Ambition Issue 3 (Mar/Apr 2014)

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MARCH/APRIL 2014 ISSUE 3

NORTHERN IRELAND’S MARGARET BYRNE IN THE PREMIER POST AT SUNDERLAND AFC ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: · SUNSHINE, SAMBA AND BUSINESS SUCCESS IN BRAZIL · BIG TELLY THEATRE COMPANY IN THE SPOTLIGHT · IAN RAINEY ON CHINA’S BID FOR 2022 WINTER OLYMPICS

SPORT MEANS BUSINESS THE POWER AND THE PASSION OF ULSTER RUGBY

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05/02/2014 12:52

Giving someone work experience can be rewarding for you too Whatever your business, offering an unemployed young person a Youth Employment Scheme work placement not only changes their world by improving their chance of getting a job but it can be good for business too – providing you with staff development opportunities, improved business reputation and financial incentives.

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NI CHAMBER COMMUNICATIONS PARTNER

CONTENTS 34

47

94 NEWS 08 Henderson Food Service puts Best Foot Forward 12 Fane Valley wins new business overseas 14 Whiskey brand returns to market after 80 years

SPECIAL FEATURE FOCUS ON SPORT

20 Belfast Giants Tower In Elite League 22 2012 Irish Open – a swinging success 24 Down Royal races ahead 34 Pedal Power with the Giro d’Italia

BRAZIL FEATURE

54 Hot tips for business in Brazil 58 Moy Park aims to score at World Cup 62 IBC Trading hits the high note

COLUMNISTS

47 Angela McGowan 52 Ian Rainey 66 Trevor Annon 74 Maureen O’Reilly 96 Jim Fitzpatrick

MARCH/APRIL 2014 l ISSUE THREE

58

78 LIFESTYLE 90 Departure Lounge - APD 93 Kitchen Cool - Noel McMeel 94 April Showers – Rebecca McKinney

FEATURES

18 IAG Chief praises Chamber network 48 Big Telly Theatre Company Takes Centre Stage 70 Chamber calls for urgent export action plan 78 Gravity on the up

Editor: Adrienne McGill Publisher: Chris Sherry Advertising Manager: Catherine Patton Editorial Assistant: Ashleigh Addis Email addresses: adrienne.mcgill@northernirelandchamber.com c.patton@ambitionni.co.uk Websites: www.northernirelandchamber.com, www.ulstertatler.com Addresses: Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 4-5 Donegall Square South, Belfast, BT15JA Tel: 028 9024 4113 Publisher: Ulster Tatler Group, 39 Boucher Road, Belfast, BT12 6UT Tel: 028 9066 3311 Printed by: W&G Baird, Antrim Front cover: Ulster Rugby’s Stephen Ferris (Picture by Michael Walsh). See page 20 for Focus on Sport feature.

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[EDITORIAL]

DRIVING AMBITION AHEAD OF THE GAME

H

ello and welcome – Spring is in the air and with it, we hope, even more green shoots of business recovery.

But there’s something else in the air and it’s featuring very prominently this year – sport.

The Sochi Winter Olympics have just ended but as the flurry of activity around the Games melts, the cold of Russia gives way to the sizzling heat of Brazil and the start of the football World Cup in June.

Sport is big business everywhere, not least in Northern Ireland, so we decided in this issue to devote our special focus to it.

Many people dream about becoming good at sport but for those who have ambitions to be outstanding, the pursuit of excellence is their driving force.

Whether participating in a particular discipline or cheering the participants, sports motivate people to want to win. It’s the same in business – if you are passionate about what you are doing, you’ll make it your aim to get to the top and beat your competitors.

We talk to major names behind some of the Province’s most followed sports

who have led their clubs and organisations to spectacular success.

We hear how carefully crafted business plans, state of the art facilities, world class events, top players, sponsorship, marketing and winning trophies translate into a thrilling day for spectators….and revenue generation for the venues, clubs and organisations involved.

We have an exclusive interview with the Chief Executive of Sunderland Football Club, Margaret Byrne, who hails from South Armagh, and hear why she’s a match for the job.

We also talk to Ulster Rugby’s Shane Logan and hear how Coca-Cola has helped put the fizz into the business and we also feature Todd Kelman of the Belfast Giants

“IF YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE DOING, YOU’LL MAKE IT YOUR AIM TO GET TO THE TOP AND BEAT YOUR COMPETITORS.”

furniture & seating storage solutions partitions design & contracting carpet & lighting 04 l Ambition Magazine

whose latest victory puts the team in a league of their own.

Allied to our look at sport, we turn our attention to Brazil where the World Cup will kick off with a frenzy of colour and style. But there’s more to Brazil than just this sporting extravagana, sun and samba. Northern Ireland has developed and continues to extend strong trading links with Latin America but there’s plenty of potential to grow business there. We share advice from experts who detail what to look out for when exploring the market and hear about the sectors where particular opportunities lie.

We really hope you enjoy this latest issue of Ambition and, as always, look forward to hearing from you and highlighting your success in the magazine.

We make it our goal to champion your achievements in business.

Adrienne McGill Editor Ambition

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[EDITORIAL]

“NI CHAMBER HAS REITERATED THE NEED TO INCREASE OUR LEVEL OF EXPORTS AND OUR NUMBER OF EXPORTERS.”

PASSPORT TO EXPORT

G

rowth has been the buzz word this year – with a commendable number of firms in recent months announcing investments, job creation and new product development. But it would be better, so much better if the word ‘export’ was to feature on the list of accomplishments.

There have been recent announcements by a number of firms who have signed significant contacts in international markets.

Brookvent, the Dunmurry-based manufacturer of innovative window ventilation and heat recovery systems, secured a five figure deal in Hungary after pinpointing opportunities in both Hungary and Poland.

Fane Valley Dairies, the Banbridge-based milk processor, won new business worth more than £40 million in China, Indonesia, Algeria, Venezuela, Cuba and Europe demonstrating the strong demand for its dairy products particularly in developing economies around the world.

But examples like these are not in abundance – and that has to change.

NI Chamber has reiterated the need to increase our level of exports and our number of exporters.

Yet again, we have highlighted the issue and this time taken it to the table of the decision makers.

We have urged the government to take immediate action and draw up a comprehensive plan in collaboration with the private sector to address the issue.

If Northern Ireland continues to sit back and watch the rest of the UK seize lucrative opportunities in export markets, then we can be assured that our economy will remain in the doldrums and we will rightly be looked upon as a region in export stagnation sitting on the periphery of Europe.

The number of businesses exporting goods has been falling and currently stands at just under 1,500 compared to 1,700 in 2010.

Companies in other regions of the UK are marching on and seizing opportunities in international markets that our local companies should be capturing.

NI Chamber is committed to helping companies realise their potential. We provide an extensive range of programmes to assist companies explore new markets or expand their existing foothold.

This month sees the first event in the ‘Con-

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necting for Growth’ programme, an initiative in association with Bank of Ireland UK which will bring together more than 250 businesses with procurement teams from large buying organisations. It is open to any businesses that have an interest in developing cross-border trade opportunities.

Another business support programme offered by NI Chamber, ‘Danske Bank Export First’, aims to help aspiring and new exporters to win business outside Northern Ireland.

The benefits of exporting can be substantial.

Increasing revenue and sales are the most obvious but knowing that your products or services are in demand in overseas markets is in itself reward for your endeavours.

Exports can be the passport to a whole new world of business success. It’s time more firms began the journey.

Ann McGregor MBE Chief Executive Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry

To find out how 1080 can help your business call us on 028 9070 1080 or email think@1080.co.uk www.1080.co.uk 1080 is part of the Alpha Group

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[NEWS]

PROGRESSIVE MORTGAGE APPLICATIONS BUILD IN VOLUME Progressive Building Society has updated Finance Minister Simon Hamilton on its new mortgage applications in 2014 which have increased by 80 per cent compared with the same period last year. In a briefing with Progressive’s Board, the Minister was given an overview of its financial performance, current demand in the marketplace and planned investments in this, its centenary year.

Progressive which is Northern Ireland’s largest locally owned building society with assets in excess of £1.6bn and 100,000 members, last year announced that it was planning to merge with City of Derry Building Society. The mutual based organisation has also been rated as Northern Ireland’s most ethical financial institution and second in the UK, in a survey by the bank based website ‘Move Your Money’ which compared over 70 UK and global banking providers.

Finance Minister Simon Hamilton with Progressive Building Society's Chief Executive, Darina Armstrong and Head of Sales and Marketing, Declan Moore.

PUTTING THE BEST FOOT FORWARD TOver 200 employees at the Foodservice division of the Malluskbased Henderson Group have signed up for the 10,000 steps USA Workplace Challenge. This will see them aim to log 10,000 steps a day - around five miles - to raise funds for the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice while getting fitter.

Teams of five using pedometers will record and log their daily steps on a virtual adventure from Alcatraz to New York, with regular updates on how far across North America they have travelled. All the steps employees take at work and during their leisure time count towards the daily total.

Damien Barrett, Managing Director of Henderson Foodservice, said: “The challenge is all about teamwork and encouraging our staff to increase the amount of activity they do on a daily basis. This will hopefully help to improve their overall health and wellbeing.

“We also hope to raise a large amount of money for the Northern Ireland’s Children’s Hospice, a very worthy charity.”

Ellen Hillen, Corporate Fundraising Manager from the Henderson Foodservice employees Northern Ireland Children’s Kiera Campbell, Susan Browne and Hospice said: “I am sure the staff Amanda Stewart put their best foot will step up to the challenge and forward for the 10,000 USA be rewarded by the knowledge Workplace Challenge, in aid of the that they are making a difference Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice. to local children with a life-limiting or life-threatening illness.”

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LIGHT SHINES ON NEW PARTNERSHIP

Patina’s Operations Manager, Elliott Murphy-Kerry (L) with Blackbourne Energy Solutions Business Development Manager, Oliver Phelan.

Antrim based Blackbourne Energy Solutions have partnered with a leading designer and manufacturer of lighting systems in the Republic to deliver innovative lighting technologies across Ireland and Britain.

Patina Lighting, which serves the commercial, industrial clean room and medical sectors and is headquartered in Dublin, will focus on the development and manufacture of innovative and sustainable products while Blackbourne Energy Solutions will have the distribution rights for the UK and Ireland.

Oliver Phelan, Business

Development Manager at Blackbourne Energy Solutions said: “As a company at the forefront of energy saving technologies, we are continually looking to partner with the very best major UK and Ireland manufacturers. We are thrilled to be working with Patina, their portfolio of LED lighting technology offers the highest level of efficiency and performance and we look forward to working with them to provide superior quality that will help customers become more energy-efficient and save money."

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Monday, 17 February 2014 12:01

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[NEWS]

‘GAME ON’ FOR NI FILM PRODUCTION A planning application has been lodged to build two new film studios and extend existing production facilities by 100,000 sq ft at Belfast's Titanic Quarter. If approved, the £14m Titanic Studios development will take the current production complex to 250,000 sq ft. Work on the site could begin in the next few months.

David Gavaghan, Titanic Quarter’s CEO, said: “The phenomenal international success of the HBO series ‘Game of Thrones’, filmed primarily in Northern Ireland and Europe’s biggest budget television drama, is driving demand for additional film and television production space in Belfast.

A set from Game Of Thrones at Titanic Studios.

“The planning application is a measure of Titanic Quarter’s intent to ensure that Northern Ireland’s burgeoning film industry continues to grow and that there is an adequate supply of bespoke, hi-tech space to support the needs of production companies.”

Richard Williams, CEO, Northern Ireland Screen, said: “There is no doubt that the demand for further studio infrastructure exists and the construction of more stages can only assist us with attracting further production to Northern Ireland.”

QUEEN’S STUDENTS ON COURSE WITH BDO

Professor Ciaran Connolly, Queen’s University Management School, Jessica Tsang, second year Queen’s University Financial Accounting student and Nigel Harra, BDO Senior Partner and Head of Audit

Leading accountancy and business advisory firm, BDO Northern Ireland, is offering exclusive access to its student mentoring programme to the top three students in first and second year studying Financial Accounting at Queen’s University, Belfast.

This initiative is a three-part programme providing high achieving students the opportunity of work experience and summer placements.

This work will be based in BDO’s Belfast office, giving the successful prize winners the chance to learn the basics of accountancy and develop professional skills whilst working with a range of some of Northern Ireland’s most successful businesses. In addition to this, students are also being matched with a BDO Director, who will be their mentor for the remainder of their University career. Students will also get to experience business travel and will have the opportunity to visit one of BDO’s high profile clients based in London.

Nigel Harra, BDO Senior Partner and Head of Audit, said the programme would provide a sounding board for students to help them prepare for the remainder of their Accountancy degree and beyond.

Professor Ciaran Connolly from Queen’s University Management School, said students would gain an invaluable taste of working life.

HI-TECH TENANT Boston-based Merchant Warehouse, an ICT firm specialising in payment technologies for retailers, has located its first permanent operation outside the US in Belfast Harbour’s 6,000 square feet ‘Clarendon Building @ City Quays’.

The two-storey building located behind the Belfast Harbour Office, was originally built by the Harbour in the early 1800s as a pump house for two dry docks which became the focal point of the city’s first shipyard.

The refurbished Clarendon Building now accommodates 70 Merchant Warehouse employees

10 l Ambition Magazine

involved in software development and customer support.

Visiting the new office, Merchant Warehouse CEO, Henry Helgeson, said: “We were particularly impressed by its ‘industrial chic’ look and its association with the origins of Belfast’s shipbuilding industry which was such a global phenomenon,” he added.

Roy Adair, Belfast Harbour’s CEO, said the Clarendon Building was an integral part of the wider £250m City Quays development and will complement the nearby City Quays 1, an 83,000 square feet office which the Harbour will complete in January 2015.

Belfast Harbour CEO, Roy Adair, welcomes Merchant Warehouse CEO, Henry Helgeson, to the ‘Clarendon Building @ City Quays’.

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[ADVERTISING FEATURE]

MEETING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS: SIGNAL Centre of Business Excellence understand that planning and executing an event can be stressful. Whether it is a power-point presentation, internet access or web based training; having support on hand to assist in this area can really make the difference.

Based on the Balloo Road in Bangor, SIGNAL boasts state of the art conference facilities, which have been specifically designed to accommodate the ever changing demands of modern

conferencing. Each room has been equipped to the highest specification incorporating the latest Audio Visual equipment. This along with complimentary WiFi makes SIGNAL the perfect venue for business meetings, conferences, training and exhibitions.

Making your business pounds go further SIGNAL has Budget Busting Day Delegate Rates available from £21.00 per person including VAT. This includes: • Room hire

• Tea & coffee on arrival • Tea, coffee & scones mid morning • Soup and sandwich/wrap platter lunch served with tea & coffee • Tea, coffee & biscuits mid afternoon • Data projector & screen or plasma TV • Jugs of water, sweets, pads and pencils on delegate’s tables To support the quality of the facilities provided SIGNAL offers a Price Match Promise:

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Ambition Magazine l 11

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[NEWS]

NEW VENTURE WITH PART TWO Pictured with UTV weatherman Frank Mitchell is boxer Michael Conlan adding a different sort of power in the studio alongside SSE Airtricity's Jason Cooke.

WEATHER WATCH SSE Airtricity, Northern Ireland’s green energy provider, is the new sponsor of UTV Weather.

The announcement coincides with the news that SSE Airtricity is the new brand name for SSE’s energy supply and energy services business in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

UTV’s Weather forecast, presented by well known weatherman Frank Mitchell, has been a staple feature on UTV’s signature news programme UTV Live over the years.

Jason Cooke, Head of Corporate Communications of SSE Airtricity said: “We’re proud and excited to be the new power behind UTV Weather. With more than 250,000 viewers tuning in nightly to watch Frank Mitchell’s weather forecasts, this sponsorship provides an unrivalled platform to introduce our new SSE Airtricity brand.”

UTV Group Commercial Director, Nigel Robbins said: “We are delighted to welcome SSE Airtricity as the new sponsor of UTV Weather.”

One of the province’s best-known marketing and branding experts has launched a new design consultancy.

Ian Bennington, who for 31 years was Managing Director of Belfast-based Triplicate, has opened PART TWO Design.

The business, created following the demerger of Triplicate, is based in Meter House located within the former Ormeau Gas Works site in Belfast.

Speaking about his new venture Ian said: “PART TWO represents a fresh start for my trusted team which has a proven track record for brand creation, compelling design and the provision of strategic marketing advice which enables businesses to punch above their weight in existing and new markets”.

Ian’s multi-skilled team includes fellow Triplicate founder partner, Catherine Hume as well as five other former colleagues from the demerged agency.

They have extensive branding and design experience and have worked across the UK and Ireland with many local brands including Spanwall, ShredBank, Water Within, Drip & Drop, and Larsen.

Ian Bennington

FLOW OF EXPORTS

Trevor Lockhart, Fane Valley Chief Executive (R) with Jim Henning, Managing Director, Fane Valley Dairies.

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Fane Valley Dairies, the Banbridge-based milk processor, has won new business worth more than £40 million in China, Indonesia, Algeria, Venezuela, Cuba and Europe.

The company, which is the dairy processing division of Armagh based Fane Valley Co-operative, already exports products to over 25 countries and these new contracts are a reflection of the strong demand for dairy products particularly in developing economies around the world.

Announcing Fane Valley’s latest export achievements, Trevor Lockhart, Fane Valley Chief Executive, said: “We are now seeing the evidence of the expected rise in demand for quality dairy products driven by population growth, rising incomes and an associated change in dietary intentions especially within the rapidly rising middle class in China and Asia.

“This has presented new opportunities to exporters such as Fane Valley Dairies and Northern Ireland as a region.”

Fane Valley Group, a farmer owned co-operative, is now one of Ireland’s most progressive agri-food businesses, with interests in dairy processing, red meat, feed compounding, agricultural supplies, breakfast cereals and renewable energy, operating across Europe.

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EXCELLENCE IN DENTISTRY

ARE YOU UNHAPPY WITH GAPS OR MISSING TEETH?

Dr David Nelson, Clinical Director at Cranmore, understands how the loss of teeth may lead to feelings of insecurity and self-consciousness. However dental implants can offer a number of solutions to restore your teeth both aesthetically and functionally.

Dental Implants An implant is a small titanium screw that is placed into the jaw bone to replace the missing tooth root. Titanium is used as it is generally very compatible with the human body and bone bonds well to it, giving a stable and long-term structure on to which the replacement tooth is fixed.

Benefits of Dental Implants Allow you to speak naturally.

Enjoy all your favorite foods again.

Helps you to appear younger and healthier.

Teeth In A Day

Stable foundation for replacement teeth.

As the name suggests this treatment involves the placement of dental implants and attachment of provisional teeth restorations within the same day. It usually requires between 4 and 8 implants depending on your individual needs. After the requisite healing time your final restoration is fitted.

Teeth in a day can successfully provide a quick solution for missing teeth without the waiting time associated with traditional dental implant treatment. It is often considered as a solution for a person who has no teeth and is a denture wearer.

Implant Retained Dentures Dental implants can be used to secure and provide additional stability for a full upper or lower denture. To secure a denture between 2 and 4 implants need to be placed to give a stable and long-term structure on to which the denture is fixed. Once healed this artificial root acts as a base for fixing a denture and can lead to highly aesthetic, long- term, functional teeth.

Why Choose Cranmore?

Dr Nelson was awarded UK Single Implant Award at the Aesthetic Dentistry Awards 2013.

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[NEWS]

LIFE SAVING TECHNOLOGY Belfast based HeartSine Technologies has won a major contract to supply its Automated External Defibrillators to the Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF).

Chief Executive of HeartSine Technologies, Declan O’Mahoney said: “This is a fantastic achievement for HeartSine, reflecting the worldwide recognition and extremely high quality of our defibrillators.”

There are almost 8,000 cases of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) in Singapore each year.

The HeartSine device is designed as a quick and effective response to SCA which occurs without warning and can happen to anybody anywhere.

In the event of SCA, the chance of survival using Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is

around five per cent. However, this figure dramatically increases to 75 per cent when CPR is combined with the use of a defibrillator.

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster, who announced details of the contract in Singapore where she was supporting Northern Ireland companies taking part in the Singapore Air Show, said: “This tremendously important contract will see lifesaving technology pioneered in Northern Ireland used extensively in Singapore.

“Almost 2,000 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) have been purchased by Singapore’s Armed Forces. This means that every Singapore military camp will now have HeartSine defibrillators installed.”

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster with Declan O’Mahoney, Chief Executive of HeartSine Technologies.

BURSARY OPPORTUNITY

Shane Braniff, Managing Director of Echlinville House Distillery in Kircubbin, with the Dunville Irish Whiskey casks.

SPIRITED REVIVAL Dunville, once the best-known Irish Whiskey brand that was established in Belfast in 1801, is back on the market again after more than 80 years.

The new Dunville Irish Whiskey is being produced at Echlinville Distillery, based in Kircubbin, which was granted a licence to distil whiskey last year.

Consignments of the historic Dunville Whiskey have already been shipped to customers in Britain, other parts of Europe and the US. Shane Braniff, Managing Director and founder of Echlinville Distillery, who also formed the Feckin Irish Whiskey brand in 2005, said: “There’s tremendous interest and orders, even at this very early stage, are developing nicely.

“Whiskey, of course, has to mature in a cask for at least three years. We are able to provide the Dunville Whiskey now because we were able to purchase a consignment from another Irish distillery and finish and blend it ourselves. This stock is limited and will disappear long before our own product comes to market in late 2016, and from the look of things will be well worth the wait! ”

14 l Ambition Magazine

Final year business students are being encouraged to reveal their entrepreneurial flair as the University of Ulster Business School opens entries for this year’s Entrepreneurial Spirit Award in partnership with the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The award is a Postgraduate Bursary up to the value of £9,000 which includes a mentoring programme, giving students the opportunity to boost their futures with a cutting edge Ulster Business School Masters Programme, while also meeting with a mentor from a Northern Ireland business for six months. In addition, the winning student will gain essential business skills such as networking techniques, presentation skills and management styles, not to mention learning the responsibility of arranging and preparing their own mentor meetings while gaining an appreciation of entrepreneurial spirit.

Applications will comprise a 500 word essay outlining why the applicant deserves to win the Award and should be submitted by 30 April 2014. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in May and the winner will be announced in June with the selected course of study beginning in September 2014.

Pauric McGowan, Ulster Business School and Oonagh O'Reilly, NI Chamber, call on students to show their entrepreneurial spirit.

RENEWABLE ENERGY IT MAKES GOOD BUSINESS SENSE

Bottom line: now’s the time to get wise to heat produced from renewable energy sources.

There’s a solution that’s right for your business. Plus there’s now financial support available too.

So find out more.

Call 0300 200 7874 or go to nidirect.gov.uk/energywise

Part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland

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[COLUMNIST] PAUL MCGARRITY, DIRECTOR OF OCTAVE DIGITAL

ENSURE INTERNET INTEREST GRABBING THE ATTENTION OF CONSUMERS ONLINE IS THE KEY TO SALES GROWTH AS PAUL MCGARRITY EXPLAINS.

E

xploring new ways to grow revenue through more effective marketing is often at the top of the wish-list for small businesses. And if there is one area that businesses really need to be addressing in 2014, it’s promoting themselves online.

Research from across the globe clearly shows how small businesses generally suffer from a poor online presence. In Northern Ireland the situation is particularly stark. Recent research revealed that small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) in Northern Ireland were making themselves invisible to consumers by failing to promote their services and products online. The research showed that 53 per cent of businesses in the North did not have a website. However, the real jaw-dropping revelation was that only a third of Northern Ireland businesses think that their customers actually use the internet to research products and services online. The reality is that 80 per cent of Northern Ireland people use search engines to research online and it is by far the most popular way for consumers to find everything from local solicitors to health products.

Businesses should be in no doubt about the modern media habits of their customers. While many small businesses continue to over invest in

16 l Ambition Magazine

traditional forms of advertising, the cold reality is that for a huge number of consumers, online sources such as search engines are the main way to research before they book or buy a product or a service. Just consider the latest figures on online usage. Over 50 per cent of people in the UK and Ireland use Facebook, smart phone ownership is now at 64 per cent in the UK and a massive 13.5 per cent of all UK purchases are via online.

So if you are still investing all your marketing efforts in trying to reach customers via traditional media and have a poor online presence, then your business has a big problem.

SMBs often share the same problem that prevent them capitalising on the opportunities online. The first is the need to be visible online.

One of the top marketing priorities for SMBs should be to assess how they are visible on search engines such as Google for key phrases that are relevant to their business. So if you are a domestic heating oil supplier and you are virtually invisible on Google to people searching for ‘domestic heating oil Belfast’, or ‘cheap home heating oil’ then your business will suffer at the expense of your competitors.

The second main reason for SMB’s performing poorly online is a non-existent or poor website.

Having an effective website that shows your brand in a good light and helps convert website visitors to take an action, such as call you or make a booking online, is now a marketing must. I know that when I’m researching for a local business such as a restaurant or a plumber, the first place I look is on the internet which I mostly access via my smart phone. If I come across a website that fails to load properly on my smartphone or makes it hard for me to book online or fails to display their contact details, then I move on to their competitor.

Social media remains another missed opportunity for many SMBs. Social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter can be used very effectively to engage customers online. Some small businesses such as Northern Ireland based Urban Pup have been successful at promoting their brand to a very relevant audience across the globe by using online story-telling and compelling visuals.

Modern marketing depends on communicating your product or service to help you sell more and, as the research clearly shows, is increasingly dependent on reaching and persuading people online.

Life-changing stories

Pamela Ballantine, TV Presenter has life changing eye treatment We speak to Pamela Ballantine about her experience undergoing laser eye treatment.

In my line of work, I am so reliant upon my vision, my reading and ultimately my eyes. So needless to say, they are very important to me. My biggest problem was my reading vision really wasn’t great and neither was my distance vision but I had coped by using my contact lenses.

I had considered Laser Eye Treatment for some time, but had never got around to it. However a friend of mine recommended Optilase, facing the City Hall in Belfast, and suggested I should go for a Consultation.

When I heard that the Kamra treatment was exclusive to Optilase in NI and Optilase were the number one provider in Europe and 2nd in the world in terms of completed treatments, I was greatly reassured and this made my decision to visit an easy one.

After speaking to Optilase and answering some simple questions, I had booked my Consultation.

First step taken then!!

My initial Consultation was around an hour long.

So I went along to the Flagship Clinic and Surgery Centre, opposite Belfast’s City Hall. The Clinic was like being at a 5 Star hotel! The staff were absolutely tremendous and I was immediately completely at ease. Bring it on, I thought!

So, after a coffee, (which might I add, was excellent), I filled out a simple form, and met my Optometrist who would be looking after me for the next hour. He was very reassuring and answered some of my very silly questions. I was completely put at ease.

He explained how the Consultation would proceed and took me for some scans and pictures of

my eye. I confessed to doing some homework on the technology that Optilase use and felt very informed and completely reassured throughout the process.

A big thing for me also was the reassurance of the Optilase Lifetime Care Guarantee – basically Optilase look after and treat my vision for the rest of my days, even if I needed to be re-treated further down the line, at no extra cost!

After the scans and eye test, it was time for the big result – and I was absolutely delighted to hear that I was suitable for Treatment. Hurrah!! By now I really wanted it done and I was shown the potential about how good my vision could be afterwards. I really wanted complete freedom from those cumbersome glasses.

This is the best decision I have ever made, I now see life in full HD! So two weeks later the big day came – and I approached this with some confidence, however I must admit that the day before surgery I was a bit nervous. The morning of surgery I was still a bit anxious but I needn’t have been.

I then met with the Surgeon (for which there is also no fee) Medical Director Dr. Wayne CreweBrown. He has performed more than 40,000 of these treatments and he talked me through my different treatment options. I spent over half an hour with Dr. Crewe–Brown and felt completely reassured at the end of my Pre-Op. I opted for the KAMRA Treatment, with laser – exactly as the Surgeon had described and recommended to me. This would give me my near and distance vision and would do away with glasses altogether!

The actual surgery itself was over within minutes and I quickly realised there was no reason for me to have been nervous. The Surgeon was fantastic and talked me through each part of the procedure - the Nursing and Care team were second to none.

There was no pain whatsoever during surgery -

a question I have been asked by almost everyone I have met since the surgery, as there are so many myths out there about laser eye treatments.

After surgery my eyes were tender initially, a sensation I compared to the experience you have after cutting raw onions. My eyes were watering all the way home and I had to wear black sunglasses to protect them, although the staff did advise me that I would be light sensitive straight away as my ‘new eyes’ got used to light again.

Following the advice from the team at Optilase I went home and relaxed - when I woke in the morning life had taken on a whole new perspective. Being able to see so clearly without glasses was the strangest feeling ever, absolutely fantastic and I was more than a bit emotional – I don’t mind admitting. My near vision settled and dramatically improved after the next few days.

Just out of habit I even reached for my glasses (trust me; it takes a while before you will break that habit). If I had some advice for anyone out there who wears specs, get it done – and get it done now!

If only I had it done years ago……

My advice? Find out if you can have it done – if you are suitable, find a way to have treatment – it will change your life……I’m glad I did!!

To book your free consultation contact Optilase on 08000 121 565 or visit www.optilase.co.uk

Free Consultation Call 08000 121 565 www.optilase.co.uk

Cleaver House, Belfast - Carlisle Rd, L/Derry - 1 Canal Court, 34 Merchants Quay, Newry

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[FEATURE]

CHAMBER FLIES HIGH AS A BUSINESS ORGANISATION, THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IS CRITICAL TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE WILLIE WALSH TELLS ADRIENNE MCGILL.

T

he Chamber of Commerce network has been given a ringing endorsement by the Chief Executive of British Airways’ parent.

Willie Walsh who heads International Airlines Group (IAG) – the group created by the merger of British Airways (BA) and Iberia – described the Chamber of Commerce as “a highly important” organisation whose support of business was critical to economic development.

The IAG Chief, who jetted into Belfast recently to open BA’s new business lounge at George Best Belfast City Airport, has been a leading figure in the Chamber of Commerce having been elected President of the London Chamber in 2010, a position he held until last year.

He was also involved with the Dublin Chamber when he was Chief Executive of Aer Lingus, a position he held before taking the top post at BA. Speaking to Ambition, Mr Walsh said: “The Chamber of Commerce plays a critical role in the development of business. I have been a big fan of Chamber activities for many years. I was involved with the Dublin Chamber when I was at Aer Lingus and was delighted to get the opportunity to get involved with the London Chamber. I think the Chamber of Commerce is a highly important organisation. Business should support the Chamber because the Chamber supports business. It is a great organisation particularly for SMEs. “Big business can make contacts through lots of different ways but I think for SMEs, the Chamber provides excellent networks and support.

“People ask me – why did you get involved with the Chamber of Commerce?

“The answer is – I thoroughly enjoy it – you get to meet people who are literally working day in day out to grow their companies, create jobs and export overseas.

“A lot of employment is generated by SMEs and we are particularly keen to encourage more and more people to look at exports as an opportunity.

“In the UK, we have great products to sell and all we need is a bit of confidence. That is where the Chamber network comes into its own in terms of support.”

Mr Walsh highlighted a number of trade missions he had led during his time as

“AS BUSINESS DEVELOPS AND GROWS HERE, MORE AND MORE PEOPLE WILL EXPORT AND THAT MEANS, MORE THAN LIKELY, THEY WILL BE TRAVELLING ON BA.”

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President of the London Chamber of Commerce including trips to China, Qatar and Brazil to boost UK business ties and strengthen exports.

He said he saw first-hand how businesses benefitted from close interaction.

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“For many businesses, a trade mission is their first overseas trip and when you are in the company of other small businesses you gain confidence. You can swap stories and you can tell one another about the challenges.

It is a really good way of learning from others.

The Chamber of Commerce is a great organisation and I encourage everyone to get involved one way or another – the Chamber is there to support business and I think it does a fantastic job.”

Mr Walsh said he appreciated that Northern Ireland had a small export base but stressed there were untapped opportunities in

overseas markets which warranted exploration.

“It is important for small companies in particular to understand there is support there. Export markets are not as frightening as they might think but it can be more challenging than they might expect.

However, what is important to remember is that the opportunities are huge especially in developing markets where, if you have a good product, there will be real interest.

“All that is required is a little bit of risk – and that is where I think taking a risk with the support of an umbrella group like the

International Airlines Group Chief Executive Willie Walsh with Economy Minister Arlene Foster at the opening of the new BA lounge at Belfast City Airport.

Chamber of Commerce or UKTI can help open new doors and that is exciting for everyone.”

Turning to the ‘Minister on the Move’ series, a dynamic initiative by the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in partnership with British Airways, which sees Minister of Finance and Personnel Simon Hamilton meet with a wide range of businesses across Northern Ireland, Mr Walsh said such programmes were “very important.”

“We are very delighted to be able to support initiatives such as these because they are very important and again it demonstrates our commitment to Northern Ireland and our commitment to the development of our business here. We see it as a relationship which works well together.

“As business develops and grows here, more and more people will export and that means, more than likely, they will be travelling on BA so we believe it is important to support the local economy particularly in terms of connectivity.”

And when it comes to connectivity, Mr Walsh highlighted BA’s investment in making air travel a much smoother and easier option.

The airine’s new £300,000 lounge at Belfast City Airport boasts free wifi throughout, a work area, an extensive choice of food and a complimentary bar and its location allows for direct boarding on to the aircraft.

The refurbishment forms part of the airline's £5bn investment programme to make travelling more comfortable both in the air and on the ground.

"British Airways' new lounge represents a significant investment and shows the importance of the Belfast operation within our global network. We want to continue to lead the way in customer service excellence and our lounges play a critical role in delivering a premium experience to our customers," said Mr Walsh.

"The Belfast City to London Heathrow route remains a vital artery for the flow of business and commerce and is essential to sustain and grow the local economy.

“We are delighted with the performance of BA in Northern Ireland and we think there is opportunity to grow that. We are optimistic about the outlook for gradual improvement in the economic environment that will support the investment that we are making here.

“The critical service we provide is into Heathrow both in terms of the direct service for people flying to London and, more importantly for Northern Ireland, the global connectivity it gives over the Heathrow hub.”

From October, flights from Belfast City Airport and Dublin will be moving to BA’s flagship Heathrow home, Terminal 5.

The move is expected to cut minimum connection times to onward BA flights from Terminal 5 by 30 minutes.

It means customers will benefit from quicker and smoother connections to over 100 cities worldwide served by BA from Terminal 5.

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FOCUS ON SPORT T

he business and commercial activity around sport is every bit as exciting and challenging as the energies displayed on the field, pitch or course by players. In this section, we feature a number of high profile figures who have helped lead their respective disciplines to sporting greatness and financial success and also hear how academic studies can open up a world of opportunities in sports related industries.

[ICE HOCKEY]

COOL SPORT WITH HOT ACTION THE BELFAST GIANTS ARE IN A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN AND, AS GENERAL MANGER TODD KELMAN TELLS ADRIENNE MCGILL, ENSURING CROWDS ENJOY FUN-FILLED ENTERTAINMENT IS THE MAJOR GOAL.

F

resh from clinching the much sought-after Elite League title, the Belfast Giants have shown that they’ve all the skill and pluck….or maybe that should be puck…. it takes to be crowned champions of a sport which has become increasingly popular in Northern Ireland.

Ice hockey, having swept across from North America in 2000, has become the coolest game in town at Belfast’s Odyssey Arena, where the Giants home games are played.

Northern Ireland’s professional ice hockey team, whose latest championship win is their fourth league title, has built a large and enthusiastic fan base with thousands of supporters flocking to see them nearly every weekend from September to April fuelled by a desire to see non-stop, hard hitting, goal scoring action against rival teams.

Ice Hockey has always been a sport of speed and grace mixed with grit and a certain amount of violence. That combination has proven irresistible to fans.

The passionate following is all the more incredible given the fact that there are very few ice skating rinks on the island of Ireland and no local heritage of the sport. A night at a Giants game is guaranteed to be a spectacle with well over 4,000 fans cheering on the team at every home game providing an electric atmosphere in the Odyssey Arena.

Currently in their 14th season as a franchise, the Belfast Giants are the most successful team in the Elite League. But it’s not just fast and furious hockey action on the ice that fans come to enjoy – it’s the dazzling family entertainment and fun-filled events around the arena during intervals in the game which are all part of the experience.

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The thrills and spills of ice hockey.

Belfast Giants General Manager Todd Kelman holds the Elite League trophy after the team's victory in the championship.

“We offer family entertainment. Coming to see the Belfast Giants is not so much about winning or losing – it’s about having a good night out,” says the Canadian born General Manager of the team Todd Kelman.

“That is where we differ from a lot of other sports. In North America, we have a definite attitude about creating a great experience for fans. There is always going to be one winner at the end of the season and you don’t want to send fans home disappointed every year. The key for professional sports is making sure your fans have a great time no matter what the outcome. When you look at the English Premier League – you know who the top five teams are going to be every year. It is

ingrained in a person’s culture to be a fan of “Corporate sponsorship is big for us – we Manchester United or Liverpool or would not exist without it. We make sure Sunderland – it’s very traditional. that sponsors take advantage of what we “But we don’t have hundreds of years of have to offer and that means lots of people tradition. We are creating new fans every attending games,” says Todd. year so we want to make sure that everyone “Our current three year sponsorship with is having a good time.

Stena is a very good partnership. Stena love “You have to create a good product which the fact that we play the team in Scotland and will be popular and ensure everyone has a that fans travel over on the ferry and so do good experience. The fact is – when people the players. It is a really good association. come to ice hockey for the first time nobody “Our highlights are also on television so understands it – but they understand fun, their name gets across to many eyeballs.” good music, cheer leading – the whole Income derives from several streams – experience is something different. We sell it ticket sales, merchandise and sponsorship as entertainment rather than pro sports. and like any business, there are costs “We are peoples’ weekend entertainment. including salaries and expenses to take into They choose to come and see the Giants account. rather than go to the movies, go out for Bringing on the next generation of players is dinner or sit at home and a major focus. There is watch television. We have a Junior Giants to make sure that they development “THE KEY FOR are having a great time.” programme with a range PROFESSIONAL During play of four or five age SPORTS IS stoppages, the Giants groups training three MAKING SURE hold giveaways, including times a week. Many YOUR FANS HAVE pizzas, dough balls, juniors will be hoping A GREAT TIME NO subway rolls and crisps one day to play in the MATTER WHAT which all adds to the Elite Ice Hockey League THE OUTCOME.” feel-good atmosphere. which comprises 10 After games, players hockey teams in England, mingle with fans in the Scotland, Wales and Odyssey, happily posing for photographs and Northern Ireland. They include the signing autographs. Currently the Belfast Braehead Clan, Cardiff Devils, Coventry Giants are sponsored by Stena Line while Blaze, Dundee Stars, Edinburgh Capitals, previous major sponsors were Aer Lingus, Fife Flyers, Hull Stingrays, Nottingham LBM, Coors Fine Light Beer and Harp Lager.

Panthers, and Sheffield Steelers. A large percentage of the players come from North America.

Currently three members of the Giants team are from Northern Ireland, with the majority of the rest from Canada. The team’s latest Elite League title is the fifth major championship victory in 7 years – making the Giants the most successful team on the ice in the UK. As a former Giants player, Todd knows the team and tactics inside out. A native of Calgary, he played professionally for 10 years from the age of 22. Ice hockey has been in his blood since he was a child – he first started playing at 4 years old. A Bowling Green University graduate, Todd joined the Giants in their inaugural year, played for 7 seasons and has been General Manager since 2007.

With his team crowned champions yet again of the Elite League, he says he is delighted with the success and is looking forward to the remaining matches this season. Northern Ireland is now home for Todd and his family who are fully immersed in life here…but also in our rain.

“I hate the weather, that is what will eventually get me out of here - it never stops raining,” says Todd.

“Then again in Canada, we could be faced with 4ft of snow, a temperature of minus 20 and stuck in the house for 2 weeks. You have to weigh up the two but sometimes the rain seems better than the snow.”

Ambition Magazine l 21

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FOCUS ON SPORT

[GOLF]

European Tour Commercial Director James Finnigan with Northern Ireland Tourist Board Chief Operating Officer Kathryn Thomson at the 2012 Irish Open alongside the trophies.

CLUB CLASS NORTHERN IRELAND IS ON A PAR WITH THE BEST IN THE WORLD AS A GOLF DESTINATION. JAMES FINNIGAN, COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR WITH THE EUROPEAN TOUR, REFLECTS ON THE SHOWCASE 2012 IRISH OPEN AT ROYAL PORTRUSH WITH ADRIENNE MCGILL.

T

he huge success of the 2012 Irish Open brought worldwide acclaim to Northern Ireland as a supreme destination for golf.

The record-breaking tournament in June, which saw the event's return to Northern Ireland after almost 60 years, was attended by more than 130,000 people for the week and created the first ever European Tour sell-out.

TV images of Northern Ireland were beamed into 350 million households and on-course branding drove a 75 per cent increase in hits to the ni 2012 website from countries across the world.

There are hopes that the tournament will return to Northern Ireland at Royal County Down in 2015 in the shadow of the majestic Mournes on the edge of the Irish Sea in Newcastle.

However, the European Tour has not yet confirmed the venue for the championship next year and discussions are ongoing with the Northern Ireland Executive.

Nevertheless, there is no doubt that the success of the championship on the Causeway coast could be emulated by the Kingdom of the Mournes in terms of record spectator numbers and worldwide exposure for Northern Ireland golf tourism.

Central to the organisation of the event is

22 l Ambition Magazine

James Finnigan, the Commercial Director of the European Tour which owns and organises the Irish Open.

“Following the success of the Irish Open at Royal Portrush, we have been very keen to hold the tournament in Northern Ireland again,” says James.

“Northern Ireland has so much to offer in golf terms and there are some great organisations there who make things happen such as the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

“At the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Minister Arlene Foster and her team were great to work with last time round and without her determination and vision the Irish Open may not have come to Northern Ireland. We were very grateful for the support of the Northern Ireland Executive.

“For all these reasons the European Tour has a great desire to bring the Irish Open back to Northern Ireland.”

James says Portrush worked for all the right reasons - it was the first time in 58 years that the Irish Open had gone north of the border, the course is one of the finest golf links in the world and there was a huge swell of interest given the tremendous recent success of Northern Irish players Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke.

Rory McIlroy at the time had just won the

US Open and went on to win the US PGA championship later that year, Darren Clarke was the reigning Open champion, and Graeme McDowell had won the US Open the previous year. With a host of other big names from the European Tour and Ryder Cup, there was a sensational field of top players at Royal Portrush.

Players benefitted from an increased prize fund totalling €2m. This was a €500,000 increase on the previous year’s amount with the winner, Welshman Jamie Donaldson, collecting a cheque for €330,000.

Englishman Paul Casey was the winner at Carton House, Maynooth last year. This year’s tournament will be played at Fota Island, Cork.

“Royal Portrush was a huge success on numerous fronts,” says James.

“It was great for the European Tour and was the most successful Irish Open that we have had to date.

“There were benefits from the television and media exposure and it showed the world that Northern Ireland could take a major event like this and host it successfully.

“Another massive factor was the marvellous response from the Northern Irish public.

We had record crowds and it was the first time in the history of the European Tour that

the event was sold out in advance.”

Sponsorship is another huge element of the championship. The cost of holding the event tops €4m which breaks down as €2m for the prize fund and approximately €2m for operational costs.

The 2012 tournament was backed by major national and international brands including Moy Park, Bushmills, Brewin Dolphin, Dale Farm, Rolex, BMW and Emirates who were official sponsors alongside Failte Ireland – the Irish Tourist Board.

“Prestigious global brands recognise that golf is a global game – that is why Rolex is the official time keeper of the European Tour and Ryder Cup, BMW is the official car of the European Tour and also the title sponsor of the BMW PGA Championship and the BMW International Open in Munich,” says James.

“And just before the end of 2013, we signed a deal with Emirates for them to become the official airline of the European Tour.

“Many leading brands recognise that golf is a great platform to develop their business.

“It is my job to make it a commercial success so we ensure we take the right partners on board.

“At the end of the day, the European Tour is a not for profit organisation so we put on tournaments for our members so they can play for a prize fund.

“Having commercial partnerships is very important. At Royal Portrush we had some big brands that operate in Northern Ireland and have heritage there or are international brands who have a presence in Northern Ireland.

“Global brands want to be associated with the European Tour and private sector support is hugely important.”

Organising the Irish Open is a massive undertaking by the European Tour and involves not only attracting top golfers but setting up all of the infrastructure around it.

“In addition to finding the money to put the event on, we have a team of approximately 50 staff who manage the championship. This involves organising grandstands, offices,

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Rory McIlroy tees off at the 2012 Irish Open.

tentage, public facilities, corporate hospitality facilities, media facilities, player facilities and caddy facilities. This list goes on and on.

“The European Tour also owns its own television production company – European Tour Productions – the largest producer of golf programming in the world. A staff of 120 people came over to Northern Ireland to cover the event and sent the images around the world.

“It is very much a European Tour team effort. We have to work very closely with the host venue and tournament sponsors.”

James, who was born in Scotland, admits he had aspirations in his early career to become a professional player. He secured a golf scholarship to play in the US and had a handicap of plus 2.

“I wanted to make a living playing golf but that didn’t happen so I’m doing the next best thing. I work for better golfers than I could

“MANY LEADING BRANDS RECOGNISE THAT GOLF IS A GREAT PLATFORM TO DEVELOP THEIR BUSINESS."

ever have been but I love the game, I love to be involved in golf and working for the European Tour is always interesting.”

So the prospect of the Irish Open returning to Northern Ireland awaits….and with it the potential of a champion from these shores.

The spectacular links course at Royal Portrush.

Winner of the 2012 Irish Open Jamie Donaldson with Tourism Minister Arlene Foster.

Ambition Magazine l 23

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FOCUS ON SPORT

[HORSE RACING]

Down Royal General Manager Mike Todd says horse racing is not like any other sport.

FURLONGS AHEAD DOWN ROYAL IS A CLEAR WINNER IN RACECOURSE STAKES. ADRIENNE MCGILL CATCHES UP WITH ITS GENERAL MANAGER MIKE TODD AND LEARNS HOW INVESTMENT IN FACILITIES HAS MADE COMPETITIVE RACING BECOME A THRILLING SOCIAL EXPERIENCE.

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A

day at the Down Royal races has become more than a day spurring on your favourite steed to win.

It is a totally theatrical experience – the vivid silks of the diminutive jockeys, the finest equine athletes, head turning fashion, fine wines and champagne, gastronomic foods, the buzz of the bookmakers – all make it more than a sporting occasion.

It is a highly social event where, in the corporate hospitality suites, companies can entertain customers, build relationships and potentially win new business and where spectators in the stands watch enthralled as horses with nostrils flaring and steaming coats flash past to the finish line.

Much of the credit for having created such a thrilling spectacle goes to Mike Todd, General Manager of Down Royal. Under his stewardship the racecourse has become one of the best and most successful in the UK boasting unrivalled corporate hospitality venues and capacity crowds.

“We have targeted Down Royal as a social destination as opposed to a racing destination,” says Mike.

“It is very smart – the facilities are hotel standard and we have made it a really enjoyable day out for people whatever their budget.

“Racing is the backdrop to a fantastic day and that is very much how we have positioned ourselves in the market.”

Over the past twenty years, the racecourse has undertaken major development and modernisation. Phase one in 1993 saw the completion of a new Grandstand which incorporated 14 corporate boxes, VIP hospitality suite and public bar and an elevated area overlooking the track and finish post.

In 1998 the Governor’s stand was completed incorporating the Winning Post café and a public viewing area offering wonderful views of the finishing straight of the racecourse.

In 2009, the Hospitality Pavilion was completed boasting the Beef or Salmon Suite overlooking the racecourse and the Rainbow Telecom Suite.

A total investment of £5m has been made over the past 10 years in improving facilities and enhancing the experience for race goers which span three markets – hospitality, social and general public.

“We now have 23 private suites at the racecourse, 3 larges suites which can accommodate up to 1000 people, and bars including a dedicated wine bar,” says Mike.

It’s a far cry from the racecourse he inherited when he joined Down Royal on

“RACING IS THE BACKDROP TO A FANTASTIC DAY AND THAT IS VERY MUCH HOW WE HAVE POSITIONED OURSELVES IN THE MARKET.”

1 April 1996.

It may have seemed a joke then – given the date – to imagine the racecourse could become the facility it is today.

“It was like every other racecourse in Ireland – agricultural to say the least. The male/female ratio was 10:1 and predominantly middle aged to elderly. But we could see the market evolving and we looked at the different business models in America, Australia, France and England – the emphasis was on racecourses as a social destination with a particular emphasis on female race goers.

“I went with the architects to see Sandown, Kempton, Newbury and York in England and what we have currently at the racecourse is an evolution of what we saw and what was successful at those tracks.

“We worked out very quickly that we needed to upgrade the facilities.

“We also had to improve the quality of racing because at the end of the day – racing is still the rationale for people to come.

“When we had Down Royal up and running it was very successful, very quickly, because we were very capable of providing the market with what the market wanted.”

Down Royal’s annual Festival of Racing, which takes place in November, stages the very first Grade One Chase of the season and is the biggest National Hunt Festival at the beginning of the season in the British Isles. Channel 4 covers the event on television to an audience of 1 million viewers.

“Down Royal all of a sudden became centre stage in the world of horse racing – and all eyes are on it now. Last November, we had Tony McCoy ride the winner of the Grade Two Hurdle on the Friday of the Festival – you had the local hero returning home chasing his four thousandth win. It created a huge buzz and put another 500 people through the turnstiles.”

Despite the challenging economic environment in recent years, crowds have remained loyal to Down Royal with attendances of around 60,000 per year.

Corporate hospitality numbers are up 15 per cent on last year.

“The market now expects value, people don’t mind paying for a product providing they feel the product is quality,” says Mike.

With a maximum capacity of 10,000 people at Down Royal, further investment is on the

cards. There are plans to upgrade the existing public bar facilities in a £150,000 investment this year.

In addition to establishing and maintaining sponsorship relationships worth a significant sum, Mike also has had to create value for money packages for race goers.

“You have to reposition your business to cope with market conditions and when market conditions lift – react to that.

“When the market toughened we adapted to the market. We created a number of value for money packages working with our stakeholders including bar providers, caterers and bookmakers. This enabled people to still come to Down Royal but not spend as much money.

“The economic recovery has started and this is reflected in hospitality numbers which have increased. Companies are now starting to engage with customers again and are using Down Royal as the perfect venue in which to do that.

“Horse racing is 5 minutes action and 25 minutes interaction. It is not like any other sport. It is a social occasion and an opportunity for people to build relationships especially in business.

“At the Festival of Racing, if you go into the Beef or Salmon Suite and have a look around – almost every business in Northern Ireland is represented.

“Companies are there to host existing customers or potential customers.

Relationships are cemented which enable deals to be done at a later stage.”

Adding to the glamorous atmosphere of Down Royal is Ladies Day, where the style and elegance of female race goers is recognised with a Best Dressed Lady competition. Such has been the success that at the Magners Derby last year, females accounted for 45 per cent of the total attendance.

And with the top prize of a three day trip to Paris and tickets to see the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – it’s easy to see why being dressed to impress is worth the effort.

For Mike Todd, what is most important is that race goers enjoy themselves.

“On our bigger days we have entertainment at the turnstiles so that when people walk in, it puts a smile on their face and that sets the trend for the day.

“We sell an experience – whether people have won a few quid or lost a few quid, if they enjoy themselves, that’s what it is all about.”

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[PREMIERSHIP FOOTBALL]

Sunderland Chief Executive Margaret Byrne has progressed rapidly through the ranks of the club.

FIELD OF DREAMS Sunderland Chief Executive Margaret Byrne has progressed rapidly through the ranks of the club.

THE HARSH REALITY OF FOOTBALL BEING A GAME OF TWO HALVES WAS CRUELLY FELT BY SUNDERLAND RECENTLY WITH ITS DEFEAT IN THE CAPITAL ONE CUP. ADRIENNE MCGILL TRAVELLED TO THE STADIUM OF LIGHT TO HEAR EXCLUSIVELY FROM THE CLUB’S CHIEF EXECUTIVE, NORTHERN IRELAND BORN MARGARET BYRNE, ABOUT THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF BEING IN CHARGE OF AN ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE FOOTBALL CLUB.

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The impressive Stadium of Light, home ground of the Black Cats.

S

underland AFC dared to dream earlier this month as the team stepped proudly onto the turf at Wembley to battle it out against Manchester City in the final of the Capital One Cup. And for 45 unforgettable minutes, Sunderland revived memories of 1973 and the famous FA Cup final victory over Leeds United.

The first half, and particularly a stunning goal from Fabio Borini, was what Sunderland supporters had been hoping for as they travelled from the north in their thousands and enjoyed pre-match festivities in London drowning in a sea of red and white.

Manager Gus Poyet had produced a gutsy, well-organised Sunderland but despair descended as they were overpowered in the second half by a rejuvenated Manchester City

who came back to win 3-1 with two goals in as many minutes sealing the trophy.

Sitting in the Directors’ Box, the Sunderland Chief Executive Margaret Byrne, a native of Dromintee in South Armagh, could take pride in the fight her team had displayed on the pitch.

They could hold their heads high – the Black Cats had given everything, proving that it is possible to lose and to play well.

Back in Sunderland a few days later, at her office in Black Cat House next to the club’s home ground, the Stadium of Light, Margaret reflects on the match. She is warm, enthusiastic and remarkably calm – it seems resilience is one of the prerequisites of heading a Premiership Football Club.

“Getting to the Capital One Cup final was huge for the club and our supporters as it was a difficult task – beating Manchester United and

Chelsea en route. The final was a very emotional game and I felt very proud of Gus and all the team. It was difficult for them to walk up and collect the runners-up medals after a great performance.”

A former Solicitor, Margaret’s rise through Sunderland’s ranks has been meteoric. She joined the club in 2007 as the in-house lawyer, became legal director in 2009 and was appointed Chief Executive in 2011 aged 31.

She says her legal training is beneficial but highlights the fact that although working in the criminal courts in London was at times difficult, her current role brings with it a different set of challenges.

“Being the Chief Executive of a Premiership Football Club is a tough job because it really comes down to what happens on the day. If eleven players don’t perform well on a Saturday that is going to have an impact on the rest of the week.

“I come from a legal background where everything is rigid. You represent a client and get to know them and in court you know the probability of success or failure. But coming

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[PREMIERSHIP FOOTBALL]

“I HAVE TRIED TO MAKE US A BIT MORE DYNAMIC AND A BIT MORE FORWARD-THINKING REGARDING VARIOUS INITIATIVES OFF THE FIELD.” into the world of football, you are surrounded by the unpredictability of results. I have progressed within the club and learned how every aspect of it works. It means I understand the problems, the frustrations of the supporters, and the workings of the industry and this has made it easier to adapt to being Chief Executive.”

Margaret’s steely nerve has been much to the fore in her handling of a particularly volatile period for the club which has included the departure of high profile managers Roy Keane and Martin O’Neill and also the controversial sacking of Paolo Di Canio.

Margaret points to the strong Irish connection which the club has maintained for decades with Roy Keane, Martin O’Neill, former Chairman Niall Quinn and the current captain John O’Shea all hailing from these shores.

It is now four years since American tycoon Ellis Short bought Sunderland from the Irish Drumaville Consortium. He has invested substantially in the club but debts still weigh heavily on their shoulders.

Providing Sunderland remain in the Premier League over the next three years, the club’s bank balance will be massaged by a share of more than £5bn from domestic and overseas television rights. The money will pay off a hefty chunk of the debts, with the aim that when the television money ends in three years’ time, Sunderland are at least breaking even and not reliant on Mr Short.

Under Margaret’s stewardship, the club has reinvented the Stadium of Light as a world class concert venue providing a necessary revenue stream. The stadium, which holds a concert capacity crowd of 56,000, has played host to big names such as Oasis and Pink.

28 l Ambition Magazine

Ticket price initiatives have also been introduced to help supporters whose pockets are being squeezed and this month the club has announced a reduction in the price of season ticket cards.

“We value every supporter – we are averaging over 40,000 people every week.

Season ticket card holders are the life-blood of the club. We realise that times are tough and coming to a game every week can be difficult, so we want to try to help people still come and enjoy a game by reducing prices.

“We have been lucky – we have had great owners, including the present owner. For any club to be sustainable, you have to have good financial backing. We want to go forward and don’t want to have debt – the aim is to at least break even. To be progressive, we have to think of ways of raising revenue. Holding concerts has brought in revenue to the club and also more than £50m to the local economy with bars, restaurants and taxi companies all benefitting.”

The Black Cats are immensely proud of their Foundation, a charity established in 2001 by former club Chairman Sir Bob Murray CBE. It uses the power of football to involve, educate and inspire more than 42,000 young people and their families across the North East of England each year through a broad range of innovative and award-winning programmes that can help change their lives.

Players donate a proportion of their salary to the Foundation for the benefit of the local community.

“I have tried to make us a bit more dynamic and a bit more forward-thinking regarding various initiatives off the field,” says Margaret.

“We employ over 300 full-time staff and on match days we have over 1,200 people working here. We are a huge employer for the region and we want to do as much as we can to support the community.”

The club has also extended its reach to Africa where, through its SAFC initiative, coaching and business support is offered to clubs across the continent to enable football to grow and thrive.

In a new initiative, the Black Cats have partnered with global energy giants Symbion Power to build a ground-breaking new football academy in the Tanzanian capital, Dar es Salaam. The link with Africa is underscored by Sunderland’s association with BFS Group Limited, the club’s “principal partner.” BFS Group is the main UK operation of the Bidvest Group which is headquartered in South Africa.

The partnership builds on Sunderland’s ties with Africa after the club’s link up with Invest in Africa and partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation. The BFS Group deal includes sponsoring the players’ shirts, perimeter advertising and involvement from the players in community events in the UK. The Bidvest Group also owns Bidvest Wits, one of the largest football clubs on the African continent.

In addition to her many duties at Sunderland, Margaret also sits on the Council of the Football Association as a Premier League representative, making her the first female Premier League voice on the Council, and she also sits on the Premier League Legal Advisory Board.

Sunderland are now entering perhaps their most critical period since Margaret took up the top post. The team are still battling to secure their Premier League status. Relegation would have difficult consequences for fans and finances.

But Margaret’s resilience shines through yet again.

“The start of the season has been very disappointing but we want to stay in the League and we want to give the supporters something to cheer about.”

Sunderland’s motto Consectatio Excellentiae, which means "In pursuit of Excellence” encapsulates the essence of the club. Sunderland have shown that individual excellence combined with a collective desire to win is what counts on the pitch. It is a team effort.

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PERFECT PITCH A SEEMINGLY UNSTOPPABLE MACHINE, ULSTER RUGBY IS A WELL OILED BUSINESS. CHIEF EXECUTIVE SHANE LOGAN TELLS ADRIENNE MCGILL WHAT MAKES IT POWER AHEAD.

U

lster Rugby as a business is as mighty as any of the rucks held together on the pitch by its senior team.

And leading it as a commercial empire and driving force is Chief Executive Shane Logan.

The former Coca-Cola executive, whose stellar career in business also involved a period working for BP, has led Ulster Rugby since 2010 and in that time its fortunes in terms of victories and revenues have increased substantially.

Ulster’s prowess on the field in recent years is in no small way related to Shane’s skills as an effective communicator together with his management of people and understanding what is best for the business in challenging situations.

Putting it into perspective, the senior team is currently powering its way through a number of championships including a home quarterfinal in the Heineken Cup at Ravenhill in April

and competing in the higher reaches of the RaboDirect PRO12.

In business terms, he describes Ulster Rugby as a “product” and that means everything – the senior team, 54 clubs across Ulster, several hundred schools, a total of 32,000 players, the 250,000 family members who are directly related to a player, the 100,000 people watching games on television, the 80,000 spectators who come to Ravenhill every season, and the sponsors.

“It is everybody we can touch with our rugby either physically playing or volunteering or supporting it,” says Shane.

“The starting point has to be the professional team. If we don’t make competitive rugby attractive, then we won’t have the motivation for people to play the game and we won’t have the investment either for the professional game or in clubs and schools. You can only attract investment

if your product is good.”

Ulster Rugby aims to grow the number of players in the Province to 45,000 over the next 10 years by reinvigorating where it is already strong but also by growing the game in areas where traditionally it has not had a big foothold.

“Donegal is one of areas of fastest growth and youth rugby is also growing. We want to reach out into areas which are marginalised – socially, academically and economically and bring them the benefits we feel that rugby gives.

“Rugby is a cause – we believe that it is a sport which is open to everyone to play and be involved in. It is a sport which aims to bring out the best in people – whether it is respect for rules or the referee or the opposition.

“You aim to be the best you can to win but if you lose – you lose with good grace.

“The starting point for us is that it is a

Ulster Rugby Chief Executive Shane Logan.

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Training at Ravenhill.

fantastic game - it is a game in which we can which, once they are met, add up to more be a dominant player in Europe and in the than what you need to achieve. They world. stretch across all areas of the business “All the components have to work including coaches, players and sales staff. It is effectively and efficiently. Without the cause, incredibly simple. We have set out a clear without the product, without credible plans – ambition with our performance management there is no ability to run it as a system to ensure we business. have the best quality “You cannot run a business people doing the right “YOU unless you have an excellent things.”

CANNOT RUN product but the excellence of As Chief Executive of A BUSINESS the product comes first and Ulster Rugby, Shane has then the investment. We try three responsibilities – UNLESS YOU to look at what is best in one is the success of the HAVE AN leadership from whatever professional team, two is EXCELLENT sector we can find it – from the growth of the number the management of of players in clubs and PRODUCT...” volunteers to best practice schools and three is from other sports.” ensuring that revenues are Part of Ulster Rugby’s slick business plan healthy. The main sources of income are from involves its performance management television, ticketing, and sponsorship. Bank of system, which is based on the model Ireland is Ulster Rugby’s main sponsor. operated by Coca-Cola.

“We are in the fortunate position of selling Shane, who ran the soft drinks giant’s out all of our games, and we are operation in Siberia when he was based in redeveloping the stadium which will allow us Russia, introduced the system as a strategic to be very competitive in European rugby,” measurement of success. says Shane.

“We have defined targets across 3–5 years “Ulster Rugby has no problem attracting

30 l Ambition Magazine

sponsorship – because of the quality of the product.

“Companies won’t sponsor something that isn’t successful. We have moved from being 24th in Europe 4 years ago to being 7th in Europe now and, moving into the next phase, we are top seeds for this year’s Heineken Cup. “We are moving in the right direction and that makes us very attractive to sponsors.

Television coverage is greater, audiences are greater, press coverage is greater and therefore people who are investing will get a greater return.

“We are in the very fortunate position that, both in terms of our sponsorship and ticketing, demand is exceeding supply. We have a list of people waiting to sponsor various categories and that is very healthy.

“We work very hard with our sponsors to get a return and to have a joint plan which aligns our interests and helps us work well for each other.

“We are more attractive because we are winning.”

Recently it was announced that Ulster Carpets is to continue its sponsorship of Ulster Youth and High Schools rugby into 2014 following massive growth in the first 15

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months of the partnership. Increasing the club rugby player base at youth level has been a major focus for Ulster Rugby and encouragingly there has been a 7.5 per cent rise in registered youth players in the last 12 months.

The emphasis in recent years has been on improving the quality of players coming through the youth and high school streams with the aim of them going on to represent Ulster.

“Rugby is an international sport which we in Ulster and we in Ireland can do very well in. There are 8–10 major playing nations, there are 38 professional sides in Europe and we have the ability to be in the top echelons of that,” says Shane.

“Unlike most other regions in Europe, schools and clubs are feeding into a senior Ulster team so our succession is much easier.

“We have the potential to have top quality international sport here week in week out, to be successful in it and our structure lends itself to growing the game and being successful in it.”

Such are ambitions to put the focus firmly on rugby in Ulster and the rest of Ireland that former rugby international Hugo MacNeill has been named as chair of the group being set up to establish how a bid for the Rugby World Cup in 2023 could be made.

Hugo MacNeill played for Ireland 37 times between 1981 and 1988, as well as the first Rugby World Cup in 1987 and the 1983 Lions tour to New Zealand.

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster and Sports Minister Carál Ní Chulín have already met with the former rugby player to discuss what work is required before a decision is taken to propose a formal bid to both the Northern Ireland Executive and the Republic of Ireland government.

In January, both ministers met Leo Varadkar TD and Michael Ring TD to examine how best to take proposals

forward. The bid would see matches played on both sides of the Irish border, taking in both rugby union and gaelic games venues.

And in a separate major announcement by Ulster Rugby, the redeveloped Ravenhill stadium will be officially opened on Friday 2 May ahead of the RaboDirect PRO12 game against Leinster.

Three new stands, funded by an investment by DCAL of almost £16 million, have been built at the ground as part of the redevelopment.

Capacity has increased from 11,000 to 18,000 which means the ground is now capable of hosting a Heineken Cup quarterfinal and a RaboDirect PRO12 final.

The stadium will host the Heineken Cup quarter-final between Ulster and Saracens on 5 April. Following that game, further fit-out work will be carried out on the Grandstand ahead of the official May opening.

Work on the new Nevin Spence Centre, an education and heritage centre, based in the new Memorial End Stand, a new community 3G pitch facility and other improvements will start in the summer.

"The new Ravenhill Stadium is a world class stadium and a state of the art home for all of rugby in Ulster,” says Shane.

"We have some exciting plans for the opening and I have no doubt that it will truly be a once in a lifetime event for any Ulster Rugby fan."

With the senior team thundering through games and achieving victory, new ultra modern facilities opening at Ravenhill, growing numbers in youth rugby, soaring attendances, and delighted sponsors – it seems there’s no stopping Ulster Rugby. But Shane Logan is determined there’s more to achieve.

“Without investment, we wouldn’t be doing what we are here to do which is to grow the business and generate the players of the future. It’s not just about the team of today – it’s about the teams of the future. “ I want us to win big competitions regularly, I want to see the clubs and schools games grow to more than 40,000 players and I want to see we are set fair commercially for the next ten years.”

And he’ll do more than make a try.

Craig Gilroy tackled during a Heineken Cup clash at Ravenhill.

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[SPORTS MANAGEMENT]

ON COURSE TO SUCCESS A QUALIFICATION IN SPORTS MANAGEMENT COULD SET STUDENTS OFF THE STARTING BLOCKS TO A DREAM CAREER AS ADRIENNE MCGILL HEARS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER’S DR ROBERT KERR.

B

eing passionate about a sport is what drives many people to become supreme in a particular discipline.

But what happens when it’s time to consider an alternative career?

Combining an interest and skill in sport with an aptitude for business, finance and leadership could add up to a degree in sports management leading to a highly influential career.

Sports management is all about understanding how to apply business and marketing techniques to the sports world.

This is a chance to manage everything from the marketing and finance of a sports group to the management of actual teams and arenas.

There is a world of opportunity available.

It involves not only working with athletes but also seeing the corporate and business side of the sports world.

The University of Ulster offers an MSc Sports Management degree which is the result of a collaboration between the Ulster Sports Academy and the Ulster Business School.

The course offers an advanced qualification useful to graduates from any academic discipline wishing to pursue managerial and entrepreneurial careers in sports related industries. It is also aimed at professionals working in the sports industry who wish to build on their experience through a structured programme of study.

“Sports management involves understanding the commercialisation around sport,” says Dr Robert Kerr, Course Director of the programme.

“Sports related industries want to employ people who understand the passion associated with sport, what drives people who buy their product, and who understand the concept, design and marketing behind it.

The world of sport and business is massive and the opportunities are every bit as huge.

Companies are looking for students with business acumen, a passion for sport and a skill which complements their product.”

A wide variety of students from diverse sports related backgrounds have graduated from the course including a number on

32 l Ambition Magazine

“COMPANIES ARE LOOKING FOR STUDENTS WITH BUSINESS ACUMEN, A PASSION FOR SPORT AND A SKILL WHICH COMPLEMENTS THEIR PRODUCT.”

sports scholarships from the US. “Some students on the course are at the end of their natural playing career and want to purse a further career in sports management,” says Dr Kerr.

“Others are interested in a sport but want to be more involved and see the course as a means of doing so. And then there are those people who own a sports business but want to learn how to take it to the next level.”

The course, which can be taken as one year full-time or two years part-time, is sub-divided with two thirds dedicated to the commercialisation of sport and one third focusing on sport marketing, policy and planning.

One element involves a module aimed at enhancing students’ understanding of the role of the entrepreneur in the creation of a

new venture and developing their abilities to recognise, assess, plan and run new commercial opportunities.

“Students are given the opportunity to actively trade with their business start-up. It enables them to develop a greater awareness of their personal goals, motivations, strengths and limitations in the context of new venture creation and growth.

“It is vital for students to understand finances, revenue streams and marketing and make sure that this all fits together to create a sustainable business,” says Dr Kerr.

There is also a 12 week ‘Internship and Management Project’ in semester 3 which allows students to gain exposure to industry in a management-related role, to apply knowledge and skills acquired throughout

Dr Robert Kerr encourages students to look outside traditional roles in sports management.

the programme to an organisational issue or problem, and, additionally, to acquire and develop workplace skills which will enhance their future career prospects.

The University has a strong reputation in the local, national and international sports and business community and can assist students with finding appropriate internship opportunities.

“The last 12 weeks is a consolidation of everything the students have learnt on the course and they apply that for the benefit of an organisation. This can act as their calling card for a job – where they can demonstrate how they have added value to a company – it can even result in a job offer,” says Dr Kerr.

The sports management industry may be competitive but it is also thriving. Professional sporting groups pull in billions of pounds every year. There are many sports-related careers available: from the academic and professional to community-related, arena management and retail. Motivated students need to use their degrees to find the right niche for themselves.

“There might not be the exact jobs the students want when they enrol on the course – the ones they traditionally view as sports management, such as sports administration, coaching and club management. However, there are great opportunities they may not be aware of and it is a case of seeking out what is not obvious but is still very relevant,” says Dr Kerr.

“There is a real demand for our students especially from large scale businesses. A number have gone on to work for Adidas, Formula One and BSkyB – huge names in the sports industry.

“The students are equipped with business skills, knowledge and passion and they are being snapped up by large companies because of these attributes.

“Many students are coming to the course having been in teams or having been coaches – so they come with a life experience.”

The course gives students an insight into the fact that sports is as much about marketing events and refining a brand as it is about working with players and scheduling games and events.

Not only do people get to work in a field they love but they also get to meet industry leaders; everyone from talented athletes and managers to brilliant executives and marketing heads. It seems sports management graduates have the world at their feet.

“There are more opportunities out there than students to fill them,” Dr Chairman Kerr. of the Aubry Ralph,says former “We are seeking toIrish fill FA thePremiership gap. WeManagement need to Committee, Gerry Mallon, Chief get students to appreciate and capitalise on the Executive Danske Bank UK and Ireland value they possess.” and Patrick Nelson, IFA Chief Executive at Windsor Park in 2012 when Danske Bank was announced as the new title sponsor of the Premiership.

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[CYCLING]

PEDAL POWER WITH ITALIAN STYLE NORTHERN IRELAND IS GEARING UP FOR THE BIGGEST SPORTING EVENT EVER TO TAKE PLACE HERE – THE GIRO D’ITALIA CYCLE RACE. ADRIENNE MCGILL CATCHES UP WITH THE ORGANISER OF THE EVENT IN IRELAND DARACH MCQUAID AND GETS UP TO SPEED WITH WHAT IS PLANNED.

F

rom the charm of Ireland’s verdant countryside, north and south, to the romantic undulating terrain of Italy with its gravity-defying climbs and thrilling descents, this year’s Giro d’Italia cycle race will be like no other.

Northern Ireland is set to host the opening stages of this great multiple stage event, which is primarily held in Italy. Along with the Tour de France and Vuelta a España, the Giro makes up cycling’s prestigious, three week-long Grand Tours.

The Grande Partenza or ‘Big Start’ of the Giro d’Italia will take place over three days from 9-11 May and involves routes in Belfast, around the stunning Causeway Coast and Armagh before moving on to Dublin.

The Giro is part of the UCI World Ranking calendar and is considered to be second only

The Giro d’Italia race.

34 l Ambition Magazine

to the Tour de France in terms of prestige in the cycling world.

Over 200 of the top professional cyclists from across the globe will be in Northern Ireland to begin their fight for the famous Maglia Rosa, the leader’s pink jersey.

They’ll be accompanied by a multitude of support teams, TV crews and international media.

Past winners of the race will also be on hand to provide insight and commentary including legendary cyclist Stephen Roche, who was recently inducted into the Giro’s Hall of Fame.

In addition to the feast of cycling, there will be a huge array of family-friendly events and festivals in Belfast and Armagh in the run-up to and during the Giro with lots of music, food and live entertainment for visitors to

look forward to.

As part of the three days of pre-race celebrations in Belfast, there’ll be a buzz of activity around Titanic Quarter including the Giro Fan Parks crammed with cycling exhibitors, Italian food and wine experts, contests, live entertainment and prize giveaways.

The public will catch their first glimpse of the world’s best cyclists at the Giro d’Italia Team Presentation in Belfast on Thursday May 8 with the competitive action getting under way on Friday May 9 in the form of the Team Time Trial from Titanic Belfast to Stormont, and finishing at Belfast City Hall.

Saturday (May 10) will see the competitors travel up to the North Antrim Coast and race along the Causeway Coastal Route back to Belfast before concluding on the Sunday

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(May 11) with a road stage from Armagh to Dublin.

After the opening three stages, the cyclists will fly from Dublin to continue the race in Italy over the following two and a half weeks and, after completing at total of 21 stages, will finish the race in Trieste.

Because of Northern Ireland’s location on the periphery of Europe, organising the start as been more complicated in terms of logistics than in other countries.

It means all the structures used at the stage starts and finishes have to be created twice – for Ireland and for Italy and extra cars and motorbikes are also needed to support the entourages.

The most difficult element will be the transfer back to Italy. Everything is being planned in detail and will be carried out with military precision.

The man behind the organisation of this hugely colourful and not-to-be-missed event in Ireland is Darach McQuaid.

The former international cyclist, who is Chief Executive of Shadetree Sports, began discussions with the Giro organisers, Italian media and sports company RCS Sport, in 2009 at a meeting in Milan. Starts have taken place outside Italy on numerous

occasions including Athens in 1996 and Amsterdam in 2010 .

“I went to see would they laugh me out of the room but they listened and were immediately interested,” says Darach.

“Then in 2011, I had a chance meeting with the newly elected Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny and asked him about staging the race in Ireland. He told me to look at Northern Ireland as well. I came here soon afterwards and began talks with the Northern Ireland Executive, particularly Tourism Minister Arlene Foster and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) and their enthusiasm was incredible.

“There was a real will to do whatever it would take to win the bid.

“We got the nuts and bolts together in 2012 but were competing against two other cities – one in the north of Italy and another in Austria.

“It wasn’t a shoe-in. The Italians had concerns over the double structure which meant extra costs but we managed to win them round.”

With a global TV audience of 775 million, the Giro will offer Ireland, north and south, an enormous showcase. It's estimated the event will generate €13m worth of international media coverage and 140,000 overnight visitors to the north alone.

The impressive Stadium of Light, home ground of the Black Cats.

With a funding pot of £4m to cover the start in Ireland, the majority of the money has come from NITB with additional revenue from Belfast City Council, Failte Ireland, Dublin City Council, and Mediolanam International Funds – an Italian bank with a division in Dublin.

“Professional cycling in last 20 years has globalised a lot. It used to be very much a French, Italian, German, Dutch and Spanish dominated sport,” says Darach.

“Cycling attracts huge crowds. It is better than a field or stadium sport because the routes include all the tourism landmarks. It is like a televisual marketing piece for a country.

“Tourism bodies are really into professional cycling because there are beautiful images associated with it which promote stunning landscapes.

“We will work a lot of Northern Ireland’s famous landmarks into the global TV broadcasts. A total of 174 countries take the broadcasts so that is an immense tourism marketing boost.

“It will have a huge economic return. The entourage of the Giro will fill hotels across Northern Ireland and put a couple of million back into the economy.

“There is huge international interest. The economic benefits will be very tangible.”

Crucial to the planning of the Giro in Northern Ireland was the visit last year by RCS Sports to carry out detailed inspections in preparation for the event.

Training at Ravenhill

Gerry Copeland, Belfast City Council; Darach McQuaid, Shadetree Sports; Susie McCullough, NITB Director of Business Support and Events, Alan Clarke, NITB Chief Executive and Alan Todd, PSNI in discussions about the Giro.

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“THE ENTOURAGE OF THE GIRO WILL FILL HOTELS ACROSS NORTHERN IRELAND AND PUT A COUPLE OF MILLION BACK INTO THE ECONOMY.”

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[CYCLING]

Former Giro winner Stephen Roche.

“Professional cycling has some very peculiar requirements and hotels have to be able to fulfill them. Teams bring their own chefs, they need to be able to park their vehicles close to a water supply, and they need to have access to laundry facilities,” says Darach.

“RCS were delighted with the reception they received in Northern Ireland and the willingness of hotels to accommodate the requirements of the teams.”

The race has necessitated collaboration between a multitude of organisations and bodies in Northern Ireland including the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Belfast City Council, Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau, the Department of Regional Development, the Police Service of Northern Ireland and local councils.

“I’ve lost count of the number of people I’m dealing with from steering groups to race, marketing, communications, and local authority committees. It has got a really big ‘buy-in’ from Northern Ireland. Public and private enterprise are behind this 100 per cent,” says Darach.

In a special acknowledgement of the start taking place on the island of Ireland, the 2014 Giro d'Italia leader's jersey will have an Irish touch with a shamrock on the side panel and an Irish pattern on the sleeve of the race leader's Maglia Rosa.

The pink jersey is the symbol of the Giro d'Italia and is awarded to the overall leader after each tappa (stage) of the race as well as to the eventual vincitore (winner).

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The pink jersey is the symbol of the Giro d'Italia and is awarded to the winner.

It's analogous to the yellow jersey (maillot jaune) in the Tour de France.

“I think this is going to be the best start to the Giro ever,” says Darach confidently.

“I may have given up competitive racing, but I am still a cyclist through and through. I adore the sport and I still have to pinch myself that the Giro is starting here.

“The Giro is a race but it is also a business.

The cyclists are professional athletes but a

whole series of other professionals make their living out of it including television production companies, team managers, coaches, nutritionists and staging companies.

“It is serious – but also great fun.

“Everything is now in place for a tremendous race. I’m not even worried about the weather. These guys train in all weather conditions – so a bit of soft Irish rain isn’t going to hurt them.”

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[GAELIC GAMES]

GAELIC GAMES ARE ALL STARS

Hurling action with Antrim against Derry.

PRIDE, PASSION ARE THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE ARE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF GAELIC GAMES AS ADRIENNE MCGILL HEARS FROM THE GAELIC ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION’S RYAN FEENEY.

O

ver three weekends last September, more than 240,000 paying fans crammed into Croke Park stadium in Dublin for the climax of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) season, the All Ireland finals in both football and hurling, with the hurling final draw ensuring that a sold out replay reaped a further windfall for the powers that be in Croke Park headquarters.

Even though the ticket prices were halved for the replayed hurling final between Clare and Cork, the gate receipt still reached almost €3m which helped to ensure that the total

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ticket sales for 2013 at €29m topped that of 2012 by €2m.

All of this relates only to the All Ireland series of games and doesn’t account for the provincial series throughout Ulster, Munster, Leinster and Connaught.

These facts and figures are mightily impressive and would look good in any corporate plan or annual report of any professional sporting organisation.

However, they don’t apply to a professional sports body, but to the GAA. The GAA is the biggest amateur sports

Ryan Feeney, Head of Strategy and Public Affairs at Ulster GAA.

body in the world, with around 2,500 active clubs in Ireland, north and south, and hundreds more in Great Britain, in north America, mainland Europe and increasingly in Asia.

Indeed, the Middle East GAA festival which has taken place over the last 3 years is now officially endorsed by the organisation and is indicative of the increasing ‘internationalisation’ of this indigenously Irish game which celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2009.

The increasing scale and size of the organisation overall, is far from the minds of

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the young players in those 2,500 clubs who gather up their gear each weekend and head off to train and play with and against their neighbours, classmates and clubmates.

Those players, boys and girls, are coached by volunteer members who are more than likely adult players themselves or ex-players who donate their time in lieu of the hours of coaching and mentoring they themselves received in years gone by.

The players receive no payment for playing, even at the elite level where the rigours of training for a county team like Dublin or Kerry, Kilkenny or Antrim, are these days likened to the routine of a professional soccer or rugby player.

Despite the fact that on All Ireland semifinal and final occasions Croke Park will sell out to its 84,000 capacity, the players ask for no share of the ticket or commercial revenue, the game is played for the pride of the county or the club.

On the Monday after an all-Ireland final, the players who have thrilled millions watching on TV will be off to work as usual.

But while the players are amateur, it would be wrong to portray the organisation as anything but professional. The GAA is administered centrally through a Croke Park

“WE HAVE ALWAYS RUN THE GAA IN A BUSINESS-LIKE AND PROFESSIONAL FASHION.” based headquarters at provincial level in Ulster, Munster, Leinster and Connaught.

That administration includes seeking commercial sponsorship and broadcasting deals, scheduling a calendar of games and balancing the fixtures between club, county and province.

“The GAA has a volunteer management structure but it is an organisation which is run professionally,” says Ryan Feeney, Head of Strategy and Public Affairs at Ulster GAA. “We believe in excellence – we have robust financial governance, management, coaching and games structures in place.

“We have always run the GAA in a business-like and professional fashion. A total of 85 per cent of our revenues on an annual basis are reinvested in counties and clubs and also coaching and games development. The remainder goes towards administration and overheads.”

Sponsorship is an important revenue stream and the GAA has formed partnerships with an extensive range of businesses.

“Power NI are just at the end of a 3 year deal to sponsor the McKenna Cup, Phoenix Gas have come on board as a sponsor for the GAA’s elite academies, and O’Neill’s

Ambition Magazine l 39

FOCUS ON SPORT

On the pitch as Donegal meet Monaghan.

sportswear are also significant sponsors,” says Ryan.

“We also have major sponsorship deals for certain projects and we have an extensive list of corporate partners who pay a sum every year to advertise in programmes for games and advertise on our website and social media channels.”

At county level, the games take place in stadia which, for the most part, are modern, built to the highest standards, and exist in every province. Part of the GAA development strategy is to have a 40,000 capacity stadium in Ulster, Munster, Leinster and Connaught.

Along with a revamped Parc Ui Caoimh in Cork, a new Casement Park in West Belfast is the last piece of that ambitious jigsaw.

Although there are some local concerns over the Casement development, the GAA is confident that the new stadium, built at a cost of £77m, will be open by 2016.

The old Casement Park will be demolished making way for the new state of the art stadium with a capacity for 38,000 spectators.

The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure is ploughing £62million into the scheme with £15million coming from the GAA. The facility is being built by Heron Buckingham’s JV – a consortium led by County Derry based developers Heron Bros supported by Stadium Development specialists the Buckingham Group who have worked on similar sized projects in Britain.

“The Casement Park project will be a game changer for the GAA in Ulster because we will have for the first time a fit for purpose stadium which can accommodate our needs,” says Ryan.

“This world class stadium will attract games to Belfast and will be a testament to what the GAA is about in the 21st century – excellence.

“People in the GAA take pride in representing their club or county and are passionate about what they do and excelling is part of that.”

Towering above all the stadia is Croke Park which just last month moved out of the red and is now debt free. The redevelopment of the old Croke Park began over 20 years ago under the leadership of former president Peter Quinn and cost €285m in total. Croke Park itself is now a cash generator for the GAA and in recent years has hosted international soccer and rugby, not to mention American Football, and a host of sold out concerts.

Each club, typically aligned to a specific parish, is self-dependent and will survive on monies raised through subscription fees, fundraising efforts and grants from local and central Government if they can be sourced.

From the outside looking in, the GAA has all the hallmarks of a professional sporting body which makes full use of modern day marketing and communications to sell and promote this ancient game. Those who play and administer the games take pride in the fact that at heart their organisation is different; an amateur sport based on pride, passion and, from an organisational point of view, professionalism.

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FOCUS ON SPORT

[FOOTBALL]

GIVING IT THEIR BEST SHOT CAN NORTHERN IRELAND QUALIFY FOR A MAJOR TOURNAMENT? THE IRISH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION’S CHIEF EXECUTIVE PATRICK NELSON IS HOPEFUL WRITES ADRIENNE MCGILL.

I

t has been almost 30 years since Northern Ireland qualified to play in the World Cup, but the Chief Executive of the Irish Football Association (IFA) Patrick Nelson is determined that will change.

Patrick insists that "it's time" Northern Ireland qualified for a major tournament again after such a drought.

He is hopeful that in Euro 2016, Northern Ireland has a real chance of qualification. The pursuit of such a goal is one of a number of key objectives set out by the IFA, which is the governing body for football in Northern Ireland, in its strategic plan for the next five years which was launched last November.

The plan, entitled ‘We’re not Brazil…We’re Northern Ireland,’ also aims to promote the domestic game at all levels.

“The title is exactly right – no one expects Northern Ireland to be like Brazil in football but on the other hand, we are Northern Ireland and we are intensely proud to represent Northern Ireland so we want to punch above our weight in world sport at all times,” says Patrick.

“Northern Ireland has qualified for three World Cups but not since 1986, so we have set out as one of our long term objectives that it is time we did.

“Within the strategy, we have identified six business objectives for ourselves and our job now is to deliver against those, just as you would in any other business.”

Patrick points to the fact that the IFA operates as a limited company through a board of directors and an executive staff and is no different from any other private company in that respect.

“We are rigid with our budgeting – we have a clear business plan for each year and we manage against that. We operate like any other business in Northern Ireland who need to make a surplus in order to carry on.

“When we do make a surplus, we put an amount in reserve. We put a lot into developing football in Northern Ireland.

“We have eight separate teams wearing the green and white of Northern Ireland from the senior men’s team to the under 16’s, we have the under 17 women’s team and the under 19 women’s team. We try to develop the whole sport in Northern Ireland.”

Danske Bank are sponsors of the Premiership, the flagship competition in domestic football in Northern Ireland, which is followed by thousands of supporters each week.

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Patrick says the sponsorship, which was announced in 2012, is of huge support in developing the Premiership’s profile.

Another of the IFA’s key objectives is the redevelopment of the national stadium at Windsor Park in Belfast.

In March it was announced that Newry construction company, O'Hare and McGovern, has won the £35m contract to transform the facility.

The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure is funding the scheme to the tune of £31m while the Irish FA will put up the remaining £4m of costs.

The pre-construction design phase is anticipated to be completed this month with work starting thereafter.

“The project has been some time in the planning,” says Patrick.

“We have almost all the plans in place. It is an 18 month build programme. It will transform the look of our national football stadium and will give the whole of Northern Ireland something to be proud about.”

The Windsor Park contract will include the completion of the East Stand, demolition of the existing South Stand and the building of a new one, and renovation to the North and West Stands. Looking to the future, Patrick says the outlook for football in Northern Ireland is very strong.

“The Association has been around for 134 years. Football is a global sport. It is the number one sport in Northern Ireland as it is in many other countries. We have strong domestic games and our international team is one which takes Northern Ireland to the

world. The future is very positive.”

On that point, Northern Ireland will face Greece, Romania, Hungary, Finland and Faroe Islands in the Euro 2016 qualifiers with relief all round that they have avoided big guns Spain, Germany and the Netherlands.

Northern Ireland have never participated in the European finals but Patrick is hoping all that will change this time round.

Euro 2016 will be made up of 24 nations, an increase from 16 previously, but Northern Ireland is still likely to face a difficult route to the finals.

The top two in each group will qualify automatically for the 2016 finals alongside the best third-placed finisher.

The remaining eight third-placed teams go into the play-offs in November 2015.

However, Northern Ireland’s goal drought in away friendlies continued recently with a scoreless draw against Cyprus in Nicosia. It leaves the team with only 2 chances to play between now and the start of the Euro 2016 competitive games in September.

They’ll be going to South America in May to play Uruguay and then Chile.

“If we come out in the top placings, we get a chance to play in a major championship – 1986 is a long time ago,” says Patrick.

“The world has changed a lot since then, our sport has changed, the business has changed, Northern Ireland has changed. To qualify would be a real catalyst for the future of the country never mind football.”

Training at Ravenhill

Aubry Ralph, former Chairman of the Irish FA Premiership Management Committee, Gerry Mallon, Chief Executive Danske Bank UK and Ireland and Patrick Nelson, IFA Chief Executive at Windsor Park in 2012 when Danske Bank was announced as the new title sponsor of the Premiership.

FOCUS ON SPORT

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[NEWS]

42 l Ambition Magazine

PAGE43_Layout 1 19/03/2014 12:42 Page 1

Nestled in the heart of Clogher Valley where style and elegance meets country hospitality, this idyllic 17th century house is the perfect place to do business

“Let your business be our pleasure”

Centrally located just off the main A4 Road, 20 minutes fom Omagh, 30 minutes from Dungannon & Enniskillen & 60 minutes from Belfast. Corick House Hotel and Spa must be seen to be believed.

Facilities:

• Complimentary WiFi Access & Parking • 7 function rooms with break out areas • Catering from 2 - 400 delegates • Tailor made packages • All the latest technology

• Light refreshments, Lunch, Dinner • Corporate Accommodation Rates • Dedicated meeting & events team • 43 luxury bedrooms & suites

20 Corick Road, Clogher, Co. Tyrone BT76 0BZ Tel: 028 8554 8216 Email: reservations@corickcountryhouse.com Web: www.corickcountryhouse.com

PAGE44-46_Layout 1 18/03/2014 17:12 Page 1

#wellconnected

#WELLCONNECTED WITH… FELLOW CHAMBER MEMBERS NI CHAMBER NETWORKING EVENTS PROVIDE ACCESS TO BUSINESSES FROM ACROSS NORTHERN IRELAND AND TO KEY GOVERNMENT INFLUENCERS. HERE, WE HIGHLIGHT A NUMBER OF RECENT EVENTS WHICH HAVE ENABLED OUR MEMBERS TO BE #WELLCONNECTED AND GROW THEIR BUSINESS.

The Pinsent Masons Regulatory Compliance Forum was launched in the presence of NI Chamber members at an event in February. Pictured are NI Chamber’s Ann McGregor and Pinsent Mason’s Laura Gillespie with members of the forum.

NI Chamber of Commerce hosted a ‘Giant Networking Evening’ at the Stena Line Belfast Giants vs Coventry Blaze match on 21 February.

Pictured are NI Chamber’s Louise Turley and the Odyssey Arena’s Clare Tarbuck.

NI Chamber, in partnership with The Health Works team, put together an innovative event for NI Chamber members in February, to support business professionals who manage people and to demonstrate the positive return on investment in staff health and wellbeing. Pictured are NICSSA’s Gerry Kelly and Janet Coleman and NI Chamber’s Oonagh O’Reilly.

Businesses must look at ways to reduce their energy consumption if they are to remain competitive - that was the message delivered by UtilityWise as over 100 local businesses gathered at Belfast Met's e3 Innovation Centre for 'The Business Case for Renewables', event.

Pictured are Chris Corken (Belfast Metropolitan College); John Toner (Williams Industrial Services & NI Chamber) and Malcolm Emery (UtilityWise).

NI Chamber members were provided with the opportunity to relax, network and enjoy the Belfast Giants vs Coventry Blaze game in the luxury of Odyssey Arena’s Electric Ireland Lounge.

Pictured are Paul McGarrity, Peta Benson, Albert Hall and Ross Licence.

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NEW MEMBERS NI CHAMBER WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS:

Agri-fo od Dunola Elmgrove Foods Business Services Calvert Office Equipment David Meade Ltd. Ecotel Networks Global Filmmakers Ltd MITIE Facilities Management One-Result Redwings Smart Business Show Charity Habitat for Humanity Northern Ireland Green Sectors Amber Green Solar Environmental Products and Services Ltd (EPAS) Hospitality and Tourism Galgorm Resort & Spa ICT Arqiva Ltd Blazin Digital Ltd Navman Wireless UK Ltd Six Degree Labs Manufacturing Axon Power Control Coote Engineering Mark eting & Public Relatio ns Cherton Enterprise CMPR Conversion Rate Services Madison Soho McGillie Media & PR Ltd Professional Services Bensons Budget Energy Crash Services DM Innovations Johnston Campbell Limited Keppie Design Ltd Money Matters NI Occupational Health Consultants Ltd Riada Personnel The Lotus Group Retailing Indigo Ivy SSP UK Air Training Business Coaching NI Transport flybe Utilities Utilitywise

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#wellconnected

#WELLCONNECTED WITH… GOVERNMENT

NI Chamber Chief Executive Ann McGregor and President Mark Nodder with Finance Minister Simon Hamilton who met in late February to discuss a number of issues including Enterprise Zones.

NI Chamber hosted an In Camera with Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy and Permanent Secretary Richard Pengelly on 19 February at Titanic Belfast. Pictured with the Minister and Permanent Secretary is Chamber Vice-President Kevin Kingston and Vicky Boden from event sponsor Airtricity.

NI Chamber members pictured with the Minister Danny Kennedy and Permanent Secretary Richard Pengelly at the NI Chamber In Camera.

The Finance Minister is shown the detail of machining by Tommy Lewis, Assembly Manager at Thales UK during the Minister on the Move event at Thales UK facilities.

Finance Minister Simon Hamilton pictured at the first NI Chamber ‘Minister on the Move’ event in partnership with British Airways on 22 January.

Pictured with the Minister are NI Chamber’s Ann McGregor, Thales Managing Director David Beatty and British Airways’ Brenda Morgan.

NI Chamber presented the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee at Stormont with a number of key issues that must be urgently addressed if Northern Ireland is to grow its export base and meet targets set by the Programme for Government.

Ambition Magazine l 45

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#wellconnected

#WELLCONNECTED WITH… EXPORTERS THE GATEWAYS TO GROWTH INITIATIVE, WHICH PROMOTES CROSS BORDER TRADE, HAS SUCCESSFULLY DELIVERED A SERIES OF SKILLS DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS AND TWO LARGE MEET THE BUYER EVENTS. THE SCHEME HAS BEEN DELIVERED IN PARTNERSHIP BY NI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, DUNDALK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, LETTERKENNY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, THE COMET COUNCILS IN NORTHERN IRELAND AND SUPPORTED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION’S INTERREG IVA PROGRAMME. HERE WE GIVE A SNAP SHOT IN PICTURES OF A NUMBER OF KEY STAGES OF THE PROGRAMME.

UPCOMING NI CHAMBER EVENTS DANSKE BANK EXPORT FIRST: DETI MINISTER ON THE MOVE Arlene Foster, Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment will meet with a wide range of export focused businesses across Northern Ireland.

Date: 3 April 2014 Time: 09:30-12:30 Venue: Ulster Carpets, Castleisland Factory, Craigavon Sponsor: Danske Bank

IN CAMERA: PERMANENT SECRETARIES An In Camera dinner with Malcolm McKibbin, Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service; David Sterling, Permanent Secretary, DETI; Stephen Peover, Permanent Secretary, DFP; Leo O’Reilly, Permanent Secretary, DOE and Derek Baker, Permanent Secretary, DEL. Date: 16 April 2014 Time: 17:30-20:00 Venue: James Street South Restaurant, Belfast Sponsor: BT

Meet the Buyer key speakers - Henry Cleary (Bank of Ireland), Ann McGregor (NI Chamber), Feargal McCormack, (FPM Accountants), Jani Lopez (InterTradeIreland), Ross Telford (Creative Composites), and Desi Foley (FPM Accountants).

NI CHAMBER AGM Notice is hereby given that the NI Chamber of Commerce and Industry AGM will take place on 30 May 2014 at 11.00am in the Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast.

Date: 30 May 2014 Time: 11.00-12.00 Venue: Fitzwilliam Hotel

NI CHAMBER ANNUAL LUNCH 2014 The NI Chamber of Commerce and Industry Annual Lunch for 2014 will take place at Belfast City Hall on 6 June 2014. Further details will be announced shortly.

Supplier businesses engaged in a speed networking session.

Date: 6 June 2014 Time: 12:00-14:30 Venue: Belfast City Hall Sponsor: BT

Aisling Hannigan, Pramerica at the Meet the Buyer event.

46 l Ambition Magazine

David Hughes and Ian Campbell, Graham Asset Management give advice as SMEs from across Ireland pitch for business.

For further information and to book a place at any of the above events please visit www.northernirelandchamber.com

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[COLUMNIST] ANGELA MCGOWAN, CHIEF ECONOMIST AT DANSKE BANK

EXPORTS...WHAT IS GOING ON? PUTTING THE EXPORT FACTOR INTO BUSINESS HERE HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT SAYS ANGELA MCGOWAN.

T

he benefits to firms from engaging in export markets are now well documented, with academic studies showing that exporting companies tend to be more competitive, have higher productivity per head, pay higher wages and are more capitalintensive relative to firms that focus solely on the domestic market.

Moving into foreign markets forces firms to adapt their products or services to suit new customers and thereby raises R&D and innovation levels. Given the size of our home market in Northern Ireland and the fact that export levels represent an important vehicle for driving economic growth at the macro level, it is no surprise that the NI Economic Strategy (NIES), published in early 2012, includes a number of relatively ambitious targets for increasing our local export base.

It is not only Northern Ireland that needs to up its export game. With the UK’s trade deficit reported to be £2.6 billion, there is an urgent need right across the UK to fix the import-export gap. Lord Livingston, the government’s new Trade Minister, has warned that the UK government must ‘change the pace’ of export growth if the UK’s coalition government is to hit its target of doubling exports to £1 trillion

our NIES export target has been a decline in exports to the European Union and in particular the Republic of Ireland”.

However, it should be noted that significant progress has been made in the area of developing exports to Emerging Markets and supporting new start-ups to sell in the GB market and markets outside of the UK. Exchange rates can play havoc with a country’s export targets and the recent appreciation of sterling over the last few months against a range of currencies (in particular against those in emerging markets) will have worked to reduce Northern Ireland’s competitiveness abroad. Companies sometimes do not realise that they can talk to their bank about hedging against foreign exchange risk. In addition, exporting requires particular skills for finding, engaging with and pitching to international buyers. The local economy is dominated by small firms which often lack the skills and manpower to develop an export strategy.

Without doubt, the exporting environment has been tough, especially during 2012 when the euro debt crisis peaked and business uncertainty spiked. But hopefully the improved global economy during 2013 and the continued “WE MUST recovery should create better GET PAST THE conditions for NI Plc to achieve its export growth targets going BELIEF THAT forward. In addition, local initiatives by 2020.

EXPORT from DETI and Invest NI in the Although the Northern form of the ‘Export Start Ireland Executive’s export REVENUE Programme' as well as other policy targets are clearly on a STEMS FROM initiatives aimed at encouraging much smaller scale, they nonetheless present local MANUFACTUR- existing exporters to diversify into more markets should also help us policy makers with a ING ONLY.” to realise our export ambitions. challenge. Northern Locally, we must get past the belief Ireland is to increase the that export revenue stems from value of manufacturing manufacturing only. We should not forget that exports by 20 per cent and the value of exports tourist spend is another form of export revenue to emerging economies by 60 per cent by (as this sector draws in foreign spending on 2014/15. In addition, the economic strategy Northern Ireland’s goods and services) and commits to developing plans to drive export-led lately Northern Ireland has had a lot of success growth in the agri-food sector by 2020 and in winning bids for large scale events such as this promote 6O new start-ups exporting outside year’s Giro d’Italia. Services can be exported the UK. too, with for example, local consultants, Progress on the Executive’s export targets was engineers, architects and advertising companies published in the Annual Monitoring Report last increasingly looking beyond the local market October and showed that while total place for contracts. Lately we have even seen manufacturing exports increased by 4.7 per cent during 2011/12, Northern Ireland experienced a one of Northern Ireland’s most popular restaurants Mourne Seafood move into the decrease of some 4.9 per cent during 2012/13, Republic of Ireland market. Despite some of the according to the latest HMRC data. Over the media hype about this move, ultimately we are two year period 2010/11 – 2012/13 exports seeing a local restaurant using a Dublin base to have therefore decreased by 0.4 per cent. The sell Northern Irish produce – surely that’s a Executive notes that “The primary factor in good thing!

Northern Ireland’s underperformance against Ambition Magazine l 47

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[FEATURE]

Big Telly Theatre Company General Manager, Louise Rossington

TAKING CENTRE STAGE

But its latest project is one of the most innovative – placing business in the spotlight.

Big Telly’s ‘BOX’ scheme, which is currently being piloted in Portstewart and will be rolled out across Northern Ireland over the next two years (funding dependent), uses empty shops as cultural spaces presenting a mixture of professional and community led initiatives. It is also a means of re-invigorating town centres by creating an attraction which draws people in.

“We are offering a different way to revitalise town centres through the development of creative activities which promote cultural tourism,” says Big Telly General Manager Louise Rossington.

“The empty retail space we have taken over on the Promenade has become incredibly successful. It has become a shared creative space for the local community to use but it is also an attraction for visitors. We also rehearse in the space and anyone can come in, watch and throw in ideas.

“The space has injected new life into the promenade and local businesses are benefitting as a result with an increase in trade when events are running.

“It has allowed traders to think about how they can use the arts to promote their business as part of normal day to day trading.

“We have been overwhelmed by the impact that the activity in the BOX has had on the local community, the interest it has received from national organisations and individuals focused on the role of the arts in regeneration and its contribution to the reanimation of the high street and place making.”

Activities have included art installations, exhibitions, performances, workshops, readings, dance displays, music and rehearsals.

What makes it different from conventional arts facilities is that the activities are on-going and informal with the general public invited to join at any point.

Work can be watched through the window, listened to via outdoor speakers or people can come inside and may be lucky enough to see rehearsals of productions which will eventually

A NORTHERN IRELAND THEATRE COMPANY IS BRINGING ARTISTIC CREATIVITY TO LOCAL BUSINESSES AS ADRIENNE MCGILL FINDS OUT.

B

ig Telly Theatre Company is a business which isn’t prepared to flutter in the wings - it is a star in its own right.

Formed in 1987 and based in Portstewart, it is the longest established professional theatre company in Northern Ireland.

The company, whose theatre productions tour nationally and internationally, has won acclaim for its range and scale of work which is regarded as highly innovative. This includes commissioning new plays and adaptations, radically adapting classics of the Irish stage such as ‘Playboy of the Western World’, and pioneering community based participation projects.

While many of the productions have graced the stages of London’s West End and the

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Edinburgh Festival, some more quirky performances because of their themes, have taken place in unusual venues such as swimming pools and cars.

But Big Telly is much more than a theatre company. In addition to an annual programme of work, which includes two original productions, it runs an extensive range of community outreach and education programmes.

Its Spring Chickens initiative engages older people with theatre while young people can take part in summer schools, workshops and youth theatre activities.

It also runs up to 700 workshops annually as well as community based events and projects with up to ten local schools.

Children of all ages can discover their artistic side and take part in Big Telly community events

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“WE ARE OFFERING A DIFFERENT WAY TO REVITALISE TOWN CENTRES THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF CREATIVE ACTIVITIES WHICH PROMOTE CULTURAL TOURISM.”

go on tour both nationally and internationally.

Over the last ten years, Big Telly’s theatre productions have reached audiences totalling more than 88,000, while 30,000 people have participated in its outreach and educational programmes.

Its critically acclaimed shows include The Little Mermaid, which toured Taiwan, Denmark, Serbia, Ireland and the UK; Puckoon, which played in London’s West End; Melmoth the Wanderer which was staged at the Edinburgh Festival; Nora’s Story and Well of the Saints which opened at the Riverside Theatre, Coleraine.

One Sandwich Short of a Genius is on tour currently and has just moved from Belfast’s MAC to Dublin.

The company, with an annual turnover of around £400,000, is annually funded by the Arts Council (in the region of £150,000) and raises additional funds from trusts, foundations, sponsorship and box office receipts.

There are 6 members of staff and up to 150 freelancers are employed on various projects throughout the year.

“Fundraising for productions is difficult – we are annually funded by the Arts Council – but those funds cover core costs and overheads with some programming money but this is not enough to fund a full touring production which is typically around £70,000,” says Louise.

“In addition, because of the economic climate, people are being very selective about what they are going to see.

“Whereas they might have gone to see two or three productions in a season, they may now only choose one.

“Previously venues would have been able to offer us a fixed guarantee to perform whereas now it may be a box office split, which places much more of the risk back on the company.

“As a result, regional touring by companies has decreased over the last few years and we have to work a lot harder alongside venues to ensure we attract sufficient audiences.

“Through the BOX initiative, we are aiming to reconnect with audiences both regionally and locally.

“Thankfully, we have not seen a significant drop in our audiences but I think that has been because of the level of outreach and educational activity we carry out and also because we are starting to expand our touring networks to other parts of the UK.”

Nora's Story is one of the company's productions

Louise, who is also Chair of the Northern Ireland Theatre Association and the regional representative for the Independent Theatre Council has been with the company for thirteen years. A native of the West Midlands in England, she has over twenty years of experience in business management and administration and has successfully managed Big Telly’s last nineteen productions and tours.

Looking to the future, she says Big Telly has big plans.

“I am really excited about expanding the empty space initiative to more areas and continuing to develop all of our other programmes and projects.

“I am also excited about developing and extending our touring to more regions in the UK.” For Big Telly Theatre Company, it seems there is no sign of the curtain coming down on ambitions.

Well of the Saints opened at Coleraine's Riverside Theatre

Ambition Magazine l 49

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[COLUMNIST] SHANE MCVEIGH – SOLICITOR WITH CARSON MCDOWELL

‘TIL DEBT DO US PART’ AS THE NORTHERN IRELAND ECONOMY BEGINS TO SHOW MODEST SIGNS OF REVIVAL, SHANE MCVEIGH ASKS WHAT LESSONS CAN WE TAKE FROM THE DEBT RECOVERY PROCEDURES OF RECENT YEARS?

F

or many local businesses, recent years have to recover costs (save for the court fee), meaning been about ‘weathering the storm’ and trying that if the matter becomes defended, costs can not to succumb to a major client or quickly accrue and it becomes an economic decision customer becoming insolvent. Unfortunately, few as to whether there is merit in pursuing the claim. businesses have escaped unscathed on this front Often it makes sense for a business to run its own and if they have, it was often more Small Claims Actions and to by luck than by design. With get used to doing so regularly. clients and customers ignoring The process is designed to credit terms or simply refusing be relatively straightforward “OFTEN IT IS to pay, severe cash flow and for self-representation. problems have arisen.

If the debt is (a) undisputed, IMPOSSIBLE Businesses may baulk at the (b) over £750 and (c) the TO RECOVER A thought of the additional debtor is a real risk to other expenses of employing a creditors (in that they cannot SUBSTANTIAL lawyer to recover debts but pay debts as they fall due), a SUM OR SUMS often, without the threat of statutory demand can be legal proceedings, invoices issued against the debtor. In IN ONE FELL will remain unpaid. essence, this allows the SWOOP.” Prompt payment of invoices debtor twenty-one days to is essential for a healthy cash pay the outstanding sum or flow. Invoices should always the creditor can issue a state a period for payment, Bankruptcy Petition (personal and after this date, if payment is not received, in debtor) or Winding-Up Petition (company debtor). many circumstances statutory interest can be The legal costs involved in these processes charged under the Late Payment of Commercial coupled with the real risk that the ultimate Debts (Interest) Act 1998. Once the date for outcome will result in the debtor being payment expires, the organised Credit Controller adjudicated bankrupt or wound-up with no will place a telephone call to the debtor, followed prospect of any dividend to the creditor, will on by a reminder letter. If this fails, then passing the occasion result in businesses deciding that it is not matter over to your lawyers promptly should be worth pursuing the debt and writing it off. It is an early step taken. Thereafter, if simple often surprising how quickly a debtor finds the correspondence from the solicitor does not prompt payment, the two main options for recovery are County Court or High Court proceedings if the debt is disputed, or alternatively insolvency proceedings if the debtor is a risk to other creditors and indeed is insolvent.

The jurisdiction of the County Court is any claim up to £30,000.

With the County Court (Amendment) Rules (NI) 2013, any award for costs on a successful claim, or defence, is on a scale and creditors will be advised of their cost risk before proceedings are issued. The High Court, therefore, is for any claim over £30,000.

If a disputed claim is for less than £3,000, the claim can be issued in the Small Claims Court. The Small Claims Court’s main attraction is that the application process and the hearing itself are very informal and the strict rules of evidence associated with the superior courts do not apply. Businesses should be aware that parties to an action in the Small Claims Court are not entitled

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means to pay once served with a demand threatening Insolvency!

Often it is impossible to recover a substantial sum or sums in one fell swoop. Businesses should be open to the idea of collecting debts by entering into payment plans with their debtors, striking a balance between what the debtor can afford to pay and what is a reasonable period to allow them to make such payments.

Now that the economy is showing signs of recovery, businesses should look to their outstanding invoices once more. With local business now looking to target new markets, debt recovery may become more difficult with businesses increasingly dealing with crossjurisdictional issues and conflicts of laws. Thankfully for Northern Ireland businesses, we have parallels with the UK legal system as well as our place within the European Union, which mean that for matters which go to the courts there are less barriers than might otherwise have been the case.

A common plea from businesses that cannot pay their invoices is that they are awaiting payment from one of their own clients or customers who have let them down. Effective credit control and debt recovery processes mean that it is less likely to be your business that suffers.

One thing that will apply across the board is that even in times of economic prosperity, effective credit control and debt collection will be a necessity for any business.

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Security, peace of mind and it could save you hundreds of pounds Business vehicles are now increasingly targeted by fraudsters costing insurers and businesses over half a billion pounds a year. A spokesman for the insurance industry said, “crash for cash is becoming a booming business, all the fraudsters need is a banger and a little know how and they’re ready to go. We certainly recommend that motorists take steps to mitigate any fraud by using a device such as the latest drive recorder from Snooper”.

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PAGE52_Layout 1 19/03/2014 12:44 Page 1

[COLUMNIST] IAN RAINEY FORMER INTERNATIONAL BANKER

GOING FOR GOLD AS THE FLURRY OF ACTIVITY AROUND THE WINDER OLYMPICS MELTS, IAN RAINEY LOOKS AT THE CHANCES FOR CHINA’S BID IN 2022.

Photo courtesy of Press Association.

T

he Winter Olympics in Sochi will games did not come cheap. The costprobably be remembered for all the overruns were enormous and the Sochi wrong reasons. The opening ceremony Olympics cost the host country some $51 will long be remembered for the malfunction billion. This compares with the $10 billion of one of the five Olympic rings. The glitch spent on the previous Winter Olympics in occurred when one of the five Vancouver in illuminated snowflakes which were 2010. supposed to blossom into the “But the “WITH SOUTH KOREA iconic five ring Olympic symbol show must go HAVING BEEN failed to open. What an on” – and embarrassment for President already the AWARDED THE 2018 Putin who was in the audience bids are in for WINTER OLYMPICS, as he was again on 23rd the Winter THIS PUTS BEIJING’S February for the closing Olympics of BID IN JEOPARDY.” ceremony. The “flame2022 and extinguishing” honours this time include Norway, went to a motorised cuddly toy Ukraine, Poland, and the closing ceremony as a whole was such Kazakhstan and surprisingly Beijing (twinned a spectacle that it was rated as surpassing with the City of Zhangjiakou) which is situated Danny Boyles’ London 2012 opening in a mountainous region some 120 miles ceremony. Yet in the midst of these unique northwest of Beijing. celebrations, one had to question what sort of The Chinese believe that their joint bid celebratory feelings were going through Putin’s lodged with the Olympic Committee on 3rd mind, when close by in Kiev, a street November 2013 is a very strong bid. With revolution was culminating in the fall of the Beijing having been a great success for the Russian supported Ukrainian government 2008 Summer Olympics, the wonderful following a week which saw some 82 people stadiums built then will become the mecca for killed and 1100 injured. the “ice sports.”

For Mr Putin, the memory of Sochi will not As for Zhangjiakou, the 2022 bid director gleam as brightly as the medals Mr Zhang states that “our ultimate goal is to even though Russia topped the medals table develop Zhangjiakou into a world class tourism and the majority of the competitors and the TV destination, a Davos of the East”. While skiing viewing public around the world felt that they is still very much a minority sport, skiing started had watched very well organised and on the snow slopes near Zhangjiakou in 1996 spectacular games. But for Russia, these and hotels are sprouting up every year in the

52 l Ambition Magazine

area. Already low cost tickets are being used to attract local residents and particularly children into the related sports activities and there is a massive drive to see China rise up the medals table from 12th place in Sochi to be in the top 5 by the time of a potential Winter Olympics in China by 2022.

China faces two major problems if it is to win the vote for 2022. One is pollution and our news reports over the past few weeks have been highlighting a “smog” problem in Beijing which is out of control.

In late February, the levels of PM 2.5 pollution – the carcinogenic particles that lodge so perilously in the lungs – were some 16 times higher than the level deemed safe by The World Health Organisation. While the authorities in Beijing were successful in cleaning up the air for the Summer Olympics in 2008, pollution is much higher in Winter and it will be a much bigger task to make it go away this time around.

The second problem may be even more difficult to get around. It is an unwritten rule of the International Olympic Committee that a continent cannot hold two consecutive Winter Olympics. With South Korea having been awarded the 2018 Winter Olympics, this puts Beijing’s bid in jeopardy. Furthermore, the Summer Olympics of 2020 are already destined for Tokyo and there seems to be such a potential cluttering in Asia between 2018 and 2022 that China’s bid stands a very good chance of being turned down, even if pollution is not given as the prime reason.

PAGE53_Layout 1 19/03/2014 12:43 Page 1

[ADVERTISING FEATURE]

Don’t get lost in the maze of auto-enrolment Navigating auto-enrolment can seem daunting, even to the most organised of businesses, but it doesn’t have to be. Choosing the right provider can make all the difference - when you have the correct support it can become more like a walk in a park rather than feeling trapped in a maze, full of dead ends.

Every business has been allocated a staging date when, by law, they must have implemented autoenrolment pension reform within their company.

The largest companies in NI have already autoenrolled and those with more than 62 employees will have to comply by July 2014. Businesses with lower staff numbers will have been allocated a staging date ranging from August 2014 to September 2017.

Iain Ferguson from Belfast-based Workers Pension Trust (WPT), comments: “As auto-enrolment becomes a reality for SMEs, it is important that businesses start to prepare as soon as possible as there can be significant financial penalties for non-compliance.

“As a local auto-enrolment provider, we are on hand to guide SMEs through the process. WPT has already worked with many local firms from a wide range of sectors including transport, hospitality, manufacturing, charity, retail, facilities management and printing, to ensure that they

are ready to comply with auto-enrolment. The good news is that it is not too late for SMEs to ask for help and we can work with them to ensure that they meet their deadlines.

“Implementing a new pension system can be a complex process and every business is different so it is important to choose a provider that meets your own specific requirements. Typical things to look for are the provider’s experience of running similar schemes, the guidance and support offered throughout the entire process and how the scheme will link with your payroll system.”

Workers Pension Trust is a not-for-profit organisation and their pension scheme is specifically designed to meet the auto-enrolment needs of local organisations.

“Your time is valuable and the entire autoenrolment process can seem complex and at times, overwhelming, but WPT is here to ensure that it becomes as straightforward as possible.”

Iain explains: “The administration team at WPT has been operating a multi-employer pension scheme for businesses since 1982. Based on that experience we have developed a locally-based scheme which complies fully with autoenrolment legislation, is open to all businesses in Northern Ireland and can also cover employees based in other parts of the UK. We have the knowledge and experience to guide Northern Ireland employers through every step of the process.

For more information on the FREE autoenrolment delivery programme provided by Workers Pension Trust, please visit www.workerspensiontrust.co.uk or contact Iain Ferguson on 028 9087 7142 or iainf@workerspensiontrust.co.uk

Ambition Magazine l 53

PAGE54-55_Layout 1 18/03/2014 17:29 Page 1

A

ll eyes will be on Brazil in June as the World Cup plays out in front of billions of football fans across the globe. Following on from our focus on sport and business, here we look at this exhilarating region of Latin America and the potential for Northern Ireland companies to win business there.

BRAZIL IS A COUNTRY WHICH PULSATES WITH VIBRANCY - BUT DOING BUSINESS THERE REQUIRES A HIGH LEVEL OF ENTERPRISE AND ENERGY. RENATE BUZON, DIRECTOR OF CDI GLOBAL RESEARCH, WHO IS BASED IN SÃO PAULO, GIVES AN OVERVIEW OF WHAT IS REQUIRED IN THIS DYNAMIC AND COLOURFUL REGION.

2

013 was a year of challenges for companies all over the world resulting from a fast change in the way of doing business, new technologies and the need to adapt to a swift increase in the size of the middle class in the emerging markets. This has resulted in economic and political implications, as well as an increase in GDP per capita and consumption.

Furthermore, the pressure for companies to have a global presence is increasing because of a reduction in business in their home markets. This has raised the question - where to go next?

The World Cup in 2014 has given Brazil huge exposure in the Press and focused attention on its attractiveness as a country in which to do business.

However, the majority of companies outside Latin America are not familiar with trading in this market. The most recent figures published indicate that Brazil’s GDP grew by 2.5 per cent in 2013. Brazil has a population close to 200 million and in two years, it is expected that 75 per cent of the population or 151 million people will be middle class.

Brazil is a consolidated democracy with strong institutions and has a population eager to study and grow.

The country is expected to grow around 2.0 per cent in 2014 and has currently an unemployment rate of 5.9

54 l Ambition Magazine

ARE YOU READY TO DO BUSINESS IN

per cent. At the moment with an estimated population with purchasing power of over 100 million people, the country represents attractive business opportunities for foreign companies, especially those who can offer technology and innovation.

The breakdown of Brazil’s GDP in 2012 was as follows: • Services - 68.5 per cent • Industry - 26.3 per cent • Agriculture - 5.2 per cent The forecast is that the services sector will continue to grow in the next couple of years. This is good news if your company has any offerings for this segment.

Additional sectors which offer business opportunities are: retail, automotive industry, energy, oil & gas, construction, wholesale, consumer goods, transport & social mobility, education and infrastructure.

The products/services which have great potential in Brazil are related to automation, IT services & software, beauty & hygiene, training in general, including languages and accessibility solutions.

But before thinking of including Brazil in your corporate strategy, you need to decide how to develop business there?

PAGE54-55_Layout 1 18/03/2014 17:29 Page 2

In times when money is not abundant, it is important to avoid wasting time and resources. Here is a 10 question check list which could be a useful tool to make this assessment: 1) Do you know who are your main competitors already operating in Brazil?

4) Do you know what new technology, innovation or strength you are bringing to the country when compared to the products offered by the traditional suppliers?

5) Can you show that you are an experienced exporter? Brazil is not a market for beginners.

2) On many occasions, the owner of the company might be a brilliant engineer, but he/she might not necessarily be the most capable sales person. Are you sending to Brazil a gifted sales person who understands the Latin culture? Have you taken classes in marketing and sales recently? Are you familiar with the Latin culture?

6) Are you prepared to employ, even if it is just part time, a person who speaks Brazilian Portuguese either in Brazil or in your country? Bear in mind that only 5 per cent of the population speak English.

3) A distributor will close an agreement rapidly, if the foreign company can show that research was done and it can outline reasons why the product will be successful in Brazil. Are you prepared to discuss locally the challenges and opportunities of your product in the market?

8) Are you ready to visit Brazil every 6 months in order to show determination to your potential partners?

7) Are you aware that Brazil is a medium to long term market? You cannot expect to sell on your first visit to the country.

training the sales force, etc?

10) Before visiting the market, it is important to have a strategy in place. Are you going to work with an importer or distributor, or are you interested in setting up a subsidiary in the country? Do you have an idea of at what price you are going to sell your products?

When you meet Brazilian companies you have to be ready to answer all of these questions.

The centre of gravity of the world economy is changing. Everybody recognises this new reality. Brazil is one of the players in the ranking of emerging economies. It might be the right time for your company to make an assessment about whether you are ready to start this journey but making sure there is real business potential is vital.

9) Would you be in a position to support your distributor by sharing the costs of literature, participation in trade shows,

“THE MAJORITY OF COMPANIES OUTSIDE LATIN AMERICA ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH DOING BUSINESS IN THIS MARKET.�

Brazil is a vibrant country which offers huge business opportunities.

PAGE56-57_Layout 1 14/03/2014 17:31 Page 1

[FOCUS ON BRAZIL]

Brazil Capital: Brasília Largest city: São Paulo Administrative divisions: Brazil is a federation composed of 26 States, 1 Federal and Municipalities.

Currency: Real (R$) (BRL) Area: 8,514,877 km2 Population: (2013) 200 million Calling code: +55 Portuguese

MARKET GUIDE Ease of trading across borders Importing a standard container of goods into Brazil requires

8

17

DOCUMENTS

DAYS

£1498

Source: The World Bank, Trading Across Borders: Doing Business 2013

The UK is the fourth largest investor in Brazil. The UK exported £2.7bn in goods to Brazil in 2012.

Brazil has a mixed economy with abundant natural resources. The Brazilian economy has been predicted to become one of the five largest in the world in the decades to come. In the last 15 years, the country has pursued a strategy of export-led growth and regional integration. The economy is relatively well diversified with a strong manufacturing and agricultural base. But economic activity is still concentrated in the southeast, particularly in the state of São Paulo.

Economic snapshot (% annual growth rate) 2011

2012

2013-16

GDP

2.7

1.0

4.5

Export of goods and services

4.5

-0.8

8.5

Import of goods and services

9.7

-1.2

8.0

Inflation

6.6

5.4

5.0

Short-Term interest rates (%)

11.7

8.5

7.8

Exchange Rate (Per £)

2.00

2.03

1.99

Population

0.9

0.9

0.8

Unit labour cost

6.8

-5.6

-1.0

Source: Oxford Economics

Economic outlook Economists in Brazil cut their 2014 economic growth forecast last month, as consumer confidence in the world’s secondlargest emerging market plunged to the lowest level in nearly five years.

Brazil’s gross domestic product is expected to expand 1.67% this year, compared with an earlier forecast of 1.79%, according to a central bank survey of about 100 analysts. Economists also cut their 2015 growth estimate to 2% from 2.10%.

President Dilma Rousseff’s administration has been forced to shift economic policies, as stimulus measures and increased public spending last year fanned consumer prices without spurring growth.

Trade outlook Latin America, China and Europe are expected to be Brazil’s top exporters over the medium term. Trade with Asia (excluding Japan) already accounts for more than a quarter of Brazil’s merchandise exports. The continued rapid industrialisation of these Asian economies is expected to drive further demand for raw materials from Brazil in coming years. China and Vietnam will be the fastest-growing export destinations over this period, ensuring that China retains its position as the most important destination for Brazilian exports. 40% of Brazil’s imports arrive from Europe, followed by 16% from the US and China. The UK falls behind Germany, India, Mexico, Nigeria and Chile.

SWOT analysis Strengths World’s sixth largest economy.

High population.

Weaknesses Corruption.

Political risk.

Opportunities 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics.

Growing middle class.

Manufacturing .

Threats Export driven economy.

Real currency.

Very high interest rates.

56 l Ambition Magazine

PAGE56-57_Layout 1 14/03/2014 17:29 Page 2

MARKET GUIDE Brazil’s trade with the UK UK exports to Brazil (2012) - by major product groups

How UK exports to Brazil compare in the long-term UK

Rest of Europe

Asia

USA

Food, beverages & tobacco

4%

0%

4%

Chemicals and related products 42%

Manufactured goods 32%

Machinery and transport equipment Commodities

% of total imports of Brazil

Crude materials & fuel

45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5

17%

0 2011

Source: HMRC

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Source: Oxford Economics

Fastest growing exporters into Brazil Rank 2012

2021-30

1

Malaysia

Vietnam

2

Poland

India

3

Mexico

China

Total merchandise trade – Leading import partners

European Union

Korea

USA

4

UK

Bangladesh

5

Vietnam

Turkey

6

Bangladesh

Mexico

7

Canada

Malaysia

8

Hong Kong

Canada

9

Germany

Egypt

10

India

Poland

China

Argentina

Source: Oxford Economics

Sector segmentation growth Brazil industrial structure (2021) Output, value-added, real, % of GDP

Sectors to watch:

5% 6%

Food, beverages & tobacco Crude materials & fuel 42%

• Utilities • Other extraction activities

Chemicals & related products Manufactured goods 32%

Machinery & transport equipment

Manufacturing • Aerospace • Domestic appliances • Pesticides & other agrochemicals

15%

Source: Oxford Economics

Opportunities for UK businesses One of the world’s most rapidly developing economies with GDP per head greater than either India or China. Certain sectors of the Brazilian market have experienced higher than average growth, such as air transportation, telecoms, oil and gas, and mining. Under the second phase of the Growth Acceleration Program the Government of Brazil will spend around US$470 billion in development of the country’s energy generation and infrastructure as well as stadiums as it prepares for the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016. Other promising areas for UK companies include aerospace and aviation, electrical power, safety and security devices, environmental technologies, retail, and transportation.

Ambition Magazine l 57

PAGE58-59_Layout 1 18/03/2014 17:32 Page 1

[FOCUS ON BRAZIL]

GLITZ AND GLAMOUR MOY PARK IS SET TO BRING THE RAZZMATAZZ OF THE WORLD CUP IN BRAZIL TO CONSUMERS HERE. ADRIENNE MCGILL TALKS TO ITS DIRECTOR OF BRAND MARKETING, ANDREW NETHERCOTT, ABOUT WHAT’S PLANNED.

T

he football World Cup in Brazil this summer will see one of Northern Ireland’s leading firms wallow in global exposure as part of a multi-million pound sponsorship deal for the event.

Moy Park, the Craigavon based poultry processor, is among a top line-up of massive brands who have been named official sponsors of the tournament which starts on 12 June and lasts until 13 July. The deal has been set up by Brazilian parent company Marfrig and will see the Moy Park brand beamed to millions of viewers across the globe on pitch perimeter boards during matches, including those involving England, France, the Netherlands and Spain.

It is the result of the announcement by Marfrig in 2010 that the Brazilian food giant would sponsor the 2010 (in South Africa) and 2014 World Cups.

Moy Park Chief Executive Janet McCollum says it’s a massive coup for the company.

“Moy Park is delighted to be an official sponsor of the tournament. As well as supporting the sponsorship with a comprehensive advertising, promotional and marketing campaign, we are also really excited about our plans to celebrate this fantastic event with our employees, customers and consumers.”

As part of the official sponsorship deal, the Moy Park brand will feature on the FIFA.com website and the Marfrig brand will appear on the official FIFA 2014 video game, alongside global brands including McDonald’s, Budweiser and Johnson & Johnson.

As the kick-off in São Paulo draws closer, interest in the World Cup is set to reach fever pitch and Moy Park and Marfrig will be among the major brands looking forward to unprecedented exposure.

The sponsorship partners will have access to communicate with over 50 per cent of the world’s population. Four billion fans will tune

58 l Ambition Magazine

in on television, as well as a multitude of a different light. Our packaging and on-pack digital and social media channels. It’s a offers in stores will really stand out. You monumental chance for brand exposure, as won’t be able to walk down the poultry aisle well as a battle for interest and space. without seeing the World Cup and Moy Park.

Moy Park will be sharing advertising space “The World Cup will be a global platform for with giants such as Coca-Cola, Sony and Moy Park and having a presence there gives Visa. Brands including Adidas, Coca-Cola, us an opportunity to take our brand outside Visa, Continental and McDonald’s have all the island of Ireland where it is already well invested in a shared total rights package known.” worth £5.5 billion in commercial revenue Moy Park is the headquarters for Marfrig’s over its four-year cycle for FIFA. entire European operations, a business which “They are globally known brands that have has a turnover of almost £1.5bn and the been associated with the World Cup for Craigavon company has ambitions to grow many years,” says Andrew Nethercott, Moy further in this market.

Park Director of Brand Marketing.

“We want to roll out the Moy Park brand in “We are very proud to sit alongside them and Europe and use the World Cup sponsorship it demonstrates the ambition of Moy Park to as a platform to do that,” says Andrew. grow the brand on a much bigger scale.”

“When you see European games, you will Andrew, who has played a key role in see Moy Park featured around the perimeter Moy Park’s sponsorship deal, says the boards whereas for the South American company is aiming to capture some of the games, Marfrig’s name will feature. It is a split culture and energy of the World Cup and sponsorship. And if the final is between a Brazil and apply it to its products.

European and a South American team – both “This is a multi-million pound investment Moy Park and Marfrig’s name will be on the deal by Moy Park and is focused on perimeter boards. Moy Park will be taking consumer brands rather than private label one very lucky consumer to the World Cup brands. and also inviting some important customers “Our plans include launching an on-pack to the event so they can have the promotion that will give a lucky shopper the opportunity to see the Marfrig business in chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip for Brazil, which will give them a flavour of the two to the FIFA World Cup semi-finals in scale and the size of the global business.”

Brazil.

Marfrig recently “Consumers also announced the appointment have the chance of Vincent Gaillard as global “THE WORLD CUP to win one of co-ordinator of its 2014 FIFA WILL BE A GLOBAL 2,014 footballs, so World Cup sponsorship there are lots of activities.

PLATFORM FOR prizes on offer.

The company, a leading MOY PARK…” “We will be global food company with working with key production, commercial and retailers in distribution units located in 16 Northern Ireland to ensure consumers know countries in five continents, employs about these prizes.” approximately 45,000 people. Moy Park, Andrew says it’s all about bringing the meanwhile, employs more than 12,000 theatre and excitement of the World Cup to people across production sites in Northern the poultry category.

Ireland, Ireland, England, France and Holland.

He says: “We want to bring some of the The firm, which was acquired by Marfrig in glamour and glitz of Brazil and the World 2008, is recognised as one of the largest Cup to the poultry aisle so people can get producers of organic, free-range and cornexcited about it and maybe look at poultry in fed birds in Europe.

PAGE58-59_Layout 1 18/03/2014 17:32 Page 2

Moy Park Director of Brand Marketing, Andrew Nethercott, says consumers can look forward to lots of prizes connected to the World Cup.

Ambition Magazine l 59

PAGE60-61_Layout 1 18/03/2014 17:33 Page 1

[FOCUS ON BRAZIL]

BRAZIL - MUCH MORE THAN FOOTBALL, SUN AND SAMBA BRAZIL HOLDS MANY COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITIES BUT AS GLENN ROBERTS, SENIOR PARTNER OF DELOITTE IN NORTHERN IRELAND EXPLAINS, THERE ARE PROS AND CONS ASSOCIATED WITH BREAKING INTO THE BRAZILIAN MARKET.

T

HINK of Brazil and certain stereotypical images come instantly to mind. Football, carnival, samba and the beach life of Rio de Janeiro would top the lists of most people if asked to provide a snapshot image of the nation’s life.

There is, however, a much more diverse reality to Brazil, one that underpins the fact that the country, with a population of around 200 million, is one of the world’s fastest growing economies.

Next year it is anticipated that the middle and upper class segments of Brazilian society will increase by 29 million people. The positive implications for consumer goods companies, in particular those servicing the niche markets sector, are obvious.

What is still not generally accepted, both by

60 l Ambition Magazine

Northern Ireland businesses and the wider UK commercial community, is the level of opportunity that exists in the country in terms of accessing and supplying Brazil’s huge development needs.

The UK is now the fourth largest investor in Brazil and has a trading relationship stretching back over 200 years.

Yet its exports to Brazil stand at only 1.5 per cent of total trade, placing the UK well behind Germany, France and even Italy.

This lack of awareness of the potential of the Brazilian market is being prioritised by a number of government backed organisations from the Department of Trade and Industry to Invest NI. From a business perspective, Brazil has an economic culture that holds enormous

potential on a staggering range of fronts.

But to succeed in Brazil, one must be patient every step along the way to doing business.

Businesses need to understand that some things may take longer to set up than originally anticipated, especially when navigating the intricacies of Brazilian bureaucracy.

A longer-term approach is advisable but, as with all elements of trading and working with Brazil, it is advisable to be flexible. Things have a habit at times of changing, both rapidly and unexpectedly.

Once the clearest possible picture of the Brazilian business sector that is to be targeted has been identified, tailored research must be carried out. It is a critical component in making an effective entry into the market and

PAGE60-61_Layout 1 18/03/2014 17:34 Page 2

The Octavio Frias de Oliveira Bridge in São Paulo, one of Brazil’s major infrastructure projects which reflects the country’s economic growth.

is part of the strategy in finding the exists within the fabric of the UK’s right partner and customer. commercial and business core.

In many ways Brazil is already a wellAn indication of the potential growth is that developed market and it is inevitable that Brazil’s estimated investment in oil and gas there will be established competitors. That projects up to 2016 will be at least competition will, by the very £106 billion. nature of the potential In 2010 alone the rewards on offer, be both Brazilian Government robust and ruthless. invested $68 billion in “BRAZIL As a result, entrants to developing infrastructure CONTINUES the Brazilian market will, as and public transportation TO BE THE in any market, have to use networks. A further $25 every aspect of their million came in the form of UK’S MOST competitive strengths and private sector investment.

IMPORTANT advantages to the The same level of MARKET IN maximum effect. entrepreneurial LATIN It is the world’s 6th opportunity also exists in AMERICA.” largest economy and by relation to the service some considerable margin sector with the World Cup is the largest in South this year and the Olympics America. and Paralympics in 2016.

With a GDP per head that is superior to And again, the recognised reputation of both India and China, it has a number of the UK in being able to deliver on a scale inbuilt bonus factors that have helped and with a consistency of the highest propel the country towards the cusp of possible organisational and creative calibre, being bracketed as an even more dominant means the door is half-open rather than economic player by 2050. half closed.

And coupled with an abundance of natural There still exists a wide range of service resources, a relatively strongly developed company opportunities ranging from staff industrial and scientific base as well as a training to stadium and even traffic substantial and youthful human capital, the management. essential levers for economic progression Against such a rich economic backdrop, are ready to be pulled.

Northern Ireland needs to be part of that The country, however, still desperately focus on the dynamic of Brazilian business. needs companies and individuals to fill the We already have significant and ever insatiable demand for expertise and expanding links – but we cannot afford to leadership qualities ranging across all its fall behind in what will be an increasingly various infrastructure disciplines including, competitive arena in relation to winning a energy, roads, airports, rail and ports. This share of the country’s economic cake. reservoir of expertise and leadership talent With a landmass that is nearly as large as

the United States, Brazil continues to be the UK’s most important market in Latin America.

And with Brazil’s GDP set to grow at an estimated 2.4 per cent, the investment and business rewards are clearly identifiable.

However, in what is still a challenging world economic environment both for Governments and for investors, the paramount importance of efficient procurement and project delivery has never been greater.

With a rapidly growing, and increasingly sophisticated consumer and industrial base, if a product or service has a competitive application and one that meets the cultural and business requirements of the Brazilian market, then it can be sold on its intrinsic merits.

But nothing can be taken for granted.

Quality and value for money are prerequisites in the striking of any deal.

The country’s consumers and businesses have in the last decade, in particular, developed an appetite for quality goods and services, one that is every bit as demanding as the consumers of London, Paris or New York.

In a country that can legitimately be described as a continent within a continent, one that could comfortably fit all of Western Europe into its borders, the challenges are obvious.

The potential, however, that Brazil can deliver makes overcoming those challenges worth achieving.

Ambition Magazine l 61

PAGE62-63_Layout 1 18/03/2014 17:37 Page 1

[FOCUS ON BRAZIL]

STRIKING THE RIGHT GUITAR MUSIC RESONATES THROUGHOUT LATIN AMERICA AND A NORTHERN IRELAND FIRM WHICH HAD THE PLUCK TO ENTER THIS DYNAMIC MARKET PLACE IS HITTING THE HIGH NOTES IN BRAZIL. ADRIENNE MCGILL REPORTS.

CHORD

M

usic is central to culture in Latin America – and the guitar in particular has played a major part in the evolution of Brazilian music, especially during the twentieth century.

Adding a rich tone to this niche market is a Northern Ireland company which specialises in supplying instruments to brand owners and distributors across the world.

IBC Trading, established in 2006 and based in Dundonald, has secured a growing number of significant contracts to supply guitars manufactured in Asia to musical instrument companies in Brazil.

The most recent contract, worth £400,000, to supply a range of classical, acoustic and electric guitars, is with Giannini.

Details of the deal were announced last year following the participation of IBC Trading Managing Director Iain Wilson in an Invest NI trade mission initially to China and then to Brazil.

Iain first met representatives of Giannini in China which then developed into a follow-up meeting in Brazil resulting in a trading partnership.

Now in its eighth year, IBC Trading has developed into a specialist match-maker between music companies across the world and instrument manufacturers in Asia.

“We broke into the market in Brazil by firstly doing a lot of research,” says Iain.

“We had to make sure there were openings. We needed to understand who the main players were in the area of musical instruments and find out who the main Brazilian brands were and whether they were manufacturing in Brazil or in Asia and if they were manufacturing in Asia – could we then help them on the supply side? There were a lot of points to consider.”

After conducting in-depth research, Iain quickly realised there was a huge market opportunity.

“It is a massive market and there is a very strong tradition of playing music in Brazil.

Also, the government there sponsors an education programme where children must learn either the guitar or the piano at school.

Given that my market is in guitars, I felt it was 62 l Ambition Magazine

“WE EXPECT BUSINESS TO GROW TO £1.5M THIS YEAR AND ARE CURRENTLY WORKING WITH TWO OTHER CUSTOMERS IN BRAZIL.”

a market worth looking at.”

IBC Trading supplies guitars manufactured in Asia, to brand owners who distribute to retailers.

The company has seen business grow substantially in Brazil in recent years with sales since last May topping £1m.

“Trading was difficult from 2006 to 2010 but since then we have seen a strong increase in business,” says Iain.

“I travel to Brazil around three times a year and I think the opportunities are pretty good in the Brazilian market this year and beyond.

The World Cup and the Olympics in 2016 will certainly add interest.

“Growth has been fast with huge demand for guitars because they are part of life in Brazil.”

Having previously been International Sales Director with Northern Ireland guitar

manufacturer Lowden Guitars and with over 20 years at the head of International Business Centre, a consulting firm serving major guitar brands including Fishman, Parker, Breedlove, G7th, and others, Iain’s knowledge of guitars is extensive.

Since founding IBC Trading, he has visited more than 70 guitar factories in China sourcing the best manufacturers.

With his broad view of international markets, Iain advises companies on designing product and tailoring sales strategies and pricing to a target audience.

“Because we have experience of manufacturing guitars in Northern Ireland, we understand what is involved and our customers trust us to find the right manufacturers for their instruments.”

When IBC Trading was first established, the

PAGE62-63_Layout 1 18/03/2014 17:39 Page 2

Iain Wilson, Managing Director of IBC Trading has seen his business grow substantially in Brazil.

company’s focus was on high-end solid-top and all-solid acoustic guitars.

However, the economic crash of 2008 forced the firm down a different route when demand for high-end products plunged.

Expanding into a wider range of price points, IBC Trading diversified to where it now handles products from the entry level up through the exclusive custom segment.

Beyond acoustic, electric, and classical guitars, it’s now involved in sourcing for drums, keyboards, ukuleles, and accessory lines including cases, gig- bags, tuners, and stands. Such is success, IBC Trading now has clients in the US, UK, Canada, Brazil, Germany, Austria, Italy, and elsewhere in Europe.

The company offers customers a full range of international sales, sourcing, product development and consultancy services and has contacts with several hundred distributors and firms worldwide, coordinated by a dedicated team of multi-

lingual staff who ensure customers achieve their international trade objectives as effectively and profitably as possible.

With offices and associates in Europe, China, Asia, The Americas and the Middle East, IBC Trading has managed international sales on behalf of many musical instrument companies including Parker Guitars, Fishman Transducers, G7th Capos, Techra Accessories, Stanford, Eko, Breedlove, Lowden and Flaxwood Guitars amongst many others.

For IBC Trading, seizing an opportunity in a new and developing market place has paid dividends and there is every indication that more success lies ahead.

“We are certainly very pleased with progress,” says Iain.

“Brazil is a particularly exciting market and we are looking forward very much to engaging in further business there. This is going to be a very busy year for us and we are delighted.”

Ambition Magazine l 63

PAGE64_Layout 1 18/03/2014 17:42 Page 1

[FOCUS ON BRAZIL]

LATIN MOVES A SERIES OF TRADE MISSIONS TO LATIN AMERICA HOLD OUT THE PROSPECT OF STRENGTHENING TRADE LINKS BETWEEN NORTHERN IRELAND AND THE REGION. HERE WE REVEAL DETAILS.

E

xports from Northern Ireland to Latin America increased by 11.5 per cent last year helped by a series of Invest Northern Ireland initiatives to key markets in the region.

The growth in sales to emerging markets such as Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Venezuela was announced by Dr Vicky Kell, Invest NI Trade Director, at a major business event recently organised in conjunction with UK Trade and Investment.

Exports to Latin America now total £135 million and include a range of products from materials handling machinery, pharmaceuticals, security equipment and food, particularly milk powder. Around 40 local companies attended the briefing at the Hilton Hotel, Templepatrick and had one-toone meetings with the UKTI experts and Invest NI personnel from markets throughout the region.

Mexico now buys products and services worth around £34 million, Brazil £27 million, Chile £17.6 million and Colombia £17.5 million from Northern Ireland companies.

Argentina, Ecuador and Venezuela also source products from our local suppliers.

64 l Ambition Magazine

Speaking at the ‘Journey through Latin “Twelve markets in the region together America’ business briefing, Dr Kell said: represent the world’s third biggest economy “While we have seen significant growth in and most are recording higher growth rates exports to these markets from our that the European average. Four nations, programme of trade missions and Chile, Peru, Colombia and Mexico, have participation in exhibitions formed the Pacific Alliance over the past two and are making it easier years, our than ever for European research and “OUR AIM WILL BE TO companies to do business contacts with ENCOURAGE AND ASSIST within the grouping.”

UKTI and other COMPANIES ALREADY To assist companies trade DOING BUSINESS THERE explore or expand organisations TO INCREASE THEIR indicate that the opportunities, trade ACTIVITIES IN THESE business missions have been IMPORTANT MARKETS.” opportunities for organised to Chile (21-25 a wide range of April); Colombia (28 April-2 local companies May); and Brazil (19-23 May). In addition, are vast. companies will be able to take advantage of “Our aim will be to encourage and assist Invest NI participation in two major trade companies already doing business there to exhibitions. These are Educar (20-23 May) increase their activities in these important for education products and services and markets and to persuade a great many more to Hospitalar (21-24 May) for medical products explore the huge opportunities there. We have and services.

Both are taking place in São set a target of 20 per cent growth by 2015, Paulo, Brazil. which we believe is both realistic and achievable.

PAGE65_Layout 1 19/03/2014 15:42 Page 1

[FEATURE]

HEART OF GLASS

have to have respect for the heat of the material and wear safety goggles. I think if you are aware of that and make sure when you put things down on the bench you’re not going to CREATING OBJECTS OUT OF GLASS REQUIRES SKILL AND SPEED AS TALENTED grab the hot end of the tool, then, accidents can GLASS BLOWER CATHERINE KEENAN EXPLAINS TO ADRIENNE MCGILL. be avoided.

“Glass blowing has to be done as one process. You can’t begin a piece and walk away – if it gets cold it will crack so you have to keep working with it.

“Also, you can’t spend too long working with a piece because it has more risk of failure and you can become very hot which can interfere with concentration.”

The processes Catherine uses are quite complex. She layers colours using a process called pulling cane which adds intricate patterns and stripes to blown glass objects. The colours come from concentrated bars which are chopped in pieces and put into a kiln so they become molten.

“I like to use solid colours because they give a nice, clean overall finish,” explains Catherine.

“I stretch long rods of colour – and really enjoy this part of the process.”

There are two different strands to Catherine’s business – the glass jewellery and one-off commission higher end sculptures.

She has undertaken several interesting commissions including an outdoor sculpture for Bloom, Ireland’s largest garden festival at the Phoenix Park in Dublin which involved making 16 poppies using blown glass plates on stems of different colours.

Catherine’s creations also include her ‘Eye lass blowing requires intricate skills and would do, create brochures, and showcase her Candy’ collection for which she has gained delicate manipulation not to mention an products at UK craft exhibits. The response much recognition, winning her awards at the ability to withstand extreme heats. was overwhelming – Catherine’s jewellery and National Crafts Competition, Ireland (second Leading the craft in this niche market in sculptures are now stocked in shops around the prize in Glass Category) and The National Northern Ireland is Catherine Keenan. The UK, and her work has appeared in national Crafts and Design Fair of Ireland Award. She is a 31year old entrepreneur, who is from Lisburn, magazines and the Contemporary Applied Arts recipient of the Anna Cheyne Award for Visual has created a thriving business creating glass Gallery in London.

Arts in Northern Ireland. Her work has been jewellery and sculptures which are both “It was great to receive support from The showcased as part of the Craft’s Council of fascinating and unique.

Prince’s Trust and exceed my own expectations Ireland’s ‘Portfolio’ of makers in 2010 and 2011.

Her business, Catherine Keenan Glass, of what I could achieve. The Trust helped me Her work is also in major national collections operates from the Flowerfield Arts Centre in with my business plan and the funding also including the Ulster Museum, the National Portstewart but her glass blowing takes place at allowed me to attend a trade show in Museums of Ireland, the Arts Council of the Stourbridge Glass Blowing Studio in the Harrogate in England so I was able to gauge Northern Ireland and the West Midlands of England. what the market Crafts Council of Ireland.

After completing a foundation course in Art was like.”

Pieces are also available and Design at the Art College in Belfast, With help from “IT WAS GREAT TO to purchase at the Giant’s Catherine continued her studies at the National the ‘Making It’ Causeway Visitor Centre.

College of Art in Dublin where her fascination scheme, a 2 year RECEIVE SUPPORT “I am delighted I started with hot glass took hold. business start-up FROM THE PRINCE’S She was captivated by the fragility of the run by Craft NI, the business, it’s going TRUST AND EXCEED MY very well,” says material but at the same time its strength in Catherine was withstanding intense temperatures. able to open her OWN EXPECTATIONS OF Catherine.

She followed this by undertaking a course at studio in “I have done exhibitions WHAT I COULD the International Glass Centre in the West November 2011 mostly in Northern Midlands where she specialised in glass blowing in Portstewart Ireland and England but I’d ACHIEVE.” techniques involving colour applications and where she is like to do some in the US cold working processes. She has also worked mostly based. and Europe and also look at with other glass blowers to learn from them “People often export markets into which I could and perfect her technique. ask me is it difficult or dangerous to blow glass? sell my higher end pieces.

“I always enjoyed working with colour – It can be – the temperature of the furnace is “I’d also like to take on an apprentice which glass uses colour and I liked the idea of that,” 1100 degrees Celsius – so when you are would allow me to focus on my sculptural says Catherine. working with the glass it is between 700 to 900 work.” So with demand for her creations She set up her business in 2010 with funding degrees Celsius and it is hot and moving. growing, there is every indication that assistance from the Prince’s Trust. With the “You can’t touch it so you are always Catherine’s business will continue to flourish financial support, she was able to test the manipulating it with tools and with gravity. and enjoy mind blowing success. market to see just how well her products “It can be dangerous in the wrong hands. You

G

Ambition Magazine l 65

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[COLUMNIST] TREVOR ANNON, CHAIRMAN OF THE MOUNT CHARLES GROUP

SIMPLY THE BEST… KEPT TAKING PRIDE IN THE ENVIRONMENT HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT AS TREVOR ANNON EXPLAINS

“WE STILL HAVE A LONG JOURNEY TO TRAVEL BEFORE LITTERING THE LANDSCAPE BECOMES GENUINELY ANTI-SOCIAL”.

Niamh Johnston and Katie Hughes from the Eco Committee at St Joseph's Primary School in Carryduff join Environment Minister, Mark H Durkan and Chair of the Northern Ireland Amenity Council Doreen Muskett MBE to launch the Best Kept Awards 2014.

P

rotection of the environment can come in many forms and be delivered in many different ways. What is all too easily forgotten is that what we loosely describe as the environment is much more than the usual images of coastline and conifer clad mountain slopes.

The environment is where we live and work and play. It is where individuals and families face the challenges of life on a daily basis Protection of that heritage, whether it is one of bricks and mortar or of fields and ditches, is as relevant in terms of an urban setting as it is in a rural background. The potential for lasting damage, both from a psychological and physical perspective through failing to implement protective, and wide-ranging strategies, is enormous.

By not investing the necessary time and energy into ensuring that we are portraying our best possible collective image, the negative consequences are obvious. We are used to the frontline campaigns mounted with the support, as well as the considerable financial muscle, of the professional Green lobby. The political dynamic, however, behind many of those headline-making initiatives in many ways can distort the contribution made by committed volunteers to improving the lot of local society.

In that respect, The Northern Ireland Amenity Council is not 66 l Ambition Magazine

one of those organisations that is always to the forefront of the public’s mind. Since 1957 when it was established by the late Professor Arthur E. Muskett to find Northern Ireland’s Best Kept Village, its role has expanded and modernized on a dramatic scale. The organisation’s Best Kept categories now covers towns, villages, housing areas, schools and health and social care facilities across the province. The community themed competitions are organised and administered by the Amenity Council’s strong committee of volunteers. Its central objective is the continual improvement of the environment both for residents and visitors alike. It has, however, a much broader remit than one of simply ensuring that the addition of pretty flowering baskets are attached to lamp posts and placed on window sills.

From the outset, the clear-cut mission of the Council has been to raise awareness levels regarding the need to adopt a holistic approach to enhancing all elements of the environmental patchwork quilt that is Northern Ireland. It does so by putting in place the structures that allows local people to take up the challenge of improving their environment in a friendly and competitive way. It has set out a blueprint that can only succeed if the community and ultimately Government understands and appreciates the importance of fully buying into

that vision. Judging is built around a number of key criteria. They include the appearance of buildings, streets, amenity areas and gardens.

It also covers the overall appearance of approach roads, the absence of graffiti and litter management arrangements. By tackling eyesore sites such as boarded up buildings, overgrown waste ground and slogan smeared shop shutters, the Best Kept Awards project continues to take the responsibility of community care – in its truest sense – back to the community.

The soiling of our landscape, rural and urban, by plastic bags in varying degrees of decay may be slowly decreasing. We still have a long journey to travel before littering the landscape becomes genuinely anti-social. However, it is the community platforms provided by the expertise of the Amenity Council that can play a particularly important role in helping get vital educational messages across at grassroots level.

That is why the support of Environment Minister Mark H Durkan at the launch of the Best Kept Awards scheme marks an important milestone in its half-century plus history. It also underlines that by employing an imaginative approach, the Government has been able to show that it can work effectively with a voluntary organisation on behalf of the wider community. Introduced in April of last year, the 5p bag levy had as its main aim the protection of the environment by cutting substantially the number of carrier bags in circulation.

That levy has been an outstanding success.

Data from across a range of shop and supermarket outlets reveals over the past year there has been a reduction of 80 per cent in unnecessary bag buying. The significant fall in bag buying has been mirrored by a huge increase in the number of sales of levy exempt re-usable bags. The financial bonus generated by the carrier bag levy is now being directed into Challenge Fund 2014 with £2.2 million already being earmarked for a variety of environmental projects in the coming year.

Minister Mark H. Durkan described the carrier bag levy as the People’s Fund. In many ways it is the perfect environmentally focused label for the people and community orientated Best Kept Awards.

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[HUMAN RESOURCE ISSUES]

Tackle Those HR Problems with a Little Help Catherine Williamson of HR Consultancy, Catherine Williamson Associates & HR Consultants (NI) deals with an array of HR challenges that face the business sector in Northern Ireland everyday. Here she details why it makes sense to seek advice on issues from a reputable HR Consultant.

Robust HR management practices can reduce costs, improve business performance, and ensure legal compliance and this gives Northern Ireland business leaders a framework to operate their people side of the business effectively.

However, not all companies take time out to review their people issues and proactively manage problems before, or when, they arise. Those organisations with less structured HR practices often delay dealing with the problem until the last minute as other business needs take priority. The outcome being that the problem ends up becoming more difficult to manage and time consuming to address, and more importantly, expensive.

Leaving unresolved HR issues can lead to a decrease in employee, team and company performance. We all depend on people in our business, so they are our most valuable resource. It is therefore important that your organisational structure is correct and more importantly the right people are employed in the positions within it.

Is your organisational structure in line with what your business is delivering today and for the future? Or is it more or less the same structure when you started business? Are you apprehensive at changing it? If you take time to review would you realize you are either over staffed in certain areas and perhaps understaffed in others?

Regarding employee performance, questions you should ask yourself are, have you a solid performance management process in place and if not, how soon can you implement one? Have your staff been given clear measureable targets so you can track their performance? If so and there is still no improvement, have you examined if staff are incapable of doing a job or perhaps

CATHERINE WILLIAMSON A S S O C I A T E S

you have totally exhausted the process and it’s time to tackle the problem head on and instigate the final stages of disciplinary action, dismissal.

If you don’t have the time to do this then that’s where a reputable HR Consultant can help and in the end can resolve these issues in a timely and cost effective manner. They can become involved in managing these issues on the ground with you and not over the phone.

Issues that can arise can be anything from organisational re-structuring & company realignment to the handling of intricate employee disputes including nasty grievances or messy disciplinary confrontations. But business managers should not feel apprehensive about making changes or tackling employee problems for fear of legal proceedings.

HR Consultants can bring the benefits of independence, experience and time, and can immediately get down to business with you and your team by understanding the issues at hand and helping devise a solution. This service is more direct and engaging than that offered by a telephone advice line.

Consultants can be contracted on an adhoc/ project basis or interim management/ retainer basis with no on-going commitment unless you need it. They can be used in partnership with your existing HR function to provide added expertise on a specific issue, or can act as your independent HR Department. More importantly, you can be in total control of the costs.

So, don’t wait until that HR issue becomes an over-riding problem, There are a body of experienced people to help you meet the challenge head on.

Contact Catherine.cwa@btinternet.com for immediate HR advice or to book a place at a seminar or workshop.

Monday April 14th

IMPLEMENTING A ROBUST PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT PROCESS Half Day Workshop 9.00am-1.00pm

£99pp plus vat (includes tea/coffee, rolls and lunch) Hilton Belfast

Monday 28th April

CONDUCTING WORKPLACE INVESTIGATIONS Breakfast Seminar 8.30-10.30am

£30pp plus vat (includes tea/coffee & bacon roll) Hilton Templepatrick Thursday 8th May

MANAGING DISCIPLINARY FROM START TO FINISH Half Day Workshop 9.00am-1.00pm

£99pp plus vat (includes tea/coffee, rolls and lunch) Hilton Templepatrick Monday 26th May

INTRODUCTION TO ORGANISATIONAL RE-STRUCTURING Breakfast Seminar 8.30-10.30am

£30pp plus vat (includes tea/coffee & bacon roll) Hilton Belfast

HR BUSINESS SOLUTIONS Scottish Mutual Buildings 16 Donegal Square South, Belfast BT1 5JF Tel 078 4102 7528 catherine.cwa@btinternet.com

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[FEATURE]

MY AMBITION IS TO...

TIME TO TRAIN YOUR BRAIN? HERE WE TALK TO REBEKAH RAINEY FROM QUIZFORTUNE – THE ULTIMATE QUIZ GAME.

R

ebekah Rainey is just the sort of person you’d want on your quiz team.

The 26 year old from Dunloy has been devising questions with corresponding answers since she was in school and is a font of knowledge on a multitude of subjects The subject can be what people are talking Being immersed in new technologies may including the most obscure of topics. seem a world away from the career Rebekah about and what is current. That is what Her father Vincent is a well-known might have chosen. makes it interesting. The possibilities are quizmaster with 30 years experience. He After attending St Louis Grammar School in endless.” presides over Pub and Charity quizzes across Ballymena, she studied law at Queen’s the Province with Rebekah on hand to do When it comes to her ambition, Rebekah University and then went to work for the the marking. says she’d like to take over from her father in Vincent is also the founder of Belfast based Welcome Organisation in Belfast which is a the hot seat of QuizFortune….but not for QuizFortune, a mobile social gaming charity for homeless people. After two years some time to come. company, which has developed Northern with the charity, she decided to put her “I am very content in my role at the Ireland’s first mobile social quiz app – suitable interest in quizzes to good use and joined moment and I am learning a lot as I go along. for all ages and abilities. QuizFortune Trivia her father as he established QuizFortune.

Ultimately I want to make QuizFortune the poses over 100,000 challenging questions That was in 2011 and since then she hasn’t best it can be. I think it has the potential to across 700 topics from ABBA to zoology and looked back. be a multi-million pounds business and I want animation to ZZ Top. “I had no interest in technology while at to be part of that. Ultimately, I would like to Players of the app can compete with friends school but the increasing use of social media run the business but Dad still has lots he and issue challenges via Facebook on what has made me realise what is possible at the wants to do and so do I.” they might consider their favourite subjects. touch of a button.

As for taking part in quizzes, Rebekah says “For as long as I can remember, I have “I taught myself the technology related to she prefers to do the marking but she been going to quizzes with my Dad. I’ve the app and as I have become more involved appreciates how intoxicating they can be. always really enjoyed them,” says Rebekah. with it, I can see how mobile technology is After all, being a brain box is fun.

“About 3 years ago he started to put the relevant to people’s lives. I don’t think quizzes online so people could play “People can get really addicted to playing anyone can avoid it.” whenever they wanted. They were really quizzes.

Once you start, it is impossible to Rebekah points to the fact that what's popular and my Dad realised there was stop. It is natural for people to challenge trending today can potential to do more. themselves and their friends. It’s great to see literally be packaged “With the growth of social into a mobile quiz and people having fun while at the same time media, it made sense to develop extending their knowledge. appear live within “PEOPLE an app.”

“I love challenges and improving my own minutes.

CAN GET Rebekah is the content knowledge but I think everyone likes to show “We can write a manager for QuizFortune’s REALLY off what they know.” quiz about someone website and she also works with *Find out for yourself by downloading famous who is in the ADDICTED a small hub of question writers QuizFortune Trivia for free from the news and it is on the TO PLAYING who create the online mobile app instantaneously. iTunes App store. social trivia.

QUIZZES.” The App is now set to compete with some of the The app has the ability to: world’s largest trivia apps over • Enable contributors to author content anywhere in the world. the coming months.

• Quality check, store and rapidly deploy question-and-answer content into apps.

“Our customers are everyone and that is • Serve fun, engaging quizzes to mobile devices anywhere, anytime. reflected in the content of the app which • Measure and monitor player performance and deliver detailed stats about game play. caters for all ages and topics. It is free to • Create ‘Quiz Rooms’, a personal way for players to host short, competitive quizzes download and if you are really stuck on a with leader boards for their online friends. question – you can pay for hints.”

68 l Ambition Magazine

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[FEATURE]

MUMS WITH POWER CAITRIONA LENNOX IS OPERATIONS MANAGER FOR CONTRACT CATERING SERVICES AT THE MOUNT CHARLES GROUP. MARRIED TO RODNEY, PROJECT MANAGER WITH THE ULSTER BANK, THE COUPLE HAVE THREE GIRLS; CATHERINE (19), RACHAEL (13) AND EMMA (9), AND LET’S NOT FORGET MOLLY, THE WEST HIGHLAND TERRIER, (12). CAITRIONA COMES FROM AND LIVES IN BALLYMENA.

DESCRIBE YOUR JOB I was recently appointed as Operations Manager for our Contract Catering Services. I have worked for The Mount Charles Group for just over 16 years and have honestly loved every moment. My current role is to drive and direct our catering contracts to ensure business goals are met. I don’t settle for second best and strive to gain maximum results every time. My previous experience as Regional Manager for the Education and Healthcare Division has allowed me to develop in all areas of the business and I feel very fortunate this new role will allow me to continue to do that.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE DAY? It’s certainly not the early mornings and the ‘sergeant major’ drill which I am sure occurs in most working households with children. My husband and I share the ‘drills’, taking it in turns going to work early. Once our children are out of bed, lunches made, breakfast half eaten and out the door for buses to various locations, I can get into the car and enjoy peace and quiet on the drive to work. I know everyone is happy and safe and I am on my way to work to see what excitement lies ahead of me. The Lennox family are ‘go getters’, stopping to breathe occasionally.

My favourite part of the day is coming home to see them all but only once I know I have achieved my goals and the day has been a success.

“I BELIEVE A GOOD WORK ETHIC IS IMPORTANT, ESPECIALLY WHEN BRINGING UP A FAMILY”.

WHAT DO YOU DO TO ENSURE A WORK/LIFE BALANCE? As much as I would love to sleep and eat work, I don’t. I am involved in various after work activities - I love aerobics, running and walking our dog Molly with the children. I am very active in the local swimming club and support the children with their various hobbies, mainly swimming and Irish dancing. We are all busy during the week and look forward to the weekends, whether it’s a bit of retail therapy, lunch at the local golf club, going to the cinema or just chilling by the fire on a Saturday night – it’s done as a family and it’s great.

HOW HAS HAVING CHILDREN IMPACTED YOUR PERSONAL AND WORKING LIFE? The children have certainly impacted on my life but only in a positive manner. There’s a lot of fun and laughter in the house and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have a very supportive family circle who collect the two younger girls every day after school and normally by the time I get home from work homework is done and tea is made. I really couldn’t manage to do what I do without their support. I then check and sign homework and catch up with the girls, who love telling me all the exciting things they did that day and their plans for the next. Never a dull moment!

ARE WORKING MUMS IN GREATER NEED OF STATE SUPPORT THAN STAYAT-HOME MUMS? It really depends on their income versus outgoing childcare. I found childcare very expensive but I am undoubtedly a better mum for being a ‘working mum’. When Catherine was born we lived in Edinburgh and I was by choice a stay at home Mum’ for two years, so I have experience from both sides. There are occasions when the state needs to support mums to go back to work because of financial situations. The state should lend assistance to those who really want it and want to get out to work but find it difficult to make the pounds and pence add up.

DO YOU THINK YOU WILL ALWAYS REMAIN IN EMPLOYMENT? Yes definitely. I thoroughly enjoy my job even on days when things don’t quite go my way. I look forward to a Monday morning and never wish the week away to Friday. I believe a good work ethic is important, especially when bringing up a family. I want my children to understand and appreciate hard work and that can only be achieved through leading by example. I’m lucky to have colleagues who support and help each other when needed, there to assist and advise and to have fun with when the hard work is done – just like the Lennox family really!

Ambition Magazine l 69

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[FEATURE]

CALL FOR URGENT ACTION ON EXPORTS NI CHAMBER HAS URGED GOVERNMENT TO HELP DRIVE EXPORTS BY FORMULATING AN ACTION PLAN IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR. HERE, WE REVEAL DETAILS.

“Urgent action is needed to boost Northern Ireland exports” – that was the message delivered recently by Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce during a briefing to the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee at Stormont.

The Chamber presented the committee with a number of key issues that must be urgently addressed if Northern Ireland is to grow its export base and meet targets set by the Programme for Government.

Questioning the current framework, NI Chamber President Mark Nodder called on the government to urgently deliver an export action plan for Northern Ireland.

He said: “The Economic Strategy currently states that it prioritises export-led growth and has a target to increase the value of exports by 20 per cent by 2014/15. Although the value of exports has increased by 6.4 per cent over the year to £6bn, the number of businesses exporting goods has been falling and currently stands at just under 1,500 compared to 1,700 in 2010. The largest fall in the UK regions.

“Government must recognise the scale of the export challenge we face and commit to delivering an export action plan for Northern Ireland. More resources must be targeted towards support that assists businesses throughout the entire export lifecycle. The current support system is fragmented and fails to recognise that every business looking to export has different requirements.”

Highlighting the private sector’s willingness to assist government, Mr Nodder said: “Government do not have to solve this issue alone and should recognise and support the role of the private sector in delivering trade support to business. If government can cooperate with the private sector through a partnership approach, then together, we can make it easier for businesses to find the support or advice that they need in a timely and efficient manner.

“Growing Northern Ireland’s export base is critical to the future prospects of this economy and urgent action is needed by government to make this happen.”

Delivering the briefing to the Committee alongside Mr Nodder were NI Chamber Chief Executive Ann McGregor and economist Maureen O’Reilly, who carried 70 l Ambition Magazine

out in-depth statistical research on behalf of the Chamber.

The research revealed the following key points which were also raised to the committee: • Northern Ireland’s business base is very small which presents a significant challenge in trying to ‘scale up’ for export growth.

Northern Ireland has the smallest private sector across the UK regions – 2.3 per cent of the UK total and is dominated by small firms. Almost 60 per cent of Northern Ireland’s businesses employ less than 50 compared to 47 per cent across the UK. Northern Ireland also has the lowest business ‘birth rate’ of the UK regions (7 per cent versus UK 11 per cent). Much of the gains made in the business base during the strong growth period of the early 2000s came from an increase in sole traders and not from SMEs. • Correspondingly, Northern Ireland therefore has a small export base which is heavily dependent on a small number of exporters. Those 1,500 goods exporters make up less than 3 per cent of Northern Ireland’s registered business base. A total of 50 per cent of the Province’s manufacturing exports are accounted for by just 10 companies with the largest firms (250+ employees) accounting for 70 per cent of exports. In Scotland for example 60 companies account for 50 per cent of exports there.

• Current and potential exporters are facing a number of barriers. The Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce & Industry hosted the ‘Growing Something Brilliant’ Conference in September 2013 to inspire more businesses to accelerate their growth and highlight how the government can help. Over 500 individuals attended the Conference representing all sections of industry and were asked questions on the day around the challenges in exporting.

Businesses stated that the main form of support they require is the provision of resources, such as market knowledge, additional finance or networking assistance.

The firms interviewed prioritised a particular type of resource: senior individuals typically based in the target market, who had existing experience of the sector, along with a clear understanding of how the market worked and how business was done, with extensive networks and access to clients.

Northern Ireland Chamber has a suite of export support programmes to help businesses explore and develop opportunities in national and international markets.

These include: • Export First Programme An Economic Appraisal commissioned by Invest NI in 2010 identified that there was a gap in the support available particularly to non-exporters or early exporters and a lack of knowledge of the information available. In response to this NI Chamber, in partnership with Danske Bank, launched Export First in June 2011. The programme seeks to inspire innovative, creative and international business by having existing exporters showcase and share how they got into export, how they dealt with the challenges and to share their international networks. Since its launch in July 2011, Export First has held 26 events; engaged 280 companies; and provided an opportunity for 38 leading exporters to share their experiences.

• Connecting for Growth Programme In 2014, NI Chamber in partnership with Bank of Ireland UK, launched ‘Connecting for Growth’, a cross-border trade initiative designed to facilitate increased business between companies from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The first event took place on 12 March 2014 and matched SME businesses directly with procurement teams from large buying organisations. The event series is open to any businesses - there is no restriction on size, sector or support already received through the public sector.

• Chamber Connections Initiative Realising that growing export is very personal to individual businesses, NI Chamber introduced Chamber Connections as a pilot in Summer 2013. The service links individual businesses to experienced exporters or international chambers for one to one advice.

In 2014 Ulster Bank will support the continuation of the programme.

• Export Documentation Service NI Chamber’s export documentation service assists exporters to get products through customs overseas. The Chamber processes 10,000 documents per annum.

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NI Chamber Chief Executive, Ann McGregor with Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee Chairperson Patsy McGlone and NI Chamber President, Mark Nodder following the briefing.

“GROWING NORTHERN IRELAND’S EXPORT BASE IS CRITICAL TO THE FUTURE PROSPECTS OF THIS ECONOMY.”

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[FACE TO FACE WITH....] ALAN TAYLOR, MANAGING PARTNER, ARTHUR COX

DEFENDING YOUR DETAILS THE INTERNET HAS BECOME ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT TECHNOLOGIES TO EMERGE IN OUR LIFE TIME – BUT IT IS ALSO ONE OF THE MOST INVASIVE AS ALAN TAYLOR TELLS ADRIENNE MCGILL.

T

he internet has a long memory…. what you write on Facebook or Twitter as a teenager may come back to bite you in later life, perhaps when you apply for a job. You’ll have forgotten about the cruel comments you made years earlier about a classmate, the defamatory statements you made about a neighbour or the stinging remarks against a colleague.

But while you may be responsible for blackening your own name, what if the pictures, data and personal information that the internet can pull up about you appear unfair, one-sided or just plain wrong? An increasing number of people are claiming they have a "right to be forgotten" and are even trying to delete themselves from the web. The issue poses not only technical issues but also legal ones.

Alan Taylor, Managing Partner with Arthur Cox Solicitors in Belfast, who handles data protection cases, says young people need to be aware of the risks associated with social media.

“A lot of young people in the age 18-28 category are putting time lines and photographs on Facebook and Twitter which will be there for ever.

“People are not aware that their information is being held by companies they don’t know or will never know about.

“There is a whole internet profile of an individual which exists beyond the person.”

Alan points to the alarming growth of the 72 l Ambition Magazine

internet which, in the mid 1990s, was just beginning to take shape as a global business juggernaut.

Quickly, entrepreneurs around the world saw that the Web would support new ecommerce ventures based on the new idea of selling goods online and shipping directly to buyers - food, clothes, toys and anything else consumers desired.

“I remember in the late nineties, around the time of the dot com bubble, delivering a seminar to business people about buying and selling on the internet. It seemed quite straightforward and there was huge interest in the phenomenon,” says Alan.

“But at the time, I did not foresee what would happen in the future. Credit card companies, businesses and search engines went on to keep huge volumes of information about people – personal information, online buying habits, financial data.

“There is a multitude of issues now around privacy and protection, bullying and harassment online, personal information online and people’s ability to cross reference it.”

In January this year, it was decided that a privacy claim against Google would be heard in English courts after the High Court ruled against the internet giant’s claim that the case should be heard in the US. In Judith Vidal-Hall, Robert Hann and Mark Bradshaw v Google Inc, Mr Justice Tugendhat ruled that there was a serious

issue to be tried over claims of misuse of private information, and that an English court was the appropriate forum.

The three claimants allege that between 2011 and 2012 Google misused their private information, acted in breach of confidence and contravened the Data Protection Act by tracking and collating information about their internet usage via the Safari web browser.

The claim concerns the so-called DoubleClick ID Cookie which by default obtained and collated information including internet surfing habits, interests, as well as personal information relating to racial or ethnic origin, trade union membership; health, age, sexuality and geographical location.

Google is to appeal the ruling but the case brings into sharp focus the infiltration of personal data without an individual’s knowledge or consent.

When it comes agreeing to a company’s terms and conditions online, risks can also abound.

Companies often assume the right to change anything agreed to in the initial agreement and by continuing to use the service, users agree without giving specific consent.

“Terms and conditions can be very biased if you relate them to a company’s business plan. So while they protect privacy up to a point, people are not as aware as they should be about them or don’t use their settings sufficiently to protect themselves,” says Alan.

“They allow cookies to be downloaded from websites they are visiting while looking at purchases which they are unlikely to revisit.

“It means advertisers can build up a very good profile and end up targeting email advertising at you.”

Overall, the internet has been a worldwide sensation – it would be difficult to imagine life without it. But using it responsibly – both as individuals and as companies – requires care and attention.

“People tend to forget they are caught up in the excitement that is the wild west of the internet,” says Alan.

“As part of a business management tool – it is another gun in the armoury.

“But it needs to be used positively and if it does become a problem with employees or breach advertising standards and regulations it will become an issue – and that goes to the heart of reputational damage.”

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[AMBITION PROMOTION]

Year End Tax Planning - do it by 5 April!

With the current tax year end fast approaching (5th April), now is a good time to take stock of any opportunities to reduce your personal tax liability for the 2013/14 tax year. Here, Caroline Keenan, Tax Director ASM Chartered Accountants outlines a number of measures that may be available to you which may be as simple as ensuring that you have utilised your full annual allowances and exemptions, but could also include more proactive actions. As each individual’s tax affairs differ, ASM recommend that you seek appropriate advice before taking any action.

PENSION CONTRIBUTIONS Making Pension Contributions is very tax efficient, so have you maximised those contributions for the year?

Individuals can make a maximum pension contribution of £50,000 per year up to 5 April 2014. From 6 April 2014 that maximum will be reduced to £40,000 per annum.

Consequently, if you are in a position to do so you should be maximising your contribution in advance of 5 April 2014.

Additionally, where an individual had a pension scheme in place in earlier years and the full annual allowance has not been used in the previous three years, it may now be utilised.

THE COST TO YOU OF MAKING A PENSION CONTRIBUTION OF £50,000 IF YOU PAY TAX AT 45% IS AS FOLLOWS: Cost to you Contribution Standard tax relief at 20% Net contribution of std rate tax payer Higher rate relief (25%) Net contribution for higher rate tax-payer

£ 50,000 (10,000) 40,000 (12,500) 27,500

Tax efficient investments Have you considered investing in shares in private companies approved under the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme, the Enterprise Investment Scheme or the Venture Capital Trust?

Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (“SEIS”) This is a new relief which was introduced with effect from 6 April 2012 and can be used to reduce your Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax liabilities.

Broadly the benefits are as follows: • An individual may invest up to £100,000 in a qualifying company in a tax year; • Income tax relief of up to 50% of the sum invested is available; and • Up to 50% of any capital gain may be deferred.

Enterprise Investment Scheme (“EIS”) EIS works in the same way as SEIS however, the main differences are set out below: • The maximum investment is £1,000,000 per annum; • Income Tax Relief is available at the rate of 30%; and • 100% of the Capital Gain can be deferred.

Venture Capital Trust (“VCT”) If you do not have a Capital Gain in the 2013/14 tax year but expect to

ASM

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

have a large income tax liability, perhaps investing in a VCT may be a better option. Again Income Tax Relief of 30% is available on the investment but there is no Capital Gains Tax deferral. However, there is no charge to income tax on any income generated by the investment, such as dividends, and any gain arising on the disposal of the shares is exempt from Capital Gains Tax. Child Benefit Charge For those households where the highest earner has Taxable Income that exceeds £60,000 per annum, the Child Benefit Charge will be 100% of the Child Benefit received.

In those households where the highest earner has Taxable Income between £50,000 and £60,000 per annum, the Child Benefit Charge will be 1% of the Child Benefit paid for every £100 that the Taxable Income exceeds £50,000.

It is possible to reduce your Taxable Income and the Child Benefit Charge by giving some consideration to the following: Making Pension Contributions or increasing contributions if possible; Participating in a “salary sacrifice scheme” (i.e. take some of your salary as child care vouchers); and/or Make Charitable Gift Aid payments (ensuring the highest earner makes the payment).

Mileage Claims If you are not reimbursed for your business miles or reimbursed at a lesser rate than the HM Revenue and Customs authorised rates of 45p per mille for the first 10,000 miles and 25p per mile thereafter, you can make a claim on your tax return for a deduction of the underpayment.

Husband and wife planning Consider transferring income-producing assets to a spouse not currently utilising their personal allowance or who pays tax at a lower rate. Instead of paying tax on interest income at 40% or 45%, your spouse may pay no tax or 20% tax.

Conclusion These are only a few of the areas that can be considered as part of your pre year- end tax planning. Remember, it is important to seek detailed advice before taking any action.

If you wish to discuss any of the above ideas in more detail please do not hesitate to contact Caroline Keenan.

Tax Director ASM Chartered Accountants caroline.keenan@asmbelfast.com, 028 9024 9222

PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE. 20 Rosemary Street, Belfast, BT1 1QD Tel: 028 9024 9222 www.asmaccountants.com caroline.keenan@asmbelfast.com

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[COLUMNIST] MAUREEN O’REILLY, NI BASED INDEPENDENT ECONOMIST

KEEP SMILING… BE HAPPY WELLBEING CAN REFLECT THE ECONOMIC HEALTH OF A COUNTRY, AS MAUREEN O’REILLY EXPLAINS.

A

pparently entrepreneurs are, on average, The introduction of wellbeing measures by among the happiest people in the world.

GEM is only exploratory at this stage.

That is one of the findings from the However, it is entirely consistent with the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2013 increasing acceptance by some governments, Global Report. The study annually surveys including the UK, that Gross Domestic Product almost 200,000 people across 70 economies (GDP) is not on its own an appropriate worldwide around entrepreneurship and measure of national wealth. In fact, there are entrepreneurial intent. This latest study has, for those who would say that the exclusive focus the first time, linked entrepreneurship with a on GDP actually contributed to the global subjective measure of a person’s wellbeing financial crisis. Instead the view is that a including satisfaction with one’s current work measure is needed that also quantifies wellbeing and work-life balance. Statements include ‘the as an economic strength. conditions of my life are excellent’ and ‘I am During his time as French President, Nicolas satisfied with my current work’.

Sarkozy was a particularly strong advocate of There are a myriad of findings the dangers of using GDP to from the study but some key measure the state of an observations stand out. In economy. He commissioned all regions, entrepreneurs the Nobel prize-winning “THE VIEW IS rated their wellbeing more economist Joseph Stiglitz to THAT A highly compared to those lead a Commission on the MEASURE IS not involved in starting or measurement of economic managing a business. performance and social NEEDED Those motivated to set progress. Stiglitz argued that THAT ALSO up a business because of a issues including health, QUANTIFIES perceived opportunity education, security, the were happier than those environment and social WELLBEING setting out of necessity connectedness are important AS AN such as losing one’s job. to quality of life – but are not Established entrepreneurs adequately reflected in GDP. ECONOMIC exhibited the highest rates A classic example is STRENGTH.” of subjective wellbeing. unemployment which has Geographically Submuch wider impacts than simply Saharan African the loss in income/negative economies exhibited the contribution to wealth, picked up lowest rates while American economies through the standard GDP measurement. The exhibited the highest. Closer to home the Stiglitz Commission’s key aim was to open up Nordic cluster of countries, famed for the the discussion on how to shift emphasis from strength of the welfare state, also rated highly measuring economic production to measuring in terms of subjective wellbeing. These people’s well-being and to promote the countries are viewed as having managed to development of better metrics to assess a achieve high living standards through country’s or region’s economic performance successfully mixing competitive markets with and social progress. comprehensive welfare provision.

This current UK government has taken up this

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issue and made a commitment to measure and understand general wellbeing. In 2010 it launched a new Measuring National Wellbeing programme through the Office of National Statistics (ONS) with the aim of providing a ‘fuller picture of how society is doing’.

Announcing its launch, Prime Minister David Cameron stated that the UK would start to measure progress “not just by how our economy is growing, but by how our lives are improving; not just by our standard of living, but by our but by our quality of life ." Northern Ireland is involved in this initiative through the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency

(NISRA). In addition the Carnegie UK Trust, in partnership with The School of Law at Queen’s University, has been researching Measuring Wellbeing in Northern Ireland to explore how wellbeing can be placed at the heart of government here. A follow up roundtable discussion is planned for 2014.

Interestingly, research by the National Economics Foundation (NEF) based on the new UK wellbeing data has highlighted that, even when individual and household characteristics are taken into account, Northern Ireland has higher than expected wellbeing. The data does not however, at this stage, allow for any in depth insight as to

why this might be the case. However, over time these observations will be particularly important in the design and understanding of both national and regional government policy.

On perhaps a less serious note, Belfast was recently voted the ‘happiest’ city in the UK from an analysis of 100m photos from Instagram’s publicly posted images. Apparently it had the highest ‘smile’ score based on the average size of smiles in photos. As a parent of teenagers with Instagram, I am absolutely certain that this would not be picked up in GDP or any equivalent economic measure except in how mine spend their parents’ money!

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[APPOINTMENTS]

Michael Johnston, Managing Partner, Carson McDowell, welcomes three new appointments to the commercial law firm.

Richard Gray will jointly head up the Corporate division while Sinead McGrath joins as a partner with expertise across Banking and Insolvency and Dawson McConkey joins as a partner within the Real Estate team.

NEW APPOINTMENTS

Robert Garrett has been appointed to the new position of Head of Customer Service, Business Banking with Danske Bank.

Caroline Fleck has been appointed by Randox Health to the position of Health Advisor for the North West region.

Eamon McHugh has been appointed by Aurion Learning to the position of Business Development Executive.

Máirín Murray has been appointed by Aurion Learning to the position of Learning Services Manager.

OUR PEOPLE ARE YOUR PEOPLE www.graftonrecruitment.com

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THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING WORLD… FINDING THE RIGHT PEOPLE TO FIT THE RIGHT JOB POSES CHALLENGES AS SINEA D WA LLACE, GRAFTON COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR FOR IRELAND, EXPLAINS. On a recent trade mission to China, a few of those attending visited the second largest port in the world.

Do you know what it is called? That’s OK, a lot of the people in Ning Po had never heard of Ireland, let alone Northern Ireland.

What they had heard of were Titanic and Game of Thrones. Those two iconic names bookend the industrial and economic history of Northern Ireland, one representing the past glory of an industrial city that thrived on engineering and linen, the second representing how the country is now participating in the creative

Pete McNicholl has been appointed to the position of Online Marketing Executive at Galgorm Resort & Spa.

industries in a manner that would have been unthinkable only a few years ago.

The new economies are competitive.

Software development and tech companies are springing up across the world, with knowledge being at the core.

International businesses are weighing up the offering of many potential locations based on a number of factors, including cost, lifestyle and perhaps the most important, the workforce available.

There is no point in going for the lowest cost base if you cannot find the right people to work in the company and sometimes those people may be invisible to inward investors.

Becky Cherry has been appointed by Fusion Heating to the position of Administrator.

Ruth Devine has been appointed by Fusion Heating to the position of Finance and Administration Manager.

Using a recruitment agency that has many years’ experience and also understands the specialist requirements of a business can add extensive value to the investment. Finding the right managers or being able to quickly fill multiple positions is not simple.

Systems need to be in place to create awareness, competency based interviews need to be constructed and the correct legal requirements need to be observed.

At Grafton Recruitment, we have honed our systems over the years so that we not only deliver for our clients but we help those that are coming to Northern Ireland settle in, like any good resident would.

Sarah Marshall has been appointed by Fusion Heating to the position of Junior Administrator.

OUR PEOPLE ARE YOUR PEOPLE www.graftonrecruitment.com

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[FEATURE]

ON THE UP ENTERPRISE MOBILITY MANAGEMENT IS AN ALL-ENCOMPASSING APPROACH TO SECURING AND ENABLING BUSINESS WORKERS' USE OF SMARTPHONES AND TABLETS. DRAVEN MCCONVILLE, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT COMPANY GRAVITY, EXPLAINS TO ADRIENNE MCGILL WHAT’S INVOLVED.

There seems to be no end to the emergence of new technologies and consumer demand for the latest products.

Just look at tablets - sales are expected to rise from the 56 million sold in 2011 to 375 million in 2016, with 750 million tablets in use by then. It is also expected that one third of these tablets will be purchased by businesses.

Related to this boom in tablets and also smartphones is enterprise mobility which continues to be one of the hottest topics in IT, as the demand to access information on the go, via mobile platforms, is increasing.

Mobility has become a business necessity, creating new ways of working and transforming business processes.

Enterprise mobility refers to this shift in business practices, where more employees work outside the office and must access secure corporate data to conduct daily tasks.

With enterprise mobility, a doctor can access patient files from his tablet while on rounds and an executive can access a presentation from his tablet or phone while travelling.

Companies have to adapt quickly and need to be sure security, governance and compliance policies across devices, data and applications are fit for purpose.

With an increasing number of employees working remotely, many will be operating with touchscreens instead of keyboards and connecting over public wireless rather than private fixed networks.

They are essentially doing the same job – allowing their users to communicate and interact with data.

But this is where extra risks occur because of the use of open and public networks, a greater variety of devices and the fact that employees want to be allowed to bring their own devices and use them for work.

These things are not necessarily unique to mobile devices and some businesses will have had employees connecting in from domestic desktop computers over the last couple of decades, but the consumer mindset towards IT has really gathered most of its momentum from mobile devices.

One of the biggest concerns associated with making tablets more enterprise-capable is security. With Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) almost the norm, tablets with

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enterprise data on them could easily be compromised. Recent research shows that tablets are shared more often around the house than other mobile devices, which adds risk for all mobile users.

A tablet lying on a table at home could create a problem when it comes to corporate data security. Content might accidentally get erased or data sent unintentionally.

One company leading the field in combatting the risks related to BYOD is Belfast based Gravity.

The firm, which employs 12 people, creates intelligent digital products with a particular focus on the development of robust enterprise mobile, tablet and desktop apps to help businesses work more efficiently.

The company, which also has an office in London, employs a team of skilled User Interface designers and Software engineers to create intuitive, user-friendly systems across multiple digital platforms which are fully integrated into a firm’s existing IT infrastructure.

“BYOD is centred around devices such as phones that you bring into work – but you may be accessing work data through emails or accessing the web and that is a challenge for IT departments within companies to manage,” explains Gravity’s co-founder and Managing Director Draven McConville.

“Staff can access data that is potentially important or sensitive to their employer.

“In response to this, we are developing enterprise mobile and tablet applications that are safe and secure and are controlled and deployed by the IT department within a business. This will stop the chances of data being lost, stolen or corrupted because the IT department can control what information the employee has access to.”

The company was established in 2010 by Draven in partnership with Terry Kernan and Kevin Lewis, who are respectively the operational and technical directors.

“The development of enterprise mobility apps is a niche area – but one which has seen substantial growth,” says Draven.

“We create the software that empowers workforces to streamline processes in order to become more efficient using technology.

“We develop customised mobile and tablet

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Draven McConville says enterprise mobility apps are the way forward for companies.

applications for clients which hook into big data such as customer relationship management systems or financial packages.

“A business may have a workforce working remotely who can access through a tablet application what they normally would have accessed via their desktop. We can customise the tablet app for the business to do a multitude of things including process orders, analyse sales leads or analyse data for generation of specific reports.

“We develop tailor-made apps so that they meet the specific requirements of a business.

“We also work with companies who have deskbound software but realise they have to move towards mobile strategy in the future.

We can put the building blocks in place.”

Gravity’s clients include Terex Corporation, KIA Motors, HeartSine Technologies, Edina Power, Powerscreen, Galgorm Resort & Spa, Simon Community and Almac.

“Clients have become more sophisticated in what they are looking for and that is because of the advent of smart phones and cloud – they are more knowledge based than they otherwise would have been,” says Draven.

“Also companies are now engaging in more of a cross over between their marketing and IT departments – the marketing department have an objective to engage on line or via mobile applications but the IT department has to ensure this is done with systems which are robust, sustainable and flexible for future growth.”

The new mobile business model which has emerged with anytime, anywhere transactions and a blurring of lines between corporate and individual means maintaining security and compliance, managing multiple device platforms and addressing complex mobile requirements has never been more important.

Gravity’s team of creative and technical individuals have made it their mission to continue to develop new ideas and test new technologies for the benefit of clients and the betterment of business processes.

“STAFF CAN ACCESS DATA THAT IS POTENTIALLY IMPORTANT OR SENSITIVE TO THEIR EMPLOYER.”

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[FEATURE]

BRIGHT YOUNG BUSINESS BRAINS

Institute of Physics in Ireland Special Award was presented by Dr Paul Hardaker, Chief Executive of the Institute of Physics to Peter Duffin and Ricki Duffield from Wellington College, Belfast for their project 'The detection and impact of solar flares in the upper atmosphere.’

BRILLIANT BOFFINS LOOK TO THE FUTURE SUPER SCIENTISTS AND TERRIFIC TECHNOLOGISTS SCOOP TOP AWARDS IN PRESTIGIOUS COMPETITION. Northern Ireland students who showcased projects at the 50th BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition recently have been recognised for their endeavours.

Wellington College, Belfast beat off stiff competition from 28 Northern Ireland finalists, winning five awards at the ceremony which took place in the BT Arena at Dublin’s RDS. The school won the ‘Best Northern Ireland School Award’ sponsored by MATRIX, received the Display Award and the 1st – Senior Group award for their project 'Health claims and risks pertaining to the biochemical properties of grapefruit' which was entered into the Biological and Ecological Sciences category. Wellington College also won the ‘Institute of Physics in

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Ireland’ Special Award and was highly commended for their project 'The detection and impact of solar flares in the upper atmosphere.’

Further awards presented to Northern Ireland schools at the ceremony included: * St Mary’s College, Londonderry which received the 1st - Junior Individual award and the Eli Lilly Special Award for their project 'A comparative study of the antioxidant effects of natural and synthetic food preservatives.' * Abbey Christian Brothers School, Newry which received the Display Award and 1st Junior Group award for their project 'An investigation into the resource holding potential of the Red Beadlet Anemone.’

* South Eastern Regional College, Bangor campus which won the Northern Ireland Best Project Award sponsored by BT for their project 'Renewable production of ethanol bio fuel.' The project developed was entered into the Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences category.

Colm O’Neill, CEO, BT Ireland said: “When we set out last year to plan for the 50th BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition we wanted to make sure that this was our most exceptional event to date. I’m delighted to say that it has exceeded all of our expectations. We have had some of Ireland’s brightest, most creative and positive young people astound us with their ideas for a better future and we have

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been greatly impressed by the high standard of these entries.

“Over the years the exhibition has proven to be an important launch pad for the next wave of entrepreneurs, academics, scientists and technologists; people who will be fundamental in addressing the global skills shortage. For that reason, we cannot underestimate the importance of this exhibition in encouraging our young students to pursue careers in science and technology. I would like to congratulate every single student who participated in the competition. If our past winners have taught us anything, it’s that this award could change their lives.”

Teacher David Cardwell from Wellington College said: “We are delighted to receive all of the awards and once again the exhibition has proven to be a wonderful experience for our pupils who have found it immensely rewarding and interesting. The exhibition is a great way to encourage young people to get involved in STEM subjects and provides a platform to showcase our scientific skills. I love encouraging and nurturing an interest in science in an enjoyable way and we are thrilled that the students were recognised for their hard work in creating some really interesting and innovative projects.”

In all, almost 1,165 students from 210 schools across Ireland covering 550 projects competed for the coveted title ‘Winner of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2014’.

Fifth year student Paul Clarke, aged 17, from St Paul’s College, Raheny in Dublin scooped the top prize for his project entitled, “Contributions to cyclic graph theory” which was entered in the senior section of the Chemical, Physical and Mathematical Sciences category.

Paul was presented with a cheque for €5,000, the opportunity to represent Ireland at the 26th European Union Young Scientist competition taking place in September and a brand new trophy. As this year’s winner, Paul will also win a once in a lifetime trip to Silicon Valley in California, home to some of the world’s biggest technology corporations, to meet BT’s Innovation team, and will enjoy a hosted tour of leading enterprises and meet business leaders from the world of science and technology. *For more information on the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition visit www.btyoungscientist.com or twitter.com/btyste

“IF OUR PAST WINNERS HAVE TAUGHT US ANYTHING, IT’S THAT THIS AWARD COULD CHANGE LIVES.”

Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry with Cloud Academy students Gemma Loughrey from Cookstown, Clare Watson from Craigavon and Niall Doherty from Derry at Belfast Metropolitan College's e3 building on the Springvale Campus.

ON CLOUD NINE A NEW IT COURSE IS PROVIDING EMPLOYERS WITH A RICH POOL OF TALENT.

ICT Academies are delivering vital skills for the economy, the Employment and Learning Minister has said.

Dr Stephen Farry made the comment during a visit to Belfast Metropolitan College's e3 building on the Springvale Campus where the new Cloud Academy and Software Professional Course takes place.

The course provides non-IT HND, degree or equivalent graduates with the skills and experience required to take up exciting new opportunities in Cloud computing and the IT sector.

Cloud technology has been highlighted as an area of growth in Northern Ireland highlighting the shift that is changing the way ICT services are delivered and one with the potential to transform business opportunities across the economy.

Northern Ireland's advanced telecoms network means it is an excellent location for the deployment and use of Cloud technologies. The Software Professional Course delivers accreditation of the industry recognised IT qualification, Level 5 BTEC Software Professionals Course.

Minister Farry said: "The ICT Action Plan challenges Government to help match the skills of the workforce with the skills employers require and the Cloud Academy and Software Professional Course are further excellent examples of how we are doing just that. To date the Academy model has proved to deliver outstanding results, providing training with industry recognised qualifications and work

experience in preparation for job opportunities in this vibrant growth area.”

The Cloud Academy was designed and is being delivered by Belfast Metropolitan College (Belfast Met) with support from the Department for Employment and Learning's Assured Skills programme. The Academy offers an intensive twenty one week training programme, which includes a six week work placement, to 14 successful applicants. Participants will gain an industry recognised qualification and a potential offer of employment. The Software Professional course is delivered in Belfast and Bangor by Belfast Metropolitan College and South Eastern Regional College.

Justin Edwards, Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Curriculum, Belfast Met, said: "This academy style approach is working. It's dynamic, proactive and flexible and most importantly it can lead directly to employment. The success of the Academies such as this Cloud Academy shows the agility of the further education sector to react to meet the demands of industry. We're delighted to be working in partnership with the Department and a number of leading employers who are growing their skilled workforce whilst providing exciting career opportunities to young graduates. Further education is poised, ready and available to work in partnership with businesses to deliver a responsive curriculum that provides a skilled workforce that contributes to the prosperity of businesses and the region."

Ambition Magazine l 81

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[FEATURE]

Students Philippa Carson, Belfast Model School for Girls with Kevin Ashworth and Dale McCall from Bangor Academy experience the art of making music with the Patch Box Synthesizer at the GEN I ‘Night of Ambition’ event in the Ulster Hall, Belfast.

“GEN I IS DEDICATED TO SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WANT TO LIFT THEIR AMBITIONS…”

NIGHT OF AMBITION AMBITION MEETS INSPIRATION AS YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS HEAR FROM SENIOR BUSINESS FIGURES ABOUT MAKING IT TO THE TOP.

82 l Ambition Magazine

A ground-breaking ‘night of ambition’ linking more than 150 of the most ambitious young people from all over Northern Ireland with some of our most charismatic and inspirational business leaders, was held recently at the Ulster Hall. The message that ‘you can achieve anything’ resounded from Belfast to San Francisco as a special live link with Sarah Friar, CFO of Square, was broadcast on a giant screen. Sarah is originally from Sion Mills in Co Tyrone and is now working directly to Jack Dorsey, the co-founder of Twitter. The event was organised by GEN I, formerly known as Generation Innovation, an integral part of NISP CONNECT, a non-profit organisation at the Northern Ireland Science Park. The aim is to build a ‘Network of Ambition’ for our young

people using successful role models to encourage them to be future leaders in whatever walk of life they choose to pursue.

The format for the evening saw all of the young people, their teachers and parents at tables with some of our best business leaders and tech founders, exchanging ideas and making lifelong contacts. Claire Burgoyne, GEN I Programme Manager said: “We recognise that Innovation has to be a fundamental part of the culture and psyche in Northern Ireland to make us more competitive in a global marketplace.

“GEN I is dedicated to supporting young people who want to lift their ambitions and aspirations and encourage them to be their own role models in the future. An event like the ‘Night of Ambition’ is not only about joining a network and getting connected, it is mostly about inspiring a ‘can do’ attitude.”

Sarah Friar shared her personal experience of ambition and success in an interview conducted by Matthew Gibson, an 18 year old student at St Malachy’s College Belfast, who took part in Generation Innovation last year and is a Young Enterprise Northern Ireland Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

Matthew’s Party Props business is going from strength to strength and he is one of the first role models for GEN I. One of the supporters of the event is the business software firm, SAP (UK). They decided to get involved because they recognise the qualities of Northern Ireland’s young people and want to help them reach their full potential. According to Maarten de Vries, one of the employees behind the project: “Qualifications are just part of the story in our working lives. What really makes the difference in a company is an inspired young person with ambition and an entrepreneurial approach.

"As a company we applaud this kind of approach from NISP CONNECT and GEN I. It’s getting to the heart and soul of young people and helping them to make ambition second nature.”

This kind of proactive corporate involvement is fast increasing, according to Claire Burgoyne.

She said: “Companies like Equiniti ICS are taking sixth formers onto their intern programme where the students gain work experience while being supported through BTEC qualifications. Other companies, like Kainos, have enthusiastic employees like Sheree Atcheson, who has developed a Women Who Code Belfast group and who is inspiring young people to become more tech savvy. At GEN I, we will be developing more events like this for young people. We would love to hear from young people who are interested in getting involved.”

For more information contact info@generationinnovation.co.uk.

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Steve Orr, Director of the NI Science Park’s NISP CONNECT launches the INVENT2014 Awards in the historic Titanic Drawing Rooms in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter with award sponsor, Ian Sheppard, Head of Business & Corporate Banking at Bank of Ireland UK.

ATTENTION TURNS TO INVENTION BUDDING INNOVATORS ARE BEING GIVEN THE CHANCE TO BRING THEIR IDEAS FORWARD AND CHANGE THE WORLD WITH THE LAUNCH OF A NEW COMPETITION. For over 400 years Northern Ireland innovation has been changing the world; the tractor, mobile defibrillators, whiskey distilling, even chocolate. What are the innovations from today that will be remembered 100 years from now?

This is the challenge laid down by the Northern Ireland Science Park as it launches INVENT2014, the search for Northern Ireland’s new heroes of innovation, in partnership with Bank of Ireland.

INVENT 2014, formerly known as the £25k Awards, is an opportunity for anyone with an innovative idea - from farmyard inventors, to engineers, to dynamic research scientists and our high tech youth with new gaming or app ideas. The 2014 Awards are open not only to research institutions but to any private sector company or individual with a breakthrough invention or concept.

“We want people to release their inner innovation,” says Steve Orr, Director of NISP CONNECT. “Many of the key advances in engineering, health and science originate from this tiny place.

It’s in our DNA, that’s why we’re calling out to all innovators and entrepreneurs across Northern Ireland to step forward and bring your innovation to life through INVENT!

“Our message is simple to everyone out there. If you think you’ve found a solution to an everyday problem, INVENT 2014 is here to help take it to the next stage, so please apply now.”

Ian Sheppard Head of Business & Corporate Banking at Bank of Ireland UK said: "The Bank is delighted to continue to support this programme as it evolves into INVENT 2014, which will harness ingenuity across the public and private sectors in Northern Ireland.

“The introduction of the new categories in agri-food and software enterprise, both of which have significant local businesses, are already re-inventing our local economy.

“Northern Ireland’s economic growth and competitiveness depend on its capacity to innovate, as supporting creativity and innovation will create jobs and industries of the future.

“Supporting talent with practical guidance, access to expertise and providing financial support is an important part of the bank’s commitment to be Northern Ireland’s Enterprise Bank. We look forward to seeing this years’ talent, uncovering innovative gems and playing our part in realising their ambition of creating world class products and services with global appeal.”

The online application process is now open

at www.invent2014.co and will close on Friday 4th April. Successful applicants in six categories will take part in a unique six month programme which will see their ideas challenged, refined and cultivated, ready to launch a successful start-up business.

With direct input and expert advice from some of Northern Ireland’s top business mentors and like-minded innovators and entrepreneurs, coupled with a £33,000 prize fund, the INVENT2014 Awards are Northern Ireland’s biggest and brightest opportunity to make an inventive idea become commercial reality. At the end of the six month development programme, finalists will pitch their business plans to a panel of experts to vie for the top prizes. Winners of the prestigious Awards will be announced at a gala Awards showcase in Belfast on 2nd October 2014.

“WE WANT PEOPLE TO RELEASE THEIR INNER INNOVATION.”

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[NEWS]

NET A GRANT

Colm O’Neill, Chief Executive Officer, BT Northern Ireland with NI Chamber Chief Executive, Ann McGregor.

BT ENGAGES AGAIN WITH NI CHAMBER BT has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Northern Ireland business community by renewing its partnership with the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce for a seventh consecutive year.

The new three year deal will continue BT’s relationship as NI Chamber’s Official Communications Partner until 2017. Through the partnership, BT will support NI Chamber’s key priorities over this period including a number of flagship business events, the delivery of a new NI Chamber strategic plan and a focus on cementing the reputation of Northern Ireland plc as a business leader.

Ann McGregor, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Chamber, said: “We are delighted that BT is continuing what has been a very successful and productive partnership agreement with NI Chamber. We look forward to working closely with BT on a range of key business initiatives which will seek to stimulate and 84 l Ambition Magazine

grow ‘Northern Ireland plc’.

“Through our own extensive network, we support a wide range of small, medium and large firms as they seek to grow their business and this investment from BT will act as a major boost to that work.”

Colm O’Neill, Chief Executive Officer, BT Northern Ireland, said: “BT is delighted to renew its association with the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the next three years and we look forward to jointly building on past years’ successes in nurturing our thriving business community.

“At BT our focus is on driving economic sustainability across Northern Ireland through investment in our people, our infrastructure and our communities, and together with the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, we will endeavour to shine more light on our thriving business sector and firmly position this community as a key player both at home and on the international stage.”

Businesses in Belfast have been urged to take advantage of the government’s ‘Broadband Connection Voucher Scheme’ to help reduce the cost of super-fast internet connections.

The Broadband Delivery UK initiative provides city councils with additional budget to offer small and medium companies grants of up to £3,000 towards connection and construction charges for a range of services from suppliers including BT Business.

Belfast is one of 12 UK cities where the scheme is already available. The others are: Cardiff, Coventry, Bristol, Edinburgh, Derby, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Newport, Portsmouth and Salford.

A further ten cities are planning to join the scheme by the end of March including Londonderry. Once a business has checked they are eligible via their local city council, and understood the full terms and conditions of the programme, they will need to complete an application form. They will then receive a provisional offer regarding the amount of funding they can expect, following an assessment by the city council, and be asked to get quotes from two providers.

Paul Convery, Head of Business, BT Northern Ireland said: “This exciting scheme is a vital step forward for small and medium firms in Belfast. It will allow even more businesses to take advantage of the huge benefits offered by super-fast internet connections.

“Businesses can use the technology to boost their competitiveness, work more efficiently, attract new customers or strengthen relationships with existing customers. Every Belfast firm that switches to faster broadband is good news for the city.”

In order to qualify, businesses must be a small or medium sized enterprise (SME) as defined by the European Commission. They must employ between 1 and 249 persons and have an annual turnover not exceeding €50 million or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding €43 million.

For further details about the scheme and how BT Business can help, visit www.bt.com/BDUKvoucher

The Broadband Connection Voucher Scheme aims to help businesses take advantage of the benefits of super-fast internet connections.

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by James Stinson

Supported by

www.agnewcorporate.com

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[LIFESTYLE] JAMES STINSON, BUSINESS CLASS MOTORING WRITER

SHARP STYLE GOOD LOOKING AND MAYBE EVEN DESIRABLE, THE V60 ISN’T WHAT YOU’D EXPECT FROM A VOLVO ESTATE, WRITES JAMES STINSON.

V

olvo has history where estates are concerned but none of them ever looked as good as this V60. It won’t move large loads but it does offer more flexibility than the S60 saloon, on which it is based, without having the ungainly appearance of a conventional estate.

“This car is not designed to carry big loads,” say Volvo. “We have a V70, XC70 or XC90 in our range that can do that.

“Rather, it’s a stylish dynamic vehicle that offers more carrying capacity and versatility than a typical saloon or hatchback.”

And it is pretty, boasting a flowing side profile and a hunkered down style. The roof is very low for a wagon, and sweeps down to the coupé fastback- like tailgate. Length and width are exactly the same as the S60.

Like the S60, the V60 has sharper steering and more nimble handling than previous Volvos. Engines have also been designed to be more responsive. Helping the V60 on its way is an excellent six-speed gearbox with well-chosen ratios and a nicely damped, progressive clutch action. The boot, as Volvo suggests, is usable rather than cavernous.

The rear seats fold 40:20:40, the same as Volvo’s champion load-lugger, the V70.

Parents will like V60's two-stage integrated booster cushions for children. With one

simple movement, the booster cushions pop-up from the seat base giving a comfortable and safe ride height for children from three years and upwards. There’s a vast array of engines to choose from but the entry level D2 1.6 diesel motor (available from £22,495) is worth highlighting, boasting, as it does, class-leading combined fuel consumption of 68.9mpg and ultra-low emissions of just 109 g/km. It’s no slouch either, capable of reaching 60mph from a standing start in around 10.5 secs. The

cheapest petrol – featuring the 150bhp 1.6 T3 motor – is quicker but less frugal, and is available from £21,750. The V60’s cabin isn’t particularly flashy, but the quality of the materials used and the solid construction give the car the air of a high-quality product.

Volvo’s reliability record is generally good, too, while most of the plastics and fabrics are easy on the eye, and the controls have a satisfying feel. There are six airbags and stability control as standard, along with City Safe system, which detects objects in front of the car and can stop it to prevent low-speed impacts. The optional Driver Support Pack includes a Pedestrian Detection System – which can also recognise a person in the road – along with adaptive cruise control, lane-departure and blind-spot warning. The driving position is excellent, while the seats deserve a special mention – they’re supportive, accommodating and comfortable.

Many people still associate the Volvo brand with clumsy, boxy styling that puts safety and practicality before looks, but the V60 is a very different beast. Practical and good looking, it sums up Volvo’s ambition to become a more upmarket prestige car maker in the mould of BMW, Mercedes and Audi.

The T he complete complete fleet f leet solution solutio 18 B 18 Boucher ou c h e r W Way, ay, B Belfast el fa s t B BT12 T1 2 6 6RE RE 028 0 28 9038 9038 6600 6600 www.agnewcorporate.com w w w.agnewcorporate.com 86 l Ambition Magazine

2014 Hot 0ffers Contact us on 028 9038 6600

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Range from £299 +VAT per month • Was £349 +VAT per month • Based on E220CDi SE 4dr Manual • CO2 from 120g/km • Other Models available inc. Estate • Fully Maintained Contracts also available

Seat Leon Range from £189 +VAT per month • Was £219 +VAT per month • Based on Leon Hatch 1.6TDi SE 5dr Manual • CO2 from 99g/km • Other Models available inc. Sport Coupe & Estate • Fully Maintained Contracts also available

Ford Mondeo Range from £219 +VAT per month • Was £249 +VAT per month • Based on Mondeo Hatch 1.6TDi Eco Zetec Business Edition 5dr Manual • CO2 from 109g/km • Other Models available inc. Estate • Fully Maintained Contracts also available

Vauxhall Vivaro 2.0CDTi 115ps Sportive Van from £199 +VAT per month • Was £239 +VAT per month • Based on high spec Sportive model • Includes Plylining • Fully Maintained Contracts also available

Quotations available on specific requirements to suit your needs – for Personal Contract Hire just add VAT.

Are you a Fleet Manager looking for Total Fleet Control?

Let us introduce Agnew Fleet Manager….

A system that will streamline the administration of your fleet to the absolute minimum, eliminate paperwork and automatically help you to fulfil your duty of care as an employer. Ultimately, it will save you not only time but money – contact us today to learn more.

All rentals are plus VAT at 20% and are based on Agnew Corporate Contract Hire (not funded through a Manufacturer Scheme), payment profile of 3+47 (48mth term) with RFL for term of Contract, 10000 miles per annum non maintained.

Subject to availability, terms and conditions apply. Pictures are for indicative purposes only. Join us on Facebook.

18 Boucher Way, Belfast BT12 6RE 028 9038 6600 www.agnewcorporate.com

112384_Agnew_corporate_A4_V2+.indd 1

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[LIFESTYLE] JAMES STINSON, BUSINESS CLASS MOTORING WRITER

PETROL NUMBERS ADD UP FOR AUDI Q3 Car makers are getting a lot more mpg from diesel engines these days. But the humble petrol engine has plenty of life in it too.

Audi has introduced a new 138bhp 1.4 TSI petrol unit to its Q3 compact SUV range.

Available with front-wheel drive only, it has combined fuel economy of 47.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 137g/km, which means annual VED payments of £125 from year two onwards.”

Within the Q3 range the CO2 and VED figures are matched only by the 2.0 TDI diesel, which is slightly slower (9.9 seconds from 0-62mph compared with 9.2 for the 1.4 TSI) and considerably more expensive.

The new car costs £23,870 in SE form and £26,620 as an S line, £1725 less than equivalent TDIs. It’s also worth noting that petrol is around 5% per litre cheaper than diesel.

For a further £1495 you can have S tronic semi-automatic transmission, which reduces the 0-62mph to 8.9 seconds but gives less favourable economy and CO2 stats of 45.6mpg and 145g/km respectively.

Meanwhile, all four-wheel drive Q3s are now available in a new trim level called S line Plus.

As the name suggests, it's a bit like S line, but it includes 19" wheels (rather than 18s), rear privacy glass, seat upholstery in a combination of alcantara and perforated leather, cruise control, Audi's Parking System Plus and SD card-based satellite navigation.

The premium for this lot is £2350, which means that prices range from £31,835 (2.0 TFSI 170 manual) to £34,595 (2.0 TDI 177 S tronic).

WHEN’S A CONVERTIBLE NOT A CONVERTIBLE? WHEN IT’S A PORSCHE TARGA Porsche has taken the wraps off its new Targa 911, which is a part soft-top, part hard-top drop-top...

At the touch of a button the rear window tilts to allow the fabric roof to fold into a Z-shape and stow behind the rear seats. The wrap-around glass screen then closes to recreate a classic 911 Targa look. The Targa bar on this latest version is designed to pay homage to the 1965 original, and features three gills and Targa lettering. Under the bar’s aluminium skin is a steel roll-over protection system. Aside from the roof, the model is identical to the current 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet, including its wide-body design and four-wheel-drive transmission. The Targa, however, carries a premium of approximately £4,000 over the Cabriolet. Porsche’s 3.4-litre and 3.8-litre flat-six petrol engines are offered, with a sevenspeed manual or double-clutch PDK gearbox. The entry-level Targa 4 costs from £86,281, accelerates from 0-62mph in 4.8sec and has a top speed of 175mph. The £96,316 Targa 4S manages the benchmark sprint in 4.4sec and tops out at 184mph.

WHOSE LAUGHING NOW? The latest of Skoda's GreenLine models, tuned to provide the best fuel economy and lowest CO2 emission, is a new entry to the Octavia hatchback range. Its 108bhp 1.6 TDI turbo diesel engine manages 88.3mpg combined, while the CO2 stat is 85g/km.

The second figure means that the car is exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty and, for business users, a BIK rating of 13% for the 2013-2014 financial year, rising from April to 14% and a year after that to 16%. The Greenline Octavia is packed with ecotechnologies, including low rolling resistance

tyres fitted to 16-inch ‘Velorum’ alloy wheels, which are unique for the GreenLine model.

These are inflated to a higher pressure than normal tyres to reduce friction with the road.

The new car also features the Start-Stop system which is standard across the Octavia range. Energy normally lost during braking is recovered and used for battery recharging.

Even accepting that real world driving will probably knock around 10-15% off those EU test figures, these are great numbers from the Czech car maker. The Octavia GreenLine is on sale now and costs £20,150.

The T he complete complete fleet f leet solution solutio 18 B 18 Boucher ou c h e r W Way, ay, B Belfast el fa s t B BT12 T1 2 6 6RE RE 028 0 28 9038 9038 6600 6600 www.agnewcorporate.com w w w.agnewcorporate.com

88 l Ambition Magazine

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[NEWS]

Ideal conditions for quattro® Rain, ice and snow, loose surfaces – road conditions are rarely perfect. That’s why we created quattro all-wheel-drive.

It analyses the grip from each of the four wheels, so if one loses traction, power is diverted to the others, keeping you firmly in control. And with a range of equally gripping finance offers available, conditions are great for quattro.

Visit us to find out more. m Belfast Audi Belfast 80 Sydenham Road Road Belfast C o Antrim Co B T3 9DP BT3 028 9038 0000 www.belfast.audi.co.uk www .belfast.audi.co.uk

Portadown Portadown Audi 7 Carn Court Road Court R oad Portadown Portadown Co Armagh Co BT63 5YX BT63 028 3833 3633 www.portadown.audi.co.uk www.portadown.audi.co.uk

Danske Bank’s Managing Director Personal Banking, Tony Wilcox welcomes Age NI's Director of Marketing, Siobhan Casey and Elizabeth Armstrong, Age NI Volunteer, to the partnership which aims to improve the lives of over 23,000 older people in Northern Ireland.

PARTNERSHIP ADDS UP TO VITAL SUPPORT Age NI, NI Chamber’s Charity of the Year, has been announced as Danske Bank’s Charity Partner for 2014.

The support from Danske Bank aims to improve the lives of 23,000 older people across Northern Ireland through staff fundraising, volunteering, and mentoring support.

Tony Wilcox, Danske Bank’s Managing Director Personal Banking, said: “Today there are more people in Northern Ireland over the age of 50 than under the age of 19. Together with Age NI we have the opportunity to come together, raise awareness and much needed funds to make a very real difference to the lives of many older people throughout our local communities. Our Charity Partner programme is a key part of our commitment to the wider community and together with our employees and customers we have raised over £1.2 million over the past nine years alone.”

Siobhan Casey, Director of Marketing Age NI, added: “The Age NI team is thrilled to have been selected as Danske Bank’s Charity Partner for 2014. We are looking forward to working with Danske Bank employees across Northern Ireland this year on a range of activities that will help to improve the lives of people in later life.

“As well as supporting an innovative new project to reduce the devastating effects of isolation and loneliness that many experience, Danske Bank teams will be putting the ‘fun’ into fundraising throughout 2014 to support facilities like our day centres, advice service and work with local older people’s groups. A charity partnership with Age NI means community involvement, local support and invaluable opportunities for staff participation and development.”

To find out more contact Maeve Egerton, Age NI’s Trusts and Corporates Manager at maeve.egerton@ageni.org

Ambition Magazine l 89

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[LIFESTYLE] JAMES STINSON, TRAVEL WRITER

UP IN THE AIR….

THE STORMONT EXECUTIVE HAS A KEY ROLE TO PLAY IN SECURING A BETTER RANGE OF AIR SERVICES FROM NORTHERN IRELAND, WRITES JAMES STINSON.

Fewer people are flying on fewer international routes out of Northern Ireland than five years ago. And despite the apparent upturn in the wider economy, the outlook for Northern Ireland’s airports and the region’s travelling public isn’t so positive.

There’s no sign of any new long haul services coming along to join the sole transatlantic service currently provided by United out of Belfast International to New York.

No frills services to Paris and Amsterdam apart, the vast majority of short haul European travel out of Belfast’s two airports is to holiday destinations in Spain, Portugal and the Canaries.

There is demand to fly to other European destinations not presently served from either Belfast airport that is being met by Dublin instead. Why else would Dublin airport be advertising on local radio stations?

Dublin has a much bigger and more lucrative catchment than Belfast, with traffic numbers more than three times the combined number of Belfast International and Belfast City.

There are several transatlantic routes and two long haul services going east (to Dubai and Abu Dhabi).

As well as direct services to the main 90 l Ambition Magazine

business and tourist destinations across Europe, international businesses would be more likely to there are feeder services into the main hubs in invest in Northern Ireland if it were easier to Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam and Madrid. get to.

We could never hope to replicate this out of The Finance Minister says it would cost Belfast but something better than the limited between £60 - £90 million a year to soak up range of services currently available must be the cost of removing APD from all flights in and achievable. out of Northern Ireland.

We need to look at extending the Air However, given the much smaller numbers Passenger Duty (APD) exemption, currently in involved, it would obviously be considerably place for transatlantic services from Northern less for European flights only, perhaps between Ireland, to short haul European flights as well. £10 - £20 million.

Why is this important? Tourism remains an The Executive could follow the path taken by area of tremendous untapped potential in authorities in the Republic where, because of Northern Ireland. There’s been massive wider economic travails, APD was lowered to investment in product in give the tourism sector a boost recent years with on the understanding that airlines venues like the would deliver new routes and Titanic Visitor Centre more passengers.

“LOCAL and there’s more in That duly happened with the BUSINESSES the pipeline but Irish Government doing away with RELY ON what’s the point if it’s APD altogether from April this difficult or expensive year.

Business there is on the up.

GOOD AIR for tourists to get The financial hit would be CONNECTIONS outweighed by the benefits and here? what better way for the Moreover, local TO GET TO Executive to show that the businesses rely on MARKETS…” economy is indeed top of its good air connections to get to markets and agenda.

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[NEWS]

BUSINESS BITES FROM BRUSSELS IN THE LATEST BULLETIN FROM THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION, MEASURES UNDER CONSIDERATION WILL HAVE REPERCUSSIONS FOR BUSINESSES, CONSUMERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC IN NORTHERN IRELAND. HERE WE DETAIL WHAT’S UNDER PROPOSAL IN BRUSSELS..

DATA PROTECTION REFORM European Commission VicePresident, Viviane Reding, the EU's Justice Commissioner, recently called for a "Data Protection Compact for Europe". This would be based on eight principles that should govern the way data is processed by the public and private sectors. VicePresident Reding outlined these principles in a speech on Data Protection Day which took place on 28 January 2014. In January 2012 the European Commission proposed a major reform of the EU's data protection rules to make them fit for the 21st century. Vice-President Reding has now called for full speed on data protection in 2014, saying "Europe must act decisively to establish a robust data protection framework that can be the gold standard for the world. Otherwise others will move first and impose their standards on us." The 2012 proposals are currently being discussed by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. The European Parliament is expected to adopt the proposals in April and an agreement on data protection reform is possible before the end of this year. l

CLIMATE AND ENERGY GOALS The European Commission has proposed new energy and climate objectives to be met by 2030. The EU framework on climate and energy includes a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent below the 1990 levels, an EU-wide binding target for renewable energy of at least 27 per cent, renewed ambitions for energy efficiency policies, a new governance system and a set of new indicators to ensure a competitive and secure energy system. The objectives send a strong signal to the market, encouraging private investment in new pipelines and electricity networks or low-carbon technologies. It aims to drive continued progress towards a lowcarbon economy and a competitive and secure energy system that ensures affordable energy for all consumers, increases the security of the EU's energy supplies, reduces our dependence on energy imports and creates new opportunities for growth and jobs, by taking into account potential price impacts in the longer term. The targets must be met if the EU is to keep its promise to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 80-95 per cent by 2050 and will now be debated in the European Council and the European Parliament. l

EUROPEAN INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

FRACKING SAFEGUARDS

In a new Communication adopted recently, the European Commission has urged Member States to recognise the importance of industry for creating jobs and growth.

The Communication, 'For a European Industrial Revolution', calls for the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers to adopt proposals on energy, transport, space and digital communications networks, as well as implement and enforce legislation to complete the internal market. It encourages investment in innovation, resource efficiency, new technologies, skills and access to finance, accelerated by the use of dedicated EU funds.

The European Commission has adopted a Recommendation aiming to ensure that proper environmental and climate safeguards are in place for "fracking" – the high-volume hydraulic fracturing technique used notably in shale gas operations. The Recommendation should help all Member States wishing to use this practice to address health and environmental risks and improve transparency. It also lays the ground for a level playing field for industry and establishes a clearer framework for investors. The Recommendation is accompanied by a Communication that considers the opportunities and challenges of using "fracking", to extract hydrocarbons. Both documents are part of a wider initiative by the Commission to put in place an integrated climate and energy policy framework for the period up to 2030. EU Member States are invited to apply the principles within six months and, from December 2014 onwards, inform the Commission each year about measures that they have put in place. l

The Communication promotes a more business-friendly Europe through actions to simplify the legislative framework and improve the efficiency of public administration at EU, national and regional levels. Easier access to third country markets through harmonisation of international standards, open public procurement, patent protection and economic diplomacy are also key issues. l

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[ADVERTISING FEATURE]

YOUTHFUL SKILLS YES (Youth Employment Scheme) is a DEL initiative designed to give support to young people looking for work, by offering a range of work opportunity placements and training. Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry explains why businesses should sign up to YES. “For employers, it is all about having a new person on board who they can get to know, work closely with and decide if this young person has what their business needs. YES is flexible and, coupled with existing support from the Department for Employment and Learning, provides additional practical and financial support to help employers grow a skilled, committed workforce. Each employer’s participation in YES will help to build a young skilled and sustainable workforce across a range of growth sectors, which can only bode well for the future of the Northern Ireland economy.

“My department’s new ‘Skills to Succeed’ campaign encourages individuals and employers seeking to develop their own skills and those of their workforce to find out what programmes and assistance is available by visiting http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/skills or by calling 0300 200 7876.”

Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry pictured with Mike Mullan, Chair, Employment and Skills Committee, CBI Northern Ireland, and HR director Europe, Moy Park Ltd.

CREATIVE COMPLIMENTS “In January 2013 MSM Law acquired new Headquarters in Belfast City Centre. Then followed the exciting task of turning the empty shell into a modern, professional legal practice fit for our staff, our clients and our future. Once the layout was completed, the Innov8 team were able to unleash their flair! Innov8 offered a great variety of furniture options, provided us with 3D drawings of how the furniture would look in-situ as well as showing us samples in their showroom. The Innov8 team couldn’t have been more helpful from the early design stages right through to delivery, which was timed perfectly. Innov8’s after-sales service has been second to none and we would have no hesitation in recommending them to others and we hope to be able to work with them again in the future.”

– Diane Jamieson, Accounts Manager at McKenna Sweeney McKeown Solicitors.

Website: www.innov8officeinteriors.com

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[LIFESTYLE] NOEL MCMEEL, EXECUTIVE HEAD CHEF, THE LOUGH ERNE RESORT

CULINARY DELIGHTS BEEF IS A HUGELY CREATIVE DISH….AND ALWAYS GUARANTEED TO BE A GASTRONOMIC SENSATION. AWARD WINNING CELEBRITY CHEF NOEL MCMEEL GUIDES US THROUGH ONE OF HIS INSPIRED RECIPES WHICH WILL DELIGHT PALATES AT ANY DINNER TABLE.

FILLET OF BEEF WITH TRADITIONAL CHAMP, SLOW-ROASTED MUSHROOMS, STOUT GRAVY SERVES 4 FOUR FILLET STEAKS SLOW-ROASTED MUSHROOMS 50ml rapeseed oil 4 garlic Cloves, crushed leaves of 1 rosemary sprig, finely chopped leaves of 3 thyme sprigs, finely chopped 4 flat cap mushrooms, stems removed and caps peeled CHAMP 4 large potatoes, preferably British Queens, peeled and washed 100ml whipping cream 4 spring onions, chopped 50g salted butter GRAVY 350ml Irish stout 3 tbsp redcurrant jelly sprig each of rosemary and thyme 2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped

PREPARATION: Preheat the oven to 130°C/gas 1/2.

SLOW-ROASTED MUSHROOMS Mix together the oil, garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Put the mushrooms gill-side up on a nonstick baking tray, pour over the oil mixture, and season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Roast for 1 hour.

CHAMP Cook the potatoes in a saucepan of boiling salted water for about 20 minutes until soft, then drain and mash until all lumps are eliminated. Bring the cream and spring onions to the boil in the pan, add the mash, and beat until smooth. Season and add the butter; set aside in a warm place.

FILLET STEAKS Remove the mushrooms from the oven and keep warm.

Increase the oven temperature to 200°C/gas 6 and place a baking tray inside to heat up. Season

the steaks all over. Heat a heavy frying pan until red hot, and add a little oil. Place the steaks in the pan and sear all over (top, bottom and sides), then transfer to the hot tray and finish cooking in the oven. Allow 4-5 minutes, for medium rare meat.

GRAVY Make the gravy while the steaks are in the oven. Deglaze the steak juices in the frying pan with the stout, then boil to reduce by about three-quarters. Add the redcurrant jelly, rosemary, thyme and garlic, and simmer for 5 minutes. Strain and season, then keep hot.

Remove the steaks from the oven and leave to rest for a few minutes.

TO SERVE Put some mushrooms in the middle of each plate, then place the steaks on top of the mushrooms.

Finish by spooning a quenelle of champ beside the beef, and drizzling a small amount of gravy around the plate. Serve immediately, with the remaining gravy in a jug.

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[LIFESTYLE] REBECCA MCKINNEY, PERSONAL STYLIST, VICTORIA SQUARE, BELFAST

SPRING IS IN THE AIR BUT SO AE DOWNPOURS. REBECCA MCKINNEY LOOKS AT EYE-CATCHING OPTIONS TO WEAR ON RAINY DAYS THAT WILL KEEP YOU DRY AND WARM AND COME WITH A SUPER SPRINKLE OF NEW SEASON STYLE.

APRIL SHOWERS THE ARM CANDY HANDBAG Perfect for fitting all your essentials into, a statement bag is an easy way of reviving your Spring outfits. This season is all about structure and ladylike styles.

Indulge in a designer version (Mulberry in House of Fraser have some of my favourites) or why not treat yourself to a pretty version in Ted Baker? They have buttery soft leather bags or patent floral printed ones that will turn heads.

THE TRENCH COAT Always a classic, a stone coloured trench will take you from Mondays to Sundays with ease. Go for one that pulls in at the waist with a belt. This will create a gorgeous hourglass figure and be so practical to pull on over skinny jeans or fitted dresses alike.

Grab a bargain trench in H&M or splurge on a classic version from LK Bennett.

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THE APRIL ACCESSORIES No April shower outfit would be complete without a great umbrella. A nautical printed version from Accessorize fits perfectly in your handbag and will keep you chic in the rain. A statement silk scarf is also a must! Go for a vintage floral or kitsch polkadot print and knot it around the neck or wear draped over your trench coat.

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THE SPRING SKINNIES Skinny jeans are wardrobe staples regardless of the season, but this year it is all about the pastel denim. Be brave and try a super stretch skinny in a coral shade; gorgeous with a stone trench coat and fine knit. Monsoon have a fantastic pair that I love to wear tucked into ankle boots or worn with flats.

THE PASTEL DRESS A midi dress in a timeless colour will take you anywhere. Hobbs have some beautiful pastel options this season, in classic shapes that Kate and Pippa would be proud of. This baby blue, lace effect dress will work for cooler days with a cropped cardigan and trench coat thrown over the top of it and look stunning with wedges and sunglasses in the sunshine. Are you lusting after longer days yet?

THE JEWELLED FLATS Embrace your inner Audrey Hepburn and fall in love with flats this Spring; ideal for running through the puddles and pretty enough to wear with everything.

Bejewelled pumps have filtered from the Chanel catwalk to our Victoria Square stores and everyone from Ted Baker to Kurt Geiger are displaying the prettiest of ballet flats.

THE TROPHY JACKET For days when the sun is shining a little brighter, a cropped statement jacket will put a spring in your step. Perfect with jeans and a firm celeb favourite, go for a boucle style that will really work hard for you in your wardrobe or a boyfriend style blazer in a bright shade. This House of Fraser jacket is a firm favourite.

This is everything you need to look Victoria Square chic this month! We can’t have you looking anything less than dapper in a deluge now can we?

Rebecca xx

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[COLUMNIST] JIM FITZPATRICK, INDEPENDENT BROADCASTER

SIGN OFF… TOP OF THE CLASS ELITISM ENCOURAGES EXCELLENCE RATHER THAN EXCLUSION ARGUES JIM FITZPATRICK.

E

galitarianism is one of the defining characteristics of modern democracy, but spare a thought for elitism. It has been given a bad name in recent years synonymous with snobbery - but it needn’t be so. It’s vital that people get a fair chance in life, but it is equally important that we don’t diminish or undermine the search for excellence in all walks of life. Defined correctly, elitism encourages excellence.

Take the example of American nun Sister Marion Irving. When she reached her fifties she decided to take up running. It was the early 1980s and the eager nun sought a good training regime. She discovered an “elite” programme, and thinking that elite meant “refined and well mannered” she plumped for that.

Following this regime and, presumably, with a bit of prayer and God on her side she ran the Californian International Marathon in 1983 at the age of 54 in a time of two hours, fifty-one minutes and one second - and promptly qualified for the Olympic trials. She became known as the Flying Nun. Elitism need not be about exclusion. It can also be about extending the ladder to encourage people to climb higher.

Northern Ireland’s top grammar school - by A Level results - was revealed recently as St Dominic’s on the Falls Road in Belfast. It’s a school which has a relatively wide range of academic intake, yet by the time girls are leaving the school they’re more academically excellent than all others. The principal, Carol McCann, has fought political opposition from Sinn Fein and hostility from the Catholic Church over academic selection and has demonstrated that her vision of elite doesn’t exclude, but provides opportunity. It’s an achievement recognised by The Sunday Times which named it Secondary School of the Year for 2013 in its prestigious UK-wide survey.

A number of years ago I was fortunate to work on a series for BBC Northern Ireland entitled

Professor Paddy Johnston says he wants to make Queen’s University a global powerhouse.

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“Thinking Big” that showcased a number of and build on the work of his predecessors Sir remarkable individuals with global ambitions but George Bain and Sir Peter Gregson. It’s a plan local loyalties. We encountered the late Sir Allen to build an elite university that will have huge McClay as he expanded his company Almac into benefits not just for students here but for the the US. Even though Sir Allen is sadly gone, his wider Northern Ireland economy. legacy grows with Almac employing 3,000 at Too often we allow the lowest common home and abroad. One denominator to of his sayings was rule, rather than that he liked to make the difficult “OUR POLITICAL SYSTEM ensure that decision to OFTEN ELEVATES EQUALITY everyone “got a confront ABOVE EXCELLENCE lick of the mediocrity. Our BUT EXCELLENCE CAN gravy” - but political system BE ACHIEVED IN that didn’t stop often elevates EVERYTHING WE DO.” him having an equality above elite vision for excellence - but his company. excellence can be achieved in everything we We also featured Professor Paddy Johnston, do. You don’t have to be a top athlete, whose vision for cancer treatment entrepreneur or scientist to subscribe to elite revolutionised provision in Northern Ireland. principles.

Now the new Vice Chancellor at Queen’s Excellence must be encouraged and University, he has announced ambitious plans complacency constantly challenged - that’s the kind to make the university a global powerhouse of elitism that brings success and benefits us all.

WEBSITE LAUNCH

The new NI Chamber website means even MORE benefits to Members: • Interact with other Chamber members: Create your own personal profile page where other members can view and leave recommendations.

• Find your perfect employee: Advertise any job vacancies within your company.

• Promote your event: List your event on the Members event calendar.

• Share your news: Post press releases to the Members News Section.

• Enjoy the perks: Provide discounted good and services to fellow Chamber members.

Log on now at www.northernirelandchamber.com to explore our exciting new website, view a list of upcoming chamber events plus lots more!

www.northernirelandchamber.com

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