Business Eye Oct Nov 2017

• Job Management • Quotes & Invoicing • Forms & Signatures • Time Tracking

Issue 173 Oct/Nov 2017 £2.50 Voted best Business Magazine in Ireland 2005 and Magazine of the Year for Northern Ireland

Disruptive Accountancy

We speak with Grant Thornton’s Richard Gillan

Features: 10

44

Balmoral Furniture…

Family Firm Moves Into The Future

56

GDPR… An Opportunity Not A Threat

T i Ta n i c v e n u e s B e l fa s T B e Pa r t o f i t t h i s W i n t e r ! t itanic V enues B elfast.com

62

The Business Of Wine...

Round Table Discussion

T i Ta n i c v e n u e s B e l fa s T

titanicVenuesBelfast.com

To enquire about options for your next conference or event contact enquiries@titanicbelfast.com

CONTENTS

Oct/Nov 2017 ISSUE 173

Cover Story

20

Disruptive Accountancy....Grant Thornton’s Richard Gillan

Specials

29

Brexit... Act Before It’s Too Late Mark Sterritt of InterTrade Ireland is well aware of the syndrome known as Brexit Fatigue. But he warns Northern Ireland companies that they need to act on Brexit and its threats before it’s all too late.

Grant Thornton’s NI Managing Partner Richard Gillan reckons that accountancy and business consultancy needs to take the same disruptive approach as companies operating in other sectors. He talks to Business Eye about what he means and how he intends to shake up the market and generate growth.

Cyber Attacks...A Clear And Present Danger

Focus On Manufacturing

44

Balmoral Furniture... Forward Focus For Family Firm

Sinead Dillon Chair of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants Ireland Northern Area Board, explains why CIMA are encouraging its members and other business leaders to put cybersecurity top of their business agenda…

36

MIT Success For NI Design Firm The chance to lecture to students at the world famous Massachussetts Institite of Technology isn’t an opportunity that comes along too often. So it’s no surprise that one of our top local designers, David Henderson of the Kilkeel-based agency of the same name, jumped at the chance when it came his way last summer.

Balmoral Furniture has been manufacturing furniture at its Seymour Hill base in Dunmurry since the 1920’s and has stayed resolutely in family ownership.

We take a look at the business, which produces everything from hotel furniture to divan beds, in the company of Managing Director, Paul Moffett.

UTV Business Eye Awards in association with Emirates

Independent Financial Advice

46

Stephen Casey & Aspects Of Finance When Stephen Casey and his team broke out from beneath the wing of the Hughes Insurance business, he realised that he had a first-rate team ready and willing to advise clients on all aspects of financial management.

Hence the name of the Newtownards-based leaders in the field of financial advice.

Businesses may well be burying their heads in the sand about the impending changes in data protection law and hoping it all just goes away, but Clare Patterson of Equiniti in Belfast reckons that there are opportunities as well as threats.

62

The Business Of Wine One of Northern Ireland’s best local restaurants, the picturesque Boat House on Bangor’s seafront, provided a unique venue for a similarly unique Business Eye Round Table. In association with The Boat House and its proprietor Ken Sharp, the Round Table brought together some key players from the wine business here in Northern Ireland to discuss Northern Ireland’s flourishing wine market

Regulars

The closing date for entries has just passed, and the UTV Business Eye Awards judging panel meets up in Belfast on 9th November as time marches relentlessly towards Awards night at Belfast Waterfront on Thursday, 7th December, in front of an anticipated 700 guests.

GDPR... More Opportunity Than Threat?

Business Eye Round Table

A group of influencers known as the Belfast Shapers have helped to land a major investment event for Belfast on the 16th of January next year. US-based Fenox Venture Capital has a $1 million investment up for grabs, and Belfast firms have a chance to bid for the fistful of dollars.

10

Eye on Telecommunications

48

Eye on Digital

75

Eye on Technology

23

Eye on Technology

60

Eye on Motoring

79

Eye on Law

27

Eye on Health

70

Eye on Finance

40

Moving On

72

Business Development Manager Ciara Donnelly

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

56

68

Smart Food Ideas Flourish In Derry Sam Butler talks to Brian McDermott, manager of the Foodovation centre at Derry’s North West Regional College, about its work with smaller food companies in the region.

Editor Richard Buckley Commercial Director Brenda Buckley

49

66

Putting Belfast On The Map

Eye on Charity

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

32

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

3

At the time of writing, it seems like a fairly safe bet that the Halloween period will not bring any breakthrough in the talks process at Stormont.

Comment

“While lots of observers foam at the mouth at the very prospect of a Westminster MP setting our finances, it’s probably fair to say that our local politicians are secretly quite happy that he’s taking that particular poisoned chalice away from them.”

4

A

lmost ineviably, Secretary of State James Brokenshire’s deadline will slip past with plenty of bluster and blame from the two main parties, some screeching from the minor parties but no agreement. And no agreement means no return for the Stormont institutions.

Next step along Mr. Brokenshire’s so-called ‘glide path’ is that the Secretary of State and his officials will then have to set a budget for Northern Ireland, enabling the various departments to know where they stand financially and to get on with their respective jobs.

While lots of observers foam at the mouth at the very prospect of a Westminster MP setting our finances, it’s probably fair to say that our local politicians are secretly quite happy that he’s taking that particular poisoned chalice away from them. They won’t say as much, of course, but they will be thinking it.

But the fact the another deadline passes and that James Brokenshire, easily the dullest, most hesitant and most lack-lustre Secretary of State we’ve ever had up at Stormont House has to step in to keep the wheels of government turning doesn’t mean that there will be no return for the Assembly and Executive.

The DUP don’t want direct rule to make a return, and Sinn Fein – right down to their very cores – don’t want it either. The problem is that the two parties have demands that the others can’t reconcile. It’s easy to be angry, it’s easy to sneer, it’s easy to call on our politicians to come to their senses.

Richard Buckley EDITOR Irish Magazine Editor of the Year 2005

But sometimes, just sometimes, it’s important that put ourselves in the shoes of those politicians. It’s not easy to make concessions when you’ve got a big constituency behind you baying for you to do precisely the opposite.

But one thing is for sure.

Business here in Northern Ireland doesn’t have a lot of different opinions on this subject.

Business speaks with one very clear voice when it calls on the politicians to deliver a return to the Assembly and Executive.

Business in Northern Ireland is looking into a very uncertain future especially on the Brexit front, and it’s a future made all the more uncertain by recent job losses at the likes of Bombardier and Schlumberger.

We need an Economy Minister, we need a First Minister and we need a Finance Minister. We need to look at how we can set Northern Ireland apart and move it into the future in a challenging national, European and world economy.

And we can still do it. The passing of another deadline doesn’t make that much of a difference. It really doesn’t.

Enhance your Enhance your Leadership & Strategy Skills Enhance your Organisational Agility Enhance your Business Fundamentals Enhance your Essential Finance Skills Enhance your Performance Management

Programme Portfolio 2017/18 Whether you are starting out and looking to fast-track your career or seeking that extra advantage in business, the William J Clinton Leadership Institute’s Programmes are designed to give you the skills to succeed at every level.

Wherever you are on your journey, our programmes are tried and tested to deliver effective results for both individuals and their businesses.

EMPOWER YOURSELF To find out more about our 2017/18 Programmes and to book your place: 028 9097 4394 leadershipinstitute@qub.ac.uk www.leadershipinstitute.co.uk

Eye on News

Managing Change, Opportunity And… Cheese

T

To successfully manage the challenges and opportunities posed by Brexit, particularly in Northern Ireland, requires strong leadership and a willingness to embrace changes rather than oppose it. That was the message this week at an event organised by the Chartered Management Institute in Northern Ireland in Belfast Harbour Commissioners.

he insight came from speakers from local universities, agri-food business, health sector, security and cross-border trade organisation, and each sector presented a similar message about the potential dangers of Brexit, and the need to adapt to this unprecedented management challenge.

‘Will Brexit steal my Cheese?’ was inspired by New York Times Bestseller ‘Who moved my cheese?’ by Spencer Johnson. The business book looks at the importance of accepting and adapting to change in order to be successful - a notion becoming only too familiar to those who are due to be affected by Brexit.

Speaking at the event, David Sales, Chair of Chartered Management Institute Northern Ireland said: “With Brexit comes uncertainty. In fact, there are so many unknowns ahead that change is the only certainty. It is vital that businesses and organisations in Northern Ireland ready themselves for this major management challenge and the opportunities that may lie ahead.

That means preparing for consequential change - both in terms of our economy and the way business will work.

“While coming from vastly differing sectors, including law enforcement, academia, health care and exporting businesses, there was a similar message coming from all speakers that our position in Europe has brought many benefits.

But we are now entering unchartered territory, and, if you haven’t already, it is essential that you begin to prepare for the challenges ahead. As any good manager will know, you cant avoid a challenge that you know is coming straight at you.”

Speaking at the event were Aidan Gough, Strategy & Policy Director at InterTradeIreland, Mike Mullan, former HR Director Europe at Moy Park, DI Ali Burns, PSNI’s Cybercrime Unit, Ian Myson, Director of Higher Education Partnerships at CMI, Prof Margaret Topping, Dean, QUB Graduate School and Heather Moorhead, Director at NI Federation of Health and Social Care.

For more information on the event and the work of the Chartered Management Institute website at www.managers.org.uk

Roe Park Resort Named Golf Resort Of The Year The Ireland Golf Tour Operators Association (IGTOA) has voted the Roe Park Resort, Limavady ‘Golf Resort of the Year’ at its prestigious 20th Anniversary Gala Irish Golf Awards.

T

his is the first time the Roe Park Resort has won this accolade – which is an industry recognised award, voted by a panel of expert tour operators and travel agents from across the island of Ireland. The award, was presented by Leanne Rice Golf Marketing Manager of Tourism NI & Pierce Wall from Ireland Golf in the Trump International Hotel, Doonbeg, County Clare.

The award follows a stream of success for the Roe Park Resort, since its investment of £400,000 in its

6

golf and leisure facilities – which saw the redevelopment of its golf course, developing its driving range, golf club, academy and course. Since 2015 the resort has won 8 awards including 2016 and 2017 Best Golf Resort in Ulster by Golfers Guide to Ireland, and 2017 Golf Hotel of the Year by the Irish Hotel Awards. The judges for the Gala Irish Golf Awards, commented on the range of facilities, and high delivery of service promise at the Roe Park Resort.

Terry Kelly, Golf Manager at the Roe Park Resort said:

(L-R) Leanne Rice Golf Marketing Manager from Tourism NI, Terry Kelly Golf & Spa Manager at Roe Park Resort, Mike Marshall General Manager at Roe Park Resort and Pierce Wall from Ireland Golf

“The IGTOA Gala Irish Golf Awards is the highlight of the Irish golf tourism calendar, and we are delighted to receive this prestigious award. It is wonderful to be recognised by the travel agents, and tour operators, who rely on us throughout the year to provide an outstanding service for them and their groups.

At the Roe Park Resort, we pride ourselves on going above and beyond for our guests, and this was reflected in our

recent investment. We’ve been thrilled with our achievements since then – both through industry awards, and guest feedback, and the ‘Resort of the Year’ award is the pinnacle of our success to date. We’d like to extend our thanks to the IGTOA for this award. With the 2019 Open Championship around the corner, the timing is ideal and we’re delighted to be positioned as ‘2017 IGTOA Golf Resort of the Year’ ahead of this.”

Eye on News

Award Puts A Cheesy Grin On Jordan’s Face!

Ulster University architecture student Jordan Beattie has a cheesy grin on his face – thanks to his award-winning design for an outdoor activity hub.

J

ordan has won Hamilton Architects Young Designer of the Year Award 2017 for his innovative design for a fun Cheese Rolling and Treewalk leisure facility.

Cheese Rolling, which originated in Gloucestershire, is a bizarre and rather risky sport where competitors chase a 15in cheese wheel down a steep, grassy course.

“The award brief challenged us to use the grounds of Narrow Water Castle Estate in Co Down to create an environmentally-friendly, low impact, sustainable recreational facility,” explained Jordan.

“Cheese rolling is a crazy sport, but having seen it on the internet I decided it was a perfect fit for the project brief.

I had to work hard to get the pitch right over the 280m course, but luckily the terrain was perfect for my idea.

“To complement the cheese roll with a bird’s eye view from the treetops, I designed a timber walkway supported by recycled telegraph poles which, as well as linking existing pathways, offered visitors a yearround immersive experience.”

Sadly, Jordan doubts his creation will ever be realised at Narrow Water.

“It would be far too expensive – but it was a fantastic feeling to work with natural materials in a natural environment in a sustainable way.”

The 21-year-old student, who hails from Portadown, has been awarded a big cash prize for his originality,

Architecture student Jordan Beattie’s cheesy idea for a whacky leisure facility won him Hamilton Architects Young Designer of the Year Award. Justin is pictured with Partners Paul Millar (left) and Mark Haslett.

as well as a potential job offer when he completes his studies.

Paul Millar, Partner at Hamilton Architects, said: “We loved Jordan’s design, both for its originality and for the way he integrated a cheese run into the surrounding landscape.

It was fun, experiential and included an element of recycling.”

Professor Philip Griffiths, Ulster University’s Head of School of Architecture and the Built Environment, said: “In architecture we ask our students to challenge themselves and in so doing challenge the world. Jordan’s ideas show how our students can approach any construct and deliver innovative thinking.”

YOUR HOME YOUR OFFICE YOUR CHOICE With our new mobile clinic, our team can visit you in the comfort of your own home or workplace, on an agreed day or time, offering you preventive, personalised health programmes anytime, anywhere!

With a quick and easy appointment to collect your sample, and with just one blood sample, you will not have to waste valuable time travelling to us, we come to you!

randoxhealth.com

Contact us or download our app on IOS or Android today to get started.

0800 2545 130 7

Eye on News

‘Don’t Let Brexit Throw Us Off Course’ - CBI Director-General Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI Director-General, reflected on decades of success for the Northern Ireland economy and the importance of not letting Brexit throw the region off course at the sell-out CBI Northern Ireland Annual Lunch recently.

A

ttending the lunch at Titanic Belfast, Carolyn called on the Northern Ireland business community to keep focussed on doing what they do best, promoting innovation and entrepreneurialism. She also reminded guests to celebrate the great strides made in sectors like cybersecurity, the creative industries, agri-tech and aerospace – industries that provide a real platform for the jobs of tomorrow.

Addressing a number of issues critical to the Northern Irish business community, Carolyn urged business and political leaders to build on the progress of the Good Friday (Belfast) Agreement and the era of peace, prosperity and opportunity that it ushered in for everyone in Northern Ireland. Topics included: Brexit transition arrangements – providing additional breathing room for dialogue and avoiding the cliff edge scenario which would cause so much uncertainty for businesses.

The Irish Border – the importance of maintaining an open border that protects vital cross border trade and allows people to remain connected with friends, relatives and communities The importance of the allisland market – particularly pressing ahead with key cross border projects like the North/ South electricity interconnector.

Rights of EU citizens – protecting the rights of those who contribute so much to the economy ensuring that businesses in Northern Ireland can continue to attract the talent they need to fill roles across all skill levels.

Political deadlock at all levels of government – the need to get the Executive back up and running and to make swift and substantive progress in EU negotiations.

Carolyn was joined by Martin Wolf, Chief Economics Commentator at the Financial Times, and

broadcaster, writer and journalist Declan Curry. The event was sponsored by First Trust Bank (Strategic Partner) and Rainbow Communications (Corporate Partner).

Speaking at the event Des Moore, Head of First Trust Bank said: “The number one priority for economy in Northern Ireland remains getting the Executive back up and running as soon as possible. Across our specialist business hubs throughout Northern Ireland, we see businesses day and daily who are continuing to do what they do best – buy, sell, invest and grow – adopting very much ‘a business as usual’ approach – almost despite the current political situation and uncertainty that abounds around Brexit.

“While that’s admirable and a sign of the ‘can do’ attitude that is typical here in Northern Ireland, there is no doubt that the wider economy and our long-term success needs a functioning government and

executive to take forward the many economic priorities we have – whether around skills, infrastructure, corporation tax, inward investment – and an agreed position on Brexit given the special circumstances we are likely to face. We are delighted to join with the CBI and the wider business community today to discuss these important issues and to call for progress and proactivity at this critical time.”

LOUGH ERNE RESORT CELEBRATES 10 YEARS IN BUSINESS

T

he multi-award winning luxury five-star hotel, Lough Erne Resort has celebrated 10 years since it officially opened its elegant doors to guests. To mark the occasion, William Kirby, General Manager, and Accountant Eleanor Neal (the longest serving member of management) had a special 19th birthday card presented to them.

Over the last decade, the luxurious resort in Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, has

8

hosted many famous faces and won several top accolades. Most recently, Lough Erne Resort was awarded Hotel of the Year 2017 and Food and Wine magazine’s Hotel Restaurant of the Year 2017. As part of its 10th-anniversary celebrations, the resort is offering its guests exclusive packages, including the chance to win £10 guest rooms, complimentary suite upgrades, special B&B rates and gastronomic treats from Executive Head Chef Noel McMeel.

Eye on Charity

Global Run in the Dark funds Mark Pollock Trust’s mission to fast-track a cure for paralysis

There is no cure for paralysis, or any meaningful therapies for people with spinal cord injury. But the Mark Pollock Trust aims to change this reality by finding and connecting people around the world to fasttrack a cure for paralysis. The Mark Pollock Trust’s main fundraiser – the Run in the Dark – plays a vital part in funding this mission.

T

he Run in the Dark started as an idea on a notepad and has grown from several hundred people running around Trinity College Dublin in 2011, to a global event of 25,000 people, including 3,000 people in Belfast. This year, by raising £440,000, Run in the Dark will help to fund

10

more global collaborations and multi-subject research trials.

As darkness falls around the world on 14th and 15th November, in 50 cities from Sydney to San Francisco, 25,000 people will get up from their armchairs and televisions, pull on their running shoes, slip on their red flashing armbands and hit the road. Together, they will become part of a living light show flowing through the streets like lava, and join an incredible global event for a great cause.

Participants can run or walk 5km or run 10km at an official event in Dublin, Cork, Belfast, London, or Manchester, or they can join one of the 45 Pop-Up events which take place across 6 continents from Sydney to San Francisco.

Jonjo Bright, an aspiring

young amateur jockey from Antrim suffered a severe spinal injury following a point to point accident in March 2013.

Speaking about why he supports the Run in the Dark, Jonjo said: “The Mark Pollock Trust, along with the work they do, is something I’ve had a huge interest in since the early days of my injury and so I will be delighted to see this year’s Run in the Dark gain as much support as possible. Whether you aim to be competitive or simply enjoy the craic with your mates, each and every person who signs up, laces their trainers and Runs in the Dark, will be contributing towards and helping to fund a fast track to cure paralysis.

I, along with a growing population of people believe that our bodies were not designed to

sit in a chair all day. And so, with the correct people, momentum and research that The Mark Pollock Trust bring together and helps to fund, beating paralysis is becoming a reality.”

Commenting on its mission, Mark Pollock says, “We are exploring the frontiers of spinal cord injury recovery by bringing scientists, robotics engineers, medics and foundations and financiers together to work in ways they never have before. We are scaling those collaborations by providing an outsourced business service to help them to access research funding, project manage collaborative teams and market their results. And we are connecting scientists and their funding foundations with business expertise and capital to commercialise research discoveries.”

Eye on Charity

About the Mark Pollock Trust The Mark Pollock Trust has reached a number of key milestones in the last five years: In creating global collaborations, the Mark Pollock Trust facilitated an ongoing transatlantic research collaboration

between Trinity College Dublin and UCLA, and the formation of a $4 million venture philanthropy fund with a Silicon Valley VC and a US philanthropic foundation.

In the area of scientific research, Mark Pollock became the world’s leading test pilot in Ekso Bionics robotic legs, and the

first person in the world with chronic complete paralysis to regain enough voluntary control to actively take steps in a robotic exoskeleton whilst having his spinal cord electrically stimulated with a trans-cutaneous stimulator. The Mark Pollock Trust is providing funding for upcoming multi-subject trials to replicate research carried out on Mark Pollock.

This will make Ireland the leading centre in the world for this type of research.

About Mark Pollock Holywood native Mark Pollock was unbroken by blindness in 1998, and went on to compete in ultra endurance races across deserts, mountains, and the polar ice caps including being the first blind person to race to the South Pole.

He also won silver and bronze medals for rowing at the Commonwealth Games and set up a motivational speaking business (www.markpollock.com).

In 2010 Mark was left paralysed after falling from a second story window.

He is now exploring the frontiers of spinal cord injury recovery combining an innovative electrical stimulator over his spinal cord and a drug supercharging his nervous system, whilst walking hundreds of thousands of steps in his Ekso Bionics robotic legs.

Through the Mark Pollock Trust (www. markpollocktrust.org) he is on a mission to find and connect people around the world to fast-track a cure for paralysis.

11

Eye on AgriFood

Fiveways ‘Prepped’ for Sales Increase thanks to Prep House The newly re-branded range of sauces from Prep House, formerly known as Sauce Works, has contributed to a massive 37% sales increase for Fiveways Supermarket in Newry.

A

s one of the company’s first-customers several years ago, Prep House chose Fiveways as its first customer to receive the newly re-branded range of products three months ago. Increasing its order from three lines to the full Prep House range, consisting of nine flavours, Five Ways has witnessed a significant sales uplift in its chilled sauces.

Fiveways’ Fresh Food Buyer, Barry Cunningham adds: “Sauce Works was always a quality product but this re-positioning of the brand is now truly reflective of the premium nature of Prep House’s products. We were so impressed with the new range that we increased our lines, and held a tasting session in-store.

“Since Prep House’s launch at Fiveways, we have witnessed a massive sales increase as a result of the more attractive packaging, that’s enticing for shoppers, and a greater range from Prep House. In

12

fact, Prep House’s signature Creamy Pepper Sauce is now the bestselling chilled sauce in our store, which is no mean feat for a new name in our chilled sauce range.”

Fiveways also relocated the positioning of its range of chilled sauces to be adjacent to the

meat counter, offering choice for shoppers who want convenience without compromising on quality.

Sales Manager at Prep House, Barry Fitzpatrick comments: “Our re-branding was a massive exercise for the company, and one that we invested more than £100,000 over a period of six months. We’re thrilled to hear that our customers are benefitting from greater sales, as this is ultimate goal.

“Our expanded lines give retailers and customers more choice, and our new Prep House brand-positioning reflects the premium quality of the sauces, and the expertise and experience that goes into every sauce created at Prep House HQ. “We’re already planning to introduce new flavours and seasonal specials to our Prep House range of premium chilled sauces.”

Fiveways is reporting that Friday through to Sunday see its greatest sales in the chilled sauce category, and that this supplier arrangement

with Crossgar company, Prep House, is an excellent fit for its ‘local produce, local food store’ ethos.

Prep House now has 357 stockists in Northern Ireland and Ireland, and its best-sellers include Creamy Black Pepper, Roast Beef Gravy and Chinese Curry Sauce. Over half of the range is gluten-free, and ‘low fat’ and ‘low salt’ is clearly marked on applicable products.

A family-owned business with over 25 years’ experience in foodservice, Prep House was recently awarded gold at the Blas na hEireann Irish Food Awards for its French Dressing.

Based in Crossgar, Co. Down, Prep House manufactures all its products on-site, in a BRC AA Grade manufacturing facility.

Prep House can be contacted on 028 (048) 44 831 837.

Eye on News

Fifth Year For Big Data Belfast The fifth annual Big Data Belfast conference has taken place at the Titanic Belfast.

O

rganised by Analytics Engines, the conference aims to drive thought leadership and supply practical information for those who want to understand more about data and how it impacts the daily lives of citizens.

On the agenda were presentations covering Smart Cities, General Data Protection Regulation, Data for Good and Big Data for Business.

Speakers at the event included experts from SkyScanner, Microsoft, Citi and Bazaarvoice. Local companies speaking include Analytics Engines, Almac, Automated Intelligence, Tughans and Adoreboard.

Pictured at the Big Data Belfast conference are from left: Paul Hill of Bazaarvoice; Roger Woods, CTO at event organisers Analytics Engines; Dr Gráinne Watson of Fujitsu; and Colin McFarland of Skyscanner.

Pictured at the Big Data Belfast conference in Titanic Belfast are from left: Rosie McAnlis of Citi; Roger Woods, CTO at event organisers Analytics Engines; and Dr Gráinne Watson of Fujitsu.

Pictured at the Big Data Belfast conference in Titanic Belfast are speakers (from left) Nathan O’Reilly of Citi; Rosie McAnlis of Citi; Adrian O’Connell of Tughans; and Aislinn Rice, of event organisers Analytics Engines.

Pictured at the Big Data Belfast conference in Titanic Belfast are from left: Roger Woods, CTO at event organisers Analytics Engines; and speakers Dr Gráinne Watson of Fujitsu and Colin McFarland from Skyscanner.

13

Eye on News

IoD NORTHERN IRELAND LAUNCHES PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORATE SERIES

IoD NI National Director, Kirsty McManus (centre), is pictured (L-R) with John Hansen, Partner in Charge of KPMG in Northern Ireland, and Kieran McGarrigle, Finance Partner at Arthur Cox.

The Institute of Directors Northern Ireland (IoD NI) has launched a new Professional Directorate series aimed at raising boardroom standards at firms across the economy.

T

he series, delivered in partnership with Arthur Cox and KPMG, provides a range of seminars aimed at executive

and non-executive directors.

The workshops will be delivered by experts from the legal and business advisory firms, with subjects to

include company law and risk management, among others.

Events include The Effective Board series while there will also be sessions for The Competent Non-Executive, aimed at more experienced directors seeking to share their expertise and knowledge with new and growing businesses.

IoD NI National Director, Kirsty McManus, said: “More than ever, senior business leaders and directors must invest time in their own professional development.

“Our partnership with Arthur Cox and KPMG provides cutting-edge updates for directors to ensure they are legally compliant and embed best practice into their organisation.

“The series, which is open to members and non-members, grants those in attendance access to the leading experts in their fields across a range of subjects critical to ensuring the effectiveness of company boards.”

Kieran McGarrigle, Finance Partner at Arthur Cox, said: “Arthur Cox has a long-standing relationship with the IoD and we are delighted to continue that support through the Professional Directorate series.

“We are passionate about the role we play in professional development,

and our team is looking forward to delivering sessions that will help directors gain an invaluable insight into strategic business leadership.

“We share the IoD’s commitment to improving corporate governance and initiatives such as the Professional Directorate series benefit the wider economy as well as those businesses taking part.”

John Hansen, Partner in Charge of KPMG in Northern Ireland, added: “We very much welcome this opportunity to partner with the IoD in delivering this new Professional Directorate series.

“The programme of events will provide directors with an invaluable set of tools to further the success, not only of their own business, but of the Northern Ireland economy as a whole.

“We look forward to getting our people involved in sharing their expertise at these workshops over the coming months, and to playing our part in equipping local directors with the knowledge and skills needed to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in their business.”

Upcoming events in the series include The Professional Non-Executive Director workshop on 17th October at KPMG’s new offices at The Soloist Building.

JONES PETERS CELEBRATES ‘NEXIA DAY’ Jones Peters is a member of the ‘Nexia International’ network (Nexia), a leading, top 10 global network of independent accounting and consulting firms which world-wide launched Nexia Day on 13 September 2017.

N

exia Day is designed to enable the Nexia network and its member firms to celebrate being part of the network by organising business-focused activities that promote and further embed its brand promise ‘Closer to you’ and the three core values which underpin it; ‘Enduring relationships’, ‘Business minded’ and ‘Being there for clients (Globally connected)’.

The first Nexia Day took place on 13 September 2017. The network hopes to make Nexia Day an annual event. Each year, across the network, member firms will focus on one of Nexia’s core values and highlight the business benefit of that value

14

through the activities they organise.

Jones Peters have this year chosen ‘Business minded’ as being their Nexia core value and presented details of the Nexia network to a gathering of bankers and solicitors at Edenmore Golf Club, including how the support of the Nexia network has benefited their clients in developing and expanding their businesses.

Kevin Arnold, CEO of Nexia International says: “Nexia Day is an opportunity to celebrate being part of a great network by focusing on one of our core values. We in the Secretariat have decided to focus on enduring relationships this year

(L-R) Paul Cummings, Ken Jones and Pat Murray.

as this has been built from truths about our network; building strong professional relationships within our network of firms, and between firms and their clients. It is a great

way for everyone to get involved and celebrate the strengths of our network, wherever they are”.

Eye on News

GENESIS CRAFTY DOUBLES ITS CAKE BUSINESS CREATING 47 JOBS Genesis Crafty, the Magherafelt based family bakery, has secured a multi-million pound uplift to its existing contract with M&S which has doubled the company’s cake business.

T

he tea range, which comprises eleven new lines, will be distributed in over 800 M&S stores throughout the UK from this month.

The impact of the new business has already seen a significant £6million investment by Genesis Crafty in new equipment and site development over the last 12 months. An additional benefit is the creation of 47 new jobs, including 10 management positions, for which recruitment is currently underway.

JP Lyttle, Commercial Director, Genesis Crafty, explains, “We have worked with M&S since 2010 when we launched Jam Bakes and Lemon Bakes in their Northern Ireland stores. Local success of the products led to national distribution and since then we have produced a number of seasonal lines for them. The development

of this new premium teatime range began in early 2016 and involved significant research across the UK and beyond to find inspiration to create the best pastry, sponge, buttercream and jams. Taste trends such as salted caramel combined with new approaches to traditional tarts and cakes have been incorporated in the range, as well as an acknowledgement of customers’ interest in portion control with the smaller treat sizing on offer.”

Georgina Wells, Cake Buyer-Bakery, M&S, said, “Our partnership with Genesis Crafty has been characterised by both quality and innovation. The company’s commitment to extensive research combined with its unique artisanal approach to production, delivers products which our customers love and we are proud to sell. We

have already had some really positive feedback from customers on these latest additions to our small cake offer and are looking forward to the next two launches in December and early 2018.”

Brian McErlain, Managing Director, Genesis Crafty, concluded, “We are delighted that M&S has continued to work alongside Genesis Crafty to expand its UK customer offer and in turn contribute to major growth in our production capability, facilities and expertise. There is great synergy between our two companies as we come into our 50th year in business and M&S celebrates 50 years of operating in Northern Ireland. We are looking forward to further developing our partnership and to that end will be launching additional M&S ranges for Christmas with further cake lines planned in the spring. In support of this growth we are now actively recruiting 47 staff at all levels which is a welcome boost both to Genesis Crafty and to the local economy.”

The eleven new lines produced by

BELFAST

Genesis Crafty Managing Director, Brian McErlain, (left) and JP Lyttle, Commercial Director (right) launch the new small cake lines at M&S Sprucefield with Ryan Lemon, M&S Head of Region Northern Ireland and IOM (centre).

Genesis Crafty for M&S are boxed in units of four. The products are: Lemon Curd Bakes, Raspberry Jam Bakes, Jam Tarts, Salted Caramel & Chocolate Brownie Tarts, Treacle Tarts, Blackcurrant Sundaes, Lemon Drizzle Mini Cakes, Mini Victoria Sponge Cakes, Sticky Toffee Mini Cakes, Salted Caramel & Chocolate Mini Cakes and Carrot & Cream Cheese Mini Cakes.

LONDON

UP TO 11 FLIGHTS DAILY

DEPARTING FROM 6:40AM

Fly from UK’s most punctual airport.* On time for 9am meetings. Home in time for dinner.

Flying to Heathrow T2

Flying to Heathrow T5

Flying to London City

belfastcityairport.com * Civil Aviation Authority, Punctuality statistics 2017. George Best Belfast City Airport & Leeds/Bradford shared the lowest UK average delay of 10 mins.

15

Eye on Leadership

One Young World – An experience like no other

T

yrone Chartered Accountant Sinead Fox-Hamilton has described her attendance earlier this month at the international young leaders’ conference ‘One Young World’ in Bogota, Colombia as “a life-changing experience”. Sinead had qualified to attend the prestigious Summit as winner of Chartered Accountants Ireland’s ‘Young Chartered Star’ competition which offered a place at the One Young World Summit in Colombia acting as the Chartered Accountants Ireland representative.

One Young World is an international network founded in 2009 and it runs an annual three day conference type event at varying worldwide locations involving internationally respected figures from politics, business, religion, music, film and social causes such as Justin Trudeau, Emma Watson, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Sir Richard Branson, Meghan Markle,

16

Jamie Oliver, Jack Dorsey and Mary Robinson. The intention of the Summit is to bring together the brightest young change makers from around the world, empowering them to make lasting connections and to discuss and develop solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues.

This gathering is special in that no other youth led movement outside of the Olympic Games represents as many nationalities as the One Young World Summit.

Having just returned from Bogota, Colombia, Sinead said: “At the start of October I flew out to Bogota with eager anticipation, knowing that a once in a lifetime trip lay ahead. But I have to admit my expectations were exceeded the entire Summit was an amazing experience from start to finish.

The spectacle of an outdoor opening ceremony in the city’s central Bolivar Square set a high standard for the rest of the event

and all that followed didn’t fail to deliver. Having the chance to hear from world renown speakers and household names including Kofi Annan, Sir Bob Geldof, 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner Professor Muhammad Yunus, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos,

Unilever CEO Paul Polman, Cher and Tinie Tempah to name but a few was a special privilege. There were so many inspiring presenters at the Summit – the calibre was absolutely exceptional.”

“The Summit is attended by talented young people from across the globe and so it was really fantastic to have the chance to meet and network with so many energetic leaders of a similar age profile. I especially enjoyed meeting my fellow Chartered Accountant delegates – we exchanged views and talked about our own respective countries and our profession which was a brilliant opportunity.”

“Over the course of three days, the Summit agenda covered a wide array of important social and economic issues, with the event culminating in an impressive open-air closing ceremony in Simon Bolivar Park, Bogota.“ “On the plane home, I reflected on my trip and was awestruck thinking in hindsight of the whole experience – it really is one like no other. The presentations and people I met were all inspirational and I took away so many learnings and life lessons. Every one of us have returned home with a steadfast resolve that we have the power to change our societies and our world for the better.”

Available for:

iOS

Android

Streamline your workflow process, from initial job assignment to client invoicing, with WorkPal, the end-to-end job management system.

Features include:

JOB MANAGEMENT QUOTES & INVOICING CUSTOM REPORTING FORMS & SIGNATURES LOCATION TRACKING DOCUMENTS & PHOTOS TIME TRACKING JOB SCHEDULING WorkPal is a Mobile Workflow Management solution that streamlines your business operations, saving you time and money.

Find out more at: www.yourworkpal.com or call 028 9027 1777

OUT OF SITE

OUT OF YOUR L O R T N CO

Eye on Cover Story

GRANT THORNTON: DISRUPTIVE ACCOUNTANCY Business Eye speaks with Richard Gillan, Managing Partner of Grant Thornton NI, to ask how the leading business advisory firm’s entrepreneurial approach is galvanising the market and generating major growth.

T

he idea of 600 businessmen and women taking to an airport runway for a 5k run late at night might have seemed far-fetched, if not unachievable, a few years ago.

That, of course, was before leading business advisory firm Grant Thornton launched its Runway Run at Belfast City Airport in June 2015.

Now, after three hugely successful annual events that have got bigger and better each year, the Grant Thornton Runway Run is one of the first entries in the CSR diaries of many of Northern Ireland’s top banks, law firms and manufacturing companies.

The event’s success provides an excellent snapshot of the impact Grant Thornton has made on the local market in recent years.

As Managing Partner Richard Gillan explains, it’s a galvanising effect that hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Entrepreneurial culture “At Grant Thornton, we are wedded to an entrepreneurial culture that encourages staff to do things differently.

“The Runway Run is an example of this ethos; the concept caught our imagination, and it certainly seems to have struck a chord amongst the local business community.

“Likewise, we encourage our staff to think outside the box. The most heinous crime in our office is to suggest that we should do something in a particular way because ‘it is always done that way’.”

It is that spirit, combined with

20

exceptional growth statistics, which has led to suggestions that Grant Thornton is disrupting the market.

Huge potential And it was Grant Thornton’s potential for disrupting the market that encouraged Gillan to return to practice following a decade away which saw him successfully buy, run and sell two companies.

That decade away provided him with a unique insight into the challenges and rewards that come from running your own business.

He explained: “When I see a set of accounts, I now understand the blood, sweat and tears that have gone in to producing those results. The times when the lorries break down in the middle of the night, or the CNC machines stop working.”

But in late 2014 Gillan met Paul McCann, Managing Partner of Grant Thornton Ireland, which had just assumed responsibility for the Belfast office. Grant Thornton’s potential in Northern Ireland immediately became apparent to him.

“I was really impressed by what I heard. The firm had become the fastestgrowing large practice in the South of Ireland. I knew that I could work with Paul, who understood that Dublin and Belfast are two very different markets; I was confident that the success of the firm in the Republic of Ireland could be replicated in Northern Ireland, where frankly the brand was under-exploited.

“I firmly believed that Grant Thornton could disrupt the status quo.

“There is huge potential for a global firm with a Belfast office focused on the local market, and that’s exactly what we do - we focus on the local market. We are not a back office function; rather, we leverage the international resources at our disposal for the benefit of local clients.

“We don’t necessarily follow convention, and we like to challenge accepted norms.

We also promise our clients one simple thing – nobody will work harder for them.”

Exceptional growth It’s an approach that is obviously working, as Grant Thornton’s latest growth figures prove.

“In the last three years we have doubled our workforce and almost trebled our revenues,” Gillan continued.

“We are experiencing significant growth across all service lines, bringing in some significant new audit and tax clients like the Ballyvesey Group, whilst the advisory side of the business has had another record year, working on landmark transactions such as the acquisition of CastleCourt Shopping Centre.

“Our Forensics and Cyber-security unit, launched just two years ago, is gaining major traction such that we are rapidly becoming the ‘go-to’ firm for advice on what is a critical issue affecting businesses across every sector.”

21

Eye on Cover Story

Over 600 businessmen and women took part in the 2017 Grant Thornton Runway Run

That growth, Gillan believes, is rooted in the energy and drive of his partners and staff, with everyone sensing the excitement that is being generated by the firm’s huge potential.

Staff feedback “This is a simple business. The only ‘products’ we have to sell are the skills and expertise of our staff – our focus is therefore simply on bringing in the right people. We recruit people who can thrive in the fantastic, fun environment we have created.

“Notwithstanding our exceptional growth over the last three years, the thing that has pleased me most since arriving at Grant Thornton are the results of our recent staff survey. I’m not suggesting that we are perfect, but I was delighted with the feedback about how positively our people feel about working in Grant Thornton.”

The next move With workforce and revenue figures heading ‘north’, it’s a move ‘west’ - in a more literal sense - that is at the forefront of the minds of Gillan and his team in the shorter term.

November will see Grant Thornton move offices to the newly-rebranded DSW building, better known as Danske Bank’s city centre headquarters on Donegall Square West.

“The move may be a relatively short one geographically, but, symbolically, it is huge,” commented Gillan.

22

It certainly seems like a statement of intent.

“Moving to such an iconic building reflects our confidence in the future, and will provide a fitting and professional environment that will help facilitate our continued expansion.

“The state-of-the-art facilities will feature a largely open plan office with lots of interesting features, and crucially we managed to find a space for our pool table! There will be collaboration booths throughout, creating an additional space for client and staff meetings.”

And Grant Thornton is all about collaboration, both internal and external.

“We have formed successful partnerships with many business representative bodies, such as the Institute of Directors and the CBI, to deliver seminars to help expand the skills base of our thriving SME sector,” Gillan explained.

“We have also teamed up with banks, law firms and insurance companies for more focused events that have provided expert advice to businesses in areas such as cyber-security.”

The outlook As the exponential growth enjoyed by Grant Thornton in recent years suggests, Gillan is not one for taking too much time for reflection, but he has very clear targets in place for the future.

“We’re already well ahead of our initial targets, but this is only the

Grant Thornton is moving offices to the newlyrebranded DSW building, better known as Danske Bank’s city centre headquarters on Donegall Square West

start of the journey,” he added.

“We see fantastic potential for growth as we continue to serve some of the most dynamic businesses in Northern Ireland.

“We will continue to innovate and do things our own way. And, if doing things our own way makes us disruptive, then that is what we are.”

Watch this space.

Eye on Technology

The Basic Cyber Security Steps You Should Be Following UK SME’s have been found negligent in their approach to IT management, placing cyber security at risk according to a report by Xperience Group.

Cybersecurity: The Results Are In According to research by Xperience Group, 70% of SMEs felt there was room for improvement when it came do their data management practices.

Meanwhile, 40% revealed they do not have a cyber-security strategy in place, despite 84% having an employee dedicated to managing cyber security and IT in the workplace.

As cyber-attacks on businesses increase, firms ranging from large corporations to SME’s have been targeted, resulting in sensitive business data being exploited. 51% believe their business is at risk of a cyber threat, with 92% experiencing some form of security or data breach in the past 12 months.

Just 67% said that they felt somewhat prepared for any cyber-attack that occurred, with 87% confident that the current protocols they have in place would be able to deal with an attack.

Security audits were found neglected as only half (53%) said that they have carried out a security audit in the past three months – in fact, 11% could not remember the last time that they had audited their security processes.

As businesses begin to prepare for the upcoming GDPR regulations in Europe, which come into effect in May 2018, these statistics paint a worrying view of how organisations are currently managing their data and IT security.

As GDPR requires businesses to have stricter data management protocols in place, you would perhaps expect businesses to have already taken the necessary steps to place cyber security in the highest regard. GDPR is the biggest review of Europe’s data protection regulations in two decades and therefore is set to be one of the largest data policy overhauls that many will see.

Cyber security; done isn’t enough Done is never enough. Rather than viewing cyber security as a task to be ticked off of a to-do list, it is something which should be continually audited and reviewed – a task which is neglected according to the studies.

With GDPR requiring a solid data protection approach, it’s time for businesses to get their practices in shape. Furthermore, as no two cyber security threats may happen in the same

way, organisations should always be wary of when an attack will occur – and how.

Technology is continually evolving, and the same is for the threats that businesses face.

Employees are your first line of defence when it comes to security, and therefore should be educated on the practices that they should be following on the computers, networks, and systems that they come into contact with. Awareness of security policies within a business should also be raised through regular training sessions and security updates briefings – diarising these in advance will ensure that these are followed through.

Appoint a Data Protection Officer GDPR requires organisations who have “regular and systematic monitoring” of individuals on a large scale or process a high number of sensitive data to employ a Data Protection Officer (DPO) to oversee their data management.

The role requires that senior staff members are kept informed of data issues in the business, that compliance with GDPR is adhered to and that they are key point of contact for employees and customers.

Educating employees on data processing and compliance, regular security audits should also be conducted as part of the role.

Placing GDPR as a topic which now sits in the boardroom will ensure data mismanagement is a subject that is managed from the top down and

infiltrated through to all areas of an organisation.

Although many organisations are likely to have someone in the position already, the regulations ensure that all businesses are following the same guidance when it comes to data management – ensuring that security risks are reduced.

Be Proactive, Not Reactive According to the National Cyber Security Alliance, after a cyber-attack, 60% of SME’s will go out of business after six months.

While large-scale security breaches are the ones who make the headlines, it is smaller companies who often suffer more when a cyber-attack is carried out. Why? Smaller companies often do not have the infrastructure in place to deal with the fall-out, or may not be in a financially secure position meaning that losing clients places them in the red.

System and data back-ups should be carried out regularly to ensure that important documents and data sets are safe and stored somewhere that isn’t your computer hard drive.

Ensuring that your data is backed-up will mean that if you are hacked, you can still access documents elsewhere and can prevent them from getting into unwanted hands, or computers.

As mentioned above, done is never enough, and it is this mind-set which should be used when evaluating cyber security - therefore be proactive in your approach to avoid becoming a business which lands itself on the hacked list!

23

Eye on Tax

Taking Advantage Of The R&D Tax Incentive R&D tax credits are the most generous yet under claimed corporation tax relief available in the UK. It enables organisations to recoup substantial development costs as cash or credit for every year of qualifying R&D activities.

H

owever, a report recently published by HMRC revealed that thousands of businesses are not claiming their full entitlement under this valuable scheme. The statistics show the scheme is hugely under claimed in the UK, particularly in Northern Ireland which accounted for only 3 per cent of total claims and 1.6 per cent of the total tax benefits claimed.

Tom Verner, Managing Director of Northern Ireland’s leading R&D tax credit specialist company,

24

the Momentum Group, gives his industry insight into why Northern Ireland companies’ claims are lower than the rest of the UK and how companies can use this incentive to secure tens of thousands of pounds in tax relief.

Innovation is key to the local economy and we lead the way in many industries such as technology and design. However, when it comes to claiming this tax incentive, companies here still lag behind those in nearly every other region in the UK. Recent figures release by HMRC indicate a positive trend for Northern Ireland with an increase of 29 per cent in the total value of tax credits claimed since 2015, compared to the UK average of 19 per cent. The research also shows that local SME’s are driving this growth in claims, accounting for 82 per cent of Northern Ireland’s total R&D Tax Credit claims.

The total value of tax credits claimed in Northern Ireland is still significantly below other regions such as South-East England which secured £570m in R&D tax claims and West Midlands which claimed back £230m. Furthermore, the average received per R&D tax claim by companies in Northern Ireland was only £57,000.

This is due to a number of reasons, including a lack of awareness of the scheme and not understanding which activities and costs qualify for this purpose. Many business owners believe that R&D tax credits are limited to ‘white coat’ industries, however this is not the case; they are available to businesses operating in all sectors.

Another issue is that companies often believe their accountants are best placed to review claims because it involves tax.

However, I would recommend

speaking to a company that specialises in this area. This way you are more likely to claim for absolutely every activity and associated expenditure you are legitimately entitled to.

These claims are vitally important in encouraging companies to innovate and by not taking advantage of this available tax relief, Northern Ireland firms risk stagnating their growth and restricting their competitiveness which effectively holds back our overall economy.

At Momentum, we are working hard to change this tide. We have to date secured more than £90m in enhanced R&D Tax Credits for clients in virtually every business sector, from aerospace and defence to health and beauty, both locally and throughout the UK. This tax incentive allows companies to reinvest in their products, processes or make improvements to existing ones to become more competitive in the global marketplace. For example, we recently secured £1.62m for a firm operating in the construction industry which was immediately allocated to a development strategy for growth of its products.

My advice for limited companies is to contact a specialist R&D tax credit advisory firm who has an experienced team of experts who will assess your activity and submit a claim presented to HMRC in a concise and compliant format. Specialists can also review previous claims to ensure companies claim for all qualifying activity and receive tax relief they are rightly entitled to.

For companies who have previously carried out R&D activity but have not claimed tax relief, you can still claim for an initial two-year retrospective period. Best practice is to make an initial two-year claim and then claim every year thereafter.

We are calling on all Northern Ireland businesses and their accountants to take action this year to explore this valuable incentive, and make Northern Ireland as competitive as the other UK regions covered in the HMRC report.

Eye on Law

Why Is Estate Planning So Important For Business Owners?

Renewing car or house insurance is something that we do every year without question. Knowing that we will be supported should the unexpected happen gives a sense of protection and provides peace of mind.

T

he same concept applies to business owners who have in place Shareholders’ Agreements and Cross Option Agreements that deal with their business interests in the event of their death.

However, one of the most important aspects of succession planning is often overlooked and neglected: Personal Estate Planning.

Personal Estate Planning involves taking steps towards protecting assets from difficulties that can arise in later life and after death. It should be considered sooner rather than later as not having a plan in place could result in an outcome that does not reflect your wishes or intentions.

Estate planning ensures the creation of an Enduring Power of Attorney, a Will, Trusts and an Inheritance Tax plan. These key tools play a pivotal role in implementing a successful estate planning strategy.

Enduring Power of Attorney Appointing trustworthy and financially competent individuals provides the solution to decision making stalemate which could occur in the event of loss of mental capacity.

The attorneys appointed can act swiftly to ensure both the seamless running of personal affairs and business interests. When a power of attorney is not in place, a controller will be appointed by the court. Not only is this a lengthy process, but it will incur unnecessary costs and may result in family and business tensions over who is to be appointed.

A Will Putting a Will in place ensures that personal and business assets are distributed as intended by the business owner, in the event of their death. A Will is a legally binding document that appoints executors to oversee the administration of the estate.

The role of the executors can involve the winding-up, sale or transfer of the business.

This requires executors who have a commercial awareness, an understanding of the deceased’s owner’s intentions and a sensitive approach to avoid any conflict within the family and

Fiona McFall, Private Client Lawyer, Mills Selig.

business. If a business is to continue, the Will can express this intention and set out how.

Importantly, a Will can also provide a means of capitalising on the business relief that will be available if the business assets are left to children and grandchildren. This additional relief will be wasted if the business assets are left to a husband or wife who already attract 100% relief from inheritance tax (IHT) due to their marital status.

Trust and Inheritance Planning Undoubtedly, successful business owners will have acquired business assets and personal assets over time. Business relief, which provides relief from IHT, will only apply to assets held in the trading business. Therefore, other assets, including both commercial and residential property, investments and bank accounts, will be chargeable to IHT at the rate of 40% above the IHT nil rate band (currently £325,000.00). Unless you are a business

owner with an estate over £2million (which includes the value of the business), from 5 April this year individuals are entitled to a further residential nil rate band of £100,000.00.

Trusts and Inheritance Planning ensure that assets are distributed to desired parties as intended by the business owner. Despite the taxation of Trusts, they remain attractive for business owners who have significant assets and wish to mitigate their potential IHT liability.

Tailored Trust and IHT planning is an essential part of personal estate planning and should be considered by all business owners.

If you would like to know what options are available to you, contact Mills Selig, Belfast’s leading corporate and commercial law firm for expert advice and guidance: www.millsselig.com

25

Eye on News THE ODYSSEY TRUST INVESTS IN MULTI-MILLION POUND TRANSFORMATION OF W5 The Odyssey Trust, owners of the award-winning Science and Discovery Centre, W5, is pleased to announce a £4.5m investment package that will enable a major capital refurbishment and public engagement programme.

£

3 million of funding has been awarded through the Inspiring Science Fund, a partnership between the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and Wellcome, with a further £1.5 million invested from The Odyssey Trust. In line with the Government’s Industrial Strategy to encourage more young people to consider Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) careers, the investment will enable W5 to reinvigorate their visitor experience.

Eric Porter, Chairman of the Odyssey Trust, said: “Our contribution to the overall funding package is part of The Trust’s wider objective to transform the Odyssey into a hub for families in

Northern Ireland. Public engagement is at the heart of the transformation and we want to invest in the complex to help improve our facilities and provide families with a number of high quality experiences under one roof.”

The medium to long term aims of the investment are to establish a world-class innovative science centre that will create an inspiring visitor experience for new audiences and increase visitor numbers.

The redevelopment of the attraction is set to take between 24-30 months to complete.

Judith Harvey, Head of Education and Public Affairs at the Odyssey Trust, added: “Through this project, we plan to implement a new model of informal

Pictured in W5 are (L-R): Judith Harvey, Head of Education and Public Affairs; Wendy Langham, Head of Social Affairs and Eric Porter, Chairman at The Odyssey Trust.

STEM learning outcomes increasing the touch points with science not only within W5, but within the community of Northern Ireland, linking education, public engagement and STEM strategies to create a significant and lasting impact.

Our aim is that this project will not only be aspirational, but inspirational.”

Wendy Langham, Head of Social Affairs at the Odyssey Trust, said: “We are delighted to have secured the Inspiring Science funding and

the opportunities it will support for wider public engagement in enhanced learning opportunities.

This investment ensures an exciting future for W5 for the benefit of the people of Northern Ireland.”

The Odyssey Trust is the charitable organisation responsible for the management and development of the Odyssey site including The SSE Arena Belfast, W5 and the Stena Line Belfast Giants Ice Hockey Team.

VELOCITY WORLDWIDE TARGETS JAPANESE RETAIL MARKET Belfast-based marketing and software company Velocity Worldwide is set to enter the Japanese market, using its industry leading technology to open up exciting new opportunities for retailers in Japan.

T

he announcement was made as Velocity welcomed a delegation from Asian outsourcing giant Transcosmos to its offices in Belfast, Dublin and London. The company has appointed Cartan McLaughlin as country manager for Japan.

Velocity’s latest expansion follows its move into the US market where brands including Uncle Giuseppe’s and Double Quick are using its flagship product Darius for Retail to engage more interactively with their customers.

The Darius platform allows retailers to provide personalized in-store experiences via a network of devices including lighting, digital signage and

26

even interactive robots that connect via the mobile devices of customers.

Enda McShane, CEO of Velocity Worldwide commented: “The retail industry is going through a major revolution in the way that they’re approaching strategy and making business decisions using data analysis and insights and integrating data collection at every touch point along the customer journey.

“Amazon’s acquisition of Whole Foods has shown how bricks-andmortar retailers can benefit from up to date, useful and actionable data to reinvent the customer experience.

“These ongoing changes to the market have allowed us to successfully establish operations in London, Edinburgh, Dublin and New York, and now to begin trading in Tokyo as we aim to push the boundaries of what is possible for retailers on a global scale.”

Cartan McLaughlin, Velocity’s country manager for Japan added: “Japan is known as one of the world leaders in cutting edge technology, so for Velocity to be active in that

Velocity CEO Enda McShane (right) and Japan country manager Cartan McLaughlin (Left) with the Darius robot sales assistant in Velocity’s product demonstration suite in Belfast.

market is very exciting for us. There are many opportunities in Japan for Velocity to work with some of the world’s most famous retailers and give their customers personalised experiences that ultimately translate into higher sales for those retailers.”

During their trip to Belfast, the

visiting delegation from Japan was given a demonstration of how Darius for Retail helps local companies to activate customer engagement strategies, including clothing retailer Rio & Brazil, industry body Hospitality Ulster and sandwich retailer Around Noon.

Eye on Law

BDO… Partners To NI’s Law Firms over the next five years. The way we do business has changed massively over the past 10-15 years and the volume of digital data has exploded during this time.

The challenge for law firms is to not only ensure they have the right technology to process this data, but also to use technology as a pioneering tool to change the way legal services are delivered and gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

A key concern for law firm leaders is the funding required for such advances. At BDO Northern Ireland, our team can advise you regarding the various options to help bridge the funding gap.

Client relationships: One of many law firms used or a trusted advisor?

Claire McFall, BDO Northern Ireland

The pace of change in today’s world is ever increasing and the legal industry is not immune to this.

W

hilst words such as agile, dynamic and flexible are traditionally associated with faster paced industries such as information technology, they increasingly feature as core corporate values within law firms. The extent to which change has fully been embraced varies greatly across the legal sector. Some firms continue to provide legal services in the same way that has been done for decades, whilst others are using innovation and technology to enable them to diversify

service offerings and provide value added to their clients.

At BDO Northern Ireland, we work closely law firms to help them be leaders in their field, anticipating and embracing the opportunities that come with change. Research carried out as part of BDO’s 2017 Law Firm Leadership Series indicates that the most significant areas of change in the sector are expected to be technology, greater client demand, generational change and consolidation of the marketplace.

Technology: Are we willing to be pioneers or would we rather sit back and see what the competition is doing?

Our research shows that technology is expected to have the greatest impact on law firms

Competition in the marketplace means that clients can and do choose to get advice from many different law firms.

Furthermore, through the use of new technology and growth of in-house legal teams, clients are more empowered internally to automate routine legal tasks.

It is essential that law firms forge a stronger understanding of the needs and issues of their client in order to establish greater value against in-house legal functions or competitions and truly become trusted advisers.

Generational change:

One thing is clear, there is greater urgency for law firm leaders to evolve their business and those that stand still will be left at a significant competitive disadvantage. BDO Northern Ireland has been playing its part to ensure their firms remain agile and adaptable enough to respond to these changes and secure future success. Led from the front by two experienced Partners, Carol Malcolmson and Michael Jennings, and supported by a dedicated professional services team across the entire firm, BDO has become a trusted advisor to many of the region’s best-known local, national and international law firms.

With more than two and a half decades’ experience and an unrivalled reputation for service excellence, the firm has forged close longstanding relationships with clients across the legal sector, who call on and rely on our team as an informal sounding board for their own business purposes but also collaboratively ahead of impending transactions.

If you would like to discuss anything you have read further, please contact BDO’s professional services team on 0290439009. BDO’s Law Leadership reports can also be found on the BDO website www.bdoni.com

Just as the way we do business is changing, our people increasingly want to work differently too, with more flexibility and control featuring at the forefront.

Societal and generational changes will continue to impact on how people expect to work in the future. Law firms need to embrace these changes and be willing to adapt to new working practices so as to attract and retain the brightest talent.

27

Eye on News

JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED In another first for Northern Ireland’s medical sector, the 3fivetwo Group have made a six figure investment in a new one stop online medical platform called 3fivetwo Medishop (www.3fivetwomedishop.com)

3

fivetwo Medishop supplies medical devices, equipment and consumables to the general public as well as GP surgeries, health clinics, dental practices, care homes, cosmeticians, vets and primary care givers across Ireland and the UK. Big brand names already onsite include Udo’s Choice, Garmin, Fitbit, Fannin, Sissel, Epionce, SwissCode, Promedics, Intersurgical and Lorisian.

Products include fitness trackers, food allergy testing kits, footwear, emollient creams, gels, dressings, gloves, mattresses, braces and much more.

Group Business Development Director Mark Regan said: “3fivetwo’s Medishop seeks to serve the needs of both patients and healthcare professionals by offering the widest choice of medical equipment and supplies, including medical monitoring, training, diagnostic, rehabilitation, furniture and consumables.

“Medishop is a hassle-free way to order products for your health care needs, saving both time and money. We offer one of the most innovative ranges available and this range is constantly being updated and refreshed to meet the changing needs of the customer. Just log in to select your order and reorder.”

3fivetwo Group, Northern Ireland’s largest private healthcare organisations, has introduced a number of innovative customer offerings over the last few years, including a Private GP service and online medical consultation.

The Group’s portfolio currently includes two private hospitals, a chain of opticians and hearing clinics, a national sports injury facility, a cosmetic treatment clinic, Training Academy facility, health insurance company and an online medical consultation practice.

“One of the advantages of belonging to a strong group like 3fivetwo is that

Ecommerce Digital Marketing Manager Gareth Oakes (left), launches a new one stop medical shop and online platform called 3fivetwomedishop.com which will allow patients and healthcare professionals to easily access medical supplies, devices and equipment which can be ordered online and delivered directly to their door. Also pictured (right) is Mark Regan, Business Development Director at 3fivetwo Group.

we can bring forward-thinking services like Medishop and use our buying power to provide medical equipment and consumables at competitive prices to both healthcare professionals and consumers alike,” said Gareth Oakes, Ecommerce Digital Marketing Manager.

“Medishop has already attracted dozens of respected brands looking for attractive platforms like ours to market their products, and we currently have thousands of items available across nearly 100 categories.

“We offer 24hr nationwide delivery throughout the UK and Ireland when

ordered by noon the previous day, a 30-day, no quibble return and refund guarantee, and free delivery for orders over £95. It’s a proposition that is proving popular with both sellers and buyers,” concludes Gareth.

Damien Curran, owner of Light House Wines, said: ‘We aim to provide our in-store and online customers with the most diverse and interesting range of wines and spirits we possibly can, and currently list about 2500 products. We needed no strong-

arming to add Hafþór’s Icelandic Mountain Spirit to our portfolio. It is an exceptional new vodka and one which has had our customers, quite literally, queuing up to buy it.’

If you would like to see what products they have on offer or indeed you’d be keen to have your own brands marketed on the new site go to www.3fivetwomedishop.com or contact Gareth Oakes on oakesg@3fivetwo.com

Got-It! Whiteabbey Vintner Strong Arms ‘The Mountain’ For New Vodka Whiteabbey vintner, Damien Curran of wine and spirit emporium, Light House Wines, needed no strong-arming to be one of the first off-licences in Northern Ireland to stock Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson’s all-new Icelandic Mountain Spirit vodka.

H

afþór, aka The Mountain from Game of Thrones and Europe’s Strongest Man, visited the store this week to launch the aptly named spirit into the local market. Light House customers were given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet the famous

28

man-mountain and to purchase exclusively signed bottles of the premium vodka, which is available only in select independent offlicences. It is also available online at lighthousewines.co.uk. An Icelandic Mountain Spirit gin and rum will be launched later in the year.

Eye on Cross Border Trade

Brexit… Act Before It’s Too Late

Mark Sterritt, InterTradeIreland’s Brexit Advisory Service Manager, on the dangers of Brexit Fatigue.

I

f there’s one message that Mark Sterritt, InterTradeIreland’s Brexit Advisory Service Manager, would like to pass to SMEs across the island, it’s that now is the time to plan, act and engage for the future. He fears that with 24/7 coverage on the TV, radio and online, it could be easy to experience Brexit fatigue, and create a barrier to future success.

Mark explains: “InterTradeIreland is in a unique influencing and information gathering position as its role is to develop cross-border trade. I joined the body in June to head its newly launched Brexit Advisory Service and my remit is to eat, sleep and breathe all things Brexit.

“I’ve worked with SMEs throughout my career, both in the banking industry and when I ran my own business consultancy. This background has given me excellent hands-on practical experience enabling me to advise companies on many issues, from finance to operations and strategy.

“I have a degree in Business with Law and a post-grad Diploma in Business Management, both of which complement my role with InterTradeIreland. I believe that there is a very real danger that firms are taking a ‘wait

and see’ approach to Brexit however, our advice is to use this opportunity to begin to research, compile and initiate plans that will ensure they remain resilient beyond Brexit.

“We recently held a half day event in Titanic Belfast, attended by hundreds of SMEs focusing on the potential impacts of Brexit and feedback has been that it focussed delegates on what needs to be done at this early stage of the process. InterTradeIreland is able to cut through all of the jargon and excess information around Brexit to give SMEs the details they need, in a clear, concise manner, allowing firms to make decisions and implement changes more easily.

“As part of its suite of supports, InterTradeIreland has developed fully-funded Brexit Start to Plan vouchers giving access to expert consultancy. Working together, the consultants and business look at possible ‘worst-case’ scenarios around Brexit and then devise what can be done now to avoid a hard hit later on, essentially creating a bespoke mini Brexit Business Plan for each company.”

InterTradeIreland has a unique database of goods that are traded across the border, tailored specifically for firms in Northern Ireland and Ireland to tap into to see just what impacts may be imposed from World Trade Organisation tariffs, should they be applied post Brexit.

Mark continues: “We can work with

Mark Sterritt, InterTradeIreland’s Brexit Advisory Service Manager

individual firms to determine what can be done now to benefit them in the long run.

InterTradeIreland is a one-stop-shop for help and support at this uncertain time and, as we work across so many areas - from policy and strategy to sales and marketing in the crossborder arena, we are in a unique position to provide information and guidance.

“It is my hope that we can help SMEs take the first step in preparing for their future and that we can equip companies to deal with whatever changes happen post Brexit. I’ve heard some people comparing Brexit to Y2K, which talked of possible doom but resulted in very little change to the status quo, but sadly, that will not be the case. Brexit will affect firms on both sides of the border and action now can help businesses prepare for the imminent challenges and opportunities which is vital for ongoing success.”

29

Eye on Travel

BELFAST CITY AIRPORT: BUILDING ON A LANDMARK YEAR Katy Best, Commercial and Marketing Director at George Best Belfast City Airport, discusses the airport’s continued dedication to expanding its network, and the vital role it plays in providing hub access.

2017 has been a landmark year for Belfast City Airport.

It was always going to be a hugely significant one for the local aviation sector in general, with Belfast having played host to the Routes Europe conference in April.

One of the biggest events of its kind on the industry’s global conference calendar, Routes Europe saw over 1,200 representatives from more than 100 airlines descend on the city, providing a perfect opportunity for us to showcase Northern Ireland to the rest of Europe.

We are extremely proud of the role Belfast City Airport played as co-host of what was an overwhelmingly successful event, and we have maintained the momentum generated by the conference through a new airline announcement, two new route launches and a series of major industry award wins.

from Belfast city centre has always proved hugely attractive to our business and leisure passengers.

Fully aware of the holistic view that airlines take when considering which airports to partner with, Belfast City Airport has also claimed a number of top CSR awards which have helped reinforce the ‘best-inclass’ services that are being delivered across the business.

Our stellar portfolio of airline partners – which includes Aer Lingus, British Airways, Eastern Airways, Flybe, Icelandair and KLM is testament to these best-in-class services, and the experience and expertise which our team delivers.

Belfast City Airport remains the only airport in Northern Ireland to serve the London Heathrow route, one of the top 10 busiest airports in the world, which is operated up to nine times daily by both Aer Lingus and British Airways.

“ The corporate market in Northern Ireland has expanded greatly over the last number of years and the region is now home to a large number of multinational firms, as well as over 67,000 SMEs and 300 large companies.”

These have included being named as one of the top two airports in the UK for punctuality by the CAA, with two of our airline partners - Aer Lingus and Flybe – named as the most punctual and best performing UK airlines respectively.

These accolades came a year after The Daily Telegraph rated Belfast City as the UK and Ireland’s most convenient airport. This honour did not come as a surprise, given that our location five minutes

30

The importance of mid to longhaul connectivity for passengers in Northern Ireland, and the local economy in general, cannot be overstressed, with Heathrow serving over 70 destinations which aren’t operated from any other UK airport.

The corporate market in Northern Ireland has expanded greatly over the last number of years and the region is now home to a large number of multinational firms, as well as over 67,000

SMEs and 300 large companies.

Access to major European hubs is of increasing importance to business passengers in particular, and we offer extensive access to hubs through our services to Amsterdam with KLM, and Reykjavik with Icelandair.

Having launched on 1st June, the three-times-a-week, yearround service to Reykjavik offers passengers an extremely convenient connection to a host of key destinations throughout the USA and Canada.

This year has also seen us welcome Eastern Airways to Belfast City Airport. Following an announcement in July, a new flight to Newcastle commenced on 1st September, providing a non-stop weekday daily service to the heart

of the North East of England.

Indeed, the launch of the Newcastle flight came less than six months after Eastern Airways first entered the Northern Ireland market by servicing the Isle of Man route within a day of Citywing ceasing operations.

These arrivals have helped us in our ongoing aims of expanding our domestic route network, developing our European leisure network and adding more European city-pairs to our offering.

Looking ahead to 2018, we aim to build on the success which the airport has enjoyed this year.

We are acutely aware of the vital role we play in Northern Ireland’s ongoing success story and will continue to strategically enhance our UK and European networks.

Eye on Law

RING-FENCING THE RISK OF ANOTHER CREDIT CRUNCH... ?

A decade on from the start of the credit crunch, Kieran McGarrigle, Finance Partner at leading law firm Arthur Cox, examines the significant steps that have been taken to mitigate a similar financial crisis occurring in the future.

E

arlier this year, we saw the tenth anniversary of the start of the credit crunch, from which Northern Ireland’s economy, and in particular its property market, has been slowly recovering.

On 9 August 2007, BNP Paribas announced that it was freezing the assets of funds with significant exposure to the US sub-prime market. At the time, I recall working on a few multijurisdictional transactions where receivables originating in Northern Ireland were being securitised.

The regular late-night conference calls slowed down and, ultimately, they came to a shuddering halt as the deals fell away. Shortly thereafter, I found myself being asked a question by a Finance Director that I had never been asked before in my career, and one that I hope I will never have to answer again. It was: are deposits safe if a bank is nationalised or goes bust?

Complex situation I learnt quickly about the extent of a depositor’s legal remedies and how unevolved the law was at that time. A few months later, I found myself sitting before the Board of the Presbyterian Mutual Society Limited and trying to find a solution to a complex situation, where the legal answer was not always in the interests of all savers.

So, a decade has passed (which is hard to believe!) and we have all had experiences, directly

or indirectly, of (or in my case advised on) situations that have arisen as a result of the credit crunch which we would rather not see occur again. However, have any meaningful steps been taken to mitigate the risk of a similar crisis in the future?

The answer is undoubtedly yes, and we are starting to see key reforms within the banking industry being implemented. Bank levies have been introduced, steps have been taken to restrict bonus structures and the Prudential Regulation Authority is now responsible for supervising banks.

Confidence These measures are all a reaction to what happened in 2007/2008, and will help build confidence again in our banking industry generally, but the most far-reaching reform will become apparent over the coming months as some banks prepare for a government-imposed overhaul.

The Financial Services (Banking Reform) Act 2013 was introduced to separate certain core banking services critical to individuals and SMEs from wholesale and investment banking services.

Essentially, core services such as deposits, current accounts and overdrafts provided by certain UK banks are “ring-fenced”.

The requirement to separate core services from wholesale and investment banking services does not apply to every lending institution - it must be implemented by banks with average core deposits which exceed £25 billion. Those banks falling below this threshold are exempt, as are building societies, insurance firms, Industrial Provident Societies and Credit Unions which are registered in Northern Ireland.

Work is well underway by those banks affected by the reform and those banks must implement the separation by 1 January

Kieran McGarrigle, Finance Partner at leading law firm Arthur Cox

2019. Having guided a number of institutions through their obligations under the Financial Services (Banking Reform) Act 2013 and in the implementation of the ring-fencing of core services for individuals and SMEs, there is no doubt that the banking industry is changing how it will do business in the future.

Having had an insight into the implementation of ring-fencing by some of those banks affected, the investment in, and commitment to, separating core services from wholesale and investment banking services is significant.

So, a decade on, and with the unravelling of the positions of lending institutions such as Lehman’s and the Presbyterian Mutual Society Limited continuing, have we really learnt any lessons from 2007/2008 and those queues

of people outside Northern Rock?

The ring-fencing of core services for individuals and SMEs is certainly a measured and sensible response, and a step in the right direction. There will, however, be obvious questions about whether or not the reform should apply to more, and possibly all, lending institutions in the UK. That said, it is certainly a significant step in the right direction.

The Finance Team at Arthur Cox is well positioned to advise businesses on the impact of emerging trends in the sector and on any aspect of banking and finance law in Northern Ireland. Call +44 28 9023 0007 for further information from Kieran, or your regular Arthur Cox contact.

31

Eye on Management

Cyber-attacks among biggest single threat to businesses

By Sinead Dillon, Chair of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants Ireland Northern Area Board.

T

he Chartered Institute of Management Accountants Ireland (CIMA) hosted a Breakfast Briefing in Belfast recently to update senior business leaders on how to make their organisations more cyber-secure.

Sinead Dillon Chair of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants Ireland Northern Area Board, explains why CIMA are encouraging its members and other business leaders to put cybersecurity top of their business agenda…

“Recent cyber-attacks, such as those on the HSE and UK’s National Health Service have rung alarm bells for firms who need to protect their business from being targeted by criminals. We simply must take time to understand this growing threat and prioritise efforts to tackle it. At the event we heard from PSNI Detective Constable Sam Kincaid. He presented some concerning results of a 2017 survey of UK businesses. It revealed that at least 46% of businesses have had at least one security breach in the past year and 43% have suffered loss of files and/or corruption of systems. According to Constable Kincaid, typical reported incidents in Northern Ireland range from CEO impersonation and blackmail with ransomware to network intrusion and mandate fraud. Losses from such breaches can run into tens if not hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Also speaking was Dave Rose, Chief Information Security Officer Fujitsu (NI) who warned that while the threats continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, recent analysis by Fujitsu of realworld cybersecurity threats, has identified that the most significant threat is the failure of companies to keep up with basic IT security processes.

Assess the Risk The first step any organisation should take is to conduct an information security and risk assessment.

By analysing your infrastructure through such an audit, companies can allocate resources according to the potential impact on their business, whether it’s upgrading your network, switching applications, improving storage or placing tighter controls on data access. Businesses should seek to continually improve their resilience to cybercrime by applying security risk assessments to the people, processes and technology that need to be brought-up-to-speed and so help prevent security gaps creeping in.

32

Pictured at CIMA’s Cyber Crime event held at Belfast’s Europa Hotel is Sinead Dillon, Chairperson of CIMA Northern Ireland Area Board with, from left, Sam Kincaid, Detective Constable, PSNI; Roger Acton, Head of CIMA Ireland and Dave Rose, Fujitsu Chief Information Officer.

Eight steps CIMA recently published a report entitled Keeping Business Clean to provide information on how to crack hackers on scams such as executive impersonation, where fraudsters dupe unwitting staff into transferring money from company accounts.

Eight steps to fight the Fraudsters are included in the report: • Leadership – Businesses are encouraged to establish an anti-fraud policy, and engage the board in talking to staff, customers and suppliers.

• Identify key risks – Check how fraud might happen in your company, such as through written-off stock or budget over-runs.

• Promote anti-fraud culture – Speak from the top. Executives should let staff know they have a strong process for weeding out scams. Employee reward schemes can also reduce attempted deception in companies.

• Develop anti-fraud controls – Put extra checks on admin procedures, such as a second signature, or avoid giving authority for a job over the phone.

• Encourage whistleblowing – Retain the employee-manager route for addressing initial concerns, but give staff access to free confidential advice, and discretion when raising concerns.

• Develop a response plan – Plan for fraud before it happens. The fraud itself might be outside your control, but how you respond is within your gift, from reporting lines to a PR strategy.

• Harness technology to fight fraud – the better the technology at your disposal, the easier it may be to spot fraudulent behaviour before it’s too late.

• Develop or improve internal controls – Ensure invoices are linked to purchase orders, and remove as much as paperwork as possible, in favour of electronic systems.

As well as the financial damage from a fraudulent act, corruption costs both the business affected by the initial crime and the supply chain too. The role of accountants and finance professionals in detecting, uncovering and preventing corrupt practices in organisations is critical.

For more information visit: www.cgma.org/resources/reports/keepingbusiness-clean-a-guide-to-countering-fraudand-corruption.html To find out more about the benefits of becoming a CIMA member contact Kevin Gormley on 078 859 76285

Eye on News

US Inward Investor Backs Education Here

C

ME Group Foundation has announced it will provide strategic support and grants of $384,000 to two leading universities in Northern Ireland for the development of two educational programmes for financial engineering postgraduate and doctorate scholarships and training for computing and coding teachers. Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University will each receive $192,000 over a two-year period to fund the following programmes: Queen’s University Belfast will develop courses for over 140 GCSE computing teachers to equip them with the skills to both successfully teach and inspire pupils to study the computing and coding to a high standard.

Ulster University will fund postgraduate and doctorate scholarships as part of the university’s Financial Engineering project which aims to address, and provide a solution to, the immediate and long-term skills requirement for expertise in financial technology within Northern Ireland.

Alison Hamilton, Executive Director Software Engineering at CME Group

Dr Philip Hanna, QUB, Alison Hamilton, CME Group, Kevin Kometer, Senior Managing Director, Chief Information Officer, CME Group and Professor Gillian Armstrong, UU.

commented: “CME Group’s office in Belfast has become a hub of technological innovation since it was established five years ago. We see it as a vital part of our role as an employer in the region to take steps to equip the next generation with these employable

skills, throughout their education.”

Kassie Davis, Executive Director at CME Group Foundation commented: “CME Group Foundation is proud to offer the support to these two institutions and to the valuable work they are doing for the sector and for their students.

CME Group has a long track record of supporting educational initiatives that benefit individuals and the economy more broadly. We are therefore delighted to make these donations and to partner with Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast over the next two years.”

Deloitte Welcomes Almost 60 New Brightstarts To The Future World Of Work Leading business and technology advisory firm Deloitte has welcomed the largest ever intake of apprentices to its award winning BrightStart programme and announced its intention to take on more than 50 next year.

B

rightStart is a five-year professional development programme which helps school leavers to gain an honours degree (BSc in Business Technology) through Ulster University Business School as well as recognised professional qualifications and a job at Deloitte, working for the company’s clients across the UK. A total of 58 young people who gained A-level qualifications officially started the programme at a welcome event this week, an increase on the 43 apprentices who joined Deloitte at the same time a year ago.

Speaking at the celebration event in Belfast’s new Titanic Hotel, Deloitte’s UK Managing Partner for Talent Emma Codd, told the new arrivals that they were joining the company at a time when the future world of work is undergoing huge changes.

“The BrightStarts who have joined the company since 2015 have brought a real sense of energy and innovation to the work they have done with clients – including input to key transformation projects for global organisations in important sectors such as financial services and local government.

“Technology and demographics are altering the employment landscape and the BrightStart programme is part of Deloitte’s response to that change.

It has formed a key component in our delivery of creative solutions to clients and increased our engagement with millennials who, more than ever before want more flexibility, connection and collaboration in their careers.”

Deloitte is committed to hiring

Pictured at the BrightStart event at the Titanic Hotel are Deloitte Head of Talent Emma Codd (centre); Deloitte senior partner in Belfast, Jackie Henry; Gillian Armstrong, Head of Department, Ulster University Business School (far right) and BrightStarts, Orlaith Duffy (far left) and Ryan Hamill.

new talent and equipping them with both the softer skills and STEM related training that will be needed in the future world of work.

“In future the UK and Northern Ireland will benefit from a workforce that has a balance of technical skills and more

general skills, such as problem solving, creativity, social skills and emotional intelligence. Understanding the impact of the gig economy, robotics, and cognitive technologies on skills and careers development will be essential for future economic growth.”

33

Eye on Enterprise

Enterprise Centres - Open for Business

Diane Heaney, Brownlow Ltd, David Elliott, Instant Print – Armagh Business Centre, Arlene Mawhinney, CIDO Ltd, Lord Mayor Alderman Gareth Wilson – Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Sarah Baxter – SBD Events – Banbridge Enterprise Centre, Bob Scott – Vice-Chair, Armagh Business Centre and Andrew Chatten – O’Chatten Smokery – Bluestone Business Park.

Covering an area of 554 square miles and with a population of almost 208,000 people, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council is the second largest council in Northern Ireland.

P

ositioned on the main East/West and North/South transport corridors, the borough is supported by high quality road and rail links to both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. With this strategic position it will come as no surprise that the region is home to over 8,000 businesses, many of whom read as a ‘who’s who’ in Northern Ireland – with employers such as Moy Park, Almac, Fane Valley, Irwin’s, Turkington’s and Ulster Carpets to name a few.

With 93,000 people employed in the area, crossing a range of sectors including wholesale, retail, health and social services, and manufacturing, the borough accounts for 11% of Northern Ireland’s economic output, up from 9.4% in 2013, and is the most economically active area outside of Belfast.

Proactively building the local economic prosperity is top of the agenda for council as

34

we continue to leverage the strength of our people, our long-established business base and our strategic location. As well as focusing on inward investment from an international level, a key facet of driving business growth in the area is our focus on supporting entrepreneurship, innovation and the nurturing of skills development on a local level.

That is why we place such importance on our enterprise centres, which help our established local businesses to grow and flourish, while also creating the impetus and support for our new business start-ups.

The borough has five major enterprise agencies (below), which support a varied and diverse range of sectors including food, manufacturing, engineering, retail, digital technology, pharmaceutical and service sectors.

Armagh Business Centre Banbridge District Enterprises Ltd Brownlow Ltd Craigavon Industrial Development Organisation (CIDO) Mayfair Business Centre

With 382 industrial units, offices and studios across the borough, our enterprise centres offer modern and affordable business space of various sizes to suit the needs of all businesses and entrepreneurs.

With 24-hour access, free onsite parking, reception services along with high-end facilities, well-appointed boardrooms and meeting rooms, the centres provide professional business space and equipment necessary for 21st century businesses.

What’s more, it is the unseen benefits of the enterprise centres that is truly something to shout about. Businesses based at the centres can take advantage of the synergies of working with and alongside other entrepreneurs by sharing contacts, fresh ideas, and innovative ways of working and best practice. It is this hub for connecting, collaboration and creating that makes the centres, without a doubt, an incubator for business success.

With expert business guidance, information, mentoring and training on tap within the centres, established and aspiring entrepreneurs can all benefit. This truly helps promote an entrepreneurial culture within the local area and drives continued business growth across the borough.

Eye on Enterprise Armagh Business Centre

Armagh Business Centre is located in Armagh City Centre and provides 69 work spaces covering a total of 33,000 square foot including both office space and industrial units. With an additional 17 units in Markethill, 16 in Keady and 10 in Blackwatertown, these units are designed specifically for small to medium size enterprises operating in all sectors.

Contact: Eileen Stewart, Armagh Business Centre Ltd, 2 Loughgall Rd, Armagh, BT61 7NH 02837 525 050 eileen@abcarmagh.com www.abcarmagh.com

Banbridge District Enterprises Ltd

Banbridge District Enterprises Ltd has two centres in Banbridge. It offers a total of 34 units at Banbridge Enterprise Centre and nine units at Banbridge Business Centre. As well as the centres in Banbridge there are also nine units at Rathfriland Enterprise Centre and six offices at Dunbarton Court, Gilford. In total, there is 55,114 square foot of office and industrial units.

Contact: Ciaran Cunningham Banbridge Enterprise Centre, Scarva Rd Industrial Estate, Banbridge, BT32 3QD 02840 662 260 ciaran@bdelonline.com www.bdelonline.com

Mayfair Business Centre

Brownlow Ltd

Mayfair Business Centre currently provides 47,000 square foot and is located on the Garvaghy Road, Portadown. There are 40 units at Mayfair Business Centre providing ideal and secure business space with plentiful parking to suit the needs of a variety of businesses including office space, retail and industrial/workshop space.

Brownlow Ltd manage 60,000 square foot plus of covered or enclosed workspace and is located at Moyraverty West Road, Brownlow, Craigavon. With 40 units of assorted sizes and the centre provides a full suite of business services to their clients and associates..

Contact: Breandรกn Mac Cionnaith Mayfair Business Centre, Garvaghy Road, Portadown, BT62 1EH 02838 391 666 breandan@mayfairbusinesscentre.com

Craigavon Industrial Development Organisation (CIDO) Ltd

Contact: Adrian Ballentine Brownlow Ltd, 1 Moyraverty West Road, Craigavon, BT65 5HU 02838 344 908 info@brownlowlimited.co.uk www.brownlowlimited.co.uk

Craigavon Industrial Development Organisation (CIDO) Ltd provides 12 workspace units at the i2 Innovation Centre in Craigavon, 80 units at Carn Complex and 40 units at Lurgan. In total, they provide 101,500 square foot of office and industrial units.

Contact: Cara Dallat CIDO Innovation Centre, 73 Charlestown Road, Portadown, BT63 5PP 02838 396 520 cara.dallat@cido.co.uk www.cido.co.uk

Please contact the Economic Development Department at Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Tel: +44 28 3831 2400 info@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk facebook.com/armaghbanbridgecraigavon @abcb_council 35

Eye on Design

MIT Success For NI Design Firm The chance to lecture to students at the world famous Massachussetts Institite of Technology isn’t an opportunity that comes along too often.

S

o it’s no surprise that one of our top local designers, David Henderson of the Kilkeel-based agency of the same name, jumped at the chance when it came his way last summer.

In July of this year, Henderson lectured to 80 high school students from across the world at the MIT Sloan School of Management in Boston for a four-hour workshop which formed part of a wider programme called MIT Launch.

MIT Launch is a prestigious programme which has been running for five years and brings together high school entrepreneurs from all over the US and the rest of the world each summer to grow their entrepreneurial skills and mindset while launching real startups.

Students start a company in

36

teams, using rigorous course materials, being supported to pilot and prototype their startups by a team of mentors and the many resources available at MIT.

The 160 students who were successful on being accepted to MIT Launch are some of the brightest and most gifted high school students selected from across the globe including countries like South Sudan the newest country in the world, India, China and Europe.

So where did David Henderson come into the picture?

“I was asked to prepare a four-hour workshop on the importance of branding and how it applies as the students develop their new startups over the four week program. During each morning session, we covered areas like the history of branding, the psychology of emotion in branding and how important storytelling is within branding.

“The Workshop was interactive with lots of videos, interaction and even a head to head logo game which got really competitive....,” he says.

But the MIT link has gone a whole lot further for David Henderson Design.

“MIT Launch has just rebranded to LaunchX and after having met the team in

June, we were commissioned to design the new branding, website and marketing materials including animating the new logo design. It has been a pleasure to work with guys at MIT over the last three months and we hope it’s the beginning to a great working relationship.

“A lot of the students have also reached out again since meeting them over the summer and there are a number of exciting plans with some amazing startups spread across the world including assisting with branding, helping to design a product and possible placements here at DHD. “We’re excited to see how all these exciting relationships develop in the coming months and years. The whole experience has been one I’ll personally never forget and as a company, DHD is keen to explore further opportunities with similar programs both near and far.”

And it seems that David will be packing his bags in Kilkeel once again next summer and heading back to MIT, where he’s been invited to speak once again at next year’s session.

Eye on Insurance

Lockton Belfast welcomes newest generation of Insurance professionals

Belfast-based commercial insurance brokerage Lockton has welcomed the addition of four eager insurance trainees to its growing Belfast team. The new additions to Lockton Belfast have undergone a rigorous interview process to be accepted into the company’s unique trainee programme announced this summer.

L

ockton’s Belfast office, which has been trading for over 25 years and employs more than 70 staff, has more than doubled their workforce in the last five years, and the launch of the Lockton trainee programme marks another step forward for the company as they open their doors to aspiring professionals who have recently left school and are pursuing an exciting professional services career. Looking for the most promising individuals to train up to join the insurance profession, Lockton cast the net across Northern Ireland to recent school-leavers looking for alternative ways of achieving gainful employment and a career with opportunities for fast progression.

Trainees Leah Holland, Naomi Morrow, Jonny Ennis and Cameron Knell will be launched into the world of business this year while they complete a comprehensive training program teaching them about the insurance industry alongside ongoing study towards professional accreditation through the Chartered Insurance Institute. This scheme is the first of its kind at Lockton Belfast and offers an exciting

opportunity for school-leavers to kick-start their career in insurance.

Lockton Belfast’s Managing Partner Gary Ennis said, “Investment in young trainees is essential for the future of Lockton and, indeed, our profession.

We are absolutely thrilled to welcome four highly talented and ambitious young people to our team. We are dedicated to growing their skill-sets in step with Lockton’s expertise and values and for the ultimate future benefit of our clients. We hope that this marks the beginning of long and successful careers for these ambitious young people.”

As highlighted in the application process, the four chosen candidates are all educated to A Level standard.

Leah, Naomi, Jonny and Cameron stood out in the application process, displaying good communication skills in addition to excellent standards of numeracy and literacy and an interest in financial services.

Alongside a very attractive starting salary, the successful candidates will receive study support, life cover, private health insurance and a generous pension.

Cameron Knell, 18, who recently

completed his A Levels in Psychology, Spanish and Sports Science at Grosvenor Grammar School, is one of the lucky four. He commented, “I am so excited to be one of four trainees chosen for Lockton’s new trainee scheme. I look forward to getting stuck in to my training through Lockton and the Chartered Insurance Institute and gaining qualifications which will help to propel me into a challenging and rewarding career in the insurance profession.”

Beth Scott who will be the primary mentor for the trainees at Lockton,

described what will be expected of the incoming trainees. “The trainees will perform a wide range of roles including data collection, preparing and issuing invoices, liaising with insurers and clients, prompting accurate resolution of account queries, and monitoring and responding to management information reports. The wide range of jobs performed will give them a broad introduction to the profession and supply the trainees with the tools needed for a successful career moving forward.”

37

Eye on Beauty

Caroline Clegg shares her experience of non-surgical Thread-lift It’s not your wrinkles but your JAW LINE that is ageing you: Latest cosmetic treatment sees patients having their jowls and double chin tightened with Thread-Lifts.

Consultant Maxillofacial Surgeon Mr Ashok Songra sees a host of celebrities at his Holywood (Northern Ireland) and Chelsea Private clinics and says that the most recent trend is

‘I have been going to Mr Songra for years at the Cosmetech, Chelsea Private Clinic – he is very gentle and caring, and I trust him implicitly.

patients coming in every day asking how to improve a sagging jawline and double chin.

The first thing that our mind assesses when it comes to judging the age of the person is the shape of their face, a youth full face is the shape of an upside down triangle with high cheek bones and a defined jaw line as we age the shape of the face changes to a square shape with the development of jowls and a sagging chin.

The shape of the face is much more important than the lines and folds. In fact, according to recent research we universally recognise as younger, a person who has wrinkles but has a youthful face shape. Thus, traditional antiwrinkle injections on the forehead alone doesn’t improve youthfulness, but changing the shape of your face and tightening your jaw line, does.

On this occasion, I went in with a saggy jawline and double chin and came out with a much smoother defined jawline 45 minutes later!

Some areas were a bit uncomfortable, but apparently I was unlucky and some people hardly feel anything. I had 30 mini-threads inserted in total. I was coated with industrial amounts of topical numbing cream one hour beforehand and looked like a man about to have a big shave, so you need to take a book along with you. There is no downtime whatsoever – I could have gone to a party that same night!

Although I was told there’s a one in ten chance of bruising and to expect bruising which can last up to two weeks, I was lucky in that I had no bruising or swelling at all. The treated areas feel a little tight and tender, but even these feelings seem to be rapidly disappearing. Out of the three people I have seen, separately, so far, each one has paid me a compliment, and said I was looking good!

That suits me fine – I always think if people can tell what you have had done, then it was too much. All in all I could not recommend mini-threading more highly.’

Before

Caroline Clegg shares her experience

After

Before

AUTUMN OFFER Mention this article to receive 10% off your first Thread-lift treatment.

Offer ends 30th November 2017.

To book a complimentary consultation please call 028 9042 3200 or e-mail: cosmetech@me.com

3fivetwo.com

After

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

PART OF THE 3FIVETWO GROUP

BECAUSE LIFE MATTERS

•

• • • • • • • • •

Injectable Cosmetic Treatments Juvéderm® Dermal Fillers Semi-Permanent Makeup Cosmetic Skin Tag Removal Cosmetic Mole Removal

Laser Hair Removal Varicose Vein Removal Facial Thread Vein Removal Skin Rejuvenation Cosmetic Surgery - available at Kingsbridge Private Hospital

Cosmetech Chelsea Private Clinic The Courtyard, 250 Kings Road, London, SW3 5UE Cosmetech Maypole Clinic 5-7 Shore Road, Holywood, BT18 9XH Kingsbridge Private Hospital 811 - 815 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7GX

3fivetwo.com

PART OF THE 3FIVETWO GROUP

BECAUSE LIFE MATTERS

Eye on Entrepreneurship

Going Global for Entrepreneurship

By Lynsey Cunningham, Entrepreneur Development Manager, Ulster Bank

A

Global Entrepreneurship Week is a celebration of talent and enterprise. At Ulster Bank, we are proud to support it, bringing together our programmes Boost, Entrepreneurial Spark, our support for Women in Business and Young Enterprise to make a statement about how entrepreneurship is a valid and valuable career choice for anyone, at any stage.

40

cross the UK as a whole, there has been a sharp increase in the number of self-employed people – there are now around 5 million people who work in this way. For a significant proportion of that group, there is a clear and present need for access to relevant skills and resources so that they can pursue the career path they want – entrepreneurs are not born, they are made; both by the people and environments in which they operate. So that’s why our series of events to support Global Entrepreneurship Week is so important – either as a taster of what it would be like to run their own business, or as a way of leveraging specific expert insights that can help them with things like cybersecurity, or networking with the people from the likes of Locate a Locum or TriMedika who have ‘been there, done that’ all within the past two years.

That ‘pay it forward’ mentality of our entrepreneurs – passing on your experience and knowledge because you know how invaluable that was at the start of your career – is infectious. I’m proud to see those who would have been in the crowd two years ago now taking the stage and sharing their experience. The culture of entrepreneurship in Northern

Ireland has undergone significant growth and positive development in recent years, and this is evidenced by the significant level of activity that is going on outside Belfast. Antrim, Banbridge and Craigavon, Lisburn and Castlereagh, and Mid and East Antrim Council are all hosting events to showcase local and regional opportunities, and we’re proud that our Business Growth Enablers are running a series of ‘Boost Bites’ events in conjunction with many trade bodies and organisations to package and present insight and knowledge for those who don’t necessarily have the time to seek it out for themselves.

The majority of events are free to register, and I’d encourage anyone who might be interested to search #UlsterBankBoost to find out what’s involved.

Global Entrepreneurship Week runs from 13th – 17th November.

You’re Welcome… …It’s what we do Agri-food Sector

£19m

Wholesale Distribution

£31m

In 2016 over £50m of our money supported Agri-foods and Wholesale Distributors.

But that’s not all… Upstream provided over £130m of new money in total into businesses like yours. Just like you, we continue to grow. We are ready to commit our money to fund your growth so if you are looking for funding to take your business to the next level we would love to talk to you.

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

www.upstreampositive.co.uk

Eye on Finance

Need Finance or Funding?

ASM host free educational seminar series...

A

ward-winning firm ASM Chartered Accountants hosted the first in a ‘Finance & Funding’ seminar series aimed at providing SMEs with professional advice on pertinent financial issues in business in uncertain times this month.

The series will now travel across the North and South of Ireland over the coming weeks, hosted by Wendy Austin, Inside Business, BBC Northern Ireland.

The free seminars are taking place in Magherafelt (8th November), Dundalk (22nd November) and Newry (23rd November) at which delegates will be addressed by keynote speakers from ASM and various financial institutions with a chance for delegates to get involved in the discussion.

The panel members will discuss the various options for funding ongoing and growing businesses, ranging from traditional to alternative forms of finance. Given the uncertain times businesses are operating in, the event will focus on the various sources of finance available and how to access these.

Key speaker at the events, Michael McAllister, Director, ASM Chartered Accountants, said: “We are delighted to hosting our third consecutive Seminar Series aimed at educating clients, new and existing, on how to both sustain and grow their businesses.

“This series has never been more significant as we all operate in such uncertain times.

Michael concluded: “The seminars are free to attend and open to anyone in the business world and we encourage early

registration as places are limited.”

ASM Chartered Accountants has grown rapidly since its launch in 1995 and is now one of the largest accounting and management consultancy firms in Ireland, with offices in Belfast, Dublin, Dundalk, Dungannon, Magherafelt and Newry. The company’s 160 strong team comprises specialists in a range of accountancy disciplines and related skills that include: corporate finance, audit and accounting, internal audit, consultancy services, taxation, hotels, tourism and leisure, insolvency, and forensic accounting.

The events are scheduled for the following dates and locations: Magherafelt – Wednesday 8th November – The Glenavon House Hotel

To book a place on one of the Raising Finance seminars, visit www.asmaccountants.com.

Dundalk – Wednesday 22nd November - Crowne Plaza, Dundalk Newry – Thursday 23rd November – The Canal Court Hotel

Stephen Givan, Ray Baxter and David Abraham

Peter Torrens, Gordon McElroy and Mark King

42

Rory Campbell and Katey Dixon

Wendy Austin, Brian Clerkin and Nial Douglas

Eye on Furniture

Balmoral... Furniture Solutions For Business and Home

Joint Managing Directors of Balmoral Furniture, Paul Moffett & Stephen Shaw.

If you’ve stayed in a hotel almost anywhere around the British Isles, or gone to school or university (and that covers most of us), then the odds are that you’ve slept in a bed, sat in a chair, at a desk or around a table made by a company on the outskirts of Belfast.

M

offett & Sons Limited, best known under its Balmoral brand name, ranks as one of the quieter success stories of the Northern Ireland economy. It’s been around since 1920 and has passed through the generations of the Moffett family.

“We’ve always been a family-run business but we’re also a business which has recorded continuous

44

growth through the generations,” says Paul Moffett, the latest member of the Moffett family to occupy the Managing Director’s office at Balmoral’s sprawling 18-acre complex at Seymour Hill on the outskirts of Dunmurry.

The company’s 200,000 sq.ft. manufacturing complex and 12,000 sq.ft of showroom space lie hidden from the main Belfast-Lisburn

road, but it’s a busy place with the manufacture of mattresses, beds, desks, tables, seats and other items of furniture underway and a fleet of HGV’s loading up to take contract furniture to customers all over the UK and Ireland.

The company recently completed a contract for the New Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex which saw Balmoral fitting and installing their bespoke office solutions over a phased period of 4 weeks.

During the busy planning period Balmoral worked closely alongside designers and contractors to ensure the strict deadlines were met for the office furniture installation.

The variety of furniture produced

by Balmoral, to satisfy the requirements of the different areas within this building, is as impressive as it is functional. Large open planned offices saw a break from the traditional with quirky ‘S’ bend desking and management pod’s, together with the modern trend of acoustic seating that are all sourced from their Dunmurry factory.

Administration offices, staff meeting rooms and children’s waiting areas were all enhanced by Balmoral’s creative modern furniture.

The range of skills on display, and the range of furniture being produced at Dunmurry, is impressive.

A current contract with the Jury’s hotel group sees Balmoral products

Eye on Furniture

being shipped to Jury’s Inn sites nationwide, from Aberdeen to Brighton on a regular basis. Other hotel customers include the Dalata and Clayton Group, Hilton Hotel and many local independents.

“We’re fortunate to have 125 committed and skilled team members here at Seymour Hill, and they’re responsible for producing extensive ranges of furniture to meet a wide range of client requirements” adds Paul Moffett.

Outside of the office and hospitality sectors, Balmoral’s contract division also supplies to a wide range of customers – bars, restaurants, health boards, schools and churches.

Balmoral recently relaunched their website, www.moffett.co.uk, gives an insight into the vast array of furniture that they can produce.

By splitting the website into the 3 separate business areas, customers can now quickly and easily see the product ranges relevant to their needs. Inspiration can be found in their portfolio of recent projects, which highlights the company’s capabilities in the marketplace.

The company, who recently gained the full suite of ISO approvals

in Quality, Environmental and Health and Safety Management, also manufactures education furniture products such as desks, chairs, classroom storage and library furniture in schools, further education colleges and universities throughout Northern Ireland.

Balmoral’s brand name has been synonymous for years in the home furniture market, even selling furniture from their own showrooms in the 1960’s and 1970’s.

Today’s Balmoral home furniture division reaches out across all of Ireland and Mainland UK, selling direct to all types of retailers, from local shops to high street chains.

In the ever-evolving world of mattresses, Balmoral strive to be at the forefront of progress; all possible from their custom-built bedding factory. With new trends such as reflex foam, i-fibre and wool blend fabrics found in their range, Balmoral’s mattresses are sure to give you a great night’s sleep.

Paul finishes with “Our company’s growth is set to continue into 2018 and I feel that we are well positioned in the industry, heading towards our 100-year anniversary in 2020”.

45

Eye on Finance

Aspects Financial...

Putting The Customer First

Stephen Casey had a bit of thinking to do when his financial services company broke away from its previous sister company, Hughes Insurance. But he and his marketing advisers would have been hard pushed to come up with a better name than Aspects Financial.

“W

hen we were part of the Hughes group of companies, I used to spend a lot of time explaining to customers that we weren’t just insurancerelated investment advisers. We covered all ‘aspects’ of financial

46

advice. The word ‘aspects’ must have stuck,” he says.

Hughes Insurance, of course, is now part of the US insurance giant Liberty Mutual. Stephen Casey and his eight-strong team is based not too far away in the town of Newtownards, but it’s a team that serves clients all over Northern Ireland.

Aspects Financial has a strong focus on business clients. The firm works with a wide variety of businesses, from large to small, as well as high net worth individuals, and it works with them across the board.

“We’re providing financial advice on investments, savings, succession planning, business

continuity, pensions and a wide range of other issues,” says Stephen Casey. What’s more, Aspects Financial doesn’t just operate in Northern Ireland.

Through an extensive contacts network, it also works with client companies in London, elsewhere in GB and in the Republic of Ireland where Aspects holds the necessary accreditations to advise clients.

After a couple of years during which the new pensions legislation has meant that pensions were at the top of the business agenda, Stephen Casey and his team are now working with clients right across the financial spectrum.

Business protection, he says, is a key area. “An increasing number of business owners are realising that business protection and business continuity is a very real issue. It’s vital that any business, and familyowned businesses in particular, think about succession, protection and continuity in the kind of circumstances that they probably don’t want to think about.”

The Aspects team, he says, is focused on holistic service and not on specific products.

“We’re not allied to any financial product providers,” he adds. “We will search the market for what we think is the right product to meet the needs of our clients.”

Technology, of course,

Eye on Finance

plays an important role when it comes to monitoring and accessing the financial and product markets and Aspects Financial has made significant investments in technology over recent years to strengthen its links with both the markets, the wider industry and its clients.

“Everyone says that their business is all about people but, in this business, that is definitely the case. People and service are everything for us,” Stephen Casey says. “Also, good financial advice can never be a one-off hit. It’s always about continuous advice and continuous service. We don’t just provide a piece of advice and leave it at that.”

Another key area currently for the Aspects team is providing up to the minute advice to customers on the effective management – short term or long term – of cash reserves.

“We can advise on how best to spread the risk, for example, and we can look right across the financial management spectrum. It’s fair to say that we avoid taking a high-risk approach.

“If I was advocating high risk investment to my clients on a regular basis, I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night. And, believe me, I like my sleep too much to do that.....”

He’s also well aware that the global markets can be affected by global concerns.....Brexit, Trump, North Korea among them at the moment.

And, like everyone in the business, he’s aware that we’ve been through a period where a lot of markets have been performing very well.

“We’ve been through quite a few review meetings with clients where everything has been very rosy indeed,” Casey smiles. “But we have to add the caveat that it might not always be like that. There are challenges ahead.

“When it comes to the markets, we’ll look at short term performance and we’ll look at longer-term prospects. Short term might be positive, but long-term can sometimes throw up a different picture.”

Aspects Financial has a strong and established client base, and continues to link up with new client companies, most them through referrals from that existing base and via a number of strategic partners, including accountants, lawyers and finance

providers. They hold the enhanced credentials required to enable them to deal more complex final salary pension transfer business, and often handle this for other local industry colleagues, testament to their trustworthiness.

“We also offer a full range of online financial advice and solutions through our new website (www.aspectsfinancial. com) but we do find that a lot of clients will take a close look at what we do online....but end up organising a face to face meeting to take things further.

“The financial advice business is a two-way process. A lot of it is about trust, and when it comes to trust, both sides need to eyeball each other.....it’s just the way business works,” he says.

47

Eye on Communications

The recent storms have proven companies need to be prepared for all eventualities, Stuart Carson of Rainbow suggests how.

Expect the Unexpected

By Stuart Carson, Rainbow Communications

I

t was mid-October and the weather scaremongers had us batten down the hatches, buy lots of canned goods and stockpile batteries for the storm lanterns.

But in fairness, Ophelia was the strongest storm Ireland had seen in two generations, with thousands of homes and businesses without power.

stay protected, and reassured, should the unexpected happen.

Whether a loss of power, loss of access to your systems and servers or the public transport system has ground to a halt and your team can’t make it to the office. There are ways and means to maintain the workings of the business remotely.

“ With Ophelia and Storm Brian in a space of days and more to come, how can businesses across Northern Ireland effectively ‘batten down the hatches’ without retreating to their bunkers?”

These ‘acts of God’ are generally not covered by insurance. There is also very little an insurance broker can do to restore years of data or recoup potentially thousands of pounds worth of lost time, team accessibility and customer freak outs.

There are numerous ways companies and organisations can

48

Recent figures show 39% of companies have reported losing their telephony system in the last 12 months with the average outage lasting eight hours at a cost of £24,000 per hour! This of course cannot be sustained. With Ophelia and Storm Brian in a space of days and more to come, how can

businesses across Northern Ireland effectively “batten down the hatches” without retreating to their bunkers?

IP voice services like Hosted Voice and SIP Trunks can help you prepare for the unforeseen. They are designed with inbuilt disaster recovery which means your calls will be redirected automatically should the unexpected happen, making sure your customers and clients can always get in touch.

If you are a business with more than one office location, and one loses power, the option is now available for calls to be rerouted to another site. If, for whatever reason – weather, transport, a sick child – a team member can’t make the office, calls to the switchboard can be transferred to their mobiles.

For those industries that experience peaks and troughs of busy periods throughout the year, most noticeably the tourism and retail sectors, IP Voice systems allow capacity to increase exponentially in a matter of days rather than weeks. Allowing for more efficient cost management

for the books, they can also create a more streamlined and reactive service provision to clients and customers.

These systems are easy to install and cost effective with disaster recovery and flexibility included as standard. Of course, many companies are reliant on back up servers and ‘The Cloud’ for the safe retention of files, data and documents, which are invaluable should the unthinkable happen.

For the reassurance of your clients and the ability to maintain a working office ‘façade’, even if it is taking place in your kitchen, companies of all sizes already rely on IP Voice to keep them connected no matter what.

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

Eye on Awards For more info or to enter, please visit: utvawards.businesseye.co.uk

UTV Business Eye Awards 2017 CATEGORIES AND SPONSORS Business Personality of the Year SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

SME Award

SPONSORED BY

Most Innovative Company of the Year SPONSORED BY

The Northern-Ireland based business personality who in the opinion of the judging panel has contributed most to the local business sector and the local economy as a whole in the last 12 months.

The Northern Ireland company or organisation which, in the view of the judges, has done the most to create a balanced, satisfying and fulfilling working environment for its employees.

The small to medium-sized enterprise (up to 100 employees) which, in the opinion of the judges, can demonstrate significant business growth over the past year to 18 months across any sector of the local economy.

With innovation at the heart of many NI-based enterprises, this award sets out to recognise the organisation which, in the view of the judges, exemplifies best practice in product and/ or service innovation.

Tourism/Hospitality Project of the Year

Young Business Personality of the Year

Fast Growth Business of the Year

Research and Development Project of the Year

SPONSORED BY

The individual project within Northern Ireland which, in the view of the panel, has done most to raise standards in the hospitality industry and to attract more tourists to the region.

50

Employer of the Year

SPONSORED BY

This category sets out to identify the achievements of Northern Ireland’s young (35 years old or under) entrepreneurs and business leaders, with entrants able to demonstrate clear achievement and dynamism in their chosen field.

SPONSORED BY

The Northern Ireland-based business of any size which can demonstrate a substantial growth in sales/turnover and/ or employment levels over the past 12-18 months.

SPONSORED BY

Open to companies and organisations which can show clear evidence of an innovative research and development project either on an in-house basis or on behalf of clients.

Eye on Awards For more info or to enter, please visit: utvawards.businesseye.co.uk

utvawards.businesseye.co.uk

Lifetime Achievement Award SPONSORED BY

Agri Food Innovation Award An award category reflecting the strength and growth of the Northern Ireland agri-food and food processing sectors. The awards sets out to recognise the organisation which can demonstrate outstanding innovation in a sector where innovation is crucial to business sector. This can apply to new product innovation, innovation in manufacturing process or innovation in product marketing.

Evidence of commercial success or commercial potential as a result of innovation should be demonstrated.

Company of the Year

Best Digital/Online Company of the Year SPONSORED BY

The company or organisation which has demonstrated the most successful and most innovative use of online/digital technology to advance its business aims. Entrants can include organisations which have successfully adapted to online/digital from more traditional foundations as well as pure online/digital enterprises.

Waste Reduction Project of The Year Award

SPONSORED BY SPONSORED BY

Family Business of the Year Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award will honour a leading personality from the wider Northern Ireland business community who has made a significant and lasting contribution to business and the economy in the region.

SPONSORED BY

Sets out to showcase the very best of family businesses, a large and extremely important part of the wider Northern Ireland economy.

The category is open to all familyowned organisations, irrespective of their size of business sector, and the judging panel will consider how family values have been applied in the growth, development and everyday management of each.

Outstanding Leadership & Management Award

International Award This award is open to organisations trading internationally from Northern Ireland, and will recognise the most important achievement/ contribution by such a company outside of Northern Ireland during the period, whether in terms of export sales, overseas expansion/ investment or acquisition.

Business Marketing Award

SPONSORED BY

The Northern Ireland-based private sector company which has made the biggest positive impact across the spectrum over the past 12 month period in the view of the judges‌ for reasons which may include business and/or

Aimed at the increasing number of local companies making a contribution to the environment by reducing commercial and industrial waste. Entrants must outline evidence of how

employment growth, acquisitions or other deals, export achievement, etc.

substantial waste reduction has been achieved by a single project over the past 12 months.

An award recognising exemplary leadership and/or management as demonstrated by a leading individual or by a management team. The achievements of the organisation and the contribution of the specific manager or team must be clearly demonstrated.

Open to companies in all sectors of the local business community, this award sets out to recognise and showcase the organisation which best uses marketing - including advertising, PR or the strategic use of digital platforms and social media to enhance business performance across the board.

51

Eye on News

Hospitality Exchange Hits The High Notes N

orthern Ireland’s hospitality conference, Hospitality Exchange, attracted a sensational line up of inspirational and motivational speakers on 17th and 18th October in Crowne Plaza Belfast.

The two day programme featured experts from the worlds of banking, economics, marketing, hospitality, tourism and global trend analysis.

The team from Bishop’s Gate Hotel in Derry

Speaker Lunch - Linus Murray (O’Reilly Stewart), Gavin Carroll (NIHF President) with Peter McCann, Guest Speaker (Merrion Hotel)

Business Breakfast speakers and Panellists: Front row: Brian Gillan (First Trust), Sarah Duignan ( STR) Gareth Hetherington (UUEPC). Back row: Mark Simpson (compere) Michael Williamson (ASM Chartered Accountants) and Aaron Spring (Savills)

George Graham (Crowne Plaza), Vicky Green (Andras House) , Pamela Ballantine (Host) and Brian Tracey (Maldron Hotel, Belfast)

Tourism Live - Niall Gibbons (Tourism Ireland), Mark Simpson (compere) and John McGrillen (Tourism NI)

NIHF Hospitality Hero 2017 - Martin Darling with Gavin Carroll (NIHF President)

53

Eye on Technology

Tech Founder Oliver Lennon Unveils New Customer Engagement Start-Up ‘Syndeo’ A new technology company that aims to help organisations engage and communicate with an emerging generation of “on demand” customers has been officially launched in Belfast.

S

yndeo was founded by Oliver Lennon, who previously founded software company SpeechStorm, a company which spun out of Kainos and was acquired by US software giant Genesys Inc two years ago.

Syndeo aims to revolutionise the world of customer service using a new intelligent messaging platform that connects consumers with brands while harnessing the power of expert communities to deliver the optimum customer experience.

Currently, more than 70 per cent of customer service engagements are undertaken over the phone, with the vast majority of organisations still promoting customer service through voice channels using some form of call centre.

But a new wave of “digital natives”, the Millennial generation, now engage each other using their mobile devices, specifically social media and messaging apps such as Facebook Messenger. Rather than having to make calls they expect to be able to engage with brands in the same manner.

Oliver Lennon, founder of Syndeo explained: “It is our mission at Syndeo to re-define customer communications to meet the needs of the new generation of consumer and dramatically improve relationships between consumers and brands.

“In the UK alone, there are some 20 million Millennials and in the US the figure is greater than 100 million. Will they go searching for a phone number or email address when they want to communicate with an organisation? I don’t think they will.”

Lennon says the current model for engaging with customers is not fit for purpose for this new generation of consumers. Industry reports indicate that the mobile phone is only used 20% of the time for making calls with the clear majority of our communication today taking place within social media apps, so when a brand

54

needs to communicate with their customers they need to stop thinking of the call centre as the primary mechanism for doing so.

“For any organisation, competition from new market entrants is putting an increasing pressure on customer retention and not delivering customer service to a key customer demographic via the delivery mechanism of their choice is eroding brand loyalty.

Organisations are constantly striving to reduce the cost to serve, while increasing customer satisfaction. To survive brands will need to engage with the new generation of consumer through the familiar social media messaging apps they use daily,” he said.

“We have built a platform that makes this much easier for organisations. They can quickly define the customer service options they need to provide, decide which social media messaging apps they wish to deliver these options over and if they wish to allow some of those queries to be resolved through a community of expert users.

When the platform is configured, which can happen in a matter of minutes, utilising artificial intelligence and machine learning the platform then determines the optimum experience to resolve the customer’s query.”

“ In the UK alone, there are some 20 million Millennials and in the US the figure is greater than 100 million.

Will they go searching for a phone number or email address when they want to communicate with an organisation?

I don’t think they will.”

The Syndeo team is currently based in the Ormeau Baths innovation space in Belfast.

Mark Dowds, co-founder of Ormeau Baths, welcomed the company, saying: “Syndeo are a great addition to the collaborative community which has been steadily growing at Ormeau Baths since we opened our doors earlier this year. Oliver and his team see huge opportunity in helping organisations to respond to the changing demands of a new generation of consumers and I’m sure we will hear much more about Syndeo as the company continues to grow.”

UTV Live

Weekdays 6pm

Eye on Technology

“ If you are presently tearing your hair out or worried about taking the first step towards GDPR compliance, here are a few proactive steps you can take to improve customer relationships and make GDPR work for you.�

56

Eye on Technology

Is GDPR An Opportunity To Improve Customer Relationships?

By Clare Patterson, Head of Marketing at Equiniti Belfast

For Northern Ireland businesses embarking upon a path towards GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) compliance, you may be tearing your hair out right this very minute. Worse still, you may be burying your head in the sand about the impending changes in data protection law and hoping it all just goes away.

W

hilst it can be all too easy to see the negatives from GDPR (which will replace the current Data Protection Act come May 2018), let’s take a step back and think about the reasons why these new rules are coming into force.

The overall purpose of GDPR is to protect the rights of EU citizens and their personal data by providing a set of standardised data protection laws across Europe. This in turn should make it easier for EU citizens to understand how their data is being used and make a complaint if necessary.

Put simply, if your business collects, processes or stores the personal data of EU citizens you will need to abide by the rules governed by GDPR come 25th May 2018 - and if you think you don’t have to because the UK is leaving the EU, think again.

On one hand, the UK will still be part of the EU come the implementation of GDPR, and on the other, no matter where you are located in the World, if you are processing the personal data of EU citizens, you need to abide by the rules laid down by GDPR. Whilst this may seem like a daunting prospect for some, working towards GDPR compliance has clear benefits for your business. Firstly, it will probably mean modernising your data handling processes and provide an opportunity to better structure and manage your customer data. Secondly, customer relationships could be strengthened by the renewed effort of your businesses to treat your customers’ data better.

In effect, GDPR offers businesses, such as yours, the opportunity to connect with your customers better by looking in detail at the data you collect and store, which in turn could lead to improvements in how you communicate and market to them.

So if you are presently tearing your hair out or worried about taking the first step towards GDPR compliance, here are a few proactive steps you can take to improve customer relationships and make GDPR work for you.

Gain consent Always be open and honest with your customers, seeking their consent when attempting to gain personal information, such as email addresses and bank details.

Undertake a data audit Get a clear overview of all the customer data you hold so that you can begin to question whether or not the data you store is accurate and relevant to your business.

At the heart of the new data protection regulations is the concept of valuing, respecting and empowering EU citizens. So whilst GDPR compliance may take time and money to implement, why not turn it into a positive for your business? No more tearing your hair out, no more sticking your head in the sand - embrace GDPR and see what the process can do for you.

If approached positively, GDPR offers a progressive opportunity to reinvigorate customer relationships and grow your business. By taking the time to analyse and better organise and maintain customer data you will come to understand your customers more and discover new ways to add value to your relationship with them.

And the end result? Increased customer satisfaction levels, better retention rates and a boost in revenues. Surely that’s reason enough to proactively work towards GDPR compliance before next May?

Streamline data Keep only the most relevant and up-todate personal data on file and take the opportunity to inform and reassure your customers of any changes you are making to your data processing methods.

Upgrade security systems Avoid serious data breaches by using the latest security measures and systems. A recent report by Cisco stated that more than a third of companies that experienced a data breach in 2016, lost more that 20% of their customers, opportunities or revenue.

About Equiniti Equiniti helps organisations on their journey to GDPR compliance.

We enhance data quality and integrity, help you manage Subject Access Requests (SARs) and minimise the threat and consequences of a Data Breach.

Equiniti’s services, which are delivered by 4,300 employees, benefit 28 million people in the UK and 120 countries around the world.

Use smart customer solutions Manage and use customer information more effectively by choosing to implement intelligent tools that help you on your journey to compliance such as systems that manage Subject Access Requests (SARS). But before you implement the technology you need to make sure that your data is compliant.

For more information please contact us at: Tel: 028 9045 4166 Email: enquiries@equiniti-ics.com Web: equiniti-assured.com

57

Eye on News

EQUINITI BELFAST MAKES THREE SENIOR APPOINTMENTS Equiniti has announced three senior appointments in the Belfast office in a move designed to support the growing demand for digital transformation technologies from clients in the public sector and heavily regulated industries, such as financial services.

A

s a respected business technology solutions provider in the local market, Equiniti Belfast is well known for their leading edge technology and innovative solutions. With the announcement of three senior hires in the Belfast office, Equiniti is growing its 250-strong team locally and is evolving to meet the growing demands of clients to drive digital transformation to a wider range of companies and public sector organisations.

Joining the Belfast team is Stuart Gunning as Business Development Director, Richard Walker as Project Manager and Jonathan McManus as Service Delivery Manager.

In his new role as Business Development Director Stuart Gunning will work across the public sector in Ireland, North and South. Stuart

joins the company after three years working at board level with start-up companies to help them grow rapidly through the use of technology. Richard Walker joins Equiniti Belfast as Project Manager and will work with large clients including global banks and public sector organisations. Richard previously worked for leading multinational software and technology providers in the successful delivery of IT projects since 1990. As Service

Delivery Manager, Jonathan McManus will represent key clients and will be responsible for co-ordinating services between clients, technical teams and third-party service providers. Previously, Jonathan was an experienced ICT services manager within Dell’s European Service Division.

Clare Patterson, Head of Marketing at Equiniti, said: “We are delighted to welcome Stuart Gunning, Richard Walker and Jonathan

McManus to Equiniti. They have a wealth of experience between them and will be integral to our ongoing success in providing innovative digital transformation solutions for new and existing clients across the UK and Ireland. At Equiniti we are passionate about providing up-to-the-minute business technology solutions and driving digital transformation for our broad range of clients.”

Neil Gibson Joins EY As Chief Economist Top local economist Neil Gibson has joined EY as Chief Economist.

F

ormerly Professor and head of the Economic Policy Centre at Ulster University, Gibson who has been economic advisor to the firm for over 10 years will provide economic analysis and insight to clients on a range of issues arising from continued change within Ireland’s economic landscape.

Prior to taking up the role at Ulster University, as an economist with Oxford Economics, Gibson developed marco, regional and sub-regional economic

58

forecast models and most recently has worked with clients across the Island of Ireland on scenario planning for current and future implications of Brexit.

This appointment follows a number of strategic appointments the firm has made recently including, Shane Mac Sweeney as Partner and Head of Government & Infrastructure, along with a number of Senior Directors including Ferga Kane, Anthony Rourke and Conor Gunn who will work alongside him in providing solutions for Government and private sector clients in collaboration with EY’s existing government and infrastructure experts.

Michael Hall, Managing Partner EY, Belfast, said:-

“EY Ireland welcomes the appointment of Neil Gibson as Chief Economist to the firm, having served as economic advisor to EY for the past ten years. Ireland in particular is at a critical economic crossroads with Brexit, wider geopolitical and technological disruption. We believe that it’s essential we work in collaboration with business and Government to ensure that the UK’s exit from the EU has limited impact on the free movement of labour and trade, not just between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, but also with the mainland UK. Neil will bring unique perspectives to both the public and private sectors and I would personally like to welcome him to EY Ireland.

Effective Infrastructure.

Managed Risk.

We are a leader in IT infrastructure Planning, Implementation & Support throughout the UK and Ireland.

CMI is not only focused on solving the IT problems of businesses, including Managed Services, Cloud Solutions and Support, but dedicated to delivering the highest level of customer service.

NewCMI Ltd.

T: 028 9073 5600

www.newcmi.com

E: info@newcmi.com

Eye on Communications

WorkPal goes Stateside with Envision Intelligent Solutions

60

Eye on Communications Envision Intelligent Solutions, who design, install, maintain and monitor a range of security products and services throughout the UK, Ireland, and the US has increased their productivity and generated greater profits all while getting rid of their paper based system thanks to WorkPal.

W

orkPal is a mobile and desktop app which streamlines workflow, with job management, time tracking, job reports and invoicing all from the palm of your hand.

Using the mobile app, workers have access to customised job sheets, can be guided easily through their tasks and can report back instantaneously on the progress. WorkPal manages jobs from assignment to invoicing, which can all be done from anywhere, even out in the field.

Envision stand out not only in the security sector, but also in the world of business. They take a unique and innovative approach to provide customers with increased security protection at a reduced cost. WorkPal’s customisable reporting tool allows Envision to create reports in minutes, rather than days, allowing for quicker communication with customers.

Philip Murdock, Managing Director of Envision said: “At Envision, we aim to deliver affordable and innovative security solutions that meet our customers’ needs, and provide ultimate protection.

“We are experts in security, and use our extensive knowledge to provide the highest quality protection to our customers’ assets.

“Our dedicated team give 100% to ensuring customer needs and requirements are met to the fullest potential.

“Installing WorkPal has transformed the way we operate, from job scheduling to reports, everything is more efficient, allowing us to spend more time developing the business and less time trawling through paper work.

“Since using the system WorkPal has made a huge difference in the way our company operates, and the team morale reflects that.

“The transition from our paper based system has been seamless, WorkPal’s dedicated project management team has guided us through every step, and I wouldn’t look back at a

paper based system now.

“WorkPal has allowed us to free up time previously spent on admin and put this directly back into the business, making our workforce more productive and ultimately benefitting our customers.”

Ian Megahey, Head of WorkPal Sales said: “WorkPal can be uniquely integrated with a company’s own internal systems, and is extremely user friendly, with completely bespoke packages available.

“Envision was using a number of paper-based forms for each job, the delay in getting job reports and information back to the office, as well as the time taken for data re-entry was proving inefficient and expensive.

“With Workpal, Envision is able to manage their business remotely through online job allocation, job sheets, KPI reporting, photos, signatures and asset management all from the app.

“Our clients benefit from less paper, less admin time, more profit and overall a more transparent experience between them and their customers.

“With features including GPS, time tracking and management, WorkPal increases productivity and allows our clients to capture costs more accurately, putting an end to under billing or under estimating job times by improving quotes.

“One of the most attractive aspects of WorkPal for our customers is WorkPal forms. When setting up your WorkPal install your paper based forms will be developed as part of the system. Data captured from the app will automatically sync back to the desktop providing your forms for email and export, meaning documents can’t be lost.

“Using WorkPal, businesses have saved up to £30,000 per year in administration costs, allowing the money to be put back into the business.

“The bespoke nature of WorkPal means it’s as affordable and flexible as companies require, ultimately

saving money and growing profits.”

In the past year, Envision has expanded into the US market, working primarily in Boston.

Envision have ambitious growth plans for this area and are currently working at phasing WorkPal into US operations by 2018.

Amanda Campbell, General Manager at Envision said: “Since implementing WorkPal, we’ve noticed a massive improvement in our time management and obviously a reduction in paper consumption.

“We’ve utilised WorkPal across our installation teams, monitoring teams, control room team and our site surveyors. We can now send out incident reports via our client portal on the app, as opposed to manually emailing each customer, meaning our customers are receiving these reports in real time.

“Envision have been an Internet of Things (IoT) customer with Barclay Communications, WorkPal’s sister company for the last 4 years, utilising a multi-network roaming SIM for enhanced network connection on our alarm systems.

“This partnership has benefited our clients ranging from businesses such as Lookers, to Charles Hurst and Trust Ford.

“Having this transparency and trust with our clients is so important to us, and implementing WorkPal has strengthened these relationships. We’re excited to see how it will grow our business as we develop in US markets.”

Ben Magowan, Business Development Manager at WorkPal said: “With sites right across the UK, Envision’s highly skilled engineers are constantly on the go, working to ensure their customers receive top quality maintenance and care.

“Envision needed to ensure mobile workers and customers had a transparent way of working together, and be able to push out information in real time – which WorkPal enables them to do.

“With mirrored company values of service, delivery, exceeding expectations and a client focus, Envision is the perfect example of how WorkPal can work within a company.

“Our sister company, Barclay Communications already provide over 500 sim cards for Envision’s mobile monitoring devices, some of which are already used in the US, so it’s an interesting time for WorkPal to see how we can aid Envision’s growth.

“We’re delighted with the results Envision has achieved with WorkPal so far, and are excited to see how this will develop in 2018.”

For more information on how WorkPal can transform your business and put an end to your paper work, contact one of the WorkPal team on 028 9027 1777, info@yourworkpal.com or visit yourworkpal.com

61

Eye on Round Table

Changed Times For The Business Of Wine.

“Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners.” - Andre Simon One of Northern Ireland’s best local restaurants, the picturesque Boat House on Bangor’s seafront, provided a unique venue for a similarly unique Business Eye Round Table. In association with The Boat House and its proprietor Ken Sharp, the Round Table brought together some key players from the wine business here in Northern Ireland to discuss Northern Ireland’s flourishing wine market, changing tastes, current trends and the challenges of running a successful wine business.

The Participants RB – By way of an opener, I remember coming to Bangor many long years ago for a meal and having prawn cocktail and a steak washed down by a bottle of Blue Nun. So how have things changed? How has this grown into such a sophisticated business?

Richard Buckley, Business Eye (Chairman)

Brenda Buckley, Business Eye

Ken Sharp, The Boat House

KS – The more people travelled, the most they learnt. That’s one factor. And there’s a lot more knowledge around food. We’ve used an Andre Simon quote that says ‘Food without wine is a corpse.

Wine without food is a ghost.’ The hospitality business has improved so much and it is helping to pass that knowledge on to its customers.

TB – We’re in a different era. It’s a different era in terms of what people will spend on food and wine. We’re also in a different era in terms of media. 30 years ago, you wouldn’t have know much else apart from one or two wines. The ones that were advertised. It’s a very different picture these days.

Tom Bell, Grange Wine Merchants (Holywood & Donaghadee)

62

Charles Robb, Robb Wines

Ronnie Janssen, Casa Lapostelle, Chile

CR – The big wine businesses played their part too, the likes of Jacob’s Creek. They came up with names that were easy to remember combined with eye catching bottles.

A very simple piece of marketing.... but really effective. Think of Rosemount, Yellow Tail. They took

Eye on Round Table

a very different approach from the Europeans, who sell by village, domaine and region.

TB – But I do think that the French winemakers are starting to see that they’re losing market share and that they need to change their approach. I can see the market starting to swing back to old world once again, but it will take a bit of work.

Consumers might be getting a bit bored with new world and they’re more educated than they’ve ever been.

Blend used to the height of good taste...aspirational almost!

And Cadbury’s Dairy Milk isn’t the only chocolate around.

The same goes for wine.

BB – Can we come back for a moment to the question of whether the old world crown is really slipping away in favour of new world?

TB – Travel plays a part, food programmes on TV play a part.... there are all sorts of factors.

RJ – The new world has learned a lot from the old world and, these days, it also works the other way. When I worked for Lindemann’s, I remember a winemaker in Bordeaux asking how we sold so many bottles. He looked a bit surprised when I told him that we sold people what they wanted. Today, people are looking for more class and more subtety. It’s a case of moving with the times and we will always learn from each other.

RJ – There is a lot more choice across the board now....whether its chocolate, coffee, bread or wine. Take coffee. Nescafe Gold

CR – The French like to say that the Australians aren’t winemakers....they’re chemical engineers. But the fact is that

KS – Yes, people do want to learn. They can get introduced to varietals through the new world wines, then they move back to old world.

they make wine that people want to drink, and they’re not hidebound by ancient traditions.

KS – Rose is another good case in point. We introduced a dry rose by the glass at our bar in the Salty Dog here in Bangor and it was a really big seller. People loved a dry rose when on holiday in Spain or France but didn’t think they’d get it here. Once again, it’s about meeting demand.

TB – Dry rose will sell in our Holywood store 70:30 to the sweet Zinfandel version. In our Donaghadee store, it’s the other way around. Demographics, I suppose. Once people try a good rose, they love it.

KS – The other big change has been in alcohol percentage.

A few years ago, it was a struggle to find wines below 15%. Now there are lot of them in the 12-13% bracket.

It’s another sign of a much more educated market.

RB – Who is doing the educating? And do we tend to follow supposedly more sophisticated markets like London?

TB – In that people will be in London, try different wines, pick up different trends and bring them back, that’s correct.

But I don’t think we need to follow London or anywhere else for that matter.

KS – Do we need more independent wine suppliers? Is that a problem for Northern Ireland?

TB – I would say this but I think there is nothing to beat friendly, face to face advice. I’m always happy to open a bottle and taste it with a customer. If they don’t take it, I’ll bring it home or taste it with the next eight customers who come through the door.....!

CR – There is even more demand these days for better labelling – information on the precise

63

Eye on Round Table

blend, for example. The French have been notorious for not doing that, but that’s a situation that is changing gradually.

RB – Talking to customers and finding out what customers want. That must apply to all of you.....?

KS – Yes, but when a customer asked us what wine we recommend, we always ask them what kind of wine they like. Then we work from there.

TB – It sounds strange, but we often have to start with the ‘red or white’ question. You’d be surprised how often we have to ask that. And the old stereotypes still exist. Older men and old world reds, young men

64

and new world reds, women and dry white wines, and so on.

RJ – And there are also plenty of customers who are driven by what’s on promotion on the supermarket shelves. It’s a big driving factor for many.

TB – I understand that, but supermarkets aren’t great places to buy wine. I remember going to one (which shall remaind nameless) and asking for a Beaujolais Nouveau. The young guy took a quick look at the Spanish part of the shelves and told me that they didn’t have it.

But I found it myself a minute or two later. That’s how my business can win customers.

And anyone who walks through the door is a potential customer.

KS – It’s probably the case that you work hardest at your cheapest lines. Where do you aim your wine lines coming out of Casa Lapostelle, Ronnie?

RJ – Some like more sugar, some like corks, some like screwcaps.....everyone has a taste. So we can’t make a wine for the world. We have a big US market and it demands a specific style or two. Europe is a different market. And we also have strong markets in the likes of Dubai and the Netherlands.

KS – It’s important that we work together in this business.

Supermarkets apart, there are good reasons why my business should work with good retail suppliers like Tom. We’ve no

hesitation, if someone enjoys a particular wine, to suggest that they call in to Grange and buy a bottle or two. We shouldn’t have a difference between off licence wines and restaurant wines. Good wines are good wines.

BB – What are the challenges in this business? What is over the horizon for the wine industry?

RJ – From my perspective, it’s about currencies and it’s also about vintages and pricing. It’s agriculture at the end of the day, but we have to make money wherever we’re selling our wines. And we’ve also got to guess what the big selling wines of the future are going to be.

Eye on Round Table

KS – Brexit is an issue, of course. The big issue we have is staffing...getting the right staff. We expect our staff to know about our food and about our wines. The hospitality industry in general is facing a bit of a crisis when it comes to kitchen staff, waiting staff and bar staff.

TB – I agree. It is a real pinch point. I’m definitely feeling it and I know lots of places in the same boat.

CR – I’ve heard that the going rate for a sous chef has gone up from £19-£20k to £24£25k and that’s just one example. And the new hotels opening up are pushing the salary rates up all the time.

KS – Yes, it’s being driven by new establishments but also by a shortage of staff, and the fact that a lot of Eastern Europeans are leaving. I’ve even heard of local chefs going out from here to Poland and elsewhere.

There are plenty of worries and concerns around at the moment.

weekend in Cork, for the same family, the difference could be £200 or so in tax alone.

That is very significant.

TB – A tax cut will cost the exchequer money, of course, but it will produce long-term tax gains, and a lot of other benefits.

Montagner Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, Millesimato, Italy

RB – And what about a potential VAT cut for hospitality? Is there any chance of It happening and would it make a big difference?

KS – The hospitality business feels as though it is hit hard, not just by VAT but by PAYE on more employees than other businesses need to have. We’ve even got to do the taxman’s job for him by collecting it on their behalf.

Martin Waßmer Spätburgunder 2011, Baden, Germany (Robb Bros)

KS – I think it would make a difference, so it’s clearly something we would support.

And air passenger duty is another thing that would make a difference in terms of tourist business. If you went for a weekend in Belfast and a

TB – A final point on wine, with costs in mind. What people should remember is that the fixed costs on a bottle of wine stay pretty much the same (the cost of the bottle, the label, transport, etc) whether the bottle retails at £5, £10 or £15.

What changes is the quality of the wine inside that bottle.

CR – And that’s where we can come in, providing wines that consumers can’t get on the shelves of Tesco, Asda or Sainsbury’s.

TB– And isn’t there so much satisfaction when a customer comes back in and tells you how much they enjoyed a particular bottle of wine.

It still gives me a buzz.

THE MENU Choux Bun with smoked Atlantic salmon cream and lemon gel

Wild Irish Mushroom Consommé with warm garlic cream, truffle snow and chive oatcakes

Lough Neagh Eel with pickled Helen’s Bay Walled Garden kohlrabi, Goatsbridge Irish caviar, burnt leek powder and raspberry vinaigrette I MURI Bianco 2016, Puglia, Italy (Robb Bros) Lapostolle Cuvée Alexandre Chardonnay 2013, Colchagua, Chile (Robb Bros) County Kerry Venison pan-seared loin and compressed shoulder with fondant potato, textures of celeriac, pickled blackberry gel, fresh blackberry and game jus Lapostolle Cuvée Alexandre Merlot 2013, Colchagua, Chile (Robb Bros) Woodstock Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, McLaren Flat, Australia (Robb Bros) Ispini Charcuterie and Young Buck Ice Cream Bresaola and Fennel Cured Salami Domaine Daulny Sancerre Pinot Noir 2015, Cher, France (Grange Wines) Irish Strawberries parfait, gel & meringue with Trentham Noble Taminga macerated strawberries and basil; gel, crumble & micro leaf Domaine Daulny Sancerre 2016, France (Grange Wines) Tea and Coffee With Neary Nogs Fudge, Boat House pâte de fruit, choux bun

65

Eye on Emerging Business

US Investment Chance For NI Disruptor Firms

Some of us might not class Belfast as one of the world’s top 30 cities, but one of California’s top venture funders reckons that we’re right up there amongst the top cities for emerging business talent.

F

enox Venture Capital, based in Silicon Valley, has a $1 million investment up for grabs and has embarked on its 2018 Start Up World Cup event which takes in 30 worldwide cities.

But it’s thanks to a group called Belfast Shapers that Fenox will be bringing one of its events to Belfast for the first time on 16th January next year, with headline sponsorship from Ulster University.

The Group is a collective of ‘change makers’ committed to building the local economy and community for the future..... and including entrepreneurs, politicians, technologists, artists and community leaders.

“Some of us travelled out to San Francisco earlier this year to put the case for Belfast to be included on the Start Up World Cup map, and

66

we’re delighted that they listened to what we had to say, had a look at our city and decided to come here in January,” says Orla McGreevy, Belfast Shaper and Business Development Executive at 4c Executive in Belfast.

“It’s a great opportunity for Belfast, and an even greater opportunity for local companies to bid for investment from one of the big players in the US venture capital marketplace.

Belfast Shaper Mark O’Donnell, Founder of Kaero, added: “We are noticing some of the incredible efforts from the start-up and tech communities in the region – Belfast is seen to be competing on a global scale and the Start-Up World Cup event highlights exactly that. We’re looking forward to what’s to come, it’s an exciting place to be at the minute.

“The scope for business is exceptional,” Orla McGreevy adds.

“Fenox are looking for disruptive businesses. That’s the key for them. They’re not concerned about sectors, size or current scale, it’s all about companies who can be disruptive, forwardthinking and innovative. And we’re urging local business who think they might fit the bill to apply for a place at the event being held in Belfast in January.”

“With cities like Bejing, Sydney and London involved, this is Belfast’s chance to put ourselves on the global map. To show that we truly are a forward-thinking and ambitious community, whether it is through manufacturing marketleading eco-friendly surfboards or disrupting the tech space with innovative software solutions.”

January’s Belfast event will see shortlisted local companies pitching to a judging panel made up of local representatives along with a Fenox senior representatives who will fly in from Silicon Valley.

The successful company from Belfast on 16th January will progress to the Start-Up World Cup Final at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in San Francisco on 11th May next year.

The 2017 StartUp World Cup attracted 1,500 attendees, with over 200 journalists. The final was hosted by Steve Wozniak, Co-Founder of Apple, with companies such as Reddit, Shark Tank and Garage Technology Ventures giving key note speeches.

StartUp World Cup 2018 will not disappoint, with speakers like Barack Obama and Richard Branson on the cards, and countless opportunities to meet large corporations and top VCs from Silicon Valley.

If you are a local and creative startup and want to get involved, you can enter via: http://www. startupworldcup.io/northernireland-application The closing date for applications is 24th November, 2017.

Eye on News

M&S CELEBRATES 50 YEARS IN NORTHERN IRELAND Marks & Spencer’s Chief Executive, Steve Rowe, visited the M&S Belfast store today to mark the retailer’s milestone 50th anniversary of trading in Northern Ireland.

T

he company opened its first store in Donegall Place, Belfast on 7th September 1967, paving the way for UK investment into the local retailing market. To mark the anniversary opening of the store this morning, Steve Rowe and Sacha Berendji, Retail Director, Marks & Spencer, met with Belfast’s Lord Mayor, Nuala McAllister, to officially open the store for trading.

They also shared a celebratory breakfast and special anniversary cake with store colleagues at Marks & Spencer Belfast.

Steve and Sacha will also be visiting store colleagues at Marks & Spencer Abbey Centre and Marks & Spencer Lisburn this afternoon, and celebrations are taking place for colleagues and customers across all twenty stores across Northern Ireland.

Steve Rowe said: “Marks & Spencer is proud to be celebrating 50 years of partnership with the people of Northern Ireland. Our success here is down to the mutual support of our

customers, suppliers and dedicated colleagues over the last five decades.

Each and every one of them deserves a huge thank you for the role they have played in making M&S Northern Ireland the fantastic business it is today.

“Today is also about celebrating the future of M&S in Northern Ireland, and our continued commitment to the region. I’m delighted to announce today that we’ll be opening a brand new Food Hall in Craigavon next year, and with more stores in the pipeline, we hope the next fifty years in Northern Ireland will be every bit as special as the last.”

The 7,400 sq ft M&S Food Hall at Craigavon will be located on Marlborough Retail Park and feature a 50 seat café. It will create c. 80 new jobs in the area.

Anniversary celebrations are taking place all day at Marks & Spencer Belfast, where customers can find food tastings, styling sessions, prizes to be won and a special visit from Percy Pig and Colin the Caterpillar. Customers can also

visit the special temporary exhibition featuring highlights from the Marks & Spencer archive including trends and artefacts from the last 50 years.

Ryan Lemon, Head of Region for M&S in Northern Ireland said: “We have served the people of Northern Ireland for half a century, and our continued expansion, at Aldergrove, Carrickfergus, Newry and now Craigavon, brings even more opportunities to make every moment special for our loyal Northern Irish customers.

“We are privileged to be part of the local community in Northern Ireland and in this anniversary year, staff from every store took on 50 ambitious community projects during a two-week period, everything from renovating charity shops and animal shelters, to tea parties and sewing bees. We have also committed to play our part in delivering one million hours of community volunteering by 2025, to help make a difference to the projects and initiatives that really matter in the communities we serve.”

BUSINESS WOMEN’S ACHIEVEMENTS TO BE RECOGNISED IN PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS CEREMONY The achievements of business women throughout Northern Ireland are to be celebrated at the Women in Business Awards 2017.

T

he Awards were launched in Belfast by Women in Business Chair and director at O’Reilly Stewart, Imelda McMillan. Now in their seventh year, the Women in Business awards celebrate, reward and acknowledge the dedication and achievements of business women across Northern Ireland.

A firm fixture in the business calendar, this year’s awards will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Thursday 9th November, where all sectors and industries can join together for an evening of celebration.

All finalists will join the Women in Business Award Finalist Alumnae, which offers the opportunity to network and engage with like-minded business women enhancing both personal and professional development.

This year, finalists will also have the opportunity to take part in an exclusive Finalist Retreat where they will be inspired by a range of speakers and network in a unique environment.

Women in Business Chair Imelda McMillan, commented, “Women are an integral and valuable part of every community and every business. Women in Business celebrates women’s professional achievements and inspires them to reach their full potential.

“The Awards recognise business women from all fields through eleven awards categories. With four of the categories divided into two levels acknowledging the contribution of both corporate and small business.

Imelda McMillan with awards host Pamela Ballentine.

“There is something for everyone with awards ranging from Diversity in the Workplace to Outstanding Innovation, Excellence in IT to Young Business Woman of the year.

Nominations are now open and I would encourage you to nominate yourself, a friend, colleague or an organisation before Monday 2 October at 12pm.”

For a full list of awards, entry forms and to book a ticket to the event visit: www.womeninbusinessni.com/events/ wib-awards-/awards-2017.aspx

67

Eye on AgriFood

Smart ideas flourish in Derry’s Foodovation centre

Brian McDermott, third left, pictured with Derry’s Carole Banahan of Carole’s Stock, top chef Neven Maguire of the Black Lion restaurant and Alastair Crown of multi-award-winning Corndale Farm’s Free Range Charcuterie, Limavady at the Foodovation Centre.

Sam Butler talked to Brian McDermott, manager of the Foodovation centre at Derry’s North West Regional College, about its work with smaller food companies in the region.

T

wo innovative products were launched last month at the annual Slow Food Festival in Derry’s Guildhall Square.

The launch of the Tirkeeran Black Pudding by local butcher and restaurateur Ciaran Breslin and the 1689 beer from James Huey’s Walled City Brewery at Ebrington followed the success of Corndale Farm Free Range Charcuterie, a small business formed by Alastair Crown, in

68

winning gold and silver awards and Carole Banahan’s beef and chicken stock pouch at the annual Blas na hEireann Awards in Dingle.

All four of these smaller businesses benefited from the expert advice and practical support provided by the Foodovation centre at the North West Regional College (NWRC) in Derry. And a great many more have worked with the centre that’s led by top chef Brian McDermott.

A new gluten-free version of the traditional Northern Irish wheaten bread, for instance, was launched most recently by Amazin’ Grazin’, a Portstewart artisan bakery, at the popular farmers’ market in Coleraine.

Brian McDermott sees the new Foodovation centre in Derry as an important initiative

to facilitate the faster growth of the food and drink industry in Derry and the North West.

He’s the inspirational manager at the pioneering food and hospitality centre and a widely respected chef. Foodovation is an outcome of Mr McDermott’s work over seven years to encourage and support smaller food, drink and hospitality businesses in particular. He’s passionate about the industry’s long-term growth in the North West and across Northern Ireland.

“We’ve worked with more than 100 smaller enterprises over the past five years and currently have dozens of innovative projects being developed in-house,” he says. “The focus of the team is on assisting new food products by established firms, both large and small, and also on encouraging business

starts in Derry and the wider North West. We are also working with hospitality businesses and have close links to chefs throughout the area,” he adds.

The centre is now at the heart of the stunning renaissance of food and drink in the region, a development also driven by Derry and Strabane Council. The council has launched a series of highly successful food and beer festivals.

Furthermore, some of Northern Ireland’s best restaurants are now to be found in the North West.

“What has enabled Derry, in particular, to achieve so much over the past decade is a collective approach involving all the relevant stakeholders working closely together and co-ordinating activities. We have a real food and drink collective here,” Mr. McDermott continues. There’s also a growing awareness among shoppers of the quality, outstanding taste and provenance of local food and drink. The programme of events, either organised or supported by the council, provides tremendous opportunities to companies to reach out to consumers here and gives them the confidence to pitch for business further afield,” he adds.

Ciaran Breslin of Tirkeeran Black Puddings is quick to praise Foodovation’s services. “I wouldn’t have been able to realise my dream of launching a pudding without Brian and his team. It’s a jewel in Derry’s food crown,” he says.

And Alastair Crown, the founder and managing director of Corndale Farm Free Range Charcuterie, adds: “Brian and his colleagues helped to perfect the recipes for my chorizo and salami. Brian’s experience and great knowledge as a chef was crucially important,” he adds.

Foodovation offers a complete end-to-end new product development model for food producers in the region. It provides

Eye on AgriFood

Lynne Gardiner of Amazin’ Grazin’ artisan bakery in Portstewart who developed a successful gluten-free traditional Irish wheaten bread at the Foodovation centre in Derry.

Chocolatier Geri Martin of Chocolate Manor in Coleraine has used the Foodovation centre to develop her range of bespoke chocolates

James Huey of Walled City Brewery developed a unique 1689 beer at Foodovation using a recipe from the city’s historic archives.

innovators a “new state-of-theart research and development centre to facilitate excellence in food innovation, science, and technology including digital systems and photography”. And it’s accessible to companies virtually round-the-clock because of its location with the NWRC campus.

“Innovation is vitally important in every industry and especially in such a fast-moving consumer driven business as food and drink,” he continues. “The centre gives us separate space to co-ordinate and further develop services we’ve provided over many years.

To support this, we’ve enhanced facilities which now include a food science lab, development and production kitchens, kitchen studio photography and videography, meeting rooms, a taste testing room, and a barista coffee training school.

In addition to encouraging and nurturing small to medium-sized food businesses, the centre enables innovators to take advice from industry specialists with technical expertise in areas such as labelling, packaging, branding, and marketing to ensure their route to market is successful and, perhaps above all, sustainable.

The centre has beome a onestop-shop for current and aspiring food industry producers.

Brian McDermott says it has been delivering hands-on advice and support from experienced and skilled food development chefs and technologists through the innovation voucher scheme.

“NWRC is committed to investing its resources to support the food and hospitality sector. We continue to lead the way in developing skills which allow industries to develop new product ideas, generate employment opportunities within the sector and support economic growth across the region.”

NWRC has a pivotal role in the North West and is among the best-resourced educational and training institutes of its type on the island of Ireland. It offers a modern learning environment at centres in Derry and throughout the region in locations such as Strabane and Limavady.

The Foodovation centre is carrying forward the college’s longstanding relationships with business and is assisting companies, artisan, small and medium-sized and large, to grow even faster, especially in markets outside Northern Ireland.

The region is already home to some of Northern Ireland’s most successful companies.

These include Foyle Food Group, LacPatrick Dairy, Doherty’s

The Foodovation centre at the North West Regional College helped Ciaran Breslin to develop an innovative black pudding.

Meats, Niche Drinks, the producer of Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream Liqueur and the recently launched Quiet Man Irish Whiskey, and Strabane enterprises Dragon Sauces and McColgan’s Quality Foods.

Smaller companies are increasingly making an impact both here and abroad. Among the best known are Broighter Gold Rapeseed Oil, Tamnagh Foods, recent winner of a World Cheese Award for its Banager Bold beer washed cheese, Donegal Prime Fish, craft breweries such as Northbound, supplier of beer to Tamnagh Foods for Banagher Bold cheese, and Walled City Brewery.

69

Eye on Health

LOGAN WELLBEING AND MEDICAL OPENS ON LISBURN ROAD A new health, wellbeing and fertility clinic arrived in South Belfast with the expansion of Logan Wellbeing and Medical to larger premises on the city’s Lisburn Road.

E

nlargement and development of the business, previously established in the city centre for over eight years, sees the creation of nine new jobs and also a wider range of treatments available.

Clinic Director Ruth Ellen Logan said: “It’s an exhilarating moment for the business.

“The time and opportunity were just right to expand our offering in a different setting and we have been working to make this project a reality for a long time.

“With an investment of £50k, we are excited now to announce

70

that our expansion to this 1800sq premises means we have been able to create nine new jobs.

“This includes five Logan practitioners, a doctor, a physiotherapist, two medical receptionists, a prescriber and a fertility specialist nurse and we plan to expand this further very soon.”

“We are now offering the very latest technologies and techniques in our newly-opened clinic and this investment enables us to provide an expanded range of services to our clients.

“In addition to the Logan Fertility Method, we now offer acupuncture for fertility, physiotherapy for injury

rehabilitation, as well as effective aesthetics and sports treatments.

“We have also launched Logan Medical which provides exclusive Reviv IV intravenous therapy, and in addition, we have Logan Aesthetics - a nurse-led Botox and fillers clinic, with some very exciting developments planned in coming months.

Logan Wellbeing and Medical’s move to bigger and better premises is in direct response to increased demand for its health, beauty and fertility services.

“After many years working in central Belfast in shared facilities, we decided the clinic needed a home of its own,” said Ruth Ellen - who has the moniker of the ‘Baby Maker’ due to the fertility method she pioneered assisting in the conception of 804 local babies to date!

Ruth Ellen said: “The number of women coming to us was increasing all the time as our excellent reputation

for success began to spread through word of mouth and personal recommendations from the many clients we have helped and supported.

“Soon, we began to really feel the need for a dedicated space to offer our clients. So after many years researching potential clinics, I spotted these premises and knew it was the perfect sanctuary in a central and easily accessible location for our clientele – especially those who value privacy and discretion.

“We can now offer clients an expanded service in five specialised clinic rooms housed in a beautiful period building which we have sensitively transformed into an oasis of calm and serenity.

“We look forward to welcoming back old friends and making my new ones in our expanded home now on the Lisburn Road.”

Looking for a venue for your meetings, training and conferences? We’ve got you covered...

LIMITED OFFER: Free coffee break for room hire bookings* *Maximum number applies *Please quote ‘BUSINESSEYE’

Day Delegate Rate: £27pp • Meeting room • 3 tea/coffee and snack breaks • Lunch • Screen and projector • Car parking • WiFi

www.malonelodgehotel.com 028 9038 8000 eventsmgr@malonelodgehotel.com

Eye on Moving On 1 Stuart Nevin becomes an Associate, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, with A&L Goodbody. Stuart specialises in professional negligence, banking litigation, real estate litigation and dispute resolution. He has acted for leading banks, architects and financial advisors in a number of high value professional negligence actions. Also at 2 A&L Goodbody, Ryan Walker is appointed as an Associate, Mergers, Acquisitions and Corporate. He advises on a broad range of corporate, corporate finance and commercial matters as well as corporate housekeeping and advisory mandates.

1 Stuart Nevin

4 Cara Taylor

72

2 Ryan Walker

5 Paul Walsh

3 Lisa McCaul

6 Clair Gheel

3 Lisa McCaul and Cara Taylor have been 4 appointed as Business Growth Enablers with Ulster Bank in the North & Southern regions respectively. Lisa is a former Business Executive, Lending Specialist and Portfolio Manager with the Bank and is actively involved in the RBS Womens Network and Entrepreneurial Spark. Cara brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously worked in Sales & Marketing for international companies including Energizer Wilkinson Sword, British American Tobacco and Dillion Bass. She was Business Manager at IN! Magazine for two years and has completed her MSc in Business Development and Innovation at Ulster University.

5 Paul Walsh joins eir Business NI as Head of Delivery. Having previously held the positions of Business Development Manager and Service Delivery Manager at Cisco, Paul’s strong managerial record and ICT experience spanning 19 years means he is well placed to meet the demands of this senior 6 role with eir Business NI. Also at eir Business, Clair Gheel becomes Business Development Manager.

With more than eighteen years’ experience in the ICT industry, Clair has a strong track record working in the public and private sector, both in GB and Northern Ireland, having held senior sales positions with BT, Oracle and HP. Most recently, Clair has been working as an ICT consultant for leading organisations including Invest NI.

Eye on News

NI Retailers Dominate National Industry Awards Northern Ireland’s Henderson Group has lifted a remarkable 17 of 32 awards at the UK-wide Retail Industry Awards held in London.

• Cordner’s Comber Road SPAR, Independent Community Retailer of the Year • McBride Retail Group, Digital Engagement Award • SPAR Greystone, Antrim, Store Team of the Year, • Mulkerns’ EUROSPAR, Newry, Food to go Retailer (Individual store) • Mulkerns’ EUROSPAR, Newry, Fresh Produce Supermarket of the Year (Independent) • EUROSPAR Creightons of Balmoral, Forecourt Retailer of the Year (Independent) • EUROSPAR Creightons of Balmoral, Independent Retailer of the Year (3k ft – 6k ft) • EUROSPAR Glenwell, Newtownabbey, Forecourt Retailer of the Year (Company Owned) • Henderson Retail, Forecourt Retailer of the Year (Multiple) • Henderson Retail, Convenience Retailer of the Year (Regional Winner)

T

he SPAR brand also picked up Symbol/Fascia Group of the Year at the prestigious ceremony held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane.

Paddy Doody, Sales & Marketing Director, Henderson Wholesale, commented; “This is an unprecedented achievement for our local retailers across the board. It shows the position SPAR and EUROSPAR has here in Northern Ireland, with many of our stores clearly leading the way in the UK’s retail industry.”

Henderson Retail, part of the Henderson Group, also took home three awards on the night, including Forecourt Retailer of the Year and Convenience Retailer of the Year, as well as a highly commended in the Multiple Community Retailer of the Year category.

Mr Doody continued; “This achievement clearly sets us apart from other retail partners across the UK. We are working with a fleet of over 400 community stores and supermarkets, and consistently opening, expanding and redeveloping our stores to meet the demand from shoppers.”

Mark McCammond, Retail Director, Henderson Retail added; “The level of engagement we have with our retailers and their shoppers through annual promotions and quarterly campaigns, which are all backed up

with marketing support, advertising and PR, is second to none.

“We wish to extend huge congratulations to the independent retailers and company owned stores that were recognised as the best in their class and for continuing to wear the brand names with pride.”

Celebrating over 20 years of excellence, the Retail Industry Awards, which took place on Thursday 28

September 2017, is described as ‘The Oscars’ of the grocery retail sector, reward excellence and outstanding achievement across a broad range of categories.

The Awards are billed as ‘… a unique occasion that brings together the whole industry to recognise the smallest independent retailers alongside the largest supermarket groups.’

ON THE TEE...

Upstream Working Capital recently sponsored the Chartered Accountants Ireland (Ulster Branch) Golf outing at Malone Golf Club.

Pictured before teeing off are L-R Conor Walls Exchange Accountants, Alan Wardlow Upstream, Lewis McCallan Danske Bank and Fergus McIlduff Automated Intelligence.

73

Eye on News

Belfast to Showcase World-leading Education Technology at Inspire 2017

Alistair White from Dell EMC, Ed Brown managing director, Capita Managed IT Solutions and Tim Matchett, Head of C2k Managed Services.

Inspire 2017, the Northern Ireland school leaders’ conference showcasing some of the world’s leading educational technology is coming to Titanic Belfast on Tuesday 7th November 2017.

H

osted by Capita Managed IT Solutions, in partnership with C2k and the Education Authority, the event brings together Northern Ireland school principals, vice-principals and teachers with education specialists, influential speakers and global technology suppliers, including Dell EMC and Microsoft – the conference’s joint sponsors.

Inspire was first held in 2015 and following on from its remarkable success, the 2017 conference will provide NI schools with a platform to learn about how new technologies

74

can achieve better educational outcomes. They will also be able to share their own best-practices and use of innovative technology, and directly interact with the range of emerging technologies on display.

Ed Brown, Managing Director of Capita Managed IT Solutions, is delighted to be hosting Inspire for second time: “It’s a pleasure to welcome such an abundance of education technology specialists to Northern Ireland and provide suppliers and school leaders with the opportunity to interact.

Schools in Northern Ireland use technology in many innovative ways, helping to improve their pupils’ learning experience and of course preparing them for future study and work. We have seen many fantastic examples of this through our annual ICT Excellence Awards, and Inspire delivers schools the ideal platform to share how they are using technology to enhance the teaching experience, and its educational impact on their pupils.”

During the conference, speakers and schools will engage through inspirational break-out sessions and keynote presentations. The sessions will be delivered by local schools and will address key educational themes including school improvement, parental engagement, and safeguarding. Delegates will also hear from keynote speaker and distinguished Quad-blogger, David Mitchell - former Head Teacher and now an Educational Consultant across the UK. Speaking about the event, David Mitchell, said: “I’m delighted to have been asked to be Inspire 2017’s keynote speaker, and am hugely looking forward to meeting and networking with Northern Ireland school leaders. I’ll be sharing ideas and enlightening examples of how classroom technologies are engaging, motivating and inspiring both pupils and teachers.”

Suppliers joining Dell EMC and Microsoft in the exhibition area at Inspire 2017 include:

Capita SIMS, Micro Librarian Systems, Promethean, Skooler, TextHelp and many more.

Tim Matchett, Head of C2k Managed Services, added: “We are very excited to welcome school IT leaders, education experts, and technology specialists to Inspire 2017. The event is an excellent chance for schools to get hands-on with new technologies, engage with suppliers that form part of the Capita and C2k service and, more importantly, interact with other schools that are implementing ground breaking initiatives.”

Registration is free and open to every school in Northern Ireland from the 6th of September 2017. For more information on the conference visit us online at www.capitamits.co.uk or Tweet us @ Capita_MITS #InspireNI17.

Eye on Internet

Why the design signoff process is so badly broken and how to fix it.

By Gareth Dunlop, Fathom.

In many enterprises the sign-off process for digital product design is very badly broken.

I

t is broken because the people who sign off work are frequently senior and thus far removed from their customers and it is broken because it is signed off based on the wrong criteria.

This is not the fault of the senior people themselves, who commonly hold high office as the result of competence, hard work and loyalty over many years. It is simply a reflection of the fact that as people progress in their careers to a more senior level, they become distanced from the front line and so the level of direct customer engagement reduces. And it is this intimate customer knowledge, so essential to getting digital product experience right, which is therefore missing.

Perhaps more importantly, too often interface and design work is signed off as a result of answering the wrong question.

Allow me to illustrate using the foibles of the political interview, where the question asked and answer given frequently diverge, as a result of differing priorities, political posturing and ego.

Should such a book ever be written, Chapter 1 of “Political Interviews for Dummies” will contain evasion advice for politicians who find themselves in a tight spot or getting close to giving an uncomfortable answer when under pressure from a Paxmanesque interviewer. Over the years a number of survival techniques have evolved to help get the hapless politician out of jail.

The first option, which we as viewers or readers are all too painfully aware of, is to answer

a different question. It was this approach which so irked Paxman in his infamous 1997 grilling of Michael Howard about a meeting Howard had had with prisons chief Derek Lewis about the possible dismissal of the head of Parkhurst Prison. “Did you threaten to overrule him” Paxo asked mercilessly twelve times as Howard answered any number of questions other than the one in question.

constant attack on his media interviewers reflects not just an interview survival tactic but also a political philosophy.

So in summary, because of options 1, 2 and 3 and many more, the answer given is frequently unrepresentative of the importance of the question asked.

This mismatch between question and answer happens in businesses

“ For all design, it is the customer who must sign it off. The signer-offer is merely a conduit, a proxy for the customer. As a result, within the Enterprise, senior people responsible for signing off design must stop asking, “do I like it?” and start asking “do I have the evidence I need to assure me that it performs for our customers?”

Option two focuses on drawing out a specific and broadly irrelevant emphasis from the question that the interviewer never inferred, and take it from there.

“Did I threaten to overrule him?”

“Did I threaten to overrule him?”

“Did I threaten to overrule him?”

“Did I threaten to overrule him?”

“Did I threaten to overrule him?”

Occasionally there are circumstances where neither option 1 nor option 2 will cut the muster and it is in those situations where the big guns of option 3 are required – challenge the question itself.

George Galloway is a frequent proponent of this tactic, as his

of all sizes all the time. The signoff proposition – sign off this work if you believe it represents the best solution for the organisation – is translated subconsciously or otherwise, as “are you happy with how the interface looks”?

The question that must be asked – directly and unambiguously – is “are you satisfied with how the interface performs?”

This is a much more powerful and apposite question as it reinforces the truth that the power of the design primarily lies not in its beauty but in its usefulness. It puts the customer back in control where they belong (because it is they who will make the interface perform) and it commits the person signing

off the design to understand the metrics by which the design can be deemed successful or otherwise.

For all design, it is the customer who must sign it off. The signeroffer is merely a conduit, a proxy for the customer. As a result, within the Enterprise, senior people responsible for signing off design must stop asking, “do I like it?” and start asking “do I have the evidence I need to assure me that it performs for our customers?”

Gareth Dunlop owns and runs Fathom, a user-experience consultancy which helps ambitious organisations get the most from their website and internet marketing by viewing the world from the perspective of their customers. Specialist areas include UX strategy, usability testing and customer journey planning, web accessibility and integrated online marketing. Clients include Three, Tourism NI, PSNI, Permanent TSB and Tesco Mobile. Visit Fathom online at fathom.pro

75

Eye on News

TINYLIFE & ELAVE PARTNER UP TO PUSH A BOUNCING BOOST TO FUNDING TinyLife, Northern Ireland’s premature baby charity, has agreed an innovative partnership with specialist skincare brand Elave Baby in a bid to boost much-needed funding.

T

he charity, which provides support for up to 1,800 premature babies born every year, will receive £1 from every special limited edition Elave Baby Gift Pack sold online and through facebook.

“Six premature babies are born in Northern Ireland every day, with 2,000 admissions to neo natal units every year,” said Alison McNulty, Chief Executive of TinyLife. “Thirty years ago, 70% of premature babies did not make it – today around 88% of them survive.

“Our staff and volunteers provide a wide range of support services for parents, as well as funding vital research

to ensure ill and premature babies, some of them born as early as 24 weeks, have the best chance to survive and thrive.

“We receive less than 10% of our funding from statutory sources, with the rest coming from corporate support, public donation and sponsored events.

With the squeeze on funding becoming ever tighter, we constantly need to think of more innovative ways to raise money.”

The limited edition Elave Baby Essentials Pack, with a special offer price of £17.95 (usual rrp £25), will be sold through TinyLife facebook, the Elave online shop and Amazon UK, with £1 from each pack sold

Raising funds for Northern Ireland’s premature babies are, from left: Helen Marks, TinyLife Family Support Officer, with baby Zara Gray; mum Emily Hall with son Ben; and Joanna Gardiner, CEO of Elave, with baby Daniel Craughwell.

going directly to TinyLife’s coffers.

Elave, which is manufactured in Ireland by Ovelle Pharmaceuticals, is a multi award-winning range of skincare products which uses only the safest, purest ingredients (available at www.elaveskincare.com).

“This year, 25% of babies born on the island will develop eczema compared to 3% just two generations ago,” said Joanna Gardiner, CEO. “This dramatic rise in baby eczema is medically linked to environmental factors, including over-washing with products containing harsh ingredients which actually dry and sensitise the skin barrier.

“We are hugely impressed with the work being done by TinyLife and we are delighted to be able to support them while bringing Elave Baby and our other product ranges to a wider audience in Northern Ireland.”

“Elave, which has been making pure skincare products for over 80 years, strives to develop and produce the cleanest safest sensitive skincare.

We don’t use sulphates, MI, dyes, perfume, alcohol, parabens and Elave is paediatrician-approved safe for use from newborns.

Maxol Takes Top Prize At Retail Awards

M

axol has been named Forecourt of the Year (1750sq ft+) at the Neighbourhood Retailer Awards 2017 for its largest ever development in Northern Ireland – the impressive A26 Tannaghmore Services in Antrim.

The awards, now in their 19th year, recognise innovative retailers who make an outstanding contribution to the sector.

Brian Donaldson, Chief Executive Officer, Maxol said: “Getting this award from our industry peers is fantastic recognition. The opening of the A26 Tannaghmore Services marked a milestone for the company here in Northern Ireland. We have brought something transformational to the market that is at the cutting edge of forecourt services.

“The site is operated under license by our partners, Aramark who have

76

played a significant part in winning this award, by offering the highest of standards in retailing and customer experience. At Tannaghmore, we are providing our customers with even greater choice to meet their everdemanding lifestyles in a modern and welcoming environment. Whether they are looking for the convenience of a freshly prepared meal or the option to choose from an excellent range of fresh ingredients under Spar, our symbol partners, we are catering for every need at all times of the day.”

The A26 Tannaghmore Services opened earlier this year following a £3.75 million investment on a 2.5-acre site that includes a fully equipped dedicated truck facility, maxWash car wash facility, internal seating for 100 people, free Wi-Fi and parking for 45 vehicles. The new, almost 8,000

Pictured are Kevin Paterson, Retail Manager Maxol NI and Gerry Bennett, Manager Maxol A26 Tannaghmore Service Station accepting the award for ‘Forecourt Of the Year’ from Peter Jackson of JTI.

square foot development offers the latest in forecourt design and it has been constructed and fitted out using cutting edge technology to harness solar energy and harvest rain water to ensure it has a low carbon footprint.

In a first for Northern Ireland and a forecourt exclusive for Maxol, it houses the UK’s first ‘Freshly Chopped’, the

popular and rapidly growing healthy salad food franchise, along with Maxol’s own ‘Fresh Food’ deli, Moreish, and local fast-food chain, Abrakebabra.

Further investments across Northern Ireland are planned over the next 24 months, with four more developments on the scale of Tannaghmore, using a mix of new greenfield and existing sites.

Eye on News

Bob & Berts Receives £2 Million Investment From BGF For Expansion Plans

Pictured are Gemma Hamilton, an investor from BGF’s Northern Ireland team with Bob & Berts’ owners Colin McClean (left) and David Ferguson (right).

Independent coffee shop chain Bob & Berts has become the third company in Northern Ireland to secure a major equity investment from BGF, the UK’s most active investor in small and mid-sized companies.

T

he business, which is known for its distinctive style, quality offering and local community focused approach, has 16 coffee shops across Northern Ireland in locations including Coleraine, Portstewart, Stranmillis, Lisburn, Omagh and Dungannon.

The company has built a strong reputation for providing high quality artisan coffee, combined with an extensive fresh food offering and a range of traybakes served throughout the day.

BGF’s investment will be used to support the company’s continued growth strategy, with plans to open 30 additional stores in Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland. Once opened the new stores will create up to 600 new full time and part time jobs.

An established and independent company, BGF has £2.5bn to support a range of growing companies – early stage, growth stage and quoted – across every region and sector of the economy.

Bob & Berts was founded in Portstewart

by Colin McClean, his father Arnold and brother-in-law David Ferguson. They recognised the market opportunity to create a differentiated offering, with a focus on satisfying demand for quality coffee and fresh food, including breakfast, lunch and evening meals. With its distinctive relaxed style and wide food offering, Bob & Berts appeals to a wide customer base that continues to grow.

Colin McClean co-owner of Bob & Berts, said: “The business is growing quickly and we are ambitious to take the next step. We have successfully opened ten new stores in the last two years and are looking to open a further 30 over the next four years. Working with BGF will enable us to accelerate our growth plans and we are now actively looking at sites in Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland. Fundamental to our growth plans will be maintaining the culture and the ethos which has made

Bob & Berts a hit with our customers.”

David Ferguson co-owner of Bob & Berts, said: “When we first set up Bob & Berts, we wanted to offer something different to large multi-national coffee chains. Our branding, food selection and interior design sets us apart from our competition and we believe that we have created an environment which encourages people to relax. All of our new cafes will be created with this culture in mind.”

BGF was set up in 2011 to provide a new type of funding option for small and mid-sized businesses, offering both an alternative and complementary source of money to bank debt. BGF is now a minority partner in more than 180 companies.

Bob & Berts is the third business in Northern Ireland to secure funding from BGF’s £2.5bn pot following its investments in housebuilder Braidwater and waste management experts RiverRidge. BGF makes long-term investments and holds non-controlling stakes in the companies it supports.

As part of its investment, industry expert Mohan Mansigani will be joining the board of Bob & Berts as the company’s nonexecutive chair. Mr Mansigani has held a number of senior management positions

in the cafes and restaurant sector market and was instrumental in establishing the growth model for Costa Coffee in the UK. Patrick Graham, Head of BGF’s Northern Ireland and Central Scotland team said: “We are excited to begin working with Colin and David who, in a short period, have successfully developed a strong brand with significant growth potential. This investment, along with the introduction of Mohan, who brings a wealth of experience to the company, will help unlock their desire and drive to expand significantly in the coming years and we look forward to partnering with the business for this journey.”

BGF continues to have a strong focus on Northern Ireland as we believe our long term, minority approach fits well with business owners here. Bob & Berts represents our third investment here over the last 18 months and we continue to see a strong pipeline of quality opportunities. As a result, we hope to continue growing our level of investment into Northern Irish businesses over the coming months and years.”

Gemma Hamilton, an investor from BGF’s Northern Ireland team, will also join the board of Bob & Berts.

77

Eye on News

LEADERSHIP EXPERT URGES ORGANISATIONS TO FOCUS ON EMPLOYEE STRENGTHS Businesses who play to the individual strengths of their people, rather than focusing on their weaknesses, are more likely to create a culture which leads to success.

T

hat was one of the messages delivered this morning by leadership expert René Carayol MBE at an exclusive Executive Breakfast organised

by MLN and Danske Bank.

Addressing almost 100 guests, Mr Carayol spoke about his formula for personal and business development – known as SPIKE – which is based on his experience of working with some of the world’s best-known leaders.

He noted that most organisational Performance Management and Employee Appraisal systems are designed to identify weaknesses or areas for development, so employees become fixated on raising their weaknesses to a decent level, rather than excelling at what they are actually good at.

“Everyone has something that they

are inherently good at, but as a society we are fixated on what is not going so well. We should be asking, how much better your team would perform if everyone played to their strengths and did what they are good at? I believe the time of thinking that everyone can be good at everything is over,” he said.

Mr Carayol said that by having people prioritise what they do well and enjoy, organisations can create a strong culture, which is often more powerful than a rigid strategy when it comes to achieving success. Using examples from his career working with brands such as Marks & Spencer, Pepsi and Burberry, he said the same approach applies to successful leadership.

“The world is too fast moving for one person at the top to have all the answers. The best leaders surround themselves with people

Richard Caldwell (centre right) and Vicky Davies from Danske Bank with, Kevin Kelly (centre left) from Podiem/MLN and guest speaker René Carayol (right)

who compensate for what they are not good at. People want someone to believe in and something to belong to, so collaboration is the new leadership.

The organisations with the most leaders are the ones who are winning and those leaders aren’t always at the top of the organisation,” he said.

Richard Caldwell, Managing Director of Personal and Small Business Banking at Danske Bank, said: “Danske Bank is proud to play its part in helping inspire and inform leaders from Northern Ireland’s private, public and third sectors as an MLN Champion. René talked about the need for businesses

finding new ways to make themselves unique, special and different. In banking we believe customer service is the key differentiator and as such Danske Bank is committed to being the number one bank for customer service in Northern Ireland.”

Kevin Kelly from MLN added: “MLN exists to connect local business leaders with world-class performers and thought-leaders. René falls into both of those categories and we are delighted that he has chosen to partner with MLN and Danske Bank in sharing the leadership concept of SPIKE with the Northern Ireland business community. “

Cathay Pacific To Operate New DublinHong Kong Service Cathay Pacific has announced that it will operate a new direct Dublin-Hong Kong service four times per week from next June..

T

he new year-round service will be Dublin Airport’s first ever direct route to the Asia-Pacific region and is a major milestone for the airport and the entire Irish economy.

“We are thrilled to welcome Cathay Pacific to Dublin Airport and to Ireland,” said Dublin Airport Managing Director Vincent Harrison. “Dublin Airport is competing for routes like this with other major European airports, so

78

winning this new business is hugely positive news for Ireland, for foreign direct investment, for Irish exporters, and for inbound tourism,” he added.

“This historic new route brings direct flights from Ireland to Hong Kong for the first time and also offers excellent onward connections via Cathay Pacific’s Hong Kong hub,” Mr Harrison said. Dublin Airport is “continuing to add significant new airline customers and new routes, providing passengers with increased choice and convenience,” he added.

“We’re excited to offer the only direct flights between Hong Kong and Dublin, said Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Officer Rupert Hogg.

“Dublin is a fantastic destination and attracts business and leisure

travellers from the world over. We listened to our customers’ demands for more options and greater flexibility and have responded by building direct air links with this great city.”

Winning the landmark new route was a collaborative effort over several years

that included a wide range of other bodies, according to Mr Harrison. “We would like to thank the Irish Embassy in China, the Consulate in Hong Kong, our colleagues at Tourism Ireland and other key stakeholders such as IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia.”

Is it true that, the less miles I put on the car, the less I pay?

To find out the answer, visit: dfcbelfast.co.uk/resources/pch-faq-video-be.html

Eye on Motoring

Motoring with Derek Black dbmotoring@btinternet.com

JAGUAR GOES OFF ROAD WITHOUT LOSING FACE… The Jaguar F-Pace is about the nearest anyone has come to making an SUV that is truly car-like to drive.

They have taken the Land Rover Discovery Sport and given it the luxury car treatment. This lifts it above its more workmanlike sibling so there not really a family conflict.

A

drive in the F-Pace provided a welcome contrast from some of the more everyday cars that I drove at the recent SMMT test day at the Wetherby race course in Yorkshire.

The car in question was the 250PS version of the 2.0-litre Ingenium petrol engine.

It was equipped with the familiar Jaguar eight speed automatic gearbox controlled by a circular knob that rises from the central console when the engine is switched on.

This is more intuitive than you might think and provides a pleasant drive with little effort required from the driver.

While I enjoyed smooth and quiet driving the petrol car, the most businesslike of the F-Pace range is the starter model which has a somewhat noisier, though not obtrusive, 2.0litre diesel engine with rearwheel drive. This has power enough for everyday driving and emissions from 126g/km putting it in the 28% BIK band.

Comfort and luxury are the keynotes of the F-Pace and

even starter models run to heated leather seats, keyless entry, power tailgate,18inch alloy wheels and cruise control. Such cosseting is only to be expected in a range with price tags from £34K. At the other end of the scale,

the flagship turbo-petrol V6 with all-wheel drive that can whisk you to 62mph in a mere six seconds or so, lifts the list price to £52K. But, hey, if you have got it this one is worth it for the sheer driving exuberance in an SUV package.

KOLEOS MAKES A COME-BACK BUT HAS IT ENOUGH X-FACTOR? Renault dropped the original Koleos back in 2010 due to lack of interest but has brought back the name and this time it is serious.

Sharing its underpinnings with the Nissan X-trail, the new version is bigger, more attractive and has up-market pretensions.

T

he top-line Signature dCi 175 which I drove at the recent SMMT test day at Wetherby in Yorkshire had all the trappings of a premium class car. With leather seats, X-Tronic automatic gearbox, four-wheel drive, big 8.7 inch screen and a digital speedometer it is beginning to look like an Audi or BMW. While the driving experience is not quite up to German

standards, it is a competent machine with the ability to go off-road should you need to. All the electronic safety systems are there - such as hill start assist, lane departure warning and an ‘overspeed prevention’ system.

This is a statement vehicle that sits above the popular Kadjar and Captur models.

The 2.0-litre dCi 175 has plenty of grunt but is unlikely to be the biggest business seller. Fuel consumption of 47mpg combined and emissions of 156g/km put it in the 33% BIK band.

That said, if you don’t mind taking an extra second or two in reaching 62mph, then there is a lower cost alternative. The 1.6 dCi engine which delivers 130PS and offers 57mpg combined with emissions of 128g/km. The result is a tad friendlier 27% BIK rating.

The smaller diesel engine - oddly there are no small petrol options offered - is cheapest to buy at from £27,500 before discount.

The loaded Signature car that I drove is priced from £34,200. If you are seriously

interested in this ambitious new product from Renault, then I am sure there would be scope for haggling!

A four-year or 100,000mile warranty is provided which helps assuage any doubts about durability.

79

dfcbelfast.co.uk

Eye on Motoring

The Future Is Electric

The popularity of electric cars in the UK has shot up over the last few years, with more than 100,000 plug-in vehicles on the road, compared with just 3,500 in 2013.

T

his huge increase in electric cars in 2017 has come about because of a greater level of choice for drivers, a shift in the public’s attitude towards electric cars and a constantly improving public recharging network. Combined, this means that UK electric car buyers have a greater selection of vehicles to choose from than ever before.

DFC have over 25 years experience in the vehicle management and leasing industry and we think that electric cars are just getting better and better.

The automotive industry is experiencing a revolution in the way vehicles are powered, operated and used, and technology is moving with great pace.

Research indicates that falling battery costs will mean that electric vehicles will be much cheaper to buy as soon as 2025, becoming even cheaper than conventional vehicles. Batteries currently account for about half the cost of electric vehicles, and their prices will fall by about 77 percent between 2016 and 2030.

Electric or ‘plug-in’ vehicles come in all shapes and sizes if particular interest is the fact that from2019 onwards all Volvos will be partially or completely battery-powered, in what the company called a “historic end” to building models that only have an internal combustion engine.

Between 2019 and 2021, the firm will introduce five 100% electric models, and ensure the rest

Local Company Local People Local Service

of its conventional petrol and diesel range has a hybrid engine of some form. It is the first major manufacturer to make such a bold move.

Theres certainly lots to choose from the BMW i3, Nissan Leaf, VW e-up and of course the Tesla Model X. The benefits of electric drive include near-silent cruising, which can make for a very relaxed drive, as long as you’re confident that you have the battery range to complete your journey, while the instant torque provided by the electric motor means that every EV has decent sprinting ability away from the traffic lights.

We are not tied to any dealership or manufacturer so can give you the best advice on the current deals in the marketplace on conventional or electric vehicles.If you would like more information, brochures or to arrange a test drive call us on 02890 734222 or email sales@dfcbelfast.co.uk

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

For over 25 years DFC have supplied, funded and managed cars and vans.

We are confident we can provide a cost effective solution for your business or individual needs.

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

80

dfcbelfast.co.uk

Eye on Motoring

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

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

Family Cars

Cross Over Cars

Superminis

From £169 + vat/month

From £155 + vat/month

From £135 + vat/month

Executive Cars

Saloon Cars

Hatchback Cars

From £169 + vat/month

From £209 + vat/month

From £149 + vat/month

Estate Cars

Electric Cars

Vans

From £195 + vat/month

From £209 + vat/month

From £179 + vat/month

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

Is tax included in the monthly payments?

To find out the answer, visit: dfcbelfast.co.uk/resources/pch-faq-video-be.html

Eye on Motoring

Motoring with Derek Black dbmotoring@btinternet.com

VOLVO IS ON THE MONEY WITH ITS VERY DRIVABLE XC60!

T

In the five years since it became part of the Chinese Geely group, Volvo has gone from strength to strength. Importantly from a buyer’s point of view, they have invested heavily in new engines and platforms and this is paying off.

he XC60 SUV places Volvo firmly as a premium brand with contemporary styling and a high quality of finish. This machine steers a clever course between its more sporty competitors whilst maintaining a balance between comfort and dynamism.

While it is obviously a smaller version of the XC90, the XC60 is still a roomy car by any standards. There is good legroom, front and rear, and a sizeable boot. As you would expect, comfort and safety are priorities but I was impressed by the urgency of the refined 190hp D4 turbo diesel engine.

All-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic gearbox are standard, yet the XC60 makes the 60mph sprint in just under 8 seconds. So the combined consumption figure of 54mpg and emissions of 136g/ km are relatively impressive. This translates to a 28% BIK rating.

Inside, there is a pleasant Nordic ambience, simple but effective.

A 9-inch centre touchscreen commands functions from sound to heating and sat nav. There is also voice control. The safety portfolio includes automatic emergency braking with sensors that can detect cyclists, pedestrians and large animals. If you drift out of lane another system will guide you back and out of the path of any oncoming traffic.

My test car in Momentum Pro trim starts at £37,205 and was bedecked with some expensive extras. I liked the surround view parking camera, giving a birds eye view of the car and surrounds from above. This is part of a £2K Xenium package that also includes a panoramic sunroof and automatic parking.

You can pay £1,500 extra for an Intelsafe pro package that includes adaptive cruise control, pilot assist, cross traffic alert and rear collision mitigation. Another £1,500 adds air suspension. If you want a spare wheel - which I do - it is £150 extra.

fashioned ladder chassis with the bodywork on top. This has the virtue of ruggedness which is reinforced by a five-year unlimited mileage warranty.

The Rexton may be a strong traction engine with its 176bhp turbo diesel but it does not score well on running costs. The Combined consumption is rated at around 36mpg depending on model or whether it features the Mercedes automatic option.

Emissions are little better, putting

it in the 37% BIK bracket.

Its saving grace has to be the pricing which starts from £26,710 and runs up to £37,500 for the ultimate automatic version festooned with goodies including quilted leather heated seats, 20-inch alloy wheels, high intensity headlamps, LED interior lighting and an all-round camera system.

Ramped Up Rexton Workhorse Stays Strong On Value!

A new version of Ssangyong’s flagship workhorse, the Rexton, has been unleashed into the seven-seat SUV market. It gets more modern styling - which it badly needed - and a host of new equipment at prices which undercut its most obvious rivals from Korea.

I

t certainly looked good waiting to be driven at the SMMT driving day held at Wetherby in Yorkshire. But I had not driven further than the first roundabout when I realised that driving dynamics are not among its many improvements.

There is a rush of power from the 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine but hold onto the wheel if you are planning a tight turn.

82

That is perhaps beside the point as those buying Rexton are not aiming to rally drive but simply want something that will do a job at a low cost. With high and low range four-wheel drive this machine can certainly get down and dirty. Its towing ability of 3500 tonnes leaves most moderately priced SUVs well in its wake.

The new version uses a lot more high tensile steel than before but the basic design remains the old-

Low on fees.

High on Service.

No transaction fees in Years 1 & 2 50% off in Year 3.*

Better for growing your business.

Speak to your local business adviser in branch. bankofireland.co.uk/business

Northern Ireland’s Enterprise Bank

*Eligibility is limited to business customers new to Bank of Ireland UK, trading for over 24 months, with a turnover of under £2m and a borrowing requirement of under £250,000. During this 3 year deal, if you lodge over £10,000 in notes per quarter, 50% of the standard fee for notes lodged is charged on the excess amount over £10,000 per quarter. All other standard charges apply including Electronic Banking, Foreign Exchange and Service Charges. Refer to our Schedule of Charges for Business Customers brochure for detail.

Bank of Ireland UK is a trading name of Bank of Ireland (UK) plc. Registered in England and Wales (No. 7022885), Bow Bells House, 1 Bread Street, London EC4M 9BE. JMB14170607A

Need more than accounting tools?

Manage every aspect of your small or midsize business with

144pp layout = 9mm spine 136pp layout = 8mm spine Affordable Industry solutions spine 112pp layout = 6mm 96pp layout55.000+ = 5mm spine customers Comprehensive

low total cost of ownership

tailored to your needs

all your departments needs from one solution

run SAP Business One around the World

Quick and easy to implement,

Powerful enough

up and running in days or weeks

Email sapb1uki@sap.com

www.sap.com

to help your business grow