President’s Message

Welcome to all our members and thank you to everyone who has contributed to this edition of CONNECTED.

The past year and a half has been an absolute whirlwind for those of us in business. The world screeched to a grinding halt last March and the way we work, do business, and live our lives has changed dramatically.

During conversations with and visits to North West businesses I have witnessed the hardship suffered. I have listened to the stories of decimated businesses; depleted reserves and continual anxiety and uncertainty, but the one shining light was the concern business owners had for their people over and above their own problems.

I have been heartened, and filled with pride, by the way in which our North West business owners and leaders reacted to the crisis. When things have been at their toughest, we have often been at our best, and the sense of community, camaraderie, and support among members and traders has been genuinely inspiring.

As your Chamber President, I have been fighting for certainty, clarity and flexibility for you, our members, and our local businesses. I’ve often spoken about my optimism for our region as we emerge from Covid. While, at times, it was hard to be positive about the future with such difficult circumstances, it’s important that we take stock of what we’ve achieved, and what’s within our immediate grasp. I truly believe we are on the cusp of something great in the North West City Region.

The £250m Derry and Strabane City Deal was finally signed off this year, a huge and transformational capital investment project which will boost our economy, create thousands of new jobs, and set our region on the path to even greater prosperity. At the end of August, the School of Medicine at Magee welcomed its first ever students: an exciting development for the North West region and the first step in the journey to further expansion of our university.

We’ve welcomed new companies to the North West and FDI remains strong in our region. New jobs in sectors such as tech, fintech, and health and life sciences are being created. Our infrastructure is improving, and we look forward to the strategic rail review conclusions. Stronger and more reliable connectivity across this island and beyond is a key pillar to our economic success, especially as a border region. Our overarching and united message is to prioritise the North West, ensure we get our fair share of investment, and help us unleash our potential as a leading location to do business across these islands. Make no mistake – the future is bright for the North West and with regional partners all pulling in the same direction, there is a palpable energy and excitement across the region.

We have welcomed new members of all sizes and from all sectors. Our members are the lifeblood of the Chamber and everything we do is guided by you, for your benefit, and for the benefit of the wider economy.

We have engaged with MLAs, MPs, councillors, TDs and Ministers from across Northern Ireland, the UK and Ireland to give North West businesses a voice and we worked constructively to find solutions and secure support for our members. It’s crucial that we represent the whole of the region, not just our great City, and this will be a key part of Chamber’s strategy going forward.

As my year in office draws to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all, recognising the lengths you have all gone to, to protect your people and your businesses and commend you, for all you have done for our community during these challenging times.

Dawn McLaughlin

President, Londonderry Chamber of Commerce

CRASH Services, JMK Solicitors and Granite break down link with Airporter on new bus wrap branding

Paul Cooney, CRASH Services, Jonathan McKeown, JMK Solicitors, Niall McKeever, Airporter and Marie Keenan, Granite Breakdown

Northern Ireland’s leading accident management company, CRASH Services, JMK Solicitors, the region’s number one personal injury firm and Granite Breakdown have unveiled their advertising on Airporter buses, which travel daily between the North West and the two Belfast airports.

Jonathan McKeown, CEO of Crash Services and Granite Breakdown, and Chairman of JMK Solicitors, said, “We are delighted to be working with Airporter who provide a fantastic service to passengers travelling between Derry~Londonderry and the two Belfast airports. As travel begins to open up, we look forward to seeing our branded buses travelling the roads of Northern Ireland.”

“Since opening up our office in the North West in 2019, CRASH Services and Granite Breakdown have helped many motorists involved in collisions and breakdowns. With JMK Solicitors set to open a new office in the area very soon, it is a fantastic time to develop this partnership between our businesses.” Multi-award-winning company Airporter was founded in 1997 and introduced a new, innovative way of travelling to and from Northern Ireland’s airports. The family-owned transport business provides scheduled services between Derry~Londonderry and the two Belfast airports, with 16 departures taking place daily. 160,000 passengers a year enjoy Airporter’s custom-designed Mercedes vehicle, providing the ultimate comfort and convenience.

Airporter Director Niall McKeever, said, “In the last number of years we’ve built up a fantastic relationship with CRASH Services and Granite Breakdown. Since the firm opened in the North West in 2019, it has proven a significant boost to the local economy and business community. Currently, we are thrilled to see Covid-19 restrictions easing and the revitalization of the local travel sector, and we look forward to taking our customers airport-bound with these new branded buses!”

McCay Solicitors’ Employer Protect Policy offering businesses vital protection

Covid-19 is here to stay, and employers need to be aware of the risks in the workplace.

The scope of employment law risk and the potential for tribunals across a range of issues is widening inexorably, from basic health and safety provision through to worker’s rights, redundancy, and discrimination issues. An Employment Tribunal can cost a business around £25,000 in legal costs alone in addition to any financial award made to an employee by the Tribunal.

For a small monthly payment, McCay Solicitors’ Employer Protect Policy can insure your business against future claims, including indemnity for any legal fees, awards or settlements for any employment law claims. The firm are your sole point of contact and all work is undertaken by our fully qualified employment lawyers who are licensed to practice and fully insured in Northern Ireland, England and Wales.

McCay Employer Protect Scheme benefits: • Greater financial security, instant access to legal support and insurance protection against tribunal claims. • Legal advice and due diligence to ensure you are up to date with the latest legislation and compliance within the law. • Protection to radically minimise your exposure to unexpected financial loss, capping all your employment legislation and HR costs.

McCay Solicitors’ office in Ebrington Square, Londonderry

security, instant access to legal support and insurance protection against tribunal claims. Our legal advice and due diligence ensures you are up to date with the latest legislation and compliance with the law.”

Gareth McCay, Managing Director of McCay Solicitors, said, “Our Employer Protect Scheme offers greater financial To contact McCay Solicitors, please email:

reception@mccaysolicitors.co.uk

Great British Menu chef joins forces with North West culinary star to give foodies here a new flavoursome sanctuary ahead of Christmas

A new foodie force is set to dominate the Northern Ireland menu this Christmas as two renowned Northern Ireland chefs team up to launch “Artis by Phelim O’Hagan”.

Chefs Phelim O’Hagan and Ray Moran’s new venture will be a standalone restaurant that sits adjacent to its four-year-old sister establishment, Soda & Starch, in the Craft Village in Derry.

Artis (Latin for Craft), offers a new high end dining experience. It will be a popular choice for those living in the city and for those visiting the city. A celebration of local produce, married to more than 43-years of Michelin Starred restaurant experience, and enveloped in an ambience that sets the scene for family gatherings to long-needed reunions, Artis is just what Northern Ireland’s hospitality scene needs.

Occupying the interior site of the already critically acclaimed Soda & Starch venue, which rose to prominence during lockdown for its outdoor dining, Artis is the creation of Great British Menu Chef Phelim O’Hagan and North West businessman and chef, Ray Moran. Mr Moran has attracted a host of accolades for Soda & Starch over the years including featuring in the Top 100 Restaurants in Ireland rankings for the years 2019 and 2020. It has also featured in the McKenna’s Guide and has taken the award for North West Restaurant of the Year, among others.

Great British Menu chef, Phelim O’Hagan, Soda & Starch Owner, Raymond Moran

For more information, please visit www.artisatcraftvillagederry.com.

Danske Bank takes action on race equality in Northern Ireland

Pictured at the launch of the Race at Work campaign are: (front row L-R) Geraldine McGahey, Equality Commission for NI and Stephanie Reid, Business in the Community and (back row L-R): Lori Gatsi-Barnett, JoinHer Network; Vicky Davis, Danske Bank; Israel Eguaogie, Belfast City of Sanctuary and Alex Deonarine, Chair of Danske’s Origins network

Danske Bank is supporting a new Race at Work campaign launched by Business in the Community in partnership with the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. The campaign aims to challenge businesses to proactively support the inclusion of people from ethnic minority backgrounds in the workplace. As part of the campaign, Danske Bank has signed the Race at Work Charter as a public commitment of action for race equality. The Race at Work Charter has more than 750 signatories across the UK and businesses in Northern Ireland are being encouraged to get involved.

Vicky Davies, CEO Designate at Danske Bank, said, “Northern Ireland is becoming more diverse with people from different backgrounds living and working here, and calling it home. Businesses need to reflect this change.” “Inclusivity and belonging are at the heart of what we do at Danske Bank. We’re an anti-racist organisation that has zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind. We’ve launched a race equality network, Origins to join our existing affinity networks and help ensure that all colleagues feel they belong. We’re listening to our colleagues, learning from the experts, and developing an action plan focused on achieving and monitoring tangible change in this area. Signing the Race at Work Charter is a significant next step in this journey.”

Business in the Community offers a range of resources and toolkits to help businesses achieve and amplify the commitments of the Charter. To find out more visit

www.bitcni.org.uk/

RaceatWork.

Ulster University’s accounting students able to take studies to postgraduate level for first time

Ulster University Magee continues to grow its accounting provision in the North West with its exciting new postgraduate courses. For the first time, students can take their studies to a postgraduate level on Magee Campus with the MSc in International Accounting with Analytics.

The course, which is closely aligned to the Chartered Accountants Ireland CAP2 competency statement, provides students with exposure to analytics tools and techniques on the course which will greatly improve their graduate employment prospects. Audit and performance reporting, used widely in the growing financial services sector in Northern Ireland, is taught to students through key software in the course which is offered on a full and part-time basis.

Prospective students have a range of scholarship opportunities available through Inspired Tax Incentives. The scholarship, which can cover university fees, work experience, and fund a potential graduate position, is on offer for the MSc International Accounting with Analytics course. Other local accountancy practices and businesses across the North West have agreed to provide sponsorship in the form of contribution to fees of at least £1,000.

Claire Scott-Mcateer, MSc International Accounting with Analytics Course Director, said, “We are thrilled to be holding this new postgraduate course for the first time this year. This new course promises to be groundbreaking for accounting students in the North West, giving Magee students a step ahead in their professional accountancy training. No longer will accounting students have to study in Belfast or Dublin in their path towards becoming a Chartered Accountant.”

“Accounting specialists with knowledge of accounting, finance and the business environment are always in great demand. The combination of subjects that students will study on this course will provide them with a sound basis to become a future business leader, and work across industry sectors including financial reporting, accounting, taxation and management.”

Claire Scott-McAteer, MSc International Accounting with Analytics Course Director

“I would encourage accounting students who wish to take their next step towards becoming a Chartered Accountant to consider the MSc International Accounting with Analytics course and contact us to see what we can offer for their professional development.”

To find out more about the MSc International Accounting with Analytics course, please contact Claire via cm.mcateer@ulster.ac.uk.

FinTrU announces innovative sabbatical benefit for employees

FinTrU has announced a new, marketleading benefit scheme for its employees. FinTrU Unplugged offers any employee of Associate level and above, who has served a minimum of five years with the company, a four-week paid sabbatical to be taken at any time.

Founded in December 2013, FinTrU is a multi-award-winning financial services company that is committed to giving local talent the opportunity to work on a global stage with the largest international investment banks. The company provides its clients with high quality, cost-effective, near-shore resourcing solutions and employs over 900 people across offices in Belfast, the North West, London, Dublin and New York.

FinTrU, which works with clients in investment banks across the world, has proved itself as a leader in employment

FinTrU Chief Human Resources Officer, Sinead Carville, is looking forward to the scheme being implemented

wellbeing initiatives. In the UK, a period of five years is a relatively short requirement of service to afford the opportunity of a sabbatical, with such a benefit more commonly associated with those in more senior positions. FinTrU Unplugged is already providing employees with much-deserved support, those who have not yet built up the required service with the company can book their four-week sabbatical period in advance of the required five years. Chief Human Resources Officer, Sinead Carville, notes this is part of the company’s long-term employee wellbeing strategy. “We are extremely conscious of work-life balance at FinTrU and how it feeds into positive mental wellbeing”, Sinead said. “Five years working for a company shows a loyalty and solid commitment that should not go unrewarded. Unplugged is the chance for employees to refresh, rejuvenate and, for a four-week period, literally unplug from work. It’s a great chance for people to take that trip they have always wanted to, work on a hobby they enjoy or simply spend more time with their family.”

Details about a career at FinTrU can be found at www.fintru.com/careers.

a day in the life

Name Nigel Birney

Hometown Enniskillen, now Belfast

Company Lockton Companies LLP

Job Title Head of Trade Credit

Describe what your job involves My job involves all aspects of managing the Trade Credit Unit at Lockton. I’m responsible for building our trade credit business across the UK and Ireland. Trade credit insurance provides vital protection to businesses against the impact of bad debt caused by customers who fail to pay for goods or services sold on credit. It is designed to enable companies to trade with confidence and explore new markets or products knowing that they are protected against credit risks such as the insolvency of a customer. Domestic and export sales can both be covered and, where necessary, political risk cover can also be added.

Describe in detail a day in your work In a classic, clichéd ‘Day in the Life’ answer, no two days are the same in this job. Having worked in finance and insurance for over 40 years, there’s not a lot that is new to me. However, in this industry, you’re constantly challenged and kept on your toes with new and evolving issues facing the economy. A typical day can include meeting with new clients, assessing their credit insurance requirements and providing them tailored solutions to enable them to grow their business safely. I am in constant contact, usually on a daily basis, with the Lockton regional offices across the UK and Ireland as we look to establish and develop the new Trade Credit Unit at Lockton.

What has been your most memorable day in work? Joining Lockton, the world’s largest privately owned insurance broker and Northern Ireland’s leading business and commercial insurance broker, was a bit special. I’m still getting used to being the ‘new boy’, but the entire team is fantastic, and they have made me and my trade credit colleagues very welcome.

What is your greatest achievement? Being named the highest achieving Trade Credit Broker in the UK in 2012 definitely ranks high and is a real career highlight I’m proud of. In my previous role at Willis Towers Watson, our trade credit clients, most of which are now Lockton clients, reached a combined turnover in 2019 of over £1.5bn, which is a fantastic achievement. We are delighted for the opportunity to support and partner many great businesses across the UK and Ireland as we continue to build our client base.

What’s the best advice you have ever been given in work? Always deliver more than what’s expected and always treat people with respect, not just those you are trying to impress. Treating people as you expect to be treated yourself will bring you loyalty and appreciation from your peers and colleagues.

What qualities do you think make good entrepreneurs in your experience? Apart from all the usual qualities such as passion for what you do, enthusiasm and energy, self-motivation, and a willingness and acceptance to fail, I think the most important thing to remember is that great things in business are not achieved by one person - they are achieved by a team of talented and committed people. A strong and reliable peer network of people you can rely on is vital in business.

JC HALLIDAY & SONS – BUILT ON TRUST At the heart of local community

Local family business JC Halliday & Sons (based in Eglinton, Derry/Londonderry) would like to extend its sincere thanks to all its customers for their tremendous support in the last 18 months during the pandemic. During this time the family business managed to open their third franchise in May 2021, the Vauxhall brand to sit alongside Citroën and DS Automobiles, offering customers an unrivalled choice of car brands in the North West.

At JC Halliday & Sons we recognise it is important to give back to the local community. Over the years, the company has been proud to support community sports clubs such as the City of Derry Rugby Club, Derry GAA, Limavady Youths, and Rainey Rugby Club.

Andrew Miller, Dealer Principal at JC Halliday & Sons, said, “We are very grateful to all our customers over the past 18 challenging months for their support. We are really excited for the future launch of electric and hybrid vehicles. 2022 we will see the launch of the Citroen C5 X, the New Vauxhall Astra & Grandland plus the luxurious new DS 4 and the DS 9 plug-in hybrid saloon. We look forward to welcoming customers, both new and old to test drive these innovative brands in our newly refurbished showroom in Eglinton.”

JC Halliday & Sons has a fantastic selection with over 200 New and PreLoved vehicles onsite. The company offers: • 30 years’ experience as a familyoperated business, based in Eglinton • Newly refurbished showroom that homes both Vauxhall and Citroën brands • A recently built DS luxury showroom in Eglinton, incorporating a new JCH Prestige range of vehicles • A large Citroen & DS Select Approved used vehicles site based in Magherafelt, Mid-Ulster • A winning culture – receiving numerous top awards in recent years! • Dedicated Support - JC Halliday & Sons are always on hand to provide you with the best Sales and Aftercare Support. Our highly qualified team members will assure all your questions are answered. • A Top Performance from all team members at JC Halliday & Sons - from our valeting team to our workshop technicians strive to provide you and your vehicle with the very best care when you purchase with ourselves.

So, why not drop by today to discover what JC Halliday & Sons, a local family business, has to offer you – now with even more choice! We look forward to welcoming you and finding your perfect vehicle. To find out more, visit

www.jchallidayandsons.com

or contact us on 02871 811470

Solutions for agile working

Different structures, different requirements, new work concepts: Modern offices are increasingly being transformed into open spaces and are characterised by communicative in-between zones, decentralised work areas and different types of rooms. There is a need for more flexibility in order to give free rein to thoughts and ideas. For productive and creative work in agile teams – exactly what the Sedus se:lab optimally supports.

The name already reveals that the approach to tasks was inspired by laboratory work. se:lab works in the same way as analysing, researching and problem-solving takes place in a lab. Whether for workshops where flexible furniture is required or for spontaneous meetings that benefit from the use of mobile equipment, se:lab offers plenty of possibilities and is always ready for use.

Agile working

Being flexible, agile and spontaneously productive in freely configurable work areas. • Project organisation with Scrum • Solving problems with Design Thinking • Open-plan offices and open spaces • Lounges and creative areas • Bench and desk sharing

Smart working

Changing between fixed and flexible workplaces with predefined or free structures.

Multifunctional rooms

Use free space as it is needed – without compromise.

• Meeting rooms • Rooms for training courses

Visit our showroom at 101 Spencer Rd to select range of furniture available & our new homes section.

101 Spencer Road, Derry, BT47 6AE. Telephone +44 (0) 2871 311 741

Official Supplier

Our full range of office furniture and solutions are available online.

dawsonhinds.com Email: sales@dawsonhinds.com