Businesseye Sept October 2017 by Buckley Publications

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

Issue 172 Sept/Oct 2017 £2.50 Voted best Business Magazine in Ireland 2005 and Magazine of the Year for Northern Ireland

ARTHUR COX A Force For Growth At The Heart Of The Market Features: 09

Retail Revolution... Maxol’s Brian Donaldson

New Base, New Era For KPMG In Belfast

Catalyst Inc’s New Advanced Manufacturing Centre

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CONTENTS

Sept/Oct 2017 ISSUE 172

Retailing

Convenience Retail Is The Priority For Maxol

Resilient, Ready & Rolling Up Their Sleeves Family businesses here in Northern Ireland make a huge contributon to the NI economy and deserve to be celebrated, says Darren McDowell of Harbinson Mulholland.

Maxol, the £550 million turnover pan-Ireland company, dates back almost 100 years and has its roots in the sale of fuel, but it’s focus these days is firmly on convenience retailing. CEO Brian Donaldson talks about Maxol’s new strategic focus and how it’s shaking up its retail presence.

Arthur Cox... A Force For Growth In Legal Market

Katy Best, Commercial and Marketing Director at George Best Belfast City Airport reflects on another strong year for the airport as she traveled to the World Routes conference in Spain at the end of September.

Eye On Finance 2017 Business Eye’s annual in-depth feature on the finance marketplace here in Northern Ireland shows that there are more banks and other providers than ever bidding to provide a range of different types of finance to local business customers.

Chairnan Alan Taylor and Managing Partner Catriona Gibson talk about the growth of leading law firm Arthur Cox and about how the firm is helping local business clients cope with a fast-changing busines environment.

TLT Law Celebrates In Style

Finance & Consultancy

KPMG Belfast... New Building, New Era

Top sports presenter John Inverdale and Ulster & Ireland rugby captain Rory Best were the guests at a gala reception held by TLT Law’s fast-growing Belfast office at The Ivory, Victoria Square.

Broking With A Difference Leading insurance group Lockton held its regional conference at the Culloden Estate & Spa at Cultra recently with key personnel from Lockton’s offices in Ireland and all over the UK making the trip to Northern Ireland for the event.

KPMG’s Belfast Partner In Charge John Hansen, along with the firm’s 250-strong staff here, is enjoying working life in one of the city’s most prestigious office building. Abnd he reckons KMPG’s office move reflects a new drive for growth by the Big 4 firm.

Catalyst’s Advanced Manufacturing Focus

Law Society President Ian Huddleston used his annual dinner speech to urge local law firms, and all local companies, to engage fully in discussions around Brexit and the effect it can have on the local economy.

Steve Carson... BBC Chief On NI’s Creative Boom Steve Carson, formerly of BBC Northern Ireland and now heading operations in Scotland, is well placed to cast an expert eye over the rapid growth of the television and creative industries sector here.

Catalyst Inc has announced the creating of a new Centre for Advanced Manufacturing based in the North-West and linking a number of high-tech local companies with four different leading edge academic institutions, including Ulster University & Glasgow University.

Eye on Technology

Eye on Law

Eye on Internet

Eye on Finance

Eye on Office

Moving On

Eye on Recruitment

Eye on Events

Eye on Motoring

Eye on Telecommunications

Eye on Awards

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

Editor Richard Buckley Commercial Director Brenda Buckley

Business Development Manager Ciara Donnelly

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

Brexit... A Plea For Engagement

Research & Development

Routes Are The Name Of The Game

Cover Story

Regulars

Specials

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

The bitter dispute between Boeing and Bombardier, the the US, Canadian and British Government isn’t going to be resolved quickly.

Comment

“Under Trump, protectionism will reach new levels. It was, after all, one of the main themes of his election campaign. How many times did we listen to him banging on about ‘putting America first’?”

here was never any real doubt that the US Department of Commerce, backed by the protectionist Trump administration, would take any other course of action other than to back the American plane maker and slap some punitive sanctions on Bombardier. The 220% import tariff was pretty shocking in its scale. But it illustrates – for the avoidance of any doubt – that the Americans are prepared to take a tough line. Under Trump, protectionism will reach new levels. It was, after all, one of the main themes of his election campaign. How many times did we listen to him banging on about ‘putting America first’? So it shouldn’t come as a surprise or a shock that that’s exactly what he’s doing. As a few observers and assorted experts have pointed out, this isn’t the end of the story. There are avenues of appeal open to Bombardier. But does even the most optimistic observer really believe that a success at appeal is likely? And it’s also an outside bet that Theresa May can make any difference or that Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, a recent visitor to Belfast to announce the a Royal Navy vessel is going to bear the Belfast name, can make much difference by issuing a few vague threats about orders for American products. The management team at Bombardier know that the only thing they can do at the moment is to step up the international push for sales of the C Series aircraft, in every other region apart from the protectionist USA. If the aircraft was only good enough for Delta Airlines because of its price, as Boeing seems to be suggesting, then that’s not a good basis for the future. But the aircraft is good enough to meet the needs of airlines all over the world. It’s a high quality product that sets new standards in terms of economy, performance, noise and a number

Richard Buckley EDITOR Irish Magazine Editor of the Year 2005

of other measures. Bombardier’s problem is that it’s hard, very hard, to crack the stranglehold on the international aircraft market applied by Boeing and, to be lesser extent, Airbus. _______________________________ A word of congratulation is due to Visit Belfast, the organisation charged with increasing the city’s tourism numbers, whether those tourists are coming here for business events and conferences, on cruise ships or for leisure breaks. The organisation reported at its recent AGM that it had contributed a colossal £122 million to the city’s tourism economy in the past year. That’s a really significant figure and one that should please all of the tourism stakeholders here. Belfast’s success is due to a lot of different factors. The city is peaceful, it’s relatively safe and visitors don’t care about the often less than impressive weather. More importantly, though, a lot of different people have worked their you know whats off to improve everything from hotels to pubs, from restaurants to shops and from transport links to visitor facilities. Visitors just love coming here. Yet we can tend to be slow to believe that our city is proving so popular. On a recent Radio Ulster show, one local commentator droned on at length about how Belfast was an untidy and unkempt place, compared (believe it or not) to some Chinese cities his wife had visited. Poor old Jim Rodgers, one of Belfast’s longestserving councillors, was left to argue the toss. What a load of nonsense. Belfast might not be perfect. We don’t want it to be perfect. What it is is edgy, increasingly bohemian, packed with things to do and loads of fun. Just ask any tourist. There are loads of them around.

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Eye on News

TITANIC HOTEL PLAYS HOST TO IoD NI ANNUAL LUNCH The newly launched Titanic Hotel Belfast will be the venue for this year’s Institute of Directors Northern Ireland (IoD NI) Annual Lunch, sponsored by Rainbow Communications.

aking the theme of leadership, the event on November 10 will hear from a panel of experts on the subject, including Bill Molloy from Bombardier and Belfast City Council CEO Suzanne Wylie. The lunch will be among the first large corporate events to take place at the hotel. IoD NI National Director Kirsty McManus said: “I am very much looking forward to hearing from our panellists at this year’s IoD NI Annual Lunch at our new venue of the Titanic Hotel Belfast. “Promoting excellence in corporate leadership and continual learning, even at board level, are among the key drivers for the IoD as an organisation. “Bill and Suzanne each bring with

them a wealth of experience spanning both the private and public sectors. “Their expertise and knowledge will provide a valuable insight into what it takes to be a strong leader as we seek to further improve standards across Northern Ireland and enhance the economy as a whole.” The panel session, entitled Leaders on Leadership, will be facilitated by BBC broadcaster Mark Carruthers. Bill, who is based in Canada, is Vice-President of Aftermarket Sales and Commercial Strategy for Bombardier Business Aircraft. In more than three decades at the aerospace giant, Bill has gained a reputation for managing complex challenges through strong leadership.

Bullitt Hotel’s New Rooftop Bar Set To Open Next Month

Conall & Petra Wolsey at Bullitt Belfast

As Belfast’s Bullitt Hotel approaches its first anniversary, the hotel has announced that its brand new rooftop bar and garden Babel will be opening on October 20th as part of the hotel’s planned £1.75m expansion. 6

Stuart Carson with Suzanne Wylie & Kirsty McManus

Born in Belfast, his previous experience includes leading the customer services and support team for Bombardier’s newly launched C Series aircraft. Suzanne became the first female Chief Executive of Belfast City Council when appointed in 2014. During her time at the council, it has launched a number of initiatives aimed at boosting the city’s economy, including a £19 million City Centre Investment Fund and the Belfast: Future City regeneration plan. Honoured as the IoD NI Public Service Director of the Year in 2017, she is

ork is progressing fast on Phase II of Bullitt, which will also see 31 new bedrooms being added this year including the hotel’s first twin rooms. The expansion will create 30 new jobs, bringing the total number of people employed by the innovative hotel to 130. Babel, the new rooftop bar and garden, will have capacity for 250 people and will include an open-air terrace with panoramic views over the city. The bar and garden will also have a number of unique features including an interior living wall made up of 300 fresh plants and herbs and a vertical exterior garden wall that can be seen from ground level. Shaking up Belfast’s cocktail scene and a first for the city, Babel’s drinks menu will be based around ‘Shrub Cocktails’ with the bar’s living walls providing a fresh supply of herbs, to be used as ingredients and garnishes, for the cocktails. The venue will also be available for private hire and will have its own food offering, influenced by South and East Asian cuisine.

among several local nominees at the IoD Director of the Year awards being held in London later this month. Stuart Carson, Rainbow Communications said: “We are delighted to support the IoD NI Annual Lunch once again and look forward especially to the new surrounding of the Titanic Hotel Belfast. “The event is one of the most prestigious on the business social calendar and provides this year, more than ever, provides an opportunity for business leaders to learn best practice and share new ideas with their peers.”

Named after the Steve McQueen movie of the same name, Bullitt Belfast has gone from strength to strength since it opened in the heart of the city last year with consistently high occupancy rates. In addition to the positive economic impact and job creation the hotel will bring to the city, the expansion will assist in fulfilling the demand for additional hotel bed space in Belfast. The 2016 annual industry survey from ASM Chartered Accountants recorded a high occupancy rate of 83.5% for Belfast. Babel will host a calendar of events throughout the year, kicking off on Sunday October 22nd with a special Belvedere Vodka Tasting as part of Belfast Cocktail week. Be one of the first to experience the newest rooftop bar in the city just days after its launch and enjoy an evening sipping on an array of premium Belvedere cocktails and serves.

Eye on News

TOURISM STAYS ON THE UP Visit Belfast contributed a massive £122 million to the city’s tourism economy last year as part of its marketing and sales drive to push leisure break, conference business, cruise ship arrivals and tourist enquiries to new highs.

hanks to a concerted and ambitious effort to market the city nationally and internationally, Visit Belfast and its industry partners and funders, remain on track for new growth this year and next. Celebrating the collective efforts of ‘Team Belfast’ in driving growth and meeting the competitive challenges ahead are (L-R) Visit Belfast chief executive Gerry Lennon and chair Howard Hastings.

Belfast’s growing tourism strengths and its success in hosting and winning international sporting fixtures, while supporting a strong sporting local base, was a key theme at Visit Belfast’s annual general meeting at the Kingspan stadium. Belfast recently successfully hosted the Women’s Rugby World Cup, the UEFA U-19 Women’s Football Championships and is a driving force behind Ireland’s bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

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Eye on Procurement

Help Required for Delivering What Matters! Join us in Antrim on 2 November and learn more about NI Water’s procurement process, our requirements over the next 12 months and how to respond to tenders.

his year, we have a particular interest in:

Mobile Work Management Telecoms Networks Maintenance Ronan Larkin, NI Water’s Director of Finance and Regulation, explains: ‘‘The opportunities for local companies really are tremendous – for every £1 that NI Water invests, the wider knock-on effect in our community is almost double that. In all, as we invest over £620 million in water and wastewater infrastructure over the current Price Control period between 2015 and 2021, we also spend

£870 million in goods, services and wages, supporting upwards of 350 local businesses along the way – that all adds up to a hugely positive £2.5 billion ripple effect for our community every year. “Joining us again at this year’s Suppliers’ Day event is InterTradeIreland who will be on hand to provide advice, particularly in the area of consortium bid opportunities. This will be the first Supplier Day event where Invest NI will be in attendance to promote Research and Development opportunities and Trade and Supply Chain opportunities. Those interested in booking a 20-minute meeting slot are required to pre-book by completing the registration

NI Water’s Lewis Murray, Ronan Larkin, NI Water’s Director of Finance and Regulation and Kevin Denvir of Heyn Engineering. Kevin Denvir said: ‘‘We are delighted to be working with NI Water in the supply of vital safety equipment, something that is absolutely critical to the day to day running of a large company. I would strongly encourage all local businesses to make an appointment and come along to see what contracts and options are available.’’

form available on our website. If you would like further information, please go to the Tenders Section

- Goods, Materials and Services’ page on our website and click on “Supplier Information Events”.

2017 Young Chartered Star Announced

Sinead Fox Hamilton with Pamela McCreedy, Chair of Chartered Accountants Ulster Society.

A young accountant will represent Chartered Accountants Ireland at the ‘One Young World’ conference in Bogotá, Colombia, later this year after winning the ‘Young Chartered Star’ 2017 competition. 8

hartered Accountants Ireland congratulates Sinead Fox Hamilton ACA, who will represent the Institute at the prestigious international conference from 4 - 7 October 2017, along with other representatives of the Chartered Accountants Worldwide network. Sinead, 32, from Dungannon, Co Tyrone, qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2011. She trained with KPMG in Belfast and worked in industry for a number of years. She has since

moved into a career in recruitment in the finance sector in Belfast with specialist firm McKinty Associates. To enter the competition, Sinead wrote an article on her career and particularly impressed the judging panel with her activity as an advocate for the Chartered Accountant qualification, and her honest portrayal of her path to qualification, and balancing a demanding job with a professional education programme. The panel also noted her involvement in several charities and voluntary work. Launched last year, Chartered Accountants Ireland’s ‘Young Chartered Star’ (YCS) recognises exceptional achievement amongst its trainees and members aged 35 years or under. The award gives student and members the opportunity to share their experiences and ideas among the wider Chartered Accountants Ireland membership, with the successful candidate invited to attend the prestigious annual ‘One Young World Summit’. YCS is awarded to someone who will lead, motivate and inspire the next generation. Members and students under the age of 35 entered by writing an article on LinkedIn to detail their career path to date, the impact of the Chartered

Accountant qualification on their life, as well as their future ambitions and advice for anyone considering Chartered Accountancy as a career. Sinead Fox Hamilton said: “I am absolutely thrilled and humbled to be the winner of the 2017 Young Chartered Star competition. The quality of all the entries was remarkable – it was unbelievably inspiring to read the career paths and achievements of my fellow young members. I have always been a keen champion for Chartered Accountancy and I feel privileged to have the chance to represent the profession at the One Young World Summit in Colombia in October. I look forward to sharing my experiences from this trip of a lifetime.” Chair of the YCS judging committee and Council member Barry Doyle FCA added: “Each year we continue to find members and students with inspiring and fascinating stories of how our profession has helped them and others to grow and to succeed. Above all, the judging panel was excited to see the overwhelming support for the profession and our involvement in the One Young World Summit.”

Eye on News

Smithwicks Gets Complex... & Guinness Goes Retro T

here has clearly been something in the air around St. James’s Gate in Dublin over recent times, with innovation and new product launches very much the name of the game. The Guinness Brewers Project has delivered a whole plethora of new bottled beers, not to mention a number of exciting new draught products, onto the marketplace and the reaction from local beer fans has been hugely positive. Hop House 13, the big star of the new brewing era in Dublin, has quickly established itself as a firm favourite in pubs around the country, but there are some gems among the new bottled beers now available from Guinness. We’ve been sampling a couple of the bottled beers in the new-look line-up. Guinness West Indies Porter, as its name suggests, it has a bit of history behind it, with its origins dating back to the batches of bottled Guinness brewed specifically to maintain freshness on long sea voyages to the Caribbean and beyond. So, the story goes, the porter was made with more hops and a higher gravity. The expert tasters say, and here we go again, that Guinness West Indies Porter has a nose of toffee, roasted malts and toast....a clean, bitter coffee taste.... and a finish of liquorice and that toast again. To us, it’s pretty unique. A bit like an oldfashioned bottled Guinness on steroids........if that makes any sense. But well worth sampling if, like us, you’re a fan of that unique porter taste.

Incidentally, the story of stout and porter are intertwined. The name ‘stout’ as used for a dark beer is believed to have come about because strong porters were marketed under such names as ‘Extra Porter’, ‘Double Porter’ and ‘Stout Porter’. The term ‘Stout Porter’ would later be shortened to just ‘Stout’. In fact, Guinness Extra Stout was originally called Extra Superior Porter and was only given the Extra Stout name in 1840. There you have it. But, if you enjoy stout, you’ll love this one. Another new beer under the well-established Smithwick’s brand name is Smithwick’s Pale Ale. Smithwick’s Pale Ale is a really tasty, full flavoured beer with an attractive hazy gold colour (….and that’s as it should be), an off-white creamy head and it’s less carbonised than many of the other products in the Smithwick’s range. Again, that’s about right for a good pale ale. This one, say Smithwick’s, is craft brewed with 100% pale ale malt, plenty of aromatic Amarillo hops and original Smithwick’s yeast. The nose, according to those who know best, features a lot of caramel and the experts also point to the fact that the taste of malt outdoes the taste of hops for a fuller. Fruitier flavour. Whatever the intricacies, it’s a really tasty and refreshing beer which lends itself really well to being enjoyed with food. A curry, in our case, but it doesn’t have to be thus. It works equally well, I’m told, with bacon, seafood, even cheese.

Logistics Group Goes Electric PostalSort, part of Northern Ireland’s PostalGroup, has just introduced the first all-electric postal delivery van to the streets of Belfast.

roup CEO John Hughes said “We have been doing extensive research and trials over the last couple of years and have found the Nissan eNV200 to be the best compromise between load capacity and battery range. These all electric delivery vehicles will allow us to provide the companies and organisations of Northern Ireland with a local business post and parcel service that will not only save money but will

‘do our bit’ towards reducing the air pollution in Belfast’s city streets. “The Nissan is the right vehicle for collections and deliveries in Belfast, and they will enable us to cope with the rising parcel volumes in an even more cost effective and socially responsible manner. With this commitment, we are also underlining our claim of being the market leader in Northern Ireland’s local ‘green’ logistics.”

Come and meet the

NI Water Procurement Team

Are you interested in working with NI Water?

Are you interested in improving your tendering skills?

If so, book a 20 minute slot at our annual Suppliers’ Day on Thursday 2 November 2017 at the NI Water Training Centre, Milltown Road Antrim, BT41 4NW.

Are you unsure of the tendering process and paperwork involved? Are you interested in helping us deliver what matters in investing for you and your community?

NOV

Our Procurement Team will answer your questions and talk you through the tenders available.

20 Book a 20 minute session with one of our

procurement professionals. Meetings are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

For more information, please visit www.niwater.com or email sourcing@niwater.com

Eye on Energy

Jonathan Martindale at Phoenix... New Era, New Priorities When Jonathan Martindale joined Phoenix Natural Gas as a sales executive in the firm’s early days here in Northern Ireland, the British Gasowned entity faced an uphill battle.

t was delivering natural gas into a local market that had never seen it before and a market that was dominated by the oil suppliers. A recent graduate from the then University of Ulster at Coleraine, Martindale got to know the British Gas team leading the launch of Phoenix in Northern Ireland, who had settled in his native Donaghadee. “Their passion and enthusiasm for this fledging industry locally was infectious and I found myself at Phoenix in a sales role. But it was a gas industry very different than the one we have now. We were brand new, natural gas as a fuel was brand new and there was plenty of excitement in the air. “It was a tough market place at that time as, although 90% of GB used natural gas to heat their homes, it was a brand new concept for NI homeowners. However, in a very short period an incredible momentum had built as a brand new industry was born, supporting the aim to make natural gas the fuel of choice in the Greater Belfast area,” he says. Jonathan Martindale has been with Phoenix since those early days back in 2002, leaving for a spell to work in his family’s filling station business before returning in a wider business development role. Last year, he was one of two new appointments at director level, becoming Sales & Marketing Director. He’s quick to point out that Phoenix Natural Gas, as a company, employs a relatively small team of just over 100. But it’s central to a gas industry which supports over 3,000 jobs, including retailers, engineers, gas installers and merchants.

As Phoenix Natural Gas extends the natural gas network into East down, engaging with the local community has played a vital role in building relationships and establishing the brand in a new marketplace. Jonathan Martindale is pictured helping spread goodwill at a recent community event in Ballygowan, the first town in the project to connect to the natural gas network.

“ We’ve made really good inroads into the market, but we’re aware, for instance, that there are more than 100,000 potential customers in Greater Belfast who have gas available to them but aren’t connected... yet.” “We are now a trusted brand, and that’s a status that we’ve worked very hard to achieve. We are the fuel of choice with approximately 50% of the available marketplace domestically. Most recently, growth is being driven by three factors – the home improvement market, the home mover market plus sales driven by oil boiler breakdowns. “The sales team here at Phoenix work very hard, and they’re back by a steady marketing spend by the company and by Phoenix’s commitment to CSR. It’s something we’ve already devoted a lot of attention to. We see ourselves as a brand inextricably linked to the communities that we serve, and we think that it’s vital that we give back to those communities over and beyond the inherent benefits of natural gas.”

The big focus at the moment for Phoenix Natural Gas is its move outwards from Belfast to bring natural gas to the East Down region for the first time. It’s an area stretching from Hillsborough in the north to Newcastle in the south, and includes towns like Saintfield, Crossgar and Ballynahinch. The construction phase is well underway. “The investment means that we’ll bring natural gas to the doorsteps of 30,000 houses or so in the East Down area, and we’re very pleased with the levels of interest that we’re seeing from potential customers there. “For the Phoenix team, its’ great to get back to the buzz of a brand new market, and everyone is really fired up about the challenge. As a sales and marketing team, we’ve

really enjoyed getting involved in the local communities on a town by town basis. It’s a very different challenge to selling to customers in a big city.” Looking to the future, the opening up of the East Down market will continue to dominate the agenda but Phoenix is never without challenges in a sector that continues to impact the social, environmental and economic prosperity of the region. Jonathan Martindale reckons that Phoenix Natural Gas will continue to do things as it has done over recent years.... with plenty of success. “Northern Ireland is a fairly unique marketplace when it comes to fuel, but we’re of the view that natural gas is in a pretty good place. We’ve made really good inroads into the market, but we’re aware, for instance, that there are more than 100,000 potential customers in Greater Belfast who have gas available to them but aren’t connected... yet. “That, along with the new challenges of East Down, is our top priority.”

Eye on Retail

Maxol’s Brian Donaldson & The Future Of The Forecourt

The business of forecourts and retailing has changed beyond all recognition in the 31 years that Brian Donaldson has been in the industry.

owadays, the CEO of Maxol is very clear about one thing. That Maxol sees itself as being in the convenience retail business first, and the fuel game second. And that’s not something that he’d ever have imagined saying back in the mid1980’s, when he first joined the company as a Graduate Trainee. “Today we look at our business through the eyes of our customers. We don’t change things or introduce new concepts because the management team feel they are needed. It’s all about what the customers want and their needs,” he says simply. It’s interesting that the County Down man joined Maxol after university and was given the job of looking at customer profiling, customer habits and behaviours. His obvious fascination with customers

and what they want and expect has stuck with him through his roles as an area manager, retail manager, general sales manager, group marketing manager, chief operating officer and group general manager. Donaldson took over the CEO’s reins from Tom Noonan in May of last year and he’s had a full-on 18 months at the helm. Splitting his time between Maxol’s Mallusk base in the North and the company’s head office in Dublin, he’s credited with driving forward a major strategic plan for the business, which was ratified by Maxol’s board in August. “It sets out an ambitious plan to invest a further €100 million up to 2020, when we’ll be celebrating our 100th anniversary,” says Donaldson. “80% of our time and resources will be spent on driving efficiencies from our core business units of retail, fuel cards and lubricants, with 20%

directed toward innovation and developing new products, services and markets, helping to lay new foundations for future growth.” We’re meeting over coffee at Maxol’s largest investment in Northern Ireland, the A26 Tannaghmore Services between Antrim and Ballymena. The 2.5 acre site cost £3.75 million and includes an 8,000 sq.ft building with seating for 100 people and an innovative range of food offerings, including Maxol’s own Moreish brand, Abrekebabra and the award-winning Freshly Chopped. “Maxol has invested €22 million across Ireland this year, and £5 million over the same period in new developments and store refits here in the North,” he adds. “We’re looking all the time at how we can improve our convenience offering to our customers, so

we become foremost, their first choice for their every day needs. “Across different sites, we’ve introduced Freshly Chopped, Subway, Abrekebabra, O’Brien’s Sandwich Bar and a number of other food brands. Fuel remains important to us, but there’s no doubt that it has become secondary to the primary driver of quality food and fresh convenience retailing.” Maxol remains a family company. Established in 1920 by William McMullan, the 4th generation McMullan family members, Thomas and Barry are on the board of directors today. The company reported an annual turnover of £550 million in 2016, and it currently has a network of 235 sites, 115 of them company-owned operated by licensees and the other 120 owned and operated by independent retailers,

Eye on Retail

“A26 is an example of the future as we see it,” says Brian Donaldson as he shows off the size, scale and variety of facilities available at the impressive Tannaghmore site. “We’ll be investing in more facilities on this scale, but we’ve also got to continue to invest in our traditional sites around the island. This will involve extending site footprints by acquiring adjoining land and refreshing our instore range of offers and services. ” Despite being on the A26 trunk road, Tannaghmore is a motorway service station in all but name. The company already has a number of other motorway sites up and running in the Republic, the first of these being M3 Mulhuddart Services on the M3 in South Dublin. In a first for Northern Ireland and the UK and a forecourt exclusive for Maxol, the A26 Services introduced Freshly Chopped, the rapidly growing healthy fast food franchise, whose mission is to offer fresh and nutritious food through a range of made to order salads, wraps, sandwiches and soups. It can be eaten on the premises or taken away, and Brian Donaldson reckons that it represents the kind of convenience food offering Maxol is all about. While it is proving

“ We’re looking all the time at how we can improve our convenience offering to our customers, so we become foremost, their first choice for their every day needs.”

very popular at Tannaghmore, Donaldson and his Maxol team have been careful to ensure there is plenty of choice on the menu up here with Abrakebabra, Ireland’s leading quick service restaurant chain also on-site. Plans are also being made to introduce a well-known high street coffee offer and a children’s play area, making it a family destination. Within the life of the corporate plan, Maxol has plans for a further four major developments on the scale of Tannaghmore in Northern Ireland using a mix of greenfield and existing sites.

In August, an application for a large offline motorway site located on the Belfast to Dublin A1 at Newry was submitted. And planning for a £1 million upgrade of Glenabbey at Glengormley is expected in early 2018. Planning can be an issue for Maxol, as it can be for other organisations in Northern Ireland. “The process can be a bit cumbersome but, that said, we’re excited about the future and have more applications in the pipeline that we hope will continue our growth across the island of Ireland.” Maxol’s strategy is based on

four pillars – People, Internal Process, Customer and Financial. “What’s important to me is that we bring our people with us on this journey,” says Brian Donaldson. “We have a single page road map, and everyone in the organisation is aware of the strategy and their role. Our call to action is simple, One Plan, One team with a vision.” Getting the corporate message across can’t be easy. Maxol has retail sites from the very north to the very south of the island, and as well as its main retail business, it also runs Fuel Card and Lubricants businesses as part of the wider group.

Eye on Retail

“ Another important part of our plan is that we continually challenge how we do things, and ask ourselves if there are better and more efficient ways. Technology plays a growing role in our business today and will continue to do so, from mobile order and payments to robotics.”

It’s no surprise that Brian Donaldson’s car clocks up a higher mileage than most. Especially so because the Maxol Chief Executive is a man who just loves to get out from behind the desk and into the shops where he can cast an eye over who is buying what, when and from whom. “Another important part of our plan is that we continually challenge how we do things, and ask ourselves if there are better and more efficient ways. Technology plays a growing role in our business today and will continue to do so, from mobile order and payments to robotics.” In line with the new corporate strategy, Maxol has made a number of new appointments, 10 of them over the past 16 months with seven new positions created. Among the eye-catching appointments was that of John Paul O’Reilly as the new Chief Operating Officer who has over 20 years’ experience with the largest food retailer in the UK and Caroline Burton who joined Maxol with a strong FMCG pedigree as the company’s new Head of Marketing. In the Republic, Maxol has announced that it is introducing its own convenience brand and range of own label goods, extending its brand reach outside of fuels. “We’ll continue to work with our long standing partners and

suppliers, BWG Foods, and have entered into a new supply and service agreement to support the creation and execution instore of our own brand at over 70 sites.” Here in Northern Ireland, Maxol continues its strong relationship with its alliance partner, The Henderson Group, a partnership which dates back to 2005. Today, Henderson Group supplies 26 stores owned by Maxol under the Spar symbol and operate a further seven Maxol company sites under licence. “What we’ve also got to think about,” Donaldson adds, “is how we adapt our retail offering to suit the millennials and the generation coming up behind, known as Generation Z, who do things very differently. That’s a challenge for all retailers, ourselves included.” It’s not the only challenge facing Maxol and other retailers of fuel as well as other products. Looming a bit further over the horizon is the government’s stated intent to phase out diesel and petrolpowered cars completely by 2040. Some car manufacturers have already indicated that they’ll go all-electric much earlier than that. “It’s another good reason why food and convenience retailing is an important part of our strategy, for it will help to rebalance our income basket when fuel sales

decline,” Brian Donaldson smiles. “And it gives us plenty to think about when it comes to planning how we deal with charging points and other facilities for electric vehicle drivers, who will have more dwell time. Or how much the growth of car pooling is going to change things for all of us and even self-driving vehicles. “One thing is for sure. The forecourt for the future will be with us in less than 10 years time. And it will be very different. “A few years back, if you’d asked about the size of site we need, I’d have said an acre. Now I’d be more likely to say two acres.” Perhaps surprisingly for one of the largest fuel retailers, Maxol has an

all-electric Nissan Leaf on its vehicle fleet to enable managers and staff, Brian Donaldson included, to sample it and learn more about electric motoring and this new technology. He’ll maybe use the Leaf now and then to get around the 60 plus different capital investment projects that Maxol has planned for the next three years.....which works out at two new projects each month. It’s an ambitious programme in anyone’s book, but Brian Donaldson says that it’s what’s needed to ensure Maxol’s continued growth in an ultra-competitive marketplace. “Our plan will drive the business forward for the McMullan family, our staff, our partners and our customers.”

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Eye on Cover Story

ARTHUR COX:

A Force For Growth At The Heart Of The Market Leading law firm Arthur Cox consistently delivers for clients and the business community. Chairman Alan Taylor and Managing Partner Catriona Gibson explain how the firm’s commitment to excellence is supporting the growth of the local market.

s legal advisor to many of Northern Ireland’s most successful companies, Arthur Cox plays a prominent role in driving the local economy forward. Having helped transform the legal market when it opened its doors in Belfast 21 years ago, Arthur Cox is very much the ‘go-to’ firm for trusted legal advice that is innovative, nuanced and pragmatic. Two of the sharpest and most respected legal minds are at the helm of the leading law firm’s Belfast office, in Managing Partner Catriona Gibson and Chairman Alan Taylor. The first woman to assume leadership of a top-tier Northern Ireland law firm when she was appointed in February 2016, Catriona has continued the success enjoyed under Alan’s eightyear tenure as Managing Partner before her. Astute Leadership Under their astute leadership, Arthur Cox is further enhancing its first-class reputation of consistently delivering for clients and the wider business community. “Arthur Cox brought a new dimension when it established its Belfast office in 1996, particularly through the introduction and reinforcement of specialist practice areas that were a feature of large international law firms,” Alan explained. “Twenty-one years on, we have a very hard-working, 90-strong team of dedicated lawyers providing expert legal advice and delivering first-class service levels to major corporate, Government and SME clients. “Our team is at the heart of many of the largest and most significant corporate transactions in the local market, advising dynamic young

start-ups and multinationals alike. “Our people are the firm’s biggest asset. We are wedded to a sharp focus on client service and have a keen desire to exceed client expectations through forming successful partnerships. We listen to clients and deliver accordingly.” Through engagement with directors and key decision-makers in the public and private sector, Arthur Cox has an in-depth knowledge of the market which it leverages, not just for the benefit of clients, but also for the wider Northern Ireland economy. Corporate Governance A strong director base is a vital platform for any economy to flourish, and Alan and his team are supporting businesses in their approach to corporate governance. “At Arthur Cox, we fully understand the importance of creating an environment in which industry can thrive and opportunities for business growth are maximised,” Alan explained. “We work closely with directors to ensure they maintain the required focus on corporate governance, and are fully resourced to meet the strategic requirements that will help future-proof their business. “We also have a long-standing partnership with the Institute of Directors in Northern Ireland through which we support the delivery of a programme of professional development events that help delegates achieve the core competencies of an effective director.” Since taking on the role of Chairman 18 months ago, Alan has been playing a leading role in the delivery of Arthur Cox’s extensive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.

Eye on Cover Story

This was an important part of Catriona’s strategic plan when she became Managing Partner, and something which has significantly enhanced the major contribution Arthur Cox is making to the community as well as the economy. “Alan pioneered the firm’s CSR programme a decade ago and is as committed as ever to driving our initiatives forward, ensuring we make a very real impact with every organisation we work with,” Catriona said. Supporting Businesses “We have a strong relationship with Business in the Community, with whom Alan recently led a seminar focused on supporting businesses across the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon areas in how they can use their business, people and resources to bring lasting benefits to the local community. “Under the headline of ‘Using your business as a force for good’, Alan presented on how organisations can make a real difference in society, and also demonstrated the tangible business benefits that positively impact the bottom line when acting in a responsible manner.” Alan also continues to maintain a sharp focus on his role as head of the firm’s Corporate and Commercial team.

“ Through our offices in New York and Silicon Valley, as well as London and Dublin, we have unrivalled access to new trends in the structure and formation of corporate deals on the international stage, and we leverage these insights for clients.” Already established as one of the foremost of its kind in Northern Ireland, the team is set to be further strengthened in November with the arrival of respected lawyer Paul McBride, who is joining the firm as a Corporate and Commercial Partner. “With over 25 years’ experience of corporate finance practice, Paul’s appointment is a landmark development for the legal sector in Northern Ireland, and his expertise will add to our ability to ensure the successful completion of any kind of transaction,” Alan continued.

“Paul’s insight will augment a Corporate and Commercial team whose truly global reach provides the firm with a cutting edge in the local marketplace. “Through our offices in New York and Silicon Valley, as well as London and Dublin, we have unrivalled access to new trends in the structure and formation of corporate deals on the international stage, and we leverage these insights for clients.” Looking further ahead, Catriona and Alan will both ensure that Arthur Cox’s steadfast commitment to clients, community and the economy will continue. “At Arthur Cox, we make a positive difference in everything we do,” Catriona commented. “In the courtroom and the boardroom, our clients, business partners and community can always expect excellence from our team.”

The wide range of advisory teams at Arthur Cox are well positioned to advise on all legal requirements. Call +44 28 9023 0007 for further information from Alan or Catriona, or your regular Arthur Cox contact.

Eye on Travel

Xperience Group Come to the Rescue of Air Ambulance NI In this day and age, the need for resilient technology has never been so important. For Air Ambulance NI, IT plays a key part in its helicopter operations, which is why the charity has enlisted Xperience Group as a strategic IT partner, allowing it to focus on staying in touch with their supporters and keeping their helicopter in the air! Preparing for Take-Off Making history, Air Ambulance NI is the first non-for-profit organisation to provide Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) in Northern Ireland. Officially registered as a charity in 2015, the organisation embarked on a journey to secure start-up funding which successfully led to ministerial approval in 2017. With a team of highly trained paramedics and doctors, Air Ambulance NI are on a mission to help save lives across Northern Ireland – with technology at the forefront of their strategic growth plans.

effective communications, enable collaboration on projects, allow us to access information anytime, anywhere and importantly be sustainable to grow with us.”

“ With the help of Xperience Group, we’ve been able to start our business in the Cloud. Office 365 and the IT support provided by Xperience has been the oxygen which allows us to stay in touch with our community, connectors and fundraisers.” Patrick Minne, Chief Executive at Air Ambulance NI comments, “When approval was granted, time started ticking, which meant we needed to get operations up and running as soon as possible. Everything that comes with setting up a new business, from premises, to staff and third party contracts- including IT support.” He continues, “Starting as a small team meant that we needed an IT solution which would facilitate

Taking to the Cloud To assist in the charity’s startup efforts, Xperience Group have deployed Office 365, along with security solutions and will continue to provide IT support to the charity going forward. Accessible from anywhere at any time, Office 365 will enable the team to collaborate on fundraising projects, as well as ensuring their business

data is secure in the Cloud. Patrick Leggett, Group Director at Xperience Group comments, “It is a great privilege to be working in partnership with Air Ambulance NI. As a Group, we work with many non-for-profit organisations across the UK - knowing that our support can help make a difference is extremely rewarding. We’re really looking forward to watching Air Ambulance NI grow over the coming years, but even more excited to be part of their journey!” Patrick Minne remarks, “With the help of Xperience Group, we’ve been able to start our business in the Cloud. Office 365 and the IT support provided by Xperience has been the oxygen which allows us to stay in touch with our community, connectors and fundraisers. Having all of our IT needs met by a team of experts has removed a lot of pain and allows us to focus on our core business activities.” And it doesn’t stop there, Air Ambulance NI have high

aspirations to develop the impact of the charity through increased fundraising and awareness. Patrick Minne concludes, “We’ve got big plans for the future, including adding additional helicopter resources and hopefully opening a visitor’s experience centre. Of course we will need to raise our fundraising efforts, maximise communications and increase brand awareness - thankfully we’ve got excellent technology to help us do just that!”

Air Ambulance NI Deciding on a corporate charity to support? Keen to make a donation? Or for more information about Air Ambulance NI, visit www.airambulanceni.org Looking for Rapid-Response IT? Get In Touch With Xperience Group: Email: enquiries@xperience-group.com Web: www.xperience-group.com

Eye on Family Business

Resilient, Ready and Rolling up Their Sleeves... Why family businesses in Northern Ireland deserve to be celebrated By Darren McDowell, Partner, Harbinson Mulholland

oth my experience and economic data support the critical contribution that family businesses make to the economy both here and further afield. In a nutshell for a variety of reasons a family business is simply a great way to engage with the market. Not long ago Harbinson Mulholland established the NI Family Business Forum as a way to support this sector, but now we’ve decided it’s time to get out there and celebrate it. And that’s why we are delighted to be sponsoring the first ever Business Eye Best Family Business Award. Harbinson Mulholland are a home grown firm of Chartered Accountants

whose client base includes a huge number of successful family businesses, such as those celebrated here - FASTANK, Alpha group and Heavenly Tasty. We work alongside our clients in this vibrant sector and support them in facing the sometimes unique challenges that a family business can provide. That’s why we established the NI Family Business Forum as a hub for family businesses to come together and share common experiences. Those that “make it” have a story to tell and wisdom to impart that can help both their peers and the new crop of family businesses coming through. We have had speakers such as Vincent

Carton who heads up Manor Farm an 8th generation family business in Ireland and Michael Walsh who is the CEO of Woodford capital. The sharing of challenges faced and overcome is a hugely powerful learning tool for all of those in attendance. The definition of the issues faced by a family business can often be too narrowly set at succession. Family businesses that we deal with include the founders of those businesses, the next generation, husband and wife or siblings working together. So the challenges they face are much wider than that of succession and often hinge on the balance between love and commercial decisions.

This year’s programme for the NI Family Business Forum is themed on being resilient, ready and rolling up your sleeves. We have no doubt that family businesses will continue to demonstrate this approach and at Harbinson Mulholland we want to come alongside this sector, celebrate its importance and work with those businesses in reaching new heights.

Learn more at: www.nifamilybusinessforum.com and www.harbinson-mulholland.com

Autumn Event Programme Breakfast Roadshows

Main Forum

3rd October

Tullylagan Hotel, Cookstown

14th November

5th October

Galgorm Manor, Ballymena

Europa Hotel, Belfast

13th October Civic Centre, Craigavon

All events will feature leading family businesses sharing their stories alongside a range of presentations, workshops and discussion. For more information please visit nifamilybusinessforum.com

Eye on Family Business FOUNDING GENERATION

Seamus Connolly MBE

Managing Director (FEL) Fast Engineering Ltd.

s a Civil Engineer I had the excitement of working on water projects worldwide before starting FEL in 1980 to manufacture my invention FASTANK® which is now a well-recognised global Brand Name throughout the emergency response industry. Some say the success was “The luck on the Irish”. I prefer to refer to the revolutionary design which gained the original FASTANK® worldwide Patents. This portable tank was first designed for refugee camps in Africa for water storage and treatment during “The Decade of Water and Sanitation”. I engaged the experts at the UN and OXFAM in my designs and prototypes, this involvement led to their commitment to buy the tanks once I could produce them, which they did. Having won three National Awards for the product

NEXT GENERATION

Paul Black

Group Chief Executive, Alpha Group

y father started the firm in the early 70’s and I joined around 10 years after as the only Warehouseman in a total compliment of 6 staff. After serving my apprenticeship over a 9 year period, I was given an opportunity to become a salesman for the company, which I did for a further 15 years. Laterally in this role I became manager of our Northern Ireland branch, before becoming Group Sales Director and ultimately Group Chief Executive in 2008. Today I have almost 100 colleagues in the business, and this year we are budgeting to hit £23m of top line sales across the Group, which is now present in ROI, NI, Scotland and England. We have grown the firm mostly recently through acquisition in Scotland, which Harbinson Mulholland

NEW GENERATION

in 1982 plus the very useful £30,000, the Financial Times carried a story on the Company which caught the attention of the then global manager of BP’s environmental response network, he bought one tank, liked it and BP have bought many thousand more since then plus introduced it to all the other oil companies. Since the original, FEL has continued to invest heavily in R&D leading to other patented designs to meet the changing needs of customers and markets. However, the design ethos of the original tank is still there, simplicity of use and ease of transport to emergencies, this is where our designs excel. I feel privileged that I have been able to use my talents to help those less fortunate plus benefit the environment in which we live and at the same time to have had such fun on the exciting journey.

Shauna McCarney Blair

assisted us with. For us, it was the natural route to take and a good opportunity came up at the right time. We also strengthened our reliance in the last few years by taking the decision to bring in a non-executive director to take a role as Chairperson and so far it’s working well for us. The pressure can really be on those in the next generation of family businesses –failure is just not an option. If anything, I look upon myself as something of a caretaker, looking after the business my dad started, for those following behind. I think that people that work with us see that family businesses are in this for a long haul – we’re not going to be disappearing overnight and that’s an important factor.

Managing Director, Heavenly Tasty Organics

y business was literally founded at the kitchen table. I grew up in a family business and took so much inspiration from my dad and always wanted to do something for myself. When I had my first child I couldn’t source baby food which was suited to their allergy requirements so I decided to make my own and in 2011, Heavenly Tasty was born. I work with my husband James who is Operations Director and we started the business working from the food incubation centre in Cookstown. 6 years later we now sell our products in 14 countries. They are stocked in 3 of the UK’s largest supermarkets, Sainsburys, Morrison’s and Waitrose and our snack range has been launched in outlets as far away as Australia. Whilst spinning a lot of plates, we had built success in the frozen/chilled food markets, but we did face

a challenge as to whether we stay in that market, move to ambient/snack foods or stop altogether. So we dug a little deeper, took some time to reassess everything and developed a new business strategy and now I feel we are definitely going in the right direction. There is a lot of hard work, knocking doors and persistence but taking Heavenly from an idea at my kitchen table to where we are now is a dream come true. We are building our export sales, creating more employment and building our company to become a global player in the healthy snack market.

Eye on Finance

KPMG... New Building, New Era Ask those who know a thing or two about Belfast’s best office spaces, and The Soloist Building at Lanyon Place is a regular choice as the best around.

o it’s fair to say that the 250-strong staff of KPMG were looking forward to their recent move from the firm’s former offices at Stokes House on College Square East to one of the city’s most modern spaces. The September move saw staff leaving the old offices on a Friday evening and starting work at The Soloist on the following Monday morning, and so required some military precision when it came to planning. “We’re delighted with the offices,” says KPMG’s Partner in Charge in Northern Ireland, John Hansen. “To be honest, this building and its 39,000 sq.ft of space was one of the few in Belfast that we would have considered. We know that the new surroundings will be a real boost for our people with plenty of breakout and

collaborative working spaces. In addition we have more client meeting rooms, all equipped with state-of-the-art technology”. “And, with ambitious growth plans, we’re confident that we will have upwards of 300 people here by 2020. In the meantime, we will be working in a more open plan, more collaborative and cross-functional way.” While KPMG is one of big names of the business adviser marketplace both here and internationally John Hansen and his senior team are well aware of the importance of being visible so that the market knows a thing or two about the team’s capabilities. “We have a strong and experienced team of Partners and Directors – in fact many have been here since they were trainees. Our audit

Eye on Finance

John Hansen, Partner in Charge, Johnny Hanna, Head of Tax, and John Poole, Head of Audit, KPMG, in Northern Ireland

department, headed up by John Poole, is as good as any in this region,” says John, “And the same can be said of our 80-strong tax team, headed by Johnny Hanna. Our tax team has developed a reputation as one of the very best in the business, looking after the UK, Irish and international tax requirements of a wide range of clients.” In addition to the audit and tax functions, the office operates a very busy and growing deal advisory practice – incorporating corporate finance, restructuring, transaction services and public sector advisory teams. KPMG in Northern Ireland reports into the wider Ireland practice operation which employs upwards of 2,500 people and is headed by Managing Partner, Shaun Murphy. Globally, there are partner firms in more than 150

countries and a total headcount approaching the 200,000 mark. “The advantage of being a global firm means where necessary we can tap into the expertise of our colleagues in Dublin, Great Britain or further afield – that’s a big plus for some of our clients. And, on the flip side of that, international companies coming into Northern Ireland often choose to work with us because they’ve worked with KPMG at home and in other countries.” “Our brand values are centred on integrity and trust. I’m aware that everyone says that, but in our case, it’s crucial to what we do and what we offer our clients. I’ve been here for 11 years now, and I’ve always been impressed by how we do things as a firm. The personal touch is synonymous with our brand.

“But we’re aware that, as a business, we can’t stand still. We’ve got to keep moving and keep growing and that’s what we intend to do.” It’s a testament to KPMG’s faith in its future growth that, on the very day that the firm’s entire Belfast staff moved to its new offices at The Soloist, 30 fresh-faced trainees also started work for the very first time, the latest batch of young accountants to join the Northern Ireland team. On the local business environment, John Hansen agrees with plenty of others in the local business community when he identifies Brexit as an overriding concern and political stability as an essential backdrop for individual businesses and the NI economy.

KPMG’s recent Northern Ireland CEO Outlook for 2017 recently showed that while all NI respondents are positive about the growth prospects for their own business over the next 12 months, they are much less confident about the prospects for the NI economy in the year ahead – with 40 percent confident about economic growth. However he goes on to add that NI businesses are nothing if not resilient.’ “We’ve been through a lot here in Northern Ireland, and we’ll survive whatever Brexit brings. In fact, I agree with those who say that it will bring opportunities as well as threats. But, that said, a little less uncertainty would do no harm.”

Eye on Innovation

North West Project Targets Advanced Manufacturing Jobs

Academic Partners from Left to Right – Professor Steve Beaumont University of Glasgow, Professor Norman Apsley Catalyst Inc, Professor Eileen Harkin-Jones Ulster University, Dr David Tormey Sligo IT and Dr Jim Morrison LYIT

Catalyst Inc has launched a North West Centre for Advanced Manufacturing, an initiative bringing together eight local companies and four different academic institutions with the aim of delivering 15 world-leading research projects.

nd the initiative’s wider vision is the creation of an advanced manufacturing super cluster in the North West, with the potential to deliver thousands of high-level jobs. “Advanced manufacturing is the future and in our economy we need more globally competitive products and processes. What this investment does is to allow industry to collaborate with academia at an earlier stage,” says Dr. Norman Apsley, Chief

Executive of Catalyst Inc. “But it also gives companies the chance to be at the leading edge of research that can improve their competitiveness and create job opportunities.” The five-year €8.5 million investment is being backed by the EU’s Interreg VA Programme. “The investment is testament to the EU’s commitment, through the Interreg Programme, to enhance research and innovation in this region,” says Gina McIntyre, CEO of

the Special EU Programmes Body, which manages EU investments and programmes here. “It’s a great example of cross-border cooperation with the collective strengths of the partners set to drive competitiveness, create new products and processes and strengthen the regional economy.” Among the companies involved in the initiative are Nuprint Technologies, Laser Prototypes (Europe), Armstrong Medical, Randox, Abbott Ireland and GSK-Steifel. They’re joined by the four academic partners – Ulster University, Letterkenny Institute of Technology, Sligo IT and the University of Glasgow. The project’s Lead Principal Investigator is the highly-respected

Professor Eileen Harkin-Jones, and she will lead a team of 13 PhD students and 13 postdoctoral researchers recruited for the 15 research projects. “The intellectual property developed through this research will be available on licence to any company throughout the world but the project industry partners will have the advantage of being given the first opportunity to obtain the licence,” she says. “This demonstrates the importance of universities and industries working together for a wider economic benefit.” Dr. Norman Apsley reckons that advanced manufacturing is crucial to the development of the Northern Ireland economy. “We

Eye on Innovation

Some of the Industry Partners from Left to Right - 1. Dr Paul Vance (Randox), Tom Walls (LPE), Professor Norman Apsley (Catalyst Inc), Dr Russell MacPherson (GSK-Steifel), Adrian O’Connor (Abbott), Gavin Killeen (Nuprint Technologies)

have a number of priority sectors, areas like agri food, health & life sciences and energy/renewables. But advanced manufacturing ties the different sectors together. “Our initial thoughts were around the creation of a physical Centre for Advanced Manufacturing, but that’s an expensive proposition and we’re convinced that a ‘virtual’ centre will achieve the same objectives. What’s also very welcome is the fact that we’re working in partnership with two universities and two of Ireland’s leading technical colleges.” Advanced manufacturing, Dr. Apsley says, can lead into research into a wide range of cutting edge areas, the recycling of plastics and 3D printing amongst them. Nuprint Technologies of Derry and the James Watt Nanofabrication Centre at the University of Glasgow will be working on an innovative project that could improve the safety of vulnerable patients by providing new conductive labelling on prescription medicines to help address the widespread problem of medication errors. The research will focus on the

development of Painted Conductive Ink Technology, the incorporation of electronic circuitry into flexible labels to create interactive labelling. Gavin Killeen, Managing Director of Nuprint Technologies, takes up the story. His company, formed out of the original Perfecseal established by Alan & Helen McClure, has grown to become a leading packaging and labelling manufacturer for the food, beverage and other sectors. Conductive Ink Technology means that, as a result of the process, product labels can contain a wide range of product data and information. “So a label on a particular product can be linked instantly to a tablet or smartphone, and that means everything from customer marketing information through to much more critical information. “In the food processing sector, conductive technology means that crucial food safety data can be stored. If a frozen chicken, for example, is exposed to the wrong temperature for a period and might have been spoiled, the conductive technology

Gavin Killeen (Nuprint Technologies) and Professor Norman Apsley (Catalyst Inc)

can store that information. “And, in the medical environment, a patient wrist label can be used in conjunction with conductive labelling on medications to ensure much higher levels of patient safety. The potential applications are many and varied,” says Gavin Killeen. “This initiative has a lot of potential. It’s something we’re very excited about.” says Dr. Norman Apsley. “It will help to put manufacturing back onto the knowledge economy

map, and help to drive how the very latest technology can help shape the manufacturing future. And it’s important that we keep our eyes on the prize when it comes to future jobs. “The problem that we’ve suffered from here in Northern Ireland is that we can fall into the ‘Me Too’ way of working. Advanced manufacturing isn’t about that. It’s about real R&D and it’s about making full use of the talented workforce that we have here in Northern Ireland.”

Eye on Travel

World Routes Provides Platform To Build Belfast Success Story Katy Best, Commercial and Marketing Director at George Best Belfast City Airport reflects on another strong year for the airport as she traveled to the World Routes conference in Spain at the end of September.

eptember marked an important month for Belfast City Airport as we took a delegation to Barcelona for the World Routes conference. The event provides an unrivalled opportunity to network with counterparts from every corner of the globe and, crucially, a platform to meet with existing and future airline partners. The conference is, of course, always a highlight on the aviation calendar but for those of us from Belfast City Airport, the event has this year taken on extra significance, coming so soon after we successfully co-hosted Routes Europe. Over three days in April, around 1,200 representatives of more than 100 airlines descended on the city meaning all eyes were on Northern Ireland to showcase itself to Europe and it didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t disappoint.

partner Icelandair in June. Proving popular with holidaymakers, the route also has huge benefits for business passengers, and provides onward connections to a wide network of destinations in the United States and Canada. Closer to home, we also continue to work on the expansion of our domestic offering and so we were pleased to add a new weekday service to Newcastle with Eastern Airways which commenced at the start of this month. These routes were each long in the planning, and we constantly engage with airlines to further widen our existing network. This work is taking place with renewed vigour as we enter a new era under the ownership of 3i, which is set to herald a fresh round of strategic investment in physical infrastructure and route development.

â&#x20AC;&#x153; We were recently announced as one of the top two airports in the UK in terms of punctuality based on data from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).â&#x20AC;? The full benefits of hosting the conference - which we believe will be a strong and sustained pipeline of new destinations from Belfast City Airport - will become clearer over the coming months and years. However, there is a real sense that momentum is swelling on the back of the event, and the succession of new routes already added this year. Among these, we launched a three-times-per-week service to Reykjavik with our new

The new owners have taken on a business which is becoming increasingly synonymous for its convenience and accessibility. We were recently announced as one of the top two airports in the UK in terms of punctuality based on data from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). And last year, we were revealed to be the most convenient in the UK and Ireland. That was awarded following a study by the Telegraph

which recognised our position, being just five minutes from Belfast city centre, as of huge benefit to leisure and business passengers alike. It is that offering which helps Belfast City Airport attract new partners and has resulted in our shortlisting at the prestigious World Routes Marketing Awards for the second year in succession. Also taking place at the World Routes conference in Barcelona, the awards which are voted for by airlines, highlight airports that have excelled in route development marketing.

It has already been an incredible year for Belfast City Airport in terms of awards after we were named Northern Ireland Responsible Company of the Year by Business in the Community and the Right Place to Work by The Irish News. Regardless of those accolades however, we will continue to market the city and Northern Ireland across Europe and beyond as we seek to grow outbound and inbound travel and build links to new destinations for leisure and business passengers.

Eye onFinance

Eye on Finance

Customers Can Reap the Rewards of a Competitive Banking Arena

With our local economy continuing to emerge from an extended recession, where access to finance was considered as a ‘blocker’ to growth, HSBC in Northern Ireland view the current market as being a buoyant one for growing companies.

“I

t is proving to be a competitive marketplace for finance providers,” says Nial Douglas, HSBC’s Area Director for Corporate Banking in Northern Ireland. “With the balance sheet issues of the traditional banks being from the 2008 period predominantly resolved, all are in active growth mode and I think that translates to business customers having a lot more choice and flexibility. “In fact, it’s a good time to access finance across the board. The Northern Ireland finance market has matured to be filled with ‘other’ funders including specialist mezzanine finance, invoice finance and asset finance providers who have proven to very much play a part in the wider funding mix”. Nial heads up a bank which is a global player in every sense of the description, active in some 65 different countries, but which ranks as being outside the Big 4 here in Northern Ireland in pure market share terms. His view remains though that it is HSBC’s uniqueness which puts it in a strong position to compete for business in the Province.

“We have now had 3 years of strong double digit growth with 2017 being our best yet and the outlook for 2018 being promising, notwithstanding the unknowns presented by Brexit. Our international connectivity works well for those local companies who would benefit from local management with access to global trading networks that we can physically link them into. Particularly with the shape of pan-European trade going to change, to some degree, we offer a business owner seeking to develop new import sources or export customers the ability to do that with our knowledge of many markets – both established and emerging”. Added to this has been the significant gains made in the local agricultural and renewables markets where the NI team have been able to leverage the HSBC knowledge base to the benefit of local operators. “For ourselves, our offering has to be based on the quality of our people and our proposition rather than being volume led – we have a market that is, in population terms, the same size as Greater Manchester, but with 7 banks present and all seeking to grow. As a result,

our aim is to make the full benefits of the HSBC network available to our existing and potential customers, many of which cannot be replicated in a solely domestic offering” “We have customers here for whom we arrange invoice discounting in Singapore, Thailand, even Australia,” says Nial Douglas. “That’s the kind of thing that illustrates the global reach of this bank, and its knowledge of local markets overseas.” To illustrate that differential, two NI companies, Mallaghan Engineering and Bedeck, are have been offered the opportunity to take part in an HSBC Trade Mission to China in the coming months as part of the UK Corporate Bank’s ‘China Connections Programme’. The bank now has a 15-strong team across both its corporate banking centre in Belfast, with the Agricultural Specialists based in Omagh and Coleraine. Having recruited 2 new customer facing Relationship Managers to meet the demands of increased customer activity as well as to assist with further growth aspirations, they deal with a broad range of customers, from small companies up to much larger organisations. “There is undoubtedly some uncertainty in the marketplace particularly over Brexit, alongside the volatility that this brings to a market with an EU land border to NI’s largest trading counterparty, however to date there is no material evidence that investment decisions are being postponed or cancelled. There is a real hunger for information on the whole issue though.” With that in mind HSBC will be joining forces with KPMG and the NI Food & Drink Association to talk to customers about Brexit and other issues are information events being held in Belfast and Cookstown in the coming weeks. IntertradeIreland are also scheduled to participate in those sessions, as there is a ‘gap’ in terms of what is available out there to local business with specific questions relating to tariffs, access to labour, VAT in addition to the range of potential outcomes on the international front. “Thankfully we are seeing steady incremental growth across our NI business, and our objective is to grow in a measured way. Northern Ireland continues to be a growth story for HSBC and we are committed to using our USP’s to the benefit of local business, particularly in the areas where we feel we have a compelling advantage – manufacturing, import/export, agriculture and renewables. “Referrals from existing customers has been our most effective way of gaining new customers....and we think that says a lot about how we look after those customers.”

Eye on Finance

Top 10 Things To Do When Looking For Finance . S U L L A C . #1

(We’ll handle the other 9) “Giving a small business an overdraft is like handing a child a loaded gun,” a leading UK business banker recently told MPs in the House of Commons.

he same banker then went on to advocate invoice finance as “a highly inexpensive form of finance if used properly”. I never thought I’d hear a statement like that in my lifetime, but we still have a way to go in educating and energizing our market. Unlike the US where companies are predominantly funded through institutional investors, UK SME’s are still highly dependent on banks. SME’s make up over 99% of businesses across Ireland and account for almost 70% of people employed so they are key to our economy. In NI, we have the highest share of businesses using bank overdrafts in the UK. This suggests that we must look to other forms of funding to de-risk our balance sheets and fund growth. Access to traditional finance continues to be a key issue. Clearly every business needs a bank but it is no longer the only option

and there are alternatives to fund growth. Upstream have proven that Invoice Finance is often quicker and less costly than a bank facility. More businesses have turned to alternative sources of funding in the last 10 years, with invoice finance use alone rising by more than £8bn. The Asset Based Finance Association (ABFA), our industry trade body, released data reporting a record high of £22.2bn of asset-based finance advanced at the end of Q4, 2016. Welcome news! Credit from traditional lenders dried up in the wake of the financial crisis, paving the way for alternative sources of funding such as Invoice Finance, Asset Based Lending, Crowd Funding etc to fill the gap. “Asset-based finance was a lifeline for small businesses during the crisis, but it has now become a core driver of growth for businesses of all shapes and sizes,” said Jeff Longhurst, CEO of ABFA.

He continues, “for a large number of businesses, unpaid invoices are their biggest asset, and can be the key to unlocking the finance to accelerate growth.” But - unpaid invoices can be problematic. In NI, bad debt among SMEs has increased significantly over the last year, possibly reflecting a build-up of pressure in supply chains across the province. Supply Chain and Trade Finance funding solutions have become more prevalent in the last five years and become a mainstay of the ABL community but they are still deemed a ‘dark art’ in NI. The team in Upstream plan to change this. I have thrown a lot of sound bites and research across in this article and for those who know me that is not my style. I like humour and I like to have fun while getting the business done. But recent months have been frustrating for all the well discussed reasons – Brexit, local Executive

challenges, and uncertainty. But of one thing I am certain we have a vibrant SME community of which Upstream is part and as business owners ourselves we are committed to seeing NI succeed on a global platform. So we have started our New Year positive and determined to give our clients what they want and need. We are delivering working capital solutions through Invoice Finance, Supply Chain Finance, Trade Finances, Asset Finance, and Investment. We have had our best first quarter results ever. Why? Because we listen, we care and we deliver. With no fuss. We know how hard it can be out there. So - talk to us. Upstream, never mainstream.

Judith Totten is Managing Director of Upstream Working Capital, one of Northern Ireland’s leading providers of working capital solutions. Visit www.upstreampositive.co.uk or call 028 9099 9450

Eye on Finance

Barclays... Growing In A FastChanging Banking Landscape

Adrian Doran, Head of Corporate Banking at Barclays is well aware that today’s much changed banking landscape may play into the hands of so-called ‘challenger banks’, but still feels the time is ripe for Barclays to make advances within Northern Ireland.

“W

e have come from a start-up bank position, expanded over 10 years and are now in a very strong position to be nimble and flexible when it comes to serving our business customers and targeting new ones also.” Barclays, he admits, used to be best known here for financing some of the bigger M&A’s and other corporate transactions. But it’s adapted and evolved to become an all-round player on the business banking front. “We’re not a niche player. In fact, we’re a full service business bank that covers the entire market from start-ups to PLC’s and everything in-between” he adds. “We’ve grown our business by 20% over each of the past three years, and the largest proportion of those new customers are SME’s.” Barclays here in Northern Ireland has also established a strong reputation as a bank for technology enterprises. That was reinforced earlier this year when the Barclays Eagle Lab concept came to Belfast for the first time. Already working well in a number of GB cities, the Barclays Eagle Lab, a multi-faceted

entrepreneurial hub for young tech companies, is based at the former Ormeau Baths complex in Belfast. Day to day banking advice from Barclays is available to all of the start-up companies based there, with two bankers based on site. Looking at the local banking marketplace, Adrian Doran says that the ongoing reduction in bank branches is a key dynamic of the sector. “In Northern Ireland the overall number of branches has probably halved over the past five years or so,” he says. “as most banks move increasingly towards digital delivery channels and new technology. “For us, the online banking offering that we have is crucial to what we do, and it’s built on a very robust and secure platform, which includes a biometric reader which recognises the unique patterns in our finger veins, used by corporate customers to access their accounts. We are also investing in new technology like cheque imaging, which is being launched across the UK this year, and will allow cheques to be lodged simply by scanning using a smartphone.” Developing technology like

Adrian Doran, Head of Corporate Banking, Barclays.

this is expensive, but we are investing, due to our scale and operations across GB and Northern Ireland so customers benefit from these investments. “And, while online banking is crucial, we also recognise the demand for branch banking. In fact, we’re currently investing over £2m in our main city centre branch here in Belfast.” Adrian Doran says that the atmosphere in the local business community, at least among Barclays customers, is fairly positive at the moment. “There are challenges, not least Brexit, but there are also opportunities. The foreign exchange situation is a good case in point, and companies here in Northern Ireland are never slow to take advantage of market opportunities.

“For us as a bank, we’re aiming to continue to increase our market share in the Northern Ireland business and corporate banking marketplace,” he adds. “For a lot of our customers, choosing Barclays means gaining access to an international bank. For those doing business well outside of Northern Ireland, having the Barclays name alongside you can be a major advantage. “Also, I think that the banking market here will continue to change and evolve. There is a lot of change in the market, it is becoming more international all the time and that should be good news for banks like ourselves.”

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Eye on Finance

Bank of Ireland UK: Supporting Women In Business According to a new report from Dell, Belfast now ranks among the top 50 cities in the world for female entrepreneurship – ahead of cities such as Tokyo, Shanghai, Milan and Beijing.

L-R Lee-Anne Daly, Founder, Orby Swim Ltd with Gavin Kennedy, Head of Business Banking NI, Bank of Ireland UK and Olivia Farnam, Founder, The Blinky Company.

avin Kennedy Head of Business Banking NI at Bank of Ireland UK says: “As a leading business bank we invest significantly in the right programmes, networks and partnerships that support entrepreneurs in achieving their ambitions.” Two women who can testify to that approach are Olivia Farnam and LeeAnne Daly who both saw a gap in the market for an innovative product. Olivia, an accountant and mum of 3 has created “Blinky” Every parent’s main aim is to protect their children, but also want to get out of the house and show children the world, without bringing everything bar the kitchen sink with them,” said Olivia and so the Blinky was born, , the “Go- Anywhere” buggy blanket

that contains a built in rain cover, sun and sleep shade and an air-flo system allowing air to circulate around the child.” “From the outset the bank has wanted to do all that they could to support the business.” Encouraged by Bank of Ireland UK and with ambitions to grow and scale her business Olivia is competing in the Invent Programme 2017. The Blinky has just gone into production and Olivia is talking to retailers in the UK and Scandinavia about stocking it. Lee-Anne Daly founded Orby Swim Ltd, a Belfast-based award-winning children’s swimwear business in September 2015. A swimming teacher with more than ten years’ experience Lee-Anne realized that swimwear hadn’t really moved on

since the 1970s. She says: “I saw a gap in the market for swimwear for babies which supports their movement and helps to build their confidence in the water.” Lee-Anne consulted with some of the industry’s top names in British and Irish swimming and with professors in Northern Ireland’s top Universities to ensure the right fabrics were used and the right designs were created and to create something truly innovative and unique. She says: “Bank of Ireland UK has been fantastic for our business. They have opened doors to numerous opportunities including the chance to trade at the award-winning Spring Picnic Twilight Market held at St. George’s Market to help raise our profile and boost sales. “We’re now focused on our marketing

and we are also in early discussions with some UK distributors. Once we get our swim wear established I’ve got many more ideas and many more products I want to develop.” Bank of Ireland UK is a powerful advocate and supporter of entrepreneurial talent both through sponsorships - like the Catalyst Inc. Invent Programme, and through developing the right products, such as the bank’s award-winning Small Business Start Up and growth account. Gavin Kennedy, Head of Business Banking NI at Bank of Ireland UK concludes: “As entrepreneurs work hard at growing their businesses, we will continue to bring all our resources – experience, people, finance, networks and programmes to support our customers in their ambitions.”

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Eye on Finance

DISRUPTING THE MARKET Disruption used to be a bad thing. Now it’s the buzzword for describing the innovative, agile and creative approaches to adapting existing methods of working that are transforming the way in which we all do business.

he Fintech sector is at the heart of the digital revolution and almost every day there is a report about a ground breaking new technology promising to transform the way in which we run our finances. The transformation has been very visible in the personal and retail banking sector. Thirty app transactions take place every second in the UK and almost 21m people use banking apps on a regular basis. A recent survey indicated that 27% of Millennials have used a smartphone mobile banking app to make a payment at a check out in a shop or restaurant in the last month. Even contactless debit or credit cards are starting to look old fashioned.

to make payments in foreign currencies without incurring the commission and fees that are linked with traditional foreign exchange transactions. Interestingly, it is often third party providers who are developing these apps and not the traditional banks. The Competition and Markets Authority has flagged this kind of innovation as being key to opening up further competition in the banking sector. It is also clear that this innovation has extended beyond the retail banking sector and into the business and corporate banking world. Banking giants such as Credit Suisse and J.P. Morgan have invested huge amounts in developing new technology which goes beyond the automation of back office services.

“ It may be the case that we are in an initial phase of the digital revolution in banking when existing products and services are digitised but it’s possible that there’s a second and more transformative phase where completely new products and ways of delivering services are coming to the market.” Existing banks have responded to this new wave of changes by updating their customer management strategies to include apps, web chats and chatbots as an essential part of any banking service. A range of challenger banks such as Atom Bank and Monzo have launched and offer a fully online banking service without any physical branches. We have also seen the introduction of products such as Revolut, a smartphone app which allows customers to upload foreign currency to a prepaid debit card. Customers can then avail of inter-bank exchange rates

The focus for this investment has been to move beyond automation of more mundane tasks to creating a platform which will allow customers to have direct access to accurate, real time information in relation to their own accounts but also in respect of wider market conditions and general market research. For smaller businesses this is likely to translate into a greater degree of control over the day to day operations of bank accounts and services with enhanced response times to queries, applications for new services

Sinead McGrath, Carson McDowell.

and funding lines. It may be the case that we are in an initial phase of the digital revolution in banking when existing products and services are digitised but it’s possible that there’s a second and more transformative phase where completely new products and ways of delivering services are coming to the market. There is another facet to the story. In a recent survey 79% of 2000 UK consumers declared their concern at the prospect of customer service dropping due to widespread automated processes being introduced into their banking experience. Another recent study conducted by First Source showed that 44% of consumers see being able to have a bank branch as their

number one deciding factor when choosing their banking provider, paradoxically bank branches were responsible for less than 20% of all transactions in 2015. It seems clear that customers still value human engagement, especially in interactions where trust plays a critical role. Perhaps the lesson for us all in the financial services and professional services sectors is that trust and choice are the fundamentals of building any relationship with a client. While the appetite for automated service will no doubt expand and develop in ways which we can’t yet anticipate, we still have to listen to what our clients tell us about how they want to engage with us, be that via an app or face to face.

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Eye on Finance

Ulster Bank Launches Boost Bites

By Lisa McCaul, Business Growth Enabler, Ulster Bank.

The smartphone has done for banking what the bicycle, the barcode and the teabag have all done in time – inventions that were transformative to the way certain industries were run, are now so ubiquitous and now totally taken for granted as the way things have always been.

ut unlike those more established products or services, which consumers and industry have had some time to get used to, banking is still evolving and adapting to the new order. This is particularly true in how they help small businesses – combining the efficiency and ease of digital platforms with a local face and knowledge. As Ulster Bank’s Business Growth Enabler for the North of Northern Ireland, working with my colleague Cara Taylor

for the south of NI, I think we’re well placed to bridge that gap. When we launched our Business Boost initiative in June, we did so on the basis that we knew that local companies didn’t just need support with the day-to-day activities of banking & finance – what really adds value for them is someone who can credibly signpost them to the right events, networking with people who can provide meaningful insight and showcasing best practice learning resources.

This is grounded in the research that we did to launch the programme with 200 directors or owners of local small businesses, the Ulster Bank Boost Index. It told us that just over one per cent of our small businesses say that they are growing rapidly. Only around 7% are selling outside the UK. These are businesses that don’t necessarily have time to go and seek all that they need to break through to the next level – they’re concentrating on operational concerns in a competitive trading environment. So building on the conversations that Cara and I have already had, we’re taking Boost on the road, across Northern Ireland. The first event in Ulster Bank’s Boost Bites roadshow will take place at the Millennium Forum,

Derry~Londonderry, on September 27. A further seven events are scheduled to take place including events in Cookstown, Bangor, Enniskillen, Coleraine, Lisburn, Templepatrick and Newry. The Boost Bites roadshows will cover exporting, leadership, digital growth and alongside Entrepreneurial Spark, will shine a light on standout examples of individuals and businesses who have demonstrated successful growth and entrepreneurship in local areas – showing that our small businesses can be the stand-out start-ups and scale-ups of the UK. I hope to see you there. For more information or to register your interest in an event happening in your area, visit http://digital.ulsterbank. co.uk/business/boost.html

Eye on Finance

Commercial Property Transactions In Northern Ireland Expected To Reach £300 Million In 2017 The value of commercial property transactions in Northern Ireland is expected to reach £300 million this year, according to leading commercial property agents Lisney.

he estimate was revealed as Lisney published the findings of its report into the second quarter of 2017, during which it said the market had sustained a “pausing effect” due to the UK General Election. However, the report found transaction volumes are expected to increase significantly with the £125m purchase of CastleCourt Shopping Centre by Wirefox completing in the third quarter, a major contributory factor. The report also found that office take up from April-June improved on the first quarter, reaching 43,000 sq ft, but added that unsatisfied demand is now between 400,000 and 500,000 sq ft. In the retail sector, Lisney said the second quarter was marked by more activity in the regions with significant new lettings in Enniskillen, Coleraine, Bangor, Ballymena, Newry and Derry. Lisney said that overall, 2017 is expected to provide greater investment volumes than the £215m transacted last year, but added that demand could be dampened as consumer spending shows signs of slowing down.

Headline findings from the report reveal that: • Investment volumes during the second quarter of 2017 reached £18m, with a further £200m+ currently under offer or in legals and £69m currently on the market. • The most notable transaction during the second quarter was Wirefox’s £125m purchase of CastleCourt Shopping Centre in Belfast. • The take-up of office space amounted to 43,000 sq ft during the second quarter, with headline rents expected to stabilise between £20 and £22 per sq ft. • Retail vacancy rates in Belfast city are expected to fall below 10%, pushing prime rents to between £135 and £150 per sq ft. • Renewed interest in industrial occupation and investment, given export focus and improved profitability due to fall in value of sterling. Declan Flynn, Managing Director of Lisney Northern Ireland, which specialises in office, retail, leisure and industrial property acquisition, disposal and investment, commented: “Overall transaction levels in the Northern Ireland commercial property market are expected to rise significantly in 2017 compared to last year and we are seeing continued demand

Lisney’s Declan Flynn.

particularly for investment stock. “Subdued investment volumes over the first half of the year were as anticipated in the context of the General Election while its pausing effect was amplified due to the wider macro political climate. Examining the performance of the local office, retail and industrial property markets in the second quarter of 2017, Mr Flynn added: “There are positive signs ahead for the local office market in the third quarter and beyond, attributable to unsatisfied demand, continued inward investment and new market entrants, particularly within the creative industries sector. “Given the levels of demand, there is now a greater emphasis on delivering refurbishment projects swiftly and pushing speculative new build schemes through

planning without undue delay. “On the supply side, the commencement of groundworks at Chichester Street on behalf of Orby Developments is another positive move. “In retail, the effect that Brexit uncertainty is having on consumer confidence is a real worry for retailers but border towns are benefiting from the strengthening of the euro against the pound.. “Vacancy rates in Belfast are at an all-time low and we expect a major announcement over the coming months on a new occupant for the former BHS store on Castle Lane. “Speculative construction meanwhile, is still not a viable option for developers in the industrial sector, resulting in a number of owner occupiers constructing their own premises.”

Bank Of England Briefs NI Businesses

he ACCA Ulster Chair’s Lunch was held at the Belfast Harbour’s Commissioner’s Office in Belfast where Frances Hill the Bank of England’s Agent in Northern Ireland gave ACCA and the business community gave a presentation.

Frances outlined the Bank’s and the Monetary Policy Committee’s views and outlook on the local and national economy. Pictured at the event are Frances Hill, Clodagh Hegarty, Chair of ACCA Ulster Member’s Network and Liz Hughes Head of ACCA Ireland and Mainland Europe.

Eye on Hospitality

Be our guest, be our guest! Putting hospitality to the test Brian Gillan Head of Business & Corporate Banking, First Trust Bank

“Earlier this year, First Trust Bank along with more than 300 tourism providers and industry stakeholders visited the beautiful grounds of Enniskillen Castle in Fermanagh for the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards. Here we shone a spotlight on the creative talent and commitment of those at the forefront of a sector whose innovative practices are driving the success of NI’s tourism industry locally and on the world stage.

t the Awards it was plain to see why the hospitality industry is worth more than £1.1 billion annually to the Northern Ireland economy and employs one in every 20 workers. From hotels that are empowering their businesses through innovative technology, to family-run companies that are capitalising on niche markets, our local industry leaders demonstrate why 2.6 million people want to visit our region annually. With Belfast hotels reaching a record high room occupancy rate of 83.5% and Airbnb citing Northern Ireland as its fastest-growing UK visitor destination, our hospitality sector not only continues to deliver solid growth but demonstrates its extraordinary potential for future expansion.

Although the Awards highlighted our hospitality sector’s bright future and the vibrancy within it, the celebrations followed a turbulent 2016. We have revelled in a successful ‘Year of Food and Drink’ programme and numerous prestigious awards - Belfast picked up the ‘Best UK City’ trophy at the Guardian and Observer Travel Awards and Titanic Belfast was named the ‘World’s Leading Tourist Attraction’ at the World Travel Awards – but we also had to consider the impact of the EU Referendum results, the drift in the Sterling/Euro exchange rate and potential challenges in the marketplace. Clarity around issues such as the Common Travel Area between Northern Ireland

and the Republic of Ireland and the free movement of people, goods and services across the border is essential to ensure the sector is supported and that it continues its important role of creating jobs and adding to the overall economic health of the region. Although we face the added pressures of local political stalemate, we know that debate, collaboration and knowledge sharing at an industry level - and right across the supply chain – can sharpen focus and create solutions. While together the industry can continue to emphasise its viewpoint in regards to Brexit arrangements, the focus should remain on innovation and investment for the future in any case. In our own business, we continue to see a return in confidence and an appetite for growth. From our offices in Ann Street, we can look out over the Belfast skyline and count a number of cranes all busy adding to local room occupancy rates. The same is true if you visit other areas in Northern Ireland. From the North Coast to the West, we have had customers add to their offerings by researching market trends and innovating across their businesses. From refitting premises and developing new products to investing in ICT systems and reinventing dishes, local companies and entrepreneurs are keen to attract guests and visitors regardless of the political and economic challenges we face on a macro scale. At First Trust Bank, we are keen to play our part and help nurture local businesses growth plans. From working with local cafes and restaurants to heavy-weight hotels and boutique B&Bs, we know first-hand the unique and wider challenges the hospitality sector faces and we are committed to working closely with our customers and the industry as a whole to help realise its potential. Two of our local customers – Quails in Banbridge and the Tullyglass Hotel in Antrim - share their business experience and insight from working in the fast-paced and ever evolving hospitality sector.”

Eye on Hospitality Gus McConville Managing Director, Tullyglass Hotel

Building The Spa Capital Of NI Originally a country residence, the Tullyglass Hotel sits in its own grounds on the outskirts of Ballymena, and is owned and managed by the McConville family. Regularly at 98% occupancy, the popular hotel also has a purpose built conference and banqueting suite and a famous six course Carvery Restaurant. Managing Director Gus McConville talks through his plans to become a luxury spa resort, creating more than 80 jobs.

“I

n 2015, we invested £2 million to acquire new land and make exterior developments to the hotel. This followed a previous £5 million investment in 2005 when we created the new conference and banqueting facility. One of our key aims is to help make Ballymena the ‘Spa capital of Northern Ireland’ and our most recent expansion project is aligned to this goal as we create 45 new bedrooms, a tree-top spa with a continental coffee lounge, gym and beauty salon. We aim to provide our guests with an indulgent, unforgettable experience, seeped in luxury. Despite having one of Northern Ireland’s largest conferencing and banqueting facilities, holding up to 2,500 people, we feel the extension is necessary to support the hotel’s growth potential. We are continuing to see a rise in demand for weddings, conferences and large events that require

enhanced guest facilities. As well as this, we plan to create a new entrance to the hotel from the Galgorm Road, creating a greater presence and more direct route to the new plaza and reception. As well as our weddings and events offering, we have noticed a lot more tourism in the town over the last two years, so we are also keen to tap into the thriving tourism

rising in popularity due to them featuring in the Game of Thrones series - which has created record visitor numbers in the last year. We have noticed a particular increase in the number of American tourists who enjoy hearing the history of the hotel and often compare the beautiful buildings and idyllic surroundings to the popular TV series, Downton Abbey.

“ As well as our weddings and events offering, we have noticed a lot more tourism in the town over the last two years, so we are also keen to tap into the thriving tourism market that exists along the North Coast.” market that exists along the North Coast. Part of this will be promoting the hotel as a stop on the Causeway Coastal Route given the abundance of great tourist destinations there - many

Tullyglass, originally called Rainsford House, was built in 1880 by James McAllister of the McAllister Whiskey brand which was acquired by Guinness in 1942.

Key to our success over the years has been identifying gaps in the market, analysing what is going on in the industry, and what more we can we offer the local community and local businesses. As a result, we run a successful carvery dinner service, offer popular dancing sessions and our entertainment nights are becoming infamous with country music stars such as Derek Ryan and Lisa McHugh. We also collaborate with community groups such as the Ballymena Hospice Support Group who this year held their 27th Annual Christmas Fair at the Tullyglass House Hotel. Our upcoming expansion plans will ensure the hotel’s future for many years to come and we look forward to the sharing our progress with our customers as we unveil the new renovations.”

Eye on Hospitality Joseph Quail Quails Butchers, Food Hall, Delicatessen and Café

A Slice Of Success Located in Banbridge, Co. Down, Quails has been a purveyor of fine foods for over 100 years. Initially established as a butchers shop, this family run business – now in its fourth generation – has grown to include a modern day food hall, delicatessen and popular café. Along with premises on the Main Street in Banbridge, Quails operates an award winning café at the nearby F.E McWilliam Gallery and Studio and also runs popular family restaurant The Vault. Joseph Quail explains the secret to their success.

“A

focus on high quality, locally sourced flavoursome products is the key ingredient to our business and continues to underpin our success and growth plans. Over the last number of years, the agri-food sector has experienced a surge in demand for locally farmed food seeped in provenance and so we have been able to capitalise on this and continue to grow our business. Along with our café, restaurants and butcher shop, we also have a concession counter in our local Spar on the Dromore Road which means you can buy Quails produce 7 days and week right up to 11pm at night. This counter service is performing exceptionally well with a good response to both our convenience products - such as pies and ready meals - along with our prime meat cuts, where we also see promising growth. Regardless of how much the business continues to grow, we continue to focus on quality and I’m delighted that

we won another 5 Great Taste Awards this year bringing our total up to 27 Awards across the Quails range. We have our own farm and supply all our premises with our own meat.

years ago to modernise our system and enable us to dry our beef in full quarters something which makes us different to other butchers who tend to do smaller cuts.

“ Like many other businesses, we are keen for the political stalemate at Stormont to end so we can focus on the real issues at hand, Brexit arrangements in particular.” Our family has been farming for over 100 years and in this time we have taken great pride in perfecting how we work with our Hampshire Down and Charollais sheep flocks and our prize-winning Limousin cattle. When we need additional stock or ingredients, we work closely with local farmers and suppliers in the area. While we have been dry-aging beef since we began farming, we invested in a Himalayan Salt Chamber a number of

We decided to open the Vault restaurant two years ago after spotting a gap in the market for an affordable family focused restaurant. Working with Michael Young - who set up Tele Pizza in Banbridge - we were able to merge our cooking and business experience to offer guests a unique dining experience. Michael also recently won the third annual Hennessy Connoisseurs Cocktail Making Challenge so it’s a great draw for customers! Collaboration in the

food industry is important and from working with other local business, suppliers, farmers and industry bodies we can help the sector overall to grow. Across our premises, we have customers travelling from all over Ireland to buy our products or to dine. We have regular visitors from outside Dublin who say it’s quicker for them to travel to us in Banbridge as opposed to venturing into Dublin City Centre! Banbridge has quickly become a popular commuter town so we have an ideal base from which to grow. Like many other businesses, we are keen for the political stalemate at Stormont to end so we can focus on the real issues at hand, Brexit arrangements in particular. We continue to keep a tight control of costs and margins while focusing on producing the same high quality food, but we look forward to finding out more about the challenges and indeed the opportunities - Brexit might present for those in the hospitality sector.”

Eye on News

BUMPER YEAR AT TITANIC BELFAST AS IT REACHES 4 MILLION VISITORS Titanic Belfast, officially the World’s Leading Visitor Attraction, has reported that the month of August was the busiest month the attraction has ever seen, with over 5,000 people visiting on one day alone (August 6th). Year to date visitor numbers also reveal the attraction is experiencing its busiest year yet with an overall 22% increase in footfall.

ince opening in 2012, Titanic Belfast has welcomed more than 4 million people from over 145 countries. Growth has increased year-on-year in all key markets and to date 2017 has seen a 31% increase in visitors from England and 16% from the Republic of Ireland. Speaking about the reasons for the bumper year, Titanic Belfast’s Chief Executive, Tim Husbands MBE, said: ‘The sharp drop in the value of the pound since last summer’s Brexit vote has made Northern Ireland a more attractive destination. As well as a significant rise in visitors from the Republic of Ireland, we’ve also benefitted from increases in visitors from the UK and local visitors who are holidaying more at home and are looking for a unique experience in a reassuring environment. Northern Ireland also offers great value for overseas visitors, particularly from high-spending long-haul markets including China and the US.’ He continued: ‘The increase in ROI visitors is reflective of the strong growth in Republic of Ireland trips and spend in

Northern Ireland generally. Being named the World’s Leading Visitor Attraction at the World Travel Awards has drawn additional visitors to Titanic Belfast this year, many of whom combined their stay with a visit to the Game of Thrones filming locations and also a trip to natural attractions like the Giant’s Causeway. We’ve also seen a huge increase in cruise ships into Belfast, with a record breaking number of ships docking in Northern Ireland this year. ’ Terence Brannigan, Tourism NI Chairman commented; ‘Titanic Belfast has been transformative for tourism in Northern Ireland and its recent phenomenal performance is proof that the attraction is leading the way in attracting visitors from the Republic of Ireland, Great Britain and around the globe. Titanic Belfast has been an important catalyst for investment in tourism across Belfast and beyond and has helped deliver the impressive levels of hotel growth that we are seeing today across the city. I commend the work of Tim Husbands and his team

Terence Brannigan, Tourism NI Chairman and Titanic Belfast Chief Executive Tim Husbands MBE

and congratulate them on setting such high standards for our industry’. Over the years, Titanic Belfast has served as an anchor project for the wider development of Titanic Quarter, being a catalyst for further hotel, commercial and residential developments. This month, The Titanic Hotel Belfast was opened on the site of the Drawing Offices of the original Harland & Wolff headquarters situated adjacent to Titanic Belfast. Titanic Belfast is an iconic six-floor building featuring nine interpretive and interactive galleries that explore the sights, sounds, smells and stories of Titanic, as well as the City and people that made her. The building houses temporary exhibits, a banqueting suite, education and community facilities, catering and retail space, and a basement car park. In the first three years alone, it

generated £105 million in additional tourism spend for the Northern Ireland economy, sustaining around 893 jobs each year in the wider economy. Since opening in 2012, it has also hosted over 1,500 business and leisure events including Queen Elizabeth’s Jubilee lunch, G8 Summit Reception, BBC Sports Personality of the Year, The World Police & Fire Games International Conference, World Conference of Credit Unions, Giro D’Italia and MTV Sounds. It has also welcomed many VIP guests including Her Majesty The Queen, Presidential candidate and former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, TITANIC director James Cameron, the discoverer of the wreckage of RMS Titanic, Dr Robert Ballard and Taoiseach Enda Kenny. For more information, visit www.titanicbelfast.com

CRAIG TAKES OVER MEDIA TEAM AT JOHNSONS Johnsons Solicitors has announced that David Craig is set to take over as Head of the firm’s Media Department.

avid will combine this role with his position as Head of Johnsons’ Large Loss Team. David brings a wealth of experience to the role, having acted for both Plaintiffs and Defendants in a number of high profile defamation and privacy actions in both Irish jurisdictions and

Great Britain over the past 20 years. David will be assisted by media lawyer Laura Cunningham, who has extensive experience in defamation and privacy litigation and has been involved in a number of recent high profile cases involving social networking sites. In addition, David will be assisted by Johnsons’ Media team in Dublin, consisting of Carl Rooney (Partner), Sarah Watson and Audrey Colleran, providing an all-Ireland service. Kenny Chambers, Johnsons’ Managing Partner, congratulated David on his appointment: “As the premier claimant

defamation practice in Northern Ireland, Johnsons’ Media Team is ranked Band 1 in Defamation and Reputation Management in Chambers UK Legal Directory and I have no doubt that under David’s leadership, we will see our media department go from strength to strength.” With presence in Belfast, Dublin and London, Johnsons is a longestablished firm founded in 1898 with a strong reputation for its expertise in advising on insurance litigation and dispute resolution, media and defamation, as well as all areas of corporate and commercial law.

Eye on Regions

Council Launches ActionPacked Enterprise Week Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has launched details of its upcoming Enterprise Week (November 13th – 18th) and is calling on firms in the Borough to get involved.

to the local economy through employment, suppliers and utilities. The location of our HQ campus provides direct and easy access to our many global visitors including high profile pharmaceutical and biotech clients, auditors from regulatory bodies, in addition to other key stakeholders who wish to discover more about our organisation. In turn, all visitors make use of local hotels, restaurants and social venues right on our doorstep. “We are very proud to be regarded as a flagship company within the {delete ABC} Borough. We continue to work directly with the Council in a variety of ways, from skills development to life sciences strategy for the area and supporting the council’s business awards by sponsoring the Sir Allen McClay Young Business Person Award. We believe our significant recent expansion announcements, totalling over £50m of investment, here in Craigavon, in the EU and the US, are great news both for Almac and the Borough.”

Almac

Steve & Alan McMurray of Total Hockey

he Borough is an increasingly important contributor to Northern Ireland’s economy, accounting for 11% (£3.7bn) of Northern Ireland’s economic output, up from 9.4% in 2013. It is Northern Ireland’s most economically active area outside of Belfast. With a strong mix of manufacturing, agri-sector and pharmaceutical firms Enterprise Week is aimed at both existing firms and start-ups, and is part of the Council’s wider strategy to foster an even greater culture of enterprise. The Borough is already home to over 8,000 businesses including globally focussed firms such as Interface, Almac and Total Hockey. Interface Interface, the world’s largest manufacturer of modular carpet tiles, has been operating in Craigavon for 25-years. With almost 200 employees the company produces five million sq m of modular carpet annually from its Co. Armagh factory. Customers include commercial, institutional and residential markets across Europe. Innovation and sustainability have been at the heart of the company’s success and last year the Craigavon plant was named as Ireland’s ‘Green Manufacturer’ of the year. Adrian Marks, Interface Craigavon’s Site Manager, said: “The Craigavon area has been a great base for Interface with excellent infrastructure, good access to export markets and a strong skills base. “Interface is acknowledged as one of the world’s most environmental companies and the team at Craigavon has risen to a global challenge set by the company to become wholly sustainable by 2020. Our vision is not just to stop climate change but to reverse it whilst ensuring that our customers get the best design, quality and value possible.

Total Hockey

Adrian Marks, Interface

“At Interface we’re pushing the boundaries of advanced manufacturing and operating at the leading-edge of modern processes. In the last decade our Craigavon site has sent zero waste to landfill, 60% of our incoming yarn is from recycled materials and we’ve introduced new products with a smaller carbon footprint. “We’re also working closely with the Council on STEM issues to promote manufacturing careers to young people.” Almac Almac is an established contract development and manufacturing organisation providing an extensive range of integrated services to the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors globally. The company employs around 5,000 people, 3,000 of whom are based at its global headquarters in Craigavon, where it was founded almost 50 years ago. Alan Armstrong, CEO Almac Group, said: “With additional operations based throughout the US, Europe and Asia, Almac contributes significantly

Based in Banbridge, Total Hockey is one of Europe’s leading suppliers of field hockey equipment, with clients as far away as Japan and North America. Although the family firm, run by brothers Alan and Steven McMurray, is globally focussed, its origins are very local. The business started life in a corner of the family’s drapery store in 2001, but the brothers’ understanding of the hockey market and entrepreneurial flair for online sales, has transformed their fortunes. Alan McMurray, said: “Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough is well known for manufacturing multi-nationals which have a global presence, but Total Hockey demonstrates that it’s possible to go global in more niche sectors. “The company has grown based on quality and customer service, and doing things a bit differently. Goalkeepers, for example, were once a neglected position. It used to be that you could only buy kits in three colours – we now have 30. “We’ve also invested in our online presence and have built up almost 40,000 followers on Facebook by being interactive rather than being sales obsessed. A series of homemade videos which we made before the Rio Olympics boosted online sales by 60%.” The company recently purchased Scottish rival, Gilmour Sports, which has opened up new markets and opportunities.

For more information visit www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/business

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Eye on Recruitment

4C: CELEBRATING SUCCESS

Jim Eastwood addresses guests

As it prepares to enter its fifth year in business in Northern Ireland, Belfast-based 4c Executive recently hosted a summer reception at Riddel Hall, Queen’s University Belfast, to celebrate the successes of the past year.

peaking at the event, 4c Executive’s founder and Managing Director, Gary Irvine, said: “Our fourth year in business has been our most successful to date, and has very much been underpinned by significant expansion across the year – not only in terms of our service offering, but also through the acquisition of a competitor firm, MSL Executive Recruitment.” Established in October 2013 in response to what Irvine says was a gap in the local market for a provider of “true executive search services”, 4c has since been retained to fill almost 200 senior-level business-critical roles in Northern Ireland and GB. High-profile assignments in the past 12 months have included the Director of the CBI in Northern Ireland and the Chief Executive of Belfast Harbour. Less than a year ago, the firm, which employs 10 people, announced the launch of three new divisions in the business – 4c Boardroom, 4c Interim and 4c Third Sector. Irvine explains: “The launch of these new divisions was very much in response to a growing market demand for our services – not only in Northern Ireland but right across the UK.

“We were being approached with requests for executive search from new clients in a range of markets and sectors outside of the private and public sectors and were finding ourselves turning away business, simply because the 4c Executive model didn’t suit those markets at that time.

there and, in April, 4c announced its acquisition of competitor firm MSL Executive Recruitment. “We have always been highly ambitious in terms of our growth,” says Irvine. “Whilst a significant investment had already been injected into the business to launch our three new divisions, we saw the acquisition of MSL – Northern Ireland’s oldest and most-established executive recruitment provider – as an opportunity that was just too good to miss. Not least, this firmly cemented our position as the leading – and now

“ What has really struck me about 4c over the years is the sheer calibre of the companies they are working with and the range of high-profile roles for which they are recruiting. The exceptional quality that underpins absolutely everything they do never fails to impress…” Jim Eastwood, guest speaker at 4c Executive summer reception

“It would go against the 4c ethos to take on any assignment unless we were 100% confident that we could deliver an exceptionally high-quality, value-for-money service,” he says, “but as the business continued to grow and develop, the time became right to look at new opportunities in a number of different sectors.” However, the expansion didn’t stop

the largest – provider of true executive search services in Northern Ireland. “Ian and I spent a lot time meeting with MSL’s loyal and long-established client base, who welcomed the news of this acquisition and committed to working with 4c going forward, with many having instructed us on assignments in recent months. “They clearly recognised the unrivalled

depth and breadth of knowledge and experience that this joining of forces would bring, together with the unparalleled innovation, energy and slick professionalism that 4c’s growing team of search consultants, researchers and business support staff offer.” Looking ahead to the next 12 months, Irvine is confident that 4c will continue to grow its market share and says he won’t rule out the possibility of further expansion of the business. “Looking back, we have accomplished a huge amount in the past year and, as we prepare to enter into year five of 4c, I have every confidence that this trend will continue. We have established an enviable position in the local market place, driven by our fantastic team of industry-leading professionals and our commitment to delivering outstanding quality across every aspect of our business – which has seen us appointed on some of the most important senior-level roles in Northern Ireland in recent months. “I firmly believe that we are in an exceptionally strong position to achieve great success in the year ahead and very much look forward to rolling out the next phase of our ambitious growth strategy.”

For more information about 4c, please visit www.4cexecutive.com or call 028 9043 4343

Eye on Recruitment

Johnny Mathews, The Talent Spot, Gillian Creevy,Cancer Fund for Children and Matthew Booth,Indigo Distribution.

Guest speaker Jim Eastwood.

Marie-Louise Gowdy, Steven Cassin and David McKeown,Engage.

Clare Guinness, Fane Valley, Gary Irvine, 4c Executive and Harry Parkinson, Capitalflow.

Pauline Fitzsimons and Maeve Monaghan, NOW Group.

Orla McGreevy, 4c Executive with guest speaker Jim Eastwood.

Eye on Events

TLT ‘hooks’ sporting legends for autumn drinks event

Law firm celebrates fifth anniversary in Belfast with Rory Best OBE and John Inverdale.

ore than 150 guests attended TLT’s autumn drinks event at The Ivory, Victoria Square, Belfast on Thursday 21 September. The law firm commemorated its fifth anniversary in Belfast with an exclusive Q&A between

sporting legends John Inverdale and Rory Best OBE. Following a welcome address from Katharine Kimber, partner and location head for the Belfast office at TLT, and Andrew Glynn, senior partner at TLT, the sporting superstars touched on the recent Lions tour, Ireland’s World Cup bid and Ulster Rugby, as well as the role of leadership in sport and the parallels between people management in rugby and business.

Ciaran Faloona and Richard Faloon Alterity Investments, Jennifer Haren TLT LLP, Owen Williams Ashfield Solutions, Mairead McGuigan TLT LLP

The event not only celebrated TLT’s strong position in the market and industry leading work for its clients, but also its recent five year anniversary in Belfast. After opening in Belfast city centre in May 2012, TLT moved to new premises in Montgomery House in May 2014. TLT’s Belfast legal team has grown to more than 50 including six partners and has sector specialists across financial

services, energy and renewables, public sector and housing. Katharine Kimber, partner and location head for the Belfast office at TLT, comments: “Nobody could have predicted some of the macro issues affecting the market over the last year; but TLT continues to go from strength to strength and we were delighted to welcome so many people to join in our fifth anniversary celebration, and to enjoy the company of our guest speakers.”

Paul McClurg Bank of Ireland, Andrew Ryan TLT LLP, Richard Bowman, Daniel McLaughlin and David Kerr Strategic Planning

Eye on Events

TLT LLPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s senior Belfast team from left to right: Peter McGrath Associate, Jennifer Mathews Associate, Sarah Ewing Legal Director, Judith Allen Partner, Richard Houliston Partner, Katharine Kimber Partner, Andrew Ryan Partner, Frances Thompson Partner, Kevin Murphy Partner, Anna Vangrove Associate and Eoin Devlin Associate

Andrew Glynn Senior Partner TLT LLP, Katharine Kimber Belfast Location Head TLT LLP and guest speakers Rory Best OBE and John Inverdale

Grant Tough and Robbie Hudson of Capita Asset Services

Dean Armstrong and Aoife McEleney Danske Bank

Caroline Doyle, James Trotman, Chris Murray and Sara Ireland from Barclays with Rory Best OBE

Eye on Viewpoint

You shouldn’t believe all you hear… Brian Murphy, Managing Partner of BDO Northern Ireland, says it is time to stop the cycle of pessimism and get behind business.

nless you have been hiding in a cave for the last year, chances are you have heard all about the ‘new challenges’ facing local businesses. Political deadlock, fluctuating currency values and tense relations with Europe seem to dominate most discussions. The thing is, broadly speaking, none of these are actually ‘new’ challenges and – whisper it quietly – in spite of them, many companies are enjoying success by simply getting on with the job at hand. The business sector is robust and has adapted to countless major social and political upheavals up to this point. I will happily wager that the latest issues will also fail to stifle our growth aspirations. At BDO Northern Ireland, we support businesses of all sizes and over multiple generations to plan and prepare for change. While we do not necessarily know what lies ahead, we can be confident in the local market’s ability to adjust and there are good numbers that show it. The most recent Quarterly Economic Survey from the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce made encouraging reading for even the most cynical observers. Despite increasing costs, growth remained steady in the first half of 2017 as resilience and resourcefulness became the two watchwords for business leaders. Other sectors are demonstrating a mood of cautious optimism too. Construction, which has fought hard to overcome the 2007

crash, is again buoyant, though tempered with a sense of realism. Recent surveys with the Construction Employers Federation found that the majority of firms expect to have the same or more work next year than they do now. This is a sector, which is beyond the point of just surviving. Higher input prices and limited public sector spend have merely slowed rather than stopped the progress. Building work on new homes in the first quarter was up 16% year-on-year and there is the prospect of a £400million capital investment from the Conservative-DUP deal over the next two years. The limitations that are affecting business in fact reflect an economy that is gearing up for growth, rather than contraction. Recruitment trouble has become a recurring issue and the depth of our workforce is regarded, rightly, as a core concern. The fact is that many businesses are finding it harder to recruit people with the right skills into their workforce. As a regional economy, it is vital for

“ The most recent Quarterly Economic Survey from the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce made encouraging reading for even the most cynical observers.”

us to attract and retain the best talent if high performing sectors are to reach their potential. Recent reports indicate that an interim Brexit deal could be brokered with the

EU. Such a move would be welcome and could offer reassurances on the future status of EU labour while giving businesses an extra incentive to pursue investment plans.

A year on since the UK voted to leave the EU; we are seeing an economy that is successfully re-calibrating strategies rather than rolling over. Northern Irelands’ business sector often suffers an underdog tag but with a reputation for competition and innovation, few would bet against us. It’s time we all started to talk up our prospects.

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Eye on Finance

‘Finance & Funding’ with ASM Chartered Accountants

Directors at ASM Chartered Accountants, Ronan McGuirk, Brian Clerkin, Mark McNeill and Alistair Cooke are pictured.

Award-winning firm ASM Chartered Accountants has announced a seminar series aimed at providing SMEs with professional advice on finance and funding business in uncertain times.

he four-seminar series will travel across the North and South of Ireland over the coming months, hosted by Wendy Austin, Inside Business, BBC Northern Ireland. The free seminars will take place in Belfast (26th October), 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 be launching 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: Belfast – Thursday 26th October The Merchant Hotel Magherafelt – Wednesday 8th November The Glenavon House Hotel Dundalk – Wednesday 22nd November Crowne Plaza, Dundalk Newry – Thursday 23rd November The Canal Court Hotel

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

Eye on Communications

As Apple launches its latest iPhone, Stuart Carson of Rainbow compares it to Samsung’s market leading handsets.

Does X Mark The Spot? By Stuart Carson, Rainbow Communications

s providers of telecoms services for local businesses, multinationals and sole practitioners, we are more tuned in than most to the needs and requirements of a modern workforce or work place. The “office” is a fluid term these days with clients, suppliers, staff and senior management often miles apart, or on opposite sides of the globe. As such, time difference and set office hours can no longer be set in stone with conference calls, meetings and presentations taking place at any time of the day…or night! The technology available to utilise and revolutionise the corporate world has its sights set firmly on the future, and nowhere is that more evident than the latest mobile phones. The newest contender in the ring is Apple’s iPhone X, a product the tech giant is championing as the next, and last word, in hand held technology for the modern professional, at least for the time being.

At Rainbow, we have long been impressed by the capabilities of Samsung’s flagship models, namely the Galaxy Note 8 and the S8, so there has been a tangible buzz around the office ahead of the new iPhone’s arrival.

With 6GB of memory compared to four and a fingerprint reader, iris scanner, face detection and Samsung’s revolutionary Knox technology easily beating the X’s 3-D face scanner. Processing speeds are vital for the effective delivery of presentations, video calls or

“ Processing speeds are vital for the effective delivery of presentations, video calls or the sharing of files and this is where the X makes its mark with Apple’s fantastic A11 Bionic delivering the fastest mobile processor on the market.” While very similar aesthetically to the last incarnations, the 6, 7 and most recently, the 8, the iPhone X is Apple’s attempt at a phone with more advanced technology, aimed squarely at the professional market and less at the ‘Snap, Gram, & Tweet’ brigade. From a business perspective, memory capacity and security are of paramount importance – in both cases, the Samsung Note 8 is the superior phone to the X.

the sharing of files and this is where the X makes its mark with Apple’s fantastic A11 Bionic delivering the fastest mobile processor on the market. Apple claims it’s the most powerful, and smartest chip ever in a smartphone. Granted, they are slightly biased, but popular opinion among global experts is that in order to beat it, the A11’s competitors “must buckle up”. Ultimately, this goes beyond

the standard Apple or Android discussion and represents what can be a sizeable investment for a company to benefit its workforce, outputs and efficiency levels. While mobile phones have evolved past playing Snake, businesses need to look beyond the selfie – although Samsung’s Note 8 does boast higher definition – and consider, in its simplest terms, which model may be best for its mobile management. At Rainbow, we can discuss limitations and logistics with both brands, and the rest, and how we can utilise the technology available in the provision of a professional telecommunications strategy and approach.

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 Insurance

Lockton Regional Conference 2017 Broking Done Differently

leader in the Northern Ireland insurance sector and the world’s largest, privately owned insurance brokerage firm, Lockton held its Regional Conference at the Culloden Estate & Spa on Wednesday 6th September 2017, welcoming over 70 insurance professionals from across the UK and Ireland to Belfast. The event included familiar faces from Lockton’s Belfast-based office and also saw strong attendance from representatives of the global brokerage from Glasgow, Dublin, Birmingham, Manchester, Aberdeen, Newcastle and London. Head of Regions Ian Cooper launched the conference to a packed room and was followed by a keynote speech from renowned mentalist and business coach David Meade. Newly appointed Chairman of Lockton Global, Chris Brown also made a special trip to address delegates on the future growth of the sector leader. Recognising Lockton’s success ten years on from its launch in 2006, Ian Cooper highlighted how Lockton’s UK offices have been an integral part of the global

Lockton brand, founded by Jack Lockton 50 years ago. Looking to future growth of the company, Cooper highlighted the current focus to drive growth with an ambition of doubling in size over the next five years through further investment in talented individuals with a passion for delivering outstanding customer service. Discussing the success of Lockton’s Belfast office, Head of Office and Partner, Gary Ennis, commented, “Lockton Belfast has enjoyed tremendous growth in the commercial insurance space in Northern Ireland. In the past 5 years we have more than doubled our workforce to over 70 professional associates. We credit our exceptional client retention to our motivated and knowledgeable associates who will do whatever it takes to maintain an exceptional level of client-focused service. The strapline of the conference is “Broking Done Differently” and I do believe we bring something extra to all our clients. It is fantastic to have all of the Heads of Region together in one place to celebrate the success of Lockton and we can’t wait to see what the next ten years will hold.”

Chris Brown, Kieran McHugh, Ian Cooper & Gary Ennis

Eye on Insurance

Scott Brown, Michael McShane, Ashley McNeil & Mark Brown.

Michael Claney, Euan McKenzie & Keith Miller.

Gavin Sheils, Claire Ford & Damien Fawley.

Kate Bootham (AIG), David Leyssens, Laura Reed, Matt Burton & Sarah Murfin.

Michael Farrell, Deirdre Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Flynn & Phil Somers (Aviva).

Ian Cooper & David Meade.

Nigel Sloan, Wendy Graham and Scott Brown.

Eye on Law

Brexit Adds To Local Uncertainty – A Plea For Engagement

The President of the Law Society of Northern Ireland, Ian Huddleston has said that: “Brexit in whatever form it ultimately takes, is likely to be a further disruptor, at least in the short term and as a result will make life messier not just for the legal profession, but for all of us”.

he President made his remarks at the Law Society’s Annual Council Dinner at Belfast City Hall on Friday 8th September 2017. In his key note address to invited guests including senior members of the Judiciary, Members of Parliament, Government, and the legal community the President said: “The Society throughout what have been some difficult times in Northern Ireland’s history has scrupulously maintained a tradition of being non-political. But, with the prospect of Brexit looming, and the importance of the role that we as lawyers and civic leaders have, I feel that now is the time to recalibrate. There is a distinction between being “political” and being partisan. We can be political in the sense of identifying and working for better outcomes for the law that is the framework of our society and how it functions in a way that allow us as an economy to grow and prosper and thereby benefit

civil society of which we are all part. We can do that without being partisan. Indeed I strongly feel that we, as an objective and an independent profession – a position which we hold so dear – have a responsibility to now take a position and indeed, in the absence of a functioning NI Executive, we would be remiss if we did not take up that mantle. And that is why we as lawyers, on behalf of society need to express our concerns as to what Brexit means – to be clear not what form it takes – that is a matter for the politicians, but rather how it is implemented. In terms of the detail: • we know that over 17,000 pieces of legislation have a European dimension and will be directly affected; • we know that the re-ordering of that body of law will impact on the devolved administrations of Scotland, Wales and here in Northern Ireland and, indirectly,

our colleagues in the Republic; • we know and have heard the debate how implementation of the Withdrawal Bill will impact on the democratic process to some extent in terms of how that legislation is brought forward and the level of parliamentary scrutiny under which it will properly be put; • we know that there is a likely divergence in regulation between the United Kingdom and the remaining EU 27 and that that divergence will impact on trade; After explaining about the various issues which the Society has identified that will follow Brexit including: - a question mark over the role of the European Court of Justice; - a question mark over the enforceability of Judgments across borders; - the continuance of legal professional privilege and mutual recognition of lawyers;” he continued: “that the resultant uncertainty would impact upon the ability of lawyers to provide cogent, practical and certain advice to clients across all sectors such as trade; family law; tax; or immigration”. As to the role of lawyers in that

uncertain world, he said: “To be clear, I am not saying that the legal profession is not up to the task – we are a flexible and an inventive bunch and we will find solutions to the questions that clients pose of us. Indeed the philosopher Jeremy Bentham said that the true power of lawyers is in the face of uncertainty in the law. But , what I am saying is that it is not an uncertainty which we seek and that those solutions and the advice we can give will inevitably be clearer and more effective the greater the certainty we have. Lawyers are, fundamentally, enablers. We are not law or policy makers – for that we must – and indeed should - rely on our elected politicians to fulfil the role of lawmakers and policy originators. That is the proper forum in which to have those debates.” He encouraged political engagement and debate from all elected politicians to ensure that proper parliamentary scrutiny was undertaken in relation not just to the Withdrawal Bill, but all subsequent legislation and that Government bear in mind that the certainty of the law was an economic driver, which allowed the growth and continued security of both the economy and civil society.

Eye on News

New Managing Partner for BDO Northern Ireland

eading business advisory firm, BDO Northern Ireland, has announced that Brian Murphy has become its new Managing Partner, following the planned retirement of Peter Burnside. Brian has been with the firm since 1992 and prior to taking over form Mr Burnside was its Head of Advisory Services. Announcing the appointment, BDO NI’s Chairman, Stephen Kirkpatrick said: “During his career with BDO, Brian has worked with local, national and international clients to help them achieve their goals. The experience that he has accumulated strengthens his ability to innovate change and progression throughout the organisation and he is therefore ideally placed to lead our growing team in Northern Ireland. In these

times of change, when local businesses are facing an unclear future due to Brexit and the future of devolved government remaining uncertain, we are fortunate to have a team of expert Partners, led by Brian, who can navigate and support clients along the path ahead.” Brian’s appointment comes after Peter Burnside stepped down as Managing Partner on 30 August 2017. Peter will continue as a Partner until 31st March 2018 when, after 27 years of dedicated service to the firm, he will formally retire from professional practice to pursue a new commercial role in London. Paying tribute to Peter Burnside, BDO NI’s Senior Partner, Nigel Harra said: “On behalf of the BDO family in Northern Ireland, we would like to thank Peter for his years of

service and commitment to our firm and to our clients. In this time BDO has grown to be Northern Ireland’s leading accountancy and business advisory practice for the family owned businesses that are the backbone of our economy. “Peter’s drive and determination will be missed, but we have an excellent team of Partners who will continue to work with our clients and staff, rolling out our exciting plans for the future and delivering further growth for all,” said Mr Harra. “We wish Peter and his family well for their move to London next year.” BDO NI recently announced over forty new positions increasing its staffing complement to 210, providing a mix of professional accountancy, tax and advisory services to more than 1,000 local and international businesses.

Eye on Law

GDPR and Northern Ireland A special case for non compliance? As a data protection barrister working across the UK and Ireland, I have monitored and taken great interest in the publicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reaction to GDPR. Throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland the reaction has intense, with organisations focused upon ensuring their compliance. In contrast, the reaction in Northern Ireland has seemed muted.

re we a special case in relation to GDPR? Does Brexit mean that GDPR will never become live UK legislation? The answer to both is no. What many organisations do not realise is that GDPR is already in force. We are currently in a two year grace period, providing organisations with the necessary period of time to establish GDPR compliance. It is expected that on the morning of 25 May 2018, when the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) commences enforcement of the regulations, that all organisations will be GDPR ready. Those who fail to adhere will be at risk of severe sanctions. For organisations hoping that Brexit will save them from the GDPR headache, it should be noted that on 25 May 2018, the UK will still be a member of the European Union (EU). And when we leave the EU in March 2019? The controversial EU Reform Bill was passed by the UK House of Commons on 11 September 2017. And whilst it is expected that much debate and probable alterations will follow, one basic principle will remain; when the UK wakes up the day after leaving the EU, all EU regulations, including GDPR, will have been copied to our statute book. In short, GDPR will remain as UK law. If I still havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t convinced you as to the relevance of GDPR in Northern Ireland, consider this; the regulations state that any organisation supplying goods or services to individuals or organisations within the EU, must comply with GDPR. HMRC statistics report that the Northern Irish economy is highly dependant on exports, with 52% going to the EU. In order to protect our economy, our jobs and our livelihoods, we need to ensure that this level of trade with the EU, not only continues but grows, and in order to do this we need to comply with GDPR. In summary, GDPR is far from irrelevant to organisations in Northern Ireland. If your organisation processes or handles personal data of any kind, you must ensure its compliance prior to the 25 May 2018 or risk severe sanctions.

To hear more about how Briefed can help you on your GDPR compliance journey visit briefed.pro.

Orlagh Kelly of briefed.pro

3 EASY WAYS TO INCREASE YOUR GDPR COMPLIANCE 1. Provide data protection training to all staff Under GDPR all employees must receive regular data protection training. And rather than serving as a tick box exercise for compliance, high quality training will turn your biggest liability into your biggest asset. By equipping staff with the knowledge needed to understand evolving data protection obligations you will empower your workforce to identify risks and implement improvements.

2. Undertake a GDPR Gap Analysis Through accurately assessing your current GDPR positioning, identifying risks and areas for improvement, you will ensure a smoother, more efficient compliance journey for your organisation. Your completed GDPR gap analysis forms the basis of your GDPR action plan, ensuring all your subsequent actions are focused on resolving the GDPR issues your business is facing.

3. Ensure your policies are fit for purpose Up to date, relevant and accurate policies are essential in demonstrating compliance to the ICO, as well as educating staff and acting as a point of reference. Your organisational policies must be updated to reflect the new data protection obligations under GDPR in order to continue acting as an accurate point of reference within the new legislative environment.

The Briefed portfolio of training, compliance and consultancy products can help your organisation achieve GDPR compliance in a timely and cost effective manner. To find out more visit briefed.pro

Eye on Innovation

Ciaran Larkin and a Passion For Invention

Tucked away in a Belfast workshop, surrounded by pieces of scrap metal and electronics, one of the country’s most up-and-coming design talents is building a robotic glove for a client in America.

his might sound unusual to some but to Ciaran Larkin, it’s his norm. From a young age the inventor and designer behind maderealdesign.com knew he had a talent that was different to his friends. While most children his age were playing football or climbing trees, Ciaran was taking things apart, discovering how they worked and re-building them to give them a brand new purpose, bigger and better than they had before. Aged nine, Ciaran built a super hero mask from a shoebox. By the time he was 14, he was building Halloween costumes, inspired by blockbuster movies out of simple scrap metal. However, Ciaran would be in his twenties before he discovered his true calling. Despite graduating with a degree in Electronic Engineering from Queen’s University in Belfast, Ciaran struggled to find his place. He was an engineer on paper, but an artist at heart. He could make cool things and had a bucket load of ideas, but there wasn’t a clear

career path for him to follow. All he knew was that he wanted to invent. Nobody had gone before him that he could call on for advice and despite searching, Ciaran couldn’t find a role that allowed him to apply both his creative genius and technical knowledge. Between jobs chopping onions in a local kitchen and working at a checkout in the supermarket, Ciaran was using any spare time he had to work with scrap materials to create side projects just for fun. Just for fun wasn’t enough for him though. He craved more. He knew he had the raw talent and a passion to make it. In 2011, Ciaran decided to turn his passion for creating things into a business, finally discovering a career path he could follow. Back then, props, costumes and personalised gift items were all in a day’s work. He continued on this path for four more years, with projects increasing in scale year on year. By now, most would have thought he was living the dream. But something wasn’t right – putting all his

time into commission work meant Ciaran’s own creative ideas and prototypes were sitting on the shelves collecting dust. Ciaran trusted his vision and set about becoming the master of his own destiny. In 2015 he made the brave move to end his commission work and choose the far riskier option of finding a market for his own inventions. Calling on his nerves of steel and a tremendous amount of self-belief, Ciaran was finally able to invent what he wanted and pitch to exactly who he wanted. Later that year, full of determination, Ciaran attended The Inventor’s Workshop in England where he pitched his invention ideas to a room full of top executives and was snapped up by American company Hasbro. That one pitch essentially changed his life and since then, Ciaran has been splitting his time between his home in Belfast and the US working on top secret projects for the legendary company. Now, Ciaran’s day to day is working on his own concepts and inventions, inspired

by some of his favourite movies. Rather than relying on computers, Ciaran builds his masterpieces the old-fashioned way. He uses hammers and Dremel tools to build his creations, often becoming so absorbed in his projects that he will work through the night, and for days at a time to realise one single concept. “It’s incredible that doing something I love that comes so naturally to me has led to this incredible life”, says Ciaran. “Two years ago, I was standing in front of a panel of executives pitching my ideas and then last year, I was invited back as the event’s keynote speaker to inspire other inventors and creators. But of course, it hasn’t been easy. “I put my parents through years of torment. I’d be locked in my room or in the garage for days, their house would be destroyed and covered in spray paint. Now, I can show them it was all for a purpose. That’s what makes it all worthwhile. That and my unrelenting obsession for what I do.” To others out there who have a burning passion to answer their calling Ciaran says, “People will try to push you down a conventional path but always trust yourself over everything else. If you want to do something unique and a bit different to the norm, you have to be prepared to work hard,” Ciaran stresses. “When you feel like you can’t go on anymore, keep going. That’s what makes the difference between making it and giving up.”” Bushmills has partnered with Ciaran to host ‘Whiskey and Invention’ at The Menagerie in Belfast on Thursday 28th September. The event will allow attendees to hear about Ciaran’s incredible entrepreneurial journey and offer the opportunity to create new and interesting whiskey-inspired products in an extreme upcycling workshop, with the help of Ciaran’s materials, tools and genius.

Eye on Communication

Ending The Paper Trail ROL Testing, one of Northern Ireland’s most progressive and innovative providers of electrical services, specialising in facilities and compliance management, has increased productivity and created a more transparent working environment for clients, supply chain and the business alike by implementing WorkPal.

OL Testing required a better way to manage both customers and staff remotely anywhere in the UK and Ireland. WorkPal 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. Mobile workers have access to customised job sheets from the mobile app, can be guided through their task and have the ability to report back instantaneously on the progress. Once a job is completed, WorkPal allows ROL to create speedy invoicing, even from out in the field. The end-toend process management ensures that the accounts department is completely integrated with field workers and everyone in between. WorkPal’s customisable reporting tool allows ROL Testing to create reports in minutes. With no need for paper forms, ROL Testing is able to carry out end to end workflow management including risk assessments, vehicle checks and reporting all conducted on the WorkPal app, increasing transparency for clients and driving efficiency for the business. Richard O’Lone, Managing Director at ROL Testing said: “We’ve been using the system for 6 months now and have placed WorkPal at the heart of

Martin McCusker from ROL Testing with Ian Megahey, Head of WorkPal Sales and Richard O’Lone, Managing Director at ROL Testing.

our business. We continue to work with the development team to create further enhancements to benefit the changing business needs. “The fact that WorkPal can be completely customised and configurable to us is the biggest benefit. We have been able to tailor it to suit our needs entirely.

Ian Megahey, Head of WorkPal sales said: “The configurable nature of WorkPal means it can be uniquely integrated with a company’s own internal systems, making it extremely user-friendly. “ROL Testing was using a different IT solution that no longer met the requirements of the business and was slowing

“ Businesses have saved up to £25,000 per year in administration costs, allowing the money to be put back into the business.” “Live updates including photographic evidence from site with all task communications can be viewed on the app for all employees to see resulting in a decrease in administration. The app is very user friendly, and the transition from our old system was seamless thanks to the dedicated project management team at WorkPal.”

down how the information got from site to office and then to client. WorkPal was approached by ROL to offer solutions to these challenges and were quickly able to replicate and adapt a number of hard copy documents on to the WorkPal system resulting in minimal disruption. “Being able to track data in real time and invoice customers

immediately allows ROL Testing to free up admin time and put more time into the business and ultimately, their customers. “With GPS, time tracking and job management, WorkPal increases productivity and gives clients an accurate method of capturing costs, putting an end to under billing or under estimating job times by improving quotes. Logged job times and breakdowns of reports create both added value for client’s customers and a more transparent experience. “Businesses have saved up to £25,000 per year in administration costs, allowing the money to be put back into the business.”

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

Eye

onOffice Space

Eye on Office Space

The Writing’s On The Wall... Smarter Surfaces NI is a company with a very simple product... but it’s one that can help transform the way a lot of local companies work.

he company offers to completely change working areas by turning walls, tables, even doors into creative work surfaces which can be used in the same way as traditional whiteboards. It’s an innovative way to boost creativity, improve team interaction, gain extra office space, have branded writeable walls and improve the office environment. Smarter Surfaces NI also offers magnetic and projector versions of their products..... and can design and install combinations of all three types of work surface. The concept is widely used by some of the big names in technology and business globally, including Google, Facebook and LinkedIn. Here in Northern Ireland, Smarter Surfaces

NI has installed its creative work surfaces at Liberty IT, Kainos, North Down & Ards Borough Council, The Foundry and both Dungannon & Cooktown Enteprise Agencies.

Why be limited to the confines of a whiteboard when you can have the full wall? Clients choose Smarter Surfaces NI because they want to: Boost creativity Transform their Workspaces & Meeting Rooms Boost team interaction Gain office space - no more white boards or flip charts! Improve their office environment (we can install & redecorate!) Have Branded Writeable Walls

Smarter Surfaces NI

Tel: 0800 090 38 00 Email: info@ smartersurfacesni.com 64

Eye on Office Space

1080° leading the way in office design As the workplace design division of Northern Ireland’s leading office furniture company the Alpha Group, 1080° offers a full interior design and fit-out service.

rom refurbishing existing offices to interior design for new buildings, the expert team at 1080° can oversee the entire project from its initial planning stages to the final installation. Headquartered in Belfast, 1080° works across the UK, Ireland and beyond. The company recently completed its first major export project in Africa, designing and installing workspaces for 250 employees. Other recent projects include a complete fit-out of the new Central Bank of Ireland building in Dublin as well as design and fit-out support for IT company Neueda, law firm A&L Goodbody and Liberty Insurance. As the modern workplace continues to evolve, the team at 1080° can advise companies big and small on how to maximise their space and create an office environment that leads to both a productive and happy staff.

For more information about 1080°, visit www.1080.co.uk

£4.2M INVESTMENT CREATES 80 NEW JOBS AS WINE INNS TAKES ON LISBURN ROAD PUB A £4.2m investment by Wine Inns on the former King’s Head site on the Lisburn Road will see the South Belfast pub transform into a 15,000 square foot entertainment and dining complex, creating 80 new jobs.

he Doyen, the latest venture from the Wine Inns group, will open in the coming weeks following an extensive building programme. The Doyen will feature a traditional public bar serving a top-quality, gastropub menu daily with a large outdoor seating area, a stylish café bar open from early morning, a family-friendly, Italian-themed restaurant upstairs called Morso seating 130, and private rooms catering for parties up to 140. The main bar will have live entertainment from Wednesday to Saturday evenings and will be well equipped with indoor, outdoor

and drop-down screens to cater for sports fans. A secret snug bar for 30 guests with specialised cocktails created by the venue’s mixologist will also be revealed on launch night. The café bar will specialise in crafted coffee, brunch and prosecco, gin and cocktail serves The facility will create 80 new jobs in the local hospitality industry and opens its doors to the public at the end of September. Patrick Hunt, Director of Wine inns, said: “The King’s Head was an iconic bar, attracting customers from across greater Belfast, but it was badly in need of a makeover after a long period in administration.

Andrew Rylands and Patrick Hunt at The Doyen

“We have taken the character of the old venue and created two totally new concepts in The Doyen and Morso and we’re confident that local residents and those from further afield are going to love them. From tapping into passing commuter traffic by ensuring our new venue’s café bar serves excellent coffee and breakfast from 8am to showing all the big sports fixtures, our customers can be sure of a very warm welcome on every visit.” The Doyen will be managed by Andrew Rylands, who previously managed Cutters Wharf for Wine Inns. He added: “The Doyen will

be a fantastic new addition to the Wine Inns portfolio and it’s a huge honour for me to lead our talented team ahead of the opening of the venue. With family-friendly food in Morso, and great cocktails and loads of live sport in The Doyen, we’re really offering something for everyone and are looking forward to welcoming customers new and old back to the famous venue on the Lisburn Road this Autumn.” The Wine Inns growing portfolio of venues currently also includes Alibi, Cutters Wharf, Four Winds, Robinson’s, The Chelsea, The Eglantine Inn, The Empire and The Parlour.

Eye on Office Space

Office Design for the Future Office furniture not only plays a critical role in enhancing employee performance, creativity and wellbeing but it’s importance can often be overlooked in communicating the key messages about your company brand, culture and ethos.

ll too often, many organisations underestimate the importance of office furniture and select ordinary, uncomfortable and unimaginative furnishings, which could be sending out negative messages to your potential clients and future employees. Smart choices in office furniture and design with flexibility in mind will see your workplace buzz along efficiently into the future. Modular soft seating, modular workbenches, desk pods, meet point

tables, collaborative and breakout furniture, and acoustic elements – are examples of smart office furniture choices to support a well designed, high functioning and adaptable workplace. Workspaces that integrate with technology is a logical design trend that is on the rise. We can expect to see wireless charging of devices become commonplace soon – likely to be embraced quickly in the workplace if Apple supports the feature on the next iPhone. Office furniture with built in power

adapters and multimedia capabilities will be seen in well designed and flexible work environments. Productive well-being is an aspect of workplace design that has been embraced by architects and designers more recently. With the health and well-being of employees being central to design, we see a positive impact on health, happiness, and productivity in the workplace. With this comes less staff turnover and decreased employee costs overall. Things like sit-stand desks, areas for both collaboration and privacy, comfort, airflow, lighting, indoor plant life, accommodating healthy lifestyle options like starting later in the day, or gym memberships – all increase the productive well-being of your staff.

www.1080.co.uk 66

t:028 9070 1080 e:think@1080.co.uk 1080 IS PART OF THE ALPHA GROUP

@AlphaGrpOffice

Bringing the outdoors inside is an office design trend that won’t be going anywhere fast, and one that coincides with productive well-being. With office workers spending around eight hours a day inside, we can see the benefits of bringing more natural elements into the workplace. Living Walls create an element of nature that also helps with air purity, and lunch, if you incorporate plants for harvest such as lettuces. We will see adaptable workplace environments with options for different working styles and tasks, as well as options for rest and relaxation. Natural elements and different textures, when executed with sophistication, will see beautifully designed work spaces for 2017.

Eye on Office Space

A Modern Office Is A Happy Office Belfast is fast becoming a location renowned for its talent. On this basis, we have recently experienced a vast number of US tech firms land on these shores to open large offices. Employee retention is no longer just a concern that many companies have; it is an ongoing struggle to ensure they have the best and brightest available to them.

Rory McCurry, Managing Director, Modern Office Supplies.

ffice space plays a crucial role in the satisfaction and stimulation of a company’s workforce. Architects have long recognised the importance of an

office building’s interior to ensure it is conducive to a productive working environment. For example, open meeting areas, open kitchens, large desks and hot-desking are increasingly common traits of office spaces in Belfast in an effort to feed and encourage creativity. Even in businesses which might be seen as traditional such as law firms, accountancy practices etc, employers are updating their working space. Similarly, culture in organisations can be hard to define but the physical space can often be a key indicator. Take the creativity and quirky nature of Google’s offices around the globe, Mark Zuckerberg sitting with the

general population at Facebook to avoid division between employees and senior management, and Steve Jobs’ original design of the Pixar offices to be more campus-like in order to stimulate creativity. Going forward we are fully expecting to see an increase in employers across Belfast eager to modernise and update

their offices not only to attract and retain the exceptional talent that exists across the country, but to get the most out of their existing workforce. On this basis, the availability of a local team that can look after sourcing the right furniture, designing the space, and managing the installation can make life much easier for employers.

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Eye on Office Space

At The Heart Of The City

T Set in the very heart of Belfast city centre, the iconic Scottish Provident Building, once an elegant home to one of the city’s big insurance institutions, nowadays provides ready made office and business solutions to a wide range of client organisations.

he stylish business address not only boasts one of the best views in Belfast, across Donegall Square West to the City Hall, but it also provides professional accommodation and business facilities for companies at varying stages in their life cycle. Traditional office rental leases can be both costly and inflexible and that has helped to fuel the growth of the serviced office marketplace. Scottish Provident Building sits at the top of that serviced office marketplace here in Belfast, and it offers businesses the chance to tap into the best available technology and infrastructure without the heavy cost of traditional office rentals. With its timeless, elegant yet and well-equipped range of office suites, Scottish Provident Building can deliver ‘plug and play’ offices and technical solutions for its client companies. Whether you’re migrating your company, starting out in business for the first time or opening a satellite office in Belfast, Scottish Provident Building will have an office solution to match your needs. With a comprehensive range of meeting and interview rooms, in

addition to its office suites, the city centre building is home to companies ranging from financial services consultancies and law firms through to creative studios and lots more in between. Scottish Provident Building even boasts its own outdoor (partially covered) terrace as a special venue for business and social events. But the high-profile Belfast city centre building doesn’t just offer temporary and long-term office solutions. It also offers virtual offices whereby an office address and office facilities can be rented but without the actual office. “Virtual offices are a fastgrowing and very popular solution for the new style of businesses popping up here in Northern Ireland,” says Scottish Provident Building Managing Director, Chris Johnston. “You can get all the

benefits of renting office space without the associated costs. “At its most basic level it’s a mailing address, but one with a really professional image. We can also add in a call answering service which we call ‘Virtual Silver’ which effectively gives the user access to their own virtual assistant. “And it doesn’t end there. SPB’s ‘Virtual Gold’ service combined the mailing address and call answering service with an agreed number of hours of office or desk access per month right here in the building. We think it’s a bit like a 5-star hotel, with the emphasis on service.” Potential clients can take the ‘virtual’ concept a stage further. They can organise a ‘virtual tour’ of Scottish Provident Building by contacting Chris on 07502 042 652. Search online for Scottish Provident Building.

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Eye on Office Space

Escaping the Google Office A few years ago, with the release of the Facebook biopic and the continual rise of the Tech Start-up, requests were pouring in for a “Google Office”. That is, an office designed to be ‘funky’, ‘whacky’ and ‘cool’ enough to attract and retain all the new talent emerging fresh-faced from their education.

his defaulted to thematic rooms, pool tables around every corner, nerf guns taking pride of place at the board meetings, and a life time’s supply of Haribo adorning the kitchen counter. Hyperbole aside, it seems, as with most things in life, the pendulum has reached its peak, and the nerf gun has fired its last dart. While the start-ups were appearing in haste, they aspired to create the culture of the tech giants they wanted to emulate. What new office doesn’t need a slide though? As these companies mature, the focus shifts from creating something that doesn’t

just fit the buzz words, but is also a reflection of a maturing businesses vision and culture. These youthful offices now strive to be more sophisticated and more considered with their design, introducing concepts like;

Biophilic Design

Designing for wellbeing

The previously mentioned trend has produced a rise awareness of Biophilic design, that is, design inspired by nature. According to a Report by Human Spaces, offices with plants and natural light can increase productivity by 6% and creativity by 15%. Yet, 47% of employees work in offices with no natural light while 55% don’t have any greenery.

Office wellbeing was one of the hottest trends in 2016, and continues to be a big design focus for companies across every industry. The healthier the workplace, the more productive it can be. This means using Height adjustable equipment, promoting flexible working and even providing food for staff.

For more information on how you can transform your office to attract and retain the best staff, give Innov8 Office Interiors a call on +44 (0) 28 9023 8180, or visit us at www.innov8office.com

EMPLOYEE SATISFACTION CAN BE DIRECTLY INFLUENCED BY THEIR OFFICE ENVIRONMENT

Positive Factors 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%

Satisfaction with furniture Satisfaction with acoustic situation Options to have focused work Options for recreation and rest Availibility of meeting spaces Coloured working environment Variety of Meeting Spaces “Cool” designed work space IT equipement Support for informal communication

Negative Factors 60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

Work place density Disturbances through people Feeling observed by others Dry air Glaring light Not enough lighting Too high temperature Feeling isolated

1-3 Glenmachan St Belfast

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www.innov8office.com

+ 44 (0) 28 9023 8180 19/09/2017 14:45:11

Eye on Office Space

You can ‘Bank’ on McCue for Your Next Fit Out Project McCue Crafted Fit has firmly established their position as a leader in distinguished office fit outs, by working with many high profile clients across a range of sectors throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe.

he company, based in Greater Belfast, has completed fit outs for high street Banks including Danske Bank and Santander. McCue provided the complete office and retail fit out for Danske Bank’s Headquarters in Donegall Square West, Belfast. A significant refurbishment took place across four floors of the building, which included the installation of bespoke soundproof booths, an open plan kitchen and much more. The fit

out was completed in an impressive 16-week turnaround period and within a live working environment. McCue was appointed regional contractor by Santander for their branch refurbishment programme throughout the UK. Aside from the finance sector, McCue has worked with retail and corporate brands including Oasis Retail Services, Finnebrogue and Peter Mark. Prestigious Irish Law firm, Arthur Cox, selected McCue as contractors when relocating to new, state-of-the-art premises in Belfast. This project was shortlisted in the Construction Excellence Awards and Irish Fit Out Awards. With a great team and excellent work ethic, every project, regardless of size is given the unique McCue treatment.

If you have a fit out project get in touch on 028 9332 9000 or info@mccuefit.com.

Four Seasons Hotel, Ten Trinity Square

Lillie Square, London

The Collins Room, The Berkeley Hotel

Danske Bank Head Office, Belfast

The Friend at Hand, Belfast

Arthur Cox, Belfast

With over 60 years’ experience specialising in refurbishment and fitting out, McCue Crafted Fit has the necessary equipment and skills to deliver even the most unique and challenging of interior projects across a wide range of sectors including Retail, Hospitality, Hotels, Leisure, Prime Residential and Marine. McCue Sloefield Drive Carrickfergus Co. Antrim +44 (0)28 9332 9000

London Office 53 Chandos Place Covent Garden +44 (0)20 3675 4568

mccuefit.com mccuemarine.com

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Celebrating life, every day, everywhere

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

Eye on Events

CUP A LOAD OF THIS... Plastic Fantastic

tena Line has launched a Group-wide Coffee Campaign to support the Mercy Ships charity in their efforts to deliver free, world-class health care to people in need in the developing world. A key part of the campaign will see Stena Line customers being given the opportunity to choose to buy coffee or tea in a special Mercy Ships mug where

20p will be donated directly to Mercy Ships. Pictured at the launch of the campaign are (l-r): Stephen Bryden, Stena Line Onboard Sales and Services Manager (Irish Sea North), Norris McLean, Onboard Sales and Services Manager, Stena Superfast VIII and Anna Hazzard, Stena Line Route Marketing Executive, Irish Sea North. The campaign will run throughout September and October.

he inaugural Denroy Plastics Lecture at Queens University saw internationally renowned Consultant Polymer Engineer, Peter Cracknell give a lecture to the Northern Ireland plastics industry on Thermo Plastics High Performance Polymers. The lecture series is the latest in a range of initiatives by Denroy Plastics, designed to add to the attractiveness of the industry to young graduates, and

to drive research and design here in Northern Ireland. Denroy Plastics, based in Bangor are now seen as a cutting edge plastics company, with substantial reach into the aerospace, medical and beauty product markets. The company also recently announced a range of investments and new staff to facilitate further growth. Pictured here are (L to R) Kevin McNamee, John Rainey, Kim McAuley, John Irwin and Peter Cracknell.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere

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

Eye on Events

Directors Take A Bow

nstitute of Directors Northern Ireland (IoD NI) Chairman Ian Sheppard, second from left, congratulates the latest local directors to achieve Chartered status including, Robert McConnell of CCP Gransden, who at 31 is the youngest ever to receive the award locally; Brian Murray, CEO of The Workspace Group and Stephen Reid, Chief Executive of Ards and North Down Borough Council. The next local IoD Chartered Director

Programme, run by Director Development Ireland, commences in the final week of September and will run until the June 2018 Diploma examination while a further course will run from the end of January 2018 until November including a summer break. The course is designed to raise standards of governance and business leadership across the private and public sectors. For further information, please visit www.iod.com/ni.

DAY AT THE RACES

usgrave welcomed almost 400 retailers, suppliers and customers to Down Royal for a special National Hunt race day on September 1st. Nigel Maxwell, SuperValu and Centra Sales Director, said: “We were thrilled to once again host our Musgrave retailers, suppliers and customers at this wonderful event. It is always

a huge success for us and this year was no different. We sponsored an all National Hunt card which attracted top jockeys and trainers so our guests enjoyed a real racing treat. In total there were seven incredibly exciting races and we hope everyone had a successful and lucrative day’s racing.” Michael McCormick from Musgrave is pictured with with Pamela Ballantine.

ASG & PARTNERS DRUMS UP NATIONAL AWARD NOMINATION

SG & Partners has been revealed as a finalist in the ‘Best Campaign’ category of the national Drum Recruitment Business Awards 2017, for the ‘Bring Us Your Brilliance’ Employer Branding Campaign for global law firm Baker McKenzie’s Belfast office. The Awards, which are now in their 15th year,

Q Radio has held the official opening of its state-of-the-art new headquarters in the heart of Belfast, in a £600,000 investment to renovate and kit out the station’s new base. Launched by broadcasting icon Tony Blackburn alongside Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Nuala McAllister, the opening event hosted guests from industry, commerce, community and political life to celebrate the beginning of a new era.

recognise incredible talent, innovation and success in the recruitment industry and are open to anyone based in the UK and Ireland. ASG will be up against the likes of Jaguar Land Rover, Boots and EasyJet, who are nominated in the same category. Pictured is Emma Murray, Director of Recruitment at ASG.

Pictured officially launching Q Radio’s new headquarters ‘QHQ’ are presenters of The Big Drive Home Owen Larkin and Yazz Zemmoura with broadcasting legend Tony Blackburn, Managing Director & Head of Programmes at Q Radio, Robert Walshe, the Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Nuala McAllister and Managing Director of the Irish News, Dominic Fitzpatrick.

Eye on Construction

Innovation And Investment Underpinned By A Good Old-Fashioned Work Ethic Drive Western Success Declan McCloskey flatly rejects any notion you’ll get anywhere in business without a huge amount of hard work – even in a family business.

he 38-year-old Tyrone man is Operations Director at Coalisland-based Western Building Systems, a specialist construction firm that celebrates its 35th anniversary this year. Started by his dad, Martin, as a flat roofing company serving the local Tyrone community in 1982, Western has grown into a leading construction firm that delivers innovative projects that range from traditional-builds to modular schools and timberframed housing. The company is also active in a number of other key sectors including health and commercial construction. With a turnover of around £35m its teams can be found delivering projects throughout the UK and Ireland. Declan attributes his personal success and that of the family business in large part to hard work. “It’s the obvious answer but there is no substitute for it,” he told Business Eye. “I’m a firm believer that success only comes with hard work and determination. You need to have a good team around you too and every member of that team must buy into what you’re seeking to achieve and be up for the challenge.” The father of three – with a huge passion for sport - cut his teeth

from a young age in the flourishing construction company, ‘learning the ropes’ from the ground up. “I studied Business Management to Degree level, along with a Post Graduate Diploma in Information Technology. After finishing the academic element of my education, I went straight into Western and haven’t regretted a minute of it.” Innovation is one of Western’s great stand-outs and bringing new ideas to life provides one of the biggest buzzes for Declan. “Staying ahead of the competition by investing time and money in innovation and processes is critical for Western. Conceiving an idea, perhaps a new way of doing regular things, is by far the most rewarding aspect of my everyday work.” Western has carved a niche for itself as a flexible and versatile construction company that is capable of delivering highly complex design and build projects within tight timelines whilst upholding the quality standards, founder Martin McCloskey, has instilled in the business. “In the last five years particularly the level of scale and complexity of projects we have been delivering has increased significantly, largely as a result of our success within major Frameworks.”

Whilst Western is proud of it record of delivering complex, large scale traditionally constructed schemes, Declan asserts it’s his company’s ability to provide appropriate, bespoke building solutions that gives it the edge. “Our view is that the contractor needs to be able to deliver whatever is most appropriate for a particular situation. Sometimes that could be a traditionally-built structure and on other occasions modular or panellised building systems may be more appropriate. “Modular, offsite build, for example, has become a popular choice to meet the challenges of classroom bulge being experienced throughout the UK and Ireland. “Modular offsite is a great option for the education sector which needs high quality permanent or temporary accommodation delivered within short timeframes.” Western’s innovative building approaches have also been put to good use within the health sector where it has projects ranging from Accident & Emergency to Acute Psychiatric Units. Within Northern Ireland Western has built a solid reputation as a provider of traditionally built and timber-framed homes, largely within the Tyrone area.

In the past year the company has built more than 200 homes, most of which have used the latest timber-framed techniques. Its latest development at Derrywinnen Heights on the outskirts of Dungannon, comprises 58 homes and represents an investment in the order of £9m. “Western has been an established pioneer within the timber-frame sector - long before it became ‘fashionable’ and over the past number of years we have invested in specialist equipment and training required to deliver large-scale, highquality fast track projects.” Despite its success Western remains ambitious and is committed to ongoing investment to stay at the forefront of what is a fiercely competitive sector. Recently it announced it was injecting £1.6m into its production facilities and workforce to drive GB/ROI market growth in the education/healthcare sectors. The improvements will allow the company to further continue its expansion into the GB/ROI markets and strengthen its outputs. Declan McCloskey concludes: “The business is thriving and this latest investment is going to propel us into the next stage of growth.”

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.

Employer of the Year

SPONSORED BY

This category sets out to identify the achievements of Northern Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

Enter now utvawards.businesseye.co.uk Closing date for entries is Friday 27th October 2017.

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

Family Business of the Year Award 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.

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 judgesâ&#x20AC;Ś 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.

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.

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.

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.

Outstanding Leadership & Management Award 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.

Eye on Hospitality

Landmark Line Up To Inspire Hospitality Sector New Industry Report to be launched at Hospitality Exchange 2017

orthern Ireland’s hospitality conference, Hospitality Exchange, will see a sensational selection of hugely inspirational and motivational speakers come together for a spectacular event on 17th and 18th October in Crowne Plaza Belfast. The two day programme will be far and away the biggest event for the sector this year, featuring an incredible line-up of top industry figures. Experts from the worlds of banking, economics, marketing, hospitality, tourism and global trend analysis have been brought together for this bespoke conference.

Janice Gault Chief Executive of NI Hotels Federation Janice Gault, Chief Executive of NI Hotels Federation says: “The planning for Hospitality Exchange 2017 is well underway with an almost sold out exhibition and a diverse conference programme reflecting a buoyant sector. The big news throughout most of 2016 has been the reports of hotel expansion. After almost a decade of stagnation, hotels are in full expansion mode with forty-nine projects now in the public realm and others bubbling under the surface. Whilst all these projects may not come to fruition, industry experts reckon that the number of hotel rooms will break the 10,000 room barrier by 2020; a real milestone for Northern Ireland!” Recognising this growth, the 2017 programme for Hospitality Exchange will feature a new industry report outlining the economic benefits the hotel sector is bringing to the local economy, focusing on the opportunities this affords

and the added advantages for the wider hospitality sector in terms of jobs and growth. Ciaran O’Neill, President of NI Hotels Federation discusses the report: “The report, which will be launched at the event and will focus on the substantial levels of investment by the hotel sector, will cover refurbishment, expansion and new openings. A business breakfast will explore these topics in some detail with a full economic briefing and an update on industry performance. The Tourism Talks session will look at opportunities, challenges and promotion of the sector. In addition to a burgeoning hotel sector, restaurant numbers have grown considerably and visitor attractions are also reporting record numbers.” Aspects of the 2017 conference programme have been designed to appeal to these sectors. Firstly, the ever-popular chef session will feature Birmingham based chef, Glynn Purnell. Known as the Yummy Brummie, Glynn has just celebrated ten years in business at his eponymously named Purnell’s restaurant in his native Birmingham. The chef session has been expanded to include an innovative demonstration on the pairing of beer and food. Led by chef Owen Murtagh, who works with Molson Coors as their culinary consultant, delegates will gain an insight into what beer can bring to the dining experience.

Damian McAlonan Managing Partner, Boost Partnership The Tuesday afternoon masterclass will focus on sales delivered by the Boost Partnership’s Managing Partner, Damian McAlonan. His interactive session will

John Scanlon Dorchester Group focus on the art of the sale: customer engagement, understanding the sales process and key markets for Northern Ireland. Damian is a multi award-winning speaker, who has worked with clients like Google, British Airways and AOL Time Warner. Described as a dynamic speaker and trainer, who delivers cuttingedge information with both humour and insight, this is an opportunity for those in the sector to grasp a better understanding of the sales process. John Scanlon, a long standing figure head at the world-renowned Dorchester Group and General Manager of 45 Park Lane, will inspire with his tales of working at one of the world’s leading hotel groups. John who originally hails from Co Kerry has had an illustrious career in London working in the five star hotel market. At this year’s speaker lunch, he will entertain diners with his tales of life on Park Lane and his career with one of the world’s most prestigious hotel properties. The current level of hotel expansion has led to unprecedented interest in the trade exhibition with companies recognising the excellent prospects in the hospitality sector. Suppliers have seized the opportunity to showcase their wares and engage directly with prospective customers.

Hospitality Exchange 2017 will end on a genteel note with a Downton Abbey themed Gala Dinner on 18th October. All details are available at hospitalityexchange.co.uk or for further information contact the Hospitality Exchange team on 028 9077 6635.

Eye on Digital

Awards Streak Sparks Success For Flint Studios 2017 is proving to be another successful year for Flint Studios. The multi-award winning Belfast-based web solutions provider was named as Technology Business of the Year at the Business Eye First Trust Bank Small Business Awards and Digital Company of the Year at the Digital DNA Awards.

lint Studios also picked up a DANI Award for Best Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) Campaign for its work with DigitalPrinting.co.uk and Small Business of the Year at Northern Ireland’s Rising Stars Awards. The aforementioned awards add to a long list of prestigious accolades for a company which, formed in 2011, is still relatively new to the market place. The 30-strong team of skilled technical, creative and digital specialists has certainly found a niche for delivering results-driven web solutions in what is a highly competitive, crowded sector. With an awards display cabinet filling up this fast, it’s no wonder the company has recently relocated to bigger premises on the Ravenhill Road. However, it’s not just the honours roll reaping the benefits of these successes,

Jeremy Biggerstaff, Managing Director, Flint Studios.

Flint Studios has announced a 25% growth in turnover in the first six months of the year. Managing Director, Jeremy Biggerstaff, explained: “This year marked the start of an ambitious year on year double digit growth strategy which takes us to the end of 2019 with a focus on expansion in Great Britain. “With over 35% of our revenues already generated outside of Northern Ireland, our starting position was strong. However, Q2 and Q3 have taken the business and the realisation of this strategy onto a new level.

agency, enhancing our presence in the north west of Northern Ireland and allowing the existing Creative Metrics customers to benefit from the broader range of web solutions we can provide. “In addition to our head office based in Belfast, we now operate from two other permanent office premises at the Sci-Tech Daresbury Innovation Centre in Warrington and Magazine Studios in Londonderry/Derry.” The recent merger and acquisition activity has increased Flint Studios client base by approximately 50% with a portfolio of more

“ This year marked the start of an ambitious year on year double digit growth strategy which takes us to the end of 2019 with a focus on expansion in Great Britain.” “The strategic merger with Cheshire-based Link Information Technology meant an expansion in our web development capabilities whilst stretching our reach to the northwest of England. Our collective focus now is to further expand our presence in Great Britain, and indeed Europe. “More recently we announced the customer acquisition of a Derry/Londonderry-based digital

than 200 high-calibre clients including The Bushmills Inn, Plimsoll Publishing, Menarys, Doherty Meats, Fleming Agri Products, Mary Peters Trust and Todd’s Leap. Specialising in user experience, systems integration and measurement, Flint Studios was the only Northern Irish company to secure a place in the Deloitte Technology Fast 500™ EMEA (Europe Middle East and

Africa) 2016 list, in addition to ranking 13 in the 2016 Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Ireland list. But what is it that gives Flint Studios a competitive edge in an ever-changing industry? Jeremy continued: “At Flint Studios, we are committed to delivering tailored, expert web solutions that surpass our clients’ objectives and support their bottom line. “We spend a lot of time with our clients to really understand their needs. It’s this approach that delivers results and ensures their expectations are exceeded. “In a fast-paced industry, the ongoing aftercare and support we provide through dedicated account management is vital to ensure our clients maintain a strong web presence and benefit from our breadth of experience and depth of knowledge. “As our client base has grown we have earned a reputation for delivering web solutions pioneering user experience, adding value through systems integration and focusing on measureable outcomes. “Our ability to deliver Magento, Kentico, Umbraco and WordPress websites as well as highly bespoke web development backed up with our Google Partner accreditation appeals to businesses from a range of sectors. We are trusted by companies of all sizes to provide tailored web solutions that deliver results. “Our team is not only skilled and experienced in these areas but is energetic, creative and enthusiastic which I think makes a huge difference for customers.” 2017 has also seen Flint Studios beat off competition from agencies from across Europe to win a contract with the global cyber security and privacy company, F-Secure Corporation. Looking to the future, Jeremy concludes: “The industry, of course, will continue to develop and evolve and I’m confident that the team we have is best placed to remain at the forefront and will continue to adapt quickly to new technology. “Whilst in the short term our focus is on expanding our presence in Great Britain, we have enjoyed success in Europe and will pursue continued growth where our strengths prevail.”

Eye on Venues

GALLERY CAFÉ-BAR: BRINGING THE DUBLIN ROAD ALIVE T he Gallery Café-Bar is celebrating after an official opening party, bringing its loyal customer base, industry stakeholders and partners and friends together to enjoy the best of what the unique Dublin Road venue has to offer. The café brings the industrial chic of New York’s meatpacking district to the streets of Belfast and features an elegant open-plan restaurant, bar and art gallery which has been designed according to the concept of Feng Shui by leading local expert Master San Wu.

Speaking at the official opening, Gary McCausland, Proprietor of the Gallery Café Bar and Chief Executive of The Richland Group said: “We’re delighted to be a part of the re-emergence of Belfast’s Dublin Road, and the Gallery Bar has already firmly established itself as one of the city’s finest new venues. “From our locally sourced menus, extensive wine list, bespoke décor and the stunning art on display from local artists such as Colin Davidson, Brian Ballard and

John Wilson, Ciaran Toman and Dougie Wheeler.

is available for corporate events and private bookings, with an HD projector and screen available for presentations. It is open all day and offers a breakfast, lunch and bistro menu, with late nights on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

For further information about the Gallery Café Bar, telephone 02890 434344, email info@gallerybelfast.com or visit www.gallerybelfast.com

Russell Simpson, Mike Johnston, Alwyn Whiteman and Brian Murray. Brian Shane, Mike Johnston and Neal Morrison.

Glyn Roberts, Lucy Cairns, Siobhan O’Sullivan & Michael Stewart.

Suresh and Karen Tharma and Nikki Larkin.

William Conor, there’s much to celebrate and we look forward to a fantastic first year, continuing to offer the excellent service that we’ve already become known for.” With its contemporary metropolitan style, with floor to ceiling windows, Philippe Starck ghost chairs, chalkboard menus and bespoke crystal chandeliers, the Gallery Café Bar has already made its mark as one of the most eye-catching destinations in Belfast. Split across a ground floor and mezzanine level which can accommodate up to 150 people, the Gallery Café Bar

Nick Brennan and Craig Logan.

Beth Robinson, David Holley and Rhys Jones.

Fiona Hutchinson, Nick Brennan and Sonia Millar. Thomas O’Doherty and Stacey Deller.

Simon Brien, Marie Cafolla and Michael Cafolla.

Eye on AgriFood

Winning Ways Lead To Real Business Northern Ireland has an impressive record of achievement in national and international food and drink awards. Sam Butler asks a number of recent winners if such awards work for them in terms of business.

Peter Hannan of Hannan Meats, Moira, the UK’s most ‘decorated’ butcher, recently signed a deal with top chef Terry Laybourne to supply a majority of the meat to his new Porterhouse Butcher and Grill in Newcastle upon Tyne, a unique dining experience. Peter Hannan, right, is pictured with Terry Laybourne.

eter Hannan, managing director of Hannan Meats in Moira, Northern Ireland’s most ‘decorated’ company in international awards, is adamant that success in such competitions has produced good business for his pioneering meat processing business. And Dr Geoff Hayhurst of Paradox Omega Oils, the company involved in Yomega 3, a healthier yogurt which has won a prestigious Dairy Innovation Award, also believes that competitions work. Hannan has now won more Great Taste Awards than any other business in the UK and

Ireland. The awards include two Supreme Champion titles, in 2012 and 2016, for his beef and bacon. He won the Northern Ireland Regional Fork in the awards every year for the past five years, an unrivalled achievement. Other major awards have come from the international Steak Challenge and Blas na hEireann, the Irish National Food Awards. Hannan also had two meats, bacon, and lamb, listed in the Top 50 Foods by the Guild of Fine Food. “Winning awards creates awareness and open doors that lead to business. Companies wishing

The new yogurt enriched with Omega 3 oils from Paradox Omega Oils in Belfast has won an international Dairy Innovation Award 2017

to win business particularly in Britain still have to follow up and negotiate. Our success in Great Taste has increased interest, especially from leading chefs such as Mark Hix and high-end retailers including Fortnum and Mason. We’ve won their business by providing consistently highquality meat and by building relationships with them.” On a wider front, he believes that awards are good for the food industry here in Britain, our most important market. “I believe we have created a huge and priceless asset in brand ‘Food Northern Ireland’. In these challenging times, and I do believe the next 12 months will be as such, we need to redouble our efforts to ensure that we emerge as the bright star of our economy. “The British market will always be the major prize for food producers in Northern Ireland, despite the attraction of the greener grass further afield. I cannot emphasise enough how much we continue to need promotional and other support there.” Hannan wasn’t the only winner in the most recent Great Taste Awards. His was one of three Golden Forks

won by Northern Ireland, more than any other parts of the UK and Ireland. Ispini Charcuterie, a farm based business in Aughnacloy, was chosen as the UK’s Best Charcuterie for a cured beef product and Abernethy Butter of Dromara, now the UK market leader in handcrafted butter, was chosen by voters of the influential Woman and Home magazine, most copies of which are sold in Britain, for the VIP Golden Fork. A small Northern Ireland company being chosen by readers of a major magazine in Britain is a remarkable achievement. “Our profile in Britain is the direct result of our success in competitions there and social media,” says Allison Abernethy, who runs Abernethy Butter with husband Will, the butter maker. “Winning the VIP Golden Fork should lead to more coverage in the magazine.” Jonny Cuddy of Ispini Charcuterie, who has been developing charcuterie with sister Janice for less than a year, continues: “We were stunned to win the charcuterie award just a few months after the start of the business. As a result, we are now receiving approaches from

Eye on AgriFood

Davy Uprichard of Tempted Cider – listed among the Top 50 Foods by the UK Guild of Fine Food – sees the success as contributing to marketing efforts in Britain.

Jonny Cuddy of Ispini Charcuterie in Aughnacloy is following business leads after being named ‘Best Charcuterie in Britain’ in the UK Great Taste Awards.

retailers and chefs in Britain and Ireland interested in doing business with us. We’re following up with samples and prices. I’d be confident that we’ll do business in Britain over the next few months. We’ll have to sort out logistics, of course,” The Cuddys began work on charcuterie a year ago as a farm diversification project. Jonny Cuddy rears pigs on the family farm and saw a need to develop an alternative to conventional bacon and ham products. He spotted a gap in the market initially for a pork-based cured meat and has subsequently expanded into curing beef with craft stout from Pokertree Brewery in nearby Carrickmore and molasses.

Curing meat to produce chorizo and salami is a relatively new sector in Northern Ireland. “Most people who like chorizo or salami tend to associate these with Spain and Italy and don’t expect these meats in Northern Ireland. But times are changing especially with chefs who now know they can source fresh and innovative charcuterie from local suppliers.” Eileen Hall, who runs Cavanagh Free Range Eggs with husband John at Newtownbutler, says: “We’ve won Great Taste as well the Irish Food and wDrink Quality (IFQA) and Blas na hEireann awards over the past few years. Our eggs were chosen for the coveted Chef’s Larder at Blas. “The PR we received has been invaluable to us. It really helps to get our name out there, especially as we are just over five years in business and don’t have a big PR/ marketing budget. The awards, especially IFQA, have led to good business with major supermarkets such as Asda and Tesco.” Another listed in this year’s Top 50 Foods was Lisburn’s Tempted Cider for its elderflower cider, a beverage which also won the top cider award at last year’s Blas na hEireann. Davy Uprichard, who runs the cidery with wife Janet, says: “Britain is our most important target market and raising our profile in competitions such as Great Taste is essential because it supports our marketing there.” Geoff Hayhurst of Paradox Omega Oils in Belfast has seen “extensive interest” in the Yomega 3 yogurt he has developed with Ice Cream Treats in Cavan with

The endorsement by a panel of food experts for Ispini as the best charcuterie product in the awards, which also attracted entrants from other parts of Europe, is a marvellous boost for what is an embryonic sector in Northern Ireland. Another local producer, Corndale Farm Free Range Charcuterie gained two gold stars in the awards for its unique fennel salami. Alastair Crown, a solar technologist, launched Corndale in 2015 and has also been acclaimed as a leading chorizo producer in Ireland. He says: “Winning such plaudits is good for business and boosts confidence. I’ve won good business from these awards.

Eileen Hall of Cavanagh Free Range Eggs in Newtownbutler has won business from Asda and Tesco on the back of success in competitions such as the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards.

help from the Food Innovation Centre at Loughry in Cookstown since winning ‘The Best Frozen Yogurt’ in the prestigious World Dairy Innovation Awards in Dublin. The yogurt, which is already on sale with Musgrave Group stores, is enriched with Omega 3 and vitamin D. It was the first time a Northern Irish company has been part of a winning team in the World Dairy Innovation Awards. The World Dairy Innovation Awards showcase some of the most ambitious new products and developments of the year, from a wide range of companies all over the world, both large and small. Michele Shirlow, Food NI chief executive, has no hesitation in saying that awards really do work. “They help to raise the level of knowledge among retailers and foodservice operations about our companies and the premium quality of their products. There’s substantial evidence that companies do get business from awards. “Companies find it easier to pitch for business on the back of success in high-profile events such as Great Taste and Blas. It’s also important that consumers should be aware of our food and drink and should be encouraged to look for these in their stores. So, the PR from such awards can influence buying decisions by consumers. We need as many people to know that Northern Ireland is a source of great tasting and innovative food with provenance and heritage, one of the key themes in our Taste the Greatness strategy for faster growth in Britain.”

Eye on Media

Steve Carson with Sarah McCaffrey, the RTSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Vice-Chair for Awards.

Eye on Media

Steve Carson... BBC Chief On NI’s Creative Boom Steve Carson is well aware of the depth of creative talent which lies behind the high profile successes of the television and creative industries sector here in Northern Ireland.

arson, up until recenntly, was Head of Content at BBC Northern Ireland, responsible for the BBC’s radio, TV and digital output from Belfast, he’s responsible for some of the programmes that help make up Northern Ireland’s high-flying reputation. Just this month, he was appointed as Head of MultiPlatform Commissioning st BBC Scotland, responsible for leading a team launching Scotland’s new TV channel. But he’s also a strong supporter of the wider industry through his chairmanship of the Royal Television Society’s Northern Ireland branch. A registered charity, the RTS acts as an umbrella organisation for the industry in all of its forms. It’s become more active here in Northern Ireland, and it’s also the driving force behind the annual RTS Northern Ireland Programme Awards, which take place for the third year on 16th November at the MAC in Belfast. This year’s awards will recognise the best programmes across comedy & entertainment, documentaries, current affairs, news, drama, childrens/animation and a number of other specialist categories. The judges will also honour an outstanding individual for their contribution to the production sector here. “The awards have grown in stature over the past three years and they’ve become an important part of the industry,” says Steve Carson. “There is a heck of a lot of really good work being done around here, and it’s really important to recognise that as well as the companies and the individuals involved.” Born in Belfast, Carson studied at Manchester University and went on to work for the BBC in both Manchester and London

during his early career, including spells as a producer and director on flagship programmes such as Newsnight and Panorama. He returned to Ireland in 1997 with his wife, the RTE current affairs presenter Miriam O’Callaghan, setting up an independent production company, Mint Productions, with offices in both Dublin and Belfast. In 2009, he took up a new challenge as Director of Programmes at RTE Television, moving north in 2013 to his role in charge of Northern Ireland content. And Carson has long had an interest in the wider television production industry. As well as his RTS role here, he’s a former vice-president of the European Broadcasting Union’s Television Committee. He’s watched the rapid growth of the industry here with more than a passing interest, and he’s quick to pay tribute to the work of Northern Ireland Screen, the organisation that is charged with developing TV and movie industry projects here and has already pumped £42.8 million worth of investment into the sector. “Northern Ireland has become known globally for its TV work, thanks of course to Game of Thrones, but also to programmes like The Fall, Line of Duty and quite a number of others,” he says. “But behind the high profile productions there is a lot going on.... from childrens drama to animation and large-scale movie projects. “Try finding a hotel room or renting an apartment here in Belfast when a big production is in town, and you’ll soon get an idea of the economic impact these things can bring.” Northern Ireland’s independent production sector is booming, with quite a number of ‘indie’ companies scoring successes on a national scale. Belfast-based Stellify, a joint venture

The RTS Northern Ireland Programme Awards are launched in Belfast by local presenters Marc Mallett, Rose Neill and Joe Lindsay.

between Kieran Doherty. Matt Worthy and Sony Television, won the contract to re-make Blind Date for Channel 5, presented by Paul O’Grady. And Sixteen South, also city-based, has won international acclaim for its animated childrens’ programming. “That’s before you even consider all the support businesses which are there to supply the production houses. We’ve got specialist companies providing transport, sound & lighting, location catering, even extras.....” “I’ve heard Northern Ireland being described as having a ‘Goldilocks Effect’. We have got the full range of facilities available, we’ve got all the expertise but we’re small enough to make it all accessible and easy to manage.” Northern Ireland punches above its weight on almost every production

front, including these days, studio space. Not only can we point to Titanic Studios, where Game of Thrones is filmed, but we have the brand new 32,000 sq.ft. Giant’s Park facility on the city’s North Foreshore. “Outside of the studios, one of our trump cards is the sheer variety of film location available within a couple of hours’ drive....from stunning coastlines to lakes, mountains, towns and cities. There’s no doubt that other parts of the British Isles and Europe wish they had the kind of offering that we have.” Entries for the RTS Northern Ireland Programme Awards have already closed, with the shortlists due to be announced in the middle of October. The Awards themselves form part of the Belfast Media Festival, which takes place on 16th and 17th November at the MAC.

Eye on Leadership

Kirsty McManus... Challenges Galore For New IOD Regional Director Kirsty McManus could hardly have been better qualified when she appeared before the selection panel charged with choosing the new Regional Director of the IoD here in Northern Ireland.

ow settled into her new office at the elegant Riddel Hall, she holds the unique distinction of having worked for all three of the main business membership organisations here – first the CBI, then the Chamber of Commerce and now the Institute of Directors, with a spell heading up Ulster University’s SME Development Centre squeezed in between. And, if you count Vistage, the worldwide executive coaching and development organisation for whom Kirsty worked during a 7-year stint in California, the adds up to four business membership bodies. But she’s delighted to be taking over the reins at the IoD where she succeeds Linda Brown, who held the role here for 23 years before her recent retirement. Linda became the second long-serving business organisation leader here to step down in the past 12 months, following in the footsteps of the CBI’s Nigel Smyth. “When the job came up, I knew that I had to go for it,” says Kirsty, a native of Derry who graduated in IT from Queen’s University before heading off to the United States. “It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to lead an organisation like this one here in Northern Ireland.” She takes on day to day leadership of an organisation with 800 or so members in this region, a figure that surprises some people. “The IoD is all about leadership and management, and one of our main roles has to be to encourage local companies to invest in leadership and management and to close the gap between this region and others in areas like productivity.” Kirsty has already met the IoD’s new London-based Director General, Stephen Martin, the inspirational Ulsterman who made his business name as CEO of Clugston Construction in GB, and shares some of Martin’s plans for the future direction of the organisation. “We will continue to encourage our

members to look closely at leadership and management and to continue to support the drive for quality epitomised by the Chartered Director qualification that we can offer them, and that a growing number of local directors are achieving. The Chartered Director total has already reached 60 here. The IoD also sets out to champion the cause of non-executive directors, and runs a register of NED’s based in Northern Ireland. “Corporate governance is another area of key importance for us, but we simply can’t ignore the big issue of the moment....and that is Brexit,” says Kirsty. “Local companies here in Northern Ireland are definitely eager for any intelligence, any knowledge, that they can pick up on Brexit, and that’s evidenced by the fact that every Brexitrelated event attracts a full house.” Mind you, while it’s a safe bet that the majority of IoD members here will have voted against Brexit, that puts them at odds with their leader in London. Stephen Martin has held up his hand to say that he voted for Brexit, and he’s told the national media that he sees plenty of opportunities for business in its wake. How that message will go down here remains to be seen.

of this organisation, after all.” She smiles when asked whether the IoD is in competition with the Chamber of Commerce and CBI, both former employers of hers.

“ It’s very hard to tackle any of these issues without a devolved Assembly and Executive. So we make no excuses for saying that we need a devolved government and we need it as soon as possible.” Back in Belfast, Kirsty McManus is also intent on growing the IoD’s membership here, and continuing the move towards young members. “Around 35% of our membership is made up of under-40s, and that’s a very healthy proportion. But we’d like to continue to develop the number of younger directors we have on board. It’s the future

“That’s not the way we look at it,” she says. “The CBI focuses on policy, and the Chamber has a lot to offer in areas like export, while our priority is leadership and management. “What is really important these days is that the three main organisations work together. In the absence of a Stormont administration, we have a really important role

to play as the voice of business here in Northern Ireland.” Nationally, the IoD’s priorities are likely to be around taxation (too much), regulation (too much), infrastructure (too little) and skills (too few). Kirsty McManus wouldn’t argue with any of those, and she underlines the skills shortages in key sectors as a very clear challenge for Northern Ireland. “It’s very hard to tackle any of these issues without a devolved Assembly and Executive. So we make no excuses for saying that we need a devolved government and we need it as soon as possible,” she says. “Businesses here tend to get on with the job. They don’t see any point in worrying about politics, that’s for sure, and they don’t want to get involved. But there is an onus on us to put the business case and continue putting it forward.”

Eye on Internet

The Latest Reason Why Digital People Can’t Have Nice Stuff By Gareth Dunlop, Fathom.

Regular readers of this column might well have noticed an article on their social media feeds by Alberto Brea, Executive Director of Engagement Planning at OgilvyOne Worldwide, published 1 June 2017 titled “Amazon did not kill the retail industry”. For reasons unknown to this reader, this speculative work of fiction has gone viral, with its dangerous and inaccurate conclusions somehow spreading like wildfire. The key paragraph in his post reads as follows. Amazon did not kill the retail industry. They did it to themselves with bad customer service. Netflix did not kill Blockbuster. They did it to themselves with ridiculous late fees. Uber did not kill the taxi business. They did it to themselves with limiting the number of taxis and fare control. Apple did not kill the music industry. They did it to themselves by forcing people to buy full-length albums. Airbnb did not kill the hotel industry. They did it to themselves with limited availability and pricing options. Technology by itself is not the real disruptor. Being non-customer centric is the biggest threat to any business. Brea is clearly a clever chap who holds a powerful and important job at one of the world’s most respected communications companies. But even he must know he hasn’t thought this one through. So let’s think it through. I’m going to skim over the obvious stuff like the fact that the article is supported with no evidence to corroborate his claims, much of the post is downright untruthful (e.g. Music industry’s full-length albums – did he never buy singles or EPs growing up?

Or taxi industry’s fare control – has he used Uber and experienced its demand-based semi-arbitrary pricing?) and the suspicion that he reached his conclusion first and worked backwards, as opposed to the other way round.

David Cook who founded Blockbuster in 1985 in Texas, opened 250 stores by 1990, acquired a stake in Spelling Entertainment in 1993 and sold to Viacom for $8.4b in 1994 just didn’t understand or focus on his customers?

“ We reluctantly suffer the naivety of youth when every new generation thinks it is the first one to discover sex, but it is much more difficult to indulge Brea who infers that the digital generation are the first to discover business, or the importance of customers.” The thing which really bothers me however, is the lack of humility and self-awareness reflected in the article. Like a couple of lovesick teenagers who think they’re the first to discover sex, his article harbours unhealthy inferences that business was invented in the 1990s, by digital people. There is no acknowledgement of the decades of innovation, creativity and brilliance in retail, travel, music and retail industries. Or of the fact that instead of dismissing them we should be learning from them. Blockbuster is the only company Brea’s trite rant references specifically so let’s look under the bonnet of that “non-customer centric” multinational embarrassment. Perhaps Brea is concerned that

Maybe there is something about the Blockbuster Block Party which was conceived and iterated with close feedback from customers which sits uneasily with him? Or possibly the innovation behind the dynamic stocking processes which Blockbuster introduced in the late 1980s, where each local store’s inventory was based on the predicted preferences of its neighbourhood based on age, gender and social demographics somehow feels un-customer centric? Consider how daft the claims would sounds with historic innovations.

Electricity didn’t kill the gas light. They did it to themselves by being a bit smelly and awkward. The car didn’t kill the pony and trap. They did it to themselves by shitting all over the road. We reluctantly suffer the naivety of youth when every new generation thinks it is the first one to discover sex, but it is much more difficult to indulge Brea who infers that the digital generation are the first to discover business, or the importance of customers. At his age and experience, he should know much much better.

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, Ordnance Survey Ireland, PSNI, Permanent TSB and Tesco Mobile. Visit Fathom online at fathom.pro.

The airplane didn’t kill the ship and train. They did it to themselves by not being able to fly in the air at 600 mph.

Eye on Law

The Bar of Northern Ireland launch Northern Ireland’s first Resolution Centre

David Mulholland, The Bar of Northern Ireland with Gerry McAlinden QC, Director of Legal Services.

The Bar of Northern Ireland is meeting the growing local demand for a purpose-built facility to enable out-of-court mediation and arbitration services with its newlylaunched Resolution Centre.

fficially opened on Thursday (14th September), by David Mulholland, the Chief Executive of The Bar of Northern Ireland, the state-of-the-art Centre located within The Boat – an iconic building in Belfast’s skyline – will offer bespoke facilities to enable clients to resolve disputes outside the traditional court setting in an accessible and private space. The creation of The Resolution Centre is good news for both local and prospective international clients as it provides another addition to the advantages that the jurisdiction can

already offer to them. The Resolution Centre will create a venue within the local Belfast market for skilled mediators and arbitrators to use their specific set of core skills to assist parties in arriving at alternative resolution options. Clients already have direct access to a wide network of skilled local solicitors and the ability to engage the Bar’s existing expertise in providing trusted and independent advice and representation in court alongside the significantly lower cost of commercial litigation in Northern Ireland compared to other locations. Traditionally a wide range of commercial, civil and family disputes end up being taken to court for resolution. Whilst this remains a highly effective and appropriate route in many circumstances, the number of local disputes settled outside of litigation has been on the rise as parties seek, and are often encouraged, to explore other alternatives. The Resolution Centre aims to support this trend by offering

a venue and a service which will help when the conditions lend themselves towards pursuing resolution by another means. In addition to handling commercial disputes, The Resolution Centre is therefore available for handling private cases including divorce and family law. “A properly constituted legally-led resolution process can provide a range of advantages,” said David Mulholland. “In certain situations it may be the most appropriate option as it may offer a more timely and cost effective solution with the added advantages of preserving the privacy and relationships of those involved. It is therefore no surprise that this alternative solution is being promoted by Northern Ireland’s leading barristers, and local solicitors.” “We were delighted to have the support of the business and legal worlds at the opening of the centre and the early feedback has been really positive,” says David Mulholland. “This facility has been specifically designed

for mediation purposes so it’s very private and it’s also very flexible in terms of layout and facilities. “What’s more, we can work with our clients if facilities are needed outside of normal working hours, and we can provide a full range of secretarial services along with catering as an when required. In fact, we can structure our packages around the needs of those using the centre.” Interest in the new Mediation Centre has already come from as far afield as Dublin. “We’re very pleased with the level of bookings so soon after our official opening. And, as more people see and experience the venue, we’re expecting the level of bookings to increase.”

For more information on The Resolution Centre visit theresolutioncentre.co.uk or call 02890565700

Eye on Law

Brian Dolaghan, Invest NI & David Mulholland, The Bar of Northern Ireland.

Jane Maguire, Department of Justice & NIamh Burns, Bar Library.

Wilfred Mitchell, Chairman, FSB & Andy Tough, Chair, RICS.

Alison Hook, Hook Tangaza & Anne Beggs, Invest NI.

Hugh Widdis & Sir Patrick Coughlin.

Gerry McAlinden QC, Liam McCollum QC Chairman of The Bar of Northern Ireland and Alphy Maginess, Director of Legal Services.

Mr Justice Horner, Mrs Justice Keegan, Liam McCollum, QC, Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan & David Mulholland, Chief Executive, The Bar of Northern Ireland.

Cathy Hughes, Bar Library & Jane Maguire, Department of Justice.

Rachel Bergin, Bar Library, Nano Cluskey, First Trust & Heather Moreland, First Trust.

Eye on News

Ireland’s Newest Recruitment Platform Supports Local Children’s Cancer Charity The business responsible for the latest technology that connects employers with talent has joined forces with All-Ireland charity, Cancer Fund for Children, to help provide much needed practical, emotional and therapeutic support to children living with a cancer diagnosis, and their families.

he Talent Spot app and digital platform, was born out of the frustration of businesses struggling to recruit and ensures recruitment is an opportunity, not an administrative burden. It was important that the business, which provides an end-to-end online recruitment journey for both employers and talent, was founded with a social conscience at its core. The Talent Spot officially launched as title sponsor of the Cancer Fund for Children Gala Ball held on 8th September at the Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin, the evening raised over €115,000 and counting - going directly to help families cope with cancer across Ireland. In addition, The Talent Spot have committed an ongoing 5% profit pledge to the charity to help them build and run their brand new therapeutic respite centre, Daisy Lodge Connaught. Chief Executive of The Talent Spot, Johnny Matthews, commented;

New recruitment platform The Talent Spot launches as sponsor of the Cancer Fund for Children Gala Ball. Pictured, CEO of The Talent Spot Johnny Matthews and Gillian Creevy, Chief Executive of Cancer Fund for Children.

“There was never any doubt that The Talent Spot was going to be created with a strong foundation of social responsibility – we always wanted to give back from day one. We are very proud that our platform will transform the recruitment process for both employers and talent and that every organisation we work with will also contribute to making lives that bit easier for children living with cancer across Ireland.” Gillian Creevy, Chief Executive of Cancer Fund for Children, reflected;

“We are so thrilled to have The Talent Spot on board as a charity partner who have already helped us raise a tremendous amount to help us realise our dream of building our brand new therapeutic respite centre, nestled in the woods at Cong in Co. Mayo. Cancer Fund for Children has such important work to do with children and their families living with cancer and having the support of businesses like The Talent Spot lets us do what we do best.”

You can find further information about the work of Cancer Fund for Children at www.cancerfundforchildren.com To find out more about The Talent Spot please contact Johnny Matthews on ROI: +353 (1) 685 5325 UK: +44 28 9099 5325 Email: info@thetalentspot.net

Leah is Best in Ireland Leah Kirkwood, a trainee accountant with Baker Tilly Mooney Moore, has been placed first in Ireland and sixth globally in a recent Association of Chartered Certified Accountants’ exam. Leah sat the Governance, Risk and Ethics Paper as part of her professional qualifications. Joanne Small, Partner in Baker Tilly Mooney Moore said “This is a wonderful achievement by Leah. The ACCA qualification is recognised throughout the world and students benefit from studying a range of subjects which, together with practical experience, fully prepares them for their careers.”

Eye on News

Global Leader In Rehabilitation Equipment Named Northern Ireland’s Most Pioneering Innovator As Connect at Catalyst Inc looks forward to the culmination of the Invent Awards 2017 sponsored by Bank of Ireland UK, it announces that Mr James Leckey has been named the Innovation Founder.

ames Leckey, Founder and CEO of globally recognised Leckey design, is the eighth Innovation Founder recognised by Connect and joins an esteemed list of previous recipients Martin Naughton KBE, Brian Conlon, Dr William Wright CBE, Dr Peter FitzGerald CBE, Tom Eakin, Dr Hugh Cormican and Prof John Anderson. Established in 1983, with Leckey at the helm, the pioneering Lisburn based company positively changes the lives of thousands of adults and children living with disabilities through its research, design and development of posturally supportive products. Starting out working from his parents’ garden shed, 34 years on Leckey, a civil engineer, now employs over 130 staff and exports to 30 countries worldwide. Leckey have focused on innovation through collaboration with therapists, parents, carers, universities and experts

around the world to create postural support products which are therapeutic, comfortable and life enhancing for leisure time in the home, school or in respite care. With a wide range of products including Squiggles Seating System, Squiggles Stander and the Mygo, innovation is at the forefront of the business, blending inventive and award winning engineering solutions with compassion for people living with disability. Ian Sheppard, Regional Director NI of Invent 2017 sponsor Bank of Ireland UK, said: “Innovation is a vital instrument of Entrepreneurship and James Leckey is a fantastic illustration of this. His business exemplifies the creative and commercial talent we have in Northern Ireland, highlighting the significant contribution company founders make to the local economy. Speaking at a special lunch with the 12 Invent 2017 finalists, James Leckey

Ian Sheppard Regional Director NI Bank of Ireland UK, James Leckey Founder and CEO Leckey design, Dr Norman Apsley CEO Catalyst Inc.

commented ‘It is a great privilege to receive the Innovation Founder award. I feel especially pleased to be included within such a distinguished group of entrepreneurs. Leckey is a great company doing amazing work with brilliant people – I see this award as just recognition of all their passion, commitment and hard work.’ Dr Norman Apsley, CEO Catalyst Inc said ‘Each year the Innovation Founder award is given to a local innovator who has successfully pushed the possibility of their business idea beyond boundaries and we are delighted to recognise the outstanding success and qualities of James Leckey through this award. James and our other Innovation Founders come from a wide variety of

sectors but they all share a common characteristic; having the tenacity and vision to develop home grown innovation into remarkable success stories. They are all a testament to the fact that in Northern Ireland we are as capable as anywhere in the world at creating an outstanding breakthrough businesses.’ The award will be formally presented at the Invent Awards 2017 on 5th October 2017 at the Waterfront Conference Centre, Belfast, where more than 600 investors, entrepreneurs, executives and student innovators will gather to congratulate James Leckey and the Invent 2017 winners. Tickets are still available at www.invent2017.co

JOHNSONS RAISE FUNDS TO HELP TINYLIFE SUPPORT FAMILIES IN NEED A team from Johnsons Solicitors has presented premature and vulnerable baby charity TinyLife with a cheque for £2,189.82 having completed the Deep River Rock Belfast City Marathon walk and relay race.

he firm was inspired to raise funds for the charity following the tragic experience of colleagues, who sadly lost their premature twin babies this year. “We were deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our dear friends’ and colleagues’ baby girls, Charlotte and Grace, earlier this year and we would do anything we could to

help honour their memory,” said Rhys Jones, Head of Corporate and Commercial with Johnsons. “We hope that this contribution in some small way helps TinyLife support other families with the emotional and practical support they require, as well as helping fund the vital research and resources this valuable charity provides,” Rhys added.

Kimberly Hill, TinyLife, receives a cheque from Kenny Chambers, Managing Partner, Johnsons and Eva Morgan, Johnsons.

TinyLife is dedicated to reducing premature birth, illness, disability and death in babies in Northern Ireland. TinyLife provides families with emotional and practical

support, a breast pump loan and hire service, parent support groups and a resource and information library as well as funding ongoing research.

Eye on Moving On 1 Áine Hughes is appointed as an Associate, Restructuring & Insolvency, at A&L Goodbody. Áine specialises in providing advice to insolvency practitioners and financial institutions in Northern Ireland on both contentious and noncontentious matters. Also at A&L Goodbody, 2 Jonathan Hacking becomes an Associate, Mergers, Acquisitions and Corporate. Jonathan specialises in commercial law, technology, IP matters, data protection and cyber security.

1 Áine Hughes

2 Jonathan Hacking

3 Richard Williams

3 Richard Williams has re-joined HLM, a leading design and architecture company with offices in Belfast. Having previously worked with HLM, Richard has been appointed as an Architectural Technologist bringing extensive BIM experience gained at Graham Construction and real estate and infrastructure company Capita. 4 John Toner becomes Financial Controller at Hagan Homes, the housebuilding company based in Ballyclare. He joins the company with more than 10 years of experience working in finance across various industry sectors in Northern Ireland. Upstream, one of Northern Ireland’s leading providers of working capital into the SME market, 5 has appointed Alan Wardlow to the Board of Directors with immediate effect. As Sales Director, Alan will be responsible for growing the Company’s portfolio of clients by providing appropriate working capital solutions using Upstream’s range of products including Invoice Finance, Trade Finance, and Asset Finance.

4 John Toner

5 Alan Wardlow

6 Desmond Morris

6 Desmond Morris becomes Executive Head Chef at the Everglades Hotel in Derry. Desmond has over 30 years’ experience in the hospitality industry and has been employed by the Everglades Hotel since 2012 as a Sous Chef. He has previously held culinary positions in both London & Jersey. Mount Charles Group has made two senior 7 appointments. Gerry Martin joins the company as Vending Service Manager with 20 years experience in the industry with 8 both Selecta and Autobar Vending. Philip Wood becomes Senior Bid Manager. He has held senior roles with RAC Motoring Services, Teleperformance & Transcom.

7 Gerry Martin

8 Philip Wood

9 Donal Monaghan

9 Donal Monaghan has joined Hastings Hotels as a Digital Marketing Executive. Donal has 10 years’ experience in marketing and communications and previously held positions with St Patrick’s Purgatory, Lough Derg, AVBrowne and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. 10 Miriam Kerbache has been appointed as general manager of the Ormeau Baths. She has previously worked in business development, human resources and operations management. Miriam established and managed a large New York based start-up’s UK headquarters in Belfast, growing her team to over 50 engineers, support and development staff in four years. 11 Rory McCurry has been appointed as Managing Director at Modern Office Supplies. He was formerly in the world of public relations with Lanyon Communications.

10 Miriam Kerbache

11 Rory McCurry

12 Kailash Chada

12 Kailash Chada has been appointed Group Chief Financial Officer at Phoenix Natural Gas after a career spanning over 20 years in finance which saw Kailash work with leading financial institutions, such as Price Waterhouse Coopers in Edinburgh and the Royal Bank of Scotland, where he was Finance Director for the UK Corporate Bank in their London office.

Eye on Giving

Belfast Charitable Society... A Bastion Of Corporate Giving Paula Reynolds, CEO Belfast Charitable Society. 1. What are your thoughts, in general, on charitable giving? I believe that charitable giving is an essential part of life. It reflects the interdependency that is required to make society work well. It can come in various forms and isn’t always about money. It allows those with more, in terms of skills, finances or time to support others who are less fortunate. In turn, that can mean much more to those who are in receipt of the ‘giving’. The sense that other people care enough to give up something can be a much needed support when things are not going so well. Also having recently celebrated the 265th anniversary of the Belfast Charitable Society, whose existence can be completely attributable to charitable giving, and the wise management of the same, I can safely say the generosity of others has played a significant role in development of Belfast. 2. Is your giving personal or corporate or a combination of both? It’s a combination of both. On a personal level, I give to a few charities and causes close to my heart on a regular basis and then to one-off appeals. In the past, I was involved in organisations at the committee level but more recently have given some time (and hopefully expertise!) to others around strategic planning, income generation and general management matters In terms of the Society, it was set up in August 1752 with a view to giving and continues to do so today. A few current examples being its grant of £250,000 to the NI Hospice; its loans programme with Building Change Trust and UCIT to the voluntary and community sector; its Barbour Fund for older people

and training; we support Giving NI to encourage others to give; and its ongoing care of older people. 3. What types of causes do you favour and why? Like most people I favour causes that have affected my life or are particularly relevant to me as I understand the needs associated with them. I think if you scale that sentiment up you start to see and understand the Missions and Vision of charitable organisations such as the Belfast Chartable Society. Its founders set out to tackle poverty and disadvantage as it still does today. 4. Are there specific charities or causes that you give to regularly? How do you choose which to support? Currently I support a couple of children’s charities because I believe

in what they are doing and also because I was impressed by ‘the pitch’ from their fundraisers. The Society continues to give to causes that meets its overarching Mission but in ways that try to support more meaningful and relevant delivery of services. For example, we refocused the revenue element of our Hospice grant to help it transform service provision and grapple with fast changing commissioning demands. We ‘lend’ small unsecured loans to groups to help them tackle disadvantage at the grassroots. 5. Do you believe that companies and individuals have a duty to help others? If yes, why? Very much so – for both the good of those in need and for the company’s employees and stakeholders. This type of giving reflects the maturity and level of development and confidence of a business.

6. What is your message to business people who may be thinking about becoming more involved in strategic philanthropy? Do it! However, they need to take advice to ensure the cause and the mechanism through which they give suits their needs. 7. Giving Northern Ireland was set up to champion Philanthropy. Why do you think it is important that there is an organisation that helps businesses and individuals think more strategically about giving? Because, as above there needs to be a ‘fit’ for successful giving. I believe the fact that the Belfast Charitable Society has lasted for so long is down to that: understanding our own purpose and ensuring our giving reflects that. Both the giving and the robust management of it are crucial.

Eye on WasteManagement

Enter the ISL Making Waste Wonderful Category at UTV Business Eye Awards Waste Reduction Project of the Year We all have a responsibility, both legally and morally, to reduce our waste generation but making that extra effort could also help you make significant savings in your business or organisation. The ISL sponsored UTV Business Eye Waste Reduction Project of the Year is open to every organisation to celebrate innovative and effective actions you have taken to reduce the waste generated in your working environment. Not only will the winners be announced in December at a glittering awards ceremony but we will be running stories in Business Eye for the best of the entries to demonstrate what can be done. The experts at ISL Waste Management are also offering to give you free consultancy to assess your project and help you make the best entry to the Awards. “As a business we are dedicated to ensuring that no waste goes to landfill. We are equally committed to working with businesses in Northern Ireland to reduce their waste and ensure

as much as possible is recycled or reused. “We want to change the concept of waste as a problem into a real resource. Our new campaign is dedicated to educating the whole of Northern Ireland that we can all be part of Making Waste Wonderful.”

Barry Donaghy, Managing Director, ISL Waste Management Ltd.

Companies already Making Waste Wonderful!

SOS NI & ISL Waste Tackling Hunger & Food Waste

Clements Coffee Clements Coffee became contracted to ISL Waste Management in August 2016 and in their first month achieved zero waste to landfill and an impressive 300% reduction in waste management costs through improved efficiencies. “ISL’s understanding of our daily operations and waste management needs has allowed us to realise substantial cost savings that have made a significant impact on our bottom line.” Nigel Roddy, Operations Manager, Clements Coffee

A partnership that started just 18 months ago, between local charity SOS NI and ISL Waste Management, has seen around £450,000 of food marked for destruction, diverted to helping those most in need through the charity’s Food Programme. A truly excellent example of a circular economy, ISL is working with its food distribution clients in a way that not only reduces their waste food destruction costs, but helps SOS NI feed around 1,500 – 2,000 people per week.

CDE Global Cookstown based CDE Global began working with ISL Waste Management six years ago when the company began to experience an unprecedented period of growth. Operations are now of such a scale that within the first three months of 2017, the business generated more than 14, 500kgs of waste which was all diverted from landfill. “Shortly after we engaged with ISL, following their guidance and advice, we invested in a cardboard baler and now, rather than costing us money in disposal, we sell our waste to ISL so it has become a revenue stream.” Aileen McDonnell, CDE Global

Contact Barry Donaghy barry@islwastemanagement.co.uk 94

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

FRUGAL FIESTA GROWS UP WITH MORE GEAR AND TECHNOLOGY! The Fiesta has been around for forty years but is still the top seller in Northern Ireland, and elsewhere. What does it bring to the party in its 2017 incarnation?

new 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine, with outputs of 85 and 120PS, is the bottom line for business buyers. This returns up to a headline-grabbing 88mpg on the combined cycle. That sets an ambitious target for the everyday driver! Those who set these figures are also impressed by the low emissions of between 82 and 88g/km and put the latest Fiesta diesel in the 20% BIK band. The alternative 1.1-litre threecylinder EcoBoost turbo petrol version returns 65mpg on the combined cycle and has an emissions

rating of 98g/km so it may be worth considering given the cloud hanging over diesel these days. The Fiesta always looked smart and was fun to drive. The latest range hits new highs and adds refinement, quality and the latest in technology. There is an Italian inspired Vignale luxury flagship. Other highlights include systems that lets the car park itself, detect pedestrians, and high tech B&O sound. This is a wee car that has grown up over the years from a likeable runabout to a mainstream family car, offering a wide choice of engines and specifications to meet all needs. There are subtle variations to the distinctive front grille that sets the Fiesta out from the rest of the field. The Vignale gets a satin pattern, the sporting

ST models get a mesh look and the Titanium gets a chrome bar look. The interior is also more refined. There is a dominant touch screen in the centre - up to 8-inches in size - and with the option of pinch and swipe gestures. The number of buttons has been halved for

simplicity and there are more luxurious soft touch materials. With myriad options of engines and trims, the Fiesta has grown up into a range to suit all tastes. List priced from £14,795 in diesel form, it remains the cream of the small car pack.

GOOD LOOKING INFINITI Q30 OFFERS SOMETHING A BIT DIFFERENT! The Infiniti Q30 is built at the Nissan plant, near Sunderland in the north east of England, a factory that already has a good reputation for quality and reliability. As it is closely related to the current Mercedes A-class, it can be seen to be European.

his is a handsomelooking car with a high stance but a touch of the sports coupe about its lines. There are variations on the theme with a lower slung Sport model and the more upright and rugged QX30 with AWD aimed at those who need some off-road traction at times. Infiniti is targeting the company car market with a frugal 1.5litre diesel and even offers a

‘Business Executive’ trim on the Q30. With just 107bhp, performance is hardly ‘executive’ but the pay-off is at the pumps with 68mpg on the combined cycle. Emissions of 108g/km translate into a 23% BIK rating. The 1.6-litre petrol turbo with 120bhp is livelier and brings the 62mph sprint time down to under 10 seconds. With consumption of 48mpg combined and emissions of 138g/km, this pushes it into the 26% BIK band. A seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic gearbox is available as an option on some models. This does seamless automatic changes and gives the choice of full auto or ‘manual’ using paddles. The twin clutch design means the next gear is always ready for an instant change. The Q30 sits confidently on the road thanks to the familiar

strut suspension and electronic power steering. The feel of the car varies between the different engines and models. The latest technology is employed including Blind Spot warning, Collision warning with emergency braking, intelligent cruise contol and auto-dipping headlamps.

Prices are competitive for this sector and start from £24K for the petrol engined Q30 and just over £25K for the turbo diesel (before discount!) The higher riding QX30 takes us into the world of all-wheel drive and a 2.2-litre turbo diesel priced from just over £29K.

dfcbelfast.co.uk

Eye on Motoring

Why do 70% of companies use contract hire? vehicle and pass on these benefits to our customers. Also, once the vehicle is on the road, you can claim back 50% of the VAT on the finance element (if the vehicle is available for personal use or 100% if only available for business use) and 100% of the VAT on the maintenance element of the rental payments.

DFC is Northern Ireland’s Premier Independent Vehicle Management Company. Here we explain why over 70% of companies in Northern Ireland and the UK use business contract hire to fund their vehicles WHY CONTRACT HIRE?

Improves Cash Flow

Purchasing Power DFC and their business partners purchase over 50000 vehicles every year. As a result we can offer some of the most competitive business and personal contract hire rentals available in the fleet market today. Helping you to finance your vehicles in the best possible way. Release Capital If you are currently purchasing your vehicles through your own funding, you are inadvertently tying up a valuable proportion of your company’s financial resources. Contract Hire releases these funds for more profitable use. Accurate Budgeting With Contract Hire, all costs are calculated and built into a fixed monthly payment. All maintenance costs including routine servicing, tyres, MOT/PSV and Road Fund License are included in the monthly payment. Vehicle costs can be forecast accurately for up to five years. Paperwork is almost eliminated and budgets tightly controlled. Tackles Depreciation With our buying power, we can purchase vehicles at cheaper rates. Efficient vehicle disposal always enables us to accurately assess resale values. Only the minimum depreciation is passed on to our customers, resulting in great rentals.

Contract Hire is classed as an operating lease, which means that the vehicles do not show as depreciating items on your balance sheet. Rentals are classed as a revenue expense and are shown in the profit and loss account. Freedom of Choice We can supply all makes of cars and vans at competitive Contract Hire rates. You choose the model, colour, specification and accessories to suit you. We then offer expert and unbiased advice on all makes and models so you get the right car for your budget and needs. Enhances Company Image

Peace of Mind With monthly payments fixed over the entire contract period and a range of optional extras, Contract Hire takes away the worry and trouble of managing your company cars and vans. WHY CHOOSE DFC? Working with DFC will give you the reassurance of over 25 years of industry expertise both in the UK and ROI with direct access to the company owners. DFC are not tied to any manufacturer, dealership or funder which means DFC can give impartial advice on your next vehicle. If you give us the opportunity to discuss your company/individual requirements, we are confident we can offer you a market leading solution that will result in both cost and time savings

With Contract Hire you will always have modern and presentable vehicles. Contract Hire will also give you a disciplined replacement program. Remember, your competitors may already be enjoying these benefits! Reduces Administration Are your management and staff currently weighed down with time consuming vehicle administration? Contract Hire releases them from this burden. Contract Hire significantly reduces paperwork. Road fund licence is renewed automatically. VAT Benefits Contract Hire has many VAT benefits. Our Finance Houses can reclaim the VAT on the purchase price of the

Local Company Local People Local Service

Mileage & Maintenance Reviews We can provide annual mileage reviews as part of our service to you. This enables us to identify if any of your vehicles are over or under contract mileage. We can then advise you whether it is possible to recontract mileages prior to the end of the contract. This minimises any excess mileage charges.

If you would like to make sure you can budget accurately the costs of running your company cars then talk to us today. We have a really useful guide to financing your vehicles. If you would like a copy please email annette@dfcbelfast.co.uk for your free copy or give us a call on 02890 734222

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

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

SEAT HEADS TOWARDS TOP OF THE CLASS WITH NEW IBIZA!

The latest SEAT Ibiza is snapping on the heels of the Fiesta for the top ratings. It is the first car in the VW group to employ a brand-new platform which makes it roomier and offers an excellent blend of handling and ride comfort.

he first thing you notice is the new styling. New crease lines along the sides somehow produce a more definite and more refined identity for the Barcelona-built competitor in this best selling category. With economy ratings of up to 78mpg combined and emissions as low as 93g/ km, the 1.4-litre turbo diesel Ecomotive slips into the same 20% BIK bracket alongside the Fiesta. As with Ford there is an efficient 1.0-litre turbo petrol alternative which might catch the attention of those wary of diesel. The three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine comes in three-outputs 75, 95 or 110PS. The 95 is a decent compromise as it combines decent zest, good flexibility and economy (up to 60mpg combined). The turbo works wonders to give the Ibiza the feel of a larger car. Inside, the new Ibiza is impressively roomy for front and rear passengers

compared to the competition and the boot is bigger than most in this class. Overall, it is a great example of how small cars have improved in recent years both in terms of space and in sophistication. If you like alloy wheels, a colour touch screen and split folding rear seats, then the SE trim is the one to go for. Up from this is the FR trim that includes a more extrovert look, bigger 17-inch alloys, sports seats, cruise control, DAB radio and automatic wipers. The top Xcellence trim gets you all this plus luxury touches such as keyless entry, sat nav, part leather upholstery and dual zone climate control. An accomplished hatchback with the VW feel, the Ibiza is a clever purchase. List prices start from £13,120 for the 75PS 1.0-litre engine in starter trim.

Peugeot’s Finest Takes A Tilt At Audi And The Rest! The best Peugeot ever - that’s what some people are saying about the Peugeot 3008. Certainly, the compact SUV cross-over is bang on the money for the modern market.

he top dog GT model with the most powerful 178bhp 2.0 litre diesel donkey makes for an impressive drive. They have given it a more modern, car-like look and the interior is several notches up from previous models. With a digital instrument panel it is obviously aiming at the Audi Q3 in terms of quality and performance. It needs to be a bit special to justify the 33K tag on my lovely and loaded press car! The boss might run to one of these, especially if he or she is hands-on and does high annual mileages. As for the workers, they will be looking at the more lowly models. These start with a surprisingly eager 1.2 turbo petrol giving128bhp and returning 55mpg combined.

Emissions of 117g/km put it in the 22% BIK bracket. That is the same BIK billing as the starter 1.6litre turbo diesel which has emissions of 104g/m. Its economy rating is much better at 70mpg combined. The petrol is half a second quicker on the 62mph sprint which is done in 11.2 seconds. Peugeot has done a good job on the suspension compromise. Even with the 19-inch wheels, my 3008 was more car-like to drive than most SUVs. Being Gallic, you expect ride comfort also to be commendable, which it is.

Generally, the French company has made a fine fist of its trendy SUV an it offers a mix of style, drivability and comfort. It is priced from £22,495 for the 1.2 turbo petrol with the 1.6 diesels coming in from £24,325 - competitive for this sector. The flagship 2.0-litre turbo diesel weighs in from £29,245 but the price of my car was inflated by extras, some of which like the full-length glass sunroof I could have done without as it affects rear headroom. This one is priced dangerously close to the Germans….

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

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