Empowering Employers

Despite the swift evolution of technology, there will always be a need for authentic, high-quality leadership, says Bill Roy, managing director of learning and development firm BRC Partnership, and as Northern Ireland becomes more culturally diverse, having intercultural intelligence will be key.

If there is any one person who can discuss how to promote intercultural intelligence from the top down in the business world, it’s Bill Roy, MD of 20-year-old BRC Partnership.

Not only has he been training those in senior positions for two decades but the former primary school principal has worked across all sectors around the world, from Belfast to the United Arab Emirates and New York. He has worked with teams in Brazil’s favelas as well as boardroom leaders and he’s built a strong, top-name heavy client base despite wading through a recession, the pandemic and other financial hurdles that typically “see marketing and training cut first”.

“I was probably starting in the field with a slightly naive view that there was space for someone like me,” Bill begins, just fresh from a seven-hour flight from Nigeria where he delivered one of his first leadership training programmes in person since the pandemic. His bread and butter at the beginning of his business journey was communication and presentation skills, which is still an integral part of BRC’s offering, he says. “The first piece of work I did was for FG Wilson’s technical training team – an opportunity created by a good friend – which opened up all sorts of doors. What began as nine people became 109 and that proved to me that I was bringing something fresh to the market, something different.” Bill’s career prior to launching his own business saw him teach, then become vice principal and later principal in what was then known as the NEELB.

He also worked in the not-for-profit sector setting up a number of community businesses. He even studied dramatic art at Stranmillis College in his early days. “I suppose that’s my USP. I’m a bit of a maverick,” he says. Today the firm fronts leadership academies and development for organisations including Citi and Sensata Technologies. It has also delivered graduate development programmes for Collins Aerospace and supports new graduate recruits on their career journey at Allstate NI – and that’s only its local portfolio. “What we offer has been a gradual evolution, starting in comms, which we still do, but over the years I’ve stretched and developed myself as well as securing the services of some very talented L&D consultants. Over time we have looked at the whole leadership case and strengthened that offering.” Globally, BRC has taught leadership skills in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, SE Asia, the US and Mexico.

“I made my first foray into the Middle East in late 2007 and that’s taken me to all sorts of countries,” Bill continues. His most recent trip saw him work alongside Mikano International – a Nigerian company with interests in power generation, real estate, automobiles and construction. His next trip will see him work with a high-profile Italian tech firm near Venice. The company’s mantra is Belong, Realise and Create. That tagline reinforces the partnership element of the business, taking it beyond being just a service. Bill says his relationship with clients allows them and their teams to fulfil their personal and professional potential, through bespoke training all taught with a mindset of growth. “I think core to me over the years is the name of my company, BRC Partnership. I’ve always, since the beginning, wanted to build relationships with clients and get to know the way their business runs, which is so much more beneficial. “And sometimes the customer doesn’t really know what they need and we’re able to suggest what could work and quite often that can be something they’ve never thought of. The goal is always to co-create solutions with our clients. We also work with integrity. I don’t pretend to offer something that I can’t do and I will let the client know that at the beginning.” It’s been a story of success for Bill and his team but it’s not been without its challenges, he says. “The first big crisis for me was the financial crisis and having done all my work in Northern Ireland with occasional work in England and Scotland, it was very obvious very quickly that I couldn’t fish in one small pond because at a time of financial pressure, training and marketing are the first things to go and that’s when I began to look at markets outside.” Local clients led the way for Bill, while travel not only opened up new areas and introduced new clients, it also allowed Bill to acquire a new string for his bow – intercultural intelligence – a tool that he says is essential in Northern Ireland which is becoming an increasingly culturally diverse society and workplace, much to everyone’s benefit. “One of the big things we’re talking about right now is increasing intercultural intelligence. “When we become more interconnected and increase levels of intercultural understanding and do that sensitively it is so much more beneficial. “You only need to look at what’s happening in education here to see where we are going culturally and that is why I keep a key interest in that area. Many diverse, ethnic languages are now commonplace in our schools.”

With multinational corporations setting up in Belfast and beyond here, the emphasis on this change in the workplace becomes more intense.

It shows that cultural intelligence in the workplace becomes more than just understanding other cultures; it’s about knowledge, sensitivity, appreciation and an ability to relate, connect and mutually thrive, Bill says. His work is traversing all sectors, with a new focus on construction. He says regardless of which sector he is in, technology and the digital revolution are ever present. But that doesn’t afford businesses the luxury of forgetting about the human connection, Bill is quick to point out.

And just recently he hosted a business event at the Lyric Theatre on that very subject. “Technology and the Human Touch highlighted that no matter what is happening in this new, fourth industrial revolution, there is and always will be a need for high-quality, authentic human leadership. “And although the world is never going to be the same, the nature of work is changing and the need for those leadership skills isn’t going away. Technology isn’t going to replace the need for people who know how to inspire, motivate and support the people who work with that technology and that’s something we all need to remember,” he says.

“I was probably starting in the field with a slightly naive view that there was space for someone like me.”

BRC celebrating 20 Years

BRC recently celebrated 20 years in business. The anniversary was marked with a business breakfast at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast with guest speakers John Healy (Allstate NI); Philip Cassidy (Concentrix) and Paula Leathem (NIE Networks).

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1. Margaret Roy; Louise Reith; Melissa Shearer and David Bunting. 2. Blayne Shaw and Peter Browne. 3. Susie Harper and Ken Roy. 4. Paul McClean; Oran Kearney; Bill Roy; Jonie Graham and Peter Browne. 5. Laura Glover and Keith Johnston. 6. Joanne Kelly and Ian McMaster. 7. Anita Acheson; Catherine Clayton and Eric Bourgeot. 8. Graeme Craft and Bill Roy. 9. Bill Roy.

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Luxury carpets made in Northern Ireland are capturing the imagination across the world.

The bespoke carpet designs created by Ulster would not look out of place in an art gallery.

“The Art of Ulster concept from Ulster Carpets is based around utilising the large canvas that flooring offers to create statement designs.”

Bespoke artwork created in the heart of Northern Ireland is making an impact across the world.

But rather than being found in art galleries, these designs are found on the floors of the world’s most prestigious hotels, casinos and cruise ships.

The Art of Ulster concept from Ulster Carpets is based around utilising the large canvas that flooring offers to create statement designs. The luxury carpet manufacturer employs some of the industry’s leading designers in its offices across the world – including at the company’s head office in Portadown.

Each venue sets out to achieve a unique experience for its guests and the team at Ulster is tasked with capturing this essence in their designs.

“Flooring is perfect for seamlessly providing a smooth transition from one area of a hotel to the next,” explained Anthony Hickman, head of design at Ulster Carpets. “Whether it is through the use of a repeating design element or a common colour bank, flooring can perfectly create continuity and can be used as the foundation of the entire interior design theme.”

Ballrooms and lobbies are the perfect example of this; giving Ulster’s designers the space to create impactful aesthetics that pop with colour and texture. But even in smaller spaces, such as corridors, the ability to match designs to the required space means that you don’t lose your ability to leave a lasting impression.

From Sycuan Casino, San Diego, and Regent Seven Seas Explorer to worldfamous hotels such as Claridge’s and the InterContinental Paris Le Grand, Ulster has created bespoke carpets that reflect the mood that each venue wants to create.

Of course, having great designers is only one essential element of the Ulster service. The company is only able to translate these inspirational designs onto carpet because of its patented weaving system. This innovative technology allows for unlimited design possibilities without the need for a repeating pattern.

This is then combined with the wideranging experience and partnership approach that the company is renowned for to deliver an unrivalled service.

Take a closer look at some of Ulster’s stunning designs at www.ulstercarpets.com.

RG Naxos benefits from bespoke designs by Ulster Carpets that replicate the unique beauty of Sicily. Image courtesy of THDP.

The talented designers at Ulster Carpets create amazing bespoke carpets for hotels, casinos and cruise ships across the world.