Ambition Issue 17 (Aug/Sept 2016)

t or p p u S

MAGAZINE OF NORTHERN IRELAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Here to

july/august 2016 ISSUE 17

your business

Citation is one of the UK’s leading HR & Employment Law service providers.

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Meet Angela Prior who has ten years experience in this sector and find out more about how Citation can help you in the following areas...

• Recruitment and People Management • Sickness Absence • The importance of Health & Safety procedures • Plus more...

ni chamber’s new president rolls out plans

Where: Waterfoot Hotel, Caw Roundabout, Waterside, Derry BT47 6TB

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contents

NI CHAMBER COMMUNICATIONS PARTNER

July/August 2016 Issue 17

Editor: Adrienne McGill Publisher: Chris Sherry Advertising Manager: Catherine Patton Editorial Assistant: Chloe Heaney Email addresses: adrienne.mcgill@northernirelandchamber.com c.patton@ambitionni.co.uk Websites: www.northernirelandchamber.com www.ulstertatler.com

51

special focus: Divine design and clever construction

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

NEWS 08 Delta founder receives university honour 10 launch of data scientist academy 12 bba appoints new chair in northern ireland 14 adding to figures - deloitte

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Citation is one of the UK’s leading HR & Employment Law service providers.

NI CHAMBER PATRONS

MAGAZINE OF NORTHERN IRELAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

jULY/AUGUST 2016 ISSUE 17

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july/august 2016

Columnists 16 TREVOR ANNON 25 CLAIR GHEEL Here to 46 NIALL MOONEY 66 IAN RAINEY your business 83 JOHN MARTIN 84 MAUREEN O’REILLY 96 JIM FITZPATRICK

Front cover image: Taken by Paul Johnston

Meet Angela Prior who has ten years experience in this sector and find out more about how Citation can help you in the following areas...

• Recruitment and People Management • Sickness Absence • The importance of Health & Safety procedures • Plus more...

ni chamber’s new president rolls out plans

You are invited to our FREE Business Briefing

Where: Waterfoot Hotel, Caw Roundabout, Waterside, Derry BT47 6TB TH

la ge An

8.30am: Networking breakfast

, ior Pr

15 SEPT Briefing starts BELFAST9am: CITY AIRPORT 2016 10.45am: Finish

Ci ta tio n

To register for our Business Briefing, please get in touch, quoting ‘Ambition’:

LIFESTYLE 88 SAFE ANE DESIRABLE - VOLVO XC90 92 TIME TO GET ON BOARD - AIR TRAVEL 028 9002 0249 citation.co.uk/derry seminars@citation.co.uk

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FEATURES 18 Brexit - doors to manual 20 TIMETABLE FOR CHANGE - TRANSLINK 22 ON THE FLIGHT PATH TO GROWTH -

jim fitzpatrick on the woes of brexit

heating up energy efficiency technology globe energy’s david jones

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editorial

B

Driving Ambition

TWISTS AND TURNS

illionaire George Soros, speaking a week after the UK voted to leave the European Union, described it as a”shocking” decision which had “unleashed a crisis in the financial markets comparable in severity only to that of 2007-8.”

Since the vote, the UK has been hurtling into a period of unprecedented political, constitutional and economic crisis with European leaders stepping up demands for it to quit the EU as soon as possible.

The growing clamour from European capitals for the UK to act quickly to sever its ties, after the dramatic 52 per cent to 48 per cent vote for Brexit, comes as both the Conservative and Labour parties face divisive, destabilising and possibly prolonged leadership battles.

With a new Conservative Prime Minister to be in place by the start of September, it will be up to him or her to navigate a way through the complex withdrawal process…but at this stage the way forward is unclear.

Can the UK weather the storm? If confidence falls, the risk is people delay spending, businesses defer investments and they freeze hiring.

All that drags on the economy and recession ensues.

Amid the whirlwind that has sent the UK into a tailspin…one thing is certain… it is a bewildering time for every part of the UK – but especially for Northern Ireland given that it is the only part of the UK that shares a land border with another

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04 NI Chamber

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EU member state, the Republic of Ireland, and is heavily involved in a range of cross-border cultural, economic and political initiatives.

This cross border dimension, links to the continent, potential border controls, political issues, business and employment, farming, structural and peace support are all hugely significant issues for Northern Ireland and how they are dealt with needs to take account of its unique position.

In this issue, the impact is examined

by Richard Ramsey, Maureen O’Reilly and Jim Fitzpatrick who, in their respective articles, point out the obstacles and possible outcomes.

Our special focus on ‘Divine design and clever construction’ looks at the world of building, design and architecture and highlights a number of leading firms in Northern Ireland whose expertise in these areas has taken them to the top of their sectors.

In lifestyle, James Stinson finds the Volvo XC90 safe and desirable while Niall McKenna sizzles up mouthwatering delights on the BBQ for al fresco dining this summer.

For those who like surprises – the past weeks have been full of them – Northern Ireland staying in the Euros (football) and Northern Ireland leaving Europe (politics). More twists and turns are likely in the months ahead.

Adrienne McGill Editor Ambition

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editorial

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

Expert export experience

A

s the newly elected President of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, it is indeed a genuine honour to assume the position.

My predecessor Stephen McCully did a sterling job in his year as President and I thank him for his guidance as I take over the role.

I believe that in the last decade especially, NI Chamber has provided tremendous leadership to the business community, particularly during some very difficult times for the economy.

In my experience, NI Chamber works on a very practical level with businesses from right across Northern Ireland and from all sectors. This includes micro companies with a handful of employees through to global exporters such as my own company, Ulster Carpets. From established networking events, targeted support programmes around sales and exports through to the

06 NI Chamber

contribution we make to the development of government policy, NI Chamber is active on behalf of NI plc, every day, every week of the year.

During my time in office, I will continue with the particular emphasis which NI Chamber places on growth driven by export sales. We have world leading businesses in Northern Ireland, who are helping to make this region set an international benchmark in specific sectors such as life sciences, pharmaceutical innovation, and specialised manufacturing.

In Ulster Carpets, we sell 75 per cent of our floor coverings abroad. Our carpets can be found in every continent and our target markets continue to grow. That requires investment and we haven’t been slow to make the necessary commitments in our manufacturing processes and crucially in our people. We have done so in the context of a long term strategic plan. We have certainly benefitted from Invest NI Trade

Missions, especially to the United Arab Emirates and I think our successful export model can be applied to so many more companies in Northern Ireland.

I am committed to sharing my experience in export markets with others, just as NI Chamber will continue to facilitate and support that work.

With the new ministers now in place, a settled NI Executive means we can hope for a more joined up approach between them.

The early signs are positive and the ministers have certainly hit the ground running. They will need to maintain that early energy because the issues in front of them are manifold. NI Chamber stands ready to work with them to drive us all towards a more prosperous economic future.

Nick Coburn President Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry

sponsored feature

FIRM OFFERING EXPERT HELP FOR SMES LAUNCHES IN NORTHERN IRELAND With the launch of Citation in Northern Ireland, there’s a new way for SMEs across the region to access a host of professional business services including HR, Employment Law, Health and Safety and ISO accreditation. The Manchester headquartered company is expanding across the Irish Sea to establish itself in Northern Ireland, and will be based in Belfast. Looking to increase its turnover in 2016, the award-winning company has recruited a team of four initially that will be headed up by local Belfast lady Angela Prior.

There are approximately 118,000 SMEs in Northern Ireland, with these small to medium sized businesses providing 75% of employment and 75% of turnover in the private sector, the move should significantly enhance Citation’s expansion plans this year and beyond. Furthermore, 80% of Northern Ireland’s SMEs have ambitious plans for growth, opening up plenty of opportunities for Citation and its professional services, which help businesses with their human resources requirements, health and safety needs and necessary ISO accreditations. Citation currently employs 384 people, having quadrupled in size in the last three years, with the company expecting on-going growth in the coming years, of which the market in Northern Ireland will play a large part.

For further information, please visit www.citation.co.uk.

news

Dr Norman Apsley, Catalyst Inc Chief Executive and Richard Milliken, Chairman Catalyst Inc.

NORTHERN IRELAND SCIENCE PARK CHANGES TO CATALYST INC Northern Ireland’s dynamic tech hub has been given a rebrand and unveiled an ambitious 10-year plan to target £100 million of investment.

The Northern Ireland Science Park will be known now as Catalyst Inc, and says it will expand its huge Belfast base, along with two new developments in Londonderry, as part of its new growth plans.

Set up in 1999 to grow and expand the province’s emerging knowledge economy, the science park aims to create 5,000 top jobs, and a total of 1 million sq feet of office space.

It’s already created around 2,600 jobs for the Northern Ireland economy and is home to 160 businesses in technology, science and other fields.

That includes some of Northern Ireland’s top homegrown businesses, such as Novosco, PathXL and 8over8.

Norman Apsley, Chief Executive of Catalyst Inc, said: “Everyone talks about the need to grow the economy and drive our expertise and skills in technology as it is applied to every business sector. What we have done at Catalyst Inc is to provide the right environment for that ambition to take hold and to prosper. Through our collaborative approach we have developed significant and successful partnerships.”

Pictured with the Ministers is Colin Williams, Founder and Creative Director of Sixteen South.

Getting animated First Minister Arlene Foster, and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have officially opened a new four-floor studio for BAFTA-winning and EMMY nominated children’s television producer Sixteen South.

Since investing £1million in the 7,500 sq ft building in the heart of Belfast, Sixteen South, which employs over 100 people, has had its brand new animated series Claude picked up by Disney Junior for broadcast throughout Europe, Middle East, Africa and Australasia.

And it’s hit mixed animation series, Lily’s Driftwood Bay, which airs in more than 100 countries, has just won the prestigious and coveted European Prix Jeunesse award whilst in production of its second series.

Mrs Foster said: “The creative industries in Northern Ireland contribute over £329 million to the local economy and I, and my Executive colleagues are committed to support further growth in this sector.”

She added: “It is companies like Sixteen South, with talented people, including world class animators that are helping to grow this industry and our reputation. “ Mr McGuinness said Sixteen South was proof of how a local company can compete and succeed at the highest level in an exceptionally competitive and dynamic international market.

Colin Williams, Founder and Creative Director of Sixteen South, said he was proud the new studio was home to one of Belfast’s new industries.

Delta founder receives University honour Entrepreneur Terry Cross OBE received an honorary Doctor of Science (DSc) degree from Ulster University at a summer graduation ceremony recently for his distinguished services to business.

The leading businessman founded Belfast based Delta Print and Packaging in 1981 which produces packaging for some of the world’s largest brands including McDonald’s, Kellogg’s and Nestlé.

Last year the company opened the doors to an additional manufacturing facility in Poland.

Both operations employ a total of 325 people.

08 NI Chamber

Earlier this year Mr Cross received an OBE in the New Year’s honours list.

In May, Mr Cross sold Delta to Huhtamaki, a Finnish-based packaging company which already has a factory in Lurgan in an £80 million deal.

He remains as an advisor to Huhtamaki which operates in 34 countries and in 2015 had sales of £2.07 billion.

At the time Rosemary Mason, Managing Director of Huhtamaki Foodservice Western Europe and UK, said the deal allowed the firm to expand its range of products.

Terry Cross OBE.

sponsored feature

PwC and NI HOSPICE ‘A WINNING PARTNERSHIP’ In 2015 PwC embarked on a charity of the year partnership with NI Hospice and generated an astounding £96,412, reaching new levels of Charity Partnership income and exceeding all expectations. An exemplary model of corporate social responsibility.

The partnership was driven by creativity and innovation and although fundraising was a major part of the partnership, NIH and PwC found other ways to tap into resources that benefited each partner. These included providing NI Hospice with access to expert VAT and professional advice and a graduate fundraising research project, while PwC structured a professional volunteering scheme that matched projects with staff and expertise.

Driven by Brendan Miskelly at PwC and Ellen Hillen at NI Hospice, the partnership motivated and encouraged both sets of staff to have a very positive impact on care at the hospice, team building and integrated working. Commenting on the partnership, Brendan said, PwC staff had exceeded even their most ambitious fundraising target: “We were confident we could raise £25,000; we hoped to make it £50,000; but £96,400 was just an incredible achievement.

“In part, the magnitude of the Hospice’s own ambitious fundraising target served as a challenge, for us to dig deeper and try harder. But for many staff this was personal. Over the years, the NI Hospice has cared for our friends, ex-colleagues and family. Staff understood their values and shared them – that was a pig part of our commitment – it was doing the right thing.”

There was a high level of staff engagement and this was mainly due to the innovative initiatives chosen, including ‘Run to the Shops’ a 26 mile run between each of the NI Hospice shops in Belfast and PwC does Strictly Come Dancing, attended by over 500 people. On one day, 350 staff from the PwC NI Deals Team raised £32,000 through a series of activities across Belfast.

Reflecting on the past year, Ellen Hillen, Corporate Fundraising Manager for NI Hospice said: “The overwhelming success of the charity partnership and engagement with our charity has been an inspiration to our team. We have been encouraged by the sheer energy and commitment shown by management and staff at PwC. “The dedication and passion for NI Hospice was evident throughout the partnership as demonstrated by the level of engagement

Ellen Hillen, NI Hospice Corporate Fundraising Manager, David Armstrong, PwC NI Community Affairs Partner, Brendan Miskelly, PwC NI Community Affairs Lead.

undertaken. A ‘Winning Partnership’ for the people of Northern Ireland who will need Hospice care in the years to come.”

PwC has made a valuable contribution to NI Hospice. The £96,412 generated through the partnership will make a significant impact on patient services through funding patient bedrooms in the new purpose-built dementia-friendly Hospice in Belfast, while helping to purchase essential equipment and furnishings.

The wider fundraising programme heralds a new era for Northern Ireland Hospice with its state of the art facility allowing for new levels of world-class palliative care for people with complex care needs, including respiratory illnesses, heart disease and dementia. With 18 single en-suite patient rooms, private peaceful gardens, a children and relatives area, a sanctuary and space for patients and families to spend time together the facility is designed to be a home from home setting for patients and their families.

Eva Toal, Corporate Fundraiser, Brendan Miskelly, PwC NI, Community Affairs Lead, Ellen Hillen, Corporate Fundraising Manager, Loretta Gribben, Director of Nursing & Patient Services.

For more information on NI Hospice visit www.nihospice.org or contact Ellen Hillen, Corporate Fundraising Manager T: 02890 781836 M 07866 701350 E ellen.hillen@nihospice.org

NI Chamber 9

news Belfast Harbour.

Kevin Devlin, Production Director with Co Derry, firm William Clark and Joe Walsh, Director and SAP Associate from FUEL.

BELFAST HARBOUR REPORTS RECORD FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE Belfast Harbour’s Annual Report for 2015 has been published revealing a record financial performance.

Turnover at the Harbour, which handles 70 per cent of Northern Ireland’s seaborne trade and 20 per cent of the island of Ireland’s, rose by 3.4 per cent to £54.3 million while operating profit also increased by 3.4 per cent to stand at £28.7 million.

Infrastructure projects completed during the financial year totalling £18 million – up almost 40 per cent on the previous year – and new projects totalling £100 million which are either underway or due to commence within the next six months.

Commenting on the results Dr. David Dobbin, Belfast Harbour’s Chairman said: “This has been an excellent trading year for Belfast Harbour with 23 million tonnes of cargo being handled by the Port during 2015.”

Property developments progressed by Belfast Harbour included the completion of City Quays 1 (now fully let to high calibre international occupiers), the commencement of work on its 124,000 sq ft sister office, the securing of planning for a four-star hotel at City Quays and the start of work this year on a new 130,000 sq ft film studio.

DATA SCIENTIST ACADEMY LAUNCHED

Economy Minister Simon Hamilton and Neal Killen, Division Director, Liberty IT.

10 NI Chamber

New IT system will be material to growth FUEL High Performance IT has been awarded the contract to implement a complete IT Infrastructure refresh for one of Northern Ireland’s oldest companies.

The Portadown based IT firm is implementing the new system for Co Derry firm William Clark in Upperlands, near Maghera, which has been in operation for centuries and specialises in the manufacture of traditional fabrics.

The upgrade includes a new cutting edge server running the SAP Business One software.

Joe Walsh, Director of FUEL said: “I am delighted, having embarked on this journey with William Clark, that FUEL and the SAP Business One solution has

Economy Minister Simon Hamilton has launched the first Data Scientist Academy in conjunction with eight locally based companies.

Data Science is the more technical manipulation of data, providing predictive and prescriptive data analysis using high level mathematical and programming skills to provide bespoke solutions.

The Academy will focus on the core skills essential to secure a graduate role in a Data Analytics team. It will provide the graduates with the skills and experience required to take up new opportunities within the Big Data arena. This has been identified as a key growth area and these skills are in demand from employers across all sectors.

The bespoke course has been designed by Ulster University in

been recognised as the solution best suited to support the directors and management team plan and build for the future of the company.”

Kevin Devlin, Production Director at William Clark said: “William Clark have set enterprising growth targets for the next few years and needed to put in place an ERP solution that could develop as the company continues to grow. This ERP management solution also needed a stable IT Infrastructure platform to be placed on. FUEL, in our opinion, was the company that demonstrated to us the required expertise, tenacity and determination to partner us on our journey.”

conjunction with the Department for the Economy, Invest Northern Ireland and local industry under the Assured Skills initiative.

One of the companies engaged in the Academy is Liberty IT. Its Divisional Director, Neal Killen said: “As data drives more and more of our daily decisions, we as a company need to embrace, understand and employ cutting-edge practices in collecting and analysing business data. This data is the fuel we use to make decisions across our organisation and is an activity that requires particular skills which the Data Scientist Academy will help students to acquire.”

The companies involved in the Academy are Kainos, Liberty IT, Citi, Allstate, Hughes Insurance, Exploristics, Chain Reaction Cycles and See Sense.

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news

New President’s charity – NI Hospice NI Chamber’s new President Nick Coburn has chosen the NI Hospice as the organisation’s charity for the year.

The Hospice provides specialist care to children, young people and adults with life-limiting illness. Its aim in both the adult and children’s service is to provide the best quality of life for patients and their families in the Hospice and in the community.

The charity recently opened a new £13 million state-of-theart adult hospice on the Somerton Road in Belfast.

NI Chamber President Nick Coburn said: “Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry is delighted to nominate the NI Hospice as our charity of the year.

It costs £6 million a year to keep the Hospice services running and 60 per cent of this figure must be raised through voluntary donations. We look forward to helping raise much needed funds for the charity.”

Northern Ireland Hospice Chief Executive Heather Weir said: “We welcome the appointment of our organisation as Mr Coburn’s chosen charity during his Presidential term. This opportunity could not have been better timed for Northern Ireland Hospice which recently opened a new £13 million dementia-friendly hospice in Belfast.

“Continued support is vital for the highest-quality palliative care services we provide at our new facility and in the community, as well as our programmes that have placed Northern Ireland at the forefront of palliative care education and research. We look forward to working alongside Mr Coburn and to a successful partnership.”

Eva Toal (Corporate Fundraising Assistant), Ann McGregor ( Chief Executive NI Chamber), Nick Coburn (President NI Chamber) and Heather Weir (Chief Executive NI Hospice).

Monye Anyadike-Danes QC.

Prestigious role for top QC A leading Northern Ireland barrister has been appointed Chair of the British Irish Commercial Bar Association (BICBA).

Monye Anyadike-Danes QC is the first female and the first person from Northern Ireland to hold the position. The appointment places Northern Ireland at the centre of an influential group of lawyers practicing within the UK, Ireland and beyond.

The BICBA brings together lawyers from across the UK and Ireland who practice commercial law to provide support, training and information sharing.

Commenting on her appointment Monye AnyadikeDanes said: “I am honoured to be selected as Chair of the

British Irish Commercial Bar Association. I have been involved with BICBA since 2013 and I am very pleased to bring the position of Chair to Northern Ireland for the first time.

“I believe that Northern Ireland has much to offer businesses and aim to facilitate this region as a ‘one stop shop’ for all commercial needs, from the small start up to large multi nationals. I should like to use my chairmanship to help showcase the legal talents within Northern Ireland as well as the wider UK and Ireland.”

Monye Anyadike-Danes was called to the Bar of Northern Ireland in 1997 and took silk in 2007. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and a CEDR registered Mediator.

BBA appoints new Chair in Northern Ireland A former senior banker in Northern Ireland has been appointed as the inaugural Non-Executive Chairman of the British Bankers’ Association (BBA) for the region.

Ian Jordan will represent the banking sector in Northern Ireland when dealing with, amongst others, government, business organisations, trade unions, farming organisations, and educational institutions.

He will Chair the BBA’s Northern Ireland Committee, which comprises the CEO’s/ Country Heads of Retail Banks in Northern Ireland and he will also sit on the BBA’s UK Retail Policy and Corporate Committee.

The BBA has actively supported the banking sector in the country for a number of years but

12 NI Chamber

this is the first time that a permanent senior presence and supporting structure has been established. The position and Northern Ireland Committee will provide greater opportunity for the banking sector to engage with stakeholders and consumer representatives in Northern Ireland and gives a voice to policy debates in the UK that might otherwise go unheard. It also gives BBA members in Northern Ireland a direct contact on all banking issues.

Ian has 15 years banking experience, having previously held a number of senior roles in Ulster Bank, including Head of Business Banking Northern Ireland and Head of Business Direct across Ireland. He is a Chartered Accountant and worked for over 10 years in Corporate Finance.

Ian Jordan.

columnist

Consumers are increasingly embracing digital channels when dealing with their finances says Sinéad Dillon, Principal Consultant, Fujitsu.

Banking on change

M

ore and more of us unconsciously use digital interactions in our everyday lives. From ordering groceries online to using Netflix or Amazon Prime to watch movies, digital plays an increasingly prominent part in our daily routine. With these types of interactions becoming commonplace, Fujitsu has noted a shift in consumer expectations from the services they use – particularly in the financial sector.

Consumer expectation towards banking and finance is increasingly informed by the experiences they have outside the sector. With people from Northern Ireland spending an average of 21.6 hours a week online – that’s above the UK average – they expect the ease and efficiency they experience when booking a holiday with the likes of Airbnb or ordering takeout from Just Eat, to be replicated in their financial dealings. The ‘Fujitsu European Financial Services Study 2016’ carried out by Coleman Parkes Research, highlights this shift in consumer behaviour as digital-first demand continues to drive a new pace of change across the banking and insurance sectors, presenting both challenges and opportunities for businesses and consumers.

According to the 7,000 survey respondents, digital plays an increasingly prominent part in their financial interactions, with more than a third (37%) threatening to leave their provider if they don’t offer up-to-date technology. Consumers are showing they are open to innovative services to make their lives easier, with 32 per cent already embracing mobile device

payments while 22 per cent have adopted wearable technologies. This progressive consumer attitude has led to a willingness to buy more services from financial providers. One in three said they would consider buying energy for their home while 30 per cent said they would purchase broadband services from their bank or insurer.

Yet while presenting traditional service providers with a wealth of opportunity, this progressiveness comes with a warning bell. A fifth of respondents said they would buy banking or insurance services from those not traditionally associated with the industry like Google, Amazon or Facebook.

This digitally open attitude also extends to day-to-day interaction with banks. Online banking is the most popular channel across Europe, with three in four using it at least once a week. Yet, while traditional channels are declining in comparison, they still represent a huge swathe of consumers; 34 per cent visit their bank branch at least weekly, while an even higher 36 per cent use the telephone to speak with their banking provider. Northern Ireland faces its own particular challenges in this area. According to the Consumer Council, consumers here lag behind the rest of the UK in terms of online banking usage, with 51 per cent of people (compared to the UK average of 57 per cent) choosing to bank in this way. While the Ofcom Communications Market report shows Northern Ireland residents spend the highest proportion of time online in the UK, broadband take-up in Northern Ireland is below the UK average,

with 72 per cent of homes having a broadband connection (fixed and mobile), compared to 80 per cent for the UK as a whole.

Modernising back offices systems to incorporate both digital and traditional channels can help respond to evolving consumer needs while offering providers growth opportunities.

Consumers’ appetite for digital has also impacted data sharing. Across Europe, 97 per cent of those surveyed said they were happy for banks or insurers to use their data to offer them a better service. For example, nearly half (47%) of consumers would allow banks or insurers to use their data to recommend relevant products and services. While this presents financial providers with growth opportunities, the onus is on the sector to ensure this – and all banking data – is secure through the adoption of additional security services such as biometric technology and two-part authentication.

To build on this progressive digitalisation, the financial services sector must continue to commit to on-going innovation. To be successful – and stand up to increased competition – it can invest in modernising its own infrastructure to ensure its customer security and cope with increased data activity. Working with the industry and suppliers, banks and insurers can encourage mass adoption of new channels, services and technologies.

Ultimately, consumers want evolution; the modern-day financial services sector must come together to boldly embrace this, or risk being forgotten.

NI Chamber 13

news Deloitte Chairman Nick Owen and Chief Executive David Sproul of Deloitte in the UK.

Adding to figures Deloitte is powering ahead with plans to grow its workforce substantially in Northern Ireland.

Adrienne McGill talks to deloitte’s UK Chairman Nick Owen and Chief Executive David Sproul and hears about the EXPANSION.

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eloitte, the professional services firm, is continuing its massive jobs expansion in Northern Ireland with the creation of 300 more jobs than previously announced.

The company, one of the so-called ‘big four’ accountancy firms, recently announced plans to have a workforce of 1,000 in the region by 2020.

In September 2014, Deloitte said it would create 338 jobs over the following five years as part of the second phase of its growth plans at its Belfast Delivery Centre, in an investment of £30 million that was backed by a financial package of £2.6 million from Invest NI. The new roles in technology, pensions, actuarial consulting and finance aimed to increase its local workforce to 700 by 2019.

However, due to the uptake, Deloitte found itself to be ahead of schedule to deliver on those commitments, with more than 200 new staff hired since the start of the last recruitment campaign. The firm now has a total of 460 employees in Northern Ireland with another 43 young people set to join Deloitte in Belfast through its award-winning BrightStart Apprenticeship Scheme in September.

The firm anticipates that many of the additional jobs it will create in the next four years will build on the strong expertise already established in its Technology Studio located in Belfast’s Gasworks site, in areas

14 NI Chamber

such as data science and analytics, cyber security and digital engineering. Deloitte will also continue to grow its human capital, actuarial, tax and audit practices.

Following the latest recruitment drive, Belfast will be Deloitte’s largest office outside of London.

Visiting Belfast to announce the expansion Nick Owen, Chairman of Deloitte in the UK, said: “That is testament to the success that the team here has enjoyed since announcing significant expansion plans and the breadth of expertise within the business.

“This commitment by Deloitte reflects the confidence we have in Belfast as a great place to do business and as a hotbed of talent, particularly for graduates and school leavers.

“It also demonstrates our continued commitment to social mobility as a core part of our talent strategy and our desire to continue to further deliver on this commitment in Northern Ireland.

“We are business advisors and also a high end technology firm. We have a consulting capability with a huge technology presence in it and that is what we are building.

“Northern Ireland has been a particularly good source of excellent technology graduates and we have a great partnership with Ulster University and Belfast Metropolitan College.

“Each of our clients have businesses with

a lot of technology in them and that means that we need to have great technology skills to serve them. Data security and cyber intelligence are important areas of our business and we are developing those services.”

Deloitte’s UK Chief Executive David Sproul said the work undertaken at Deloitte’s digital and analytical hub in Belfast was having an impact globally.

“We continue to recruit for expertise in technology and consulting, digital and analytics. Work undertaken in Belfast is exported around the world. Our centre of excellence works in terms of the ability to attract talent, in terms of the partnership with government, universities and colleges, and in terms of the connectivity between the people here and our other offices.

Fundamentally we are a business and Belfast has to work for us – it certainly does work which means we can keep growing.

“What is important is that this works for the long term. We are building something which is sustainable and we can keep attracting people into it.”

During their visit, Nick Owen and David Sproul met First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.

Deloitte’s Senior Partner in Belfast Jackie Henry said the meeting “confirmed our belief that Belfast will continue to be a good place to do business in the years ahead”.

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columnist

Time to restructure and re-energise your business?

Businesses need reorganisation now and again.

Trevor Annon, Chairman of the Mount Charles Group, looks at the reasons.

16 NI Chamber

E

very company throughout its lifecycle, from inception to maturity, experiences the need to change.

The reasons for change vary from diversification and growth to a merger or acquisition, or simply the need to minimise losses or cut down on overheads.

No business can continue in the same way forever and whether it’s adapting existing systems, processes or even your people, it’s the organisations that recognise the requirement to do this from time to time that continue to grow and flourish.

The truth is that those who don’t, often struggle to remain relevant and agile in our ever-changing business environment.

A classic example is that of Kodak, the company synonymous with photography and film. You will likely already know about their meteoric crash from a one-time technology leader to that of a bankrupt company in 2012, having spent billions on failed attempts to improve their fortunes.

Many predicted at that point that Kodak would disappear into oblivion, but instead the company reinvented itself as an advanced manufacturing firm, inventing and selling hi-tech printing equipment.

What they’ve done is terrific and I think if there is anything we can learn from the Kodak experience it’s that companies should be encouraged to bite the proverbial bullet and make the hard decisions and the necessary changes sooner rather than later.

In the past five years and even more so in the past six months, Mount Charles has undergone much organisational change. After 27 years in business, we like to think we know what we’re doing but we’re also aware that there is always something we could be doing better.

We’ve got an enhanced senior management team in place with key appointments including a new Group Catering Director and a new Finance Director. We also have a new middle management structure in place, with workload split on a regional basis, allowing each of our Regional Managers

to really dedicate themselves to their area.

We’ve expanded into new markets, both Republic of Ireland and mainland GB, and since 2012, we have introduced three new divisions that are contributing significantly to our overall revenue: cleaning, security and more recently, an outside events beverage provision.

That only really scratches the surface of the changes we’ve implemented to ensure our longevity, but it gives a flavour of the scale.

Based on the Mount Charles experience, I have a few pieces of advice for anyone on the cusp of organisational change.

First, you must question the status quo and consider alternative ways of doing business that are either more efficient, more cost effective or more innovative – considering how you might remain relevant in an ever-more technological world is something that no-one can afford to ignore.

Second, always commit to quality over quantity, both in terms of your people and your products or services.

A team made up of people who are

true experts in their fields and who are accountable and creative is a team that can drive your business forward. With high quality products, everyone’s job is that bit easier.

My third bit of advice is to encourage more collaboration, both internally and externally, whether that be with your customers or others within your industry. A good example of that is with Chef Network Ireland – it’s a professional all-Ireland network aiming to bring chefs together to communicate, share ideas and innovate. We’re leading the charge on this in Northern Ireland and while it’s early days, the initial progress is promising.

I think the term ‘business restructuring’ almost carries with it a negative connotation, something that is only done when a company is in dire straits.

My message is this: don’t wait until your business is at breaking point to make changes. Really this is about recognising opportunities not only for short-term progress and growth, but to reinvigorate and truly future-proof your business.

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feature

BREXIT – DOORS TO MANUAL? The UK has voted to leave the European Union to take greater control of its economy and its borders. The decision launches what will be years of negotiations over trade, business and political links with the EU which will shrink to a 27-nation bloc. Richard Ramsey, Chief Economist, NI, Ulster Bank examines the implications for Northern Ireland. cause more public expenditure headaches for Northern Ireland.

1. What does it mean for economic growth?

Economists will be revising down their forecasts for UK economic growth this year and slashing them for next year.

Economists in the Republic of Ireland will be doing likewise. The UK economy will slow in the second half of this year, with growth expected around 1.6 per cent. We expect this growth rate to be halved next year. Northern Ireland’s growth prospects will be even less favourable where it will feel the chill of both the UK and Republic of Ireland economic slowdowns. Whether this means a return to negative rates of growth remains to be seen. However, it certainly can’t be ruled out. The economic slowdown will require further stimulus from the Bank of England, so we anticipate Bank Rate to be lowered, possibly to zero.

2. What does it mean for the public finances?

The Referendum debate had put concerns over the UK’s public finances on the back burner during recent months.

However, they will soon very much be back on the agenda. With the downward revisions to economic growth resulting from the Referendum result, the public finances are going to go from bad to worse, due to tax receipt forecasts being hit hard. The net result is that the public finances will be in much worse shape than had previously been expected, and this will

18 NI Chamber

3. What does it mean for household finances?

The overall negative impact on economic growth and the public finances will have a detrimental effect on households. Weaker sterling means the cost of imports will rise which will feed through into higher food prices, petrol prices and other consumer prices in due course. Disposable incomes have been boosted due to the fact that inflation has been rising at a lower rate than wages, as pressure on businesses and the public finances could make pay rises in both the public and private sectors difficult.

We could see this reverse again next year with disposable incomes being squeezed.

On a positive note, homeowners with mortgages linked to the Bank Rate will likely see reductions in their monthly mortgage payments.

4. What does it mean for trade?

In the short-term, the fall in the value of the pound will provide a boost to exporters, not least in our largest export market the Republic of Ireland. However, sterling weakness is a double-edged sword as the cost of imports will start to rise. Private sector firms in the Ulster Bank NI PMI had already be signalling a marked increase in input cost inflation due to a rise in energy costs and wage pressures (due in part to the recent introduction of the National Living Wage). This could lead to a squeeze in profitably. In the longer-term, there is a bigger question around what our trading arrangements with the rest of the world will be. Will we remain in the single market? If not, what tariffs will apply to the price of the goods that we import and export?

5. What does it mean for tourism?

As with trade, the immediate impact from a weaker pound makes Northern Ireland a competitive destination for tourists. The local tourism industry could also be given a boost via the ‘staycation’ market due to the increased cost for Northern Ireland people of holidaying in other currency zones, including the Republic of Ireland.

The longer-term issue is what happens with our border with the Eurozone. A big objective of the tourism authorities is to attract US visitors and others holidaying in the Republic of Ireland to visit and stay in Northern Ireland as well. A hard border would not likely help in the achievement of this goal. Linked to that, if people from Northern Ireland are holidaying in the EU in future, will we face longer passport control queues? The tourism industry also sources a significant share of its workforce from the rest of the EU. What will happen to this existing workforce and where will the future supply of labour come from?

6. What does it mean for foreign direct investment?

The pursuit of FDI (particularly from the US) has been a big objective of Northern Ireland policymakers. A key reason why Northern Ireland has been attractive to these foreign-owned companies is access to the EU market of 500 million people (the largest single market in the world).

Indeed, it is questionable whether many

of them would be here at all, without this market access. The Referendum result raises questions about the ability to attract FDI in the future – and remember this is a key policy objective. It also raises questions about the sustainability of foreign investment already here. Until there is clarity around what our new trading arrangements will be (are we going to be in the Single Market or not?), Northern Ireland could be seen as a no-go zone for some FDI. 7. What happens to Northern Ireland’s planned reduction in corporation tax?

Northern Ireland’s flagship economic development policy tool must now be in question, and its potential value will no doubt be revisited. An introduction of a cut to 12.5 per cent, funded by the NI Executive, was hoped to bring tens of thousands of jobs into the economy, but this was predicated on Single Market access. For many firms, market access trumps tax rates. There was resistance to funding the cut when the job creation benefits relative to cost were clearer. Now, even those who have been pro cutting corporation tax may find it difficult to justify the significant reduction in the Block Grant that might result.

8. What does it mean for jobs?

Slower economic growth and a potential return to recession would be accompanied by job losses and rising unemployment.

Investment plans by companies will likely

be postponed or cancelled which would hamper job creation and potentially mean that some staff would be surplus to requirements. Pressures on public finances will also likely mean public sector cuts, which would lead to further pressure on public sector jobs. The wider jobs issue is that of supply of labour. A number of industries are reliant on workers from the rest of the EU, including the NHS, the hospitality sector, food producers and aspects of manufacturing, and the construction sector, for instance. Where will these industries source their labour from if the tap is turned off in relation to incoming skills?

9. What does it mean for agriculture / agri-food?

There will be a significant shortterm gain for the agri-food sector from the exchange rate, with sterling considerably weakened. This includes short-term benefits both for exports and subsidies currently paid by the EU. But concerns within the sector are focused outside of exchange rates and are longer-term. These concerns include what will happen to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). It is difficult to see how Northern Ireland will get as favourable terms outside of the EU as it does inside. It is also feared that the agri-food sector would face the steepest tariffs. Overall, NI’s agri-food sector is a bigger proportion of the economy than in any other parts of the UK, so the sector will be watching negotiations with some interest.

10. What does it mean for politics?

Before the EU Referendum, the focus had been on sorting out the public finances and recovering from the last financial crisis. Now instead of the government investing its focus on finishing this important job, the whole machinery of government will now be tasked with renegotiating our relationship with the EU. This means issues such dealing with the NHS and the economy have been relegated in importance. A can of worms has also been opened politically across the UK, with some referring to a ‘Disunited Kingdom’ emerging. Remember, in Northern Ireland the economy was the number one priority. Now, as in the rest of the UK, politics is overshadowing it. A political can of worms has also be opened in the EU as a whole with the rise of populist politics changing the face of the EU as we know it. Watch this space….

NI Chamber 19

feature

Timetable for change Translink’s Chief Executive Chris Conway is driving ahead with plans to transform public transport across Northern Ireland. Adrienne McGill hears what’s on the road map.

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reating and maintaining a sustainable public transport system in cities, towns and rural areas is vital to the economic development of a region. It forms the backbone of any efficient urban mobility system and helps make regions more dynamic and competitive.

A good public transport system must be easy and convenient to use, fast, safe, clean and affordable. From a social perspective, it is often the only means of transport for many people. Without it, they would be able to look at work opportunities only within walking distance of their homes – public transport therefore improves their livelihood opportunities. It also gives them greater access to education, healthcare and recreation. For senior citizens, people with disabilities and children, public transport can often be their main means of mobility.

In addition public transport provides an alternative means of travel to the private vehicle which, given the importance of reducing carbon emissions, has become increasingly vital.

In Northern Ireland, Chris Conway, Chief Executive of Translink, which provides public transport across the region through NI Railways, Ulsterbus and Metro, is charged with the task of delivering an efficient public transport system.

“We deliver 80 million passenger journeys a year – 40 million on Ulsterbus, 26 million on Metro and 14 million on train – and operate 12,500 bus and train services every day,” says Mr Conway.

“On a day-to-day basis we are bringing people to work, school, university, health and social engagements. The number of passengers across our services is continuing to grow.

“Public transport is essential for a lot of people, especially for social inclusion.

Around 36 per cent of households in

20 NI Chamber

greater Belfast do not have access to a car and so depend on public transport and it is also essential for a lot of communities outside the cities. Public transport is not anti-car, it is a sustainable mode of transport which also links in with car use through park and ride services.”

Mr Conway, who took up his position with Translink last September, has extensive international business experience. He previously worked with Tata Steel Europe as Managing Director Tata Steel Distribution Ireland and before that as Vice President Operations for Nortel Networks in Europe. His background therefore gives him a good basis for appreciating what overseas investors are looking for in terms of transport provision when deciding on investment locations.

“Public transport is a big driver for the economy,” says Mr Conway.

“When foreign direct investors come they want to see a region that can get people efficiently and reliably to different places and which has a good public transport network. For companies investing outside cities you need to have good bus and rail connections so people can travel to work. Having good public transport links is essential to growing the Northern Ireland economy and encouraging businesses to invest here.”

Significant investment is being made into transforming the public transport offering with two major projects on the horizon. The Belfast Rapid Transit scheme where Translink has been awarded the operational contract by the Department for Infrastructure will provide a highfrequency corridor using bus-trams from Dundonald park and ride into Belfast city centre and onto the Falls Road. It will be similar to the Luas in Dublin and will go into service at the end of 2018.

Then there’s the re-development of Belfast’s Great Victoria Street train station and the adjacent bus station to form an integrated Belfast Transport Hub with rail, bus, cycle, taxi and car facilities.

While planning permission has yet to be sought, initial site clearance has begun and Translink envisages that construction could start in 2018 for opening in the early to mid-2020s.

Under the plans, the Enterprise crossborder train service to Dublin would be diverted to the Hub from its current terminus at Belfast central, which would continue to be serviced by local trains.

While government funding has still to be agreed, it has been identified by the Executive as one of seven flagship projects for funding.

“The Belfast Rapid Transit system will transform how people view public transport – they will see it as a fast efficient way of getting into and moving around the city centre while the Transport Hub will signal that Northern Ireland is committed to providing attractive public transport services and facilities which deliver an excellent customer journey experience,” says Mr Conway.

Investment has also been made in technology which Mr Conway believes will play a big part in how people view public transport going forward.

“Translink already has a real time information system on Metro buses, and on rail you can look at an app and it will say when your next bus or train is coming, I would like to extend that to the rest of the network. We have also introduced mLink which is a ticket on your mobile phone.

You can buy it on your mobile and then just show it to the driver. We’ve got that on rail and recently introduced it on Metro for day tickets.”

He concedes that integrated ticketing –

Translink’s Chief Executive Chris Conway.

where tickets are interchangeable between bus and train journeys – is not as flexible as he would like. There are plans to introduce a new ticketing system so that tickets are integrated across all of the bus and train network.

“The aim is that by 2020, an e-purse system will be in operation, similar to the Oyster card system used on Transport for London services where you can put money on your card and use it across all forms of public transport.”

Funding for Translink’s plans remains an issue. While revenues stand at almost £200 million, the public sector financial squeeze has hit the company. Capital spending is more limited than Translink would wish and, as required by the Department for Infrastructure, the company has had to operate at a loss partly funded by financial reserves. In the financial year to March 2015, pre-tax losses topped £16.6 million on a revenue of £198 million.

Mr Conway says he hopes that the Executive will restore the fuel duty rebate of £10 million which was removed 2 years ago in a move which saw government funding reduced by 20 per cent.

“We have cut costs back as far as we can go – this has included management overhead changes and the reduction of services which were not profitable.

“We are a public corporation and our shareholder is the government. We have introduced a stream of efficiency measures to make us a much more efficient organisation.”

He also says that Translink would like to see fare increases in future linked to inflation. The company recently launched a plan to increase passenger journey numbers on buses and trains by 1 million per year.

Fares were frozen in 2016 but followed an above-inflation 4 per cent hike in 2015.

However, any change in policy around fares would need agreement with the

Minister for infrastructure and the NI Consumer Council.

Translink has set a target to provide 85 million journeys per year by 2021 and has launched a plan entitled ‘Get on Board’ in conjunction with the Department for Infrastructure to attract more passengers.

Recently the company joined forces with NI Chamber to promote the value of public transport with the first ever Bus and Train week aimed at encouraging more people to give the bus and train a go and to emphasise the importance of public transport to the economy and society.

Looking ahead Mr Conway says: “I believe we can transform public transport over the next 10 years. We can really make a big difference about how public transport is viewed in Northern Ireland by everyone.”

NI Chamber 21

feature

On the flight path to growth The skies are buzzing this summer over George Best Belfast City Airport with planes jetting to sun-drenched destinations. Adrienne McGill hears from its Commercial and Marketing Director Katy Best about what’s on the radar.

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ith speculation rising that George Best Belfast City Airport (BCA) is on the verge of being sold by its current owners Eiser Global Infrastructure Fund to a consortium led by 3i Infrastructure as part of a deal worth nearly £500 million, the proposed takeover comes as the facility heads into its busiest time of the year.

Aer Lingus has increased the number of flights to sun destinations including Faro, Malaga and Palma and added Alicante, there’s Brussels Airlines’ new service to the Belgian capital and with more Flybe flights to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Liverpool, it looks like it’s going to be a bumper summer at the airport.

UK regional airline Flybe is BCA’s biggest tenant, while British Airways, Aer Lingus and Dutch airline KLM also fly from the facility. There are also two direct

22 NI Chamber

Heathrow flights operated by Aer Lingus and British Airways and a London City Airport link by Flybe.

While not wishing to comment on the takeover talks, Katy Best, BCA’s Commercial and Marketing Director, says the focus is on growing domestic and european networks.

“By and large we follow a strategy whereby we want to maximize our domestic network here and Flybe have been doing a fantastic job with that.

“However, our growth strategy is also very much focused on short haul european destinations. The great thing is we are building better business cases for new routes all the time because there is much greater investment in Belfast and the city is recognised as a major business tourism destination.

“We have the new route with Brussels Airlines, we are into the second year of

our KLM route to Amsterdam, and we also have a new leisure route to Alicante with Aer Lingus.”

Although Flybe and Aer Lingus have both ceased the Gatwick route and BA sister airline Vueling withdrew last year after running a Barcelona route for less than 12 months, passenger numbers at BCA have grown and will reach 2.8 million this year – a slight increase on 2015 when it stood at 2.7 million.

BCA management have said in the past that they hope the airport will cater for 4 million passengers annually within the next decade.

Katy says she is unfazed by Ryanair launching a range of routes to Europe and to London Gatwick from rival Belfast International Airport (BIA). Ryanair had previously operated from BCA but withdrew after a dispute over a runway extension.

“For us, the important thing is that we have a route network which we know the Northern Ireland public want and we know the demand is there,” she says.

“Having the London Heathrow route and having 9 flights a day is a fundamental link for business and leisure passengers from Northern Ireland.”

While the take-off of Brussels Airlines’ new five times a week service from BCA to the Belgian capital on 27 March should have been a cause for celebration, it was overshadowed by the horrific terrorist attack the previous week on Brussels Airport and a city centre metro station leaving dozens of people dead and injured.

“The attacks in Brussels caused considerable disruption with flights being cancelled and rerouted. The service from Belfast was rerouted to Antwerp and we worked very closely with Brussels Airport and Brussels Airlines to get the schedule back in place,” says Katy.

She also says, although in its early stages, load factors on the BCA to Brussels service, which will operate all year round on a weekly basis with 1,000 seats on the route, have so far been good.

Meanwhile, the issue of BCA’s longstanding expansion plans continues.

The Minister for Infrastructure (formerly Environment) is currently considering an application by the airport to remove the cap on the number of seats it can sell.

Earlier this year, a report by the Planning Appeals Committee recommended that the limitation, currently set at 2 million per year, be removed provided that noise control measures are put in place.

However residents living near the facility have voiced, concerns that lifting the cap, would result in a busier and noisier airport.

They maintain that while there’s still an official annual limit of 48,000 on the number of flights from the airport, if the passenger cap is removed, there will be nothing to prevent all 48,000 of those planes being of the larger and noisier type currently using the airport.

“We are now in the final chapter of an 11 year process,” says Katy Best.

“The public inquiry into our planning agreement has been concluded. There has been a recommendation by the PAC that the seats for sale clause within the planning agreement be removed and that it is replaced with a noise contour which is the industry standard for monitoring and regulating noise activity around airports.

The noise contour allows us to reassure the

Bank of Ireland achieves 5 Star Rating for business current accounts Bank of Ireland UK has been awarded 5 Star Ratings for Small Business Growth account by Moneyfacts, following its annual independent assessment of the business current account market across the UK. Bernard Rooney, NI Consumer & Small Business, said: “Bank of Ireland UK is committed to making banking easier for our customers and to providing practical solutions to support all sectors and sizes of business through their lifecycle.

“In designing this proposition, we worked closely with business customers at early and growth stages to understand what they want and what they need. We are delighted with the successful uptake of the new product since launch in February 2015 and would like

community that we are working within a noise footprint that has been agreed.

“That brings us into line with airports in the rest of the UK. We expect in the coming weeks that the recommendation will be converted into a ministerial decision and the process will be closed.”

In March, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (now Economy) announced that £4 million is to be made available over the next three years to support the development of new air routes for Northern Ireland.

“When you are trying to win business for Northern Ireland you are competing with the whole of Europe,” says Katy.

“We are now getting support from the NI Executive and that puts us on a more competitive footing. We are hopeful of a new route to Germany and to summer destinations for next year.

“We are keen to have services to cities in Europe which are not currently served such as Madrid, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf or Cologne.

“Our focus for new route development has taken us into mainland Europe, for which there has been great demand from our passengers. This is where we see most of our new opportunities coming from.”

Pictured is Claire Derby, Business Advisor, Belfast City Branch, Bank of Ireland UK and Bernard Rooney, Head of Branches West at Bank of Ireland UK with the accolade boasting the five star rating.

to thank our customers for the invaluable contribution. We believe that maintaining a close working relationship with our customers is the best way to drive innovation that is relevant to their needs.”

Lee Tillcock, Editor at Moneyfacts, said: “The day-to-day costs of having a business current account are an important concern for many business owners. In light of this, the accounts from Bank of Ireland UK have achieved the highest rating in the 2016 Business Current Account Star Ratings due to their cost-effectiveness. These competitive accounts can support small businesses in their early stages and can reduce their financial burdens while they continue to grow.”

Moneyfacts Star Ratings assess the

technical merit of a range of financial products, paying close attention to the ‘added quality’ features. For Bank of Ireland UK it demonstrates the importance of customer relationships to understanding what people and business need.

The 5 Star Rating follows a comparison of important charges and features including account management, card availability, credit interest, overdraft availability, introductory offers, standing charges and transfer and faster payments costs.

Please visit https://boini.bankofireland. com/business/business-packages/smallbusiness-packages/ for further information.

NI Chamber 23

SEE.SENSE WINS TOP PRIZE IN SME COMPETITION Pictured: Philip McAleese, See.Sense Cofounder and CEO and Irene McAleese, See.Sense Co-founder and CMO along with Brian Ewart, BT Head of Major Deals and Business Development.

A Northern Ireland company which aims to use

City, Connected Society and the Internet of Things – with one

technology to make cycling and cities safer, smarter and

being crowned overall winner, entries were received from 70

more enjoyable was crowned the overall winner of the

companies, with just eight making the final shortlist.

BT Infinity Lab SME Awards 2016: Connected Cities, run

Each was invited to pitch ideas in a “Dragons’ Den” style

in partnership with the Cabinet Office, MK:Smart and

showdown to a panel of industry experts from the Cabinet

TechHub.

Office, the Department for Transport, TechHub, Milton Keynes

See.Sense, a technology company based in Newtownards, scooped the top title for its ICON intelligent and connected cycle

Council, NHS England and BT. See.Sense won the Smart City prize as well as being judged

light, which was judged to have the greatest potential to make

the overall winner and now has the opportunity to work with

a difference to the cities of the future. The company walked

MK:Smart, in one of the country’s most advanced Smart Cities,

away with £15,000 prize money plus six months’ membership

to turn their dream into a reality.

of TechHub, a global community set up to help technological

Irene McAleese, Co-founder and chief marketing officer, See. Sense, said:

entrepreneurs and start-ups.

As well as being a market-leading cycle light that keeps cyclists

“Having the opportunity to develop our idea into something

safer on the road, ICON contains sensors which collect high-

that will really help transform cities of the future and make a real

quality data about any crashes, near miss-events, road surfaces,

impact on society is really exciting.”

light levels and more. This information can then be used by city

Ian Dalton, President of Government and Health, BT,

planners to create better cycling infrastructure and smart cities.

said: “This competition has really highlighted the rich vein of

The competition gave small to medium enterprises (SMEs)

dynamism and innovation that exists in the UK’s SME market.

the chance to showcase their big ideas for innovative digital

It demonstrates how they can make a big difference not only

products and services to help cities become more connected,

to the public sector but in helping shape our cities of the future

efficient and sustainable. Split into three categories – Smart

through their imaginative digital products and services.”

Building a Smart Connected Economy for Northern Ireland

Pictured at the event is Peter Russell, (second from left), General Manager BT Business NI with guest speakers: Mike Blackburn, Vice President, Strategy & Planning BT; Graham Sutherland, CEO BT Business & Public Sector; Dan Byles, Chairman of Smarter UK; Deborah Colville, Smart City Portfolio Manager, Belfast City Council; and Geoff Snelson, Director of Strategy, Milton Keynes Council.

24 NI Chamber

Business leaders from across Northern Ireland attended the 8th BT Business Innovation Breakfast which took place at Riddel Hall, Belfast recently. Guests learned how the ‘Internet of Things’ will drive business opportunity, regeneration and innovation for people and businesses.

Speakers included Geoff Snelson who spoke about the experience of making Milton Keynes a Smart City while Dan Byles, Chairman

of Smarter UK talked about the crucial role technology is having in the new industrial revolution. Graham Sutherland, CEO BT Business & Public Sector outlined how BT is investing to support future businesses in this smart connected economy, and Deborah Colville, Smart City Portfolio Manager, Belfast City Council described the impact technology is having in Belfast now and plans for the city’s smarter connected future.

columnist

Swatting up on cyber security in schools When I was a child, trolls were mythical creatures that hid under bridges and accosted Billy Goats Gruff as they sought to overpass streams to eat lush green grass in distant fields. Today, trolls are just one of the threats that young people need to be aware of as they explore the wonders and dangers of the internet and social media.

Cyber safety is one of the biggest concerns facing parents, teachers and others as children become more immersed in the online world.

Children know the internet is a magical thing that can answer obscure questions; provide printable templates of any animal to colour in; and serve endlessly-repeatable videos of startled cats.

They also know that it’s a wonderful learning tool, and somewhere that they can engage with their friends and family at anytime, anywhere. And increasingly they are realising that it offers wonderful career opportunities.

But do they know enough about phishing, viruses, social networking etiquette, online privacy, and countless other internet safety or security issues? The answer is most likely not. But in Northern Ireland, we at IT3Sixty are doing our best, in tandem with IT employers such as PwC, to help ensure that changes.

We are engaging almost 70,000 primary school children in cyber security lessons. The Junior Bring IT On programme will work with 840 primary schools to enhance young people’s understanding of how to stay safe online.

Every P5-7 pupil in Northern Ireland will receive a 12-page cyber awareness activity booklet and certificate, whilst every teacher will receive a lesson plan with a variety of activities to promote digital awareness and enable them to deliver the learning.

Over 1,200 teachers will also be provided with free access to an online cyber security accreditation programme to be able to deliver the initiative.

From a very young age, we are all now digital citizens, and that means young people need to understand

Cyber safety means a secure future for our young people and the economy says Clair Gheel, Director of IT3Sixty.

how important it is to protect themselves and their information online, and to treat others online as they would in the playground.

These are now essential skills for growing up.

And here’s the other interesting thing; and it’s why companies like PwC are involved. Teaching kids about the internet at a young age helps inspire their enthusiasm for a career in IT. Teaching them about cyber safety also potentially opens their eyes to the vast economic opportunity that is cyber security.

This is a sub-sector of the tech industry where no one is really yet scratching the surface. It’s a multi-billion dollar industry. It’s one of the most important and pressing challenges for companies, organisations and countries – how to protect their data and their

citizens in the cyber world.

According to Gartner, worldwide spending on information security reached about $75 billion for 2015, an increase of 4.7 per cent on 2014. The global cybersecurity market is expected to be worth $170 billion by 2020, according to other experts.

According to IDC, the hot areas for growth are security analytics / SIEM (10%); threat intelligence (10% +); mobile security (18%); and cloud security (50%).

So, for Northern Ireland, this is a huge opportunity. We don’t yet have the skills to really capitalise; but neither does any other economy. So getting our children enthused and informed, could be one of the most important steps we take. That’s definitely a bridge worth crossing.

NI Chamber 25

feature

bright young business brains TAKING LEARNING TO NEW HEIGHTS

Top illusionist David Meade joined students (l-r) Ellen McAuley, Rachel Brown and Susanna Crabbe from Ballymena Academy in the dome at Victoria Square to launch the 2017 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition.

T

op illusionist and television mentalist David Meade recently joined students in the dome at Belfast’s Victoria Square for a science lesson 148ft high to launch the 2017 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition.

Proving that science is not just lab coats and Bunsen burners, David helped students take their learning to new heights by hosting the dome’s first ever interactive science lesson in a bid to encourage young people to ‘Dream it, Do it’ and enter this year’s competition.

The science lesson was hosted by BT to mark the official launch of the 2017 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition and the company called on teachers and young people aged 12-19 from across Northern Ireland to get involved in the exhibition which will take place in January 2017.

To enter, the individual or group must submit a one-page proposal outlining their project idea before the closing date of 28th September, 2016. Entries can be made in any one of four categories within the STEM agenda: science, technology, engineering and maths.

26 NI Chamber

Commenting on the launch, David Meade said: “I am very excited to be involved in the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition for a second year as I’m a huge advocate of anything that inspires and encourages young people to pursue their dreams and continue to learn. As a former teacher myself, I understand the importance of encouraging young people to take what they’re learning in the class room or their day-to-day life and use their imagination to turn it into a fantastic idea, something which I practice regularly in my line of work.

“In my experience it’s about keeping an open mind, being open to new lessons, new experiences and new science. This world class competition is a great way of helping students imagine the possibilities that could lie ahead by simply dreaming it and doing it.”

Peter Morris, Head of Operations for BT in Northern Ireland, added: “As a major investor in Northern Ireland we depend on talent and skills to drive our economy and the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition plays a key role in nurturing that future pool of talent.

“We’re keen for students to start

thinking of science beyond its traditional form. Students who have experienced the exhibition understand that it is about much more than science, it’s about imagining an idea and then bringing that idea to life through research and development. Every discovery ever made came from a single idea and we want all teachers and students involved in science, technology, engineering, maths or the social sciences to challenge themselves to make that next big discovery through the exhibition. I’m looking forward to seeing some great entries over the coming months.”

The BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition will take place 11th-14th January 2017 in the RDS in Dublin. As well as the incentive of getting a project shortlisted and experiencing a week at the exhibition in Dublin, there are also over 120 teacher and pupil awards to be won, including cash prizes, international trips and the overall title of BT Young Scientist & Technologist(s) of the Year. * For more information on the exhibition and for details on how to enter, log onto www.btyoungscientist.com

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feature

I

grew up in Holywood and really enjoyed my time at school at Sullivan Upper. I did well in class, but was a bit of a talker. My favourite extra-curricular activity was Young Enterprise which probably helped get me interested in business at a young age. I always had an idea that I wanted to work in news, but didn’t really know how to go about pursuing it as a career. I did my first placements at UTV and BBC Blast when I was 16 – where I got my first taste of what it was like to work in radio and TV. I was advised that journalism isn’t something you can learn in a classroom so I decided against studying media.

Instead I chose to study my two favourite subjects from school at university – Business and French – at Trinity College.

It was a great experience and I loved living in Dublin. I spent a year abroad living in Paris which was a big change living and working in France. During my time there I studied at ESCP business school and worked at a French water company called Suez Environnement. Developing my interest in business and economics gave me a specialism and a lot of skills that I use on a daily basis now as a Business Reporter.

Unfortunately my French isn’t still up to scratch but I made valuable contacts that I still keep in touch with.

While in Dublin I kept up my interest in news through student journalism working at Trinity FM radio station and Trinity News. As the media industry is very competitive, I decided to get my NCTJ qualifications. I moved to Portstewart and did a Masters in Journalism at the Ulster University course run by Maggie Swarbrick.

That allowed me to get qualifications in things like court reporting, shorthand and media law which prepared me for working in the field.

In between my studies I did placements anywhere that would take me – including the likes of Cool FM, Press Association and RTÉ. Getting practical experience was

28 NI Chamber

My Ambition is to...

CLODAGH RICE, BUSINESS REPORTER, BBC NORTHERN IRELAND. invaluable as I made a lot of important contacts and got to cover great stories. But it also meant a lot of anti-social hours and unpaid work. After my exams I worked at a number of organisations like Citybeat, Irish TV and the Belfast Telegraph. I think it was my time at Citybeat that best prepared me for my current role, working in a live on air studio environment.

My job means I can work across radio, TV and online depending on the day. My alarm goes off at 4.30am every day and working on a live programme like BBC Radio Ulster’s Good Morning Ulster keeps me busy. I interview guests that range from big international companies to entrepreneurs about their start up ideas. I also cover breaking news, like

company results and movements on the markets. I enjoy getting out of the studio and reporting live from events as much as possible. Every day is different, which has allowed me to develop a lot of experience in a relatively short time. The best part about my job is getting to work in a newsroom filled with very experienced colleagues. They have seen and done it all, which I think makes them the best people to learn from.

At 26 I’m still not sure exactly what my main ambition is yet, but I know I want to stick with journalism. I’m happy where I am, for now. I think I still have more to learn here but I would like to try working in a different city in the future, if the right opportunity came up.

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Art

The

of Business

As every business owner knows, conveying the right image is essential – and what better way than to have the right images decorating your workplace?

Art can help your business thrive: An academic study by Thomson and Jonas found that over 90% of respondents believed having artwork displayed in the workplace made it more welcoming and over 60% claimed it stimulated their creativity.

Research undertaken by the University of Exeter reported that staff in art-enriched offices worked 15% faster than those in non-art-enhanced offices, with no error rate increase; they also reported fewer environmental-related health complaints.

An article by the Jefferson Group claims that clients report it encourages confidence in a business when it displays original artworks.

While art in the workplace has an undoubtedly positive impact on staff and clients alike, some business owners believe they cannot afford to buy art: others are unsure what to buy or even where to start. This is where asking the experts can really make a difference.

Utilising over 20 years’ experience in the art world, as artists, collectors and

curators, Ann and Ken Bartley have recently established ArtisAnn, an new art gallery in Bloomfield Avenue, Belfast, to showcase the work of both emerging and established artists.

ArtisAnn features works by artists such as Brian Ballard, John Breakey and Ann says:

“Whether it’s a painting, photograph, sculpture or limited edition print, an original artwork will add value and atmosphere to any workplace. The right piece can reflect your company’s brand values and express its individuality, illustrating the reasons you stand out from your competitors.

An artwork from a promising artist can also be a valuable investment for your company, both financially and by helping young artists showcase their work.”

Jennifer Trouton, all members of the prestigious Royal Ulster Academy, as well as emerging talents such as Catherine Davison, Stephen Shaw and Charlie Scott.

ArtisAnn offers a free business consultancy service to help you find the perfect pieces to meet your objectives.

The gallery is open Wednesday to Friday, 11am to 6pm, and Saturdays, noon to 5pm. Viewings by appointment are available outside these hours, and Ann and Ken offer on-site visits to assess your space and suggest artworks that will enhance your business.

For further information and to book a consultation, contact Ann or Ken at mail@artisann.org, tel. 077 263 263 90 or visit their website: www.artisann.org ArtisAnn – Art that works for you.

NI Chamber 29

Chamber chief’s

From networking events to meetings with government ministers and in-camera dinners with leaders in business, the hectic round of activity spearheaded by NI Chamber for the benefit of members never stops. NI Chamber Chief Executive Ann McGregor gives a taste of what’s taken place recently with a picture gallery over the following pages.

N

I Chamber is delighted to welcome our new President Nick Coburn and VicePresident Ellvena Graham to their roles following their appointment at the organisation’s AGM in June which also saw 6 new members elected onto the NI Chamber Council. Both Nick, as Managing Director of Ulster Carpets, and Ellvena, as the former Head of Ulster Bank in Northern Ireland, will be a great asset with their vast experience in business and I look forward to working closely with them. I’d also like to thank outgoing President Stephen McCully for his leadership and support over the past year.

Paul O’Connell and Craig Doyle.

this was the first event to be held at the transformed venue and the largest event to be held by NI Chamber in its 233 year history. It was a truly exceptional night and we have received wonderful feedback from many of those who attended.

But as always – there’s no time to stand still. We’ve hosted two roundtable discussions as part of the Danske Bank Export First programme, a business-led support initiative by NI Chamber and supported by Etihad Airlines.

his wife Michele, it has developed into a huge global business with a turnover of £1 million. The product has proved to be a new and revolutionary way forward in Omega purity, quality and stability and since its conception Paradox has become a number one bestselling Omega 3 product around the world. Meanwhile, at a second Export First event, guests heard from Owen Brennan, Executive Chairman of Devenish Nutrition, who said that export had always been part of the plan for the company which provides leading edge nutritional solutions for the intensive livestock sector.

David Meade.

Nick Coburn, Ellvena Graham and Stephen McCully.

One of Stephen’s last events as NI Chamber President was to preside at NI Chamber’s Celebration of Champions in Business and Sport gala dinner at the newly extended Waterfront Hall in Belfast. The glittering event which was compered by BT Sports’ Craig Doyle, was attended by 900 guests who heard guest speaker, Irish Rugby legend Paul O’Connell, talk about his career both on and off the field.

Held in partnership with BT and supporting sponsors Emirates, 4c Executive Search and SSE Airtricity,

30 NI Chamber

Liza Hammond; Shaun McAnee; Sandra Scannell and Geoff Hayhurst at the Culloden.

Members of the business community gathered at the Culloden Hotel, Belfast to hear the story of Paradox Oil, one of Northern Ireland’s biggest export success stories. Run by Dr Geoff Hayhurst and

Our next event involved a little help from mentalist David Meade when more than 200 businesses from across Northern Ireland discovered ‘How to Win Sales and Influence People’.

Held in partnership with electrical heating giant Glen Dimplex and supporting sponsor, recruitment specialists MCS Group, the event at Titanic Belfast took the format of an interactive workshop and was aimed at business professionals of all levels keen to learn the most effective psychological tools and techniques needed to drive sales performance. It was a great insight into understanding how the brain makes decisions which can unlock more

chamber chief’s update powerful sales presentations and lead to better results. This is ultimately what makes businesses grow and drives success.

Then it was off to the Canal Court Hotel in Newry for the latest ‘Meet the Buyer’ event attended by over 300 businesses from across Northern Ireland and the Republic. The event, which formed part of the NI Chamber and Bank of Ireland’s cross-border ‘Connecting for Growth’ programme, provided businesses with an opportunity to make a pitch to a range of buyers and to network and forge new business links.

With 140 appointments taking place on the day, businesses got to meet with a number of high-profile buyers including Avondale Foods; Bank of Ireland UK Glen Dimplex; Kingspan; McAleer & Rushe; McAuley Engineering; Terex; and Ulster University.

Turning to the NI Chamber Connections series, in partnership with the Ulster Bank, the latest Forum took place at the Northern Ireland Advanced Composites and Engineering Centre (NIACE) where the focus of discussion led by NIACE’s Dr Scott King was ‘Growth through Collaboration’. The purpose-built research facility located in Belfast, was born out of a collaboration between academia, industry and government. The centre’s aim is to provide a creative environment to help Northern Ireland’s manufacturing sector grow and develop its capabilities.

We were delighted to welcome the new Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard accompanied by Mark Ennis, Chairman of SSE Ireland, to the event at Slieve Kirk Wind Park, Co Derry which was attended by over 70 businesses from the region.

Minister Chris Hazzard and Mark Ennis.

The Minister spoke about the need to have infrastructure that meets the needs of people and the economy. He said improving transport connections is vital and that the Executive has already made clear that flagship projects including the A5 and A6 road schemes are key to building connectivity and unlocking economic potential.

NI Chamber welcomes the Minister’s comments and in the coming months, we will be working with our members to respond to the Executive’s Programme for Government where growing the Northern Ireland economy will be at the centre of discussions.

NI CHAMBER MEMBERS UPGRADING TO CORPORATE LEVEL

Girvan Gault, Sandra Scannell and Dr Scott King at NIACE.

Global Wind Day took place on 15 June and it was therefore apt that NI Chamber’s latest ‘Minister on the Move’ event, in partnership with SSE Airtricity, took place at Northern Ireland’s first and largest grouped wind farm development, which has been developed by SSE Renewables.

Our Corporate members represent the leading companies in Northern Ireland who help drive the development of the economy.

4c Executive Search Armagh City Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council BDO Carson McDowell Hays South Eastern Regional College Staffline Group Ulster University Business School Upstream Willis Towers Watson

NEW MEMBERS Accounting Capital Flow Commercial Finance Hannaway CA Keenan CF

Business Services Belfast Drain Cleaning Services Citation Finlay Holdings Ltd

Chamber of Commerce Ballyclare Chamber

Charity Colin Glen Trust

Construction Acheson & Glover McQuillan Companies

Engineering ABCO Marine

Government Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council

ICT Analytics Engines Cisco Systems

Manufacturing CAF Rail UK Texam

Professional Services Hunter Savage Soirée Society NI * To become a member of NI Chamber join online at www. northernirelandchamber.com or phone the membership team on 02890 244113

NI Chamber 31

Chamber Events

CELEBRATION OF CHAMPIONS IN BUSINESS AND SPORT 2.

1.

3.

4.

5.

1. BT Sports’ Craig Doyle interviews Paul O’Connell. 2. Stephen McCully, President NI Chamber of Commerce and Industry; guest speaker Paul O’Connell; Ann McGregor, Chief Executive NI Chamber and Peter Russell, General Manager of BT Business in Northern Ireland. 3. Paul O’Connell and Claire Reid.

4. David Acheson, Lynne Acheson, Dalreen Buchanan and Colin Hyndes. 5.Enda Corneille and Paul O’Connell. 6. Paul O’Connell and Andrew Greer.

6.

32 NI Chamber

Chamber Events

7.

8.

10.

9.

7. Paul O’Connell and Terrence Brannigan. 8. Jane Veitch and Richard Willis. 9. Petrina McAuley and Eva Toal.

10. Amanda McCully and Stephen McCully. 11. Janet McCollum and guests of Moy Park with Paul O’Connell. 12.

Paul O’Connell with Mark and Denise Nodder.

12.

11.

NI Chamber 33

Chamber Events

TWEETS FROM THE NIGHT...

34 NI Chamber

Chamber Events

4.

NI Chamber 35

Chamber Events

DANSKE BANK EXPORT FIRST ROUNDTABLE WITH PARADOX OIL

3.

1.

1.Edward Henry (Clonallon Laboratories); Shaun McAnee (Danske Bank); Shannon O’Neill (Environmental Street Furniture) and Carson Harte (Exceed Worldwide).

2. Geoff Hayhurst shares the inspirational story of Paradox Oil. 3. Guests at Danske Bank Export First roundtable. 4. Mark Regan of 3fivetwo Healthcare. 5. Nathan McCavery (BioKinetic Europe). 6. Shaun McAnee (Danske Bank) and Gerry Sheridan (Lakeland Dairies).

4.

5.

6.

36 NI Chamber

2.

Chamber Events

HOW TO WIN SALES AND INFLUENCE PEOPLE

1.

2.

3.

5.

1. Neil Collins (Glen Dimplex); Ann McGregor (NI Chamber); David Meade and Karl Webb (MCS Group). 2. David Meade assisted by members of the audience. 3. NI Chamber and David Meade were joined by over 200 businesses at the event. 4. Neil Collins from event sponsor Glen Dimplex. 5. Stratagem’s Tristen Kelso.

4.

NI Chamber 37

feature

Rolling out plans for year ahead

Nick Coburn, the new President of NI Chamber who is Managing Director of Ulster Carpets, one of Northern Ireland’s most successful exporters, tells Adrienne McGill how his company can be a role model for others.

N

ick Coburn, the newly elected President of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber), is a man who has the world at his feet…quite literally.

As Managing Director of Ulster Carpets, he leads a company which is world renowned as a manufacturer of high-end woven axminster carpets which grace the floors of commercial and residential establishments including a huge range of dazzling hotels, casinos, cruise ships and palaces across the globe.

The family owned business, based in Portadown where it employs 520 people, is responsible for amazing creations boasting vibrant colours, intricate designs and luxurious textures. They are testament to the quality of the craftsmanship for which the company has gained worldwide acclaim.

NI Chamber 38

Prestigious installations have included the Ritz, Gainsborough, Claridges and Savoy hotels in London, the Waldorf Astoria in New York, the Marriott in Riyadh, the Bellagio and MGM casinos in Las Vegas and ships for Royal Caribbean international and Carnival Cruise Lines. The company has also made bespoke carpets for palaces owned by the late King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia and the King Abdullah Convention Centre in Jeddah.

The company’s export journey began in the 1980s but since becoming Managing Director of Ulster Carpets in 2004, Nick Coburn has focused on expanding its presence in export markets which now account for 75 per cent of the business and which has led the company to phenomenal success overseas with revenue this year expected to top £67 million.

As President of NI Chamber, he says he is keen to share his experience in driving

growth internationally with others and to provide inspiration to those considering sales overseas.

“My passion is exports and that is very much what I will be pushing in my year in office. When I go overseas, I always meet businessmen and women from Northern Ireland whose companies are doing very well. There is something uncanny about the Northern Irish character and there is a keenness to export. Our potential is huge and I would like to encourage more companies to explore export markets and increase the number of exporters that we have.

“You cannot export from behind a computer screen. You have to get out there and engage face to face.

“Business is never easy and to go to a different culture overseas does involve a degree of risk.

“But to be successful you have to look

at things through the eyes of a customer and understand what they want from an exporter. That is a huge learning curve.

“We are an indigenous Northern Irish company started in 1938 in Portadown by my late grand-father George Wilson. We have gone overseas, we have invested in machinery, in production facilities, in people, in technology, design and marketing. It sounds a lot but it is not the hard task that some people think it is – I hope that people will see, through my experience with Ulster Carpets, how it can be done.”

NI Chamber has lobbied for action on developing a strong export culture in Northern Ireland and helping the region develop a global reputation as an open and a competitive trading region. The organisation has highlighted the need for a coordinated and integrated export support system to be implemented across central and local government and the private sector in order to drive international

sales. In response, the ‘Export Matters’ Action Plan, released by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (now Economy) earlier this year, provides a route map to increased export activity.

“NI Chamber is committed to helping companies grow exports,” says Mr Coburn. “I don’t think any other business organisation comes close to the way NI Chamber helps existing and potential exporters through its various programmes and initiatives and by being heard by those in government. NI Chamber has excelled in taking export and other business issues to the top of the political agenda and will continue to do so.

“We would like the Northern Ireland Executive to listen to NI Chamber and to other business organisations. There is a strong urge to grow the private sector and I think exporting provides the greatest opportunity.

“The domestic market has only a certain size whereas export markets are infinite. It just depends on a company’s determination to export. I think it is up to businesses to do the legwork and up to politicians to create the right environment. Hopefully, through the structures of the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly with input from local companies, we can make Northern Ireland one of the best exporting regions in the world. But we all must work together to achieve this.

“It is important that the recommendations made by NI Chamber to the Executive are put into action. Now that the government has been formed and departments allocated following the elections in May, it is time for delivery and not fine words and platitudes.”

Nick Coburn says lowering corporation tax is vital and must be delivered. He says that the prospect of a lower level was one of the reasons Ulster Carpets embarked upon a £40 million modernisation and expansion programme at its Portadown base, which is ongoing and involves the building of a new dye house and energy centre.

“The Northern Ireland Executive was granted permission to drop the rate of corporation tax from 20 per cent to 12.5 per cent to match the rate in the Republic of Ireland. This has to happen because companies are gearing themselves up for it. It creates the right platform to build upon in terms of growing the economy.

“Knowing a reduction in the level of corporation tax was on the horizon was certainly a factor in our decision to expand our facilities in Portadown. Lowering the rate of corporation tax is not just attractive to foreign direct investors, it is also good for companies like Ulster Carpets who are prepared to expand because conditions are right.”

The exodus of young people with degrees and skills is a concern for the new NI Chamber President who believes maximising the potential of young people and the wider population through the effective development of skills is a fundamental building block of a successful economy. He says that identifying both the skills needs of employers and the level of skills supplied through education institutions is important to fully inform government policy decisions.

“We need to hold on to our young people instead of losing them to jobs abroad – we need them to stay to create a stronger and vibrant economy.

“Young people want to look forward but they need to live in a country where the economy is looking forward. We must go above aspiration and towards reality.”

Looking ahead Nick Coburn says: “I am very excited about my role as President of NI Chamber. The organisation is going from strength to strength with so much good work having been done by previous Presidents and the Board and the team led by Chief Executive Ann McGregor.

“The spirit of Ulster Carpets is very much can-do. We have gone into the big wide world and succeeded – other companies can do that too. I see our company as a model to follow.”

Career After completing a degree in Textile Technology at Kidderminster College, Nick Coburn joined Ulster Carpets in 1977 with responsibility for setting up the firm’s quality control lab before moving in 1980 to oversee the company’s first automated dye house. Between 1985 and 1995 he worked in production and finance followed by responsibility for the exports and contract markets side of the business.

He became Managing Director of Ulster Carpets in 2004. Nick also holds an MSc in International Leadership from Ulster University.

NI Chamber 39

New names on NI Chamber Council

NI CHAMBER’S RECENT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) NOT ONLY SAW THE ELECTION OF NICK COBURN, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ULSTER CARPETS, AS PRESIDENT OF NORTHERN IRELAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY BUT ALSO THE ELECTION OF ELLVENA GRAHAM, CHAIRMAN OF THE ESB GROUP, AS VICE-PRESIDENT.

New NI Chamber Vice-President Ellvena Graham is the current Chairman of the ESB Group.

She is also Chair of the Economic Advisory Group and Chair of BWUH Limited, which operates both Belfast Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall.

Formerly Head of Ulster Bank Northern Ireland, Ellvena was responsible for the leadership of Ulster Bank Group within Northern Ireland, representing the bank with all key stakeholders including Government, industry bodies and consumer groups.

Prior to this role, she held the position of Chief Operating Officer for Ulster Bank Group. Ellvena is also a member of the Advisory Board for the Women’s Executive Network in Ireland, a board member of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry and a Fellow of the Institute of Bankers.

Ellvena won the Confederation of British Industry’s First Women Award (First Woman in Finance) in 2013, the Women in Banking Finance Award (Champion for Women) also in 2013 and the Women in Business NI Outstanding Management/Leadership in 2014.

The following have joined the NI Chamber Council: Alan Stewart, Business Development and Marketing Manager, Marcon Fit Out Alan is Business Development and Marketing Manager at Marcon Fit-Out, one of the leading companies within the Northern Ireland construction industry.

A Business graduate from Ulster University, Alan is recognised as a leading marketing professional within the local built environment sector and has an extensive network throughout the UK and Ireland. He currently sits on the Board of the National Association of Shopfitters in London which represents and promotes the UK shopfitting and interior contracting sector.

Brian Lavery, Managing Director, CBRE With over 35 years in property, the last 28 years being in Northern Ireland, Brian has extensive experience and has advised on some of the largest transactions in the Northern Ireland market. Brian presents to all financial institutions within Northern Ireland with regard to valuation advices and property trends. He has been involved in some of the largest portfolio valuations in Northern Ireland. Brian heads up the Belfast office which offers full estate agency services of valuation, agency, management, development consultancy, investment consultancy and professional services throughout Northern Ireland.

40 NI Chamber

The following have joined the NI Chamber Council:

Janette Jones, Head of Tax, PwC Janette is the Head of Tax for PwC in NI and a member of the PwC NI Leadership Team. She is well known in the Province as innovative and strategic tax advisor and has over 20 years’ experience advising private sector companies and multinational groups on a full range of UK tax issues.

Gerry Carlile, Evolve CPA In September 2007 Gerry became the first FIFA licensed football agent in Northern Ireland. Since then he has represented some of the biggest names in British and Irish football. He also formed and spearheaded a hospitality group, comprising bars and restaurants in Belfast and a nightclub in Glasgow. He published a book detailing his work as a football agent in October 2014. In May 2016 he also launched Belfast PR agency, Evolve CPA.

Janette is past Chair of the Northern Ireland branch of the Chartered Institute of Taxation and is a current member of the Northern Ireland CBI Economic Affairs Committee, a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland and a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation.

Neil Collins, Managing Director, Glen Dimplex Neil is the Managing Director of Glen Dimplex Northern Ireland and has been employed in the Glen Dimplex Group for 9 years. Glen Dimplex is a privately owned Irish Company that turnover €2 billion annually. It owns brands such as Dimplex Heating, Morphy Richards, Roberts Radio, Belling, Britannia and Lec Refrigeration. In 2007 Neil was appointed General Manager of Glen Electric, the manufacturing arm of Glen Dimplex in Newry and in 2013 was appointed as Managing Director of Glen Dimplex Northern Ireland.

Richard Donnan, Regional Managing Director, Corporate & Commercial NI and Head of NI, Ulster Bank Richard represents Ulster Bank within Northern Ireland with all key stakeholders including Government, industry bodies and consumer groups. He was appointed into his current role in June 2015.

Previously he held the position of Managing Director, Retail Banking on an all-Ireland basis. In addition to his Ulster Bank role, Richard is Chair of the Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC) Trading Co Ltd and also sits on the Board of the Centre for Competitiveness.

BOARD & COUNCIL PRESIDENT Mr Nick Coburn, Ulster Carpets Group VICE-PRESIDENT Ms Ellvena Graham, ESB Group BOARD Mr John Healy, Allstate Northern Ireland Mr Peter Russell, BT Mr Kevin Kingston, Danske Bank Mr Owen Brennan, Devenish Group Ms Ellvena Graham, ESB Group Mr Michael Kidd, EY Belfast Ms Janet McCollum, Moy Park Ms Ann McGregor, NI Chamber Mr Patrick Hurst MBE, PHC Ltd. Mr Stephen McCully, Power NI Mr Nick Coburn, Ulster Carpets Group

COUNCIL Mr Peter Stafford, A&L Goodbody Ms Andrea Hunter, Aer Lingus Mr Graham Thompson, Agnew Corporate Mr John Healy, Allstate Northern Ireland Mr Peter Russell, BT Mr Brian Lavery, CBRE Mr Michael McKeown, Crash Services Mr Kevin Kingston, Danske Bank Mr Alasdair Kilpatrick, Deloitte Mr Owen Brennan, Devenish Group Mr Alan Lowry, Environmental Street Furniture Ms Ellvena Graham, ESB Group Mr Gerry Carlile, Evolve CPA Mr Michael Kidd, EY Belfast Mr Brian Gillan, First Trust Bank Mr Neil Collins, Glen Dimplex Mr Ian Henry, Henry Brothers Mr John Haran, HMC Global Mr Alan Stewart, Marcon Fit Out Ms Janet McCollum, Moy Park

Ms Ann McGregor, NI Chamber Ms Jenny Irwin, PACEC Mr Patrick Hurst, PHC Ltd. Mr Paul McBride, Pinsent Masons Mr Stephen McCully, Power NI Ms Janette Jones, PwC Mr Mark Cosgrove, Redhead International Mr David McCartney, Taranto Ltd Mr Gary Crawford, Tech Europe Mr John McGuckian, Tughans Mr Richard Donnan, Ulster Bank Mr Nick Coburn, Ulster Carpets Group CHIEF EXECUTIVE Ms Ann McGregor MBE HONORARY TREASURER Ms Ellvena Graham, ESB Group COMPANY SECRETARY Ms Ann McGregor MBE

NI Chamber 41

Cover Story / Company Profile

This month’s cover features David Jones, founder of GE-AET Ltd trading as Globe Energy. David tells us the six things he has learned during his working life plus we look at the background to his international business.

POWERING AHEAD 42 NI Chamber

Cover Story / Company Profile

GLOBE ENERGY MAKES ITS MARK WITH HIGH EFFICIENCY ENERGY-SAVING SYSTEMS

S

ome commercial buildings resist energy efficiency – why?

The answer is simple – they are just too big.

But that is the challenge Globe Energy has taken on and in doing so has devised an innovative solution.

The company, based in the South East of England in Burgess Hill, West Sussex, has developed unique high efficiency energy saving technology. It manufactures and installs innovative systems which improve

energy efficiency in high volume buildings such as aircraft hangars, manufacturing plants, warehouses and factories. The Advanced Energy Technology (AET) has been developed by David Jones, Founder and Managing Director of GE-AET Ltd, trading as Globe Energy.

The company owns exclusive global rights for its energy saving systems which are patent protected in all of the main heating markets across the world including USA, Canada, Europe, China, Japan and Australasia. The firm supplies its systems to

customers in Northern Ireland, Ireland and world-wide.

The technology is unique – it combines both heating and ventilation, unusually working synergistically together, to provide a far higher quality of work environment for employees working in a huge indoor space, than any of the current conventional technologies on the market today, even the most advanced.

The systems are designed specifically to provide efficient comfort in high volume buildings ranging from 5 metres to 50 metres high.

For instance, in the case of an aircraft hangar frequently the roof is constructed to allow the complete tail plane within the structure.

As a result, the roof height can vary from 10 metres to 30 metres, and the main doors – as well as measuring the complete width of the hangar – can be virtually as tall as the roof.

Being such large spaces, hangars contain a large volume of air and are prone to high air change rates. Since the doors are frequently open, air infiltration can severely disrupt the comfort levels of people working inside.

A heating solution therefore needs to be able to sustain a comfortable environment and, NI Chamber 43

Cover Story / Company Profile in particular, provide rapid recovery to full operating temperatures once the doors are closed.

Globe Energy’s technology has continually evolved and is in its fourth generation today. The energy saving efficiency is exceptional, achieving a reduction in costs and energy savings for major corporations such as Mercedes Benz. The car giant reduced energy consumption in its 45,000 sq m Central European ‘Spare Parts’ Logistics Warehouse in Bedfordshire by a staggering 94 per cent thereby significantly reducing costs while heating and ventilating the building to a greater level of draft free comfort than ever previously experienced by employees, in spite of the high traffic density environment.

Globe Energy’s systems are guaranteed to produce anything up to 90 per cent+ energy and cost savings compared to all conventional high volume building heating technologies in the market today.

The company installs its proprietary heating and ventilation systems, controlled through a central control system using sophisticated software, to produce optimum comfort at lowest costs, managed by an on-site team – specially trained to maximise energy savings and optimise the system operation.

Globe Energy offers a ‘Fully Funded Project’ whereby it will fully finance the new high efficiency system installation and operation. The company does this to make the business decision easier for businesses who are not required to provide any new capital.

The benefits of this include bringing down carbon consumption, lowering energy requirements, and substantially reducing the costs of operating high volume industrial buildings.

The cost of energy is higher in Northern Ireland than in many other parts of the UK. Globe Energy believes it therefore makes sense for businesses in the region to find a way to significantly reduce energy consumption and that means finding a technology with a proven track record of delivering lowest consumption costs, while providing an improved building environment for their workforce.

Globe Energy says every time it explains the unique features of its AET and the prediction that it may very well find up to 90 per cent energy savings from a project, the response is always the same – “it just sounds too good to be true”.

In response, the technology and systems are shown to potential customers in a 2,500 sq ft exhibition that Globe Energy sets up either at a customer’s own premises or at private meeting in a hotel or conference centre close by. Globe Energy has gained invaluable experience in the efficient use of energy in high volume buildings to a degree that remains unmatched. AET is a proven and workable technology, unequalled in energy-saving performance. A glance at the success over the last 25 years shows Globe Energy saving over 30,000,000+ tonnes of CO2 emissions not being released into the atmosphere as a result of the systems it has fitted. That has to be good for the environment.

GE-AET IGEM Institution of Gas Engineers & Managers

Ltd

GLOB

NERGY

SUPER SIX

The things I’ve learned in business David Jones is the Founder and Managing Director of GE-AET Ltd trading as Globe Energy. The family owned business, established in 1994, is based in the South East of England in Burgess Hill, West Sussex. The company manufactures and installs innovative systems which improve energy efficiency in high volume buildings (HVBs) such as aircraft hangars, warehouses and factory plants. The company supplies its systems to customers in Northern Ireland, Ireland and across Europe. David began his career in academia, and following a decade of research, set up the company after developing the unique energysaving technology for HVBs. 1. Beat the competitors Anyone can create a business. What makes a truly successful business is the ability to deliver a level of products and services bigger, better and more reliably than competitors.

2. Be a goal maker A goal maker is the one who provides the goals for the team to achieve. The goal maker is the visionary – the one who sees what is needed and wanted by the market and creates the answers so that the company can achieve what is needed.

3. Handle problems the right way Every company runs into problems with supply, manufacture or delivery. It is not the problem that is the issue – it’s how you handle the problem. Finding the right ‘why’ for the problem will produce the right solution.

4. It’s all a game Businesses should be run so that the players see it as a game. If business is not fun it’s toil and nothing breaks spirits quicker than toil. Winning a game is uplifting, it’s fun and is rewarding for the game players.

5. Sound Foundations Business is about people and products. When both are good, you’ll have a super business.

6. Train and invest in your team Train your team well and their confidence will blossom.

GE-AET Limited t/a GLOBE ENERGY 21 Victoria Gardens, Victoria Business Park, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 9NB – UK Tel: 44-0-1444-250348 / 44-0-1342-718250 Fax: 44-0-1342-718240 E-mail: mail@globe-energy.com

www.ge-aet.com

44 NI Chamber

news

WORD FROM BRUSSELS Following the result of the UK referendum, the Presidents of the European Council, Commission and Parliament – Donald Tusk, Jean-Claude Juncker and Martin Schulz respectively – and Mark Rutte, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands which holds the EU’s rotating presidency, said any delay to Britain’s exit would “unnecessarily prolong uncertainty”.

In a joint statement they said: “In a free and democratic process, the British people have expressed their wish to leave the European Union. We regret this decision but respect it.

This is an unprecedented situation but we are united in our response. We will stand strong and uphold the EU’s core values of promoting peace and the well-being of its peoples. The Union of 27 Member States will continue. The Union is the framework of our common political future. We are bound together by history, geography and common interests and will develop our cooperation on this basis. Together we will address our common challenges to generate growth, increase prosperity and ensure a safe and secure environment for our citizens. The institutions will play their full role in this endeavour.

We now expect the United Kingdom government to give effect to this decision of the British people as soon as possible, however painful that process may be.

Any delay would unnecessarily prolong uncertainty. We have rules to deal with this in an orderly way. Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union sets out the procedure to be followed if a Member State decides to leave the European Union. We stand ready to launch negotiations swiftly with the United Kingdom regarding the terms and conditions of its withdrawal from the European Union.

Until this process of negotiations is over, the United Kingdom remains a member of the European Union, with all the rights and obligations that derive from this. According to the Treaties which the United Kingdom has ratified, EU law continues to apply to the full to and in the United Kingdom until it is no longer a Member.

As agreed, the “New Settlement for the United Kingdom within the European Union”, reached at the European Council on 18-19 February 2016, will now not take effect and ceases to exist. There will be no renegotiation.

As regards the United Kingdom, we hope to have it as a close partner of the European Union in the future. We expect the United Kingdom to formulate its proposals in this respect. Any agreement, which will be concluded with the United Kingdom as a third country, will have to reflect the interests of both sides and be balanced in terms of rights and obligations.”

European Council President, Donald Tusk.

Now that the UK has voted to leave the European Union, what happens next?

The European Commission takes note of the outcome of the UK Referendum.

Proceedings under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union will have to be launched.

The terms of the UK settlement agreed at the European Council of 18-19 February 2016 have ceased to exist.

During negotiations under Article 50, European Union Treaties and law continue to apply to the UK. If no agreement is reached within 2 years of the UK activating Article 50, the UK would leave the EU without any new agreement being in place.

of negotiations and nominating the Union negotiator or the head of the Union’s negotiating team.

The negotiated agreement would need to be adopted by a qualified majority of 72 per cent of the remaining 27 Member States, representing 65 per cent of the population.

The final agreement would also need to be approved by the European Parliament, voting by a simple majority.

The Commission stands ready to fulfil its role in the Article 50 negotiations.

What role will the Commission play in the Article 50 process?

The European Commission will play the role foreseen in the Treaty.

Following notification by the UK of its intention to leave, the European Council, meeting without the UK, would need to agree the guidelines for the negotiation by unanimity. The agreement would be negotiated following the rules on international agreements in Article 218(3) of the Treaty. This means that the Commission would submit recommendations to the Council, minus the UK, which would then adopt a decision authorising the opening

This is a clause in the Lisbon Treaty that sets out the legal process for a country notifiying the European Union it intends withdraw. Once notification is given, negotiations must be concluded within two years, with any extension requiring the agreement of all EU members.

During the process, the UK remains a member of the EU, but if talks are not concluded after two years, and no extension is granted, Britain reverts to world trade organisation terms, requiring tariffs to be imposed.

What is Article 50?

NI Chamber 45

columnist

Tech Scene Round up

Actors living forever, an unexpected acquisition and it’s that time of the year again for Apple.

Niall Mooney from Sync NI reveals what has been happening in the tech world.

W

ith the release of Warcraft: The Beginning, we see new ground breaking-developments in CGI and motion capturing technology. We also have a look at the latest developments at Apple, with a recap of their annual Worldwide Developers Conference and did anyone expect to see Microsoft acquiring

LinkedIn?

CGI and motion capture technology advances… Could actors live forever?

Watching The Matrix for the first time in 1999 had me on the edge of my seat, at the time the special effects were truly amazing. Since 1999 with every big blockbuster release any perceived limitations of what I thought possible with CGI technology have been expunged.

In the recently released movie Warcraft: The Beginning, new ground-breaking CGI has been developed which allows us to see exceptional detail of facial expressions; as well as the amount of hairs on the heads of computer generated characters.

The company behind these advances is Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), responsible for the special effects in some of our favourite movies including Harry Potter and Pirates of the Caribbean.

The advances made in

Warcraft: The Beginning, are so ground-breaking that ILM’s digital supervisor believes that in two years’ time we could be seeing full digital characters on our cinema screens that we, the audience, could not differentiate from real life actors. Need further convincing… actors are now getting full body and facial scans in the hope that they will be able to play a younger version of themselves in future movies.

Lots of updates from Apple The Apple Wordwide Development Conference this year (WWDC) showcased a lot of updates which on their own may seem minor, but when added all together could make navigating Apple’s ecosystem significantly simpler.

Some of the key points are: • OS X has been rebranded macOS, and the forthcoming Warcraft: The Beginning.

release will be called Sierra. It will come complete with Siri, Apple Pay and a host of new features making it easier to work across Apple devices.

• Siri is now opening up to developers, meaning iPhone users could soon make a call on Skype or search YouTube with voice commands.

• Apple Music has had its critics and Apple seems to have taken note. For iOS 10, the software has been rebuilt from the ground up, showing a cleaner design for the service going forward.

We will have to see how well all of these updates operate outside of the Apple ecosystem and whether opening up Siri to developers will be enough to help Apple gain ground on the rival products from Google and Amazon.

Microsoft acquiring LinkedIn for $26 billion In an unexpected deal, Microsoft is set to acquire LinkedIn. There is a mix of reaction to the deal in the technology and business world as this is one of the biggest tech M&A deals to date, topping even Facebook’s $22 billion purchase of WhatsApp. Microsoft and LinkedIn summarised the benefits as bringing together LinkedIn’s 433 million members with the professional cloud that Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has been building for Microsoft’s future.

It will be interesting to see how the two integrate over the next couple of years and if LinkedIn can remain independent inside Microsoft, as WhatsApp has within Facebook.

Want to be the first to find out what’s happening in Northern Ireland’s tech scene?

Stay up to date with www.syncni.com or follow us on Twitter @syncni or Email: natalie@syncni.com

46 NI Chamber

sponsored feature Ryan Hamilton, Ronnie Hill, Helen Brown, Gary McKee and Johnny Craig.

Godfrey Duncan, Terry Fuller, Robert Brown and Graeme King.

Tommy Maguire, Andrew Agnew and Stephen Maxwell.

asdon golf day Once again the superb course at Dunmurry Golf Club was the fairway of choice for the recent annual Asdon group golf day. Despite the threat of a few showers the Asdon team and their clients found the day to be a great success followed by a wonderful meal in the clubhouse and the eagerly anticipated prize giving - a great day of golf all round.

Prizes on the day went to....

Brendan O’Kane – 1st Overall Winner Joe Tunney – 2nd Overall Andrew Agnew - 3rd Overall Ruth Walker – Ladies 1st Prize Celia Worthington – Ladies Runner Up

Brendan Lundy – Longest Drive Robert Brown – Closest to Pin Peter Craven – Front Nine Winner Charlie Stewart – Back Nine Winner Ryan McIlhatton – Asdon Winner

www.asdongroup.com

Ryan McIlhatton, David Kernaghan, Donal McConnell and John Greer.

Donald Eakin, Ivor Moffitt, Celia Worthington and Peter Richardson.

Brendan O’Kane, William Brown and Brian Hunter.

Gary McKee, Gary Gilpin, Glenn Breen and Joe Tunney.

David Longridge, Adam Spence and Brian Keenan.

James McKervill, Peter Craven, Darwin Smith and Charlie Stewart.

NI Chamber 47

feature The Community Foundation helps businesses, amongst others, to donate to worthy causes its Chief Executive Andrew McCracken tells Adrienne McGill.

The Community Foundation is also tackling new areas of need under Andrew’s leadership.

It recently launched a £75,000 fund to provide support for local organisations and community groups who are working with refugees coming to Northern Ireland.

Speaking about the New Beginnings Fund, Andrew says in recent months there has been an increase in initiatives to help refugees.

“We are keen to boost this valuable work with strategic funding and would like to enhance the resources available by providing a centralised pot of money to which local organisations can apply for funding their work on the ground with refugees.

“Additionally our objective is to increase awareness of the difficulties facing refugees and to raise further money to help people settle into the community in the longer term.

A firm foundation

T

Therefore we are beginning a dialogue with relevant organisations and local politicians to explore the current situation facing refugees here with a view to the Community Foundation providing a key hub of support.”

The initial £75,000 fund is intended to be used for new or existing activities that involve local communities in welcoming

here has never been a more

support to build their confidence and secure a

and supporting new arrivals. However, it is

opportune time for philanthropy to

better future for themselves and their families.

expected that the fund will evolve beyond the

have a strong impact on the social

Regardless of size and purpose, the

initial round as the Community Foundation for

and economically precipitated challenges being

common theme linking all the grant

Northern Ireland builds a longer term strategy

faced by communities throughout Northern

programmes is that they provide individuals

which expands on the current available fund.

Ireland.

and groups with mechanisms and support to

“Around 200 people apply for asylum in

That’s according to Andrew McCracken, Chief Executive of the Community Foundation

make positive changes to their lives.

“There are two sides to the Community

Northern Ireland every year. Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has pledged

who hails the eclectic mix of companies,

Foundation,” says Andrew. “There is the

that Northern Ireland will take up to 2,000

entrepreneurs, individuals, families and

business of giving money away through grants

refugees from Syria over the next 5 years,”

charitable trusts from across Northern

and there is the service of helping donors/

says Andrew.

Ireland that are helping to transform the

funders give their money to good causes.

“This is a small number when compared to

“We have individual donors who mostly

other countries who have taken in refugees

prefer to remain anonymous and corporate

such as Lebanon but we think it’s crucial to

donors such as BT and Ulster Bank. It is our

consider the impact on local communities and

Ireland Voluntary Trust before changing its

responsibility to ensure that donations are

how best the Community Foundation can help

name to the Community Foundation in 2002,

used for a worthy cause.

with that.”

lives of disadvantaged people through their engagement with the organisation.

Established in 1979 as the Northern

“There is a network of community

Andrew is excited by the role that the

connecting businesses, families and individuals

foundations across the UK. We assist as

Community Foundation can play in affecting

with causes that are important to them

brokers between local community groups

real change in communities here overall,

through financial donations.

who require funding and funders. Last year in

as he points out, the refugee fund is but

Northern Ireland we gave away £3.5 million

one part of the Community Foundation’s

for a range of organisations, including Comic

to a variety of groups. When we set up a

portfolio of work in Northern Ireland; there

Relief, the International Fund for Ireland

trust fund, the money is managed and spent

are a multitude of funds which can be used

and Big Lottery and distributes its own

in a way in which the funder wants it to be

to help tackle the whole range of issues being

grants which go towards a wide range of

spent. Currently we are managing around 40

experienced by local people.

causes. These include: older people’s groups

funds for good causes with assets standing at

He says: “I would like there to be a society

striving to reduce poverty and isolation;

£15 million. These are disbursed in a variety

where everyone gets a fair crack of the whip

youth organisations helping young people to

of ways; some funds are open for applications

and the Commmunity Foundation exists to try

develop employable skills; and women from

right now whilst others will be spent down

to ensure that this happens.”

disadvantaged backgrounds who require

over a number of years.”

it promotes and enables philanthropy by

It also manages grant making programmes

48 NI Chamber

news Michael Stewart (Elmhouse Creative), Nicola McCleery (Danske Bank) and Darren Jackson (PML) launch the ‘Small Business Big Boost’ initiative.

DANSKE OFFERS COMPANIES CHANCE TO WIN A MARKETING BOOST Small businesses in Northern Ireland are being given the chance to boost their profile by having their brand splashed across billboards or bus shelters, as part of an innovative new promotion from Danske Bank.

Companies are invited to apply for the chance to win an exclusive advertising package that will give them access to Danske Bank’s design agency to create their own eye-catching advert.

The advertisement will then be printed and featured for two weeks on four billboards or bus shelter sites within Northern Ireland.

Nicola McCleery, Head of Marketing at Danske Bank said the ‘Small Business Big Boost’ initiative was an “innovative” way to help small firms.

“Danske Bank is getting behind small business in a big way – and we’re always looking for new and innovative ways to support this important sector of our economy. Few small businesses have the resources to develop a marketing campaign so we are delighted to be able to offer the expertise of our advertising and design agency, Elm House Creative and donate advertising space

courtesy of our outdoor media partners, PML for one lucky business.”

Ann McGregor, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, added: “Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomes Danske Bank’s latest customer initiative. The ‘Small Business Big Boost’ initiative provides a unique opportunity for local businesses to obtain a level of exposure which otherwise may be hard to get.

“The promotion will also challenge small firms to think about promoting their businesses in general. This includes how they could grow awareness for their business and what their competitive advantage is – ultimately stimulating business growth.”

The marketing boost prize draw is open to new-to-bank and existing business customers who open either a Danske Small Business Account or a Danske Small Business Digital Account before 29 July 2016. Prize draw terms and conditions apply and can be found at www.danskebank.co.uk/boost

DANSKE BANK STRENGTHENS CORPORATE BANKING TEAM Danske Bank has strengthened its position as the number one business bank in Northern Ireland with two new additions to its Corporate Banking team.

Oonagh Potter and Mark Canning have both joined from other financial institutions, adding to Danske’s existing team of highly experienced relationship managers and sector experts.

Oonagh joined Danske Bank in April as a Corporate Banking Manager from Ulster Bank while Mark has taken up the position of Corporate Development Manager after moving from investment fund managers

Whiterock Capital.

Shaun McAnee, Managing Director of Corporate Banking at Danske Bank said: “Our recent external appointments to the Corporate Banking team have further strengthened our position as the leading bank for Northern Ireland’s corporate companies.

“Both Oonagh and Mark complement what is already a dynamic and highly experienced team and will help ensure that we continue to focus on our customers, support them and maintain our industryleading customer satisfaction levels.”

Oonagh Potter and Mark Canning.

NI Chamber 49

news

Economy Minister Simon Hamilton (centre) congratulates Mark Ennis, Invest NI Chairman and Alastair Hamilton, Invest NI Chief Executive on the agency’s performance.

Record year for Invest NI

I

nvest NI has been congratulated by the Economy Minister Simon Hamilton for its performance in 2015/16 following the publication of the agency’s end of year results.

The figures reveal that the economic development agency promoted 5,550 new jobs across Northern Ireland during the period, easily eclipsing its target of 4,000.

That in turn secured £341 million of employment-related investment into the economy against a target of £220 million.

Invest NI support also helped secure £70 million of investment in research and development in 2015-2016, surpassing the target by 55 per cent.

Minister Hamilton said: “This is a positive outturn when you consider that responsibility for local business starts has transferred to the new Council structures and Invest NI is no longer able to support job creation as part of large company expansions.

“Investment in research and

50 NI Chamber

development, and wider innovation, is also crucial to meeting the ever changing needs of the customer.”

He added: “These figures mean that, over the five-year period of the last Programme for Government, Invest NI helped businesses promote nearly 42,500 new jobs, a 39 per cent increase on the previous five years, and 70 per cent over the original Executive target of 25,000 new jobs.

“It is also encouraging that, across the five years, 64 per cent of jobs and 60 per cent of total investment has been outside Belfast.”

Mr Hamilton revealed an interim set of targets agreed for Invest NI up to March 2017 will include supporting businesses with projects that will promote 4,000 to 6,000 new jobs in the next year of which between 2,600 and 3,200 should be from indigenous growth.

As well as targets set for new job creation in the coming year, the agency will also be tasked with encouraging

increased investment in skills, R&D and wider innovation to ensure businesses remain competitive in a global market and identify and exploit opportunities to grow sales to external markets.

In addition, a target to grow exports for 2016-17 will be set shortly.

Mr Hamilton said the latest performance results showed that Invest NI has continued to deliver for the Northern Ireland economy.

“I am confident the agency will work hard to ensure it delivers against these interim targets and am confident it will continue to do so against the subsequent targets which will emerge from the new Programme for Government. In my new role as Minister for the Economy I look forward to visiting our homegrown businesses and hearing of their investment and growth plans, and to welcoming new international investors to Northern Ireland.”

DIVINE DESIGN AND CLEVER CONSTRUCTION Ambition SPECIAL focus

divine design and clever construction

z

“These companies are creating functional structures and designs which are making an important contribution to society and value for the economy.”

A

rchitecture, design, construction, and building restoration require expertise, skill, creativity, excellence and above all… innovation.

Whether it’s constructing a new hospital unit, designing a sports stadium, devising a road infrastructure scheme, transforming a historic building or creating new environments for people to work or live in – Northern Ireland boasts many companies who are exemplars in these areas.

We profile some of them in this section and highlight their prowess in their respective fields. These companies are creating functional structures and designs which are making an important contribution to society and value for the economy.

Contents: 52

54 56 57

58 59 60

Restoring Former Glory on a Grand Scale H&J Martin Firm Foundations - mac-interiors Fine Designs - Hamilton Architects Construction Excellence GRAHAM-BAM Healthcare Partnership Working Wonders - Innov8 Office Interiors A Model of Success - Blue Clarity Cementing a Strong Reputation - FARRANS

52 NI Chamber

Restoring former glory on a grand scale The mammoth restoration of Mount Stewart has been acclaimed as a monumental success. Adrienne McGill talks to H&J Martin’s team of experts who helped breathe new life into this most historic of grand houses.

M

ount Stewart is one of Northern Ireland’s most stunning visitor attractions The majestic neo-classical house and ornate gardens located on the east shore of Strangford Lough in Co Down date back to the 19th century.

It was the Irish seat of the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family, Marquesses of Londonderry. The lavish house and its priceless contents reflect the history of the family who played a leading role in British and Irish social and political life. Robert Stewart, better known as Viscount Castlereagh, who was the son of the first Marquess of Londonderry, became one of Britain’s most famous Foreign Secretaries and lived in the house during his childhood.

Mount Stewart, now owned by the National Trust, re-opened to the public last April following a three-year £8 million restoration programme to bring the precious house back to its former glory. The transformation has revitalised the building and allowed new rooms never before seen by visitors to become accessible. As a result there is an even greater opportunity to see valuable portraits, significant silver collections and other family treasures. All existing rooms within the house have also been refreshed and re-presented with textiles, carpets and drapes.

The restoration of the Grade A listed house was undertaken

by Belfast-based construction firm H&J Martin, part of the Lagan Construction Group of companies, which is a leader in the build, maintenance and fit-out of commercial, healthcare and education schemes throughout the UK and Ireland.

H&J Martin is one of Northern Ireland’s most historic firms having been established in 1840. The company was responsible for some of Belfast’s acclaimed iconic buildings including the Grand Opera House and Belfast City Hall. Given its experience and background, it is no surprise that the firm, which has a specialist restoration division, was chosen to undertake the massive project.

Work on Mount Stewart necessitated fastidious attention to detail.

It involved the repair of serious structural defects and upgrades to heating, plumbing, drainage and lighting, re-modelling the east wing of the building, converting and restoring some rooms of the house as an enhanced education facility, new contemporary interiors in former out buildings and a new build orientation pavilion.

The refurbishment also included internal rewiring of the electrical services to cover fire detection, alarms, power and lighting, works to the heating and ventilation system, a new access lift, forming a new kitchen and estate office, structural repairs to walls, floors and ceilings and repairs to windows, plaster and painting.

A large team of experts collaborated on the project including conservation specialists, architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and

joiners all overseen by H&J Martin and the National Trust.

H&J Martin’s Maurice Ferguson (Project Manager) and Kelly-Ann Smith (Site Manager) assisted by David McGrath (Head of Sector) headed the project delivery team and were responsible for directing the restoration work on behalf of the company.

“In order to get clear access to sections of the structure and house we had to work directly with the National Trust and their conservation team to safely remove a lot of the historic artifacts. This saw all the possessions being logged, wrapped and stored under controlled conditions and also permitted the rooms to be decanted in an appropriate fashion,” says Kelly-Ann. “A lot were stored in the chapel which meant installing security measures as well as smoke and heat sensors along with humidity controls there.”

Lady Rose Lauritzen, whose grand-mother, Edith, Lady Londonderry designed Mount Stewart’s formal gardens, still resides in the house. The work, therefore, had to take place while she was in occupancy and she was heavily involved in advising on colour schemes and textile choices.

In addition, the house was kept open throughout the course of the project so that the public could see the restoration being done. A viewing gallery was built behind a perspex screen so visitors could watch the skilled craftsmanship taking place.

Workshops were also held to highlight the vital conservation skills being kept alive.

“For the paint, all the colours were hand mixed,” explains Maurice Ferguson.

“When a painting was taken off a wall, it exposed paint that had not been seen for many years but which was the original colour.

The colour then had to be matched – this meant hand mixing the paint and applying it to the whole room. It was quite a lengthy procedure. A specialist from the National Trust advised on colours and the best type of paints to use.

“Given the passage of time, there were modern techniques which had to be used in the restoration such as in strengthening the floors.

“Over the years the floors had got to the point where they could not take any more weight. However, our conservation engineer devised a floor strengthening system involving the joists. The intervention allowed about 35 per cent more strength to be brought back to the joists which transfers the weight to the outer walls and down to the ground.”

Similarly on the first floor gallery section, which because of the structural instability of the floor had not been accessible to the public, a special stiffening system had to be introduced to make the cantilevered floor stable.

“This technique has allowed the public for the first time to get a view of the gallery below. Other techniques we used involved using animal glues rather than the modern PVA glues for windows, lime mortars, and also distemper paint which allows finishes to

Inside Mount Stewart.

The grand house and its imposing gardens.

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divine design and clever construction

breathe,” says Kelly-Ann. “There was a section of the façade on the south elevation which was coming away from the building. The wall was tilting away so we had to use cintec anchors to stitch the wall back into the building. Even that posed problems because as we drilled there was dust and the artifacts had to be protected from that.

Even though we were drilling outside we had to close off each room and have someone inside who could watch and check if any dust came in even though it was decanted.”

The floor dilemma is a good example of how modern intervention in a restoration project can solve an old problem.

“We have to come up with innovative ideas to resolve complex issues,” says David McGrath.

“When we go into a historic building we are introducing modern methods but the work has to be invisible. Everything has to be kept looking historic.

“Changes and restoration have to be so well blended in that it almost looks like nothing has been done – but at the same time something has been transformed through restoration.

“In today’s construction methods, we can now use materials like stainless steels and new glues that would not have been available 200 years ago. Everything we do is behind the scenes but the modern tools are doing a very fundamental job.”

The impressive restoration of Mount Stewart has led to a clutch of awards for H&J Martin including one from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in the Building Conservation category which sees the firm compete in the RICS Awards grand final later this year.

The firm also scooped two Construction Employers Federation awards in the Restoration category as well as an award for ‘Working in Partnership’, one particularly treasured by the team.

Mount Stewart is undoubtedly a magical jewel whose lustre will sparkle all the more thanks to the transformation by H&J Martin and the National Trust. Its restored glory will continue to dazzle all who visit for many years to come.

Magnificent restoration.

54 NI Chamber

Firm Foundations Delivering construction projects of differing sizes and under all forms of contract requires a range of expertise and skills. Adrienne McGill talks to Paul McKenna, Founder and Managing Director of mac-interiors, about his company’s prowess in construction management.

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he next time you see a building with a historic façade don’t be fooled into thinking it’s a dreary office inside – through the doorway could be the coolest, funkiest workplace ever created.

That’s just one of the specialisms of mac-interiors which is a leading main contractor in the refurbishment, fit-out, design and build of office space and commercial buildings.

The company, which is headquartered in Newry, has grown to become one of the biggest names in Ireland in construction management and has gained renown throughout Europe for heading major contracts, many of which have been undertaken while a client occupies a building.

The company has completed projects ranging from €100k to €25 million and prides itself on its ability to personally engage with clients to understand their needs and project requirements.

In recent months, mac-interiors has won a series of major deals worth £40 million and turnover is set to top £100 million by the end of 2016 – an increase of 50 per cent on the figure for 2015.

The firm has an established client list and has been responsible for creating wow-factor offices for many blue-chip companies such as Intel, HP, Oracle, XL, Fidelity Investments, EY, Grant Thornton, BT, KPMG, Diageo and Sony.

For instance EY’s new Dublin offices in the Station Building on Hatch Street Upper have been designed in line with EY’s global “Workplace of the Future” model, that is based on developing modern office space supported by the latest technology, design and environmental standards.

Established in Newry in 2002 by construction engineer Paul McKenna who hails from Keady, the firm also has offices in Dublin, London, Hamburg and Prague and employs 72 people and more than 500 sub-contractors.

“These offices and our growth have been the result of clients requesting us to support them outside Ireland. Our bigger clients have multiple offices around Europe and they like our service and have tended to bring us with them,” he says.

The firm has completed big name jobs in Northern Ireland, including the fit-out of Citi’s headquarters in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter.

Its new contracts include work with KPMG, which will see the Co Down company refurbish 120,000 sq ft of office space at its Dublin headquarters and it has also won work with Hibernia REIT to refurbish Commerzbank House in Dublin.

“I believe one of the key drivers to our recent success is that we offer a specialist interior fit-out construction management solution,” says Paul McKenna.

“Our service offering is uniquely different to our competitors, with the focus being on the people in the building – the other tenants, the neighbours and the people who will occupy the space

EY’s offices in the Station Building in Dublin which were created by mac-interiors.

when the work is complete.

“As a result of our steady growth and the specialist nature of our offering, particularly in the growing pharma, tech and financial sectors, we are looking to add to our workforce.

“We’re starting to see some substantial contracts now taking place in Belfast as the lack of Grade A office space means companies choose to refurbish existing offices.

“We completed the fit-out of Davy Private’s new Belfast office in March this year and look forward to working on more projects in Northern Ireland.”

Following the 2008 recession, the firm moved into export markets and secured contracts including the fit-out of Intel’s headquarters in Munich in 2011.

“Between 2002 and 2008 we specialised in commercial offices in the Republic of Ireland, but when the financial crisis took hold, very quickly we saw that companies had stopped spending money on their offices,” says Paul.

“There was a meltdown in the financial services and property sectors in Ireland and a lot of our clients did not want to be seen to be spending money on their offices while making people redundant at the same time.

We knew then it was time to look at Europe so it made sense to support our clients and their specifications where they had offices outside the Republic of Ireland.

“However, now that the economy in the Republic of Ireland has recovered, companies are willing to spend again and we are one of the top two companies operating in Dublin in our field.

“Since 2013, there has been a release of commercial property in Dublin, so we are doing huge amounts of refurbishments of existing buildings.

“Our clients want a company which can service them, that will do a quality job and not let them down, which has no risk from a health and safety point of view and poses no risk to the business – business continuation is very important.”

One of the firm’s most challenging projects was the refurbishment of the Dublin offices of XL Group Reinsurance which involved the restoration of a Georgian building while preserving its historic features and transforming it into 25,000 sq ft of 21stcentury office space. This necessitated using the latest techniques in mechanical and electrical services.

“The XL project was challenging but great – it was a challenge to integrate 21st-century technology into a building that was touching 300 years old in Dublin and to keep the existing features throughout. When people walk in, the ‘wow’ factor really hits them,” says Paul.

“If a client has money and they want to have a sensational office, anything is achievable if you have deep enough pockets.

“There used to be a rule of thumb that technology companies refurbished their offices every seven years – but now there is a challenge to make work spaces more inviting and so companies are refurbishing every three to five years. That’s because there are new ways of working and collaborating. No one has small offices any longer – everyone is working in open plan offices as part of a larger team. Hot desks and space is the new norm. We have gone from small cubicles to bright funky offices. Office design is ever evolving and we intend to keep busy in the years ahead.”

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divine design and clever construction

Fine designs W

hether it’s glass walls, hemispherical domes or hard edges – every element of architecture has a purpose and makes a statement. One of those making a statement with its designs is Hamilton Architects.

Led by Partners Mark Haslett, Paul Millar and Seamus McCloskey, the practice offers a multi-disciplinary service to clients in Northern Ireland, Ireland, the UK and Europe from offices in Belfast, Derry and a newly opened base in London.

Its comprehensive portfolio of new build and refurbished projects includes major sports stadia, flagship commercial and retail buildings, world-class education facilities, state-of-the-art cultural, arts and community centres, exquisite private homes, sustainable social housing and modern healthcare buildings.

“Before tendering for a project, you have to be able to understand it in depth and get an appreciation of what the client wants.

When you see a site you often get a flash of inspiration and the design takes shape in your mind,” says Mark Haslett who joined the practice in 1989.

“The more complex and difficult the problem, the more creative the answer is.

“The buildings we have designed that I am most proud of are the ones that were awkward and had lots of constraints. It means you have to be very focused”.

The firm, which has been in business for 40 years, has offices in Joy Street in Belfast and in Queen Street in Derry and earlier this year opened a new office in Old Broad Street in London in a £750,000 investment.

It followed the win by Hamilton of its first contract in the city – a social housing scheme

Hamilton Architects is a multi-award winning practice which draws on its acclaimed expertise in designing creative and innovative buildings as Adrienne McGill hears from one of its Partners Mark Haslett.

for Ealing Council and followed on the heels of a £30 million contracts win in the education sector in Northern Ireland.

Together, these have heralded the start of an ambitious five year growth plan by the firm which aims to boost turnover by 50 per cent and increase staff by 27 to a total of 65 staff by the end of 2020.

“In Northern Ireland, we are very pleased to have secured new contracts in the primary, secondary and higher education sectors, underlining our success in delivering exciting and innovative learning environments,” says Mark.

The education contracts are for South West College, for a new campus on part of the former Erne Hospital site; a new primary school and nursery unit at Gaelscoil na gCrann Primary School in Omagh; and a new 600 pupil secondary school for St Joseph’s High School, Crossmaglen.

“These contracts involve a wide range of building types and they are very exciting,” says Mark.

“The new South West College campus, for example, will have a building which is carbon neutral and generate as much electricity as it will use. There will be a 170m long wall of glass on the south elevation which will heat the building in winter.”

Hamilton recently completed the £12 million SPACE building for South Eastern Regional College (SERC) in Bangor, an innovative design project which combines the Schools of Performing Arts and Technical Innovation with the aim of enhancing the future potential of the knowledge economy through the provision of state-of-the-art facilities which focus on collaborative learning.

The state-of-the-art facility aims to equip

students with specialised skills and will support three vital areas of the economy – creative industries, computing and engineering.

“On one side there is the performing arts department which is zinc clad and in an unusual form with a theatre, rehearsal studio and black box area and underneath is a range of recording studios and rehearsal rooms and then we have another building which is much more transparent where the technology and computer and engineering section is sited,” explains Mark.

With 4 decades of experience as building designers, project managers, master planners and conservation architects, the practice has established a reputation for delivering creative and innovative awardwinning projects. The practice has collected accolades for the SERC SPACE Building and Seaview Hall in Glenarm.

Hamilton are the design brains behind headline projects like the new National Football Stadium for Northern Ireland at Windsor Park, Kingspan Stadium, Dundalk Race Course, Riddel Hall, Crumlin Road Gaol Visitors Centre, the Ulster Museum, Mersey Ferry Terminal and greyhound stadiums in Cork and Dundalk.

Mark Haslett says the firm’s goal is to produce excellent architecture which is sensitive to client requirements as well as making a positive contribution to the built and natural environment.

“We are passionate about our designs and forging effective partnerships with clients to match their visions and exceed their expectations,” he says.

“Our ethos is to listen, interpret, discuss and agree and that ultimately results in the design of a great building.”

The National Football Stadium for Northern Ireland at Windsor Park.

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Computer aided design of the new Acute Services Block at the Ulster Hospital.

CONSTRUCTION EXCELLENCE The GRAHAM-BAM Healthcare Partnership has been appointed to deliver the new £95 million Acute Services Block at the Ulster Hospital – the largest healthcare project in Ireland. Ambition looks at the scheme.

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ohn Graham Holdings, headquartered in Hillsborough, is one of Northern Ireland’s leading multi skilled groups and works across the UK and Ireland.

The Group has three main subsidiary companies: Graham Construction, Graham Asset Management and Graham Investment Projects.

The group’s activities include building and civil engineering, interior fit-out, facilities management, environmental and energy management and highway maintenance.

It provides services to central and local government, commercial developers, health services, education facilities and leisure services and has been involved in some of Northern Ireland’s most significant projects including the Northern Ireland Regional Oncology Centre at Belfast City Hospital.

Other recent projects completed include the £32 million A138 Chelmer viaduct in Essex.

The group also recently won a contract to work on the Scottish Canals framework and on the transformation of Murrays’ Mills in Manchester.

In Northern Ireland projects include the Randalstown to Castledawson dual carriageway and also the new Acute Services Block for the Ulster hospital.

This scheme is being delivered through the GRAHAM-BAM Healthcare Partnership, a joint venture between Graham Construction and construction company Bam. Ulster Hospital’s new £95 million Acute Services Block is currently the largest healthcare project in Ireland.

South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust appointed the GRAHAM-BAM Healthcare

Partnership in April this year.

The Acute Services Block is part of the Trust’s wider redevelopment plan for the Belfast hospital, replacing the outdated existing main ward block and other specialist acute services within the wider hospital estate. This building will sit adjacent to a new £86 million ward facility presently being constructed by GRAHAM-BAM Healthcare Partnership on the same complex which is scheduled to complete in autumn this year.

The GRAHAM-BAM Healthcare Partnership was appointed to the four year, £185 million construction framework in 2013. It has now been appointed as main contractor to deliver the second facility – an eight-storey, 31,000 sq m Acute Services Block, incorporating specialist wards, support services, assessment unit, inpatient imaging department, and a new emergency department which will have capacity for 110,000 attendances per year.

The scheme has been designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent – the world’s leading sustainability assessment method for masterplanning projects, infrastructure and buildings – and will use flat slab construction to integrate the structure with its services and the clinical spaces. The building’s high thermal mass will reduce operational running costs and the delivery of the structural and acoustic solutions will further support the healthcare services.

Hugh McCaughey, Chief Executive of the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust said: “We are investing heavily in our modern and fit-for-purpose facilities so we can give our patients the best possible treatment. The redevelopment of the Ulster Hospital will enable us to implement a new service model

with future focus on the management and treatment of acutely ill patients within the hospital setting. We’ve appointed GRAHAMBAM Healthcare Partnership to the second phase of our redevelopment programme because of their extensive skills and expertise within the medical field, which we believe are pivotal when creating a specialised high-quality scheme.”

Peter Reavey, Director, at GRAHAM-BAM Healthcare Partnership said the state-of-theart building is designed to provide specialist care at the highest level, from operating and post-operative care facilities to high tech containment laboratories.

“We will be drawing on our strong trackrecord of delivering world-class medical facilities as we prepare to start the 39-month construction programme, which is expected to complete in summer 2019. We look forward to working closely with the Trust and delivering this important facility for the area to the high standards they – and we – expect.”

GRAHAM-BAM Healthcare Partnership is already working on the first phase of the hospital’s redevelopment programme. The current seven-storey new build Inpatient Ward Block will accommodate a procedural area on the ground floor with four upper floors of 288 en-suite bedrooms within 12 inpatient wards.

The 30,000 sq m development has been designed to achieve the highest building and infection control standards. It has won several awards, the most recent being the Considerate Constructors Scheme Gold and Considerate Constructors Scheme Most Considerate Site National Runner Up for 2016, and the Green Apple Award.

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WORKING WONDERS The concept of office space is being revoutionised and Innov8 Office Interiors is tapping into the trend. Its Founder Stephen Cairns tells Adrienne McGill why work place design matters.

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ffice space really matters and businesses are becoming increasingly aware of the environment their staff work in, the impact it has on them and the impression it gives.

Many companies have closed the door on having dark, stuffy offices – the new shift is towards entering the office of the future – open, fluid and informal.

Innov8 Office Interiors is one company which has perfected the art of designing inspiring offices.

The Belfast based firm has a vision…. and that is “to create a perfect, productive workspace, through superior design and innovation.”

Its showroom is a mesmerising delight to walk around with every conceivable shape of desk, seating, meeting tables, acoustic work stations, reception areas and partitions in a kaleidoscopic range of colours on display.

The company has over 35 years of experience in creating and implementing innovative commercial spaces for clients throughout Ireland and further afield. Its expertise lies in transforming offices through refurbishment, office design, interior fit-out and office furniture.

Innov8 Founder and Managing Director Stephen Cairns says: “We design and create special spaces within an office. We sit down with a client and listen to what their needs are. We discuss with them how they can improve their productivity, how we can help them create a

better working environment for their staff which in turn helps with staff retention and also staff attraction.

“If you feel your employer has provided you with a special place in which to work, you will want to spend time in it and enjoy a happier working environment. Major global companies like Google and Facebook have a relaxed working environment but the end result is more productivity from staff.”

Stephen takes his inspiration from what he’s seen in the US. It’s no secret that Google is a fun, fresh company, with dedicated employees, and part of the secret behind these employees is the awesome offices that they work from.

Google has put a lot of time and money into making the perfect work environment, mixing business with pleasure so that the staff can relax and refuel during their breaks.

Google thrives on creativity and that thought has very much gone into the reasoning behind the designs of their offices, providing every employee with a space for them to be creative.

The company says it works hard to create the healthiest, happiest and most productive work environments possible that inspire collaboration and innovation.

“I have met Google, Facebook, Microsoft and a lot of top US technology companies to get a flavour of what they are doing which has helped us when we design our spaces in Northern Ireland. It is important to see how the best companies in the world perform.

A lot have soft areas where people can chill

Stephen Cairns (front centre) with the Innov8 team.

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on their own but there’s also an emphasis on creating areas for collaboration and team work,” says Stephen.

Innovat8 has designed office spaces for a number foreign direct investors in Northern Ireland, mostly US technology firms such as Proofpoint.

The company has also been engaged extensively across Europe with contracts in Spain, Portugal, Bratislava, Slovakia and Bulgaria.

With the opening of a new office and showroom in Dublin, the company is going from strength to strength. Turnover has increased from £1.7 million last year to £2.8 million this year.

“A lot of hard work and determination has helped us generate sales leads and we have brought new designers on board to help us increase our design productivity. Prospects are very good,” says Stephen.

“The key to our growth lies in choosing the best suppliers, and above all, the Innov8 team, with their strength and capacity to overcome any problem.”

Stephen’s son, Stephen Jnr who is the design director, heads Innovat8’s team of office designers. They have been responding to an increasing number of requests from clients to design quirky Google type offices which are noted for employees zooming around on scooters, slipping down tube slides, or playing on indoor putting greens.

“We are finding companies are doing away with lots of meeting rooms and are creating smaller meeting spaces. It means individuals can go into an acoustic booth and get total peace and quiet to work rather than taking up a 10 person meeting room,” says Stephen.

“The workplace plays a prominent role in business. It’s where you and your staff spend most of your time, its makes an impression on clients and customers and is a physical expression of your company values. We understand that all offices have unique staff needs, layouts and purposes, so we design each office individually. Office design really matters.”

A model of success Innovative 3D modelling is helping architecture and construction professionals design buildings collaboratively. Jenny Morrow, Principal architect with Blue Clarity explains its function to Adrienne McGill.

Blue Clarity’s Jenny Morrow (Principal Architect), Conor Rafferty (Design Director). Clare Brawley (BIM Lead) and Carlos Ruiz Diaz (Architect).

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Co Down company, which works across a range of sectors including telecoms, architectural design, construction, energy and oil and gas has introduced state of the art technology and software to assist in the design and build of private residences and commercial buildings.

Blue Clarity, which was established in 2014 and is based in Newcastle, is a young and rapidly expanding multi-disciplinary company which offers bespoke CAD, survey and design package solutions.

The business, which is led by Darren Fenton and Conor Rafferty, who is the Design Director, employs more than 30 people whose collective wealth of knowledge and dedication to innovation and collaboration, has seen it achieve significant growth with its workforce doubling in the last 12 months.

The architecture division of the company, which has a team of 12, works with a diverse range of clients in Great Britain, the Republic of Ireland and internationally including Canada’s largest home builder for whom it provides outsourced design services.

Blue Clarity has recently been involved in the design of a development in Holywood, Co Down comprising 26 apartments with a listed dwelling on the site and retail units on the street scape.

The company is particularly to the fore in using innovative technology called BIM - an

acronym for Building Information Modelling which is a process of designing a building collaboratively using one coherent system of computer models rather than as separate sets of drawings.

It offers enormous gains in saving in cost and time, much greater accuracy in estimation, and the avoidance of error, alterations and rework due to information loss.

Jenny Morrow, Principal Architect with Blue Clarity says: “BIM is new in the construction industry and we have recognised the importance of it and are applying it to all the appropriate projects that we are working on.

“BIM is when a building is modelled in 3 dimensions. All of the other construction professionals we work with input into that 3D model. It means the structural professionals can come along and put their steel into it and then the mechanical and electrical engineers can come along and put all their services into it. It has so many advantages – it allows us to export 3D models so clients can understand through presentations what we are doing in terms of design. It also provides the client with very good value for money because there is no duplication of work which, prior to BIM, would have been the case when everyone was working on separate drawings.

“It allows us to accurately test the building as we progress the design and also allows us

to do accurate cost reviews for the client.

“BIM is so important because it allows the design teams to collaborate.

“Furthermore we are committed to promoting sustainable environments through all of our processes and design and the reduction of wastage with BIM is crucial.

“Technology is crucial to our business and BIM is the future. We find it hugely valuable to both ourselves and to clients.”

Blue Clarity’s architecture and design department also employs a number of architectural assistants who are currently studying the subjects. The practice makes a point of encouraging them to pursue their part 2 qualifications as part of recognising the importance of ongoing training and professional development.

The company is aiming to expand its international business further and with support from Invest NI has been engaged in market development activities. Invest NI’s assistance has enabled the company to accelerate growth plans and focus on marketing activities to promote its services particularly within Great Britain, the Republic of Ireland and the Canadian and North American markets.

“We have a very good understanding of the drafting of protocols and processes for Canadian home builders. We export the drawings to them and they construct buildings from our drawings. It works very well,” says Jenny.

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divine design and clever construction The Belfast Tunnel Project

Cementing a strong reputation They have been involved in some of the most difficult building and civil engineering schemes ever undertaken in Northern Ireland, which is why FARRANS’ experience and expertise is much in demand across the UK as Adrienne McGill hears from their Managing Director John Wilson.

F

ARRANS, a leading building and civil engineering contractor are celebrating their 75th year in business. That is quite a feat for any company but for one at the forefront of the construction industry – a sector blighted by economic downturns – it is all the more remarkable.

Since 1941 the company has undertaken some of the industry’s most challenging and complex civil engineering and construction projects.

FARRANS employ over 400 people and have offices in Belfast, Woking, Edinburgh, Cambridge, and Dublin. They are a trading division of Northstone (NI) Limited, which in turn is wholly owned by CRH plc, the global building materials group.

Their expertise and experience has allowed them to offer both building and civil engineering capability across all construction markets in both the private and public sectors.

Major projects have encompassed hospitals, education facilities (all levels), wind farms, hotels, harbours, leisure and retail complexes, water infrastructure works, motorway 60 NI Chamber

networks and urban regeneration schemes.

Although the company has been involved in a vast number of schemes, it is perhaps most associated with one of the largest construction projects ever undertaken in Ireland – Victoria Square in Belfast – which required the joint expertise of both its civil engineering and building divisions.

The £165 million mixed use, multi-purpose scheme, in a high density area of Belfast city centre, included new build and listed refurbishment work to create space for shops, eateries, bars, offices, apartments and entertainment venues.

“The size and complexity of this project demonstrates our ability to execute work in confined urban locations,” says John Wilson, FARRANS’ Managing Director.

“It was a complex job and there were a number of interesting facets to it which brought all of the skillsets into play.

“The infrastructure works included the reconfiguration of surrounding roads and the construction of a basement car-park which was a major civil engineering achievement with the management of activities 24/7 to

excavate 240,000m3 of Belfast Sleech. In addition, access ramps had to be integrated into the reconfigured road network.

“We spent a year in the ground creating a water-tight three storey basement before moving above ground with the main structure and regeneration of the surrounding area.”

Another scheme, the D1 project at Belfast Harbour – the UK’s first purpose built offshore wind logistics facility, involved the construction of a 500m new quay wall structure and a deep water berth. The £52 million project, which was completed in just over a year, is the largest ever undertaken in the 400 year history of Belfast Harbour.

Then there’s the incredible Belfast Tunnel project, a storm water management sewer built at a cost of £120 million. The Belfast sewers project included the construction of a 9.5 km tunnel ranging from 1.5m to 4.0m in diameter connected by overflow weirs to the existing Victorian network in the city. It also involved the upgrading of 19 kilometres of existing sewers, the provision of 26 new storm water storage tanks, and more than 500 sewer repairs. During each stage of the

programme, a range of advanced technologies had to be employed to ensure the initiative ran safely and efficiently.

“Everything happened below ground, we had to drill large pipes below residential and heavily trafficked areas and we had to cross the River Lagan in a number of places – it was a real engineering challenge.”

FARRANS were also involved in the £115 million M1/Westlink and M2 scheme, one of the most high profile construction projects ever undertaken in Northern Ireland. It involved the upgrade of the motorway network into Belfast from the north and south, as well as the A12 Westlink upgrade. The project included the construction of underpasses, replacement bridges, bridge strengthening works and the widening from 2 to 3 lanes of parts of the existing motorway. One of the key aspects of the project was minimising traffic disruption, and so the planning and phasing of the works had to ensure continuous use of this main arterial route around Belfast.

John Wilson says: “This posed problems because we were working in a heavily trafficked area but we had to maintain traffic flows while at the same time constructing bridges and underpasses into a network of services and existing infrastructure.”

In recent years, FARRANS has been concentrating on projects in England and Scotland, primarily due to the types of schemes available.

“Going back 10 years and our market would have been 90 per cent in Northern Ireland.

“Travel through any town or city in Northern Ireland or drive on a major road network and FARRANS are more than likely to have been involved in what you see.

“We are now working on one major civil engineering scheme in Northern Ireland – a flood alleviation scheme in east Belfast. Our current portfolio involves projects from the north of Scotland to the south of England.”

The biggest project that FARRANS is currently involved in is the New Wear Bridge, a new crossing over the River Wear in Sunderland, North East England. The cable three span cablestayed structure is a joint venture with Belgium’s Victor Buyck Steel Construction.

“We follow the market closely and look at where there are opportunities. We focus on where we can bring innovation and blue-sky thinking to the table. We provide expertise and we have a high standard of performance.

“We have built up an expertise in a lot of the key construction markets and this diversity gives us an edge over competitors.”

As FARRANS marks their 75th year, there is no sign of the workload easing. They have recently opened a new office in Woking to support their projects in London and the South East of England.

“We have a long and proud history and our anniversary this year is quite significant,” says John Wilson.

“In the last 75 years we have carried out many significant landmark projects and we look forward to being involved in many more.”

Belfast Harbour Scheme.

The junction of the Westlink and M1 Motorway.

Victoria Square.

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feature

Extreme and agile technology IT giant Allstate NI is ‘CompoZed’ as it pushes innovation to STRATOSPHERIC levels through the creation of a dynamically new software development lab as Adrienne McGill hears from its Managing Director John Healy.

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llstate NI is Northern Ireland’s largest IT company and employs more than 2,000 people at operations in Belfast, Derry and Strabane. It plays a strategic role in developing, transforming and maintaining the various technology platforms used within its American parent company, the Allstate Corporation, which is headquartered in Chicago and is America’s largest publically held personal lines, property and casualty insurer. Allstate NI is therefore all about supporting Allstate US with innovative digital products.

The Northern Ireland division has been impressing the bosses across the Atlantic ever since Allstate NI was established in

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1999 such has been the scale, speed and sophistication of technology development… but it’s now taking IT to a whole new level.

A new world class ‘Extreme Agile’ software development lab has just opened at Allstate NI’s Belfast headquarters, with a second due to open in the Derry office later this year, which is revolutionising the way the company does business.

‘Extreme Agile’ is a software development methodology which is intended to improve software quality with test driven development and responsiveness to changing customer requirements.

The new purpose built ‘CompoZed Lab’ sees Software Engineers, Product Managers and Product Designers work in autonomous

balanced product teams utilising Extreme Agile as the methodology. This means working with a product mindset which involves developers working in pairs using cloud-native application architecture - a first for the company.

The new office space encourages teams to take calculated risks and push innovation at Allstate NI. It also creates opportunities in agile engineering, product management and design.

“Our CompoZed Lab is a first for Allstate but also a first for Northern Ireland,” says Allstate NI Managing Director John Healy.

“The depth of technology and the new technology practices which we are working on is amazing. CompoZed

The classroom in the CompoZed Lab.

means we are right at the forefront of how software is getting delivered and how modern technology companies deliver new technology.

“We are able to get our product to market much more efficiently and effectively.

It allows us to make sure what we are delivering matches what the business actually needs. It means you have to be really agile in how you deliver the software so you are not getting locked into a product or technology that is not going to be what is needed by the time something comes to market.”

The CompoZed Lab features a 30 person classroom, as well as lab space for over 100 developers approximately 40 product managers and an opportunity for lots more product designers to work together in their teams. The space is bright and airy with break out areas and whiteboards.

The lab will move from Allstate NI’s present offices in Belfast’s Lanyon Place to the company’s new six-storey offices which are currently being built near-by and which will open at the end of next year.

“The new way of working is creating a culture of collaboration, innovation, production and communication,” says John.

“This investment in training, facilities and tools represents a huge commitment to our staff and their careers at Allstate.”

John Healy’s vast experience in the technology sector puts him in a prime

position to lead Allstate NI. Prior to joining Allstate in February this year, he was head of Citi’s operation in Belfast and before serving in that position held senior management roles as head of technology and as a business unit manager. He also worked in senior leadership roles at Liberty IT, J P Morgan Chase and Merrill Lynch.

“The change the CompoZed Lab will make to Allstate is transformational,” he says.

“This is a new way for the Corporation to deliver its technology – it takes what is already a team based approach to software development to a new paradigm and a new way of working.

“The technology that we are introducing enables us to change how we work and how we deliver products. We are committed to delivering software that can be quickly deployed while also increasing quality in everything we do, in order to respond to the changing needs of customers.

“It is clear that the Allstate Corporation really like the quality of what they are getting from their operations in Northern Ireland – and want more of it.

“CompoZed is hugely exciting for programmers – it means they are involved right from the very beginning in terms of the delivery of their product. Up until now, delivering software has meant the user only gets to see the project after months of development but it can now be delivered in

a mode whereby the end client sees it on a daily basis. It means you are getting direct feed back from the client as you are working on your software product. That gives you a higher degree of satisfaction because you know what you deliver is exactly what’s required for the business and that it is going to be deployed in the business world much faster than it has been in the past.”

John Healy points to the importance of Allstate NI’s collaboration with colleges and universities in Northern Ireland which are a rich source of talent and innovation.

“R&D is right at the centre of what we are trying to do from a business transformation perspective. We have all sorts of projects going on within our offices on the innovation agenda and all sorts of projects that we are doing in conjunction with the universities and colleges where we are getting hold of the latest ideas and seeing how we can apply them to our business. It also gives us an opportunity to access the bright talent that is out there and bring IT people into Allstate NI. “Through CompoZed, the work we are doing with the universities and colleges, the R&D, the innovation agenda – all these elements are all very clearly demonstrating that we are a technology company doing world class technology in Northern Ireland and we are making sure that we are attracting, developing and retaining the top technology talent in the region.”

NI Chamber 63

sponsored feature

Amanda Johnston, Membership & Networking Executive, Social Enterprise NI; Simon Hamilton, Minister for Economy; Colin Jess, Director Social Enterprise NI; Laurence O’Kane, Chairman Workspace Group - Winner Social Enterprise of the Year NI 2015.

Social enterprise ni Social Enterprise NI is the voice for Social Enterprises in Northern Ireland, and were re-appointed in April 2016 by the Department for the Economy to deliver, design and manage the Social Economy Work Programme (SEWP). The organisation supports the continued development of the Northern Ireland social economy sector and the development of an environment where society profits and social enterprises excel at meeting community need, continuing the growth of a sustainable social economy sector.

Like any other businesses, social enterprises compete to deliver goods and services and to make a profit. The difference is that they are driven by their social and environmental purposes and the profits they make are reinvested towards achieving those purposes. Social

Enterprises operate in almost every industry in NI, from health and social care to renewable energy, from retail to recycling, from employment to sport, from housing to education.

Director of Social Enterprise NI Colin Jess said, “This is an exciting time in the organisation’s development. The social enterprise sector continues to grow, and the SEWP intends to bolster the existing good work and support future expansion.

I am looking forward to continuing to work with a large range of key stakeholders within the social enterprise sector and collaborating more with the Public and Private sectors. We continue to strive for a Social Value Act for NI to replicate that of England and Wales and seek opportunities for our members within the supply chain of Public and Private Sector organisations, encouraging all to highlight and include “buy social” as part of their procurement strategy”.

Sammy Douglas, DUP; Alex Maskey, Sinn Fein; Amanda Johnston, Social Enterprise NI; Colin Jess, Social Enterprise NI; Stewart Dickson, Alliance Party; Jo-Anne Dobson, Unionist Party.

64 NI Chamber

The growth and sustainability of the sector has been recognised by Stormont. Social Enterprise NI is delighted that the All Party Working Group was remandated this week

with full cross party support and thankful for the support of Economy Minister Simon Hamilton of our Social Enterprise Awards . The Minister recently said: “Developing the social economy sector is a priority and Social Enterprise NI recently secured a competitive tender to deliver a Social Economy Work Programme on behalf of my Department.

The social economy makes an important and unique contribution helping to build job opportunities and encourage entrepreneurial spirit which in turn contributes to the local economy”.

A powerful and engaged social enterprise sector is vital to the future of Northern Ireland. By collaboration across all sectors and further recognition of the business model, the sector will grow and be a main contributor to future growth of the NI economy.

Social Enterprise NI Bridge House Paulett Avenue, Belfast BT5 4HD T 028 9046 1810 E info@socialenterpriseni.org

face to face with...

Legal firm courts trainees

With ever-increasing competition, young legal eagles are having to perfect their swoop for a coveted place on graduate recruitment training programmes such as that offered by A&L Goodbody as Adrienne McGill hears from the firm’s Employment Partner, Gareth Walls.

C

ompetition for graduate jobs may be

the number of trainees it takes in. From an initial

Competition for a place in A&L Goodbody’s

intense, but leading companies are

2, this has risen to an annual intake of up to 10

Belfast office is intense. For any of the posts

keener than ever to spot the best

with most trainees having studied law at either

on offer, whether that be for a newly qualified

talent and develop, manage and retain those

Queen’s University or Ulster University. Those

solicitor or for a place on the trainee recruitment

individuals who are the cream of the crop as part

who gain a place on the trainee programme will

programme, the firm will receive around 200

of a planned strategy to invest in the best.

stay with A&L Goodbody for 2 years, after which

applications for 10 jobs.

One of these is leading law firm A&L

they will be offered a full time job…and then

“We are seeking to provide a service to

Goodbody which operates an elite trainee

hopefully see out the rest of their career with the

the local business community and to serve

solicitor recruitment programme.

firm. Retention rate stands at 95 per cent.

the international work which is coming

The firm, which employs 110 people at its

“A&L Goodbody offers graduates everything

into Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is

offices in Belfast and is also based in Dublin,

they need to realise their career aspirations,”

blessed with exceptional graduates – and we

London, New York, San Francisco and Palo

says Gareth.

see our role in their development as a long

Alto, believes it is imperative not only to train

“Not only will we give candidates exceptional

term investment. We don’t want to train a

individuals to become outstanding, technically

training, we will give them a lot of support and

generalist solicitor - we want to give people the

minded lawyers but to develop them into all-

direction so that they are equipped to handle a

opportunity to specialise in bespoke disciplines,”

round business advisers.

significant degree of responsibility from day one.

says Gareth.

“Our Trainee Programme is designed to

They will be working on hugely exciting deals

In a bid to identify exceptional talent, A&L

encourage and develop every person’s unique

– in terms of value to the business community

Goodbody has devised an innovative student

qualities to the maximum,” says Gareth Walls,

and the infrastructure of Northern Ireland.

competition which recognises brilliant ideas from

Employment Partner with A&L Goodbody who

They may be based in Belfast but we will be

undergraduate and postgraduate students from

heads the firm’s recruitment initiatives.

emboldening and empowering them to work

all disciplines. This year, ‘Bold Ideas’ challenged

“We offer a graduate recruitment programme,

on an equal footing with the best lawyers from

students to identify a specific cyber risk challenge

summer placement schemes and we proactively

around the world.

and then to address the challenge. The

engage with universities. We feel it is important

“The anticipation is that they will be working

competition offers students the chance to win a

to build links with students who are in the early

on deals which contribute to the growth and

coveted internship with A&L Goodbody at any

stages of a legal career so they are familiar with

progress of Northern Ireland ‘plc’ and that will

of the firm’s offices.

the firm as a prospective employer.

give them a real degree of pride in their career.

“We are looking for strength of character,

“Our intention has always been to attract

“Gone are the days of trainees going to

ability, ambition – a rounded person,” says Gareth.

the best and to invest a significant amount of

partners meetings and listening. Our trainees

“We are training and building what we hope

time and effort in continuous training so that we

are given a huge amount of responsibility – they

to be trusted business advisers of the future who

can grow the best young lawyers in Northern

are front and centre in relation to deals and as

happen to be technically gifted lawyers in specific

Ireland.”

a result they can be assured of a career which

disciplines but who can listen to and meet clients’

As the firm, which opened its Belfast office 9

meets all of their personal and professional

needs whether that be a major foreign direct

years ago, has developed and grown so too has

aspirations.”

investor or a local owner managed business.”

NI Chamber 65

columnist

A maverick leader Has the Philippines elected another Donald Trump as its President?

Ian Rainey, current CEO of MSL Executive Recruitment and former international banker, assesses the possibility.

President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte has been likened to ‘Dirty Harry’, the part played by Clint Eastwood in the movie of that name. Picture credit: Moviestore/Rex/Shutterstock

R

odrigo Duterte was elected in May to take over as President of the Philippines from 1st July 2016. Many commentators have likened his rough, tough image to that of Donald Trump but such a comparison is almost offensive to Trump. Duterte’s utterings would make Trump sound like a Sunday School teacher in comparison. Duterte brags about his Viagra-fuelled womanising, revels in the nickname of “The Punisher” and has run a foul-mouthed campaign, vowing to kill 100,000 criminals and feed their bodies to the fish in Manila Bay. He has made jokes about raping a dead Australian missionary and called the Pope’s mother a prostitute. He has also been called “Dirty Harry”, likened to the part played by Clint Eastwood in the movie of that name.

On the other hand, Trump is an outsider with no political experience.

Duterte has been Mayor of Davao City, the largest city on the island of Mindanao, for 22 years. He is both an Arts and a Law Graduate and was a practising attorney for many years before entering

66 NI Chamber

politics. He has also been an elected member of the country’s Congress and as such does not come to government without an elected pedigree. Duterte is an experienced leader whose crude and outrageous style hides a cunning political brain. His election has also revealed much about Filipinos’ despair with what are disdainfully referred to as “trapos” or traditional politicians. The outgoing President oversaw 6 per cent growth, one of the highest in Asia, but failed to convince ordinary Filipinos that he was improving their lives. In this way, Duterte mirrors Trump’s appeal in that American people seem to be attracted to someone who has had considerable success in business and many believe he could do the same in Washington.

The Philippines is a sovereign island country situated in the Western Pacific and has a population of 100 million spread over some 7,641 islands somewhere between 4 degrees and 21 degrees north of the Equator. It also has an additional 12 million people living overseas who make a major contribution

to the strength of the economy with their remittances to families at home, a boost to the economy which has no comparator in any country that I have studied. Of considerable concern is the likely approach Duterte will have to foreign policy in general and to China in particular. The Philippines is a key US ally standing up to Chinese expansion in the South China Sea, where both Beijing and Manila claim ownership to the resourcerich Spratly Islands which are much closer to the Philippines than to China. The current President Benigno Aquino III who was ineligible for re-election, recently agreed to ramp up US troop rotations on Philippines military bases. Manila is vital to Washington’s “rebalancing to Asia” policy.

The big question is whether America and the rest of the world can rely on someone who to date has shown himself to be a loose cannon, at least verbally, with little training to suggest he can play a “straight bat” to the meddling Chinese in a game in which he is unfamiliar.

There are two good things going at the start of the Duterte presidency.

First the macroeconomic fundamentals are very sound. GDP growth is at 6.2 per cent or better; inflation is less than 2 per cent, budget deficit and public debt are less than 4 per cent and 50 per cent of GDP and the country enjoys an investment grade credit rating in the world’s debt markets. Second, the eightpoint economic programme drawn up

by Duterte’s economic advisers has been well received by the business community.

He has made it plain that he will leave the management of the economy to professionals.

To understand the Philippines one has to recognise the extensive gap between the rich and the poor. The elite rarely mix with ordinary folk, apart from maids, chauffeurs and farm hands. The share of Filipinos living below the national poverty line in the first half of 2015 was 26.3 per cent, the same as it was in 2009 before five years of considerable economic growth. It is against this back drop that Duterte has made his candidacy attractive.

He most certainly understands the plight of the poor. The big question remains as to whether he can manage a country of 100 million people as well as he managed the City of Davao with 1.5 million people.

It is a big ask.

news

New Northern Ireland Hospice provides high quality care The new £13 million Northern Ireland Hospice on Belfast’s Somerton Road opened in May after three years of planning and construction, welcoming the return of staff and patients from its temporary home in Whiteabbey Hospital.

The dementia-friendly adult Hospice, which will provide the highest quality of palliative care for patients with a wide range

of life-limiting illnesses, encompasses an 18 bedded In Patient Unit and a Day Hospice facility. Each of the spacious private ensuite rooms are equipped with modern facilities.

Much thought has also been given to ensuring that the new building is able to support families in the way that they need.

There is space for families to be together, including peaceful gardens, a Sanctuary, a Relatives Area and a café.

The new facility will also be the HUB for Hospice Community Nursing Services with almost 90 per cent of the 3000 patients cared for annually, choosing to be cared for at home. The site also features a dedicated Palliative Education and Research

Centre, reaching out internationally to train healthcare professionals in specialist palliative care models.

The facility will enable specialist palliative care to be extended beyond cancer to those requiring palliative care due to neurological, respiratory and dementia conditions.

The new Hospice is the first dementiafriendly designed hospice of its kind in the UK and Ireland, and will allow staff to provide support specialised care to patients with a dementia diagnosis.

Northern Ireland Hospice Chief Executive, Heather Weir said: “We are absolutely delighted that we are now able to take the next step on the Northern Ireland Hospice journey, offering world class care for the people of Northern Ireland now and into the future.

“This new hospice will really make a huge difference to life-limited patients and their families, providing them with the care and support they need at the end of life.”

Northern Ireland Hospice cares for over 3,000 patients and their families every year.

It costs £6 million to run the service, with the majority of this funding coming through voluntary donations.

To find out more about how you can support Northern Ireland Hospice, go to www.nihospice.org or call 028 9078 1836.

sponsored feature

Kilwaughter Lime wins Best Environmental Business at Larne Business Awards 2016 Kilwaughter Lime recently attended the Larne Business Awards at a gala dinner in Ballygally Castle Hotel .The annual event celebrated a range of outstanding business initiatives and top achievers throughout the local business community.

Kilwaughter Lime was shortlisted for an environmental accolade because of its ongoing sustainability schemes and was delighted to win the Best Environmental Business of 2016. The company takes pride in caring for local environment, and environmental considerations are an integral part of business practice. The Kilwaughter headquarters is situated on the edge of the Antrim Plateau; this is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty; so the effect of its operations on biodiversity and the surrounding countryside has always been a major consideration for the company.

Nearly 10 years ago a 50 acre area of land was set aside to reestablish an area of pristine native woodland and grassland,

Kilwaughter Lime Quality Department collecting their award at Larne Business Awards 2016. since then over 20,000 trees have been planted. Kilwaughter Lime, in conjunction with the RSPB has installed a variety of nest boxes for thrushes, robins and tits. There is also a motion detection camera in place to determine if red squirrels are repopulating the area. Several tonnes of boulders have been placed strategically to provide habitat for smaller mammals and insects to colonise.

The area is carefully managed to provide a natural habitat without letting it become overgrown, routine surveys are completed to monitor the variety of species and to help develop the full potential of the woodland.

Over the next year, Kilwaughter Lime will be placing signs and notices along the path informing visitors of various aspects of the plant and animal life as well as archaeological and geographical facts about the area.

NI Chamber 67

Commercial Property // Commercial Feature

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

Commercial property refers to buildings or land intended to generate a profit, either from capital gain or rental income.

Commercial property includes office buildings, industrial property, medical centres, hotels, retail stores, farm land and warehouses to name a few.

Types of commercial property; • Office buildings • Industrial • Retail/Restaurant • Multifamily • Land • Miscellaneous Things to consider when buying commercial property; • Size and layout of the property.

• Structure and appearance.

• Facilities and comfort for employees/clients; lighting, toilets

and kitchen facilities.

• Enquire if there is planning permission so you can expand the premises.

• Access and parking.

• The cost, including legal cost such as solicitors fees.

• Alterations, fitting out the building and decoration.

• Health and safety and fire regulations.

• Rent, service and utility charges, including water, electricity and gas.

• Building and contents insurance.

16 Genoa Street, Belfast BT12 5BG Tel: 028 9031 5080 www.delivery-services.com Email: sales@delivery-services.com Jonathan Allen (Operations Manager), Charlene Higgens (Accounts Manager) and Peter Best (General Manager)

Belfast-based Delivery Services & Storage came through to take the coveted 2016 BAR & BIFM Commercial Mover of the Year (CMotY) award at the 2016 BAR Gala Awards evening in London in May. Peter Best, the company’s General Manager, praised the team effort of staff: “We are delighted to have won the prestigious Commercial Mover of the Year award for 2016. It’s testament to the hard work put in by all our staff over the past 12 months.” The Belfastbased company was founded in 1974 by Seamus Slevin who specialised in moving pianos and artworks. In the 1990s the company evolved to be the premier bank and university mover in Northern Ireland. Peter Best joined the company under Richard Hill’s tenure in 2001. The company joined BAR and began to see rapid growth in their commercial operations. Today, the company specialises in moves in the library, commercial, medical and education sectors as well as maintaining its original specialism of moving pianos and artwork.

Delivery Services & Storage has been a finalist in the competition three times in the past five years and this is the second time it has won the CMotY award. “We would like to take the opportunity to thank all the BAR staff in Watford and the Member companies for all their help and support throughout the year,” Peter told R&S. He added that the BAR organising committee also deserved praise for putting on “a wonderful conference this year in London.”

Specialists in: • Business Relocations • Special Transport Services • Quality Home Removals • Move Management • Secure Storage Solutions • Free Consultation and Quotations

68 NI Chamber

As the business of retail becomes more complex, our clients, both landlord and tenants, need advice they can rely on. Advice that cuts through the complexity of an ever changing retail landscape and adds value to their bottom line. Advice that delivers tangible business advantage.

That’s where we come in . . .

at CBRE, we are passionate retail experts.

For real insight into how we can deliver the right retail strategy for your business please contact: Retail Agency: colin.mathewson@cbre.com Asset Services: gerard.mccann@cbre.com Capital Markets: robert.ditty@cbre.com Lease Consulting: julie.mclelland@cbre.com

CBRE NI | 7th Floor The Linenhall | 32-38 Linenhall Street | Belfast | +44 (0)28 9043 8555 www.cbre.co.uk/ni

Conferences // Commercial Feature

CONFERENCES A conference is a meeting of people who ‘confer’ about a topic. It is usually a meeting of a large group of individuals and or companies in a certain field.

Things to consider when hosting a conference; • Venue; make sure it is big enough to accomade everyone. If you don’t have the facilities in your office then hotels make great venues.

• Make sure you or the selected venue has catering facilities, if you are having it in the office, cafes and restaurants do sandwich platters that would be great for meetings. If it is an all day event a hot meal will be required. Don’t go over board but make sure everyones dietary requirements are met.

• Is the venue accessible for eveyone? By choosing a hotel/venue near the airports and motorways it makes it easier for those traveling.

• Utilise technology, use speakers so you don’t have to strain your voice all day or use tablets/ laptops instead of printed handouts.

• Make sure everyone is informed. Give plenty of notice of the date and email or call the people attending leading up to the day of the event just as a reminder. Make sure they know where they are going and what time they have to arrive.

10 Reasons To Locate Here Omagh Enterprise, Great Northern Road, Omagh Co. Tyrone, BT78 5LU Tel: 028 8224 9494 Email: info@omaghenterprise.co.uk Web: www.omaghenterprise.co.uk

70 NI Chamber

• Flexible Lease • Superfast broadband (up to 10Gbps onsite) • Free parking • Free Wi-Fi • 24/7 access • Access to loan fund • Restaurant onsite • Reception services • Access to conference & meeting rooms • Links to business networks

OmaghEnterprise OmaghEnterprise OmaghEnterprise

Conferences // Commercial Feature

share something special Share Discovery Village perhaps most well known for school trips and its outdoor activities also provides the perfect venue for hosting conferences.

SHARE is based on a 60 acre site on the tranquil shores of Upper Lough Erne in county Fermanagh just outside the town of Lisnaskea. Free from distractions of the office & city life!

Conference facilities SHARE realise that every company/organisation has different needs and objectives for their conference, their team will work with you to ensure your needs are met. SHARE’S wide range of experience of organising bespoke events, attention to detail and great facilities will ensure your event is run professionally.

SHARE offers a choice of 5 rooms with the largest holding up to 400 people in tiered style seating, this room also boasts having a data integrated system that includes a large fixed screen, microphone, lectern, sound equipment and loop system.

Food & drink Fine and exquisite food is available with a full range of menu options from buffet to a la carte. There is also a bar onsite that can be opened on request for your group.

Accommodation SHARE has 45 en-suite rooms available as either single, twin or multi bedded rooms, these are arranged in cosy chalets or the modern style farmhouse.

Relaxation time can be spent in the indoor leisure suite including swimming pool, steam room, sauna and fitness suite.

SHARE conference package Including: tiered seating, data projection integrated system, tea, coffee and scones, and buffet lunch.

200 people - £2500 300 people £3600 Accommodation Bed & cooked breakfast from £35 per person Testimonials “Ten out of Ten” - Beverly Todd – South & East Belfast HSS Trust “A fun-filled day with a practical side” - Tanusha Dhiman Adecco Recruitment Solutions

For more information on SHARE’S conference or team building packages please email info@sharevillage.org or give us a call on 028 6772 2122.

Conferences // Commercial Feature

Conference and Meeting Facilities “Providing centrally located facilities to meet your needs”

The facilities boast outstanding attention to detail and are ideal for meetings, seminars, training events, product launches and exhibitions. Our newly refurbished conference facilities are available to businesses, organisations, tenant companies and the general public at competitive rates.

Facilities include: • Various size of conference rooms and computer suite available • Full presentation equipment • Air conditioned • On-site catering facilities Enquiries: 028 8676 3660 www.cookstownenterprise.com • Superfast Broadband Email: marym@cookstownenterprise.com / info@cookstownenterprise.com • Free Wi-Fi Cookstown Enterprise Centre Ltd, Derryloran Industrial Estate, • Free Car Parking & full disable access • Centrally located in Northern Ireland Sandholes Road Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, BT80 9LU

work space for innovation and creativity Omagh Enterprise Company offers 80,000 square feet of office and industrial workspace that provides accommodation for over 70 companies employing 300 staff.

The company offers flexible office solutions including virtual offices, hot-desks, co-working space, a range of offices and industrial units. It also provides conference hire facilities, meeting rooms, an on-site restaurant, superfast broadband and free car parking.

The company is centrally located as it is just over an hour’s commute to Belfast, 45 minutes from Derry and 30 minutes to the nearest border town.

It is also is located on the by-pass to Derry and is a flagship building for the businesses of the area.

For more information visit: www. omaghenterprise.co.uk.

Tel: 028 8224 9494, email: info@ omaghenterprise.co.uk.

72 NI Chamber

ULSTER TATLER GROUP TERMS & CONDITIONS

Opinions expressed in Ulster Tatler Group publications are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of the publishers. NI Chamber of Commerce and Ulster Tatler Group do not accept responsibility for the views of the correspondents or contributors.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all the material within is accurate at the time of going to press, Ulster Tatler Group cannot be responsible for mistakes arising from clerical or printing errors.

Advertisements for Ulster Tatler Group publications are accepted only on condition that the advertiser warrants that the advertisement does not in any way contravene the provisions of the Copyright Text and Advertising Trade Descriptions Act 1968.

Where advertisements and art work have been specially designed for Ulster Tatler Group, copyright is strictly reserved. The

entire contents of the magazine, articles, photographs and advertisements, are the copyright © of NI Chamber of Commerce and Ulster Tatler Group., and may not be reproduced in any form without written consent from the publishers. The publishers will institute proceedings in respect of any infringement of copyright. Please note that whilst every effort is made to ensure that any submitted items which you wish returned are sent back in the condition in which they were received, Ulster Tatler Group cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage. All items submitted are at the owner’s own risk.

Manuscripts and photographs/illustrations submitted should be accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope. If possible do not send original or irreplaceable material to avoid disappointment please send copies only. The Publishers - Ulster Tatler Group reserve the right to reject any advertisement submitted.

feature

what’s in it for me?

HOW NI CHAMBER HAS HELPED MY BUSINESS WITH…ANDREW WARD, SALES & MARKETING CONSULTANT WITH MPI PACKAGING.

WHAT DOES MPI PACKAGING DO? MPI Packaging, based in Warrenpoint, is one of the biggest suppliers of industrial and food grade packaging and consumable products in Northern Ireland. The company supplies a wide range including logistics packaging, protective packaging and polythene products.

WHAT MAKES MPI PACKAGING STAND OUT? Forty years ago, the company set out to offer a great product range at highly competitive prices, underpinned by a relentless focus on the most professional customer care possible.

This approach has seen the firm build long term partnerships valued by its customers.

Now in its 40th anniversary year, the firm’s ambition is to be the most recommended packaging supplies company across the UK and Ireland. To support growth plans and increase market share, the company is rebranding to become HUB PACKAGING.

HOW HAS NI CHAMBER HELPED MPI PACKAGING ACHIEVE ITS GOALS? My relationship with NI Chamber works on many levels, from regularly attending networking events through to specific sector discussions which involve meeting business leaders from across Northern Ireland.

Through NI Chamber’s events, the firm has raised its profile and continued to meet new customers, develop knowledge and skills, and explore new ideas. The insight and experience gained from meeting other businesses through NI Chamber is invaluable.

WHAT WOULD YOUR ADVICE BE TO OTHER CHAMBER MEMBERS TO HELP THEM GET THE MOST FROM NI CHAMBER? It is recognised that the value derived will directly reflect the effort invested into NI Chamber.

You could consider offering to speak at an upcoming event or host an event

in your business premises. These are a great way to build visibility and credibility.

In addition, networking connections can often lead to referrals and potential partnerships that could take your business to the next level.

NI Chamber is amongst the very best and every member should recommend it to their key connections and customers.

HOW HAS NI CHAMBER HELPED YOU AND YOUR STAFF DEVELOP A PROFESSIONAL SKILLSET? More than anything we are constantly reminded that our service is valuable and valued. NI Chamber encourages a collaborative approach to business, developing an environment where everyone can benefit and fulfil their ambitions and plans.

Against this backdrop I look forward with confidence to the launch of HUB PACKAGING and further developing my relationship with NI Chamber.

NI Chamber 73

Office Fit Out // Commercial Feature

OFFICE FIT-OUT In our professional day to day life we spend a lot of time in the office so it is important to make this space as comfortable and efficient as possible.

You can be creative by incorporating colour schemes and modern styles or you can keep it functional and traditional.

Tips for fitting out your office: • Keep within a company budget.

Whether it be interior touch ups or a complete renovation, the little things can add up so set a clear budget and stick to it.

• Does the design match your branding? Try incorporating brand colours to get the desired appearance.

• Use the space wisely, it will need to fit the needs of your employees therefore make sure desks are not too packed tightly together yet close enough so they can commincate on tasks.

Also make sure the work stations are located next to plugs and electrics for computers and phones.

• For a good working environment have plenty of windows to allow in plenty of natural light and have sufficient heating and ventilation so it is comfortable both warm and cold weather.

• Do not forget health and safety. Do not place desks and chairs in the way of door ways and make sure cables are neatly kept together.

Ambition Readers, here’s your chance to achieve an EXTRA 10% DISCOUNT off our cool, classy & contemporary white office furniture. To view our range of desks, filing cabinets, tables and shelves and to claim your exclusive discount code go to www.desk-warehouse.co.uk/ambition-offer

T: 0800 9996055 E: sales@deskwarehouse.co.uk Owen O’Cork Mill, 288 Beersbridge Road, Belfast BT5 5DX.

74 NI Chamber

Smarter Surfaces transforms entire smooth surfaces (walls, desks, table-tops, doors, glass and more) into magnetic, projectable writing surfaces, providing users with a limitless canvas for creativity and collaboration.

• Local clients include Dungannon Enterprise centre, Corr & Corr Chartered Accountants, Irish TV Donaghamore, Allstate NI Strabane, Radar NI Belfast and many more; • Multi national customer base includes Google, Facebook, Microsoft, SAP, Virgin Media and NBC Universal; • White and clear kits manufactured in Ireland and the UK; • Winner of FM office product of the year 2014; • Winner of PWC Innovation award 2013; and • Winner Emerging exporter award 2014.

Smarter Surfaces NI 7 Killymeal Grange, Killymeal Road, Dungannon, BT71 6NS Tel: 0789 5287 503 Email: darren@smartersurfacesni.com Web: www.smartersurfaces.com Twitter: SmartSurfacesNI

Office Fit Out // Commercial Feature

sponsored feature

innovative paints and wallpapers Smarter Surfaces NI transforms entire smooth surfaces (walls, desks, table-tops, doors, glass and more) into magnetic, projectable writing surfaces with their innovative products such as the award winning Smart Wall paint, Magnetic paints /wallpapers and Smartsheets, which provide users with a limitless canvas for creativity and collaboration.

• • • • • •

Local clients include Dungannon Enterprise Centre, Corr & Corr Chartered Accountants, Irish TV Donaghamore, Allstate NI Strabane, Radar NI Belfast and many more; Multi national customer base includes Google, Facebook, Microsoft, SAP, Virgin Media and NBC Universal; White and clear kits manufactured in Ireland and the UK; Winner of FM office product of the year 2014; Winner of PWC Innovation award 2013; and Winner Emerging exporter award 2014.

Tel: 07895287503 | Web: www.smartersurfaces.com ​ Twitter: @SmartSurfacesNI | Smarter Surfaces on LinkedIn

sponsored feature

Desk Warehouse takes a chair upstairs Leading independent office furniture supplier, Desk Warehouse, is expanding the showroom facilities at its Belfast headquarters by 30%. Based in the Owen O’Cork Mill on the Beersbridge Road, this latest expansion will see Desk Warehouse move up to occupy additional space on the third floor of the historic building, taking its overall showroom area to 10,000 sq ft. It. The move comes as a result of growing demand from public and private sector customers throughout Northern Ireland for the company’s range of high quality office furniture. It is expected that this phase of growth will also involve the recruitment of additional staff across the sales, marketing and administrative functions.

“We’ve built our business on the availability of a massive range of stock, particularly of top brands like Verco,” explains company owner Allister Mulligan. “This means that customers can come into our showroom and see, touch and try out the furniture and office fittings they want to install, then have the items delivered promptly. Plus, we’re experts at

76 NI Chamber

space planning, so we can help businesses create an office environment that’s ergonomically efficient, that reflects their corporate values and is a pleasant environment for staff and customers.”

“We’ve an online office design guide that many customers find helpful,” says Allister. “Called How to Create your Ideal Office Space, it shows how to increase productivity at work through office design, with real case studies demonstrating ways in which we’ve helped clients to create more productive working environments.”

To download your free copy of How to Create your Ideal Office Space, go to http://www.desk-warehouse.co.uk/freeguide or contact our Office Design Manager, Duncan Lee at 028 9046 0055.

Desk Warehouse, Owen O’Cork Mill, 288 Beersbridge Road, Belfast BT5 5DX. T: 028 9046 0055 E: sales@deskwarehouse.co.uk W: www.desk-warehouse.co.uk

FurniturE SEating StoragE Partitions DEsign CarpEt Lighting Logistics

building interiors building relationships t: 028 9070 1080 e: think@1080.co.uk 1080 is part of the Alpha Group

www.1080.co.uk

columnist

Are you a Person with significant control?

If you a company director or involved in the ownership of a company it is very important to be aware of the launch of the People with Significant Control (PSC) Register.

From 6th April 2016 most companies, limited liability partnerships (LLP) and Societas Europaea have been required to hold a register of people with significant control. It is important to note that this register cannot be left blank. Any officer of a company or designated member of LLP who fails to comply with their legal duties could be committing a criminal offence and could be fined and/or imprisoned.

Since 30th June 2016 all “Confirmation statements” (which replace annual returns) to Companies House must contain “beneficial ownership” details. This affects companies (including charitable companies limited by guarantee), LLPs and Societas Europaea which are now required to report on the people who own or control their businesses.

This information will be available to any third party upon request from Companies House for a fee.

The first step for any director or partner is to take reasonable steps to identify those persons of significant control or influence over their business. These people will

then need to be contacted to get the information required for the PSC Register and warned that they will appear on a register which is publicly available.

A person has significant control over a company if one or more of the specified conditions in Schedule 1A to the Companies Act 2006 are satisfied: Conditions 1 – 3 The first three specified conditions require the holding of more than 25 per cent of the shares or voting rights in the company or the right to appoint or remove the majority of the board of directors.

Conditions 4-5 The fourth and fifth specified condition require a person to have “significant influence or control” either over the company itself or over the activities of a trust or a firm which meets any of the other specified conditions in relation to the company.

For example in the case of a trust, the trustee will normally be regarded as the person with significant control, but it is possible that the beneficiaries may be considered to be significant controllers in certain circumstances.

The question over whether a person has the right to exercise or exercises “significant influence or control over the company” can become quite complex. The Department for Business, Innovation & Skills issued statutory guidance on

the meaning of “significant influence or control” over companies in the context of the PSC Register (issued on 14th April 2016). This guidance states that careful consideration should be given to the facts of each case “which will be important in determining whether significant influence or control exist in any particular case”.

Once a PSC is identified the following information must be gathered for the PSC Register: • name; • date of birth; • nationality; • country, state or part of the UK where the PSC usually lives; • service address; • usual residential address; • the date he/she became a PSC in relation to the company (for existing companies the 6 April 2016 should be used); • which conditions for being a PSC are met; • the company is only required to identify whether a PSC meets condition (iv) if they do not exercise control through one or more of conditions (i) to (iii).

As you can see the issues surrounding the requirement to a keep a PSC Register and identifying a PSC can become complex very quickly.

New rules have been introduced governing the disclosure of controlling interests in UK companies and LLPs as Catherine Cooney, Assistant Solicitor, Charities and Enterprise Department at Edwards & Co explains.

NI Chamber 79

appointments

new appointments

Rebecca Moffett, who has been appointed as a new Partner with Tughans, one of Northern Ireland’s leading commercial law firms, pictured with Managing Partner Patrick Brown.

Sarah Sistern has been appointed by A&L Goodbody as Associate in the Corporate department.

Robert Brechin is now Head of Direct Channels Sales at Northridge Finance, the Belfastbased asset finance business of Bank of Ireland UK.

Neofytos Neofytou has been appointed as Design Engineer for Omexom.

Jacinta Parkhill has been appointed

by Morrow Communications as a Director.

REGISTER | BROWSE | APPLY WWW.GRAFTONRECRUITMENT.COM ambition strip ad June 2016.indd 2

80 NI Chamber

30/06/2016 07:51:00

Grafton Wins Most Effective Recruitment Strategy Grafton Recruitment has been awarded ‘Most Effective Recruitment Strategy’ 2016

by CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development) Northern Ireland.

The award was given for the recruitment sourcing campaign for OneSource Virtual (OSV), a leading Texan-based Business Process Outsourcing provider, who decided to open a European Hub to service and develop their European offering in Derry/ Londonderry in late 2015.

As the exclusive recruitment partner, Grafton created a recruitment sourcing strategy that was collaborative and innovative.

The solution reflected the culture and employer branding aspirations in the local market and this proved effective with the target audience. By understanding Gen Y’s preference for use of social media, Grafton maximised the opportunity to interact with prospective candidates right along the recruitment value chain.

Grafton delivered a high quality and commercially focused solution within extremely tight deadlines and to an exacting specification from a knowledgeable client.

Pete Feldman, Grafton Managing Director said: “We created the recruitment campaign within a tight timescale and delivered beyond the original specification. So successful was

Ian Beattie has joined Northridge Finance, the Belfastbased asset finance business of Bank of Ireland UK, as a Business Development Manager.

Pictured left to right. Back row; Ryan Calvert, HR Specialist, Grafton; Richard McFarland, Business Manager, Grafton; Mark Sexton, Enterprise Sales Manager, Core HR (Award Sponsor) Front row; Pamela Ballentine, Gala Host; Julie Cordner, Marketing Manager, Grafton; & Pete Feldman, MD, Grafton.

our “attract” proposition for OneSource Virtual that we managed to secure an additional pipeline of prospective candidates for OneSource Virtual over and above that which was originally targeted.”

The initial recruitment campaign resulted in 50 job offers, attracting people to return to working in the city of Derry/Londonderry

David Rogan has been appointed a Solicitor in the Commercial Department of Cleaver Fulton Rankin.

where historically they would have had to travel to Belfast or even further afield to get skilled employment with the level of salaries offered. The employment opportunity has already brought an additional £1.63 million in salaries per annum to the city’s economy and over the three year recruitment period it is estimated to bring in excess of £12 million.

Brian Hughes has been appointed as Project Manager at Omexom.

Aisling Owens has been appointed by A&L Goodbody as Associate in the Banking and Finance department.

REGISTER | BROWSE | APPLY WWW.GRAFTONRECRUITMENT.COM ambition strip ad June 2016.indd 2

30/06/2016 07:51:00

NI Chamber 81

feature and the office. I also try and take some regular quality relaxation time out with my family, by simply escaping to Donegal for the weekend. The spectacular Tramore Beach at Rosapenna, near Downings, seldom has many people on it, even when the sun is shining and is one of my favourite places to escape for a run or long walk with my children, regardless of the season.

mums with power Ashleen Feeney is a Director with KPMG. She is married to Conor and they have two young children, Katie (7) and Conor-James (3).

Describe your job I work in Deal Advisory which is a fastmoving area of KPMG’s advisory business.

I provide strategic and financial advice to a portfolio of clients comprising both private businesses and public sector bodies across a diverse range of sectors. I specialise in the area of financing infrastructure projects and lead the KPMG team in Northern Ireland that provides advice on a wide range of infrastructure transactions in transport, healthcare, education, housing, office accommodation and urban regeneration. In addition, I also assist trading businesses with fundraising for new ventures, refinancing of existing debt and also assist clients with traditional M&A activities. My assignments have included: — Financial advisory mandate for NI Primary Care Infrastructure Development Programme — Lagan Construction Group acquisition of H&J Martin — Financial advisory mandate to undertake debt-financing process on behalf of Ulster University for its new £250 million Belfast Campus development.

I am passionate about ensuring Northern Ireland’s economic infrastructure priorities are funded and delivered, improving and accelerating public procurement and securing the future of the agri-business and construction sectors in Northern Ireland.

82 NI Chamber

I am currently a member of the Institute of Directors (NI Main Committee) and a Fellow Member of Chartered Accountants Ireland.

What is your favourite part of the day?

Usually early, early morning when I can make a mental list for the day ahead, before the rest of my family wake up and the mayhem of getting two young children out to nursery and school commences, while getting myself ready and to work on time. However, nothing compares to receiving a spontaneous, unconditional hug from a little person at home after a long day in the office!

What do you do to ensure a work/life balance?

Achieving balance between career and children can be difficult, especially in the corporate finance profession. There are times when my young children need more attention and times when my job demands long hours and energy. Therefore, I endeavour to work smart and when possible, I avail of KPMG’s Intelligent Working Arrangements. Even when I may feel overtired and a little stretched, I always try and fit in some running or a spin class late evening or early morning at least a couple of times every week, as I believe exercise is essential to optimising your productivity in work and also assists you maintain a balance between home

How does having a child impact your personal and working life?

Frankly, I do not believe you can have it all. I have seen some women leave highly successful careers because of the emotional guilt of not spending enough time with their children. You have to make decisions and define what success and happiness is for you personally. I simply endeavour to ensure that I am fully informed about school work and around for the most important times and prioritise being at home in the hour before my children go to bed.

Are working mums in greater need of state support than stay-at-home mums?

Managing family and professional life requires a strong network of support behind the scenes. My husband has a demanding job too that involves regular travel, and we have no extended family that live nearby, therefore paid help to assist with our young children and household chores is a necessity. Increasing childcare costs in NI are preventing many mums from returning to work. The NI Executive need to do more to support with the cost of childcare, particularly for lower-income parents of the youngest children. There is a significant pool of skilled and talented local women that are forced to become economically inactive because of the cost of childcare.

Do you think you will always remain in employment?

Most definitely. I am very conscious of serving as an example for my daughter and the young women that I have been privileged to offer director shadowing to or mentor during my career to date.

columnist

VR is big business

I

n the early 90s there was a lot of hype about Virtual Reality (VR), what it could do and what it could be used for. Even Hollywood got in on the act, anyone remember ‘The Lawnmower Man’?

A Virtual Reality experiment alters a simple gardener and turns him into a megalomaniac who wants to rule cyberspace and take over the world.

A decidedly forgettable movie but some of the thinking behind the VR at the time was along the right track.

However, the technology just wasn’t up to the task and it simply faded away into the realms of enthusiasts and developers. Fast forward to the past couple of years and VR has made a comeback with some major players investing in its development – even some megalomaniacs!

Industry experts reckon VR will grow in to a multi-billion dollar business within 10 years, spanning industries from entertainment, tourism, medicine, military and of course marketing.

With every new technology there comes a raft of products. The one most people have heard of and are talking about is the Oculus

low cost cardboard headset you can attach to your mobile device. You can even create your own headset by downloading a schematic from their site and cut out from any old sheet of cardboard.

At the moment VR’s strengths seems to lie in the entertainment business, particularly in gaming and experiential videos. Existing games like Call of Duty, Halo and even Minecraft have beta versions utilising the Oculus Rift. A lot of the work done on these devices is still at the development and experimental stage.

There are some obstacles getting in the way of it reaching out to a larger audience, something that brands will want to see VR overcome if they are to utilise it.

The cost is one – at the top end of VR experience it’s been estimated that video content on a device such as the Oculus Rift can work out as expensive as a full production TV ad.

We are still a long away from immersive VR being one click away as there are the issues of limited storage on mobile devices and the speed limit of the networks.

Rift, which Facebook bought for Despite this, it has not stopped $2 billion and made a 21-year-old some brands from dipping their toe in developer very rich. But there are the water and trying VR technology. others in the mix: Sony’s Project The trend with brands at the Morpheus, which is heavily aligned moment is offering the technology with gaming technology, as is experience to the consumer rather Microsoft’s HoloLens, which also than letting the consumer invest in uses augmented reality. Tech giant the technology to experience it. This Samsung is also in the game with is likely to change once the unit price its well-received GearVR, which for headsets come down and the operates on Oculus software and storage and data speeds improve. uses Samsung’s Galaxy Smartphone There is a huge opportunity for as its processor and display. Samsung are also following up with a launch of brands to stand out if they become the Gear 360 camera, so consumers early adopters of VR. Destination British Columbia spent over half can create their own virtual Video content. Other mobile manufacturers a million dollars on two VR video experiences for Mountain Dew are not letting themselves get left associating itself with VR with their behind – HTC launched their own own immersive experience just headset called Vive earlier this because they loved the idea of it and year. A more interesting headset is could afford it. the FoveVR, which has interactive It’s still early days, but Virtual eye tracking – this results in more Reality is already happening. Global responsive controls, smoother movement and realistic depth of field, search for VR related content which allegedly makes VR experience on Google grew four fold in the last year. The technology has the even more realistic. potential to change our daily lives and And not to be outdone, Google now is the opportunity for brands have Cardboard. For me this is a and creators to understand what it all very clever way of getting over the means. expense of headsets by creating a

Virtual Reality has become all too real says John Martin, Art Director with Integrated Marketing company ICAN.

NI Chamber 83

columnist

There’s no quick fix to low productivity says NI Chamber Economist, Maureen O’Reilly.

The productivity puzzle

H

ow do you solve a problem like low productivity? That is the million dollar question and an amount perhaps well worth paying if it were to resolve one of Northern Ireland’s greatest economic challenges. Productivity refers to the rate at which we produce goods and services. It matters because it reflects the economic health of a region. When productivity is high it means we are producing more with less (whether people or capital) which can in turn drive up wages and living standards and encourage more investment and innovation.

Low productivity reflects a stagnant economy with all the unfortunate trappings associated with this including lower household incomes and living standards.

Productivity in Northern Ireland is very low. Labour productivity (or what we produce per worker) is around 80 per cent of the UK average and lowest across the 12 UK regions. The UK itself is not a

84 NI Chamber

great benchmark in productivity terms either ranking 6th lowest among the G7 nations (just above Japan) and around 30 per cent lower than the US, Germany and France.

The UK’s low productivity position makes Northern Ireland’s all the more untenable.

Northern Ireland has its own demons driving low productivity, the Troubles being a significant issue historically along with its heavy dependence on the Public Sector. Its sectoral mix doesn’t help either with a stronger focus on low productivity sectors like agriculture and food processing and less focus on high productivity sectors like finance and business services (although the fact that it is a small, regional economy makes it challenging to get some high productivity sectors to locate here). There are so many factors in the mix to explain the wider UK productivity ‘puzzle’. Weak investment (in infrastructure by government and equipment by

firms) is one apparent cause, along with low levels of innovation another. Poor management and poor education/skills are also key sources of blame. There is a suggestion that the banking sector should share responsibility because it has allowed less productive firms to stay in business while not lending to more productive ones with potential to grow. The list of factors is endless and every business will have its own specific challenges in how it drives up productivity.

There is unfortunately no quick fix to solving low productivity. It requires long-term investment and that has been recognised by the British Government in its Productivity Plan ‘Fixing the foundations: Creating a more prosperous nation’. 1 This 15-point plan focuses on the many of the usual suspects in driving up productivity including a more competitive tax system, rewarding investment, better education and skills, greater infrastructure

investment, planning reforms, a reduction in red tape and building new and stronger trade links. The importance of rebalancing the UK economy away from an overreliance on London is also viewed as key. Northern Ireland does get a special mention in the Productivity Plan through the devolution of Corporation Tax as a means to drive faster economic growth here. The Plan has however received mixed reviews.

Ian Wright MP, Chair of the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee, called it ‘a vague collection of existing policies…rather than being a clear and distinctive roadmap as to how Britain will close our productivity gap’.2 It has been really interesting to watch how the issue of productivity has been addressed in the Brexit debate. Patrick Minford, one of pro-Brexit’s most eminent economists, has put forward the argument that what Brexit will do is force the UK to concentrate on what it is good at and leave behind its less productive sectors – in effect driving up productivity. He mentions this, for example, in the context of those parts of manufacturing which are labour-intensive and unskilled and are slowly contracting anyway. In his view, what Brexit would simply do is speed up this inevitable decline and workers could then be redeployed from inefficient industries towards much more efficient ones. The impact of EU regulation also receives particular mention from

pro-Brexit economists who state that the regulatory burden has been ‘so severe that it has reduced productivity’.3 They make the argument that EU red tape has increased company costs and reduced employment.

One hotly refuted figure frequently quoted

by Vote Leave is that the 100 “most burdensome” EU regulations costs the UK economy £33 billion annually.4 Just to put that in context this represents around 2 per cent of the UK’s economic output.

Those arguing against Brexit point to what they believe will be lower levels of trade and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) as a result of the UK’s exit from the EU which in the longer run will drive down UK productivity. The Centre for Economic Performance at the London School of Economics suggest that leaving the EU will lower trade between the UK and EU because of higher tariff barriers and that in the long run ‘reduced trade lowers productivity’.5 They also believe that Brexit will lower FDI which will also ultimately lead to lower UK productivity. Treasury’s analysis on the long-term impact of EU membership is very much in keeping with this view.6 Pro-Brexit economists argue that the causal relationship between trade, FDI and productivity is much more complicated than this and if anything the growth of more productive industries because of Brexit would mean both greater trade potential

and would attract increased FDI.7 So interesting times ahead! There was never going to be a quick fix for low productivity but Brexit opens up yet more unknowns as to how it can be resolved.

Pro-Brexit economists are perhaps of the view that ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’ convinced that increased UK productivity will be a long-term outcome of leaving the EU. The problem for the Northern Ireland economy is…can it survive that long to find out?

Footnotes 1 ‘Fixing the foundations: creating a more prosperous nation’, HM Treasury and BIS, July 2015 2 http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/ committees-a-z/commons-select/businessinnovation-and-skills/news-parliament-2015/ productivity-plan-report-published-15-16/ 3 ‘The economy after Brexit’, Economists for Brexit 4 ‘Where next? A liberal free market guide to Brexit’, Open Europe, April 2016 5 ‘The consequences of Brexit for UK trade and living standards’, Dhingra, Ottaviano, Sampson and Van Reenen, 2016 6 ‘The long-term economic impact of EU membership and the alternatives’, HM Treasury, April 2016 7 The Treasury Report on Brexit: A Critique’, Economists for Brexit.

Innovation and investment

By Richard Donnan, Head of Northern Ireland, Ulster Bank Working for one of the largest customerfacing businesses in Northern Ireland for over 25 years, I have seen first-hand radical change in what customers expect us to offer and how we’ve changed our business model to adapt. And having seen it up close, I am firmly convinced of the power of disruptive innovation to make banking easier, more sustainable and more straightforward for our customers.

In our most recent sustainability report, we highlighted that around 59 per cent of all our customer transactions took place through online and mobile, a significant increase on previous years and evidence of the accelerating change in customer behaviour – a change that requires us to innovate, invest and adapt, while remaining conscious of the way that people are used

to interacting with their bank. Innovation helps us to bridge that gap and it has two distinct elements.

First and foremost, there’s a proactive and disruptive side to innovation, where you break completely new ground by launching a unique product or service. There’s also a more reflective side to it, where you analyse how technology can improve your existing processes without wholesale change. A twin track approach is needed to keep loyal customers engaged while still putting your business on a sustainable footing for the long-term.

The two strands of innovation can interact over time. For example, we’ve been working extensively with the RNIB to make improvements when using our app in voice over mode to help our partially sighted and

blind customers make the most of mobile banking. Working alongside colleagues in RBS and NatWest, we’ve introduced features like Apple Pay and TouchID login to improve service and security - adding value and helping in the fight against fraud.

These are refinements of our mobile app technology that has delighted and improved the service to hundreds of thousands of customers since it was launched.

We make decisions and investments like this because it is not only the right thing to do but because it is necessary to remain competitive and relevant. It proves that we think about long-term relationships and highlights our willingness to change our model to meet genuine changing needs, providing meaningful help for what really matters to our customers.

NI Chamber 85

feature

Megatrends shaping our future Within the next minute the global population will rise by 145. That is just one of the many changes impacting economy and society across the world, as Will Day, Sustainability Advisor to PwC, tells Adrienne McGill.

C

hange can often cause disruption

interconnected, and which will be subject

and a lot is happening in the world

to accelerating volatility in some of the

today with major implications for

fundamental building blocks of economic

the indications of where we are heading in

activity.

terms of fuel, food, soil, energy and water

business and the economy.

Global business advisers PwC have been

Will, highlighted how increased volatility

action on the issues which are arising.

“I am optimistic despite the fact that all

are pretty challenging. We know what are

working with clients to understand the

will require businesses to be more alert

the solutions. The genius of mankind and

changes that are disrupting their organisations

to risk and opportunities and sufficiently

the potential of our economies to turn

and the economy as a whole. They have

adaptable and resilient to respond positively.

themselves around is real.

distilled what they’ve learned down into five

His presentation revealed that:

global shifts or megatrends that have a major

* The world’s population currently stands

influence today and that they believe will still

at 7 billion. This figure is expected to rise by

environment less harshly. We can do these

be important over the coming decades.

2030 to 8.3 billion which means we will need:

things and we have the technology but we

50 per cent more energy, 40 per cent more

choose not to do it – either because we say

water, 35 per cent more food.

we can’t make the business case work or

These cover demographic and social change; shift in global economic power; rapid urbanisation; climate change and resource

* To meet the increasing demand from a

scarcity; and technological breakthroughs.

growing population we will need to produce

For instance – here’s an indication of

more food in the next 40 years than has been

what’s happening:

produced in the previous 8,000 years.

* Within the next minute the global

“Every building should be efficiently designed, every country needs to impact the

because we are locked into a mindset which says ‘that is the way we have always done it.’

“Our companies, our economies and our consumption will grow year after year but at some point we will reach a limit. We don’t

population will rise by 145.

need to waste as much as we do, we can live

* On current trends, the aggregate

happy, healthy, wealthy lives without doing

purchasing power of the ‘E7’ emerging

the damage we are doing. People need to

economies – Brazil, China, India, Indonesia,

realise that.”

Mexico, Russia and Turkey – will overtake

Will said uncertainty ranged from the availability of basics such as water to the social

that of the G7 by 2030.

consequences of rapid population growth and

* In 1800, 2 per cent of the world’s

resource scarcity.

population lived in cities. Now it’s 50

“Issues such as migration, ageing, instability

per cent. Every week, some 1.5 million people join the urban population, through a

and energy availability can conjure up mental

combination of migration and childbirth.

pictures of risks, but there is a huge opportu-

These types of megatrends and the

nity for companies to get to grips with these issues and identify where they might do well

collisions between them are reshaping the

by helping to engage with them.”

economic and commercial landscape. What Will Day, Sustainability

has been unearthed will shape how business

Advisor to PWC.

leaders and policy makers do to prosper

freshwater ice is locked up in the Antarctic

over the next decade. The implications are relevant for business, for us and for society.

Will Day, Sustainability Advisor to PwC, who recently spoke at an event entitled

He also highlighted the ominous rise in sea levels. Ninety-nine per cent of earth’s

* For every nine barrels of oil we consume, we are only discovering one. * At current rates of consumption, we may

and Greenland ice caps. Reports from the science community are raising the possibility that as those ice sheets melt, sea levels could

‘Sustainability and Megatrends – What it

have just half a century’s consumption of oil

rise by 6 feet this century and far higher in

means for Business’ at the Ulster Museum,

and gas left. Yet to meet our development

the next, flooding many of the world’s popu-

Belfast and hosted by the Business Leaders’

needs we are highly dependent on fossil fuels

lated areas.

Forum, detailed the changes which are in

which drive carbon emissions.

evidence today and their potential social and economic impacts in the years ahead.

* By 2020 there will be nearly 7 times more networked devices than people in the

“It is within our power to control that, slow it down and stop it,” said Will Day. “We can all turn a blind eye to this and

world. It means that with a population of

live a happy life and say it’s not really our

our current global un-sustainability, he made

7.6 billion there will be 50 billion connected

problem. But it is for our children and grand

the case that business as usual is unlikely

devices.

children – this is their inheritance – and that

In his data-filled roller coaster ride through

to succeed in a world which is increasingly

86 NI Chamber

Will Day said it’s up to everyone to take

is what matters.”

BUSINESS CLASS MOTORING

By James Stinson

18 Boucher Way, Belfast, BT12 6RE W: agnewcorporate.com

Business Class Motoring by James Stinson AD.V2.indd 1

Sponsored by

19/05/2015 14:26

lifestyle

Safe and desirable Volvo XC90 is a car for the heart and head, writes James Stinson.

88 NI Chamber

T

he bigger the car, the bigger the margins! It’s why luxury car makers, in the round, make more money than those churning out big selling family run arounds. So prestige counts and it’s a message top brass at Volvo picked up on some time ago.

That’s a big deal for a car maker associated, more than any other, with safety. Volvo did OK making the safest cars on our roads during the 80s and 90s but just not quite well enough especially against BMW, Audi, and Mercedes, who the Swedes like to think of as their peers.

By the end of the 90s everyone was making safe cars, eroding Volvo’s unique selling point and contributing to its flagging fortunes. The penny dropped with Volvo executives in the early noughties with the launch of the first XC90 and was reaffirmed when it was taken over by new Chinese owners in 2010.

Volvo still makes safe cars but the

focus has shifted to desirability - making cars that appeal to your heart as much as your head. The latest XC90 sums up that journey. It’s still brimming with safety features but you don’t have to be a crash test dummy to get its overall appeal.

The lines are as smooth as we’ve seen on any Volvo to date, with the odd crease here and there to give it presence. The meaningful exterior is further underlined by T-shaped LED daytime running lights. The cabin too is bright and airy, with a distinctly upmarket feel and look to the dash and controls.

It isn’t small or cheap and that’s because it’s a proper seven-seater, with acres of room for carrying people and / or their kit in some style and comfort.

The middle row of seats are good for three adults and can be slid forwards and backwards or folded down flat into the floor independently of one another.

The third row of seats also lies flush with the boot floor, but can be raised

easily using one hand. Even with all seven in place there’s still a decent boot.

Petrol, diesel, and hybrid versions are available. The petrol is quick and refined but expensive to run while the T8 hybrid makes most sense for company car drivers, thanks to its tiny CO2 emissions. It’s hard to look past the diesel though, which is sensibly priced and will work out the cheapest to run for private buyers.

You can spend £60k and a lot more when extras are added in but the entrylevel Momentum version (priced from £46k) is well specced and cheaper than comparable rivals.

Cruise control, automatic headlights and wipers, leather seats, rear parking sensors, sat-nav, 19 inch alloys, climate control, and city braking technology are all included as standard.

The XC90 has also been awarded best in class status by Euro NCAP, the body that measures all things safety, proving that Volvo hasn’t forgotten its roots either.

Driver Portal

BESPOKE DRIVER APPLICATION AVAILABLE ON MOBILE DEVICE

18 Boucher Way, Belfast, BT12 6RE W: agnewcorporate.com T: 028 9038 6600

lifestyle

Discovering Land Rover’s softer side Where do you go if you’re after seven-seats, some off-roading oomph and a bit of premium brand cachet for a reasonable price?

Good they may be but Korean and Japanese models like the Kia Sorento don’t have upmarket brand presence so you are off into Audi Q7 / BMW X5 or Volvo XC90 territory.

Problem is, you’ll pay from 45k and usually much more for one of those big beasts. Step forward then the Land Rover Discovery Sport.

Smaller than a proper Discovery and with Evoque-like styling, it ticks every one of those boxes.

Prices start from a reasonable £31k, with all models fitted with a 2.0

litre turbodiesel engine and four-wheel drive as standard. Don’t get too carried away though, especially if you are used to the generous third row seating arrangements seen in the likes of the Q7.

This is a smaller car and the rearmost seats reflect that. Land Rover, to be fair, is selling it as a 5+2, which suggests the third row of seats is for kids only, not least because it’s a bit of a clamber getting in.

But this is still a clever, practical, and nicely engineered motor and is already selling like hotcakes. The trick is in the car’s rather modest footprint, which means it doesn’t have the supertanker feel of those bigger seven seaters but you still get most if not all of the practicality.

when the living is easy If summer is putting you in the mood for some drop down motoring then check out this new Mercedes C-Class cabriolet. Take your pick from a range of engine and trim options with prices starting from a relatively modest £36,200, rising to an eye-popping £78,295.

But fear not, the entry level C200, fitted with a 2.0 litre 184bhp petrol engine, is frugal and quick enough for most.

Standard equipment regardless of which trim option you pick is decent too and includes: reversing camera, keyless entry, sat-nav, heated seats, LED headlights, leather sports seats, reversing camera and Active Park Assist. Orders are being taken now with first deliveries in September.

90 NI Chamber

sponsored feature

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Key features include: My Vehicle View all of your vehicle information including service due date, MOT/RFL renewal dates and vehicle contract details

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Esri Ireland have Digital in their DNA Inspiring over 5,000 individuals and businesses from every industry to incorporate technology and innovation into their DNA – The Digital DNA Conference and Awards have taken place annually in Belfast since 2013. The awards celebrate outstanding work, recognising those organisations that are pushing the boundaries of technology to make a measurable and significant difference to the world.

At Esri Ireland we believe in placing innovation at the heart of what we do. Nowadays, big data, open data and metadata are phrases that are commonplace in business but what about Spatial Data? We are passionate about the use of location-based data and in particular how businesses are using this for better decision making, so we were thrilled to be chosen as the winner in the “Best Use of Data” category at this year’s Digital DNA Awards. This award category recognises businesses that harness the power of data to achieve valuable competitive advantage, for example working with the Education Authority we developed a simple easy

to use web app to allow parents in the Southern Region to check if their children are eligible for school bus travel and apply online. It is anticipated that the pilot will be expanded to replace a complicated manual process with a web-based app that is mobile friendly and accessible 24/7.

across all sectors to harness that value by helping them visualise, analyse and optimise their spatial data, – not just asking questions such as ‘what were our total sales?’, but digging deeper into the data to understand “where” are the most sales being achieved.

More and more organisations are realising the importance of their spatial data and how it can impact their business operations. We work with customers

If you would like to turn your business data into meaningful insights why not get in touch e: mapsmakesense@esri-ireland.ie

Jonathan Irwin (Esri Ireland) Colm Daly (Education Authority) Dale Hanna (Education Authority) Rachel McKane (Esri Ireland) pictured with “Best use of Data” award.

NI Chamber 91

lifestyle

Eoghan Corry, Editor of Travel Extra checks out what’s happening on our air travel front.

92 NI Chamber

I

Time to get on board

t is likely than eight million passengers will move through Northern Ireland’s airports this year.

This should put Belfast in position as one of the major transportation hubs in Europe, especially if the 1.4 million ferry passengers are added to the mix.

Getting close to the 10 million club is good for everyone in Northern Ireland for consumers, business people, the airports and the ferry lines. But with the big prize in sight, it is important nobody drops the ball.

If the growth that was recorded this spring at Belfast International and George Best Belfast City airports is sustained through the rest of the year, Belfast International will rise to around 4.93 million passengers from 4.39 million in 2015 and BCA to 2.8 million from 2.7 million in 2015.

Having two competing airports in Belfast has been good for airlines, who, like consumers, like to shop around for deals. For the first time, a clear difference has emerged between the different airports, the sort of segmentation you find in other European cities It says a lot that you cannot fly to Heathrow from Aldergrove, and you cannot fly to Gatwick from Belfast City.

Belfast International is clearly the leisure hub. Those unlikely

half brothers Easyjet and Ryanair have fitted in comfortably together in a place where Easyjet has long been the major incumbent. Ryanair announced 11 new routes this year from Belfast International, alongside two from Thomson and one from Jet2.

BA’s home is Belfast City but Aer Lingus also operates from there and, although Belfast-Gatwick was a casualty of the IAG takeover, they still have their three flights daily to Heathrow alongside BA’s six daily.

Aer Lingus’ summer services to Faro, Malaga, Palma and Alicante indicate that all the leisure business has not moved to Aldergrove.

Meanwhile over beside Lough Neagh, Easyjet and Ryanair both claim an increase in business passengers using their services at Belfast International.

The airports themselves need growth. When Belfast International was sold to Texas-based ADC & HAS Airports in 2013, it was greeted as good news because of the potential new investment for the airport, which badly needs a new terminal. Nothing has happened in this regard.

And what of the Brexit dilemma?

In the short term, the slide in sterling to its lowest level for years means the price of everything from a cup of coffee in a cafe in Paris to a night in a luxury hotel in the Maldives

will rise.

The level of the increase depends on what level the pound settles at: before the referendum, the Treasury predicted sterling would lose 12-15 per cent of its value on a Leave vote. This will have obvious implications for holidaymakers.

The E:£ rate is crucial because we take the majority of our foreign holidays in the single-currency area – Spain, France, Italy and Greece.

Looking at transatlantic destinations – Aldergrove is the only long haul option out of Belfast. While United Airlines already operates a services to New York’s Newark airport, a new route to Canada is a viable option.

The advance of technology with narrow-body aircraft now crossing the Atlantic on a regular basis, makes it an attractive proposition. Look at the 737-800 services that Westjet and ASL Aviation operate from Dublin to St John’s and Halifax. Belfast has strong historical and cultural ties with Canada so a route would make sense.

The APD deal that kept United’s Newark service in Belfast will presumably be available to anybody who fancies a gamble on a Canadian route.

Will it happen? There is no reason not. But for Belfast to become a major transportation hub, everyone has to come on board.

lifestyle

CULINARY DELIGHTS BBQ Seabass with Fennel

Ingredients 4 whole seabass 2 bulbs fennel, finely sliced 4 basil leaves, shredded 1 small glass dry white wine

Get your fishmonger to descale, gut and clean your fish leaving the head and tail on. Once you get it home, in the fish cavity insert Âź of the fennel and the basil leaf and one tablespoon of white wine. Cover in cling film and place in the fridge to marinade.

When the sun is out, it’s time to get the BBQ on and embrace dining al fresco with mouthwatering recipes that are quick to create, but which will leave a lasting impression with your guests.

Niall McKenna of James Street South cooks up sizzling dishes which are packed full of flavours.

When the BBQ coals are white, remove the fish from the fridge, season with salt and pepper and place on top of the BBQ at a low heat. When the skin is crispy, turn over to the other side and cook again until the skin is crispy.

Serve whole from the BBQ with potatoes and salad.

the perfect steak The key to cooking a great steak starts before you even enter the kitchen. Buy the best bit of meat you can and always go for at least 1 inch thick.

Once you are ready to cook, the best place is the BBQ but if it is not BBQ weather use a griddle pan which will give you the char marks across the meat. Your meat should be at room temperature and well-seasoned with salt and pepper. Place your pan on high heat with the extraction fan on in order not to smoke anyone out of the kitchen. If you are using a BBQ do not oil your meat, just season.

If you are cooking in

the kitchen, place your steak in the pan and leave on one side for a couple of minutes then turn over. Carry on turning over until it is cooked the way you like it and never overcrowd your pan as you will lose too much heat and you will not get a good char on the outside.

For an average size rib eye (300g) cook for 6-8 minutes rare, 8-10 minutes medium and well done 10-12.

For fillet (350g) cook it 10-12 minute for rare, 12-14 medium and 14-16 for well done.

The last bit is key, always leave the meat to rest for 5 -10 minutes before eating.

NI Chamber 93

Q&A SO WHAT’S THE PLAN?

The OUTLET was recently acquired in what was one of the largest retail deals to ever take place in the region. Over 50 leading brands including Nike, DKNY, LK Bennett and GAP have a presence in the outlet shopping village, alongside cafés, restaurants and leisure activities.

Alastair, what attracted The Lotus Group and Tristan Capital Partners to conduct such a major investment at The OUTLET?

We spoke to Alastair Coulson, Director of Asset and Property Management at The Lotus Group to find out more about its exciting plans for the site.

How will The OUTLET as we know it change?

There will be a period of substantial investment to reinvigorate the site and enhance the shopping destination to attract international brands such as Boss, Levi’s and Hilfiger. We look forward to engaging with the local community as that happens.

Alastair Coulson Director of Asset and Property Management

For more information visit the new website www.the-outlet.co.uk or stay up to date with The OUTLET on Twitter @theOUTLETloves and Facebook - The OUTLET Banbridge.

The Lotus Group is based in Banbridge close to some of our residential sites so the development of the local area is very important to us. Both Tristan Capital Partners and The Lotus Group recognised the potential that The OUTLET offers.

It is a fantastic site that already boasts 204,354 sq. ft. so almost right away we can focus on attracting the very best national and international brands. With its easy access and catchment population of 1.5 million within a 60 minute drive of its location on the outskirts of Banbridge, it ticked all the boxes for a major investment.

Work is already taking place at The OUTLET to enhance the leisure, food and beverage offering – can you tell us a bit more about this?

Yes, we are really excited to announce that Banbridge’s first ever Omniplex has just opened at The OUTLET. The 8 screen cinema offers visitors a state of the art experience and the newest movie releases. The brand new Omniplex boasts one acclaimed OmniplexMAXX screen, only available in a handful of Omniplex Cinemas in Northern Ireland.

When watching a movie in the OmniplexMAXX screen, the viewer is immersed through wall to wall sound, leather rockers and perfect views throughout the space. The corner where the brand new Omniplex is located will become a dedicated food and beverage section and we have wasted no time with work on a new McDonalds already underway.

NOW OPEN YOUR NEW

CINEMA

IS HERE The OUTLET just got a lot more exciting!

With a new 8 screen OmniplexMAXX cinema you can truly unwind and enjoy the latest movies.

So grab your popcorn and get ready for a blockbuster evening.

www.omniplex.ie

columnist

BREXIT MAY WELL SPELL DISASTER FOR THE NORTHERN IRELAND ECONOMY WARNS JIM FITZPATRICK, INDEPENDENT BROADCASTER AND FOUNDER OF THE PODCAST ‘THE PROFIT MARGIN.’

NO EASY SOLUTIONS

A

s I write, we’re in the throes of post-referendum crisis and shock.

The UK has voted to leave the European Union.

Political campaigns have long been defined by the phrase coined during Bill Clinton’s run for President: “It’s the economy, stupid”. As if nothing else matters.

Though here in Northern Ireland we’ve known that isn’t the case. Rarely has the economy been a dominating factor in any election campaign. Other, more visceral, issues take over. Questions of culture and identity.

And so it was with the referendum on UK membership of the EU. The economic case for remain, which was as close to indisputable as you can get, was ignored by the majority of voters.

Nonetheless, regardless of these deep cultural issues which prompted so many to vote leave, the economic consequences are the most immediate and concrete outcome, especially here in Northern Ireland.

So, let’s state the challenges: • The EU is Northern Ireland’s biggest export market, particularly the Republic of Ireland.

• Inward investment has been underpinned by Northern Ireland’s place in the European single market.

• Farmers in Northern Ireland receive 87 per cent of their income from EU payments.

• The benefits of the planned corporation tax reduction were modelled on the assumption of access to the single market.

96 NI Chamber

• Movement of goods on the island of Ireland could face disruption if a “hard border” is introduced.

• Movement of people could also be affected.

• The research and development powered by our universities – and so vital to improving our economic performance – is within a framework of EU funding and cooperation that is now under threat.

• Joint EU membership of the UK and Ireland has underpinned political progress and peace which, in turn, has benefitted the economy. With joint membership gone, it could cause political problems which could have negative economic consequences.

The first thing to recognise is that there are no easy solutions.

The trade issues are not insurmountable, but it’s hard to see how they benefit the Northern Ireland economy. Some depreciation of Sterling could give our exporters a competitive edge, but this could be offset by tariffs.

The food and beverage sector is particularly vulnerable in this regard. And companies - like our biggest employer Moy Park – who import a lot of raw material (grain), will see costs rise. They may also encounter recruitment issues as the attractiveness of UK work declines for Eastern Europeans keenly watching how exchange rates affect their pay.

Continued uncertainty over corporation tax reduction, perhaps the likelihood that it won’t now happen, strips Stormont of any headline economic policy. This will be bad for inward investment prospects and

indigenous business.

Invest NI will still protest that it has a lot to offer the international investor, but it’s hard to see a compelling case. After years of unwelcome political instability in Northern Ireland finally coming to an end, we’ve now got political instability on a national scale.

When it comes to the movement of goods and people on the island, Stormont must ensure it has a place at the table for all the negotiations between the UK and Ireland. But this may not be enough to prevent major disruption. The Republic is just one of 27 other EU countries who will take a view on what happens at this new land frontier between the EU and UK. The farming sector can either dramatically adapt to a free-market approach, or hope the UK government will continue with substantial financial support. However, it may face a more immediate crisis if the credit departments in banks take the view that loans are too risky and need to be called in.

The universities face threats to their research funding, a loss of talent among staff, and a potential loss of earnings from overseas students. Stormont may not have the funds to fill the gap, so it may have to quickly consider lifting the cap on student fees.

These are challenging times for the Northern Ireland economy. And in the absence of a clear plan from leaders at Westminster or Stormont, it falls to the business community, among other key stakeholders, to offer some strategic guidance.

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It’s just one of many ways in which we’re proud to

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