 27% BIK bracket.

Mazda predicts that diesel and petrol engines will be with us for many years and do not offer hybrid or electric versions.

The Mazda6 is good to drive with its slick gear change and firm

suspension giving it an almost sporting feel. Inside you get a central touch screen backed by the head-up display on the windscreen . The steering is sharp and and the car has Mazda’s G-vectoring control system that helps to

smooth out the bends.The interior is practical rather than plush but it is easy to find the controls.

All round the 6 Touring is a very accommodating estate with plenty of equipment and good road manners.

Delivering digital transformation of your business processes, enabling you to achieve more with less.

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2018... an award winning year for Wilsons Auctions!

Wilsons Auctions has achieved success throughout the UK and Ireland having picked up five awards and shortlisted in a further eight categories across a total of seven industry and business awards in 2018!

Recognised for our innovation, marketing and business growth over recent years, as a long-running family business, we would like to thank our staff for their hard work and the continued support of our customers and clients, as we strive to keep one step ahead of our competitors.

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