21 minute read
president’s message
Welcome to all our members and thank you to everyone who has contributed to this edition of CONNECTED.
As I write this message, the UK is about to welcome former Chancellor Rishi Sunak as its third Prime Minister of the year. 2022 has been a year of unprecedented political upheaval, punctuated by mass resignations, the shortest serving Prime Minister in British history, four Chancellors in as many months, and yet another absent Executive up at Stormont. Certainty and stability have been in short supply this past year, with the war in Ukraine also driving a cost-of-living and cost-of-doing-business crisis which is affecting us all. Despite the challenges of the past twelve months however, I have been consistently and repeatedly impressed by the quality and talent within our local business community. Being Chamber President has been the privilege of a lifetime, both professionally and personally. I’ve seen the very best of the North West during my year as President, whether that’s through our local businesses, our world-class schools and educational institutions, our superb pubs, hotels and restaurants, or our sporting heroes who have proudly represented us all year.
We’ve put the pandemic firmly in our rear-view mirror and we were all collectively delighted to see the removal of Covid restrictions at the beginning of this year. We’ve welcomed visitors from around the world back to our region with events like our local Féile, the Foyle Cup, the Clipper Race, and the Foyle Maritime Festival. And with our recent Halloween celebrations, we’ve shown once again why we’re the best place in the world to celebrate the holiday.
Throughout 2022, we’ve engaged with Taoiseachs, MLAs, MPs, Ministers, Councillors, Mayors, TDs, and Secretaries of State from across these islands. We have worked hard to give North West businesses a voice and we have worked constructively with elected representatives from all parties to find solutions and secure support for our businesses. Despite the inertia at Stormont and the upheaval at Westminster, the Chamber and our colleagues across the business community have delivered workable solutions to ease the pressure on businesses and households all year.
The Chamber will continue to fight for our members and their concerns. We will continue to press for action which will improve our region and bolster its reputation as a leading location to live, work and do business. This includes expanding our local university and finally realising its full potential of 10,000 students, the full and speedy roll-out of our City Deal, and continuing to make the case for the North West’s investment potential to companies from around the world.
City and regional partners are pulling together like never before, with a clear vision which we are determined to reach – making Derry and the North West one of the leading locations on the island of Ireland to invest and set up a business. I am proud to have played my role in helping to further realise this ambition this year and I want to thank you all for your support, encouragement, and advice along the way.
I want to wish my successor in this crucial role all the very best for 2023. I also hope you enjoy reading this issue of CONNECTED.
Aidan O’Kane
Outgoing President, Londonderry Chamber of Commerce
Northern Ireland’s leading motor accident management company kick off second year of sponsorship at Derry City F.C.
CRASH Services, who have a Derry~Londonderry office located on the Culmore Road, have renewed their support to Derry City Football Club, with a pitch side advertisement at the club’s home in The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.
The professional club, which was founded in 1928, play in the League of Ireland Premier Division, the top tier of league football in the Republic of Ireland, and are the League of Ireland‘s only participant from Northern Ireland.
Robert Martin, Board Member at Derry City F.C., said “We are extremely grateful to CRASH Services for their continued support and sponsorship of our club. We rely on the generosity of local companies in our community to ensure our ongoing growth and success.”
In the last 25 years, CRASH Services have helped over 100,000 NI motorists after an accident, taking away the hassle, and helping to get them back on the road. A 2020 independent audit described the company as ‘best in class’ noting that they ensure damaged cars are repaired and returned 43% faster than similar businesses.
Sean McLaughlin, from CRASH Services, said the company was only too happy to support the local community since opening its Culmore Road location in the city three years ago. “Derry City F.C. have been an important part of sporting life in the city for many years”, he said. “We are delighted to support the Candystripes and are looking forward to a successful season ahead.”
Find out more about Derry City F.C. and their upcoming fixtures here:
https://www.derrycityfc.net/
LoughTec wins place on public sector framework
Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has awarded a place on its new G-Cloud 13 framework to LoughTec. CCS is the largest public sector procurement organisation in the UK.
This announcement continues the company’s recent success with G-Cloud, having been awarded a place on two previous versions of the framework, G-Cloud 12 and G-Cloud 11.
Under the new framework agreement, LoughTec will continue to provide cloud-based anti-virus and multiscanning technology to the public sector via Lot 2, Cloud Software (SaaS). Public sector organisations utilising this technology will be protected from content and devicebased cyber security threats. Seán McDermott, CEO of LoughTec, said, “This announcement is the culmination of a lot of hard work by the LoughTec team. We are delighted to have been awarded a place on G-Cloud 13 and to continue our successful track record in delivery across this framework. We look forward to further strengthening our relationships with CCS and with the many organisations across the public sector in protecting their critical infrastructure.”
LoughTec’s cloud-based solution will provide public sector organisations with increased malware detection rates, reduced time to detection, and will help protect from zero-day attacks. Features also include having the ability to protect sensitive files from leaving a network, protecting files uploaded through web portals, reducing email threats, and protecting web traffic and downloads from the internet. More than £4bn has already been spent via the G-Cloud frameworks since their introduction, making this framework an extremely attractive procurement vehicle for central government and public sector organisations.
CCS plays an important role in helping the UK public sector save money when buying common goods and services. It uses its commercial expertise to help buyers in central government and across the wider public sector to save time and reduce the cost of procurement.
LoughTec has an extensive track record in assisting customers with their IT infrastructure and cyber security across several sectors, including pharmaceutical, education, health, agri-food, and security.
Aircoach secures deal to acquire North West transport company Airporter
Aircoach, Ireland’s leading private bus and coach operator, has acquired the well-known North West based passenger transport company, Airporter. The deal will see Aircoach expand its commercial operation and increase its daily routes to seven with the new all-island route connecting the North West to Belfast International Airport, Dublin Airport and Dublin City Centre.
The acquisition includes the Airporter base at the Springtown Industrial Estate in the city, and the transfer across of all Airporter drivers and operational staff to Aircoach to service the new timetable and route.
The new service, which launches in the coming weeks, brings a range of new benefits for customers including routes running seven days a week beginning at 01:15am daily; stops at Foyleside Coach Park, Drumahoe Park and Ride, Belfast International Airport, Belfast City Centre, Dublin Airport and O’Connell Street; and reduced fares between Derry/Londonderry and Belfast International Airport by up to £13 based on a return fare. The new service also means that travellers from the North West will now be able to arrive at Dublin Airport for early morning flights to the likes of key European destinations and major US cities.
Dervla McKay, Managing Director of Aircoach, said “Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone for Aircoach with the creation of an all-island service for the first time. This has been made possible with the acquisition of Airporter, a company which has served customers so well for over 25 years to and from the North West. The deal marks a great step forward for Aircoach and we look forward to launching the new route in due course.
“We’re privileged to be Ireland’s leading transport operator, bringing people to work, students to university, reuniting families, and bringing new visitors to our cities from all around the world. This new route is a major addition for those in the North West as it will enhance connectivity for thousands more tourists and visitors throughout the year.
“The new service will further transform airport connectivity for those in the region, reducing fares for passengers and enabling them to avail of early morning flights at the two main airports on the island of Ireland.
“The progress on the completion of the A6 is improving travel time and increasing the viability of this route like never before. Aircoach is fully committed to ensuring that the North West is connected to major travel and economic hubs to improve the attractiveness of the region as a place in which to invest.”
The award-winning company, Aircoach is a subsidiary of First Group plc which is one of the UK and Ireland’s largest transport companies.
Dalradian reduces carbon footprint by 67%
Dalradian, the West Tyrone-based mine exploration and development company, has reduced its total carbon footprint by 67% from its 2019 baseline. This achievement and other proactive measures have helped the company secure Carbon Neutral Plus status for the third year running in 2021.
Between 2020 and 2021, the company reduced its carbon output by 17% due to its carbon management plan. Above and beyond that, further reductions were achieved by switching to renewable electricity. Dalradian also offsets its emissions by supporting an internationally certified project and secured ‘Plus’ status by planting trees in Northern Ireland.
Dalradian’s offsetting project in 2021 transformed a wastewater treatment facility in Bulgaria, reducing methane emissions, fossil fuel use, and the amount of sludge produced at the plant.
The company’s status was accredited by Carbon Footprint Ltd, a leading sustainability and climate change solutions provider. Dr. Wendy Buckley from Carbon Footprint said “It’s great to see Dalradian’s progress over the three years we have worked with them. Every year they strive to find new ways to reduce carbon emissions across all scopes of activity, something which gets more challenging after the initial, easier reductions are made.
“Combined with their support for the scheme in Bulgaria, which is an internationally certified Gold Standard offset project, and local tree-planting, Dalradian has been recognised as a Carbon Neutral Plus organisation.”
Oonagh McKenna, Dalradian’s Sustainability & Community Relations Officer, added “Congratulations are due to everyone at Dalradian for their work on this project. Each year, we bring together people from across the company, working together to identify areas for improvement. The driving force behind the substantial decrease in carbon since 2019 has been the constant effort to increase energy efficiency across all operations. We’ve upgraded lighting, started the process of replacing our diesel-fueled vehicles with electric, and switched to 100% renewable electricity across all our offices.” Dalradian has also begun a native tree nursery project as part of its long-term plans for offsetting and progressive restoration at the proposed mine site. Seeds from a variety of local native tree species have been collected and sown in seed beds, in preparation for planting as saplings.
White Horse Hotel celebrates 30 years in business
The White Horse Hotel is celebrating its 30th anniversary under the Horshi family ownership in 2022. Throughout this time, the White Horse has been dedicated to providing phenomenal guest experiences to business and leisure tourists, as well as to the local market.
Under the Horshi family, the White Horse has developed from a 44 bedroom 3 star inn, to a 58 bedroom 4 star hotel with three suites, pool, sauna, steam room, spa, and two ballrooms.
Having been a significant and growing employer over the last three decades, the hotel is delighted that three of the team have been with them throughout that 30 year period – Susan Doherty (Head Housekeeper), Lenny Gordon (Bar Manager), and Ramona Wylie (Financial Director).
Chairman Issam Horshi served as President of the Northern Ireland Hotel Federation and was awarded an MBE in recognition of his service to tourism in 2016 – a testament to the work he has done in helping transform Derry~Londonderry into the tourist destination that it is today. His passion for the city region and the people of the North West is legendary.
Selina Horshi took up the post of Managing Director in 2018 and has overseen the addition of outdoor hot tubs and a beer garden, a restaurant and bar transformation, and the refurbishment of bedrooms. This work has reestablished the White Horse Hotel as a destination of unintimidating luxury where the Wild Atlantic Way meets the Causeway Coast. The Horshi family is delighted to be celebrating this landmark anniversary with the hotel winning Best Hotel at the North West Business Awards 2022 and being shortlisted for Best Hotel in the Tourism Northern Ireland Giant Spirit Awards 2022 and looks forward to another 30 years of successful trading.
Local men’s charity director recognised
Michael Lynch, Service Director of the charity Men’s Action Network, has been awarded ‘Charity Person of the Year 2022’ for Derry City and Strabane Council area, an award which highlights the positive impact the organisation has within the community.
MAN is a charity that exists to help men identify their inner strength and resilience and, with dedicated support, encourage them to overcome anything that’s restricting them moving forward in their lives.
The charity does this by offering counselling sessions and other services like helping victims of domestic abuse and coercive control from their base within the Old City Factory, Patrick Street, Derry.
On average, men die nearly six years younger than women and are less likely than women to attend their GP on a regular basis, according to statistics. Younger men are also more likely to indulge in risky behaviour leading to accidents and are at a greater risk of death by suicide.
In a bid to address these issues, Men’s Action Network work with a wide range of referral agencies and aim to address the issues that exist in our society. They receive referrals from all local agencies, so if you are speaking with a GP or other agency, ask about their services, or contact the charity directly for further information or to sign up to one of their programmes. They also offer an immediate crisis intervention service that changes and saves lives locally.
One of the main recommendations from numerous studies of men is that there needs to be a greater look at all initiatives directed at improving men’s health collectively. Men should be encouraged to take greater responsibility for their own health which, in turn, allows them to feel more connected to their family and community. Pressures can lessen as men feel the contentment that stems from improved mental and physical wellbeing.
Men’s Action Network aims to help protect and change lives by connecting with those who engage with their services, which have grown since their establishment in the city 28 years ago.
The charity has changed and saved lives across the city and district over the past three decades. If you have a friend, partner, or loved one who could avail of their services, please get in touch at 02871 377777 or Admin@man-ni.org.
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
a day in the life
Name Patricia Page
organisation North West Pest Control Ltd
job title Owner/Technician
Describe what your job involves We provide integrated pest management solutions to facilities management companies, property management companies, and housing associations throughout Northern Ireland. We also provide these services to the hospitality, educational, commercial, and domestic sectors.
Describe in detail a day in your work As the cliché goes, there are no two days the same in this job. I would usually start my day with a team meeting, check schedules, and allocate jobs. The team would then head out and perform routine inspections to various businesses who we provide servicing contracts for. I would usually cover any of the domestic jobs that have come in via housing associations. In terms of facility or property management clients, these could range from dealing with a mouse infestation at one house, maybe rats at another, or indeed fleas or bedbugs somewhere else. I love the variety in this job. Unfortunately, though, at the moment, I’m unable to do any field work due to ongoing health issues but I’m hopeful I’ll be back crawling round attics in no time.
What has been your most memorable day at work? It’s difficult to narrow down my most memorable day as there have been so many. I suppose recently, the most memorable days were when I had a television crew follow my team and I around various jobs culminating in a documentary for the BBC True North Series called ‘The Ratwoman’ which aired in September 2022.
What is your greatest achievement? Personally, my greatest achievement was getting my RSPH Level 3 Award in Integrated Pest Management. It’s known as the ‘Gold Standard’ certification in Pest Control and very few people have it. I’m very proud to say that I was the first Female Technician within the UK and Ireland to have achieved it! I also became a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health which is testament to my longevity and academic success in my chosen field.
What is the best advice you have ever been given in work? The best advice I was ever given was from my dad, Charlie Page, known as the “Ratman”, and that was to always give 100% to any job I go to.
What are the most satisfying aspects of your job? The most satisfying aspect of this job is solving the customer’s pest issue knowing that you’ve made a positive impact. A great example of this was a job we undertook about ten years ago. A family had an ongoing rat issue spanning 20 years. They were continually putting poison down, but the rats kept coming back. They then contacted us, and we carried out an inspection of the external drains and located a fault that was allowing rats to surface and access this particular house via the cavity. After a riddance programme was carried out, we were able to repair the fault and to this day there hasn’t been a reoccurrence.
Equally, the smaller tasks are also satisfying, like successfully removing a wasp nest. I have been approached while dining out, much to the amusement of my wife, by customers that I maybe did a job for several years prior saying that they haven’t had any mice/rats since. It’s all good craic!
What qualities/skills are most important for your role? The qualities that are most important to this job are to have a good listening ear and empathy with the customer. Keep in mind that whatever the pest issue is that it has been very distressing for them. We may have dealt with the problem at hand on countless occasions but it’s a first for them. I have always said that this job is 70% counselling and 30% pest control. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. My job is literally the best job in the world!
Foyleside ready for the festive season
Christmas is now fast approaching and, as the North West’s premier shopping destination, Foyleside Shopping Centre is gearing up for another busy festive period with thousands of people expected to flock to the centre over the coming weeks.
With over 50 stores stocked with Christmas essentials and the latest gift ideas, the choice has never been better for those early present buyers or lastminute shoppers.
Fergal Rafferty, Centre Manager, said, “Knowing that many households will be exchanging Christmas gifts purchased within Foyleside fills us with immense pride. Our role as a family-friendly shopping centre is to ensure that every visitor has a positive experience, which is why we love to interact with our customers whenever we can.”
One of the ways Foyleside does this is through themed events. The centre stages a variety of such events throughout the year to tie in with an array of occasions and seasons – but Christmas is the biggest of the lot.
“Substantial work goes into putting on these events and they don’t come any bigger than Christmas,” said Mr Rafferty.
“As the centre transforms into a winter wonderland right in the heart of Derry, there will be a packed schedule on offer with plenty of festive-themed activities for the whole family to enjoy. The arrival of Santa Claus himself is always a particular highlight and this year will be no different! Keep an eye on our website and social media channels as we’ll be announcing all the details very soon.”
He added, “It’s a great way of bringing people together, whether they live locally or have travelled from further afield. Christmas at Foyleside not only creates a wonderful bustling atmosphere, but it also provides some welcome footfall for our retailers and the wider city, making Derry one of the top tourism destinations this winter.”
FOYLESIDE GIFT CARD
Air Cool Engineering keeps ‘the heart of the home’ warm
As we get older, our ability to control and regulate our body temperature reduces. Coupled with mobility issues and medical needs, it can be difficult for many pensioners to maintain the right temperature in their homes, especially in the colder seasons. Thankfully, air cool engineering NI is on-hand to provide solutions.
One of our clients, an elderly but independent pensioner, liked to sit in her large farmhouse kitchen, but heating ‘the heart of the home’ was becoming more difficult and expensive over the years. Although our client had oil-fired central heating throughout her property, a single radiator could simply
Out with the old
In with the new. The new Mitsubishi Electric M Series delivers efficient heating to the farmhouse kitchen
not achieve comfortable temperatures in her kitchen. Each week our client was spending over £50 on coal and gas just to heat the one room. On a daily basis, the gas Superser heater provided heat in the mornings and, at lunchtime, her family would set and light the multi-fuel stove for their mother.
Outlining the issue at-hand, our client’s daughter said, “With reduced mobility and having to use a walking aid, our mother was physically struggling to keep the fire going throughout the day and evening. While we were conscious of rising energy costs, more importantly, we were concerned about the health and safety risks associated with burning gas and coal for up to twelve hours per day.”
air cool engineering NI was able to advise the family that their mother would benefit by switching to a low carbon air conditioning system, and the Mitsubishi Electric M Series was the perfect solution. Highly responsive, the M Series achieves desired indoor temperatures within minutes and, with its thermostatic sensors, stabilises comfort levels throughout the day too.
Martin Mullan, Managing Director for air cool engineering NI added, “Our elderly client needed a stand-alone, clean and safe heating solution for her large farmhouse kitchen. The Mitsubishi Electric M Series is ideal for small to medium sized spaces and, using advanced heat pump technology, delivers efficient heating in winter and cooling in summer.
Martin continued, “Thermostatic sensors and timers ensure the room temperature is balanced throughout the day. If needed, our client can easily adjust the temperature from the comfort of her chair using the handheld remote control. Alternatively, her family can use the MELCloud App to virtually control the heating function for their mother.”
Our client can easily adjust the heating from the comfort of her chair
Our client’s family added, “Over the last couple of years we could see that our mother was really struggling to keep the large room warm. Constantly feeding the stove with coal and logs became physically difficult for her. She needed a heating system which was easy to control, safe to use and could efficiently keep the kitchen cosy throughout the day. The air conditioning system has made life so much more comfortable for mum. It’s definitely one less worry for the family knowing she’s safe and warm at home.”
As air cool engineering NI proudly holds Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Quality Partner status, all our clients, whether commercial or domestic, can avail of the ten-year warranty on the Mitsubishi Electric equipment installed in their property.
Based in the Limavady, air cool engineering NI is an established and reputable heating, ventilation and air conditioning contractor operating across the island of Ireland. As specialists in the design of energy efficient small and large scale building mechanical services, the team combines experience and specialist knowledge to provide bespoke heating, cooling, and ventilation solutions to meet indoor climate-controlled requirements.
If you’re interested in making the switch to all-electric, efficient heating and cooling get in touch with The Cool Team on +44 (0)28 777 67114 or email sales@ni.aircool.co.uk.
