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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
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Brown O’Connor Communications
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Natalie McCloskey
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Natalie McCloskey
Email Address
natalie@londonderrychamber.co.uk
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Londonderry Chamber of Commerce
President
Greg McCann
Chief Executive
Anna Doherty
Member Relations and Business
Development Executive
Natalie McCloskey
Marketing and Events Executive
Emile Rainey
Accounts Administrator
Elisha Kealey
t: 028 7126 2379
w: londonderrychamber.co.uk
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Message from the CEO
Welcome to the 21st edition of CONNECTED, the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce magazine.
It has been an extremely busy period since our last edition. The return of the political institutions at Stormont has brought with it a great deal of optimism amongst the wider business community and we here in the North West are no different. The coming of summer has also brought with it the usual flurry of activity at this time of year, allowing our city and region to showcase the vibrancy for which it is so renowned.
Since the return of the Assembly and Executive in February 2024, the Chamber have been honoured to host the Minister for the Economy Murphy MLA three times, most recently at our very successful President’s Annual Lunch, held at the City Hotel in April 2024. The Minister has made regional balance one of his four priorities for the economy and his constant engagement with the North West has been cause for great optimism among our members.
At the President’s Annual Lunch, Minister Murphy spoke of a new economic proposition beginning for our region and we are now beginning to see the seeds flower. Our city and region are on the cusp of serious transformation. Since the last issue of CONNECTED, the regeneration of the Riverfront area and the convening of a taskforce to deliver 10,000 students for Ulster University’s Magee campus have been announced. Couple these with the initiatives of the Derry City and Strabane City Deal, including the new North West Regional College campus in Strabane, and we face the exciting prospect of living in a totally changed North West within the next few years.
In recent months, we have hosted the St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival, the City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival, and we look forward to Stendhal Festival and the Foyle Cup among other events. These events deliver real economic boosts to our region and allow us to showcase the culture and joy of our region for tourists and residents alike.
We have come through difficult times in our economy, times that have been acutely felt in the North West. While there is now great cause for optimism, the Chamber understands that pressures still abound surrounding the cost of doing business. We will continue to represent our members who work so hard to make the North West the attractive place to live and work that it is.
I hope you enjoy this latest edition of CONNECTED and get some well-earned downtime over the summer with friends and family.
Anna Doherty Chief Executive, Londonderry Chamber of Commerce
Bishop’s Gate Hotel named as best place to stay in Tripadvisor awards
Bishop’s Gate Hotel has been named as one of the best places to stay in Tripadvisor’s 2024 Travellers’ Choice Hotels Awards. Appearing as a new entry to the Best of the Best category, Bishop’s Gate has been listed as No. 19 in the prestigious Top Hotels in the UK, behind the likes of The Resident in Covent Garden and The Chesterfield in Mayfair.
In 2020, the same hotel appeared in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice awards ranking sixth in the Top 25 Hotels - United Kingdom and Channel Islands’ category.
Commenting on this latest accolade, Managing Director Ciaran O’Neill from Bishop’s Gate Hotel, says: “When you look at the locations and names of the hotels featured on this list, it is a great statement of confidence in the City’s hotel offering and an endorsement of the commitment and effort by everyone involved. This award shines a spotlight on the North West’s premium hospitality industry and will provide a real boost to the international image of the region and a boost to domestic tourism. Derry-Londonderry is a confident, vibrant, forward looking
city and district that provides the best of all worlds, offering city, coastal and countryside experiences.”
“This award is a reflection of our staff’s enthusiasm, dedication, and commitment to excellent customer service. In my opinion, they are simply the best and that’s why Bishop’s Gate has yet again been recognised by the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards. We believe in delivering a genuine welcome to all of our guests and we aim to ensure every visit is special, whether it is a formal occasion such as a wedding or simply friends enjoying lunch or afternoon tea in The Gown Restaurant. It is extremely encouraging to have this recognised and reflected in visitor feedback.”
Visit www.bishopsgatehotelderry.com
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Welcome to all our members and thank you to everyone who has contributed to this edition of CONNECTED.
Our first edition of 2024 comes at the halfway point of the year, which is a reflection of the very busy first six months of the year which we have had both in Chamber and in the wider economic and political landscape of Northern Ireland. When we consider where we were this time last year, stuck in political limbo and attempting to navigate the headwinds of economic uncertainty and skyrocketing inflation, then being busy is of course no complaint.
The return of the institutions has raised confidence within much of the business sector in Northern Ireland and we in the North West share that growing sense of optimism. The commitment to regional balance which we have heard about, from Minister for the Economy Conor Murphy, since the return of the Executive in February, is a start in the righting of an historic wrong. It is also an opportunity which the businesses of the North West must grasp with both hands.
I have chosen ‘place’ as the theme for my year as President and we are beginning to see the transformation of this place we call home. The North West of 2034 will be utterly different from the North West of 2024, and this is something we need to help shape now. We look forward to the North West being a destination region, with increased third-level places, more good jobs, more people, and more of the rich diverse culture which our region is renowned for.
An example of local future capacity building is the recent beginning of works to overhaul
the wastewater system on Foyle Street in Derry City centre which will disrupt traffic for the duration, but we understand this disruption as shortterm pain for longterm gain. Works such as this may not be the first thing that comes to mind when the transformation of the city is envisioned, but without these literally foundational improvements, the reimagination of our city is impossible. The modernisation of our Victorian wastewater system is necessary if we are to deliver headline transformation projects such as the Riverfront regeneration or 10,000 students for Ulster University’s Magee campus.
The Derry and Strabane City Deal will see the wider North West benefit from the economic multiplier effect of this public lead investment, encouraging more private sector investment in the region. We look forward to seeing the impact exciting projects such as the new North West Regional College campus in Strabane have on our region.
It is with that sense of growing optimism that we move into the summer months, our resilience remains strong. The summer months and autumn are when this place truly comes to life, from the City of Derry
Jazz & Big Band Festival to the Foyle Maritime Festival, through to our world-renowned Halloween Festival. We remain acutely aware of the pressures that still exist, some of them region specific and some more general. We stand ready to play our part in addressing these challenges in collaboration with the Council, the Executive, and other stakeholders. Our message is clear: the North West is not a problem; it is part of the solution for this place.
I hope you all have a safe and enjoyable summer and enjoy reading about the strength of our local economy within this edition of CONNECTED.
Greg McCann President of
the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce
Derrie Danders Walking and Audio Tours is a local tour guiding business
Started in October 2018 by local Chartered Accountant, David Douglas on a part-time basis, since June 2022, it has been operating on a full-time, all year round basis.
Being innovative has been an important consideration for Derrie Danders throughout its existence.
“As I had to start from scratch with many larger and established tour guiding businesses already operating in the city, it was important that I established a niche or USP for my business early on. I wanted to be able to show visitors are wider part of the city’s heritage, so I developed tours that explore the city’s Scots Irish/Ulster Scots heritage, Musical heritage, Shirt Factories,
Darker History, “Real” Derry Girls and my TNI branded tour – the Blue Plaques of the Maiden City.
Recently, the opportunity arose to work with the XR Hub of the North West Regional College and create an AR enhanced version of my Blue Plaques tour, as an experimental/ innovative option. I am grateful to some friends and local actresses for volunteering their time and dressing up in period costumes and being filmed speaking some words as the Characters. These videos were then edited through a couple of different softwares, and these characters will appear at these
locations and encounter my guests. Tour Guests can watch and listen to the characters as well as taking photos, selfies or videos with them too.
I also have a range of 6 English language audio tours, and 1 French (and Spanish in planning) and these offer a flexible and lower cost alternative to real tours.
Innovate UK Awards Nominee
Numerasee Founder Katrina Bradley £15K Grant and Business Support to Revolutionise Primary School Math Education
Founder of Numerasee, Katrina Bradley, was recently named as one of seven female NI entrepreneurs who have each received a national award from the UK’s Innovation Agency, Innovate UK. The combined investment of £250,000 will support them to grow their innovative business ideas. Along with grant funding of £15,000 to invest in her business, Katrina will also receive 12 months of tailored business support.
Katrina is developing an all-in-one solution to unlocking every child’s math potential through a dynamic blend of proven past, present and future teaching approaches, and where home holds the key to success. The project has the potential for long-term impact by fostering a holistic learning approach, acknowledging that education
extends beyond the classroom. It fosters community, pushes boundaries using modern AI technology, promotes inclusivity and empowers parents and caregivers to enhance their own teaching skills and confidence.
Numerasee, is making waves in the educational landscape by offering innovative support for primary school mathematics. From publishing quality educational resources, to facilitating large scale school workshops and Teacher Professional Learning training, Numerasee empowers kids, teachers and parents to become active partners in building a strong foundation for future academic success for all.
As a local business, Numerasee is proud to contribute to the vibrant community by empowering the next generation. Their dedication to personalised learning and parental involvement aligns perfectly with the chamber’s commitment to fostering a thriving and welleducated community.
HRH Princess Anne pays visit to Fleming Agri Products to learn more about their apprenticeship scheme
Here at Fleming Agri Products, we have continually invested in the youth of the North West through our apprentice training schemes and we were recognised for this effort with a visit from HRH Princess Anne. Over the past 40 years the company has provided training for many generations in sheet metal working, MIG welding, spray painting, administration and management. The royal visitor was very interested to hear how our internal training school prepared apprentices for a career in engineering in the company. She spent a lot of her visit talking with the current apprentices and also meeting with many past students that were now long serving members of the highly skilled team here at the factory. George Fleming commented that by investing in the youth of today we were assuring the future success of the company while also providing the chance to develop career opportunities in the local area. The Princess was accompanied by local dignitaries including the mayor of Derry City and Strabane district council, Councillor Patricia Logue and council director Mr Stephen Gillespie.
Allstate and Alchemy working together to modernize core systems with GuideWire
Allstate’s Canada Group (ACG) is undergoing a major transformation, modernizing its core systems for Claims, Policy, and Billing using GuideWire Cloud solutions. In order to ensure their development teams are well-equipped for the transformation, they are upskilling all members to a minimum Associate Developer certification.
With tight deadlines, the ACG team partnered with the Allstate L&D team and local GuideWire experts, Alchemy. The partnership accelerated the GuideWire certification process and provided employees with the necessary skills.
12 new and existing employees were identified to train in Guidewire. Alchemy provided a bespoke condensed mentoring and coaching model to ensure all employees were fully equipped to drive the transformation of the ACG systems.
They provided a hybrid training model to allow some employees to attend the training, while others worked on the code, all fully support by Alchemy. They also ran a condensed 8-week policy bootcamp to upskill ACG employees, replicating the experience of working in a real Guidewire team.
Through regular touchpoints with Alchemy, and a regular feedback loop, this approach has allowed employees to gain valuable insight into best practices, methodology when approaching defects and enhancements, and progressing their agile mindset.
Alchemy also helped to provide a support structure for any items that require further clarity for the ACG team. Collaborating with Alchemy, Allstate have demonstrated they can produce critical certified resources in an expedited fashion, positioning ACG for success in their core modernization program.
The Millennium Forum: Contributing £16.2 million annually to the North West economy
The Millennium Forum is the North West’s premier theatre and conference centre, attracting over 300,000 visitors annually. Since its opening in 2001, it has delivered a vibrant programme of world class performances including ballet, comedy, pantomime, West End musicals and top-quality drama.
In recognition of its outstanding contributions, the Millennium Forum recently won Organisation of the Year at the A&B 2024 Business Awards and has been shortlisted in four categories in the upcoming Northwest Business Awards. It is also a registered charity.
The Millennium Forum is committed to engaging with the community. It offers affordable arts and entertainment, transformative live theatre and exceptional educational projects. The Forum’s dedication to inclusivity and diversity has been recognised with
awards such as the Commitment to Diversity award at the A&B NI Awards and the Makaton Friendly Award. The venue is a major contributor to the local economy, contributing over £16.2 million annually to the North West region.
Support from local and national businesses is crucial to the Forum’s success and sustainability. Sponsorships magnify marketing efforts and ensure the continuation of free educational experiences for young people through initiatives such as the Interact Festivals, Youth Musicals, and Energy of Light DJ training. The Forum offers a range of advertising and corporate opportunities and has expertise in connecting business brands to audiences of over 300,000 per annum and much more digitally.
As it approaches its 25th anniversary in 2026, the Forum is inviting businesses to join in the celebrations and align their
Partnership/Sponsorship opportunities with the Millennium Forum
As we move towards our 25th birthday year we are delighted to be able to offer new partnership opportunities. There has never been a better time to get your business involved with the Millennium Forum.
Your support helps us deliver award winning events to audiences young and old.
Why not bring your guests to a show and entertain them in our VIP Walled City Brewery Speakeasy Bar?
We invite you to connect and discuss how the Millennium Forum can help your business. Email partnerships@millenniumforum.co.uk for further info.
brands with one of the leading arts and entertainment venues in the UK and Ireland via sponsorship, advertising or corporate entertainment.
Cara McCartney, Development and Creative Engagement Manager notes:
“We are extremely proud of the impact our partnerships have on our programming and outreach events. Even during this challenging economic climate, businesses see the benefits of partnering with us. With our excellent programming, there has never been a better time to get involved. We are very grateful for all the support and we invite you to connect with us.”
To explore how your business can support the Millennium Forum and connect with its diverse audience, contact the Development Department at partnerships@millenniumforum.co.uk
a day in the life
Name Kim Swan
Age
54
Hometown
Ballygally, Larne
Organisation
Aircoach
Job title
Managing Director
Describe what your job involves I’ve been with Aircoach for nine months now and my role is to lead my team through the challenges of our day-to-day operations and ensure we have a business that is fit to move forward safely, sustainably, and profitably.
Describe in detail a day in your work
Each day can be varied and different but always starts with a coffee when I tend to check my emails and make sure I’m up to speed. Post-Covid, life has changed for us all and Teams is now our major platform for communications. I will review my diary and prepare for any meeting planned for the day. I then focus on my top priority projects which can range from delivering core services and reviewing new opportunities to developing future strategies for the business where sustainable operations are high on my agenda, to ensuring we have a strong people focus with robust plans for the future.
What has been your most memorable day(s) at work?
My best day in my current role was the day I joined Aircoach! It was fantastic to meet our friendly and helpful drivers and service delivery teams helping local and international
customers at our stands on T1 & T2 at Dublin Airport. It was also great see the depot in Dublin where our experienced teams coordinate the operation working closely with the engineering technicians to ensure our coaches and buses are in tip top condition.
What is your greatest achievement?
Good question and one I have reflected on. I have been privileged to work with, develop, and grow brilliant teams. I feel one of my greatest achievements is helping to bring teams together, to recognise a common goal, and work collaboratively to achieve this.
What is the best advice you have ever been given at work?
Don’t be afraid of being yourself, understand you will make mistakes and that it’s normal to do so, but always reflect and learn what you would do differently.
I was extremely lucky to have a charismatic MD when I was promoted to my first management position. My MD recognised I was not bringing the best version of myself to our weekly sessions. He also understood the challenge of finding your voice as a
fledging manager to successfully grow and develop. He offered mentoring, a new concept for me, and something that was very forward-thinking for 1999. I accepted and welcomed his guidance, feedback, and insights as it allowed me to grow and develop my career path.
What is the most satisfying/fulfilling aspects of your job?
Aircoach is marking its 25th anniversary in 2024 and we’ll welcome our 40 millionth passenger this year also, so increasing connectivity for people across this island as we grow while providing excellent service is so important. We’ve become a pivotal public transport provider and a trusted brand, so when I’m out and about around Ireland, it gives me great satisfaction when I see an Aircoach travelling in the opposite direction. I am always extremely proud to see our drivers welcoming our customers onboard.
What qualities/skills are most important for your role?
Listening. If you don’t open your ears to the feedback from the teams and to our customers, we simply miss fantastic insights to grow and develop the business.
Kingsbridge North West - Where Innovation Meets Medical Excellence
In a stride towards enhancing healthcare services, Kingsbridge North West announced the opening of a new Paediatric Unit as part of their multi-million pound expansion programme. This unit will provide five star treatment in dedicated paediatric rooms for children across Northern Ireland undergoing surgery and paediatric dental treatment.
To develop the paediatric services even further, Kingsbridge North West are the first private hospital in Northern Ireland to offer paediatric MRI which will provide the option for children to have their MRI scans completed under general anaesthetic. The patient pathway is seamless, with on-site Consultants who will assess the child when in for an initial consultation prior to the MRI to make sure the child is suitable. The child
will then be referred onwards, and an appointment booked.
Anthony McKenna, General Manager at Kingsbridge North West explains: “MRI is a very safe procedure which doesn’t use radiation. However some children find it difficult to lie still for a scan and so paediatric sedation can help relieve anxiety, control pain and avoid excessive movement.”
It can be a daunting experience for anyone coming into a hospital environment, especially for children undergoing procedures. With this in mind, Kingsbridge North West have designed a dedicated space which will ensure paediatric patients feel as comfortable as possible.
Five dedicated paediatric rooms are now complete with colour changing LED lights, 100” projector screens and gaming consoles for older children. Their friendly mascot, ‘Roary’ the lion also features on custom Roary bedding as well as a Roary welcome pack complete with customised toiletries, a toothbrush and a Roary the lion teddy to make their stay as relaxed and fun as possible! Murphy beds for parents or guardians to stay overnight if necessary have also been installed in each room to ensure the option of having a familiar face during their entire stay.
Anthony McKenna, General Manager at Kingsbridge North West
Mr Danny Acton, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Kingsbridge
Kingsbridge North West is fully equipped to provide a wide range of paediatric surgeries and treatments across various specialties. From routine procedures like adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy to more complex surgeries such as cleft lip repair and scar revision, their expert team is committed to delivering the highest standard of care with compassion and expertise.
Recent figures released by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health report a 22% increase in children on waiting lists over the last 12 months, a record high of 22,272 young patients.
Anthony explains: “While many of these procedures are not seen as ‘urgent’ or life threatening, the report states that a delay in treatment can lead to ‘irreversible consequences’, not just for their health but also in terms of their education through missing school with recurring infections. We then have a knock-on effect for parents and carers who frequently have to take time off work, often at short notice, to care for sick children. This new wing increases the options for those seeking quicker treatment in a specially designed child friendly setting.”
“Our main focus will be ENT and General Surgery procedures including tonsillectomies, adenoids, vents, ear
pinning surgery and circumcision with our facility being the only private hospital in Northern Ireland offering MRI under general anaesthetic for children, should they need it.
While all our hospitals offer access to first class medical treatment, we believe we have created an exceptional environment here in our North West Hospital both with our staff and facilities, and we look forward to welcoming children from the local area and from across Northern Ireland!”
Advancements in Orthopaedics
Another first for Kingsbridge North West since the acquisition in 2021 was the introduction of Robotic Assisted Knee Replacement Surgery to their Orthopaedic offerings. A first of its kind in Northern Ireland, the service launched at the start of this year. Knee replacement surgery undergoing remarkable advancements in recent years, with technology playing a pivotal role in enhancing precision and outcomes. This innovative approach combines the skill of experienced surgeons with the precision of robotic technology, offering numerous benefits to patients such as faster recovery times and lower risks of complications.
Proving to be a popular choice with over 100 patients opting to avail of this new and innovative surgery since its launch, Kingsbridge North West doesn’t plan to stop there. With plans for a further 700 sq metre building to house CT, 12 new bedrooms and advanced physio facilities, Anthony says “We’re looking at the first spinal rehab centre in Ireland as a possibility, and spinal robotics would be another logical step!”
If you have any concerns and would like to get in touch to discuss any of the services mentioned, please email infonw@kingsbridgehealthcaregroup. com or for further information on all the services, treatments and Consultants available, please visit kingsbridgeprivatehospital.com/ north-west
Nurse Sarah Convery with Louis in one of the new paediatric rooms at Kingsbridge North West
Invest NI’s commitment to growing the NW economy
The past few months have brought positive news for the North West. Investors and indigenous businesses have announced investments in the region that will create over 1,400 new jobs in the coming years. Des Gartland, Invest NI North West Regional Manager, writes.
Vertiv, EY, Foods Connected, FinTru, and FabPlus, are just a few of the companies committed to growing their business in the North West. This confidence in the region as a competitive and innovative place to do business is a gratifying outcome to the collaborative effort to develop the region’s skills base and reputation for innovation.
However, we know there is much more to be done to support this region to flourish, deliver balanced regional growth, and create an environment where we have more companies starting, investing, and growing in the region.
Delivering on our commitments
As part of our Action Plan in response to the Independent Review we have made a commitment to supporting greater regional balance across all parts of Northern Ireland
To do that, we are working with the Department for the Economy on a new strategic approach to deliver regional balance in Northern Ireland’s economy. An outworking of this will be a Regional Economic Plan for Northern Ireland, which will identify how publicly funded interventions are used to address bespoke regional challenges and inequalities across NI.
The plan, due for publication this autumn, is being co-produced in partnership with all relevant economic development stakeholders (in particular councils and
Further and Higher Education institutions). It will have regional priorities, investment propositions and targets, and will tie in with Community Planning Partnerships.
Strong partnership working to encourage investment in the regions by indigenous and international businesses is more important than ever. In the North West, we have already put this into action with increased local engagement with the local council, Chamber of Commerce, university, regional college, and businesses in the North West.
Our forthcoming three-year Business Strategy and 2024/25 business plan will provide more detail and firm targets and actions to support these above commitments.
Our recently launched Founder Labs is another example of partnership in action. The programme is funded by us and New Deal Entrepreneurship Funding through the Northern Ireland Office. Together we are investing £5 million to support a total of 40 high-tech start-ups over the next four years. We have appointed a consortium to deliver the programme for us. Led by Ormeau Baths in Belfast in partnership with Dogpatch Labs in Dublin, the AMP in Derry and Queen’s University Belfast, the programme will deliver regional and all-Island partnership and learning.
What we are doing right now Boosting productivity leads to greater profits and a better performing economy. Derry experienced the highest growth in productivity – 65.9% – over the last decade, of all UK regions. We need to build on this.
Our North West regional office is based in Derry and works closely with businesses across the North West region to provide personalised support
and expert advice on a range of areas from selling outside Northern Ireland, job creation, upskilling staff, and how to access external funding opportunities. In the last five years (to March 2023) we have supported over 600 business in the North West, contributing to an investment of £323 million in the region, and the creation of 2,784 new jobs.
We offer a myriad of programmes, workshops, and training sessions geared towards fostering business growth and improving productivity. In the last 12 months, we have hosted 30 workshops in the region covering a range of topics including reducing energy costs, supply chain and managing change in a business. These workshops were attended by over 1,500 people.
For example: we partnered with the Derry Chamber and Derry City and Strabane District Council to deliver a series of workshops under the theme ‘Growth North West’. The workshops focused on providing businesses in the region with the knowledge and tools to implement more efficient processes which will help them improve productivity and become more profitable.
Our Ambition to Grow programme is helping manufacturers, engineering firms and professional services businesses in the NW region to invest over £3.2 million collectively in their businesses. Centred around innovation and exporting, these investments will help these businesses be more productive and will create nearly 50 new jobs in the area which will contribute £1.4 million into the Northern Ireland economy through salaries.
And we are supporting the delivery of the Derry & Strabane City Deal to ensure the strategic investments deliver on the right transformation for the region. With a capital injection of around £250 million, the City Deal is poised to create significant investments in infrastructure which will lead to higher-paying jobs and contribute significantly to a more regionally balanced economy. We have a dedicated City Deals team, which is actively collaborating with the Council and partners to fully unlock the potential this investment holds.
We continue to promote the North West to potential international investors as part of our wider investment proposition. Earlier this year, over 30 of our international staff from across Europe, the US, IMEA, and Asia Pacific visited Derry to strengthen their knowledge about the North West’s unique investment proposition. At the same time, they were able to share their knowledge with the Council and local stakeholders about what investors from different regions are looking for when searching for a location to invest. This will now help the Council fine tune the region’s investment proposition; and the colleges and universities to shape the courses they
offer to meet the skills investors are looking for.
Can we help your business?
Our support is wide and varied. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to set up a new business, or an SME looking to grow, they are many ways we can help. We are always keen to hear from businesses looking to scale up, sell outside of Northern Ireland, or entrepreneurs with a new export focussed business idea. If that is you, then connect with our Business Support Team at 0800 181 4422 to see if we can support you to achieve your business ambitions.
People Lead to Foundations for Continued Growth
Dynamic engineering solutions have been provided by Fleming Engineering for over 160 years from the St. Johnston site in Donegal. Entering a new era, the company’s owner and Director, Andrew Fleming, has identified growth opportunities in people and has plans to continue the development of industry leading services in the heart of the region.
FNW Group is the newly established overarching corporate entity encompassing a range of engineering companies both sides of the border in the North of Ireland.
The Group boasts an impressive breadth of Customer types, from UK and ROI government contracts to farmers, construction contractors and agricultural merchants to Mid Ulster heavy manufacturing and major food retailers to households.
taking over from his father James, the creation and deployment of a holding company was an obvious next step following the acquisition phase.
“We provide Finished Steel and Roofing products to those that need them along with security and access solutions. Essentially the Group provides shelter, safety and security for you, your products or your business and we make sure you can access them whenever and however you want to,” explains Andrew.
Acquisitions
Fleming Coatings, Flemings Doors, Fleming Steel, Norwest Roofing Systems, Limavady Roller Doors, and BES Solutions have, over the course of the last 15 years, been brought together. With combined trading years surpassing 200, the Group’s individual businesses are located across the northern region and continue to further establish roots in the community. For Andrew, at the helm of Fleming Engineering for the last 15 years,
“We have spent a considerable amount of time firstly investing in the successful and seamless acquisition of these companies working alongside the passionate and highly experienced previous owners and directors. Looking at how we can continue to go from survival mode to thriving mode has been a key driver for us over this period and I’m delighted that we have been able to complete these fantastic acquisitions. Each of our companies brings with it a unique set of skills, experience and suite of services that will sustain our quality output and provide both confidence and convenience to our customers.”
What’s in a name?
Creating a holding company comes with a host of very practical and commercial
benefits and from a personal point of view, Andrew has seen it help him to accurately articulate the purpose, vision, and growth for the individual and collective companies.
The significance of the letters FNW, Andrew says are an acknowledgement to both people and place. “Our roots over the course of 160 years have traditionally been in the North West with my own family establishing and growing the Fleming Steel, Doors and Coatings companies over generations (the ‘F’). It’s important to me to continue to recognise that personal legacy and to respect our proud roots in the North West region. The region has been and continues to be good to us and for us and for that we are extremely grateful.
“In my time, so far, we have had our challenges – the economic crash of 2007-2009 led to a giant hole in the company’s balance sheet – essentially, we went through a perfect storm of economic trouble that took the best part of 15 years to overcome. My team and I learned the hard way through that, and also through Brexit and Covid, how to manage a crisis in business, manage creditors, debtors, employees and expectant customers. We could not afford to make a mistake, so any investment decisions or changes in direction required proper and intense scrutiny and this mind-set is now ingrained within us – it should serve us well. It took bold measures like purchasing Norwest Roofing Systems (Omagh) in 2012 which was very much against the grain, with regard our economic fortunes, at the time but it will be forever the best business decision
we ever make. That is very much down to the team in Norwest that I was lucky to maintain and work withthis is recognised in corporate name as the ‘NW’ part of FNW.”
Covid was the next challenge which Andrew admits, after an uncertain period, turned trading conditions in their favour “when I sent everyone who works for us home in that early part of 2020 in the first lockdowns, I really did think it might be a challenge too far for us to overcome”. “In the end a huge surge in demand for our products provided by the nature of pandemic and lockdowns meant we traded our way into a position of looking for opportunity again which led us to the recent acquisitions.
“We are focused on continuing to grow and develop across the region as demonstrated by our presence in Newtownabbey and Limavady with BES Solutions and LR Doors respectively, so ensuring that ‘Group’ is consistently part of our name is imperative. People, impact, and quality are three things that sit at the very heart of our purpose as a group and are going to be paramount to the continued growth of our companies and of the industry and regions.”
Purpose, Vision, and Growth
Currently employing 70 members of staff at a variety of levels, the
FNW Group plans to continue to be a significant contributor to the region’s economic vitality and industrial landscape. The Group has an intentional vision to nurture existing talent and to establish new links with business groups, councils, government bodies and educational institutes to further its impact and reach across the North West and beyond. Sustainable and consistent quality is essential in manufacturing and exploring innovative advances with partner organisations aims to lead to the sharing of expertise and experience.
“Across the companies, we have recently been looking to recruit operators, fitters, apprentices, and management staff all with the collective drive and vision to actively and positively contribute to our culture of good people and great products and services,” Andrew says. “Attitude is extremely important to us at FNW Group and we continuously challenge one another to find even more efficient and practical processes, solutions and ways to better improve the environment for our people – that being our staff, our customers and our communities.”
You can find out more about FNW Group, its companies, and people by visiting www.fnw-group.com.
It’s time your business makes the switch to all-electric heating, cooling and ventilation
The waiting is over! After the launch of Northern Ireland’s Energy Strategy in December 2021, the UK Government has now introduced the Energy Efficiency Capital Grant (EECG) which will help NI businesses reduce energy costs and build resilience through efficiency. The EECG will support businesses of all sizes to buy and install energy efficient equipment that reduces energy and carbon emissions.
The grant programme, which will run for up to 5 years (or until all funding is allocated), aims to financially support small, medium and large businesses in funding low carbon heating, renewable and energy efficiency systems such as air source heat pumps and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery.
As a nation still heavily reliant on fossil fuels, Northern Ireland continues to be subjected to volatile energy prices. However, with the Energy Efficiency Capital Grant, businesses will be able to take control of their energy costs and make a positive impact on the environment. By reducing your business’ carbon footprint and saving money in the long, the Energy Efficiency Capital Grant is an opportunity no business wants to miss.
Based in Limavady, Londonderry Chamber of Commerce members air cool engineering NI is an established and reputable heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) contractor operating across Northern Ireland and Ireland. As specialists in the design of energy efficient small and large scale building mechanical services, their team combine
experience and the technical knowledge to provide bespoke heating, cooling and ventilation solutions to meet any business’ indoor climate-controlled requirements.
Martin Mullan, Managing Director for air cool engineering NI said: “The Energy Efficiency Capital Grant is the long-awaited financial support our business community sorely needs. To know that businesses of all sizes can apply for this support is also welcome news. As an established and trusted HVAC contractor, we have over 26 years’ experience in the design, installation and maintenance of heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment. We install leading global brands and as a Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Quality Partner, can offer clients up to 10 years warranty. All our clients can be assured of the highest possible standards in both the supply of HVAC equipment, design and installation worksmanship.”
If your business is considering making the switch to all-electric heating, cooling and ventilation and would like more details on how advanced heat pump technology can improve your business’ efficiencies, get in touch with The Cool Team at air cool engineering NI.
T: +44(0)28 777 67114
E: sales@ni.aircool.co.uk
W: www.aircoolengineering.co.uk
Chamber Life
2024 has gotten off to a busy start for the Chamber, with the return of the political institutions being complemented by a busy schedule of networking events, workshops/seminars, political engagements, and much more.
Since our last edition, we’ve had the return of the Executive, which brought with it ministerial visits, visits from other political figures, and we are now beginning to enjoy the arrival of local and global visitors to the North West for the summer season.
We kicked off 2024 with a New Year, New Connections networking event, quickly followed by a new members information session on 31 January.
As February rolled around, the political institutions were restarted, bringing with them a busy schedule of political engagement to go along with the Chamber’s own events. First among these was the visit of Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn MP and Shadow Minister for Northern Ireland Fleur Anderson MP, who the Chamber was honoured to host. Over a working lunch, we stressed the importance of addressing regional imbalance and just how many
opportunities are presented by the North West, we showed our guests the famous Derry Walls with a tour from Derrie Danders. Following this, the Shadow Secretary visited Catalyst and Alchemy Technology,
where he was able to see some of the most vibrant up and coming businesses in the area.
The following day, the Chamber was equally delighted to host the new
Minister for the Economy, Conor Murphy MLA; Mary Lou McDonald TD; President, Sinn Féin; and Greg McCann, Chair, Derry Chamber
Minister for the Economy Conor Murphy MLA. The Minister had cited regional balance as one of his four economic priorities before the meeting and used the opportunity to reaffirm that position during a productive meeting.
February also saw the Chamber busy in delivering workshops to members, with five events across the month: a workshop on why hope matters in the workplace; a workshop on reducing tax and optimising your business’ financial security with Benchmark that was kindly sponsored by Seagate; a Strabane networking session; a workshop on net zero delivered by Will Ennett and sponsored by North West Regional College; and a workshop on transforming staff selection, retention, and influence by Wil Coyle of
Choices Now, sponsored by FIND Insurance.
A busy March kick-started with a diversity in leadership/EDI event held in conjunction with Allstate, which was then followed by a North West Cultural and Business Partnership Celebration held with Arts & Business NI. Attention then returned to political engagement, with the Chamber welcoming Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD to the North West, along with her party colleague Conor Murphy once again. Murphy would return just two weeks later as the keynote speaker at our President’s Annual Lunch, sponsored by AIB Merchant Services, more of which can be seen on page 25.
In April, The Web Crew delivered a beginner’s guide to SEO workshop to our members at
NWRC, starting attendees on the journey towards the better marketing of their services. This was then followed by the second of our new member sessions, where businesses interested in joining Chamber attended to hear about our services.
May saw the Chamber collaborating with MOU partners Letterkenny Chamber to deliver a breakfast briefing on crossborder tax and employment, along with the Cross-Border Partnership Employment Services team. Given the North West’s status as a border region, tax issues remain to the fore for our members and such an opportunity for updates in this area were very welcome. The engagement continued in May with Chamber officials and other stakeholders discussing North West strategic goals with Invest
Derry Chamber board with Minister for the Economy, Conor Murphy MLA, Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD, Ciara Ferguson MLA, and Councillor Sandra Duffy
NI CEO, Kieran Donoghue, then sharing a breakfast briefing with the Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, in which the Chamber put forward both the strategic view and the operational opportunities/ challenges of the North West business community.
It has been a busy start to the year, for which we at the Chamber are thankful. The coming of summer and the holidays will not slow us down and we look forward to hosting members, politicians, and other stakeholders alike throughout the second half of the year.
Look
Derry Chamber officials with Shadow Minister for Northern Ireland, Fleur Anderson MP and Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn MP
President’s Annual Lunch
The 66th President’s Annual Lunch, sponsored by AIB Merchant Services, took place on 28 March at the City Hotel, Derry. The lunch was a resounding success, bringing together Derry Chamber members with politicians, dignitaries and other invited guests. Highlights from this year’s lunch included a keynote address from Minister for the Economy Conor Murphy MLA and a panel discussion between Ellvena Graham, Chair of Tourism NI, and Aedín McCarter of Derry City and Strabane District Council, chaired by lunch MC Jeananne Craig.
In his speech to attendees, Chamber President Greg McCann said that Derry and the North West are uniquely placed to deliver upon the economic vision that Minister Murphy has articulated since his return to office. He said: “Derry, with its cross-border location, is uniquely positioned to contribute in a major way. In particular, the theme of regional development is much needed and very welcomed by our Chamber. The pronouncements made by the Minister, and by the First Minister, on the need to develop the North West in particular, is doubly welcome, and we look forward to
working with his department and other vested stakeholders in co-designing specific solutions for this region…
“There is a need for longer-term planning for the North West region if it is to fully unleash the latent regional economic powerhouse potential. The Minister has already recognised that planning for this needs to be cross departmental. Our message is: Derry is not a problem to be solved, it is part of the solution. Our place is unique and should be cherished and celebrated. We are a vibrant and growing community of innovation and resilience.
Hubert O’Donoghue, AIB General Merchant Services; Ellvena Graham, Tourism NI; Minister for the Economy, Conor Murphy MLA; Greg McCann, Derry Chamber; and Anna Doherty, Derry Chamber
“Our vision at Derry Chamber is clear: we have a strong entrepreneurial spirit here in Derry and we have faced challenges and issues headfirst throughout the past decades. Businesses here are resilient and a constant source of inspiration.”
In an encouraging keynote speech, Minister Murphy reaffirmed his and the Executive’s commitment to regional development. He told attendees that a new economic proposition was emerging for the North West, namechecking the City of Derry Airport and the Ulster University Magee Taskforce that has been established to ensure that the aim of 10,000 students on the Derry
Aedín McCarter, Derry City and Strabane District Council; Minister for the Economy Conor Murphy MLA; Greg McCann, Derry Chamber; Ellvena Graham, Tourism NI
Event MC Jeananne Craig
campus is reached. Murphy said: “This is a time of economic opportunity as a result of political stability, dual market access, growing north-south collaboration, and new leadership within Invest NI. Within this positive context a compelling economic proposition is emerging in the North West.
“Local economic plans are being developed, giving the people who live and work here greater control over their economic future. Support is improving for start-ups and local SMEs. I have established the UU Magee Taskforce to develop and oversee a plan to reach 10,000 students at the UU campus in Derry. This will be a key economic driver for the region. My department is now working at pace to progress the £250 million North West City and Growth Deal, which will boost cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and tourism. In conjunction with the infrastructure minister, we are also working to secure the long-term sustainability of the City of Derry Airport.
“We are well positioned to improve economic performance across the north and particularly in Derry. I look
forward to working with the Chamber to deliver as much as possible in the three years left of the mandate.”
Chamber is grateful for the continued support of AIB Merchant Services, our Corporate Partner and Lunch Sponsor, and attendees also heard from Hubert O’ Donoghue, VP and General Manager.
AIB Merchant Services is one of Ireland’s largest providers of payment solutions,
with extensive operations in Ireland and Britain, and with card processing capabilities throughout continental Europe. They process millions of payments every day, and deal with every major credit and debit card accepting payments in every channel they can. In a rapidly transforming industry, AIBMS remain at the cutting edge consistently providing superior customer service.
Panellists Ellvena Graham and Aedín McCarter in conversation
Minister for the Economy Conor Murphy MLA addresses the crowd
2024 North West Business Awards recognise the best in the North West
The 2024 North West Business Awards were held at the City Hotel on Friday, 7 June. The awards night celebrated the best in business across the North West region with many surprises and acknowledgements for local enterprises.
Sponsored by Bank of Ireland, the awards were a joint venture between the City Centre Initiative and Derry Chamber. Overall, 18 awards were handed out to the businesses of all sizes that make Derry and the North West the great place it is to live and do business. On a great night that celebrated the best of the North West, nine Chamber members received awards, including FinTrU, Walled City Brewert, Litte Acorns Bookstore, The Ebrington Hotel, Alleycats TV, Waterside Credit Union, Translink, and North West Pest Control.
The Brilliance In Business Award, the top honour of the night, went to Chamber member Millennium Forum. Opened in 2001, Millennium Forum is located right in the heart of
the city’s historic centre and plays a vital role in impacting on culture, community, and business. A recent study found that Millennium Forum contributed a massive £16.2 million to the North West economy in 2023. The Forum’s award-winning team delivers a wide range of education, outreach and access programmes across the North West region throughout the year, as well as hosting world class conferences via its state-of-the-art facilities.
In a joint statement on the night, CCI CEO Jim Roddy and Derry Chamber CEO Anna Doherty said: “I think everyone tonight would agree that we have some of the finest examples of business in the North West here this evening. Our winners and shortlisted nominees are very deserving of these awards.
“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our main sponsor, Bank of Ireland, and our individual category sponsors for supporting local business and their achievements, without them we would not be able to host these awards.
“Selecting winners from the nominations we receive is always extremely difficult, and our panel of judges worked rigorously through the nominations to select very worthy winners for these awards. Not only our winners, but those shortlisted should be very proud to represent the best of the North West this year. To those who didn’t make the shortlist, we encourage you to keep applying, 2025 could be your year!”
Jenni Doherty of Little Acorns Bookshop with Mark McLaughlin, Smart Pay NI and Hugh Hegarty
Alleycats Team with Hugh Hegarty, Andrew Fleming and Greg McCann
North West Pest Control Team with Greg McCann and Ian Crowe
Translink Team with Greg McCann and Ian Crowe
Ebrington Hotel Team with Jim Roddy
FinTrU Team with Greg McCann and Ian Crowe
Millennium Forum Team with Greg McCann and Ian Crowe
North West Business Hero Declan Moore of Claude’s Café with Greg McCann and Ian Crowe
Walled City Brewery Team with Brian Anderson of Riverridge Waterside Credit Union Team with Greg McCann and Ian Crowe
ASM Chartered Accountants expand into North West
ASM Chartered Accountants, a leading accountancy firm with nearly 30 years of experience supporting businesses across the island, has announced a strategic expansion into Derry for the first time.
This move represents a significant milestone for the multi-award-winning company, which will establish its new office in the Ulster Bank building at the Da Vinci Complex. The decision to expand into Derry is driven by a commitment to better serve North West clients, enhancing accessibility to services and supporting further business growth in the region.
The expansion is a testament to ASM’s growth in recent years, solidifying its position as one of the leading locally owned practices on the island. The firm has achieved considerable success, particularly in the manufacturing, hospitality, and technology sectors. This sectoral success has been instrumental in driving the company’s expansion, allowing ASM to increase its influence and reputation in the accountancy sector.
Since its inception in 1995, ASM has established itself as a reliable and
supportive partner for a wide range of businesses, both within the region and beyond. The firm provides a wide range of services, including comprehensive tax advice, corporate finance, and insolvency services. Despite already having a robust client base in the North West, ASM is committed to further growing its presence in this market as a direct result of the new investment in the area.
Michael McAllister, Managing Director of ASM, expressed his enthusiasm for the expansion: “Our track record of providing exceptional services to our clients is well known, and we are proud of the reputation we have built. ASM has grown significantly in recent years because we are a dependable and reputable business known for adding significant value to our clients. We are excited to open our first office space in the North West. This is a signal of our intent and reaffirms our commitment to playing a key role in this exciting chapter for the area.”
Mr. McAllister emphasised the firm’s dedication to engaging with both existing and prospective clients in the North West, saying: “We look forward to
Michael McAllister, Managing Director
further engagement with existing and prospective clients throughout the North West in the weeks and months ahead. We encourage Derry-Londonderry Chamber members to get in touch and arrange a meeting to discuss how we could assist your business.”
The move into Derry is a strategic step for ASM, aimed at bolstering their presence in the North West and creating stronger relationships with local businesses. The new office location offers enhanced accessibility, making it easier for clients to benefit from ASM’s comprehensive range of services.
As ASM continues to expand, the firm remains committed to its core values of reliability, support, and exceptional service. This expansion into Derry not only marks a new chapter in the Company’s growth but also highlights its dedication to supporting the economic development of the North West region. With a proven track record and a clear vision for the future, ASM is poised to make a significant impact in the region.
£16.3 million investment in Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre in Derry/Londonderry and Belfast
A new state of the art Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC), supported by a £16.3 million investment from Invest Northern Ireland and the Department for the Economy, is set to have a presence at Ulster University in Derry~Londonderry and in Belfast.
In partnership with Queen’s University Belfast, the AICC will focus on increasing business awareness and adoption of Artificial Intelligence technology to boost competitiveness and productivity across all industries including logistics, finance, life-sciences and manufacturing, and agri-tech.
With bases at Ulster University’s Derry~Londonderry and Belfast campuses and Queen’s, the innovation centre is designed to encourage greater industrial innovation and collaboration with academia to increase both local and FDI investment.
The provision of additional training and professional qualifications in AI will also be delivered, and the Department for the Economy has confirmed almost £2.5 million to support additional AI and Data Science postgraduate qualifications at both Universities.
Dónal Durkan, Executive Director of Strategy and Partnerships at Invest NI, said:
“Our support of £13.8 million over the next 5 years is to increase business knowledge and adoption of AI technology. AI is one of the most important technological developments of the modern era and has the potential to deliver important benefits such as R&D excellence, skills development and increased competitiveness. With some 100 local companies already currently using AI technologies in their operations
we have an excellent foundation to build upon our capabilities locally.
“As a region, we are already recognised as an area of excellence in the realm of Big Data and data analytics. We now have the opportunity to make our mark in the AI arena and to realise the economic benefits that will come from adopting AI right across our business landscape to improve productivity, deliver good jobs, reduce costs, and enhance sectoral competitive positioning.”
Professor Brian Meenan, the Ulster University AICC Principal Investigator, said:
Archie Clements, Pro-Vice
and Enterprise at Queen’s University Belfast; Kathryn Harkin Allstate NI Senior Manager, AI COE; Keith Forster, Director of Innovation, Research and Enterprise at the Department for the Economy; Professor Roger Woods, Principal Investigator, Queen’s (front, seated) and Professor Liam Maguire, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Research at Ulster University.
“As an academic institution we are proud to be leading the way in cutting edge research relating to the application of AI in business settings. The AICC represents a new resource of 25 dedicated staff who will use their existing knowledge and expertise to inform, educate and empower businesses to adopt AI, as well as stimulating new research and innovation for the responsible adoption of AI.
“In partnership with Queen’s University Belfast, we will deliver 390 funded Postgraduate AI qualifications and classroom-based or online skills training to thousands of workers across Northern Ireland over the next five years.
“The AICC looks forward to working in conjunction with industry to increase adoption of AI while simultaneously creating the AI workforce of the future
through the development of new qualifications.”
Professor Roger Woods, Queen’s University Principal Investigator, said:
“AI and machine learning are evolving at an amazing rate and major developments are occurring at a monthly level. It offers enormous potential to transform business operations, so university-industry interaction is vital to ensure effective and fruitful engagement. Queen’s academics can provide insights into productivity improvements and help create innovative solutions for challenging problems using state-of-the-art AI approaches.”
To find out more about the AICC and the free Postgraduate courses offered, visit: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/aicc
Pictured announcing the creation of the new AICC are (from left) Dónal Durkan, Executive Director of Strategy and Partnerships at Invest NI;
Chancellor of Research
The importance of finding the right financial planner
Local advice firm Benchmark Financial Planning has continued to grow and provide advice services to clients since its acquisition by global asset manager Schroders. Wealth Planning Director, Sinead Meenan takes some time out of developing the expanding advice team to explain the firm’s services and daily operations.
Many of us tend to shy away from the unpleasant realities of tasks we don’t want to do. Thinking about our financial future often falls into this category. Financial planning may seem abstract, but it’s real. If we take our eye off the ball, it could end up costing us money.
The “ball” I refer to can be the selection of investment funds where much of our money may be invested, whether through our pension or through a stocks and shares ISA. If those underlying investments consistently fail to reach their expected growth targets, then we may be better off switching to betterperforming funds, rather than burying our head in the sand and hoping things will improve on their own.
We can also lose sight of the ‘tax ball’ and accept the adage (of inevitable death and taxes) without exploring how we can reduce the latter.
As Mae West said: ”You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
Based on current life expectancy, we may spend up to 30% of our life in retirement. Some of the questions we’re often asked are:
How much do I need? Can I retire early? Will I run out of money? How much will the tax man take? Financial products and planning can be complicated. Our job is to simplify the process and make the planning personal to you.
We use technology and visuals to engage, educate, and empower you. We help you understand your current financial position, your future position, and what’s best for you and your family.
It’s only when you understand this position that you truly know what you need to do, how much you need to save and what you might want in retirement. You can see the tax and ways to reduce it, and it’s not just about the performance of your fund (although this is important too); the desire, need and capacity to take risks should be considered. Very few of us are fortunate enough not to need any growth on the money that we put away for later.
The Retirement Living Standards suggest that we will need around, £31,100 for a moderately comfortable retirement. What is that figure for you? https://www. retirementlivingstandards.org.uk/
We can help you with:
• Understanding what you need now and later in life.
• Financial education – helping you understand different products, allowances and their potential benefits.
• Smart tax planning – so your money lasts longer and provides you with more options as you approach the end of your working life and wish to pass more of your wealth to your family.
Case study
Below is an example of how we helped one company director extract profits from their business. Could this be your story?
Something as simple as how you pay yourself can have a significant impact on your future wealth. This case study is for example purposes only, the client’s name and some details have been changed.
John is an employed company director of a local limited company. Outside his business he has access to two types of pensions – the State Pension and private (personal) pension schemes. Retirees who
receive the full new state pension will receive £11,502.40 for the 2024-25 tax year (with 35 years credit).
John draws a low salary of £10,000 and dividends of £30,000 so his personal contributions are limited to £10,00 (gross) due to his salary level.
The company can pay into John’s pension and obtain corporation tax relief, as long as it meets HMRC’s ‘wholly and exclusively’ test. The employer contributions count towards the annual allowance, which is currently £60,000 (2024/2025).
John can also benefit from the ‘carry forward’ rule to boost contributions. This allows him to use annual allowances that haven’t been claimed for the previous three years – provided he’s been registered for a pension scheme during this time.
As John’s business has high cash reserves and sound profits, we were able to allocate a single employer contribution of £160,000 to his pension. He had previously funded a pension but hadn’t maximised his allowances. The other pensions were also consolidated into one pension for ease of management.
This helped John:
• Move money from his business into his personal ownership in a more tax efficient manner than salary, dividends, or profit retention.
• Receive corporation tax relief on the value of the contribution as a business expense.
• Boost the fund that he’ll use when in retirement and no longer has income from the business (25% tax free from age 57).
• Keep assets outside his estate for inheritance tax purposes.
• Grow funds free of tax and capital gains tax.
After moving profits from the business into his pension, if John sold the business and received a substantial lump sum, he’d face a bigger problem – his estate’s exposure to inheritance tax having lost his ‘business relief’.
With planning through life cover, replacement Business Property Relief and trusts to protect assets and ensure John has all the income and assets he needs, his family will inherit the rest, not the tax man.
Important information
The views and opinions contained herein are those of Benchmark Financial Planning. They do not necessarily represent views expressed or reflected in other Benchmark Financial Planning communications, strategies or funds and are subject to change. This document is intended to be for information purposes only and it is not intended as promotional material in any respect. The material is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument. The material is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, accounting, legal or tax advice, or investment recommendations. Information herein is believed to be reliable, but Benchmark Financial Planning does not warrant its completeness or accuracy. The data has been sourced by Benchmark Financial Planning and should be independently verified before further publication or use. No responsibility can be accepted for error of fact or opinion. Benchmark Financial
Get in touch
Sinead Meenan is Wealth Planning Director at Benchmark Financial Planning, Derry. Sinead is a Chartered Financial Planner and a fellow of the Personal Finance Society and has over 25 years’ experience in the financial sector.
Planning is not responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within linked sites. Reliance should not be placed on the views and information in the document when taking individual investment and/or strategic decisions. Past Performance is not a guide to future performance and may not be repeated. The value of investments and the income from them may go down as well as up and investors may not get back the amounts originally invested.
Issued by Benchmark Financial Planning Limited. An Appointed Representative of Best Practice IFA Group Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, the registration number is 223112. Registered office: Broadlands Business Campus, Langhurst Wood Road, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 4QP. Registered in England and Wales No 07572431.
Assisting your business is our business
North West Regional College’s (NWRC) Business Support Centre assists businesses from fledgling entrepreneurs and micro companies, to long-standing indigenous and multinational and foreign direct investment businesses with tailored solutions to meet their needs.
We offer support to industry in two main ways:
• Our Innovation and Skills Centres assist businesses to source funding to support upskilling and mentoring in applied innovation, research and development and then foster innovation by delivering tailored solutions, to support businesses to be more competitive.
• Our Skills team identify their business skills needs through a training analysis and tailor bespoke training and
upskilling specific to the business needs. Many of these skills courses are in priority areas and linked to employment opportunities.
NWRC has five dedicated innovation and skills centres across the areas of food and hospitality, manufacturing and engineering, extended reality (XR), health and care, and industry 4.0 automation, that deliver high-quality skills and innovation support to students, entrepreneurs, industry, and the wider economy. These are the Foodovation Centre, Design Innovation for Assisted Living (DIAL) Centre, Product Design Centre (PDC), XR Hub, and i4.0 (industry 4.0) Centre.
Support available for early-stage entrepreneurs, micro and SMEs includes:
• Bespoke upskilling and training and one-to-one mentoring;
• Access to state-of-the-art equipment and industry-standard workshops including new technology demonstrations and NWRC staff with the associated skills;
• Technical staff with knowledge and expertise in idea generation, proof of concept creation, and prototype development right through to scaleup of production; and
• Conducting industry applied research and development (R&D).
We aim to assist business to find new markets, scale-up production, and to rapidly and effectively bring new ideas and products to market to
Manager of NWRC’s Product Design Centre, Philip Devlin, Business Skills Manager Sinead Hawkins, Foodovation Manager, Stella Graham, Cathal Ferry Manager i4.0 Centre, Dr. Fergal Tuffy, Technology Innovation Manager, and Jim Murray, Manager of the XR Hub
increase sales, reduce costs, while enhancing workforce skills and creating employment. In so doing, NWRC is playing our part and supporting the Department for the Economy’s vision to grow the economy of all areas of Northern Ireland.
With the Department for the Economyfunded InnovateUs programme, we provided 60 hours of upskilling and mentoring at our Product Design Centre to Coleraine-based orthodontists Cinchortho, to help design and 3D print their new antisnoring device ‘Soundly.’ The product is now FDA approved for the American market and Cinchortho was awarded the Platinum Level Innovation Award by the Department for the Economy as part of their Innovation Accreditation programme. And we assisted local tourism company Derrie Danders through our XR Centre to innovate their blue-plaque tours utilising augmented reality. With the InnovateUs programme funding we support over 60 businesses annually to bring innovation into their businesses. These range from single-person businesses up to those employing 50 staff.
NWRC delivers more than 30 innovation voucher projects to businesses across the province via the Invest NI and Enterprise Ireland-funded programmes. Through the PDC, i4.0, and XR centres, we have recently supported MIM NI, NuPrint, Ge Spares, BubbleBum, and the Millennium Forum to develop new and improved products, processes, and experiences for their respective markets. Food entrepreneurs, restaurants, B&Bs, artisan food and long-standing food manufacturing businesses have availed of the innovation vouchers and the support of the Foodovation Centre to enhance processes, develop new products, advise on allergens, undertake nutritional analysis, and even provide shelf-life testing. From supporting restaurants such as Red Pepper and El Greco in Castlederg, Whoosh in Coleraine and Hidden City Café in Derry, to developing new retail products, the spread of projects is wide. Foodovation has assisted drinks companies such as So Good Juice in Derry-Londonderry and Kombucha na Dálaigh in West Donegal, and even assisting Scottie Paws with their dog treats. An inspirational example is
Caroline Lynch who has taken an idea for gluten free products and created a successful business called Coelies, producing gluten free sandwiches and tray bakes and is now selling them into shops across the North West. Caroline’s daughter is coeliac and when you see an entrepreneur identify an opportunity and make a success out of their business idea it fills you with a sense of pride that you have supported them along the way.
The DIAL Centre is at the forefront of innovation and training in the health and care sector. At a recent health and housing conference, funded by the DfE Connected programme, several advancements in product development and construction were highlighted.
The College can help companies tap into InterTrade Ireland programmes such as Innovation Boost and Business Explorer. These have seen the innovation centres engage with companies right across the island. For example, Donegal-based businesses such as Hanna Hats, Inishowen Engineering, Lynch Windows, Killybegs Electrical Refrigeration, Kinore and Noone’s Poultry are included in the more than 100 Republic of Ireland-based companies that the NWRC has collaborated with on 12and 18-month projects over the past five years.
In recent months, NWRC has announced details of a new Innovate UK Accelerated Knowledge Transfer project with Broighter Gold from Limavady. NWRC wrote the research and development funding bid, secured £35,000 for it, and the project is now being delivered by the Foodovation Centre, analysing the company’s waste with a view to developing waste by-products.
And for those businesses with longerterm strategic R&D projects NWRC has partnered with the likes of AE Global, Braidwater Homes, and Gallagher & McKinney to revolutionize their businesses. The College has supported companies such as these to draw down over £100,000
funding each via the InnovateUK Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme to innovate within the businesses, incorporating the latest digital technologies and processes such as drones, augmented and virtual reality, artificial intelligence, 3D design, and building information modelling expertise to improve business efficiencies and develop new services, both internally and externally.
For the past 10 years, NWRC has grown and matured and will continue to evolve and invest in its facilities. The uniqueness, and forward thinking of the innovation centres, has been exemplified by visits from Scottish Colleges and more recently East Kent College. Upon visiting the NWRC, the CEO of East Kent College, Graham Razey said: “There are not many things that shock me in Further Education but what this College is doing in the innovation space is both inspiring and ground-breaking. I never thought FE could operate in this area but they are living proof it can be done.” With this praise the staff at NWRC’s innovation centres are not resting on their laurels and planning for the future via Peace Plus, the Derry City & Strabane City Deal and an extension of Foodovation in Limavady through the Causeway Coast and Glens Council’s Growth Deal, keeping moving forward, continuously innovating and evolving.
If you are looking for support for your businesses, contact the NWRC Business Support Centre because assisting your businesses is our business.
Stella Graham, NWRC Foodovation Centre Manager, Dr Fergal Tuffy, NWRC BSC Technology Innovation Manager, Leona Kane, Business Owner, Broighter Gold Rapeseed Oil, and Karen Marran NWRC Foodovation NWRC Technical Consultant in Food Technology.
Bogside & Brandywell Health Forum to move premises
The Bogside & Brandywell Health Forum has recently announced plans to move its premises to the Foyle Valley Railway Museum on the Foyle Road. The healthy living centre, which provides a holistic approach to help people in the community improve their health and wellbeing, will move from its current location in the Gasyard Centre over the coming weeks.
Mary Breslin, Interim Director at the Health Forum described the relocation as a ‘significant milestone’ for the organisation.
She said: “At the Health Forum, we have always prided ourselves on being accessible for the local community, and while we are sad to be leaving the Gasyard after so many years, we are delighted that this move of premises to the Foyle Road keeps us very much within the community we serve.”
Renovation works are currently underway at the Gasyard Centre transforming the space
into what will become a new museum due to open this year. The Gasyard Development Trust, have previously announced that the new facility will be called: ‘Peacemakers Museum: the journey from conflict in Derry’s Bogside.’
Mary paid tribute to the other community organisations currently based in the Gasyard:
“We have had some amazing years operating from the Gasyard Centre, and it has been a privilege to work alongside some fantastic organisations who all share a similar goal of developing healthier, more resilient communities. We wish Linda and her team at the Gasyard, the best of luck with the new museum.”
Mary also praised the local charity Destined, for their help facilitating the move of premises.
“The entire team at Destined have been a great source of support and advice regarding the move and we are looking forward to having them as neighbours.” She also spoke of the importance of being accessible for the local community.
“We are really looking forward to welcoming residents to our new location. Helping people improve their health and wellbeing in a community setting is at the heart of everything we do here at the Health Forum. It is important that these new premises serve as a hub for the local community, and we are determined to continue with our mission. We’re hopeful that the move will be beneficial for the community, and we are looking forward to welcoming everyone.”
Alchemy Technology Services Honoured with Prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2024
Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland – Alchemy Technology Services is proud to announce that it has been awarded the esteemed King’s Award for Enterprise in the category of International Trade. Alchemy is one of only four recipients from Northern Ireland and among 252 organisations nationally recognised this year, highlighting the company’s continuous commitment to excellence.
Founded in 2018, Alchemy Technology Services has grown to become a key provider of technology and consulting services to the global insurance sector. Headquartered in Derry / Londonderry, Northern Ireland and operating a key office in the heart
of the Lloyd’s market through Alchemy London Market, the company employs over 200 skilled professionals across its two locations. Alchemy is celebrated not just for its business achievements, but also for its substantial contributions to the socio-economic development in the Northwest region of Northern Ireland.
John Harkin, CEO of Alchemy Technology Services, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are delighted and honoured to receive the King’s Award for Enterprise. This accolade is a testament to the hard work
and dedication of our team who have consistently pushed the boundaries of excellence. It reaffirms our commitment to not only advancing our industry, but also contributing positively to the communities where we operate. We look forward to continuing our mission of driving forward International Trade, growth, and an unwavering commitment to client success across the globe.”
The King’s Awards for Enterprise, the most prestigious business awards in the UK, recognises and celebrates outstanding achievements in international trade, innovation, sustainable development, and promoting opportunity through social mobility. This year marks the 58th anniversary of the program, which allows its winners to use the esteemed King’s Awards Emblem for the next five years.
Alchemy Technology Services will officially receive the award during a special ceremony presented by the Lord-Lieutenant of the County, the King’s personal representative. Following this, a celebratory reception will be held at Windsor Castle, hosted by His Majesty The King.
For further information about Alchemy Technology Services and their work in the technology services industry, please visit www.alchemytechs.com
Erin McFeely, Richard Gelson, CEO John Harkin, Declan Meenan, Lauren Baker
Turn your ideas into a commercial reality with Go Succeed
The recently launched new enterprise support service, Go Succeed, is making a huge impact on business and entrepreneurs across the Derry and Strabane district and throughout Northern Ireland as a whole.
Part of a £17 million scheme backed by the UK government’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Committees, the service is aimed at driving lasting impact on the business landscape across all 11 council areas.
With a range of support for start ups and those considering setting up a new company, it is also helping to scale and grow businesses, large and small, throughout their life cycle – all delivered free of charge.
David’s journey
For those seeking to turn their ideas into a commercial reality, Go Succeed experts are there to help. Among those to have benefitted, David Douglas, an accountant by trade and a history enthusiast by nature, who has successfully transitioned into a fully-fledged tour guide in his hometown of Derry/Londonderry.
David’s journey into the tourism industry was inspired by his extensive travels across Europe, where he developed a passion for local cultures and histories. Walking tours, led by local guides, were always a highlight of his trips, and he saw an opportunity to bring a similar experience to his own city.
David decided to establish a walking tour service in Derry/Londonderry, aiming to replicate the high standards he had encountered abroad. Now a Level 3 Qualified Member of Tour Guides NI, David’s tours are part of the “Giant
Experiences” promoted by Discover Northern Ireland. David’s tours focus on the broader historical narrative from the city’s origins to the present day.
His business, Derrie Danders, offers original, authentic, historically accurate, and politically neutral walking tours. With a foundation in storytelling and a commitment to providing a quality, visitorfocused experience, Derrie Danders has earned a reputation as a 5-star tour guide service. An example of the tours he offers are:
• Blue Plaques of the Maiden City
• Shirt Factories Heritage
• LegenDerry Musical Mystery Tour
• Influential Women of the Walled City Walking Tour (The ‘Real Derry Girls’ Tour)
Assistance
Despite his passion and expertise, David recognised that he needed assistance in the areas of social media and marketing to fully realise his business’s potential. He turned to the Go Succeed service for support.
The Go Succeed programme provided David with tailored assistance that addressed his specific business needs. He praised the service for its comprehensive support, noting that it introduced him to types of support he had not previously considered.
Courtesy of Tourism Northern Ireland
Courtesy of Tourism Northern Ireland
Don’t know how to take the next step in business?
Through a range of free Go Succeed masterclasses, David gained valuable insights into enhancing his social media presence and marketing strategies.
Moreover, David was able to apply for the Go Succeed Grant, which he used to purchase equipment necessary for enhancing his niche tour offerings.
One significant development was the introduction of Blue Plaque Augmented Reality tours, which added an innovative dimension to his service and set Derrie Danders apart from other tour providers.
David credits the Go Succeed service with
turning his business idea into a commercial reality. The service not only provided the immediate support he needed but also opened his eyes to additional opportunities and resources that could further his business growth.
Through the combination of personalised mentoring, practical workshops, and financial support, David was able to elevate Derrie Danders to a new level, attracting more tourists and enhancing their experience with cutting-edge technology.
Transformative
David Douglas’s story is a testament to the power of the Go Succeed service in
transforming entrepreneurial visions into successful businesses.
His journey from an accountant with a love for history to a top-rated tour guide in Derry/Londonderry showcases how targeted support and resources can make a significant impact on local businesses.
Derrie Danders continues to thrive, offering memorable, high-quality tours that celebrate the rich history and culture of the city.
Services
If you have your own business idea, and don’t know where to get started, or want to take your existing company to the next level, why not speak to Go Succeed.
All services have been designed to provide entrepreneurs and businesses with the right tools they need to either get off the ground or grow their organisations - and boost the wider economy.
These tools which include mentoring, masterclasses, peer networks, as well as opportunities to access to grant funding and a business plan, are tailored to support the needs of the specific service users.
To find out more about Go Succeed, the help on offer, and to see a calendar of upcoming events and workshops, visit www.go-succeed.com
Courtesy of Tourism Northern Ireland
The Extraordinary Avril Brown
Within every company, there is that ‘one’ person who keeps it together, keeps things moving, and prevents problems before others even realise there is a problem. The gentle hand underneath the scales, keeping them balanced. For McCambridge Duffy, that person is Avril Brown.
No matter the situation, Avril always has the right words, delivered with the perfect amount of elegance, grace, and of course, humour. For more time than we care to remember, Avril has been a cornerstone of the company.
Avril joined the company when there was only a handful of staff operating from Templemore Business Park with our founder, Colm Duffy. Over the years, she has helped grow the company from a handful to hundreds. There have been many ups and downs, near misses, and book-worthy stories.
Now, as she embarks on an exciting new chapter, Avril looks forward to spending well-deserved time
visiting warmer climates with Brian, and devoting more time to her children and grandchildren. She is ready to enjoy life and live it to its fullest.
For us, expressing our gratitude to Avril is nearly impossible. We are not sad but rather immensely grateful to have enjoyed her presence for so long.
The definition of a ‘lasting legacy’ is a positive impact on people, friends, colleagues, and even strangers. No matter who you ask, they will undoubtedly say that Avril leaves a lasting legacy.
Without a doubt, McCambridge Duffy is a better place with better people because of Avril. We wish her all the best for the future.
business advice
Shaun Doherty
The 555 club
STRESS. OVERWHELM. BURNOUT. (S.O.B.)
If you’re in business, there’s a strong chance you’ve encountered the words above (if you haven’t - shoot me a message, we need to talk).
S.O.B. isn’t a one-dimensional problem, the same way that you are not a one dimensional human.
Everyone has a maximum ‘capacity’ they can handle. If your home life has you running at 80%, that gives you 20% to manage your work life.
These figures are illustrative, but important. A large part of S.O.B. is how we perceive a situation. This, in
and of itself is not a helpful statementhowever, chances are that there’s a lot of (over?) thinking on how bad things can be - causing real stress and real overwhelm for you and your staff.
Thoughts aren’t facts. Within the555club - we tackle this using;
5 minutes of breathwork - to calm the body and move it out of ‘fight, flight or freeze’ and into rest and digest, where focus and creativity are at their peak.
5 minutes of meditation - create space between you and your thoughts, reducing the stress that comes from making the imagined thoughts, real which can create anxiety in the body.
5 minutes of gratitude journaling - what you focus on expands - where do you want your focus to be?
These live 15 minute calls run 5 times a day, Monday - Friday and are open to all members of the555club.
If you’d like a free breathwork recording MP3 - send an email to shaun@ analaigh.co and I’ll get it straight over.
dermot Mccole
managing director mccole
& co solicitors
OVERCOMING THE BARRIERS OF BREXIT IN FINANCIAL SERVICES
Whilst some believe Brexit is old news, unfortunately, its ramifications remain very challenging for professionals in the financial services sector, particularly in the United Kingdom (UK).
From 1 January 2021, UK firms lost their right to provide financial services in EU member states (notably, Ireland). UK based firms that intend to provide financial services in Ireland, must now ensure that they hold the appropriate
authorisation(s) from the Central Bank of Ireland.
By registering your business with the Companies Registration Office (CRO), you may make an application to the Central Bank to provide pensions, life, serious illness, mortgages, savings and investments.
The first step of the process involves completing a detailed application form. You will then be invited to demonstrate to the Central Bank that you have the relevant qualifications and experience to provide the proposed products/ services. It is important to note that many of your UK qualifications will be recognised by the Central Bank and will exempt you from sitting further exams.
Whilst each application is assessed on its own merits, the process generally takes between four and nine months.
Please contact me by email or mobile should you require further information dermot@mccoleconsultants.ie; +353 863006699
Patricia Greene
Website Strategist, The Web Crew
ADAPTING SEO FOR GOOGLE’S NEW AI
SEARCH EXPERIENCE
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is a very powerful tool to get your business found on Google. With the introduction of Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE), the platform’s new search landscape, it may become more challenging to get found on Google.
It represents one of the biggest shifts in
the layout of the world’s biggest search engine in many years.
Unlike traditional search results, SGE uses generative AI in search, to give users quick and clear overviews of their search queries, so they don’t have to click on individual website links.
What does this mean for website owners?
Some are concerned that the introduction of a large content-heavy section above the traditional organic link results may have a negative impact on clickthrough rate, so less people clicking on actual websites.
However, there could be potential benefits, as the AI Overviews feature includes site links and references, creating a new opportunity to rank highly in results.
If your content is considered valuable or helpful, it might be linked in the AI-generated result, driving traffic back to your site. It’s too early to determine how many users will click these links, but useful content will always attract traffic.
What can website owners do?
A robust SEO strategy that targets not only large volumes of traffic, but also high-quality traffic, remains crucial for most businesses.
Providing a user-friendly website experience filled with valuable information continues to be one of the best ways to protect your website.
www.thewebcrew.co.uk
Lorraine O’Malley
cbpes
The Cross Border Partnership for Employment Services (CBPES) is an alliance consisting of representatives from the Employment Services in
Ireland (Department of Social Protection [DSP]), the Employment Services in Northern Ireland (Department for Communities [DfC]), trade unions from both sides of the border (Belfast Unemployed Resource Centre NI and Unite the Union), Chambers of Commerce (Londonderry Chamber of Commerce from NI and Dundalk Chamber of Commerce Ireland), employer organisations, namely The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) in Northern Ireland and the Irish Business and Employer Confederation (IBEC) in Ireland.
The aim of the Cross Border Partnership is to promote the benefits of cross border labour mobility and to increase awareness of job opportunities and economic development across the region.
One way the Cross Border Partnership supports employers, is to assist them with their recruitment needs. The Cross Border Partnership can assist by advertising vacancies through the DfC free recruitment website www.jobapplyni.com, or if the employer is based in Ireland www.Jobsireland.ie.
If vacancies are not being filled the Cross Border Partnership can promote them across the border via the “Reciprocal Process” agreed between the employment service in both jurisdictions. This will ensure the net is cast further afield and opens the opportunities to many more jobseekers or job changers. This service has no costs to either employer or jobseeker and we encourage all members of the Chamber to consider our services when posting vacancies or alternatively get in touch. For more information on this process or to contact one of our advisers, please see our website www.cbpes.com
Down Memory Lane
Liam Gallagher ae global
What age are you?
I am 66 years of age.
Where in the North West are you from?
I was born in Chamberlain Street in Derry.
Explain what your Business does?
Our business is a Mechanical & Electrical Engineering business specialising in Oil&Gas, Petrochemical, Pharmaceutical and Life Science.
What is your title and how long have you been in post
I am the Managing Director of Allpipe T/A Aeglobal and have been since 1994.
What was the North West like outside your windows in that era? How has it changed?
The main changes I see are the lack of industry now compared to when I began my working life in 1973. Major industry has dwindled somewhat resulting in a lot of our talented young people seeing the need to emigrate for better work/life opportunities.
Has the ethos of your Business changed over the years?
The ethos of our business has been the same since 1994 and that is to develop a business in the North West that is capable of competing with some of the biggest players in Ireland and the UK. To maintain this business we must endeavour to be amongst the top companies for delivering Safety & Quality as well as maintaining our training programmes and Apprenticeship schemes.
What’s the best piece of advice you have been given over the years?
There are a few;
To treat people the way you would wish to be treated.
Earn the respect of your employees, don’t demand it.
Don’t make any significant financial decisions after 3.00pm.
Has the way you do Business in the North West changed much over the years?
Have you any examples of anything that is better now
Yes, initially 90% of our business was in the North West in 1994 compared to today where the North West would represent approximately 10% of our overall business. Part of our business strategy was always to branch out and break into the larger markets in Ireland, the UK and Europe.
The road infrastructure has improved slightly but has quite a bit to go yet. The quality and work ethic of the people from the North West is and always has been up there with the best. Our in-house training and
development has played a big part in this.
What can Businesses learn from the past to build a strong future.
For businesses to survive in this everchanging world, they must not rest on their laurels and continue to upskill their employees and stay ahead of their competitors. Automation must be factored into every aspect of your business not to mention continued development of the workforce and the systems of work.
Waterside Credit Union celebrates
West economy’
Waterside Credit Union is a not-forprofit financial co-operative, celebrating 60 years of serving over 10,500 members of our community, and supporting families in times of need and with life events. We are about ‘people helping people’ and we offer two core products, savings and loans.
Having expanded the area that we serve, known as our common bond, in 2023, we can now cater for anyone living or working anywhere in the City. And with our office on Spencer Road open 5 days a week, including Saturday, and online account access, it’s never been easier to be a member of
Waterside Credit Union, and manage your account in person or online.
In the last 12 months alone, we have issued over £5 million in loans to families, individuals and small businesses which has directly supported businesses in the City, and the local economy. Our loans are available for many purposes - we’re known for our small loans, ensuring that our community has access to affordable credit when they need it. But that’s not all we can offer. In 2023, we introduced a promotional loan rate for loans of £15,000-£40,000. The amount we lend is no longer based on the amount of savings held but on the affordability of the loan repayment. As well
as lending to support new car purchases or home improvements, we have also supported SMEs with their plans to grow their business.
We are here to serve our members, and prioritising what they need has made sure that we are their first option for borrowing and saving. We have completely modernised our processes, making it easier and faster for them to join, to borrow, to get a loan decision, and to manage their account.
Let us be your first option too! Find out more at www.watersidecreditunion.co.uk
PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
1. Aoife Hegarty
Aoife is a Solicitor in McCay Legal’s Property and Probate team having joined the firm in March 2024. She previously worked in a reputable high street firm in Belfast after having graduated from Queen’s University Belfast with First Class Honors Degree in Law in 2019.
Following her graduation, Aoife pursued further studies at Queen’s University, attending the Institute of Professional Legal Studies, and was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in Northern Ireland in September 2021.
Aoife has significant expertise in dealing with a broad spectrum of conveyancing transactions, including residential sales and purchases, new build properties, remortgages, co-ownership transactions, help to buy ISA scheme, remortgages and transfers of equity.
Aoife has also experience acting for developers in the set-up of new development schemes and facilitating the sale of individual new build plots.
2. Sinead Creighan
Sinead Creighan has recently joined the McCay Legal team as a Director and will head up the Commercial Property, Real Estate and Private Client Department within this fast growing and evolving law firm.
Sinead has gained a wealth of invaluable experience over the past twenty years in practice and has an excellent reputation having worked as a Senior Associate in a niche cross border commercial law firm, before becoming a director in a leading top tier corporate/commercial firm in Belfast. Her expertise working
as a tri-qualified Solicitor in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, England, and Wales has given her extensive exposure to various aspects of property law from industrial, commercial and residential conveyancing to commercial leases, probate and licensing. She has successfully handled many large-scale industrial acquisitions, commercial and residential estates, extensive property portfolio refinances and restructures and highly complex cross-jurisdictional and multi-disciplinary transactions.
Sinead has a very strong and proven track record in acting for high-net-worth clients on major commercial acquisitions and disposals, commercial leases and financing both in N. Ireland and R.O.I. She has advised in both large-scale housing developments and the more bespoke smaller developments to include purchase of the site, planning stages and right through to the sale of final housing units.
Sinead has worked with all sizes of companies and has particular experience in haulage, wholesale and other business providers establishing bases and distribution networks across the island of Ireland.
3. Mary Breslin
The Bogside & Brandywell Health Forum have appointed a new interim director. With over 20 years of experience working in the community and voluntary sector, Mary Brelin takes over the role from outgoing director, Aileen McGuinness. Over the years, Mary has played a key role within the Health Forum helping to shape programmes that improve the health and wellbeing of people in the community.
Mccay Legal
Bogside & Brandywell Health Forum
Seasonal Outdoor Services Ltd
4. Eric Vollmer
Seasonal Outdoor Services Ltd, one of Derry and Northern Ireland’s leading providers of outdoor solutions, has appointed Eric Vollmer as Operations Supervisor.
Originally from Connecticut, USA, Eric brings a wealth of experience ranging from practical capabilities as a trained arborist and skilled labourer, to extensive leadership skills. He has been an SOS employee since 2023 and has flourished as a member of the team. He thrives in all aspects of the role with excellent communication, leadership, and consideration for health and safety. We wish Eric all the best with his new role and responsibilities within the company.
5. Leanne Clarke
Seasonal Outdoor Services, one of Derry and Northern Ireland’s leading providers of outdoor solutions, have appointed Leanne Clarke as its new Business Development Manager.
Leanne has a Master’s in Chemical Engineering from Queen’s University Belfast, and a background in large scale manufacturing having worked for multiple global MNCs across Europe as a customer facing engineer. Additionally, Leanne completed the NEBOSH General Certificate, key for promoting and delivering a safe working environment for both staff and clients. She brings a wealth of experience in promoting and leading change in lean environments, developing customer relationships, and project management.
7. Paula Scullion
Paula Scullion has joined the team at FAST as Marketing Executive, bringing more than 16 years’ experience in marketing and brand management, digital and social media management, and PR and event planning.
6. Natalie McCloskey
Natalie was appointed Member Relations and Business Development Executive in April 2024.
Natalie, a dynamic professional with an array of experience spanning various sectors. With over three years in sales, a decade in customer service, and two years in recruitment, Natalie has honed her skills in client relations and business development. Now, as a Member Relations and Business Development Executive, she leverages her expertise to foster strong partnerships and drive growth.
Paula is an Ulster University alumna, graduating with a BA Hons in Business Studies with Specialism in Marketing and a MSc in International Business. Paula will oversee the development and management of the FAST brand strategy and the individual product segments. She joins FAST Technologies at an exciting time, as the company experiences ongoing rapid business growth.
8. Noel Doyle
Noel Doyle has joined the team at FAST as Business Development Manager for Software Services, focused on bringing the best digital solutions to clients.
With over 25 years in operations and software, Noel has a wealth of experience with creative solutions and technology to transform practices, processes and procedures within an organisation to deliver successful business outcomes.
londonderry chamber of commerce
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
Eglinton based, Cambium Innovation Ltd, part of the Cambium LLP group (www.cambiumllp.com), has a 15-year track record in sustainable, smart innovation across the UK and Ireland.
For organisations tackling sustainability, net zero, and ESG challenges, Cambium provides services that enable the rapid development of solutions. Through collaborative digital innovation, data, and AI, we accelerate development and commercialisation to create positive impact.
Interested in boosting sales and brand value through sustainable innovation? Set up a Teams chat or email info@cambiumllp.com
The Ebrington Hotel & Spa is built within a former army barracks, dating from 1841 and is in the heart of Derry City on Ebrington Square, directly overlooking the Peace Bridge, only five minutes stroll from the Guildhall Square.
The hotel is a blend of listed buildings and new modern architecture linking the past and the present with amazing, elevated views across the river Foyle and the entire Derry landscape.
The four-star deluxe hotel is comprised of the following and opened July 23
• 89 bedrooms – including four Signature suites
• A large multi-purpose conference/banqueting suite seating up to 300 guests
• Three x Meeting Room/conference space
• Private Dining Room
• Private Drawing Room
• Luxury Spa (with six treatment rooms, hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam room, bespoke skincare brand)
• Public Bar, Functions bar, Resident’s bar
• 142-seater restaurant
• Hotel Gymnasium
• Carpark
• Coach Park
Cathedral Youth and Community Centre is situated in the Fountain Estate on the West Bank of Derry/ Londonderry.
Funding of £640,000 has been invested in the redevelopment of the centre. We provide educational and recreational community activities five days per week, including an array of activities, residential trips for teenagers, summer intervention programmes, activity classes for pensioners, as well as a mother and toddler group. Our recently opened Davy’s Diner serves a wide variety of food at a reasonable price.
Recently we were the proud recipients of The Gold Award from The Royal Horticultural Society, My Chelsea Garden for our community allotments. We operate an opendoor policy for everyone.
Established in 2023 by visionary partners Darrell Martin and Jonathon Feeny, our turn-key professional services firm, based in Derry/Londonderry and Letterkenny, is on a mission to enhance social mobility. With a focus on innovative management, we harness extensive experience in areas like accounting, logistics, HR, and legal services. Our approach ensures clients’ success, managing everything from critical infrastructure to everyday challenges. Check out our website www.dmjfhumancapital.com, for stellar recommendations and insights from satisfied clients.
Based along Derry’s quayside, Click Energy entered the Northern Ireland energy market in 2015 with an innovative customer-centric approach, maintaining transparency about the way they work, how they source your electricity, and their costs. With a broad offering of competitive domestic rates, Click Energy also provides market-leading and bespoke commercial tariffs, tailored to specific business needs. Nimble and forwardthinking, Click Energy has the ability to adapt to market volatility and has a dedicated award-winning team on hand to support its entire customer base.
The Donegal Women in Business Network empowers and supports women entrepreneurs across the county, fostering collaboration, growth, and success. Through networking events, workshops, and mentorship programs, the network provides valuable resources and connections. It celebrates diversity and innovation, driving positive change and economic development in Donegal’s business community.
CPC Office Supplies & Interiors are a well-established office needs provider, servicing business throughout United Kingdom and Ireland since 1984. Our skills and product knowledge allow us to service efficiently the SME sector, large multi nationals and public sector. We can provide you with a one-stop solution for all your business requirements. We deliver anywhere on time, every time.
Far and Wild Community Interest Company is a social enterprise based in Derry. Its twin aims are to develop people and sustain the environment through adventure sport.
Established in 2011 by Lorcan McBride and a small team of outdoor pursuits instructors and youth workers, the company is based in St Columb’s Park Reconciliation Centre. It works with a broad range of local community groups, statutory bodies and tourists alike to deliver bespoke, top quality outdoor adventure tours.
As a not-for-profit, the business re-invests profits into work in local communities, with the ethos that nature connection is a first step to restoring and maintaining health and wellbeing.
At Friendly Financial, we specialise in finding the most suitable mortgage deals for our clients. Navigating mortgages can be tricky, but our aim is to make the process as painless as possible. We offer a range of products from a comprehensive panel of lenders to suit your needs. Our experts provide complete, friendly service and can arrange Life Cover, Critical Illness Cover, Buy to Let Mortgages, and Building & Contents Insurance. At Friendly Financial, we make the process easy as 1-2-3.
RGAt Ronan Gilloway Training, we’re all about unleashing the hidden potential in your business. As an award-winning Trainer, we’ve seen how our carefully designed programmes and workshops, tailored just for your business, ignites employee engagement and creates a sense of ownership that will propel your business success to even greater heights.
We can help with many different issues from anxiety, depression, PTSD, Trauma and grief, addictions and fertility, sleep or confidence issues to palliative care.
We use non-invasive therapies to work through any issues to help you find a solution focused approach to the problem.
We offer a free first step call where we can explain the service and answer any questions you may have and gives us a sense of whether it is the right fit for you.
Please feel free to read through reviews on website or social media.
McGeady Molloy Solicitors, based in Derry, offers over 20 years of combined legal expertise. We are a fresh, energetic firm covering all areas of law, committed to providing sound advice and support. Our team ensures clients understand every step of their legal journey, striving for the best outcomes in stressful situations. We offer Legal Aid assistance and a 24/7 helpline for urgent needs. Contact us for a free initial consultation and experience our dedicated service.
Smartpayni is Northern Ireland’s only local merchant service provider based in L’Derry city centre.
Smartpayni is a family-run business that specialises in Payment processing solutions, credit card terminals, virtual terminals, payment gateways, and eCommerce, ensuring businesses are getting the best rates available to help them to reduce costs.
Transparent pricing, competitive rates, and personal customer service.
Waterside Credit Union is a notfor-profit community organisation, established in 1964. Our mission is to provide a safe environment for savings and access to credit at fair and reasonable rates of interest for our community.
We welcome everyone who lives or works in the BT47 & BT48 postcode areas.
Start360 provides health, employability, and justice services across Northern Ireland through one to one, family systemic, and group work interventions.
Through Vision360, we support employers in building thriving workplaces with a focus on emotional health. Our expertise includes trauma responsive substance use training, organisational crisis response planning, and tailored personal, team and organisational wellness plans.
Turley Legal is a next generation commercial law firm whose aim is to become a primary partner and resource for clients, enabling you to deliver on your aspirations for both business and personal growth. We deliver efficient, practical, cost-effective legal services, and solutions – every lawyer, every time. Our mission is to build a forward thinking, innovative law firm which puts its relationships with its clients and each other at the core of everything it does.
Numerasee was founded in 2021, with one goal in mind: to equip parents and kids with a positive math mindset. By addressing the social stigma and anxieties often associated with the subject, Numerasee aims to creatively engage kids and their parents more meaningfully. The portfolio of support includes consultancy, publishing, product design and event management.
Team Torres Derry BJJ Academy’s aims is to provide its members with the most extensive range of techniques of the highest standard of tuition in martial arts training programs. This is achieved by creating a safe, fun, and supportive environment where we can empower our students to achieve more productive, healthier and happier life through martial arts. The benefits are significant and include:
• Increase in fitness and overall health;
• Building self-confidence, mental strength, and discipline;
• Self-defence for the real world; and
• Build and develop lifelong friendships.
McCay Legal was set up in 2015 initially as a niche Employment Law and Litigation practice however we have since evolved to service a number areas, growing our team to over 20. The firm has offices in Derry~Londonderry, Strabane and Omagh offering services in Northern Ireland, England and Wales.
Having previously acquired part of the businesses of Wilson & Simms Solicitors and Thomas Doherty & Co, McCay Legal acquired the long established practice of AD McClay & Co in 2023. These acquisitions have added additional expertise, dedicated team members and enhanced our business.
Tom Brown MCIBS established Training Concepts in 1997. His business designs and delivers extraordinary soft skills training and specialises in leadership, coaching, customer service, and diversity issues. Training Concepts offers an innovative, practical and measurable approach and success is reflected in several National Awards gained in the last 27 years.
My career spans nearly 25 years specialising in environmental, health and safety compliance, waste management and resource efficiency. My career background is varied and unique with 10 years working in defence and 15 years in manufacturing and the renewable fuels industry. In more recent years my career has focused on sustainability planning and implementation.
I took the plunge earlier this year and set up my own consultancy business, SOK Consultancy, with the aim to guide businesses towards a circular economy. Aligning business strategy with sustainability objectives has become increasingly important for companies of all sizes. It’s not just about being eco-friendly, it’s about creating a future-proof business model that thrives in a world with resource constraints and growing consumer demand for responsible practices.
Clyde & Co is a global law firm providing a complete service to clients in its core sectors of insurance, transport, energy, infrastructure and trade & commodities. With over 5000 people operating from over 60 offices, including a local office in the heart of Derry City, and associated offices across six continents, Clyde & Co is committed to creating successful outcomes and providing comprehensive dispute resolution advice to businesses operating at the heart of global and local trade and commerce.”
The Final Word
The Final Word with Marc McLaughlin, Director, SmartPay NI
Navigating the future of payments in Northern Ireland as a business leader in Northern Ireland, I often reflect on the dynamic landscape of our business community. The journey of SmartPay NI has been marked by both challenges and triumphs, and these experiences shape our vision for the future.
Currently, the cost of doing business has become a significant concern for many of us. Rising expenses and the uncertainty brought by political and socioeconomic factors have tested our resilience. A particularly pressing issue is how small businesses are being squeezed by excessive fees imposed by large corporations for payment processing.
These high fees are crippling our local businesses, making it increasingly difficult for them to compete and thrive. At SmartPay NI, we are committed to innovation and excellence. As the only locally based merchant service provider in the country, we offer a unique advantage: unparalleled local customer service.
Our team is dedicated to supporting our clients with personalised, responsive service that big corporations simply cannot match. This commitment to customer service is the cornerstone of our operations. We are expanding our suite of payment solutions to ensure businesses of all sizes can operate seamlessly and efficiently. Our advancements in contactless payment technology (including card terminals, EPOS solutions, QR codes, virtual terminals and pay-by-links) exemplify this commitment. By staying ahead of the curve, we provide our clients with the
tools they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world, without being burdened by exorbitant fees. However, innovation alone is not enough. The skills shortage is an issue that resonates deeply with us. As we continue to grow, finding and nurturing talent remains a priority.
We actively participate in community initiatives focused on education and training, ensuring the next generation is wellequipped to lead and innovate. Our connection to the North West business community is central to everything we do. By supporting
each other, we can create a thriving ecosystem where every business has the opportunity to succeed. This collaborative spirit drives us forward and inspires us to push boundaries.
Looking to the future, our vision remains clear: to be the leading provider of payment solutions in Northern Ireland, known for our integrity, customer service, and technological prowess. We are excited about what lies ahead and are committed to making a positive impact on our community. Thank you for being a part of our journey.
