Gabi Burnside

CLIMATE CHANGE TO OVERTAKE HOW BUSINESS CAN ACCELERATE THE GREEN AGENDA

GABI BURNSIDE, ENTREPRENEUR ACCELERATION MANAGER AT ULSTER BANK.

While the COVID-19 pandemic rocked the global economy over the past 12 months and dominated much of the public conversation, the issue of climate change seems to have been pushed further down the agenda.

Many of the measures needed to protect us during the pandemic seemed to fly in the face of what we already knew about protecting the environment. We saw an increased reliance on disposable masks and gloves and a surge in the number of goods wrapped in single-use plastic. At the time, this felt like the lesser of two evils and staying safe took priority.

As time moved on, these decisions became less of a toss-up and we found ways to keep protected which were less harmful to the environment. It also began to emerge that the reduction of traffic on the roads and the decline in air travel were both having a positive effect on the environment. While these are encouraging signs, they are not so significant that we can shirk off our own responsibilities.

For years now the public and private sectors have been working hard to combat the effects of climate change through a range of measures such as committing to cleaner air zones, carbon offsetting initiatives and projects to make homes greener, but the true test is how we put these measures back in focus as we map out a postpandemic economy.

Businesses can play a role in achieving this and for me the solution lies in a fully integrated response. At Ulster Bank’s Entrepreneur Accelerator we have pledged that at least 25% of our cohort will be occupied by climate-focused businesses, though within our current intake, this figure is closer to 40%. We offer 1:1 coaching sessions, group workshops, access to specialised networks and supply chains and the opportunity to attend events with high profile entrepreneurs, such as double Olympic gold champion and founder of Artemis Technologies, Iain Percy, who is working to decarbonise the maritime industry.

It is not just through the accelerator programme that we are focusing on this important issue. Ulster Bank has put climate at the heart of its purpose for 2021 and is actively working with customers and stakeholders right across the business to help them embed a culture of climate change into their decision-making processes. We are pleased to have achieved net carbon zero status in 2020 and are now striving towards being climate positive by 2025 for our own direct operations.

Having been close to a number of these important initiatives, I have seen first-hand the positive impact these seemingly small changes can make. Local firms are showing how green solutions can be incorporated into the rebuild – some have patented exciting new technologies which expose well-established practices as being outdated, while others have found smart solutions to enhance the green credentials of everyday items we already use.

Slowly but surely attitudes towards sustainability are changing and with so many businesses out there offering more environmentally conscious options, this shift in behaviour will only become more pronounced. We are doing all we can to support these businesses through our programmes and giving them the tools and networks they need to leverage this opportunity and maximise their ability to succeed.

To find out how the Ulster Bank Climate Accelerator can support you on your business journey or to learn more about the programmes we offer, get in touch at belfastaccelerator@ulsterbank.com

MORE PEOPLE HAVE HAD SKIN CANCER THAN ALL OTHER CANCERS COMBINED

Dr Pamela McHenry.

At Belfast Skin Clinic they believe early detection of skin cancer is essential. This is why they offer SkinCheck, a mole scanning and skin cancer screening service.

If you have concerns about a new or non-healing lesion, or any moles which have changed in size, shape or colour, SkinCheck is now available to provide a complete skin cancer screening service. This involves a detailed examination of your skin by a Consultant Dermatologist to give you peace of mind and ensure early detection of any problems.

It is better to check for skin related problems before any skin cancer symptoms arise.

If you have moles you may be advised to have a total body scan. Belfast Skin Clinic have Northern Ireland’s first Total Body Mole Scanner. Any lesions or moles requiring excision can be removed in their state-of-the-art operating theatre by their plastic surgeons.

For more information or to book an appointment visit: www.belfastskinclinic. com or email: info@ belfastskinclinic.com

LOCAL HEALTH CHARITY ENCOURAGES NI BUSINESSES TO PRIORITISE STAFF HEALTH

Local health charity Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke has serious concerns about the toll that the pandemic has taken on our physical and mental health.

During the ongoing pandemic, the charity is encouraging local businesses to strongly consider the health and wellbeing of their staff. One positive step companies can take is to sign-up to the charity’s FREE Work Well Live Well programme.

Work Well Live Well, a Public Health initiative, is a comprehensive health and wellbeing support service designed to identify health risks in your workplace. NICHS health professionals will work with you to create and deliver a bespoke action plan and strategy to help you improve employee wellbeing. Colloide Engineering Systems, a process engineering company in Cookstown, who has already taken part in the programme said: “This is an excellent platform to promote health and wellbeing in the workplace and the support from NI Chest Heart & Stroke has been first class.”

Commit to improving the health and wellbeing of your staff today and register your workplace for Work Well Live Well. Visit: www.nichs.org.uk/ workwelllivewell or email healthpromotion@ nichs.org.uk.