10 minute read
Mark Owens
Columnist
Mark Owens
Managing Director (NI), Civica
Levelling Up
With the worst of the pandemic hopefully now behind us, the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda could not be timelier. Two years of Covid turmoil have taken their toll on our economy, with a sharp decline in output and substantial job losses.1 As we rebuild our economy, it makes sense for the government to help each region play to its strengths and in Northern Ireland, our tech sector is top among these.
A SMARTER ECONOMY NEEDS SKILLED PEOPLE
Despite its relatively small size and population, Northern Ireland is a tech trailblazer. We’re Europe’s number one destination for FDI in new software development and around one in four jobs advertised in NI last year were digital tech roles, a higher number than anywhere else in the UK. The software sector alone employs over 30,000 people, earning more than the national average. But despite these advantages, we run the very real risk of losing our edge. While our region offers fantastic opportunities to those seeking a career in the technology and software industries, the supply of skilled experts simply isn’t keeping pace.
For this reason, I’m particularly encouraged to see such a strong focus on skills in the Levelling Up White Paper. The Government’s target to increase the number of people successfully completing high-quality skills training across the UK by 2030 will be pivotal to ensuring that Northern Ireland remains attractive for tech investors and graduates alike. Industry must, of course, play its part also. At Civica, we work with schools across Northern Ireland, promoting software as an exciting career choice and our NorthStar innovation lab offers opportunities for apprentices, sponsored students, and graduates to work on ideas using data and automation that can create the future of public services. Data: the foundation for success While skills will be critical to fuelling the Levelling Up agenda, data is key to ensuring that it is built on the right foundations. Making sure that all the UK’s nations and regions get to share in the spoils of economic growth is no easy task, as the Levelling Up White Paper acknowledges. But one thing we can be certain of is that success will hinge on the quality of the decisions that are made, whether these be on large scale investments or smaller, more targeted measures. And good decision-making depends, above all, on data.
Given the complexity of the UK’s governance arrangements, its perhaps no surprise that harnessing data to drive better, smarter decision-making has long been a challenge. But the good news is that the solution is relatively straightforward. In Civica, we call this the 3Ss – Standards Skills and Sharing. Standards: Robust, consistent rules for the collection and management of data will ensure that public bodies from Whitehall to Belfast City Hall are better able to understand and interpret crucial information without having to constantly check what it means or where it came from.
Skills: People with the skills and confidence to be able to interpret and use that data effectively, can make smarter, more informed decisions.
Sharing: Data will never deliver to its true potential unless it is easily accessible, when and where it is needed most. Data, no matter how high quality, is of no use to those making crucial decisions in support of the regions if it is sitting idle on a sever in London or elsewhere.
With offices from Belfast to Bristol, Civica knows first-hand what the regions have to offer. Here in Northern Ireland, homegrown innovative software like the CovidCertNI app have ensured we can live better, safer lives despite the global pandemic. With the right focus and investment, from government and industry alike, we can secure Northern Ireland’s future as a powerhouse of innovation.
Join InterTradeIreland for VCC 2022 as they showcase world-class companies, which have started and are scaling from the island of Ireland.
The event will be conducted remotely over two days: Monday 14th March, 2.45pm-5.00pm Tuesday 15th March, 9.15am-2.30pm
Register now at: intertradeireland.com/vcc-2022
TR LOGISTICS –THE SKY IS NOT THE LIMIT!
Solutions in the sky, on the ground and by sea.
TR Logistics are your independent Northern Ireland based air freight solution, covering local and global exports and imports.
Their service offerings are reinforced by their highly qualified in-house customs clearance team, HMRC CDS compliant which aligns with over 500,000 sq ft. of bonded warehousing throughout Northern Ireland.
Providing a seamless service from collection to delivery.
So how can they help?
Whether your need is airfreight, ocean, road, customs warehousing solutions or customs clearance – just ask.
www.tr-logistics.com info@tr-logistics.com
HOW TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF FUNDING IN 2022
What are your business goals in 2022? If gaining investment is high on your agenda, there are a couple of things you can do to increase your chances. Early stage companies have broadly speaking, two options to fund growth. The first is growing organically, via founder/family funding and early revenues, or secondly by raising external equity funding from Angels or Venture Capital investors (VCs). If you choose the latter here’s what you need to consider:
How much are you raising and why?
Start-ups should be aiming to raise enough to achieve value enhancing milestones as this is crucial to attract your next round of investment.
Who are you going to pitch to?
Founders should first tap into their own personal/professional networks before pitching to Angels and VCs. When it comes to external investors, do your research. Most will indicate how much they’re likely to invest on their website, saving you precious time.
What materials should you have ready?
Always have quality materials ready in advance of pitching. Use a slide desk to present the business opportunity or a demo video to show what customers will experience.
Always have a ‘Plan B’
This is not material prepared for the investor – but for the survival and health of the enterprise. Unfortunately, you will have to think about what happens if your fundraising is unsuccessful, takes longer than planned, or if you raise a lower amount than needed.
Securing investment
If you need help raising funds, InterTradeIreland can offer assistance. Our Venture Capital Conference showcases world-class companies who have started and are scaling from the island of Ireland. Taking place on the 14th & 15th March 14th 2020– it provides entrepreneurs with the opportunity to get insight into the Venture Capital industry and hear from speakers and panels about the entrepreneurial journey – sourcing teams, growing sales and raising capital.
For more information, visit: intertradeireland.com/vcc-2022
DEDICATED TO HELPING YOU
At AbbeyAutoline, they have a team of commercial experts who are dedicated to helping you put in place the types of cover most suited to your needs.
In turbulent times insurance requirements can change quite often so having a broker who knows you and your business can be a real lifeline.
Business insurance protects your business from an array of risks such as: loss, theft and damage to equipment, property damage, business interruption, employee sickness or injury in the workplace, public injury or property damage caused by your business, third party business or financial loss caused by your work.
Your broker will help you assess any additional elements of cover you may need, so you have a tailored package that safeguards you against a wide range of risks to your business.
At AbbeyAutoline their team of dedicated experts are ready to help. To find out how they can assist your business visit www.abbeyautoline.co.uk
NEW PRE-LOVED FURNITURE AT UNBELIEVABLE PRICES
Northern Irelands leading cancer charity, Action Cancer has opened a new Pre-Loved furniture outlet at 30/32 Peter’s Hill, Belfast.
The store offers quality Pre/Loved living room, bedroom and dining room furniture at value prices, along with electrical goods.
The store is the charities largest retail offering at over 2,000 sq ft and will offer a free collection service for customers and donors. A door to door chargeable delivery service is also available for customers who wish to have their purchases home delivered.
Action Cancer stores rely on donations from the general public and you can help by donating to your local store directly or by visiting the shops page at www.actioncancer.org or by emailing: retail@actioncancer.org.
LASER HAIR REMOVAL AT BELFAST SKIN CLINIC
Belfast Skin Clinic are delighted to announce the arrival of the most advanced laser for hair removal; The ‘Splendor X’. This incredible piece of equipment, operated by experienced dermatology nurses, is a step change in hair removal treatment.
SPLENDOR X is unlike any other hair removal system in the world. It is the first Nd:YAG and Alexandrite laser system to be powered by BLEND X™ technology for unprecedented power, speed, versatility and coverage rate.
Hair removal can be painful, messy, and ineffective. But SPLENDOR X laser hair reduction with BLEND X technology is different. It combines Alexandrite and Nd:YAG wavelengths for a perfectly tailored treatment that is fast, effective, and comfortable. It also features a unique squareshaped laser spot that safely covers every single inch of skin being treated.
• Ideal for all skin types, even tanned skin • Faster and fewer sessions • Long-lasting results • Comfortable treatments
Get Summer Ready with 20% off Laser Hair Removal. Use code IREADIT to redeem offer*
For more information or to book an appointment visit: www.belfastskinclinic.com or email: info@belfastskinclinic.com * Offer available for limited time only
GIVE YOUR STAFF A NEW LEASE OF LIFE!
Agnew Leasing’s Affinity Car Scheme Scheme is going from strength to strength! Attract the best talent and make sure your employees feel valued with exceptional employee benefits. At no cost to the business, Agnew Leasing’s Affinity Car Scheme offers companies a great way to reward employees/members, without any risk to the company.
Agnew Leasing’s Affinity Car Scheme has been designed to enable companies and organisations across the UK to offer their employees/members a secure, online quotation system to help them find their perfect car. Created as an added benefit for employees, the quotation system will enable users to select their make and model of vehicle and establish monthly costs that suit their budget by adjusting deposit, term, and mileage per annum on the selected vehicle.
Users benefit from additional manufacturer support, over and above normal levels, making rentals extremely competitive in the marketplace. At the end of the contract, customers hand their vehicle back, without any hassle or concerns over depreciation.
Reward. Retain. Recruit. The Affinity Car Scheme gives you the opportunity to give your staff or members access to exclusive offers from premium car brands.
If you are interested in integrating the Affinity Car Scheme into your company’s benefits package, please contact the team on 028 9038 6600 or email affinity@agnews.co.uk
DUBLIN AIRPORT CELEBRATES THE ADDITION OF FIVE NEW AIRLINES
Dublin Airport will welcome five new airlines with a total of 16 new routes and services over the coming weeks.
EGYPTAIR, Emerald Airlines, Aurigny, Blue Islands and PLAY are joining Dublin Airport’s growing list of airline customers.
One long-haul and 15 short-haul destinations are being added to Dublin Airport’s flight network.
EGYPTAIR will start a new year-round direct DublinCairo June, operating four times per week. This will be Ireland’s first scheduled air service to and from Egypt.
Dublin Airport Managing Director, Vincent Harrison said; “We’re very pleased to welcome EGYPTAIR to Ireland and to add Cairo to Dublin Airport’s extensive route network. Cairo is one of the world’s great cities and we will be working closely with EGYPTAIR to promote this new route, which will be welcomed by both business and leisure travellers.”
Dublin Airport has 15 extra short-haul services to choose from over coming weeks. Emerald Airlines will operate services to Glasgow, Isle of Man, Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester, Donegal, Birmingham, Bristol, Exeter, Newquay, Jersey and Newcastle. Aurigny will launch a new service to Guernsey, Play will commence a service to Reykjavik and Blue Islands will fly to Jersey.
“Additional capacity and frequency have also been added on many existing routes giving our customers much greater choice, flexibility and more options, whether they are travelling for business or leisure purposes” added Mr Harrison.
Over 2.3m passengers have travelled through Dublin Airport in the first two months of the year.
Dublin Airport has direct flights to over 130 destinations in more than 40 countries.
