Connected Magazine Issue 20 by Londonderry Chamber of Commerce

Magazine of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce

ISSUE 20

COMPLIMENTARY COPY

JOE KENNEDY’S U.S. TRADE MISSION TO NORTH WEST SOUL SURVIVOR Meet Jeanette Bryson, the woman behind Coupe restaurant

INSIDE

FinTrU’s Success Story The Clean Energy Future President’s Annual Dinner Chamber Member News

SPECIAL ISSUE:

SUSTAINABILITY AND BUSINESS 1

contents 4 6 16

Message from the CEO

22 42

Chamber Life

56 58

our new Partner and Patron

President’s Message cover story

US Special Envoy Joe Kennedy’s visit to the North West

SOUL SURVIVOR

Jeanette Bryson, the woman behind Coupe restaurant

The Final Word

With Philip Gilliland, Managing Partner of Caldwell and Robinson Solicitors

24 16

Message from the CEO CONNECTED, Londonderry Chamber of Commerce’s full colour publication. Designed and produced by business people for business people. Distributed to businesses across the North West.

CONNECTED Magazine Editor Brown O’Connor Communications Content Editor Carolann Doherty Production & Design Big Moo Design Advertising Carolann Doherty Email Address carolann@londonderrychamber.co.uk Front Cover Image Press Eye

Londonderry Chamber of Commerce President Selina Horshi Chief Executive Anna Doherty Business Development Executive Carolann Doherty Marketing and Events Executive Emile Rainey Accounts Administrator Elisha Kealey t: 028 7126 2379 w: londonderrychamber.co.uk Follow us on:

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, the publisher accepts no responsibility for omissions or errors within this publication. Editorial submissions are included at the discretion of the editor. The opinions expressed in articles within this publication are not necessarily those of the Chamber. All offers, promotions and competitions appearing in CONNECTED are the sole responsibility of the advertiser/promoting party and Londonderry Chamber of Commerce does not accept any responsibility for any representations made within them.

Welcome to the 20th edition of CONNECTED, the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce magazine. I write this after attending our cross-border Future of Energy conference in the Everglades Hotel, which we hosted in partnership with the Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce. We have hosted this conference since 2019 and we welcomed the biggest audience yet. Guests heard from renewable energy experts about the pioneering work they are doing to help safeguard our future, and we explored the practical changes we can make in our own businesses to help meet the challenge of rising energy costs, which has impacted on all of us. You can read more about our conference on pages 28 and 29. Since the last edition of Connected was published, the Chamber team has continued to bang the drum for the North West and we were thrilled to be able to welcome the US Envoy for Economic Affairs, Joe Kennedy III to Derry in October. Mr Kennedy was accompanied by a large group of American investors who were in town to see what the North West city region has to offer businesses who are considering investing. That visit has already borne fruit and we are grateful to Derry City and Strabane District Council, the US Consulate and Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service Jayne Brady for making a trip to the North West a central part of that wider US business trip. Of course, this has been another testing year for business and it would be remiss of me not to mention those very significant challenges. We continue to experience steep rises in the cost of doing business and we have no Executive or functioning Assembly with the ability to make decisions that can mitigate against these hurdles. Our team have been doing everything we can to highlight those challenges and we continue to meet with political leaders here, as well as in London and Dublin, to call for renewed efforts to restore power sharing and the devolved institutions. I do hope that when you delve into this magazine, what jumps out of these pages is the spirit of determination, resolve and positivity in the face of adversity. The business leaders within these pages that we have spoken to over the past few weeks, prove to us that were it not for this attitude, this would be a very different place. As 2023 draws to a close, I would like to place on record my thanks to all of the businesses that I have met with this year, who have made my job so enjoyable, who support the work of Chamber, and who go to work every day to invest in our region and provide jobs and prosperity for the people who live here. I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a peaceful holiday season and look forward to seeing you in 2024. Anna Doherty Chief Executive, Londonderry Chamber of Commerce

BISHOP’S GATE HOTEL

Local Hotelier Ciaran O’Neill Appointed to Tourism NI Board North West hotelier Ciaran O’Neill has been appointed to the Board of Tourism Northern Ireland. The managing director at the awardwinning Bishop’s Gate Hotel in Derry was among five new members announced by Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris. Ciaran and the other successful candidates, Aileen Martin, Linda MacHugh, Áine Gallagher and Colin Johnston, will bring a wealth of private and public sector experience to the Board. With extensive backgrounds in corporate governance, financial management, strategic thinking, business improvement and the hotel and hospitality industry,

their knowledge and skills will be key to ensuring tourism goes from strength to strength at what promises to be an exciting time for the sector. Beyond his professional achievements, Ciaran has made lasting contributions to the tourism industry landscape, including a decade of service on the Board of Visit Derry. His 14-year tenure on the Board of the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation culminated in his role as President in 2016. Ciaran has also invested much time and energy in nurturing future talent in the tourism sector through his role as chair of the Hospitality and Tourism Skills

Network (HATs) and his commitment to education as chairperson of the Board of Governors at St Cecilia’s College. Tourism NI has responsibility for the development of tourism product and experience across Northern Ireland as well as the marketing of Northern Ireland as a tourist destination to visitors within Northern Ireland and from the Republic of Ireland.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Welcome to all our members and thank you to everyone who has contributed to this edition of CONNECTED. This is my final magazine as President of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce – and what an immensely enjoyable and inspiring year it has been. The past 12 months have remained challenging for local businesses, but on so many occasions and across so many sectors I have been privileged to witness first-hand the resilience, optimism and agility of our entrepreneurs to overcome difficulties and to succeed at what they do. The economic forecast for local businesses remains uncertain, with predictions of a stagnating economy and warnings of persistent inflation. Despite renewed calls for a reduction in energy and fuel prices, prices remain prohibitively expensive. Meanwhile, the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact households and workers, with retail sales recently falling to a two-year low. With hard-pressed consumers cutting back on spending, it’s essential that when we do go out to shop this Christmas, we do so in our wonderful local stores. As I write, there are glimmers of hope that progress may be being made to restore the Assembly and a functioning Executive. Time and again over the last year, that message has come across loud and clear to me: we need to have power-sharing government returned to Northern Ireland. For the region to truly prosper, we must have all the parties

back round the table at Stormont, working hard to deliver for the people who live and do business here. Uncertainty is no use to anyone. Stability, however, brings investment, opportunity and potential. Let us hope that if a political breakthrough is achieved in the coming weeks, businesses will be poised to benefit from the many opportunities afforded by our unique position with access to both the UK and European economic markets. The North West has so much to offer – a dynamic, skilled workforce, border proximity, our university campus, our port and airport, with its welcome new London Heathrow route – but it needs more investment, more jobs, better jobs. Chamber provides such an important voice when it comes to highlighting what has been achieved and what needs to happen next and it’s been a privilege to be able to play my part in speaking up for the region and in engaging with political leaders. If the past year has brought inevitable challenges, it has also brought much to celebrate. With the drive to net zero going up a gear, it’s been amazing to hear just how many local companies are already embracing clean energy by making significant steps on cutting emissions. That’s called progress, of course. That’s called embracing the future. That’s what we do best in this part of the world. As I said when I stepped

into this role 12 months ago, businesses here lead the way in innovation, enterprise and industry. As I hand over my Presidential chain of office, I’d like to thank all of you for your support and encouragement over the past year. I’d also like to wish my successor, Greg McCann, of FinTrU, all the very best for his time in this important role. All that remains for me is to wish you and yours a very happy Christmas and a very prosperous 2024. Selina Horshi President of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce

BUSINESS MEETINGS AND EVENT SPACE £75 half day room hire, £125 full day room hire. Three rooms available, catering to all party sizes. For more information, please contact reception below

028 71 279 111

NEWS

A lesson in going green from St Cecilia’s They’re known as “the girls in green” – and at St Cecilia’s they think green too! Since the school’s Environmental Club was founded in 2014, pupils have been implementing a wide range of eco-friendly initiatives to reduce plastic, encourage recycling and make ‘fast fashion’ go out of style. Thanks to the efforts of club members, there are now recycling bins in every room in the school. Each week volunteers carefully empty the bins, sorting the content into the correct recycling bags and ensuring it isn’t contaminated with other waste. Their hard work and initiative have prevented thousands of bags going into general waste bins, which would then go to landfill. Due to pressure from the club, plastic cutlery is no longer used in the canteen, and it also strongly

encourages the use of St Cecilia-branded stainless steel bottles for water, with every first year pupil given their very own one. Water taps throughout the school make it easy to get a refill. The club is also devising a new campaign to encourage everyone to make regular use of a new battery recycling box which will be installed in the school soon. Plenty of house points will go to pupils who recycle! This year members are particularly excited with their entry, ‘Swap with Style’, in the all-Ireland ECOUNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards competition. The project includes holding a ‘Swap Shop’ at school each term when staff and pupils can exchange clothes rather than buying more “fast fashion”. The aim is to reduce the

amount of textile waste going to landfill. Keep an eye out on the school’s social media platforms for more information. St Cecilia’s achieved runner-up status in these awards pre-pandemic so pupils are hopeful they might just clinch the top spot this time. But that’s not the Environment Club’s only ambition – plans for the future include being given the Eco Schools Green Flag status and getting an electric car charging point within the grounds. Most important of all, however, is the members’ goal to create daily awareness of environmental protection and the need for sustainability throughout the school community and city.

NORTH WEST STUDIO IS CROWNED ULSTER TATLER INTERIOR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR Shauna Stewart and her team from Coleraine design studio Velvet Interiors are celebrating being crowned 2023 Ulster Tatler Interior Designer of the Year. The award, which was presented at a glittering ceremony hosted at Belfast City Hall, joins the growing number of accolades for the North Coast business. Renowned for creating a relaxed luxury aesthetic that is both practical and liveable, the Velvet team design and manage a wide range of projects, from Victorian

renovations and coastal retreats to modern, passive houses. Shauna, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the interiors industry, works with her team of specialists to create dream homes and spaces throughout Ireland.

Velvet Interiors is at The Cottage, 23 Drumcroone Road, Coleraine, BT51 4EB. Studio, by appointment, tel: 028 2955 7528 or email shauna@velvetinteriors. co.uk. Retail shop open Wed-Sat, 9.30am-5.30pm.

NEWS

SOARING NUMBER OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS LEADS TO UU BUSINESS SCHOOL APPOINTING MORE STAFF Ulster University Business School at the Derry~Londonderry campus has experienced rapid growth over the last four years under the tenure of Professor Sandra Moffett. Undergraduate applications have been increasing at a rate of 33% each year, which means it is now a selecting rather than recruiting university, and international growth has been phenomenal. The Business School has gone from just two international students in 2018 to a current enrolment of 330 – a welcome boost in numbers that has presented new challenges for the Department of Global Business and Enterprise. As a result, the university has appointed new lecturing staff on the campus, created a new compliance manager role and increased the administration and marketing team. Following an in-depth review of the Business School’s undergraduate provision, it will offer a new suite of Global Business degrees where students can opt to specialise in areas such as Accounting, Marketing, Enterprise, Data Analytics and Sustainability. All of these courses have been created in response to the needs of our local, regional and international business partners.

MPA Recruitment recognised as one of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies – again! MPA Recruitment is celebrating being named as one of Deloitte’s Best Managed Companies in Ireland for the third consecutive year.

The BSc Marketing will expand its already strong presence in the North West and the Accounting and Finance provision has recently introduced a Degree Apprenticeship HLA in Accounting and Finance. At postgraduate level the campus offers highly popular courses in areas such as International Business, International Accounting with Analytics and Leadership and Innovation in the Public Sector, a course shared in partnership with the Atlantic Technological University at its Donegal campus. Two further PG courses, MSc Sustainable Management and MSc Global Sustainable Tourism, will be introduced in September 2024. The recruitment of new staff at Ulster University Business School, Derry~Londonderry campus, as part of increased recruitment across all three university campuses, corresponds with the appointment of Professor Sandra Moffett as Interim Executive Dean for Ulster University Business School from November 1 this year.

The Derry agency was among 130 indigenous companies from 24 counties across the island to be recognised in the prestigious awards, which are run in partnership with Bank of Ireland. These businesses have a combined turnover of €17 billion, with €3 billion in export sales, and employ more than 53,000 people across a variety of sectors including manufacturing, technology, construction, and food and beverage. Speaking after lifting the honour at the September 14 ceremony, a delighted Paul McQue, CEO of MPA Recruitment, paid tribute to staff for continuing to grow the business. He said: “We are incredibly proud of our teams throughout our locations here in Ireland and in Canada, and of course this award doesn’t come without an outstanding leadership team. “We also recognise that the world of work is continually evolving and being a part of this programme over the past three years with Deloitte has enabled us to continually analyse and benchmark our operations and strategy for the future, as we continue to grow our international footprint into new sectors and territories.” The consistent recognition for a third year now reflected MPA Recruitment’s commitment to excellence, he added. Winning the accolade involved a rigorous assessment process which scrutinised the management team and the company’s business strategy. As well as considering financial performance, judges evaluated strategic planning, talent strategy and dedication to environmental, social and governance standards.

Ronan Davison-Kernan, senior engineer, SONI, and Eimear Watson, head of Networks NI at SONI, want your feedback on proposed strategy

POWER TO THE PEOPLE… HAVE YOUR SAY ON FUTURE OF ELECTRICITY IN NORTH WEST SONI, the electricity transmission system operator for Northern Ireland, wants to hear the views of businesses and communities in the North West about its Transmission Development Plan for Northern Ireland (TDPNI). Proposals include strengthening the grid in the North West and Mid Tyrone areas to support economic development and to facilitate decarbonisation of the electricity supply. The strategic development will also involve bolstering the interconnection with GB and ROI by increasing capacity of the Moyle Interconnector and constructing a new North South Interconnector.

Essential upgrades will improve reliability and lower consumer costs by enabling cleaner, renewable sources of electricity onto the system, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This will help to deliver climate targets of 80% renewable generation of electricity by 2030, and net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The TDPNI outlines SONI’s action plan for the next ten years, which will be reviewed, updated and consulted upon every two years. Alan Campbell, managing director of SONI, said: “The Transmission Development Plan for Northern Ireland 2023-2032 is our blueprint for preparing the grid for future growth and a cleaner energy future. It outlines the essential projects that we intend to deliver over

the next 10 years to support our renewable targets, and to guarantee a secure, reliable electricity supply that is fit for the future. Eimear Watson, head of Networks NI at SONI, added: “Through this consultation we want to provide everyone with the opportunity to view and submit feedback on our proposals.” The TDPNI, which involves a £630 million capital investment, would also involve modernising parts of Greater Belfast grid and upgrading the transmission system in County Antrim, to increase the amount of clean energy that can be transported from where it is generated to where it is needed. To make a submission, visit consult.soni.ltd.uk before December 22.

NEWS

BROWN O’CONNOR COMMUNICATIONS WINs MAJOR AWARD FOR HISTORIC BANK BUILDINGS REOPENING Congratulations are in order for the team at Brown O’Connor Communications following their success at the Belfast Chamber Business Awards 2023 in winning the ‘Communication Excellence’ award. Brown O’Connor was among six businesses shortlisted for the accolade, which celebrates a company that has successfully developed and implemented a marketing or communication strategy or campaign that has delivered measurable benefits. A full-service communications consultancy specialising in public affairs and media relations, Brown O’Connor took home the coveted award for its project with Primark in winter 2022, aimed at revitalising Belfast city centre with the reopening of the historic Bank Buildings.

The project followed four years of restoration after the listed building was destroyed by fire in August 2018, impacting a key commercial part of the city centre for months. The Brown O’Connor team, with their wealth of experience delivering strategic media relations campaigns and stakeholder engagement, was asked by Primark to support the management of the reopening of one of its biggest stores, both in terms of strategic corporate communications and political and stakeholder engagement.

Celebrating success (from left) Chris Brown, Arlene O’Connor and Jenna Bradley, all from Brown O’Connor Communications, with Marty Heatley, of award sponsor Global

The consultancy delivered a stakeholder and media relations campaign in close partnership with Primark, advising the retailer’s team throughout and supporting the

return to their former home by celebrating the £100m investment and creation of 300 new jobs. Having secured national media attention, Brown O’Connor was recognised by the Belfast Chamber Business Awards panel for its innovative and strategic approach to a sensitive communications campaign.

HOW PLAYHOUSE IS CHANGING ‘ARTITUDE’ ON RECYCLING The Playhouse works with partners Zero Waste North West, Northern Ireland Resources Network, Queen’s University and Derry City and Strabane District Council to deliver public campaigns, a volunteer programme, a conference to share learning and the publishing of useful resources. The Playhouse is getting creative at encouraging us to protect the environment by embracing recycling and thinking more about the impact of our actions on climate change. Its Artitude project aims to inspire behaviour change by engaging with communities to raise awareness about the circular economy, where products and materials never become waste but are kept in circulation by processes like reuse and composting so that nature is regenerated.

Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, Artitude uses workshops, exhibitions and festivals to reach new audiences, raising awareness about wider climate and ecological concerns. The project is part of a distinctive movement, led by Zero Waste North West and The

Environmental Gathering based in the Derry and Strabane city region and connected to global campaigns, including those of indigenous communities raising awareness of post-extractivist economics and the rights of nature. Kevin Murphy, chief executive of The Playhouse, said: “The climate emergency demands that we change our way of life, and the challenge is that people think this is a negative thing for them. This allows us to use the arts to help change that story by helping people make choices which will improve their quality of life and support climate action.” For further information visit www.derryplayhouse.co.uk

A DAY IN THE LIFE

a day in the life Name Patrick Lynch

Age 39

Hometown Derry

organisation Bioledger

Job title Owner

WHAT DOES YOUR JOB INVOLVE? We provide supply chain traceability and sustainability compliance software for companies in waste, agriculture and fuel markets. To build those products before they are needed, we need to be ahead of sustainability regulators in Europe and USA and in tune with how our customers want to run their businesses. It involves a lot of listening and engagement with those people around the world on video calls and on sites. We then work designs with the development team to keep the apps improving so that it sells and we can keep the cycle fuelled with revenue. I do a bit of it all.

DESCRIBE A DAY AT YOUR WORK? I work from home in Muff so if I haven’t been up late, I can catch the sun rise over Lough Foyle – pure magic. Normally 50% of the day is 30-minute to one hour calls with prospective or existing customers. Because we sell to international supply chains the team will talk to companies in South East Asia, China or Australia in the morning through until midnight with customers in California. Our team is based in Ireland, Spain

and Poland so we use digital communication channels to work together all day. We have scheduled calls dedicated to development sprints, design, regulatory updates, customer support or finance. Occasionally, I will travel to conferences or industry association meetings in Brussels, London or in the US or Asia. The City of Derry flight to London is a lifeline. When I get the chance I like to work from the Amp in Ebrington, Ormeau Baths in Belfast, Inishowen Innovation hub in Buncrana and Dogpatch labs in Dublin so that I can meet local people who have trod the path before or beside me.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE DAY AT WORK? The first day I saw a waste collector in Ghana using our mobile app to manage their collection route and record food waste recycling at restaurants in Accra.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT? Being able to finally come home to Derry/Inishowen with my fiancé and have a fulfilling

career close to our friends and family.

TELL US THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN IN WORK My father was a civil engineer in Nigeria and enjoyed the human side of his work the most. He taught me to enjoy every conversation and that we have something to learn from every person we are lucky enough to meet.

WHAT ARE THE MOST SATISFYING/ FULFILLING ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB? The Derry streak in me gets a kick from disrupting the way big companies and governments work by publicly demonstrating that there is a better way. Working with farmers and people in the waste industry also feels very impactful as they literally shape our planet during their work and have the capability to save or destroy it.

WHAT QUALITIES/SKILLS ARE MOST IMPORTANT FOR YOUR ROLE? Resilience, patience and thran-ness when working in a highly regulated environment where change is often slow and opposed.

Your Ideal Conference location Suitable for events from 2 - 600 delegates 4 Conference rooms Equipped with Projector & Screens plus Microphone 80 well appointed bedrooms Catering to large events with seperate dining rooms Large on-site carpark Leisure facilities including swimming pool, sauna and steam room plus gym complimentary WIFI access throughout hotel

Inishowen Gateway hotel, Railway Road, Buncrana, Co Donegal Tel: 00353 7493 61144 Email: sales@inishowengateway.com Web: inishowengateway.com

FINTRU

Fast growing journey continues for FinTrU in the North West Greg McCann and Kathleen McDermott tell CONNECTED how the RegTech company’s global success highlights the talented workforce in the region Greg McCann saw the 2008 world banking crash from the inside so the FinTrU executive director and head of its North West base knows all about challenging days at the office and what it takes to survive and excel in business. Greg’s career has gone from manufacturing to RegTech via economic development and banking – and he is set to become the next President of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce. McCann exudes energy, positivity and ambition. People in the North West “want to show that positive change can happen”, he says. To prove his point, he cites the rapid expansion of financial RegTech company FinTrU, which works with the world’s leading global financial institutions offering technology-enabled services in risk, legal, compliance and know your customer (KYC). “We have people located in our business in Derry/Londonderry who are working straight into Wall Street – that didn’t exist five years ago,” he says. “When we expanded to the North West in 2018, we had an office of 20 people

Kathleen McDermott and Greg McCann say building resilience is essential in the modern workplace

– now we have 400 working in the city having announced plans to create an additional 300 jobs in February of this year. What this city needs is more of that – more investment. FinTrU has shown that the talent is here, the capability is here and the connectivity is here to do these highly skilled, value-added roles.” Also joining us for this interview is FinTrU executive director, Kathleen McDermott. Her role focuses on client delivery for the global financial institutions that FinTrU works with every day. She leads teams across Derry/ Londonderry, Belfast and Letterkenny. Kathleen is also the Senior Sponsor of the company’s Women in Finance Committee, whose mission is to promote gender balance in what is a traditionally male-dominated financial industry – as well as to develop female leaders for the future. FinTrU recently won the ‘Diversity & Inclusion’ award at this year’s Belfast Chamber Business Awards. When asked what advice she would give to someone starting out in their career, Kathleen was keen to share her experiences.

“Resilience is a key skill, the world of employment is constantly evolving and changing, and you need to be agile and pivot utilising your transferable skills. One thing I’ve learned to build resilience is to move around internally within a business. It’s important to keep it fresh, you have transferable skills, and moving into something new allows you to test yourself and widen your experiences. It enables you to build a broader perspective of the business.” Recently, FinTrU welcomed a cohort of more than 100 new graduates in Northern Ireland. On a ‘meet the leadership’ session, the graduates asked “what advice would you give people starting out in their career?” Kathleen says her advice was “connect with others in the office and role model the behaviour of other people”. Kathleen adds: “Find someone you look up to, someone you feel you can

FINTRU

learn from, and ask them to be your mentor – someone who will support you but also make you push outside your comfort zone. “We appreciate that recent graduates have not had the same in-person engagement due to remote learning during Covid. We support them during their transition into the workplace as we truly believe they will benefit from a rich experience by working side by side with colleagues in a thriving and high-performance office environment. “There is a transparent career pathway at FinTrU, and we have an expression which is ‘what got you here won’t get you there’ in terms of the next level. So, it is vitally important that you do not stand still as the complex nature of our industry is always challenging us in a positive way. You must be flexible and pick up new skills all through your career to continually develop professionally – which for me is exciting.” Greg also highlighted the importance of resilience: “I’m nearer retirement age than recruitment age! I’m still learning. You need that willingness to keep learning new skills at all stages of your career.” FinTrU helps global investment banks and financial institutions to fulfil their regulatory obligations and combat financial crime. Prior to FinTrU, Greg was the head of financial risk at Ulster Bank which gave him a great insight into the financial regulatory space. “Banks have been increasingly regulated since the crash in 2008 and that’s a huge challenge for them,” he says. “Google ‘bank fines’ and you’ll see numerous banks in the world incurring large fines for having inadequate systems and controls. There are

criminal individuals and organisations trying to beat the system through money laundering activities, fraud, bribery and corruption. It’s the responsibility of banks to understand what’s happening with their own systems.” Kathleen adds: “FinTrU has a niche in the market because we blend both a people solution and a technology solution to do that forward-thinking on behalf of the banks. We have the financial and technical expertise, and we work with our clients to define their problems in order for us to create the solutions. We are being responsive to their requirements and working in a collaborative manner – which ensures that we target their highest priorities.” The Financial Times has named FinTrU, which has a 1,400-plus workforce at sites across the UK, Ireland and now Portugal, as one of Europe’s fastest growing companies in recent years. Proud of its strong sustainability credentials, it runs a fleet of electric vehicles powered by energy from solar panels at FinTrU House in Belfast. All its paper is recycled, its pens are wooden and their branded hoodies are made from organic materials. FinTrU has a highly progressive people-focused culture. For example, the company has an

‘early births’ policy to help parents whose baby arrives prematurely and a menopausal policy to support employees. Another benefit is ‘FinTrU Unplugged’ which is a four-week paid sabbatical for those who reach five years of service at the company. Greg himself recently returned from ‘four weeks unplugged’ inter-railing around Europe. “It is a fantastic benefit for our people which rewards commitment. It enables you to unplug from the system completely and log out take a break from your work,” he says. “Retention of staff is a huge thing for all businesses now – getting your talent is one thing, keeping them is another. If people don’t feel valued, they’ll leave. We work very hard in FinTrU at making our people feel valued. Our business is our people.” The break has certainly fired his enthusiasm for the year ahead as Chamber President: “We had the North West US trade delegation here in October, which was great, but obviously a fully functioning Executive would help maximise these opportunities. I am looking forward to building on FinTrU’s success in the North West. We are a very good example of what is achievable – a local business performing at the highest level on the global stage.”

Joe Kennedy leads u.s. trade delegation on visit to North West The US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs Joe Kennedy III has fast been making his mark since being appointed to the post by President Biden earlier this year.

Promising that he would bring a senior US business delegation to NI, Mr Kennedy spearheaded a group of around 40 senior business leaders who arrived in Belfast in late October and spent a week here.

Mr Kennedy has become a familiar face in Northern Ireland in recent months, making multiple trips to the region and meeting business leaders, elected representatives, community groups and students.

Chamber was thrilled to meet the senior group when they visited the North West and spent a day taking in our city’s famous sights including a trip to the Tower Museum to learn about our famous Derry Girls, and

also making time to meet business leaders at an event in the Guildhall hosted by Derry City and Strabane District Council. Chamber’s Chief Executive Anna Doherty joined the group at the Guildhall event: “It was fantastic to meet Mr Kennedy and the senior US business representatives that joined him on this special visit to Derry. Chamber has been relentless this year in talking about our potential

NEWS

and the need for greater investment in a bid to balance the regional economy. We have a workforce that is both talented and highly skilled, including a pipeline of qualified students emerging from North West Regional College and Ulster University. The hub we have created here is thriving. We have hugely benefitted here from US companies like Seagate and Allstate and we hope those business leaders who took the time to visit, recognise what a strong proposition the North West is for any business.” Head of the Civil Service, Jayne Brady said: “The recent visit by the Senior US Business delegation, led by US Special Envoy Joe Kennedy III, was a great success and really helped to showcase what makes Northern Ireland a compelling investment proposition for US investors. “It was clear from talking to members of the delegation how impressed they were with our flourishing entrepreneurial ecosystem, our young talented workforce and our expertise in research and innovation. “During their visit, the delegation had the opportunity to visit the North West and experience key tourism sites including the stunning Peace Bridge, historic city walls and fantastic Derry Girls mural.

“They also had very positive discussions with local businesses in areas such as Fintech, Digital and Creative, Advanced Manufacturing and Life and Health Sciences. “I want to thank everyone involved, from industry and tourism, to our

universities and local government for their significant efforts in hosting the delegation and shining a light on the best of what we have to offer. We must keep the momentum going, continue to build relationships and create a legacy with real benefits for people here.”

Together, We Go Further with Planet Agenda The LYCRA Company, a global leader in developing durable, sustainable and innova�ve fibre and technology solu�ons for the apparel and personal care industries, recently released the publica�on of its second annual Planet Agenda Update and its abridged Global Sustainability Scorecard for fiscal year 2022. These documents report on the company’s progress toward achieving its 2030 sustainability goals announced in last year’s publica�on. Planet Agenda is the name of The LYCRA Company’s sustainability framework that touches every aspect of its business and is built on three pillars: product sustainability, manufacturing excellence and corporate responsibility. The sustainability goals outlined in these documents are organized around these pillars and align with five of the United Na�ons Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This update tracks 2022 performance against 2030 targets.

Highlights of the report include news on innova�ve products for sustainable fashion, including fibres made from recycled and renewable inputs to reduce carbon emissions as well as durable fibres for long wear life; the company's recent collabora�on with Qore®, a joint venture between Cargill and HELM, to enable bio-derived LYCRA® fibre; and a notable reduc�on in greenhouse gas emissions driven in part by the company’s Maydown, Northern Ireland site conver�ng its purchased electricity to renewable sources through Energy A�ribu�on Cer�ficates (EACs). In support of its 2030 Sustainability Goals, The LYCRA Company uses both the Higg Facili�es Environmental Module (FEM) and the Higg Facili�es Social and Labor Module (FSLM) to benchmark its environmental, social, and labor performance. 18

The company's Maydown, Northern Ireland site achieved top-quar�le performance in both the Higg FEM and Higg FSLM. “Our customers, employees and local community deserve a more sustainable future. Planet Agenda is our company’s shared endeavour, united in the belief, that to have a healthy business we must have a healthy planet,” said Dr. Nigel Hand, The LYCRA Company’s Plant Manager at the Maydown, Northern Ireland Site. To download a copy of the 2022 Planet Agenda Update or 2022 Global Sustainability Scorecard, visit lycra.com/update.

Learn More About Our Latest Sustainability Update

LYCRA.com/Update

AIB MS

Why AIB Merchant Services is the perfect payments partner for your business In today’s fast-paced business environment you need solutions that are reliable and that deliver. Having a payment partner you can trust is fundamental to your business success story. AIB Merchant Services is Ireland’s largest payment solutions provider. From acquiring services and payment gateways to terminal diversity we offer a wide array of solutions tailored to your business needs. Our versatile product portfolio allows us to cater for businesses in any environment whether you’re operating online, in-store or on the go. Paul Ryan, integrations manager at AIB Merchant Services, explains: “We understand that today’s business is not a ‘one size fits all’. You need technology that is reliable and versatile and can work with your business as you grow.”

Acquiring services that deliver AIB Merchant Services (AIBMS) deliver smooth, secure and swift transaction processing, ensuring your customers have a seamless and reliable payment experience. We provide authorisation for more than 200 currencies without any FX surcharges and we guarantee next day settlement to your account. Which means you can focus on what you do best – running your business.

Powerful and secure payment gateway In today’s digital economy, your next customer could be anywhere in the world. Authipay, the powerful payment gateway from AIB Merchant Services, allows you to connect to your customers in a safe and secure way wherever they are. By seamlessly integrating with the AIBMS platform, it creates a streamlined solution for payment acceptance and acquiring services: • Accepts a range of payment methods including Google and Apple Pay • Secure payment gateway • Fast and efficient service • Multiple integrations And with security and fraud issues on the increase, you can rely on AIB Merchant Services to provide a secure and stable platform helping protect your business and customer data from potential threats.

Terminal diversity to meet your business needs AIB Merchant Services provides a range of terminal options to suit your business

whether you need countertop terminals, mobile solutions or virtual terminals for online payments. Our range of award-winning, cuttingedge EPOS systems are designed to speed up payments, shorten queues and transform your customer experience. Choose from the Clover Station Pro, Clover Mini, Clover Flex or the versatile range of Pax and Ingenico devices. Whatever you decide you’re guaranteed safe, secure and reliable technology with a smooth integration to your business.

Bespoke solutions tailored to your unique business AIB Merchant Services prides itself on delivering bespoke solutions to cater to your specific business needs. Our diverse product portfolio allows us to provide customisable solutions that address the needs and challenges of your growing business. One of our most adaptable solutions is the Pax Pro, which offers flexibility, scalability and enhanced security, making it a standout choice for businesses seeking tailored payment solutions. Whether you’re a small business looking to grow or a large company looking to optimise your payment processing systems, AIB Merchant Services has a solution for you. Talk to our sales team today at www.aibms.com.

Connecting Businesses across the island of Ireland

AIB Merchant Services is the leading provider of payment solutions in Ireland, serving businesses across the island. We offer the latest in both online and offline payment technology, tailored to the unique needs and scale of your business. To find out how we can accelerate your business to new heights, contact us today www.aibms.com First Merchant Processing (Ireland) DAC, trading as AIB Merchant Services, is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

CHAMBER LIFE

Minister of State Steve Baker MP (second left) with Chamber Board Members Greg McCann, Vice President, Aidan O’Kane and Selina Horshi, President

From trade talks to TikTok… a busy diary for Chamber There was no break in activity for the busy Chamber team over the summer season – and it has been non-stop since then too. Over recent months we have met with elected representatives, hosted member seminars and workshops, represented the North West in London and Dublin and welcomed international visitors to our shores to explain why the region is such a prime location for investment and job creation. Oh, and we also found time for our annual President’s Dinner. In July, we were grateful to Trade NI for the invitation to travel to Dublin to attend a reception with the Tánaiste Micheál Martin at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Iveagh House.

Our Chief Executive Anna Doherty joined a delegation of around 40 other business leaders who spoke with the Tánaiste and his team about the economic potential of the North West and how we can increase cross-border trade and drive the all-island economy. Trade NI – an alliance comprising three of Northern Ireland’s largest trade bodies, Hospitality Ulster, Manufacturing NI, and Retail NI – presented its ‘Prosperity Dividend’ prospectus, a document described as a blueprint for economic growth over the next decade. Also in July, we welcomed Minister of

State Steve Baker MP to the city for a discussion about attracting foreign investment soon to the North West, once again making the case as to why it’s such an ideal location. We were really keen to impress upon the minister how collaboration and partnership working is already very strong here and the limitless potential of what we can achieve together if we are given the proper tools to do so from the UK government. In August, Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris MP attended a

Anna Doherty, Chamber CEO, and Selina Horshi, Chamber President, with Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris and a delegation of regional business and industry stakeholders

The delicious grazing boards at our September Networking event in the Millennium Forum’s new Speakeasy

Selina Horshi, Chamber President, and Anna Doherty, Chamber CEO, with Tánaiste Micheál Martin at the Department of Foreign Affairs

meeting in Derry city centre hosted by Chamber, with our President Selina Horshi chairing a joint engagement with a large delegation of regional business and industry stakeholders.

Anna Doherty, Chamber CEO, presenting at the CBPES Seminar

Incidentally, it was terrific to see the Secretary of State and his team use the new route between Heathrow and the City of Derry to travel to the region.

We continued our series of meetings with political leaders during the last quarter, to raise our Continued overleaf

CHAMBER LIFE

very valid and growing concerns about the political impasse and lack of functioning Executive in Northern Ireland and have met with representatives from the five main political parties. In September, the Chamber in partnership with Cross Border Partnership Employment Services (CPBES) and in collaboration with Letterkenny Chamber hosted a seminar for SMEs on employment incentives and support available to employers in the crossborder region. This discussion was aimed at encouraging local SMEs to interact and benefit from free CBPES recruitment services. Of course, our member services are as much a focus as the external engagement we undertake with Chamber and happily there has been a busy schedule of significant events and meet-ups in recent months. In September, we hosted our annual networking event in the fabulous surroundings of the Speakeasy at The Millennium Forum. As well as being delighted to welcome a number of new members, it was great to get an opportunity to catch up with more familiar faces.

Hayley Quinnell, Digi Media Management

With social media now an essential means of reaching customers and growing your brand, we ran a workshop in September on how to maximise your impact on Instagram and TikTok. Hayley Quinnell, founder of Digi Media Management, based in Derry, gave an excellent talk, including advice on creating captivating content and insights into enhancing audience engagement. What better way to finish this round up of Chamber Life than on a high? One of the most exciting developments in the region this year has been the launch of the aforementioned City of Derry to London Heathrow service, which is operated by Loganair.

Anna Doherty, Chamber CEO, Aaron Burns, London Heathrow, Selina Horshi, Chamber President, Steve Frazer, Managing Director City of Derry Airport, Brenda Morgan, Head of Business Development City of Derry Airport, Jason Kearns, Account Manager Etihad Airways, Jonathan Hinkles, Chief Executive Loganair

The airport is such a vital component in our economic engine and provides a crucial link between businesses in the North West and the rest of the world so it was fantastic to celebrate the opening of this route at a special event at the Everglades Hotel.

Hosted by the City of Derry Airport team, partnering with the Chamber, Loganair, Etihad Airways, Heathrow Airport and the wider business

community, the get-together was also an opportunity to find out more about the new international flight connections now available.

PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL DINNER

All the President’s men and women from worlds of business and politics gather for ANNUAL GALA DINNER The 65th Londonderry Chamber President’s Annual Dinner was a glittering occasion celebrating the very best of business in the North West – but also one that delivered a hard-hitting message. Around 300 guests, including business representatives, politicians, dignitaries and civic leaders, heard a strident call for a redoubling of efforts to ensure the region is prioritised for investment. Chamber President Selina Horshi said that the North West city region had the potential to become a world class leader in areas like RegTech, life sciences and advanced manufacturing, but stressed that it must be given the tools it needed to do the job. Delivering her address to an audience that included special guest, newly appointed US Consul General James Applegate, she welcomed the commitment by Invest NI to increase resources for sub-regional offices like Derry and bring forward an

The FinTrU Team

The Find Insurance team

Anna Doherty, Chamber CEO, US Consul General James Applegate, Jonathan McKeown, Proprietor CRASH Services Ltd and JMK Solicitors, Maurece Hutchinson, Director JMK Solicitors, Selina Horshi, Chamber President

economic plan with clear targets to address the current imbalance. Selina said: “Our aim is to bring investment to this region that supports our people, our businesses and our economy. We warrant special consideration in the North West City Region – partly to redress the historical under investment and high deprivation levels here, but also to recognise the potential John McLaughlin wins a prize during the raffle we have with the unique strengths of our border proximity, for clear targets for this area in terms of familiarity with multi-jurisdictional resourcing, job creation, job quality, and operating, the potential of our port, increased productivity and are pleased to airport, growing university campus, see this feedback being taken on board emerging RegTech and life science in the Invest NI action plan published this clusters and our critical mass of week.” population. Selina also pledged to continue to “fight “We have worked hard to for the opportunities to come here,” strengthen our relationship with adding: “We will work in collaboration with Invest Northern Ireland, calling Invest NI and other strategic city partners to Continued overleaf

PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL DINNER

US Consul General James Applegate with Stephen Kelly, Manufacturing NI

US Consul General James Applegate with Mayor of Derry City and Strabane Patricia Logue

Michelle Simpson and John McLaughlin

Eighrean Horner and Liz Horshi

ensure we make the strongest possible case for investment in the North West.” JMK Solicitors and CRASH Services sponsored the President’s Dinner, which was held at the White Horse Hotel, Derry. Maurece Hutchinson, managing director of JMK Solicitors, told guests how her firm had benefited from its membership of Chamber. She said: “Chamber has been a fantastic support to us since we established our North West office in the city a few years ago. “Its work is vital in the advice and guidance it gives to members like us, and the way in which it champions the North West as a place to invest and do business.

A fireside chat with MC Lynette Fay and US Consul General James Applegate

“We are thrilled to sponsor this year’s event and toast the success of the many

businesses who are growing our economy and bringing prosperity to this region.”

PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL DINNER

Colum Eastwood MP and Maurece Hutchinson

Selina Horshi, Chamber President

Will Ennett, Jeananne Ennett, Eighrean Horner and Paul Stafford

US Consul General James Applegate, John Kelpie, Chief Executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council and Selina Horshi, Chamber President

Paul Clancy and Colin Gracey

Julie Smyth and Donna Maria Bradley from La Dolce Vita Project

The Wild Atlantic Distillery team

Guests at the annual gala event, which was hosted by BBC Radio Ulster’s Lynette Fay, enjoyed a night of networking and entertainment.

The celebrated classically trained harpist Les Magee, who over a 30-year career has performed at many elite

venues across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and London, provided a wonderful musical backdrop to the drinks reception, playing a selection of melodies on her six-foot ebony harp. After-dinner fun came from comedian Fintan Harvey who took to the stage to deliver a quickfire stand-up routine before a very successful evening was rounded off on the dancefloor, with DJ Kevin spinning the decks.

ENERGY CONFERENCE

POWERING THE FUTURE: HELPING BUSINESS TO USE MORE CLEAN ENERGY…AND PAY LESS FOR IT How businesses in the North West can cut energy costs while building a cleanly powered future generated intense debate, ideas and insights at a major conference. Industry leaders addressed the challenges of rising energy prices, as well as explaining how firms could seize the many opportunities for investment, growth and job creation within the framework of the sustainable energy sector. The utilisation of the region’s onshore wind resources and its offshore wind potential were also among the issues discussed at the annual cross border North West Future of Energy Conference, which was jointly hosted by Derry and Letterkenny Chambers and sponsored by SSE Renewables.

David O’Neill, Foyle Port, Anna Doherty, Londonderry Chamber CEO, Will Ennett, Toni Forrester, Letterkenny Chamber CEO

Energy suppliers, technology providers, industry buyers, investors and policymakers joined in a day of dynamic debate, which was presided over by Master of Ceremonies, energy journalist Jamie Delargy.

Delegates were invited to look closely at their own carbon footprint, using tools such as the SME Climate Hub, which tells business owners how they can assess and monitor where improvements can be made to their own commercial operations. Foyle Port have kindly sponsored Chamber’s campaign to support businesses in their decarbonisation journey and will mark the occasion by planting a tree for every delegate at the conference. The latest innovations in energy transition were also showcased.

MC Jamie Delargy with Patrick Lynch, Bioledger via Teams from Geneva

Anna Doherty, Chief Executive of Londonderry Chamber, said: “There are so many challenges we face as businesses, not least of which is the growing rise in energy

prices which has impacted businesses all across the country in the past year. This conference examined the opportunities presented by our energy challenges and how we can practically meet them. “We explored how we can innovate, how we can use renewable energies, new technologies and how we can collaborate with each other to meet these challenges head on and become responsible business owners in the drive for a more sustainable future. We are very pleased to have had the support of SSE Renewables this year.” Toni Forrester, Chief Executive of Letterkenny

Selina Horshi, Londonderry Chamber President, Jamie Delargy, MC and Fionnuala Rabbitt, Letterkenny Chamber President

The ‘Security of Supply’ discussion, focusing on the North West’s wind resources, was chaired by Peter Coyle, executive chair of the Marine Renewables Industry Association (MRIA). Grid modernisation and connections, emerging sectors such as green hydrogen and the NI gas network and pathway to net Klair Neenan, Managing Director SSE Renewables zero with renewable gases like biomethane and hydrogen were Chamber, added: “Our members all debated. Joining the conversation have energy cost and security high were Darren Kinsella, from Schneider on their agendas, they are adopting Electric, Emma Morris, SONI, Tamasin measures to improve their sustainability Fraser, ABO Wind NI, and Paul and conserve energy. This conference Stanfield, Firmus Energy. has been a brilliant opportunity for businesses to explore new ideas, meet The ‘Innovation’ session included two the suppliers in the industry and hear case studies – Patrick Lynch, from from key stakeholders.” BioLedger, which offers innovation in biofuel supply chain compliance, and In her keynote address, Klair Neenan, Paul Walker, Tata Consultancy Services, managing director of SSE Airtricity, which provides innovation in design said: “At SSE, we are driven by our to meet Environmental, Social and purpose to provide the energy needed Governance (ESG) goals. today while building a better world of energy for tomorrow. Collaboration How to make the energy sector more is the key to realising this ambition. affordable, efficient and resilient This conference provided a valuable was the theme of the ‘Energy opportunity to discuss how we might Competitiveness’ session, chaired by be even more effective through Neil Hewitt, Professor of Energy and partnership on energy.”

Director for the Centre of Sustainable Technologies at Ulster University. Topics included decarbonised supply chain challenges, retrofitting and the relevant skills and services needed to do so, energy efficiency measures and how best to work towards a circular economy. Making the right investment to meet renewable energy targets and effective waste management were also under the spotlight. Speakers included William McCullagh, Translink, Ryan Madden, Planenergy, Emma-Louise Kells, BITCNI, and Cora Plant, of SSE Renewables. Pearse McHenry, from Myenergy, and Barry McCarron, from South West College, led the final session on Decarbonisation. Mr McHenry focused on the EV charging infrastructure while Mr McCarron spoke about decarbonised solutions for buildings, outlining the Erne Campus build at South West College. Aptly enough, the conference concluded with valuable advice on how to begin your decarbonisation journey, from Anna Doherty, CEO of Londonderry Chamber of Commerce and Will Ennett.

ALLSTATE NI

WHY ALLSTATE NI IS ON COURSE TO ENSURE ITS EMPLOYEES ARE READY FOR ROLES OF THE FUTURE Allstate NI is at the forefront of driving innovation by creating cutting-edge technology solutions which are revolutionising customer experiences globally. The company, which has recently celebrated 25 years in Northern Ireland, is investing in its employees by equipping them with the skills needed for the evolution of roles, now and in the future. More than 120 employees have recently completed a four day Digital Product Management bootcamp, delivered by external vendor MadeFor. The course builds the core capabilities needed for employees to transition into Digital Product Manager (DPM) roles. Participants explored the full product lifecycle, learning the key skills required to go from idea to customer success. Feedback from those who took the course has been excellent, with employees saying that it left them feeling confident and that they had been given an opportunity to fulfil their potential. With the skills needed today constantly changing, Allstate invests heavily in upskilling and reskilling, providing employees with the versatility and growth needed to thrive in the modern environment. In other areas of the business, the North West based technology support centre is also leading the way when it comes to ensuring staff keep up with how quickly the industry is changing. The Allstate Technology Support Centre (ATSC), which started in 2004 with just 15 staff members, has grown significantly during the

last 17 years and now has more than 300 employees. The ATSC team prides itself on its digital transformation for customers and employees, which has been replicated across the Allstate enterprise in recent years. This success story has been recognised on a national level, with the ATSC picking up numerous awards in recent years, including Contact Centre of the Year. Key contributors within the team have also collected individual awards. Their vision is to continually improve user experience and transform the technology support they provide. The ATSC’s collective teamwork and culture have been critical in enabling and driving results and customer satisfaction in 2023 by allowing agents, customers and employees to seamlessly navigate key technology platforms by providing a world class service.

Stephen Lomas, senior manager of the ATSC, said: “Our leadership team has been at the forefront of our employee and business transformation. My goal for our contact centre is to become an industry trend, rather than following one, and the team have been huge enablers of that vision. Their commitment, their operational and strategic agility and execution, their ability to do the right thing at the right time and the culture they’ve collectively created is something that is hard to find in other organisations. I’m proud to lead and stand shoulder to shoulder with such a diverse and talented leadership team.”

ALCHEMY

How Alchemy Technology Services delivers insurance excellence and community enrichment Derry’s Alchemy Technology Services is marking a significant five-year milestone in the insurance sector with a key acquisition. With a team of more than 170 professionals and a strong global project portfolio, Alchemy has become a trusted partner for industry leaders. Their recent acquisition of r10 Consulting, a leading London Market management consultancy, underlines Alchemy’s commitment to providing a top-tier IT service tailored to the insurance industry. This strategic move expands their capabilities and cements their position within the London Market. But Alchemy’s commitment extends beyond business – they’re also deeply involved in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, actively enriching the local community.

Their partnership with the Mary Peter’s Trust, which supports young sports talent, exemplifies Alchemy’s dedication to nurturing local potential and promoting social responsibility. In addition, their support for Le Foyer des Artistes, the Playhouse, the Millennium Forum and the Stendhal Festival showcases their investment in arts and culture. These initiatives breathe life into the community and underscore Alchemy’s commitment to fostering creativity and cultural expression. The acquisition of r10 strengthens Alchemy’s commitment to community enrichment and ESG values, resonating with the

historical ties between Derry/Londonderry and the London Market. John Harkin, CEO and founder of Alchemy Technology Services, said: “Our strategic move with r10 is not only about strengthening our foothold in the London Market, it’s about broadening our offerings to better serve our clients while making a positive impact on our local communities.” Amechi Peirce-Howe, of r10, is equally excited about the collaboration, highlighting their shared values and people-first approach. The partnership positions Alchemy perfectly to support clients on their digital transformation journey in a rapidly changing specialty market. With Alchemy’s commitment to excellence, the acquisition of r10 Consulting and their dedication to ESG initiatives, the future looks promising for Alchemy Technology Services and its clients in the insurance industry and the local community.

TRANSLINK

Translink drives the future with its Foyle Metro fleet now 100% zero emission Derry~Londonderry is now one of the first cities in the UK and Ireland to operate a fully zero emission urban bus service thanks to the official launch by Translink of its all-new Foyle Metro battery electric bus service. In a further significant eco-friendly drive, Translink customers using Foyle bus and coach services can now buy tickets using on-board contactless payment facilities, providing even more convenience. Wallets on smart devices along with credit or debit cards, can be used to simply tap and pay for fares, as an alternative to the traditional cash fare which is also still available. The new 38-bus Foyle Metro fleet includes single and double deck all-electric vehicles, and a wide range of stakeholders tasked with tackling climate change and improving connectivity in the city recently came together in Ebrington Square to mark the special occasion. Mayor of Derry City and Strabane Patricia Logue said: “I am delighted that our city is celebrating the launch of Translink’s Foyle Metro zero emission fleet, with

passengers in the area now able to avail of a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable way to travel. “The service fully aligns with our aspirations to meaningfully tackle the climate crisis, and has particular importance, as we were the first Council in Northern Ireland to officially declare a climate crisis. I would like to commend Translink for investing in upgrading the entire Foyle Metro fleet. “I would encourage our citizens to take advantage of these innovative electric buses and convenient service, playing their part in improving air quality by leaving the car at home where possible. Using public transport even one day per week could significantly reduce your carbon footprint.”

Sarah Simpson, Translink Ulsterbus Northern Area Manager, says its services are at heart of city life

Chris Conway, Translink Group chief executive, said: “Delivery of these cutting-edge buses marks a major milestone in our journey to net zero and heralds a new era in zero emissions public transport for Derry~Londonderry. “It also demonstrates our commitment to tackling climate change, reducing air and noise pollution while promoting a healthier, better-connected society. “More people choosing public transport over private motoring, alongside these new greener buses, will play a major role in helping

achieve the carbon emission reduction targets for the city and also those set out in the Climate Change Act. “In addition to the new fleet, we have also started contactless payments on board services – a significant milestone in Translink’s Future Ticketing System roll-out, future-proofing services and supporting passenger growth. “I’d like to thank everyone for their hard work to deliver this major project and the Department for Infrastructure for the essential funding. We look forward to welcoming more customers on board for a better future for our people, our planet and our prosperity.’’

All the new buses meet the latest standards in comfort, safety, and accessibility, including high specification e-leather seats, CCTV, Wi-Fi, USB charging and new audio-visual next stop announcements, providing additional support to those with vision and hearing impairments. The buses also come fully equipped with ramp access, induction loops and dedicated space for wheelchairs and prams. They will be recharged at Translink’s Pennyburn Engineering Facility, where 22 double electric vehicle chargers have recently been installed. This modern infrastructure allows 44 buses to be charged sequentially overnight, with future-proofing for an additional 19 bus charging stations. Upgrades have also been made to key bus shelters in the city along with new bus stop flags across the Foyle Metro network, all enhancing the customer experience. Sarah Simpson, the new Translink Ulsterbus Northern Area Manager, described it as “an exciting time”. She said: “I come to the role having been with Translink for 18 years, largely

within bus operational roles. Most recently, I have been heavily involved in the roll-out of Translink’s broader zero emission vehicle programme, so I’m delighted to be able to help deliver the major transition to net zero in the city. This is a vital step forward for Translink, and transport more generally, as we tackle the climate crisis.” Ms Simpson said that Translink services sat “at the heart of this city and its hinterland, with around 500 direct jobs provided in the local area and an estimated contribution to the local economy of £17m per annum.” She added: “Alongside Foyle Metro we also operate the popular Goldliner 212 and 273 services, as well as the X3 and X4 services to Dublin. Just recently, we have introduced later evening services on some of our Foyle Metro routes, as well as new X212 express Goldliner coach services to and from Belfast, reducing journey times by approximately 15 minutes with the opening of the A6 dual carriageway. “We plan and operate the vast rural Ulsterbus network beyond the city boundary and of course, for our

regional school services, taking thousands of pupils safely to and from school on a daily basis. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff in Derry~Londonderry for all they do to help keep this city and its surrounding areas moving. “As we move forward, the team will be ready, alongside our rail colleagues, to work with political, community, business, and education stakeholders to ensure that Derry~Londonderry is better connected by Translink services.” The project supports Translink’s vision to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and operate a zero emissions fleet across Northern Ireland by 2040. For more information visit: www.translink.co.uk/FoyleMetroZE and follow @Translink_NI #BetterConnected. Find out about Translink’s on-board contactless payment option at www.translink.co.uk/contactless.

AIR COOL ENGINEERING NI

Specialist firm brings hi-tech energy efficiencies to historic Ebrington Hotel Limavady firm air cool engineering NI has brought 21st century technology to the historic 19th century building that is home to The Ebrington Hotel. It’s the latest major contract for the highly regarded heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) contractor, which operates across Northern Ireland and Ireland and specialises in the design of energy efficient small and large scale building mechanical services. The team from air cool engineering NI – a Londonderry Chamber of Commerce member – combine experience and knowledge to provide bespoke solutions to meet any business’s indoor climate-controlled requirements. As a specialist HVAC contractor, air cool engineering NI supplied and installed all the air conditioning units in each of the 91 luxury bedrooms in The Ebrington Hotel in Derry~Londonderry.

Each bedroom is serviced by a Mitsubishi Electric City Multi Hybrid (HVRF) concealed unit, with individual controls in each room and overall controls located in the reception area. Comfort levels within the hotel’s public bars, restaurant, lounges and function room are controlled using Mitsubishi Electric City Multi VRF units. This system delivers simultaneous heating and cooling to these larger open areas. As a ‘smart’ heat recovery system, the City Multi VRF has the capability to move ‘energy’ to where it is needed, offering The Ebrington Hotel & Spa greater efficiencies, flexibility and control of indoor comfort levels. Martin Mullan, managing director of air cool engineering NI, said: “This year we celebrate 25 years of business excellence and, as a local business, we were absolutely delighted to have played a part in making the world-class Ebrington Hotel a comfortable destination for local and international visitors alike. “We are also proud to have installed a state-of-the-art hybrid air conditioning system, which will deliver running cost savings and

environmental benefits to the hotel’s owners.” Installing the cutting edge technology in the 19th century building allowed air cool engineering NI to demonstrate their capabilities as an established, experienced and trusted contractor, which is comfortable operating across all business sectors. With its team of 30 highly skilled and experienced personnel, air cool engineering NI is now regarded as one of Northern Ireland’s most reputable HVAC contractors. The firm is also proud to hold Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Quality Partner status, which means all its clients can be assured of the highest possible standards in both the supply of HVAC equipment, design and installation workmanship. If your business is considering making the switch to all-electric heating, cooling and ventilation get in touch with air cool engineering NI, tel: +44(0)28 777 67114, email sales@ni.aircool.co.uk or visit www.aircoolengineering.co.uk

McCAMBRIDGE DUFFY

McCambridge Duffy moves Into bright future with Hi-tech new premises McCambridge Duffy, which provides specialist insolvency advice to corporate and personal clients, is marking the start of a new era by relocating to modern office premises designed with the future very much in focus. In recent years the company has enjoyed remarkable growth, expanding its client base while also adapting to the dynamic demands of a hybrid workforce. So this is not merely a change of address; it’s a strategic move to accommodate the business’s evolving needs and to cement its position as market leader. McCambridge Duffy has been deeply rooted in the local community since 1932 and its new Spencer Road base reflects that commitment to the area. But the new premises also make an important statement about the company – this space is not just an office, it is a hub of creativity and innovation, designed to foster teambuilding and inspire the dedicated 140 employees.

With open-plan workstations, bespoke collaborative areas and state-of-theart technology, the premises provide a dynamic and flexible environment for staff. Crucially, the company understands the importance of a balance between remote and in-person work, and its new premises are equipped to support both seamlessly. The world of work has been transformed recently, with the traditional 9-to-5 model giving way to a more flexible and result-driven approach, and McCambridge Duffy is proud to be at the forefront of modern employment culture. Its employees have the freedom to choose their work settings, whether at the office, home, or where they feel most productive. This empowers them to balance their personal and professional lives while delivering exceptional results for clients. McCambridge Duffy knows that happy, motivated employees are the backbone of continued success. It also knows the hybrid workforce model is here to stay, and its new office premises are designed to cater to the diverse needs of its team. “It’s not just about having a place to work, it’s about creating an

environment that encourages productivity and engagement,” says Ronan Duffy, insolvency director with the company. “We have invested in cutting-edge technology that facilitates seamless virtual collaboration and ensures that remote team members are just as much a part of the action as those onsite,” explains Conor Duffy, operations director. “Video conferencing, digital whiteboards, and cloud-based project management tools are now integral to our operations, allowing us to work together efficiently, regardless of location.” As the company continues to expand its client base, the new office space will be instrumental in maintaining its reputation for exceptional service. “We have dedicated client meeting spaces designed to impress and inspire,” says Daragh Duffy, finance director. “These spaces are equipped with the latest audiovisual technology, making presentations and collaborations a seamless experience. Moreover, our client-centric approach remains at the core of everything we do, and our new location ensures that we are easily accessible to our clients who are based throughout the UK and Ireland.”

COMPLIMENTARY HOME CHARGER OR £750 BMW CHARGING CREDIT*. BMW Business Partnership.

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Less carbon footprint, Brighter Lights, Lower Bills. In the age of heightened environmental awareness, the road to sustainability and achieving net-zero emissions is more important than ever. At T&E Howie we take pride in being among the first lighting companies in the area to champion the adoption of LED lighting to save our clients’ money. We have been at the forefront of this transformative journey towards a greener, more sustainable future. As a local business for over 50 years, committed to enhancing lighting efficiency across the UK & Ireland, we understand the critical role energy-efficient lighting plays in reducing carbon footprints and conserving our planet's resources. By choosing us, you're not only making a wise business decision but also joining us in the mission to create a more sustainable, eco-conscious future for our community and the world. If you're ready to take the first step towards a sustainable and energy-efficient future, don't hesitate to get in touch with us. Our team of experts are eager to discuss your lighting needs and provide tailored solutions for your business. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can help you on your journey to net-zero.

222 Ardmore Road Derry~Londonderry BT47 3TE

info@howie-lighting.com +44 (0) 2871 302343 www.howie-lighting.com

ADLER & ALLAN

Draynes Farm targets sustainable growth with net zero milk and ice cream As a multi-disciplinary environmental services provider, Adler and Allan has been supporting local businesses to become more sustainable and capitalise on new commercial opportunities. Among the firms to recently benefit from A&A’s expertise is Draynes Farm – a family-run dairy company that has been operating for more than 90 years, producing awardwinning products to clients across Ireland, including an ever-growing inventory of famous ice cream. Adler & Allan worked with Draynes Farm to map out where their emissions come from – whether it was via their business supply chain or operations on the dairy farm, including the enteric emissions from their cows (or, in other words, the methane produced during flatulence). With the recent installation of a large solar photovoltaic (PV) array on their cattle sheds, renewable energy is now helping to power the production facility located on farm. Robotic milking, pasteurisation, refrigeration and bottling processes are now, in part, run on clean energy generated only yards away.

The materials used in product packaging were also included in the assessment. By adopting more recycled plastic content in their milk bottles and ice cream tubs, the emissions associated with packaging products will also be reduced. Draynes use their own fleet of vans to deliver milk and ice cream directly to local businesses across Ireland. Adler & Allan supported the business to assess carbon savings resulting from their modern and more efficient fleet and set out a strategy for transitioning to zero emission vehicles in the future. Finally, with their own farmland, the company is exploring ways to continually enhance nature and biodiversity, using regenerative farming techniques and planting trees and hedgerow to absorb more carbon emissions from the atmosphere. All these actions are helping Draynes Farm initially to reduce consumption and running costs, decarbonise its operations and balance emissions through nature-based solutions while capitalising on new growth opportunities driven by changing consumer trends towards sustainable local produce. Owen Drayne, of Draynes Farm, said: “Our goal is to provide fresh, ethical, sustainable products for our customers. Our partnership with A&A allowed us to look at ourselves and our own supply chain in detail to understand where our impacts are and develop

new innovative solutions to work towards offering net zero milk and ice cream.” Jonathan Devine, client relationship manager for Adler & Allan Ireland said: “Net zero presents a huge challenge to business, but it is also a great opportunity. The changing regulatory landscape and consumer awareness of environmental issues means that businesses can no longer simply say they are sustainable – they need to live it. Those businesses showing authentic progress towards to net zero will set themselves apart from those which are not.” Adler & Allan’s environmental consultants are based across Ireland and have expertise in multiple sectors. If you’re looking to reduce environmental risk in your business or require support with an environmental issue, we are here to help. For more information, please visit www.adlerandallan.co.uk, or contact Jonathan Devine (client relationship manager – Ireland) at Jonathan.devine@adlerandallan.co.uk

Proudly working in partnership with:

Jonathan Devine

Business Development & Client Relations (Ireland)

jonathan.devine@adlerandallan.co.uk 07935 500925 www.adlerandallan.co.uk39

EIR EVO UK

Small steps, big gains: Axis Bio’s Move to Cloud Voice David McLaughlin, business account manager at eir evo UK, talks to Catherine Maguire, Axis Bio co-founder and director of business development and operations, on the role of communications technology in their growth journey

Catherine, can you start by telling us a bit about Axis Bio? Absolutely! Axis Bio is a Contract Research Organisation (CRO) offering a range of models which test the efficacy of novel anti-cancer treatments. We are based in Coleraine and for over a decade we’ve made progress in establishing ourselves as a major industry provider to the pharmaceutical sector, various biomedical companies and university research facilities. We specialise in offering murine models in areas such as oncology, inflammation and respiratory diseases. Our work has not only impacted the local community but has also extended its reach nationally and internationally. We’re very proud of the positive contributions we’ve made to cancer research and our collaboration with clients in this field has allowed us to contribute to the development of potentially lifesaving treatments and in the development of novel therapeutic models for oncology. Our journey has been remarkable and we continue to look ahead, always striving to push the boundaries of knowledge, understanding and innovation while carefully observing the human impact of cancers in Northern Ireland.

How crucial is effective communication to Axis Bio’s growth? Being able to efficiently communicate with both our internal team and external customer is crucial

to our success. Our clients, suppliers and investors are based domestically and internationally and a reliable and efficient communications platform is vital. We prove that geographical position is no barrier to making a significant impact in the world of research and development. Our ability to operate on the current scale is greatly enhanced by our technology platform.

Technology changes so quickly. What has been the most significant recent development in your tech stack? We’ve always invested in our service delivery to stay in step and hopefully ahead of demand from our industry. But without communication and technology expertise it’s difficult to stay in the race for knowledge. Recently, we experienced issues with our telephone services, including downtime, poor call quality and dropped calls. We hadn’t previously worked with eir evo UK but on our first introduction they recommended Microsoft Teams Voice as a solution. We were already using Microsoft Teams for collaboration and document storage, so Microsoft Teams Voice seemed like the perfect fix. The benefits were seamless integration with our existing tools while addressing our communication challenges.

Microsoft Teams Voice has been a game-changer.

How has Microsoft Teams Voice made a difference for Axis Bio? There are five major improvements. Firstly, reliability has improved significantly – no more downtime and poor quality calls. This is crucial. Secondly, integration with our existing Microsoft Teams set up means staff can make and receive phone calls from virtually any location relying only on internet connection. Calls can be answered from a computer, mobile phone or mobile device. Thirdly, client interactions have been enhanced by providing a consistent calling experience and syncing with many clients’ current use of Teams Voice. Fourthly, the flexibility is ideal – we operate through many different time zones and can manage our business calls seamlessly and remain accessible from anywhere. Finally, the security is reassuring as often we share sensitive, confidential information and data.

Any other new benefits since adopting Teams Voice? We can now consolidate all our communication activities, such as chat, messaging, video calls and phone calls, into a single platform. This has improved productivity and organisation

EIR EVO UK

How industry leader eir evo UK partners with leading technology brands Axis Bio’s collaboration with eir evo UK, a Microsoft Tier 1 Solutions Partner, has brought several advantages to their communication infrastructure. As an industry leader with deep expertise and experience, eir evo ensures that Axis Bio’s technology needs are met with tailored, reliable and secure solutions. Their status as a Tier 1 Partner signifies a commitment to the highest industry standards, making eir evo UK the ideal choice for seamlessly integrating solutions like Microsoft Teams Voice into Axis Bio’s operations, simplifying their communication processes and enhancing collaboration.

within our team and has helped streamline email use by utilising chat for internal communications. Additionally, it allows us to turn one-on-one calls into group calls or switch from voice to video with screensharing, which has improved customer communications. It’s also highly scalable, which is fantastic for our growing business!

Recognised as a trusted advisor on how to find the right business solutions, eir evo is a Tier 1 partner with many leading technology brands including HPE, Cisco and Microsoft. Its innovative solutions and customer-first commitment has seen eir evo UK named partner of the year with many brands, helping them to get the most out of their technology.

Was it difficult to implement the new technology? Not at all. A cloud-based solution can be deployed quickly without extensive training. The eir evo UK team provided us with a demonstration of the technology, showing how it could seamlessly integrate with our existing systems and cater to our specific needs. We were up and running very quickly.

What’s your advice to other businesses looking to keep abreast of the latest communications technology? With so many technology options in the market, it’s

important to work with a trusted advisor – one that is vendor agnostic and can advise what’s best for your needs. This Microsoft Teams Voice solution had never been mentioned by our previous technology partners. Since eir evo are Tier 1 solutions partner with many leading technology brands, their expertise and experience has been invaluable. It has been a win-win collaboration.

For further information go to eirevo.co.uk

COUPE BY THE DIRTY SOULS

SOUL SURVIVOR THE WOMAN BEHIND COUPE Jeanette Bryson was paralysed from the neck down but recovered to build a stellar culinary career. She tells CONNECTED what inspired her to open one of Derry’s most popular and eco-friendly new restaurants Running a successful restaurant requires resilience, energy and the culinary expertise to serve up delicious food – qualities that Jeanette Bryson, of American-themed smokehouse Coupe by The Dirty Souls, epitomises. That the Shipquay Street eatery is also a prime example of how to run a business as sustainably as possible – principles learnt in childhood from her mother – makes it an ideal venue for these eco-conscious times. Jeanette’s life story is extraordinary. Working in the hospitality industry

since the age of 13, she always dreamt of opening her own eatery but 15 years ago fell seriously ill with Guillain-Barré syndrome, which left her paralysed from the neck down. After a year largely spent in bed in hospital, she returned to college in a wheelchair, determined to finish her course – and the following year was back managing a restaurant. “It was about mindset and support, my family were there for me,” says this remarkable woman, now 40. A sommelier by trade, she went on to enjoy a career as a senior lecturer at Westminster Kingsway College in London, training students to work in the same Michelin-starred restaurants where she had honed her skills. But that youthful ambition to launch her own restaurant never left her, even

though she could never decide what type of venture she wanted it to be. Then, in 2012, fate gave her a nudge when she visited the Blues Kitchen in Camden to celebrate her birthday and loved the menu and the vibe. “I discovered barbeque and immediately wanted to find out all about it.” Any doubts that the venue might be too niche vanished when she returned with her mum and aunt. “I watched mum drinking Sambuca and dancing and across the floor there was an 18-year-old doing the same thing, everyone loved it,” she says. Five years later, Jeanette and husband Eoin Sheridan, co-owner of Coupe by The Dirty Souls, returned to the North West to live and began to search for premises. Adamant their food would be authentic, they travelled to America, visiting smokehouses in Texas, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas to learn “exactly what real fried chicken was”. The couple did their first pop-up event at a bar in Ballybofey in Co Donegal in 2019, followed by another at Sippyfest in Derry later that year and then, in February 2020,

a third gig in the city, at the Walled City Brewery. “After those two events in Derry, we already had regulars, so that was a good sign,” says Jeanette. But then the Covid pandemic hit. For two months Jeanette sold cocktails from the back of her car before they hired a food truck for €120 a week. “We took it to a different town every weekend,” she says. “Then, we did one night in Derry and sold out in pre-orders – we only released the truck’s location to those who’d already ordered, but other people found us too. That night was insane.” From May 2021 to August 2022, they traded above the Grand Central Bar in Derry. After a month-long pop-up at Nine Hostages, on Waterloo Street, they moved into Shipquay Street in October last year. The food truck, meanwhile, is at Kinnegar Brewery in Co Donegal. “It’s quite a journey – so far,” says Jeanette, with a smile. The mix of menu – smoked brisket, fried chicken and much more – and Memphis and New Orleans soundtrack is hugely popular. Bespoke cocktails and carefully selected wines complete the unique dining experience.

“We create central Texas-style barbeque and American southern soul food. We go by the same techniques as an offset smoker and specialise in smoking meats and serve Cajun and southern dishes,” she says. “It’s about the food, music and culture. I’ve always been obsessed with Gospel and Blues. A gospel choir sang at our wedding in Italy.” While Jeanette and Eoin, who live in Kilmacrennan, Co Donegal, with their two dogs, are intent on growing the business, they are equally committed to reducing its environmental impact. “Our plan is to be a zero waste functioning restaurant by 2024,” she declares in a way that suggests that goal will be achieved. Her genuine passion for an eco-friendly lifestyle was sparked in childhood by her mother, who hated to see food thrown out. “The tiniest sliver of butter was wrapped up and saved,” recalls Jeanette. “When my brother, sister and I worked in a local restaurant, we’d to bring home all the scraps to feed the stray cats. For mum, the motive was financial – she hadn’t the money to be wasteful.”

The restaurant stocks artisan Kombuchas made by Na Dalaigh in Donegal – they have reuseable bottles and compostable cans – but Jeanette and Eoin also make their own. She gives me a short lesson in how to make seven litres of juice from one pineapple, costing £1. They make their own waffles, with unsold ones dehydrated into waffle dust, which is then used in other dishes. To cut carbon emissions and save energy, there are no walk-in fridges and freezers, just a normal freezer, three-door professional fridge and a fridge for raw meats. “Used oil is carefully drained, stored in containers and collected by a young guy who turns it into green oil for lawnmowers,” explains Jeanette, who has also banned blue roll in the kitchens. “Someone brought some in and six rolls were used in a week, but we hadn’t actually needed it before.”

Ingredients are sourced from local suppliers. “Our chicken is from Hegarty’s Butchers and our pork is from Grants, both in Derry. Our brisket comes from Wexford. We buy retired dairy cattle from Donegal – “the meat is older so it’s better for smoking,” says Jeanette.

Along with its fine reputation for good food, Coupe is renowned for its generous portions – and proudly sends diners home with doggy bags. “Our servers tell customers that leftovers will be wrapped up for them to take home,” adds Jeanette.

Beers are sourced from Rough Brothers Brewery, in Derry, Northbound, at Eglinton, and Kinnegar in Donegal. Wines are from 95% sustainable independent producers.

“As kids, we were embarrassed when Mum asked for doggy bags in restaurants, but in fact she was a woman ahead of her time.”

CGI of the £50m AD plant project which aims to make a significant impact on Northern Ireland’s biomethane target

How RiverRidge is leading the way as a responsible and sustainable business With the increasing drive for businesses to become more sustainable, and the growing importance of ensuring Northern Ireland reaches its target of net zero by 2050, we are experiencing a shift in how we work and live. Positive changes to our society are primarily being driven by the younger generation and are impacting on how companies operate now and in the future. Leading waste and resource management company, RiverRidge, is recognising and embracing this change. Beginning as a small skip hire business, it has been transformed into the fully integrated waste recovery operation that it is today, consistently pushing the boundaries on the management of waste and becoming a critical part of the region’s sustainable future.

Recognising early on the environmental importance of landfill diversion, RiverRidge worked closely with a large number of the region’s councils, playing a pivotal role in enabling the achievement of landfill diversion strategies. Where the rate of municipal waste landfilled in 2011 was 57.4%, figures released late last month show this now sits at 20.2%. While this improvement can be attributed to better recycling efforts generally, such a transformation would not have been possible without the significant advances being made by RiverRidge and the scale of its operation in Northern Ireland. These advancements include the development of the region’s first wasteto-energy facility, Full Circle Generation

CEO of RiverRidge, Brett Ross

(FCG) in Belfast. The plant processes black bin household waste through a gasification technology, with the end result being a reliable and predictable source of energy provided for businesses in Northern Ireland, including Spirit AeroSystems. However, while the combined heat and power plant is still a fundamental part of RiverRidge’s strategy, it recognises that its process carries a high carbon footprint, and so the company has invested heavily in finding longterm, more environmentally friendly alternatives.

RIVERRIDGE

One such project is the development of an alternative vehicle fuel project and anaerobic digestion (AD) plant that maximises the level of recycling from residual waste. Through substantial investment in research and development over the last number of years, RiverRidge has designed a unique process based on wash plant technology and anaerobic digestion, which takes the organic and fibre material from waste streams and creates biomethane. The first stage of the multi-million project is complete, with the second phase due to commence next year. The biomethane that is created will be used to generate green electricity and replace diesel fuel in the company’s transport fleet, whilst also being made available to customers to utilise, therefore reducing their business energy costs. RiverRidge’s approach to waste management goes beyond its operations and finding innovative solutions as it remains committed to promoting sustainability and continuing to lead the way in the Northern Ireland waste sector. In 2022, RiverRidge formally launched its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, entitled ‘Rethinking Our Future’, the first of its kind for a waste management company in Northern Ireland. ‘Rethinking our

RiverRidge’s first biogas vehicle

Future’ is a dynamic and evolving comprehensive framework of activities that allows the company to take a long-term view of its business, its place within the community and the planet, as well as looking after its people. It builds on RiverRidge’s vision to ‘treat waste as a valuable resource to ensure a positive RiverRidge’s long term charity partner is Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice outcome for our planet and our communities’, and has three core principles: • Leading the way as a responsible and sustainable business • Looking after our people, our customers and the communities we work in • Protecting the environment and driving the circular economy through innovation The launch of the strategy, which reinforces the company’s need to continue to innovate, adapt and evolve, followed RiverRidge’s signing of Business In the Community’s Climate Action Pledge in October 2021, where it publicly committed to reducing its absolute scope 1 and scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, and to working towards measuring and reporting its scope 3 GHG emissions. An ambitious set of goals for any company, but particularly for RiverRidge given that one of the largest carbon contributors within the waste management sector is transport. With steps already in place to reach these goals, with the company taking receipt of its first biofuel vehicle, and the commencement of the AD plant project, both of which will have a considerable impact on RiverRidge’s carbon reduction targets, Chief Executive Officer Brett Ross is confident in the

company’s ability. “We have always demonstrated leadership, and the emergence of ESG is no different,” he says. “We see ourselves as a disruptor and given that so many of our ambitious plans have already come to fruition, we are very clear on the way forward in how we reduce our carbon footprint and meet our sustainable goals. “Our customers can have confidence in knowing that when they choose RiverRidge as their waste management provider, they are choosing the most environmentally friendly, carbon efficient haulage and treatment offering for waste disposal in the market; one that focuses on achieving the highest level of recycling, with systems that achieve the lowest carbon footprint and a verified zero to landfill outcome.” Brett adds: “We’re working hard on meeting the targets set out in our ESG strategy and we’re confident that when we publicly launch our first annual ESG report later this month, our stakeholders will see our commitment to, and progress on our sustainability activities over the last year. “We look forward to building on these activities in the years ahead, and further establishing RiverRidge as the leading waste and resource management company in the region.”

BUSINESS ADVICE

business advice Sean Phelan Director, QCD Solutions

HOW TO MAKE SURE YOUR BUSINESS GOES TO PLAN Business plans are like road maps: it’s possible to travel without one, but that increases the risk of getting lost. Building a plan is the first thing you should do to lay out goals and track progress. It’s also crucial for attracting investors who can determine if your business is on the right path and worth putting money into.

Include detailed information that will help your chances of success, like market analysis, competitive analysis, customer segmentation, marketing, logistics and operations plans, cashflow projection and an overall path to long-term growth.

success. A good plan will strength test your idea.

Here’s why you should think ahead…

Communication & understanding – when you’re managing a team you can’t always be there to make every decision yourself. Communicating your plan means everyone knows what you’re doing and why.

Good decision-making – putting together a plan gives you time to answer the most critical business questions, clarifies your vision and identifies gaps in strategy. Avoid making mistakes – 20% of businesses fail during the first two years, 45% during the first five years, and 65% during the first 10 years. Small businesses fail for many reasons and the most common are addressed in business plans. Is your business really viable? – many businesses are created out of passion but that doesn’t always translate into

Setting objectives – a plan keeps you accountable to your long-term vision and provides insights into how your strategy is (or isn’t) working.

Securing finance – you’re 2.5 times more likely to get funded if you have a business plan so you’ll need one if pitching to venture capitalists, borrowing from a bank or selling your company. Understanding the market – writing a plan helps you better understand your competition. Reduce risk – having a plan leaves less to chance and provides a clearer view of your company’s future.

EXPERT HELP

Lorraine O’Malley

kieran Phelan

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CROSS-BORDER HYBRID WORKING

OVERCOMING YOUR FEAR OF CHANGE

Co-Ordinator for the Cross Border Partnership for Employment Services

Cross-border hybrid working, a concept that gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to reshape the employment landscape. This work arrangement allows employees to split their time between working remotely and in physical office locations.

Founder and CEO, Satori Accounting

Throughout history, change remains our sole constant. Yet when confronting change in our businesses and lives, how do we overcome the associated fear? Let’s examine the nature, management and impact of change – and strategies to better respond to change. Humans crave certainty, which underlies our fear of change. However, it’s not change itself that we dread; it’s SUDDEN change.

It offers numerous advantages – employees can enjoy a better work-life balance, reduced commute times and flexibility in choosing their workplace – but it also presents challenges for both employees and employers.

Change in business arises from three factors: MUST change, NEED TO change and WANT TO change. The first two are externally driven, stemming from factors like pandemics, government policy or market fluctuations. The most potent catalyst for change is when it emerges from our own business desires.

Managing a cross-border hybrid workforce demands careful consideration of legal and logistical complexities. Employers must navigate tax regulations in two jurisdictions, employment law and the possibility of running dual payroll systems.

Change is inevitable, but growth is optional. The past three years have shown how swiftly change can engulf our businesses – wrestling with Brexit, pandemics, war impacts, and economic pressures.

Cross-border workers, who are considering a change to take up hybrid working should consider factors relating to taxation, social insurance and entitlement to family benefits, as the switch in social insurance payments (PRSI and National Insurance) can have huge implications for them and their dependent family members. Our advice to anyone considering cross-border hybrid working, is to have a conversation with an accredited accountant or financial advisor before you make the change, to keep yourself on the right path. The Cross Border Partnership Employment Services (CBPES) supports cross-border employers, jobseekers and workers. To contact any of our cross-border advisers please see our website www. cbpes.com. An online Cross-Border Tax Briefing Seminar takes place on December 6. For more details and to register for this briefing visit www.cbpes.com/events.

Here are five ways to better embrace change: 1. Work on you. Your mindset shapes outcomes and responses to change. Embrace a habit of asking yourself better questions and employ ‘Above The Line’ thinking to bolster your readiness for change. 2. Empower and develop your team to handle operational responsibilities. Dedicate yourself to working on your business as the chief marketer to sustain a consistent inflow of leads and opportunities. 3. Construct robust systems and processes. Leverage digital tools like Xero and associated add-ons to optimise financial operations, focus your energy and time for customer and relationship building. 4. Safeguard your business’s future by forward planning and cash flow forecasting. Cloud accounting tools furnish real-time data for immediate decisions, highlighting your current status and future trajectory based on current data sets. 5. Collaborate with advisors who nurture a growth mindset, while receiving regular advice and reports on your key metrics. Knowing your numbers helps when you WANT TO change and shields your business against MUST or NEED changes.

DOWN MEMORY LANE

Down Memory Lane Peter McVerry

U105

What age are you? Sensitive question! By the time people read this, I’ll be 50.

Where in the North West are you from? I grew up in South Armagh, but married a County Derry woman and we have a caravan in Downings so I’m practically a local.

Explain what your business does? U105 is a radio station aimed primarily at the over-35s. We recently celebrated our highest ever listenership with 282,000 people listening each week for a combined total of more than 2.5 million hours. We’re part of Wireless Group and have radio stations across Ireland – Belfast, Drogheda, Dublin, Cork and Limerick – plus UK national stations such as talkSPORT, Virgin Radio and Times Radio.

What’s your title? I’ve been Station Director since May 2008. I’ve been there from the start, initially responsible for News, Sport and Speech output.

HOW HAS NORTHERN IRELAND CHANGED? Before U105, I was editor of UTV’s website and prior to that a journalist with the Irish News and Belfast Telegraph. I’d access to key moments here and have watched this place blossom. I wrote a piece for a Sunday Times supplement marking the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, reflecting on how I’d spent the first 25 years of my life in Troubles NI while the second 25 years have been spent watching the growth and prosperity as we begin to release the potential of this place and our people.

HAS THE ETHOS OF YOUR BUSINESS CHANGED? Dramatically. The biggest change has been embracing digital. The FM radio set on the kitchen window is nowhere near as prevalent now. But thanks to all the ways to listen, radio is stronger than ever.

BEST ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN? The late John Myers was a radio presenter, then a manager with real charisma. John called everyone ‘TEAM’ – it stood for ‘Together Everyone Achieves More’. I’m a big believer in partnerships, the collegiate approach and working with other individuals and organisations for the benefit of all.

HAS HOW YOU DO BUSINESS IN THE NORTH WEST CHANGED? U105 launched as an FM station for Greater Belfast and the commuter area. But then DAB made U105 receivable in most areas of NI including the North West. Smart speakers mean anyone anywhere can listen by asking Alexa to ‘Play U105.’ We’ve made a conscious effort to be more involved in the North West. We’re Chamber members and have partnered with the Chamber and City Centre Initiative as media partners for the Business Awards.

At Halloween, Frank Mitchell’s Morning Show came from UV Arts on Bishop Street, then he entertained the crowds at the parade. We’re working with Translink again this Christmas on Stuff A Bus, our charity appeal in aid of Fareshare who supply food, meals and vouchers to many people in need across NI.

WHAT CAN BUSINESSES LEARN FROM THE PAST TO BUILD A STRONG FUTURE? The biggest thing we can learn from the past is the opportunities it deprived us of. Northern Ireland has been transformed but where could we have been if it weren’t for the violence? It’s up to all of us now to drive this place forward.

PLAYHOUSE

How Playhouse is helping companies make a dramatic difference to teambuilding and leadership skills Communication is key to making businesses work – and now firms can take that to the next stage by signing up for an innovative new course at The Playhouse in Derry-Londonderry. Skilled creative facilitators are hosting a series of professional development days to help companies develop their employees’ teamwork and leadership qualities. The bespoke training session, The Arts of Communication, will encourage businesses ‘to explore their playful sides’ and focuses on how to build presence, communicate effectively and listen better. Paul Sweeney, development director at The Playhouse, explained: “We use creativity and play to enable those

emerging leaders to become more confident in their own authentic voice.

recently took part in the training and found it invaluable.

“As businesses expand into new markets these training days will support teams, upskilling and supporting them in working towards the next stage of their development in a completely different way.

One employee said: “I learned skills and information that will honestly stick with me for a long time.

“The Arts of Communication focuses on the ability to communicate to small or large groups and how to be fully present as you do so. Those taking part learn about moving goals and objectives forward, listening to yourself and the needs of colleagues and clients, and being comfortable being uncomfortable.” Teams from local insurance technology company Alchemy Technology Service

“I took a lot from the day which I feel will benefit me throughout my career and life in general as it has improved my confidence in myself to take control of a room when required.” The Arts of Communication can be tailored to meet the needs of large and small organisations in many different industries and fields. For more information contact Paul Sweeney, tel: 028 7126 8027 or email paul.sweeney@derryplayhouse.com.

WWW.DERRYPLAYHOUSE.CO.UK

THE ARTS OF COMMUNICATION

“WILL BENEFIT ME THROUGHOUT MY CAREER AND LIFE IN GENERAL” “INFORMATION THAT WILL HONESTLY STICK WITH ME FOR A LONG TIME” ALCHEMY

Let your team to explore their playful side, and develop the presence, communication and listening skills that support great team working and leadership.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WITH SKILLED CREATIVE FACILITATORS

Contact Paul Sweeney on (028)71268027 or email

49 paul.sweeney@derryplayhouse.com

APPOINTMENTS

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE aircoach 1. Kim Swan Aircoach, Ireland’s leading private bus and coach operator, has appointed Kim Swan as its new Managing Director. Kim brings over 30 years of leadership experience in customer and commercialfocused roles across transport and logistics, including her most recent role as Interim Managing Director for Freight at P&O Ferries. She joins Aircoach with a wealth of experience in leading change, building successful teams, and developing trusted relationships. She completed a degree at Ulster University in Business Studies and graduated in 2015.

ulster university business school 2. Professor Sandra Moffett Professor Sandra Moffett has been appointed to the role of Interim Executive Dean of Ulster University Business School. Prior to this appointment Professor Moffett was Head of the Department of Global Business and Enterprise, Ulster University, Derry~Londonderry campus. Professor Moffett holds a chair in Business Analytics. Professor Moffett has computational and management expertise in the areas of business intelligence and knowledge management, being the first UK PhD researcher in this area. She worked in the School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems for 18 years (Computer Science) before moving to the Business School in 2018. She is a research active member of staff with over 100 referred publications, substantial research income (+£2m) and many successful consultancy projects (seven Knowledge Transfer Projects and ten Innovation Boost/FUSION projects). She has designed, built and implemented a number of IT systems for Irish

organisations. She is Vice President of the International Association for Knowledge Management, regularly hosting conferences and events at local, national and international levels. 3. David Hanna David Hanna graduated from Ulster University in 2009, then worked as a researcher on several European funded sustainability projects, and as an innovation consultant. David’s PhD research focuses on SMEs transition to the circular economy. He joins the Derry-Londonderry campus as

Lecturer in International Management with a focus on sustainability. 4. Favour Uzoma Mba Favour Uzoma Mba is a lecturer in Operations and Supply Chain Management at the department of Global Business and Enterprise, Ulster University Business School. Some of Favour’s certification include CIPS, Advance HE Fellowship and Transformational Leadership in Practice. Her research interest covers Ops. and SC. areas such as procurement, sustainability, social value creation and delivery.

APPOINTMENTS

5. Hafiz Mudassir Rehman A new lecturer in International Management at Ulster University, Hafiz Mudassir Rehman is an academician and HR management expert with a Ph.D. in Business & Management. With a solid foundation in academia and industry, he brings more than eight years of valuable expertise in human resource management, teaching/training and extensive research contributions published in esteemed journals and conferences. His passion lies in fostering knowledge transfer, utilising innovative teaching approaches, and driving research advancements. 6. Hannah McGinley New Placement student Hannah McGinley is the Student Engagement and Digital Marketing placement student for the Global Business and Enterprise Department at Ulster University DerryLondonderry campus. With two completed years of studying Management BSc at the university, she is excited to be a part of the team and looking forward to gaining invaluable knowledge and experience. 7. Mary Crossan A new lecturer in International Management, Mary Crossan has recently joined Ulster University with 19 years experience working in Higher Education, undertaking roles in teaching, student experience and academic leadership which has been focused predominantly around, Global Business, Educational leadership and Supporting Students. Her research areas are supporting students, employability and Internationalisation through Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects. 8. Sayali Chavan Sayali Chavan is a distinguished AI researcher with a specialised focus on Data Analytic and an esteemed educator with an Associate Fellowship from AdvanceHE. Her outstanding academic journey, marked by a trail of accolades, including the prestigious British Council Scholarship for MSc, Digital Natives International Scholarship award for PhD studies and the Best Paper Award at IARIA. Sayali’s five years of industry experience, rich educational background and research expertise make her an exceptional candidate for the role of Lecturer in Data Analytics and Transformations at Ulster University.

Everglades Hotel 9. Sam Denning Newly appointed General Manager Sam Denning has over 13 years’ experience in the hospitality industry and has previously worked in management positions across the Hastings Hotels group including the Culloden Estate & Spa, Ballygally Castle and Stormont Hotel. 10

eir evo UK 10. Faraz Baig Faraz Baig has been appointed at eir evo UK as Pre-Sales Solution Consultant, with overall responsibility for specification, design and development of IT, network and security service solutions for the company’s enterprise and government customers. Faraz previously worked in network operations for Goldman Sachs and Lehman Brothers, before moving to BT for 17 years as a Managed Services Network Engineer and then as a Network Technical Design Architect. With a BA in Computer Engineering and a certification in ITIL V3 Foundation, Faraz is a Cisco Certified Network Associate and Aruba Product Specialist and has significant experience in the implementation of complex IT solutions across a broad range of networking technologies

chamber 11. Emile Rainey Emile is the Marketing and Events Executive at the Chamber where he manages Chamber events and marketing, developing marketing and sales collateral and interacting with members to offer advice and support as needed. Dedicated to making an impact, he aims to improve engagement and strengthen the Chamber’s digital presence. Emile is a proud alumnus of Ulster University where he earned a degree in Business with Retail Studies and a masters in Event Management.

INTERNATIONAL SYNERGIES NI LTD

How does your chamber membership benefit you? With Liam McNally, Practitioner International Synergies Limited International Synergies NI Ltd is an ambitious industrial ecology consultancy with the interests of business and the environment at heart. Part of a global company that has created 39 Industrial Symbiosis programmes around the world, we’re proud that the facilitated Industrial Symbiosis Service provided by the NI team is the longest running of its kind. Over the last 16 years we have been delivering the Invest NI Resource Matching Service, using Industrial Symbiosis as its methodology and cornerstone. Industrial Symbiosis is a tool used globally to help underpin the ethos of Circular Economy to change from the lateral system of ‘Take, Make and Dispose’ to more circular models where our infinite resources are kept in useful production. The service is free and funded through the Invest NI Sustainable Development team. It has achieved over £40m in economic benefit as well as significant environmental and societal gains. To date our team has worked with more than 3,000 NI companies, creating £30.7m cost savings, £17.6m additional sales and £2.1m additional investment. I am a toolmaker by trade and my previous industrial experience has helped me develop skills in manufacturing technology,

project management, plastics injection moulding, waste management and resource efficiency. I joined International Synergies 14 years ago as a practitioner and have been responsible for engaging new and existing members in the practical and innovative application of Industrial Symbiosis within their business settings to achieve positive economic benefit, environmental compliance and positive social responsibility when utilising resources. We do this by conducting on-site visits to review resources and potential alternative sustainable disposal routes. We also have regular Resource Matching Workshops across the province. These lively and interactive sessions give companies from all sectors the opportunity to network and exchange resources like manufacturing by-products, surplus stocks, wasted materials, skills and expertise, manufacturing capacity and logistics capacity. Benefits of participation include reductions in waste going to landfill, boosting a company’s carbon credentials, supporting Northern Ireland’s green economy and potential cost savings. These exchanges are a proven method to reduce operating costs, create additional sales and increase environmental and sustainability compliance. Our expert team also delivers workshops and training on net zero, deepdive strategy development for the decarbonisation of scope-3 emissions and public speaking and advocacy. We

support circular economy resource matching and the associated business development opportunities that can follow and offer strategic advice on national and international sustainability policy developments and the development of internal sustainability policies for local organisations. We have been members of the Chamber for several years now and find the support available very useful in promoting our message of circular economy, resource efficiency and sustainability. By utilising the Chamber’s networking events, we get to meet local businesses and explain face to face the many benefits of using our service – which has led to many positive follow-up engagements. It has been great at publicising our events locally and has also facilitated introductions to key people in companies where we’ve been to share our expertise to solve some of their resource issues. The work the Chamber does in promoting the North West business economy is excellent and that enhances the work we do across the region, even at times when we can feel a little isolated from larger areas like Belfast and Dublin.

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to The Chamber CONNECTED is highlighting some of the Chamber’s newest members. Let us introduce you to the wider range of members that the Londonderry Chamber represents across the North West. Will your business be featured in the next edition?

#GrowingBusinessNW

Interested in your business benefiting from all Chamber has to offer? For further information on membership contact carolann@londonderrychamber.co.uk

NEW MEMBERS

Dermot McCole is the Managing Director of McCole & Co. Consultants Limited. McCole & Co. Consultants Limited provide help to financial professionals (Loss Assessors, Insurance Brokers, Investment Brokers, Mortgage Brokers, Bureau de Change, Accountants and Credit Unions) to stay on top of their specific regulatory obligations.

Staffline Derry/Londonderry are the North West’s leading provider of permanent, temporary and interim recruitment services. Operating in the private and public sectors our specialisims include Industrial, Commercial, Professional Services including finance, engineering , supply chain and Healthcare. Our experienced team of professional recruiters have over 40 years local market knowledge. If you are an employer looking for a trusted recruitment partner to help you find exceptional talent for your business, or a candidate looking for some support to take that next step on the career ladder Staffline can help. Staffline shaping the future of work

Vantage Health and Life, based in Dunmurry, Belfast but active throughout the UK, was established to offer business clients better service, a greater choice of business specific products, and financial advice tailored to each client. Its founder has over 15 years’ experience in the financial services marketplace.

BrightHR – HR and health & safety software for SMEs BrightHR give employers technology that’s easy to use, and advice that’s clear, practical, and jargon-free. Endto-end management support, from the initial talent search to helping manage employees and handling difficult decisions. Our platform analyses problems and provides legal solutions.

St Cecilia’s College is a Catholic, child-centred school. We aspire to recognise and value the uniqueness of each member of our community and endeavour to provide a caring and inclusive learning environment for all. We offer a broad and balanced curriculum empowering our pupils to achieve of their best.

Mode Work and School Ltd is a new local business which began trading in July this year. Our journey started from our new premises located at the Diamond at the heart of the city centre. We specialise in all things uniform, covering schoolwear and workwear from beauty through to construction. We offer in-house and print services coupled with design service ensuring quality and efficiency. We are a familyrun business, putting customer service at the forefront of everything we do.

Everything you need to simply manage your staff, all in one place, PLUS free tools to set your business apart.

Dunboe Properties Ltd was founded by John Orr in the early part of 2021. the555club helps businesses empower their staff to increase focus calm and concentration while reducing stress in the workplace through active downtime. Our 15 minute always live calls explore breathwork meditation and gratitude journaling allowing your team to slow down so they can speed up and build habits that will service in every aspect of their lives.

St Cecilia’s College - Aspire, Endeavour, Achieve

In its infancy, the company’s aim was to secure and build a portfolio of properties which would be affordable to the local rental market, working throughout Derry City & Strabane council area, and on round the North Coast.

John Paul Florist is an independently run florist delivering flowers to Derry and the surrounding areas. They specialise in Wedding and Event flowers. Floral designer John Paul has over 25 years of experience & is one of Ireland’s premier florists. Having worked throughout the UK & Ireland, John Paul and his team have a fantastic eye for detail working to an extremely high standard of finish, creating beautiful designs for your special occasions. John Paul Florist, 45F Great James Street, Derry, Londonderry, BT48 7DF Telephone 028 7137 0260 Website www.johnpaulflorist.com

Established in 2007, our company is a leading provider of quality, clientfocused, training solutions. Our vast course portfolio, which includes apprenticeship as well as commercial delivery, supports all sectors by offering numerous accredited programmes as well as customised training, to meet your specific needs. The breadth of our delivery means that we can support all of your training requirements, through our one-stop training hub.

Providing Managed IT Services & IT Support in Northern Ireland, AMJ IT is an IT Company established in the UK for over 25 years and specialising in IT Solutions including IT Support, Software and Website Development. With offices in London, Kent and Northern Ireland, our dedicated team of qualified technical engineers, consultants and project managers provide proactive services and deliver smart and tailored IT solutions to support your growth and optimise your business processes.

Mark Hamill Photography has been operating inoperating in Derry~Londonderry over the past eight years covering Wedding and Portrait photography, studio based headshot, graduation and family photography and training the next generation of photographers via our workshop training events with NI Photography Workshops.

At Established Drinks, we are responsible for the planning, execution, and evaluation of high-end cocktail masterclasses, events and staff training for corporate clients. We ensure the highest quality, value and satisfaction for our customers, using only the freshest ingredients and the best service.

Complete AV Solutions provides live event technical production services for Conferences, Gala Awards, Brand Activations and outdoor events. From simple PA and microphone hire to custom built, high resolution LED screens, we stock everything all under one roof.

Adler & Allan (A&A) help organisations understand and monitor their local environment, to reduce their impact and risk. This ensures improved compliance, increased biodiversity, and achievement of sustainability, development, and investment goals. A&A have the expertise to help you progress along your environmental compliance journey, ranging from Net Zero targets to ISO 14001 accreditations.

Fairley’s Flavours - a taste of South Africa! Fairley’s Flavours offers a range of services and products, from street food at local events, to private catering, to producing our own artisan range of hot sauces, including our award winning Reaper hot sauce.

CL Bookkeeping Services Ltd supports local SMEs and clients to save time, money and stress by providing a tailor-made approach to the bookkeeping and finance function within their organisation. Mob: 0754 291 9596 Email: clynch@clbookkeeping.co.uk LinkedIn: Caitriona Lynch | LinkedIn

Bioledger is a software solution company that tracks biofuels through a mobile app and database. Bioledger supports biofuel traceability and compliance at every link in the supply chain.

Donnelly & Taggart, located in Maydown and Campsie, are main dealers for Toyota, Volkswagen, Renault, Dacia and Peugeot. Additionally, if you prefer a preloved vehicle, our used cars at our Motorstore come with a minimum 12-month warranty. With on-site Motability experts at each site we can cater for all your motoring needs.

Dano’s Pet shop is a family run business based in two locations, Derry & Strabane. We stock a range of products including our own brand of dog food ‘Whistler’s Premium’.

We are a small, family-run company based in Derry, N.Ireland, with a passion for creating and sharing delicious flavours and food.

CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP

Corporate Membership – Partners, Patrons, and Associates The mission of the Chamber is to help businesses succeed in a successful North West. The support of our Corporate Members is fundamental in delivering on this mission. In return for your investment, you will receive additional benefits including enhanced brand recognition, stakeholder engagement and networking opportunities. Aligning your business with the local chamber of commerce can be a strategic move with numerous benefits. Being associated with an organisation that supports economic growth and community development can positively influence how your business is perceived.

MEET BENCHMARK, OUR NEWEST PARTNER No-one knows exactly what the future holds. But expert financial planning gives you the confidence to go after your goals – knowing you’re ready for anything. Benchmark Financial Planning supports small business owners, individuals, solicitors and accountants in Derry and across the North West with award-winning bespoke financial planning, wherever you are on your journey. Research shows that people who work with an adviser are likely to get more value from their money than those who go it alone. And our clients tell us we’ve helped them dream bigger and go further than they thought possible. Buying a first home, selling a business or about to retire, we’ll be right beside you. And we’re one of only a small number of firms with Chartered status. That means we’ve staked our reputation on putting you first by meeting the highest professional standards and always staying impartial. We’re part of Schroders group, one of the most widely respected asset and wealth

managers in the world so you can expect centuries of stability and security behind you. Including a level of security to protect your data you’d normally only find at a FTSE-100 firm. Dream bigger. Go further. That’s the Benchmark difference. Contact Sinead Meenan, Wealth Planning Director, email: Sinead.meenan@benchmarkfp.co.uk or tel: 02871 921846

MEET UNIT 7 AUDIO VISUAL, OUR NEWEST PATRON Unit 7 Audio Visual is the premier destination for audio visual services and solutions in the North West. Our team of experts specialises in bringing your events to life with cuttingedge technology and exceptional expertise. Whether you’re looking to enhance a conference, create a stunning visual display, or elevate your audience’s experience, we have the tools and expertise to make it happen. At Unit 7, we pride ourselves on our ability to

deliver high-quality audio-visual solutions that exceed our clients’ expectations. We offer a wide range of services, including event production, audio engineering, video streaming, and more. Our team provides personalised solutions that are tailored to your unique needs and vision. In addition to our quality services, we also offer a wide range of advanced audio-visual equipment for hire. From LED walls and projection screens to state-of-theart sound systems and lighting, we have everything you need to create an unforgettable event. Let Unit 7 take your events to the next level. Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you create an unforgettable experience. Contact Joe Lindsay, joe@unit7studios.co.uk or tel: 07739515476

EMPLOYER, WORKER OR JOBSEEKER IN THE BORDER REGION? CHECK US OUT www.CBPES.com

OUR PARTNERS

THE FINAL WORD

The Final Word with Philip Gilliland, managing partner of Caldwell & Robinson Solicitors and former Chamber President

I am fascinated by businesses and by the people who are heroic enough to want to create them and to lead them. I never thought I would be. As a youngster I followed the mainstream education emigration route from Derry to work in a big faceless employer in Britain – in my case the world’s biggest law firm. What did I learn? That I wanted to work with real people, because people are what makes things happen in society, not faceless institutions. So my partner (and wife) Karen O’Leary and I decided to shape our business to serve real people and real businesses. In addition to serving our local markets, Caldwell & Robinson services English and overseas legal markets from Derry. We now employ 15 lawyers, three paralegals and 11 support staff, have offices in Dublin and Belfast, and will continue growing as quickly as we can source the right talent. To drive a business you need to find the right balance between caution and confidence, and you need to stay motivated. For most of us, these are largely learnt skills. My schooling was chiefly from holding Chamber office. As President I found myself – not without a large dollop of imposter syndrome – in a peer group of outstanding entrepreneurs.

What I learnt is that Derry and the North West is an illogical place to start an export-oriented business – the socio-economic demography and the physical and human infrastructure are against us. So if business were only about two-dimensional logic, then none of these all-of-asudden illogical world-class entrepreneurs would be here. So I learnt that entrepreneurial drive over a sustained period is about so much more than logic or a sound commercial idea. You need another motivator. When you ask these people what they are most proud of, they generally talk about the number of people they employ in Derry. Their commitment to community is their ‘X factor’. I got bitten by that bug. What of the future? If I were to think about what my greatest wishes would be for Derry and the North West, I would say that we urgently need a safe, quick and direct road (or rail or flight) link to Dublin. Putting credible business visitors arriving at Dublin Airport on a four-and-a-half-hour bus to Derry when it should take half that time on a proper road or train or flight is a major impediment to progress for this region, particularly when an overheating Dublin economy ought to offer us the most accessible

opportunities for indigenous entrepreneurial growth and inward investment. Just look at the game-changing impact of the new DerryHeathrow flight. And – I don’t ask for much – we need the magic wand to be waved and Derry made Ireland’s newest university city. That would attract tens of thousands of Ireland’s – and the world’s – best young talent. I’ll leave that politically-charged grenade for others to diffuse... And what of hope? I would point to the two young graduate paralegals we have just recruited – Aleks from Wexford and Becca from Galway – both of whom could have walked into top legal jobs in Dublin but chose to move to Derry, because Derry is interesting, has a community and has hope. And it’s an affordable and easy place to live. It’s all about real people.

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Magazine of the Londonderry Chamber of

Commerce

ISSUE 19

• Sponsorship

(events and Good News Friday)

• Connected Magazine • Ezines

COMPLIMEN TARY COPY

NEW LEADERSHIP FOR LOCAL TECH GIANT

• Wall Planners • Calendars

• Website advertising

INSIDE

eir evo UK North West Busin ess Awards Benchmark Finan cial Planning Chamber Mem ber News 1

2023 Celebrate the New Year in style at the Everglades! Gala Ball in the Grand Ballroom with overnight B&B - £140 per person Gala Ball - £70 per person Sparkling Drinks Reception from 7pm Live entertainment from The Gatecrashers 60

To book visit www.evergladeshotelderry.com

Connected Magazine Issue 20

Articles inside

SOUL SURVIVOR THE WOMAN BEHIND COUPE

Small steps, big gains: Axis Bio’s Move to Cloud Voice

Draynes Farm targets sustainable growth with net zero milk and ice cream

McCambridge Duffy moves Into bright future with Hi-tech new premises

Specialist firm brings hi-tech energy efficiencies to historic Ebrington Hotel

Translink drives the future with its Foyle Metro fleet now 100% zero emission

Joe Kennedy leads u.s. trade delegation on visit to North West

Fast growing journey continues for FinTrU in the North West

HOW PLAYHOUSE IS CHANGING ‘ARTITUDE’ ON RECYCLING

BROWN O’CONNOR COMMUNICATIONS WINs MAJOR AWARD FOR HISTORIC BANK BUILDINGS REOPENING

POWER TO THE PEOPLE… HAVE YOUR SAY ON FUTURE OF ELECTRICITY IN NORTH WEST

SOARING NUMBER OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS LEADS TO UU BUSINESS SCHOOL APPOINTING MORE STAFF

A lesson in going green from St Cecilia’s