INFOCUS
Thepowercompany givingbacktocustomers
FEATURE Riskinglosingmajor schemesdueto watercapacity
Thelatestnewsandexclusivesfromacrossthe
Motoring DavidMeadetalksto UlsterBusiness abouthis Lightbulb Teamsorganisationhelpingothers
JohnMulgrewspeakstoDamian Wilsonabout
Firmspavingnewmodelsforthefutureoffce
Thefoodanddrinkexperiencebecomingan importantpartofourtownsandcitycentres
Alookatsomeofthemajordealshappening hereinthelastfewmonths
JohnMulgrewgetsbehindthewheelof China’sbigEVplayernowintheUKmarket
Photocall Alookatwhat’sbeenhappeningacross NorthernIrelandoverthelastfewweeks
Lifestyle JohnMulgrewgetshandsonwithaselection ofthelatestPatekPhilippe releases
Topbusinessleadersturnoutforthelaunchof the UlsterBusiness Top100withKPMG
SumUp’snewchiefexecutiveforIrelandtaking chargeatwhatisatimeofpivotalgrowth
UlsterBusinessisapartoftheIndependentPressStandardsOrganisation(IPSO).Ifyoubelieveyouhavebeenunfairlytreated,youcancontactIPSOinwritingviaitswebsiteforguidanceonwhattodo. Theserviceisfree.IPSOcan thenadviseonwhetherit’slikelyyouhavegroundsforacomplaintandwhattodoaboutit. Thenormalprocedureisforthecomplainanttothencontactthepublication’seditordirectly.Ifnoagreementisreached,thecomplainant cangobacktoIPSOtolookforanadjudication,orforittotakeoverthecomplaint. Fulldetailsareavailableatwww.ipso.co.uk.Alternatively,emailcomplaints@ipso.co.uk,orinquiries@ipso.co.uk,ortelephone03001232220,ortheout-of-hoursemergencynumber: 07659152656.
Orwriteto:IPSO,c/oHaltonHouse,20-23Holborn,LondonEC1N2JD
Netzerotargets seemlike fantasy We fnallyhavesomesortof insightintohowNorthern Irelandisgoingtobe governedforthecurrentsittingof theAssemblyandformationofthe Executive.
Andthere are somepositivesinthe draftProgrammeforGovernment.There’s a commitmenttoendingviolenceagainst womenandgirls,creatingmore homes (weare currentlyfacing a six-decadelow incompletionshere),deliveringbetter healthcare,cuttingwaitingtimes,andthe transformationofpublicservices.
Thatallsoundslikethesortofthings we’re infavourof,butitalltakesmoney andthecross-partywilltomakeithappen. Traditionally, theseprogrammesarea generalisedwishlistofareaswewantto improveon. We’llknowintheweeksand
monthsaheadfollowingconsultationasto whether, ortowhatdegree,thesebullet pointsare achievable.
Ofcourse,creating a globallycompetitive andsustainableeconomyalso remains a toppriority However, andI’vesaidit before,ourpoliticiansare acutelyaware andaren’t airingtheirconcerns,or, and more worryingly, theyhaveno realistic considerationforthechallengeswhich lieahead,inparticular, toournetzero commitmentsandtherapidproliferationof greenenergyproduction.
During a previousenergystrategyfor 2020,everyonepattedthemselvesonthe backincrackingthe40% renewablesmark. We’vefallenfarawayfromthatlevel,in termsofthespeedofprogress.
In a littleoverfveyears,thatnumber hastohit80%.Butourpowerneedscould
Publisher UlsterBusiness c/oMediahuisUKLtd Belfast TelegraphHouse,33ClarendonRoad, ClarendonDock,BelfastBT13BG
Printer W&GBaird GreystonePress,CaulsideDrive, AntrimBT412RS www.wgbaird.com
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betwotothreetimesthatof2020,aswe movetowardstheelectrifcationofhomes, businessesandourvehicles.
We needaround50majorschemes, shovel-ready, by2026.Ifthatdoesn’t happen,thenitseemsliketotalfantasy We needtoexpeditethesedevelopments, today
WelcometoOctober’s editionof Ulster Business Thismonth’s coverfeatures DavidMeadeandhisLightbulb Teams organisation,helpingthosearoundthe worldwhoare lessfortunate.
Theeditionisalsopackedwithnews, features,interviews,proflesandtop analysis. I hopeyouenjoythisedition,and we’llcatchupsoon. ■
JohnMulgrew EDITOR’S COMME
Editor JohnMulgrew,j.mulgrew@independentmagazinesni.co.uk
Advertising JudithMartin,j.martin@mediahuis.co.uk
Graphicdesign SusanMcClean,MediahuisIrelandDesignStudio
Coverphoto KharaPringle
A month innumbers Popeyes ‘creating up to 400 new NIjobs’ 400
Thenumberofnew jobsbeingcreatedby USfriedchickenchain Popeyesasitexpands here.
90%
Thepercentageof companybosses expectingtoaddjobs overthenextthree years,accordingto thelatestKPMGCEO Outlooksurvey.
£290m
Thevalueofthe
Derry-Londonderryand StrabaneRegionCity Deal,whichhasbeen signedbySecretaryof StateHilaryBenn.
£1.5m
Thelevelofinvestment inPilatesbusiness ReformRX,including fromtheBritish BusinessBankand ClarendonPrivate InvestorNetwork.
Popeyeshasopened itsfrstlocationat LesleyForestsidein southBelfast
ByJohnMulgrew
US frie d chickenchain Popeye s coul d cr eateup to 40 0 jo bs her e as it be gin s looking for new lo cation s amid expansion , Ulster Business can reveal
Scores gathered out side the brand’s fr st restaurant at Lesley Forest side shopping centre in south Belfas t, before it op ened to the public at 11am
It ’s createdmore than 80 jobshere withthe fr ststore op ening, but chief executive Tom Crow ley says it ’s now looking at a “fagship” city centrerestaurant, along with drivethroughs– bringing lo cations to around four or fve herein the near future
It ’s also now eyeingup ex panding into the Republic, withDublinlikelya fr st lo cation
“Wehave [b een in he UK] for thre e year s, withthe fr ststore in 2021 in London Now we have 55 lo cations across England, Scotland and Wales – it ’s all gone well
“We’ve been looking at Belfas t all the way
along– we know the opportunit y and it ’s a great city
“Typic ally, we will look at the city centre –a big fagship– which we have done in different places. We hope [to op en one ] asearly as next year thenthere are drive through opportunities.
“A city centre store then two to four drive throughs, or freestandingunit s like Forest side We will see how we trade out, but thre e to fve, depending.”
Hesaidthat could seebetween 30 0 and 40 0 new staff being hired to fll the roles
“Typic ally, [we would re cruit] 80 to 10 0 for each lo cation so30 0 to 40 0 re cruits into the industry.”
Mr Crow ley was in Belfas t to help unveil the chicken chain’s fr st Northern Ireland restaurant.
The business, which was founded in New Orleans in 1972, fr st set upshop in the UK in November 2021, andhas since op ened in more than 50lo cations.
At Forest side, Popeyes will so on go up agains tother fo od chains, including peri -p eri chicken businessNando’s.
“Pop eyes is a quick service restaurant brand,” Mr Crow ley said “I t’sa brilliant sand wich, fries anda drink for £7.9 9. Nando’s is more ex pensive and casualdining– we will get fo od to you in thre e minutes. That ’s where we play.”
Asked about where he’d like to see the business ex pand and grow to here, and in the UK as a whole, he said : “Right now, thingsare going very well Belfas t is the next stop and is a great op ening for us
“We looked clos ely at the market and are trading in different market s– London, Glasgow, Cardif f and Nottingham One thing aboutthebrand is has very divers e us age.
“[ Figures ] show the rise of chicken– it ’s getting comp etitive… retail park s sawa resurgence during Covid-19 and are really strong opportunities for us
“F or sure, we will do more with Michael Herb er t [owner of Forest side ]. He’s beena good landlord, he’s ke en on the brand and sees the potential to do more.”
‘Firms could get thousandsback’ with new supplier ByJohnMulgrew
Businessescouldgetbackthousandsofpoundsbyusinga newNIsupplierduetoitsnewproftssharingscheme,its co-founderhassaid.
ShareEnergysaysit’saimingtogivebacka50%proftssharetoits customers,basedontheirownenergyusage.
“[Asanexample]asmallusermightget£40backwhileforalarge useritcouldbeacoupleofthousandsofpounds,”hetold Ulster Business.“That’seithercreditonthemeter,orincash.”
ShareEnergyhasenteredwithalowstandardrate.Mr Wilsonsays it’snotlookingatlow-costintroductoryrates,butfocusingonoverall pricing.
Thefrmisownedbythreeinvestorswithmorethan50yearsworking acrosssupplyandgeneration.
“Wearen’ttyingpeopleintoacontract–ifyoudon’tlikeit,youcan leave. We willbedisappointed,buthopefullyyoucomeback.
“Wearehappytotakeabitlessonmargin. We runquitealean operation.”
Hesaysitsintentionistomakeafewwavesintheenergymarket here.“Wearelocally-ownedandmanagedandwantto[deliver]afair priceforall,andgivesomethingback,”hesays.“Competitiveprices,a shareoftheprofts,andexcellentcustomerserviceandproduct.”
Readthefullinterviewonpage22-23
DamianWilson ofShareEnergy
Planning appealsperformance ‘not where itneeds to be’ ByJohnMulgrew
ThePlanningAppealsCommission (PAC)sayswhileitsperformance is“notwhere itneedstobe” it’s outlinedanactionplantoaddress developeranduserissues.
Plannersanddevelopershavebeencritical oftheorganisation,particularlyoverthetime takentodealwithappeals.
Thecommissionhas reiterateditsposition thatithaslostmanyofitsmore experienced staff,andthataround75%ofcommissioners are “newtotheir roles”.
“Thishashad a signifcantimpactonour capacitytodeliveracrossallourworkstreams,” chiefcommissioner, AndreaKells,saidinthe organisation’s corporateplanfor2024/25.
“We havealso relocatedouroffceand introduced a newITsystemenabling remote hearingsandelectronicworking.
“Againstthisbackdrop,whichhelps toexplainthedropinperformance,the commissionisnowmovingforward andweare currentlyatthepointwherebytheinvestment inour resourcesismaking a differencewith yearlyimprovementsinthenumberofdecisions delivered.”
The PAC haspreviouslytolddevelopersitwas “experiencingsignifcant resourcingpressures”.
Recently, RenewableNIsaiditwastoldthe PAC won’t lookatfreshappealsfor renewable schemesinthesystemuntil2025/26.
Quotes of the month Itsaysithas“engagedextensivelywith internalandexternalstakeholders”.“As a resultofthisengagement,theplanhasan emphasisonperformanceandlookingtothe future.
“Withinthelifetimeofthelastcorporate plan, a signifcantnumberofindividuals retired fromthecommissionandwiththat,both knowledgeandexperiencewere lostacrossour administrativeandprofessionalteams.”
Lookingathowit’s addressingconcerns anddelays,itsaysthere willbe a focuson performanceand“lookingtowardsthefuture”.
Thatincludesanactionplanto“identify and respondtocaseswhichhavelingeredin thesystem”,focusingonthe“increasingthe quantumofcasesdisposedofwiththeaimof addressingtimelinessissuesinfuture years”,
“Theseawards provide a platform to showcaseand celebrate the mostinnovative andinspirational responsible businesses.”
BITCchair VickyDavies speakingaboutthisyear’s ResponsibleBusiness Awards.
reallocatingcaseswhen a resourcebecomes availableifitis“likelytoleadtomore timely decision-making”,andinvestinginboth trainingandstakeholderengagement.
Italsosaysit’s aimingto“reducethebacklog ofcaseswhichhavebeenwithinthesystemfor longperiodsoftime”.
“We appreciatethepatienceofmanyofour customersasweaddressthesignifcantnumber ofcasesthatwestillhaveinthesystem,”it says.
“We willattempttocommunicatebetter withcustomersandthewiderplanning communityinorderthatinformeddecisionscan bemadebypartiestotheprocess. We intend tomakebestuseofcurrentprocessestoensure casemanagementishandledeffectivelyand introduceimprovementsasnecessary.”
“Theglobalimpactour clients are making to thosein needismassive,”
KeynotespeakerDavid Meadespeakingabout hisorganisationLightbulb Teamswhichishelping thoselessfortunate.
“Itissimplynot credible for our Executive to continue to kick thisissuedown the road.”
MarkSpenceofthe ConstructionEmployers Federationspeaking aboutissueswithNI’s waterinfrastructurehere hinderingdevelopment.
Greggshas expandeditsstore footprintacross NorthernIreland
Greggs taking on former top south Belfast restaurant for new café Pieandfood-on-the-gochainGreggs isexpandingfurtherinNorthern Irelandwithanewcaféatthehome
ofaformertopsouthBelfast restaurant.
Thechainisplanningtoopenanew locationontheLisburnRoad.
It’ssubmittedplanstotakeontheformer DeanesandDecanosite,whichwasoncerun by restaurateurMichaelDeane.
Greggshasalsobeen recruitingnewstaff fortheoutlet,includingashopsupervisor role.
It’salsotakingonaunitonthegroundfoor ofanewstudentaccommodationschemeon YorkStreetinthecity.
Thebusiness–whichhas17storeshere–is alsotakingoneofthenewfoodunitsbeing developedatForestsideshoppingcentre.
Thatwilljoinotherfoodbusinessesata newfoodcourtbeingdeveloped,alongsideUS chickenchainPopeyesandNando’s.
Greggshasexpandedconsiderablysincethe Belfast Telegraphfrst revealedtheUK-based chainwassettingupshopherebackin2016–atthetimeeyeingupto50locations.
Thechain recently receivedplanning permissiontoopenitsfrstdrive-thruin NorthernIreland.
ThelatestGreggsstoreherewillbelocated inCoArmagh’sMarlboroughRetailParkin Craigavon.
The Ivy opensits doors inBelfastcity centre RestaurantchainTheIvyhas openedthedoorstoitsfrst NorthernIrelandlocation.
TheIvyhastakenonachunkofthe formerCleaverHousebuildinginBelfastcity centre.
It’sofferinganall-daymenu–from breakfasttodinner–andabarservingan arrayofwine,beerandcreativecocktails.
“WearedelightedtobringTheIvy experiencetoBelfast,acityrichinculture, heritage,andculinaryexpertise,”Julian Henry,generalmanagerofTheIvyBelfast Brasserie,said.
“NorthernIrelandhaslongbeen celebratedforitsvibrantfoodscene,and wearethrilledtocontributetothislegacy withadiningexperiencethatblendsTheIvy’s timelesselegancewiththecontemporary energyofBelfast.
“Thewarm responsewe’ve received sinceannouncingouropeninghasbeen overwhelming,andwecan’twaitto welcomegueststhroughourdoors.Our BelfastBrasseriewillembodytheelegance andcharmTheIvyis renownedfor,infused
Irishdancerswelcomeguestsattheoffcial openingofTheIvyBelfastBrasserie
withamoderntwistthat refectsthe dynamicspiritofthiswonderfulcity.”
Aheadofitslaunchitwelcomedsome ofBelfast’smostwell-knownfacesacross
business,hospitalityandentertainment.
Some70newjobswillbecreatedatthe newIvy restaurantinBelfastaspartofan overall£8minvestment.
JPCorry wins top responsiblebusiness gong ANort hern Irelandbuil ders ’ merchant ha s walked away withthe top gon g at this year ’s Re sponsible Busines s Awar ds
JP Corr y wasnamed NI Resp onsible Company of the Year, sponsored by Encirc, at the awards, which are run by Business in the Communit y NI
Winner s in the 13 responsible business categories were announced at the blacktie event held at ICC Belfas t,hos ted by pres enters Mark Simps on and Sarah Traver s.
The Resp onsible Business Awards take place in partnership with key sponsor Henr y Brothers, event partner JP Corr y, and in as so ciation with Ulster Business, U105 and Lanyon Communic ations.
The fnalis ts at tend ed judging panels held at the Innovation Factor y, Spring feld Road in Belfas t.
The 13 awards categories covera range of themes including diversit y, wellbeing,climate, te chnolo gy, partnerships, and communit y impac t.
Other winner s include SSE Airtricit y, which won the award for Diver sity and Inclusion,
while Version 1 walked away withthe gong for Climate Action
The Resp onsible BusinessAmbass ador Award, wentto Diarmuid Mullan of Heron Bros.
Vick y Davies, chair of BI TC in Northern Ireland and chief executive of Danske Bank, said : “T hese awards provid ea plat form to showc as e andcelebrate the mos t innovative
THE WINNERS and inspirational responsible business es.
“A s the only awards dedicated to responsible business in NI, thisis a unique opportunit y for leader s in all areas of responsible business to be re co gnis ed and rewarded for going beyondproft to be a force for good for so ciet y and the environment, and they serve as a way to inspireothers to follow suit.”
•NIResponsibleCompanyofthe Year, sponsoredbyEncirc – JPCorry
•DiversityandInclusion Award, sponsoredbyBelfastHarbour – SSEAirtricity
•ClimateAction Award, sponsoredbyHeronEnergy – Version1
•CollaborativeAction Award, sponsoredbyArthurCox – ABPNorthernIreland
•EmployerofChoice Award, sponsoredbyUlsterUniversity – SSEAirtricity
•Impactin YourCommunity Award, sponsoredbySPARNI – AllstateNorthernIreland
•Nature&Biodiversity Award, sponsoredbySONI – Encirc
•One-to-Watch Award, sponsoredbyDanskeBank – Version1
•ResponsibleBusinessAmbassador Award, sponsoredbySSEAirtricity – DiarmuidMullan, HeronBrosLtd
•ResponsibleProduct/Service Award, sponsoredby Translink – Inclutech
•Responsible TechnologyInnovation Award, sponsoredbyAllstateNI – Inclutech
•Skills&Education Award, sponsoredbyA&OShearman – CMEGroup
• Wellbeingat Work Award, sponsoredbyLarnePort – AGPaving+BuildingProducts
US doughnut chain opening frst Northern Irelandlocation AnewUSdoughnutchainlookssettoopenitsfrst NorthernIrelandoutlet.
DuckDonutsfromPennsylvaniahassubmittedplansfora new restaurantatpartoftheformerBankofIrelandbuildingonthe OrmeauRoadinsouthBelfast.
ThechainstartedoutinNorthCarolina,withfounderRussDiGilio openingthefrstDuckDonutsopeningin2007.
Thebrandhasmorethan100locationsacrosstheUS.
Italsohasseveralgloballocations,includingthoseinEgypt,Canada andthePhilippines.
DuckDonutsproducesarangeofdoughnuts,includingseasonal varieties,alongwithoptionssuchasBaconintheSun,Blueberry LemonadeandBeachBall.
It’stakingunittwoattheformersiteoftheBankofIrelandbuilding ontheOrmeauRoad,accordingtofreshplans.
Speakingaboutthebusiness,thefrmsaysitis“dedicatedto delightingourguestsbytreatingthemlikefamilyandconsistently providingasuperiorproductandexceptionalcustomerserviceinan authenticmanner”.
“Weprideourselvesonourcommunityengagementand commitmenttomakechangesforthebetterthroughinnovationevery day.”
City Councilprobing extendedSunday hours Belfa st City Council is looking at prop osals fora pilot sche me whic h willex te nd Sunday tradin g hours in the city
During a me eting of the council’s strategic policy and resources committee on, Alliance councillor Sam Nels on proposed a plan for the pilot scheme
The committee agre ed to a report looking into the details of the propos al, on a vote with 18 in favour and one agains t.
A de cision will be taken on the pilot scheme at a future me eting
The scheme would us e existing legislation to allowa six we ek-long “relaxation” of op ening restrictions, which would facilitate earlier trading hour s on a Sunday.
A report will be brought back to the committeewith detailed plans on what the pilot scheme would look like, includinga public awarenes s campaignaligned with “family-friendly animation”.
However, the propos alwas not univer sally welcomed by all the parties Green councillor Áine Groogan said she
Belfastcitycentre
believed any ex tension of trading hour s would be “anti- worker”.
“I don’t believe there is any ne ed for this,” she said “I unders tandthe is sues aroundour city centre, and the ne ed for
more animation, particularly aroundthe we ekend and for families.
“T hat is not going to be achieved by allowing larg e multinational retailer s to op en longer on aSunday.”
DuckDonutsisplanningto openitsfrststoreinBelfast
GalgormCastleGolfClubwhich hasplayedhosttoanumber ofmajorgolftournaments
Galgorm Collectionbuying historicestate and golf club TheownerofGalgormResort&Spaisunderstoodtobeinthe processofbuyingGalgormCastleGolfClub,writes JohnMulgrew OneofNorthern Ireland’s leading hotelandhospitalitygroupsis expandingandplanningtobuy a majorgolf resortandhistoricestateinCo Antrim, UlsterBusiness can reveal.
It’s understoodGalgormCollection – which ownsandrunstheprestigiousGalgormResort & Spaamongotherhotelsand restaurants – is intheprocessofacquiringthenearbyGalgorm CastleGolfClubontheoutskirtsofBallymena.
Thelavishestatewasinheritedby ChristopherBrookeandhisfamilyinthe1980s, andthegolfcoursewasthendeveloped.
Theestatedatesbacktotheearly1600s, withthefocalpoint a 17thcenturyJacobean castle,builtin1618.
Thecoursehasplayedhostto a rangeof tournamentsin recentyears,includingtheNI Open,andalsohostedtheleadingEuropean Tourevent,theIrishOpenin2020,duringthe Covid-19pandemic.
ItalsoplayedhosttotheISPSHanda World Invitationaloverthelastfewyears.
Thespothasalsobeenthebackdropfor televisionand film,includingTheFrankenstein
Chronicles,whichwas filmedin2015.
A spokespersonforGalgormCollection:“As Northern Ireland’s premierluxuryhospitality group,GalgormCollectioncontinuallyexplores a rangeofpotentialinvestmentandacquisition opportunitiestoadvanceourgrowthand successandalwayslookforward toproviding anupdateasthesematerialise.”
GalgormCollectionhasexpandedand investedsignificantlyinitsportfoliooverthe lastfewyears.Thatincludesits flagship resort andspainBallymena.
Asidefromthemainbuilding,italsohasits Thermal Village,and a rangeofcottages,log cabinsandshepherd huts.
ItalsooperatestheRabbitHotelin Templepatrick,alongwithTheOldInnin Crawfordsburn,andParisienandFratelliin Belfast.
It’s alsonowplanning a multi-million-pound developmenttoinclude32luxuryholiday apartmentsacross a 54,000sqftsite.
Galgormhasinvestedaround£60msince 2010,helpingtogrowitspositionas a leading tourismspothere.
Italsoannounced a further£30minvestment toexpandandenhanceits resortandspa facilitiesby2027.
Earlierthisyearitunveiledplansforitsnew ForestDens,aspartof a £3minvestment.
TheexpansiontotheThermalSpa Villageis duetofollowinsummer2025,completewith forestwalks,wood-fired sauna,hottubsand a ropebridgeconnectingtheThermalSpa Village onbothsidesoftheriver
Speakingatthetime,Galgormmanaging directorColinJohnstonsaid:“Ourcommitment tomaintainingGalgorm’s standingas a worldclass,award-winningtourismdestinationhas drivenustoinvestandinnovatecontinually overthelastnumberofyears.
“Thislatest£3minvestmentis a testament toourdedicationtoofferingpremiumand authenticexperiencestoourguests.
“Theintroductionoftheforestdensmarks a uniqueadditiontoouraccommodation portfolio,providingguestswithanexceptional opportunitytoimmersethemselvesinnature whileenjoyingtheluxuryandtranquillitythat Galgormis renownedfor.” ■
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HannanMeatswins topGoldenFork Award Meat merchant Peter Hannan ha s walked away with a top gon g from this year ’s Gr eat Ta ste Awar ds
Hannan Meat s’ chilli and herb crus ted porchett a to ok the Golden Fork Award for Northern Ireland. It ’s one of several awards given to the best from the UK or European regions, or sp ecialis t categories such as sustainability
Thejudg es saidit was “absolutely delicious,thespice levels were great and it was beautifully balanced the crackling was consis tent and the dr y-aging meant there was a real unctuousnes s to the favour”.
Great Taste is organis ed by the Guild of Fine Food and, now in it s 31st year, is the world’s larg es t,longeststandingand mos t resp ec ted fo od accredit ation scheme for ar tisan and sp eciality fo od and drink producer s.
Hannan Meat s, which is based in Moira, Co Down,has previously picked up the Golden Fork Award, along with securinga host of Great Taste Awards stars
The Golden Fork from Northern Ireland was hotly contes ted with porchett a from Hannan Meat s, Aghinlig Orchard Ice Cider from Applejames and Ghost Chilli & Black Lime Ketchup from Blackfre Food all making it through to the fnal round.
The winner s of the Great Taste Golden Fork s 2024 were announced at an awards ceremony that to ok place in London’s Batter sea Ar ts Centre
John Farrand, managingdire ctor of the Guild of Fine Food, said : “I t is import ant to unders tandthat Great Taste is merely the proces s that identifes one, two, and thre estar winner s and, in doing so, encourages makers to improve
“N ow at it s climax , in announcing the Golden Fork s wearecelebrating the very best producer s; thos e who take care to ensure their produc ts hit the marker s of trusted raw ingredient s, simple production methods, and fo od and drink that has personalit y, but ultimately, that tastes great.
“We’re particularly chuf fed to be doing our
thing for international trade and relations by welcoming entries from 115 countries thisyearand, in addition, bestow ing two new awards, one to a company that demons trates inspiring business acumen, and theother to an organisation show ing genuine commitment to sustainability Thes e winner s mus t at the same time, be making out standing fo od and drink.”
There were 16 Great Taste Golden Fork s pres ented at thisyear ’s awards, with two new trophies forsustainability and ‘b et ter business’ joining the line up
The additional awardswere add ed this year to re co gnis e thesubs tantial ef fort s of many companies, and import ance weshould all place, on business es not only making delicious produc ts, but also conducting themselves in ways that ensure theyalso look af ter their communities,teams, environment andsupply chain.
The 16 Golden Fork winner s were the standout produc ts fromnearly 14,0 00 to enter thisyear ’s Great Taste awards ■
PeterHannanaccepting theGoldenFork Award
Understandingneurodiversitycanhelp employersaddressskillsshortages ByCaraMarks,seniorbusinessdirector, HaysNI
Onanygivenday,it’slikelyyou’llbe abletofndaheadlineaboutan importantindustryintheglobal economystrugglingwithskillsshortages.
Theneedfornewtalenthasbeenafamiliar refrainfromemployersinawiderangeof sectors,fromengineeringtoITtoconstruction. ItisnodifferentinNorthernIreland.Infact, Hays researchfound99%ofemployersin NorthernIreland reportedshortagesinthepast year,comparedto92%acrosstheUK.
Thereareanumberof reasonsbehindthis situation.Despiteahigheconomicinactivity rate,NorthernIreland’sunemploymentrate currentlystandsatanimpressive1.8%, comparedto4.1%acrosstheUK.Thejobs market remains robust,with84%ofemployers inNorthernIrelandtellingustheyplantohire inthenext12months,and45%ofemployees consideringajobmove.
Whenweaskemployerswhattheysee asthebiggestchallengesahead,theycite everythingfromtalentmanagementtokeeping pacewithtechnologicaladvancements. However,talent retentionhasemergedasthe mostpressingconcernforlocalbusinesses.
Ascompaniesgrapplewithfndingand retainingtalent,abroaderstrategyisneeded forlong-termsuccess.Oneopportunityliesin fullyembracingneurodiversity.It’sasubjectI ampassionateaboutandIwashonouredtobe invitedtospeakattheNIChamberFutureof Skillseventfocusingofneurodiversity recently.
Attheevent,weheardthereisstrong evidenceorganisationsthatbuildmorediverse teamsandutilisetheuniquecapabilitiesof neurodiverseindividualscangainacompetitive edge.Andyet,thestatisticstellusonly20% ofautisticindividualsareemployed,compared to53%ofdisabledindividualsand83%of non-disabledpeople.Additionally,one-thirdof thelong-termunemployedaredyslexic,and researchsuggeststhatupto70%oftheprison populationmaybeneurodivergent.
Currently,itisestimatedthattwooutof every10employeesareneurodivergent,but thisisexpectedtoriseasGenZentersthe
workforce.MorethanhalfofGenZidentifes asneurodiverse–22%defnitivelyand31% somewhat.
Themajorityofneurodivergentapplicants don’tdiscloseneurodivergentconditions duringthehiringprocessforfearof discrimination.Ourhiringprocessesneed tobemoreinclusivewithout relianceon requestsforadjustments.Skillshiringinvolves selectingcandidatesbasedonskillsand potentialinsteadofprioritisingexperienceand qualifcations.Thishasproventoincreasethe diversityofapplicants.Accordingto Talent TechLabs,82%ofemployersusingskills-based hiring reporta reductionintheirtimetohire.
Mostemployersbelievetheirorganisation providespositiveexperiencestojobseekers duringtheapplicationprocess.However, whenapplyingforjobs,applicantssaythey arefacingoverlylongprocesses,poorly signpostedapplicationforms,andalackof communicationandfeedbackfromemployers. Poorerexperienceswithapplicationwebsites orportalsincreasebyagegroup–almost halfofoldergenerationssaytheyhavehada negativeexperiencecomparedtojustovera thirdofthoseaged18-24.
Lookingcloseratthelackofcommunication whichapplicantshaveidentifed,lessthan half(45%)ofemployerssaythattheynotify allapplicantsoftheirapplicationstatus, includingunsuccessfulones.Furthermore, (63%)employeessayemployersarenot goodatprovidingfeedbackifanapplication was rejected.Our researchshowspeopleare unlikelytoapplytoanorganisationagainif theyhadapoorexperience.
Foraneurodivergentapplicantwhomayfeel negativeemotionsmoredeeplyorsufferfrom rejectionsensitivity,thiscanbedamagingto theirjobhunt.Iftheydon’thearback,itmay stopthemapplyingfor rolesalltogether.
Microsofthasfoundthataround40% oftheirnewhiresintheirautism-at-work hiringprogramhadpreviouslyappliedtothe companybuthadbeenunsuccessful.New approaches–suchasspecifcsupportchannels forneurodivergentcandidates,amoreskillsbasedapproachtocandidateassessmentand robustmentoring–haveallowedthecompany tosuccessfully recruitand retainthistalent.
Themessageisclear.Ourworkplacesmust evolvetosupportandnurtureneurodivergent talentforthefuture. ■
CaraMarks
NIprivatesector ‘outpacingother UKregions’ NorthernIrelandiscontinuingto outpacethe restoftheUKwith risingprivatesectorbusiness activity,afreshsurveyhasshown.
Therewasanotherbumpinoutputduring August,withNorthernIrelandexperiencing thelargestriseinactivityinthreeoutofthe fourmonths,whencomparedwithotherUK regions.
That’saccordingtothelatestUlsterBank NorthernIrelandGrowth Tracker.Itsaysnew ordersalso rose“markedly”onceagain,while staffngnumbers roseattheirfastestpacein 16months.
Theindexstoodat55.7inAugust,upfrom 54.9inJuly(where50meansnochange).
Outputhasnowrisenineachofthe pastninemonths,whilecompaniessaid risingworkloadshadbeenbehindthelatest expansionofactivity.
Manufacturingproductionincreasedatthe fastestpaceinalmosttwo-and-a-halfyears, withservicesactivityalsoupsharply,while retailwastheonlycategorytopostafall.
“Thelatestexpansionofnewbusiness continuedthetrendthatbeganintheopening monthoftheyear,”the reportsaid.
“Despiteeasingtoasix-monthlow,therate ofgrowthinNorthernIrelandwasbroadlyin linewiththeUKaverage.
“Expectationsthatnewbusinesswill continuetoriseinthemonthsahead supportedoptimismamongcompaniesthat outputwillexpandoverthecomingyear. Insomecases,activityissettobeboosted byimprovingoperatingcapacity.Business sentimentstrengthenedslightlyfromJulyand waswellabovetheseriesaverage.
“Effortstoexpandcapacityinlinewith higherworkloadsledcompaniesinNorthern IrelandtoraiseemploymentagaininAugust. Staffnglevelshavenowincreasedin20 consecutivemonths,withthelatestrisethe mostmarkedsinceApril2023.
“Themarkedincreaseinemploymentwas stillinsuffcienttopreventafurtherbuild-up inbacklogsofwork,however,givensustained improvementsinneworders.Infact,backlogs
ofwork roseatafasterpaceinAugust,with therateofaccumulationthestrongestsince April2022.”
ItsaidNorthernIrelandcompaniescontinued to registerasharpriseininputprices,despite therateofinfationeasingtoasix-monthlow.
“Respondentsindicatedthatrising staffcostshadbeenthemaindriverof increasedinputprices.Sharpcostinfation wasseenacrosseachmonitoredsector,led byconstruction.Meanwhile,thepaceof outputpriceinfationpickedupslightlyas increasedinputcostswerepassedthroughto customers.”
“Therewasnosignofalet-upinthe performanceoftheNorthernIrelandprivate sectorinAugust,withlocalfrmscontinuing tooutpaceallotherUK regionsandnationsin termsofoutputgrowth,”SebastianBurnside, NatWestchiefeconomist,said.
“Thesustainedspellofgrowthhas encouragedfrmstotakeonextrastaff,and theydidsotothelargestdegreesinceApril 2023.Suchhasbeenthespeedoftheinfows ofnewbusiness,however,thatcompanies wereunabletomakeanydentintheir backlogsofworkwhichcontinuedtoexpand markedly.
“Localfrms remainedoptimisticaboutthe future,andlookingatthissetofdatait’snot hardtoseewhy.” ■
COVE R STORY
Lightbulb Teams: delivering inspirational experiences to help thoseinneed Keynotespeaker,broadcasterandmentalist David Meade isturninghisattentiontorevampingand rejuvenatingtheworldofcorporateteambuilding withhisorganisation Lightbulb Teams.Hespeaks to UlsterBusiness aboutdevelopingexperiencesto helpthoselessfortunateandinneed,whilehelping clientsgrowanddeveloptheirownteamsthrough inventiveandphilanthropicCSR(corporatesocial responsibility)initiatives
“Theglobalimpactourclients aremakingtothoseinneedis massive,”saysDavidMeade.
“Weworkwiththemtodevelop‘gamechanging’inspirationalteamexperienceswhich reallyhelppeople.”
Theleadingkeynotespeaker,mentalist andphilanthropistishelpinghundredsof thousandsofpeopleinthedevelopingworld throughLightbulb Teams.
ItdeliversimmersiveCSR-focusedteam buildingexperiences–givingbackandhelping thoselessfortunatewhileteachingyourteam everythingtheyneedtobeworldclasshigh performers.
Andit’sturningthecorporateteambuilding worldupsidedown–puttingcompaniesand theiremployeesattheheartofanexperience, directlyhelpingthoselessfortunate,and leavingtheirownpersonallegacybehind.
Sofar,itsGiveaHandinitiative–building prostheticlimbs–hashelpedsome80,000 people,alongsideits Water Worksscheme, creatingwaterflters,andits ToyforLife programme.
David’sconstantlytravellingaroundthe globe–addressing roomsofthousandsas akeynotespeakerforsomeoftheworld’s biggestorganisations.
Now,hiscompanyLightbulb Teamsis workingwithbusinessesofallshapesandsizes to rejuvenateCSR-focusedcorporateteam building.
“Traditionalteambuildinghasbeenabit contrived,”Davidsays.
“Ratherthanjustgettingpeopleintoa roomtobuildatowerfromspaghetti,they arebuildinglifechangingprosthetichandsfor patientsinthedevelopingworld,forexample. Whattheyaredoing reallydoesmatter tosomeoneandtherearesuchpowerful elementswithintheseprogrammes.
“Thisgivesownershipandpowerto everyoneinsidethe roomandtheysoon realise theimportanceinwhattheyaredoing.”
Duringhistravelsaroundtheglobeas aleadingpublicspeaker,Davidspottedan opportunity.
He’djustcomeoffstageafterdeliveringa keynotespeechinArizonawhenhesawan
eventinthenext room–withorganiserstrying toraisemoneyandtohelpdistributeprosthetic handsinthedevelopingworld.
“Isatdownandthought–theremustbe somethingwecandowiththis,”Davidsays.
“Webegandevelopingasupplychainof thesespectacular,butsimpleproducts.
“Webuythemintheirunassembledform andthenturnthatintoanactivitywhichisfun, challengingandengaging.
“It’salsoaboutlinkingthattoan organisation’sownstructureandgoals–what matterstothem,tomakesureit’snotbolted on,andinsteadisameaningfulvehicletohelp themachievetheirownorganisationalgoals, whilealsocreatingapowerfulmetaphorfor thechallengestheyareovercomingasateam.
“It’stheperfectwinwin.”
Lightbulb Teamsworksalongside organisationssuchastheUnitedNations,Save theChildren,OxfamandUNESCO.
ItalsojustwonGoldattheM&IT Awards 2024forBestPositiveImpact/EventLegacy –award recognisinghoweventscanleavea positive,lastinglegacy.
“It’saperfectwin-win–thecharitiesget whattheyneedforfreeandtheclient’steams getamazinginspirationalexperiences.
“Thelegacywhichthishasistrulymassive.”
ThatinitialGiveaHandschemehasnow delivered80,000prostheticlimbssinceits incarnation.
Butthatinitialidea,alongwiththe connectionsandsupplychain,hasalsoborne
freshinitiativesandprogrammestohelpyet morepeopleinneed.
Thatincludes Water Works–where corporateclientsbuildanddeliverlifesaving waterfilterstothedevelopingworld.
Teamscanbuildtheselifesavingwaterfilters duringtheireventsandconferences.They learnaboutcollaboration,team-work,problem solvingandstrategy–allwhileimprovingthe lifeofsomeoneintheworldtheyhaven’teven metyet.”
“Bytheendtheyhavebuiltafreshwater filter.Itistrulylifesavingwaterfor300people fortwowholeyears,”Davidsays.
Andthosewhohavehelpedbuildthefilters willthen receiveaphotographoftheactual devicetheyhavecreated–seeingitinthe
handsoftheUgandan recipient.
The Water Worksprogramme recentlyhit 15,000waterfilters,deliveredtocommunities inneedofsafedrinkingwater.
Lightbulb Teamsisalsonowdeveloping its ToyforLifeinitiative.“Westartedtovisit schoolsacrossAfricaand realisedtheyhad sparsesuppliestofire upthekidsimagination. So,wedesignedourowntoysfromscratch.
“Wewantedittobesomethingachild couldbuildandthengivedowntotheirlittle brother,orsister,orpassontosomeoneelsein theircommunity.”
Lightbulb Teamsisalsonowatthefinal stagesofdevelopingBabyBundle.Thatwill seeteamsgettingthechancetobuildacrib, takingababyfromsleepingofftheground,
COVE R STORY
DavidMeade
COVE R STORY
alongwitheverythingtheywillneedintheir frstyear.
DavidsaystheLightbulb Teamsexercisesand experiencesallowpeopletostepoutsidetheir daytoday rolesinordertoworktogetherto achievetheirultimategoal.
“Withtheworkwearedoing,peopleneed tocommunicatewitheachother,stepoutside theircomfortzonesandworkwithothersto achievesomething,”Davidsays.
“It’semotionalandmotivational,anditstays withpeople.Theytakeownershipofit.People areabletogobacktwomonths,ortwoyears later,andthereisstillmomentumandimpact inwhattheyhavedone.”
Lightbulbhasworkedwithsomeofthe largestfrmsintheUK,Ireland,andacrossthe globe,includinginternationalgiantssuchas Deloitte,AllstateandApple.
“Beingintheeventsspaceanddoingso muchtravelallowedustomeetclientsfor whichCSR reallymattered,”Davidsays.
“Formany,CSRisapillarwhichtheyhave todo,andshoulddo.Butinthelastthreeto fveyears,manytrulydowanttodoit–it’s becomesuchanimportantelementintermsof employee retention,forexample.
“We’vecomeatthisataverygoodtime. We aremuchbiggerasanorganisation
GaryStrain,clientsuccessmanagerand ChloeHanna(right),growthandoperations leadfromLightbulb Teamspicturedat SayuniNurserySchoolsituatedinthe ruralcommunityofNyakasojo,inKasese MunicipalityConstituency, Uganda
elsewherethanathome.Butweareso scalableandwewanttomakesurethatwe aredoingasmuchofthisworkaswecan,at home.”
Lightbulb Teamsnowhasawaitinglistfor around1,200people requiringprosthetic limbs.“Wehavetobuildmore,sowe wanttogetinvolvedwithmoreteamsand organisations.”
Theorganisationhasdeliveredexperiences toglobalindustrygiants,aswellassmalland microbusinesses,manyofwhicharefamilyowned.
“AlotoffamilyfrmsinNIhavegreat legaciesandareinvolvedinphilanthropic work,”Davidsays.“Forsmallerbusinessesit’s gettingaroundtodoingsomethinglikethis–takingabird’seyeviewandlookingatwhat reallymatters.”
Andforthosewantingtogetinvolved, Davidsays– regardlessofthesizeofthe companyororganisation–togetintouchfor achattoseehowLightbulb Teamscanbest helpanddevelopanexperience.
“WeneedbusinessesforwhomCSRmatters –thatbelieveinitsimportance.It’sabout havingapositiveimpact,andit’sajourney whichwecan’tdobyourselves.” ■
Formoreinformationpleasevisit lightbulbteams.com
Constructiongiantseesprofts slumpamidsector-widepressures Nor thern Ireland constructionfrm
Gilb er t- Ash ha s se en a bump in sale s while prof ts have drop pe d “in line with expe ct ations ” du e to se ctorwi depressur es
The Belfas t- based frm sawturnover reach £267m in 2023 However, profts fell considerably – dropping from £4.2m to £1.5m.
The frm says the “construction industry continued tocontend with signifcant ex ternal pres sures, including unpre cedented infation which impac ted input cost”.
The company, head ed by Ray Hutchinson, completed several major projec ts during last year, with sizeable schemes being developed in GB
Projec ts completed in 2023include the 2024 Stirling Prize- nominated redevelopment of the National PortraitGaller y, the £39m hub by Premier Inn, Clerkenwell and the £21m Ruby Zo e Hotel in Notting Hill, London
Looking ahead to 2024 the company remainsin a robust fnancial position with a signifcant order bo ok with several high -profle projec ts underway thisyear
“We are very proud of the many signifcant projec ts completed and new work secured for thisyearand the coming year s,” Gilb er t- Ash managingdire ctor, Ray Hutchinson, said
“D espite the challenging conditions our peoplehave show n remarkable resilience andhave consis tently delivered out standing projec ts for our client s, something which is evid enced by the National PortraitGallery ’s Stirling Prize nomination
“Work continues twoother major public buildings at Tate Liverp ool and Theatr Clwyd in Wales.”
Gilb er t- Ash also continues to signifcantly invest in it s work force andhas re cently launched it s Make Your Mark campaign
“Working across a broad range of sec tors such as ar ts and culture, workplace, hotels, leisure and educ ation, we have frm plans for grow th which is why we want tocontinue to fnd the best people tocome and work with us,” Mr Hutchinson said
“T he campaign highlights the pres tige of the projec ts you will workonas a Gilb er tAsh employe e, we want people who want to
grow their care er s and challenge themselves by working on buildings which are of ten enjoyed by millions of people eachyear.”
The company re cently completed the £24m cons truction of a new multi -purpose performing ar ts centre and 40 0- seater theatre at Brighton College, while two major residential schemes in England willhand over before the end of the year
Earlier in the year Gilb er t- Ash won the £31m contract tocons truc t St Paul’s New Junior Scho ol in West London The projec t involves the cons truction of two new scho ol buildings
Gilb er t- Ash also won the £35m contract tocons truc t two new Sixth FormGirls Boarding Hous es at Winchester College in Hampshire, due to op en to pupils in September 2026
Meanwhile, The National PortraitGaller y in London re ceived a Stirling Prize no d, while Jamie Fobert Architec ts with Purcellhave been shor tlis ted for thisyear ’s prize for their workonthe Gallery where Gilb er t- Ash was the main contractor ■
RayHutchinson ofGilbertAsh
S‘Homes could get£40 back orbusinesses thousandsofpounds’ ShareEnergyisthelatestelectricityprovidertoentertheNorthern Irelandmarket.Andit’sbringinganewincentive,offeringcustomers ashareof50%ofproftsearned,backtoitsbusinessandresidential customers.
JohnMulgrew speakstoco-founder Damian Wilson incetheopeningupofNorthern Ireland’s energymarketmore than a decadeago,competitionbeganto enterthemarket.
There are now a hostofdifferentproviders tochoosefrom – acrossboth residentialand business.
Duringthattimeperiodthelargestmarket share still remainswithPowerNI – witharound 60%ofhouseholdshere.
Damian Wilsonandhisco-founders,however, are enteringthemarketwith a different proposition.Atitscore,Share Energysaysit’s aimingtogiveback a 50%proftsshare toits customers,basedontheirownenergyusage.
“[Asanexample] a smallusermightget£40 backwhilefor a largeuseritcouldbe a couple ofthousandsofpounds,”hetellsme.“That’s eithercreditonthemeter, orincash.”
TheDerrymansaysitsintentionistomake a fewwavesintheenergymarkethere.“We are locally-ownedandmanagedandwantto [deliver] a fairpriceforall,andgivesomething back,”hesays.“Competitiveprices, a share of theprofts,andexcellentcustomerserviceand product.”
Share Energyhasenteredwith a lowstandard rate – Damiansaysit’s notlookingatlow-cost
introductoryrates,butfocusingonoverall pricing.
“[Themarket]isallveryvanilla,”hesays. “Whatwouldmakeyouwanttoswitchaway fromyourprovider?Pricecanonlytakeyouso far We are lookingto reward loyal,andnew customers.”
Thefrmisownedbythreeinvestorswith more than50yearsworkingacrosssupplyand generation.
“We aren’t tyingpeopleinto a contract – if youdon’t likeit,youcanleave. We willbe disappointed,buthopefullyyoucomeback.
“We are happytotake a bitlessonmargin. We runquite a leanoperation.”
Damiansaysthefrmhasbeen18months inthemaking – goingthroughthe requisite regulatoryprocessesalongtheway
“There’s therightmarketentryprocessand licence requirementsbefore theyletyounear themarket,”hesays.
HisCVcountsClickEnergyandBudget Energyamonghis recentworkplaces,with a backgroundincomputerscience,before moving intoITandtelecoms.
Turningtobusinesscustomers,Damiansays theofferingis“verybespoke”.
“We lookateachoftheneedsandthen
tailor,”hesays.“Theycanalsobeneftfrom theproftsshare.It’s lookingatanalternative [offering].”
Onthatproftsshare,hesaiddomestic andbusinessuserswould receive50%ofany proftsmade – basedontheirownusage.
Ongreenpower, Damiansaysit“willgrow withthebusiness”.
“We havesomegreenenergyonthebooks andwillcontinuetodevelopandgrowthat. It’s notsomethingyoucanstartondayone – it dependsoncustomers,numbers,andmeeting generation requirements.”
Intermsofwhere hewantsthecompany toendup,hesaysthere’s nofrmtargetbut “wewanttogrowthebusinessandmakeit a successandmakesure peopleare getting moneyback”.
“Themore customersweget,themore we canshare,”hesays.“Electricityisnot a luxury –it’sa necessity Growingandbringingasmany customersonboard willhelpthesuccessofthe company.”
Onthatgreenenergyfront,Damiansays there are toomanyblockersalongthewayin ordertohelpgrowthevolumeof renewable energyschemeshere.
Earlierthisyear UlsterBusiness revealedthat
around50newwindorsolarschemesmust beshovel readyby2026,otherwiseNorthern Irelandwillnothititskeygreenpowertargets asitfaces a “crisispoint”.
Thelocal renewablessectoriscalling for“urgentaction”toexpediteplanning applicationsandappealstogetenoughwind, solarandbatterydevelopmentsoperating tomeettheambitious80%greenelectricity generationtargetby2030.
Itcomesasplanningdecisionshere are
takinglongeronaverageacrossourcouncils, whiletheappealsprocessisslowingamidwhat itclaimsare “signifcant resourcingpressures”.
“To me,personally, it’sa bitdisjointed,” Damiansays.“There’s thegreatinspirationof 2030,butnoonehasworkeditbacktosee whatweneedtodo.”
Andhesays,withtheendingofthesubsidies andschemestohelpdriveinvestment,there needstobe a reintroductionofincentivesto getdevelopersinterested.
“[It’s about]gettingeveryonearoundthe table – ifweneedtobuild50windfarms,then getitdone.Stormontslowseverythingdown. Theprivatesectorlikestogetupandgo,and do.There needstobe regulation…butthiscan havesuch a dramaticimpact,andthere should behighpriority
“Thedeliveryisfailing – technology hasmovedonsomuch. Targetsshouldbe achievable,thecloseryouget…butthey aren’t.” ■
DamianWilson ofShareEnergy
Mixeddryrecycling wastecollection‘only optiontohelpachieve zerocarbontarget’ JosephDoherty,chiefexecutiveofNewry’s Re-Gen, saysasNIfacesitsongoingenvironmentalgoalsand targetsthatcollectingmixeddryrecyclingwastein asinglebinshouldbethewayforward
Thekeyproblem
NorthernIrelandfaceskeychallengesto achieveitsenvironmentalgoals,particularly indecarbonisationand resourceeffciencyas outlinedbythetargetofnetzero2050.
Unfortunately,somestillbelievethat separating recyclableslikepaper,plasticetc, intothreeorfourdifferentstreams(often calledthe“kerbsidebox”system)drives
higher recyclingratesandisbetterforcarbon footprint.Thisissimplynottrue.
Signifcantindependentdatahas conclusivelyshownthatcollectingmixeddry recyclablewasteinasinglebin(‘bluebin’ system)driveshigher recyclingrates,ismuch cheaperforthetaxpayer,mucheasierforthe householderand,mostcrucially,producesthe lowestcarbonfootprint.
Carbon reduction Eumoniaareexpertconsultantsincarbon,and their reportfromJune2024comparedthe carbonoutputsfromamulti-streamkerbside boxsystemagainstasinglebluebinsystem.
To underpintheirwork,Eunomia reviewed Re-Gen’sprocesswhichmanagesmixeddry recyclablescollectedfromasinglebluebin.
Re-GenisaNorthernIrelandcompanythat hasinvestedheavilyinthelatesttechnology including roboticsandartifcialintelligence. EunomiaconcludedthatRe-Gen’sspecifc processsignifcantlyoutperformsthemultistreamkerbsideboxessystemforcarbon impactpertonne.
Recyclingrates
DatapublishedbyTheNorthernIreland EnvironmentAgency(NIEA)2022/23has clearlyshownthatforhouseholdcollection, thosecouncilsthatuseabluebinsystem achievehigher recyclingratesthanthecouncils thatadoptakerbsideboxcollection.
Cost
A reportbyoneofthemajoraccountancyand consultingfrmsGrantThornton,publishedin
June2024,outlinedthattheintroductionof akerbsideboxsystemacrossallofNorthern Irelandwouldcostaround£400mmoreover sevenyearsthan rollingoutabluebinsystem. Ahugecostdifferenceatanytime,but particularlywhengovernmentdepartments intheUKandNorthernIrelandareunderso muchfinancialpressure.
Higherquality recyclate
Somebelievethatabluebinsystem cannotachievequalitylevelsnecessaryfor
reprocessing recyclablematerial.Butthisbelief issimplyoutdated.Becauseofenhancements intechnology,Re-Genproduceahigher quality recyclatesuchaspaper,glassand plastic,whichis reprocessedbyUKcompanies everyday,helpingdrivethecirculareconomy.
NIhouseholdersprefermixeddry recyclablecollections
InJune2024concludedthathouseholders preferthebluebinsystem.Over79%ofthose currentlyusingthebluebinsystemdon’twant
toswitchtothekerbsideboxsystem.
Conclusion
Theevidenceisclear,andindeedGrant Thorntonconcluded,thatabluebinsystem driveshigher recyclingrates,hasalower carbonimpact,costssignificantlylessforthe taxpayerandhouseholdersmuchpreferit.So surelytheanswerisclear? Takethistoyour elective representativeandensurethatthebest decisionismadeforNorthernIrelandandyour localarea. ■
JosephDoherty ofRe-Gen
Re-Gen’splant inNewry
Review: New Asian street foodspotis a fun addition to booming suburb butneeds tweaks JohnMulgrew paysavisittoMizoontheOrmeau RoadinBelfasttoseeifthiscasualAsianstreetfood spotholdsupinthisgrowingarea
Ihatetosoundlike a broken record (or someonehopingtoraisetheprofle ofthewiderareahecallshome),but theOrmeauRoadistryingitsbesttohold swayovertheotherBelfastsuburbswith itslitanyofhospitalityadditionsoflate.
We haveplaceswhichput a hugesmileon myface – Stoveinparticular – butthere had longbeenlacking a hugevarietyofcheaper eveningeatsinandaroundthepubtriangle (Northern Lights,TheErrigleInnandThe Pavilion).Thatallappearstobechanging.
AnoldPizzaHutstore,whichhad a brief shelflifeas a chippie,nowsportsAsianstreet foodspotMizo’s brightpinkneonsignsitting aboveitswoodengazebolookingoutontothe busysouthBelfastarterial route.
We’re seatedinthecoveredoutdoorsarea – fakeplasticgrassatourfeet,withtablesand woodenbanquettespepperingthesides.
Mizo’s menuhas a rangeoffriedriceand noodledishes,withsaladandricebowls,along
withloadedfries(the‘dudefood’conceptwe never reallyneeded),curriesand a collectionof ‘smallbites’.
It’sa bitof a mixedbaginthebeginning. Thetogarashiwings(aJapaneseseasoning whichalsointhiscaseappearsas a sauce)are diminutiveandunderwhelming.
Just a fewdoorsdownyou’llfndthesalty andsweetwingsfromMadamePhopunch considerablyharder
A smallplateofchickendumplings (appearinglikegyozawhichhavethenbeen deepfried),buttheyonceagainlackany real punchandare quitedrywithin.
However, ‘BangBang’prawnsarrivecrisp andmoistwithtenderfeshwithin.The accompanyingsauceisoften a favoured mayonnaisewithsrirachaand/orsweetchilli.
Butit’s themainswhichturn thevolume knobup.The‘almostclassic’friedricefeels likethesortofthingyou’dmakewhenyou putyourmindtoitinthekitchen.In a good
THEBILL
Chickendumplings£6.95
Togarashichickenwings£6.95
BangBangprawns£7.95
‘Almostclassic’friedrice£13.95
Beefpadseeew £14.95
Beercorkagex2
£2
Total £52.75
way It’s cleanwith a littlespice,wellseasoned anddeeplyfavoured – withoutoverpowering things,insteadputtingtherice,eggandprotein tothefore.There are perfectlycrisplittlepieces ofporkbellywith a littlechararoundthe edges.
Thebeefpadseeewnoodlesarriveas a heftybowlofdeep,richandbrown.There’s still a littlebiteinthem,alongside a signifcant whackofumamiandseasoninginthebase, with a littlebackgroundheat.
Thebeefisplentiful,buthas a fairlyapparent chew We coulddowithlessbut a bettercut. Overall,it’sa heartybowlofsavourinessbut doesn’t overwhelmthepalate.
There’s certainly a solidfoundationonwhich tobuildhere– withmisstepsalongtheway Butit’s stillveryearlydays.Thatbeingsaid, theseare thelittlethingswhichcanbeironed outovertime, I imagine.There’sa lottolike aboutMizo.Itbrings a littlebitoffuntoan areawhichiscontinuingtoexertitspresence onthewiderhospitalitysectorinthecity ■
Padseeewbeef noodlesatMizo
BelfastCityAirport: travelsmarternotharder In today’s fast-pacedworld,every minutecounts – especiallywhenyou are travelling.
Whetheryouwanttotakeoff inthe morningand return intimefordinneror transitionfromyourworkdaytoyourfight, atBelfastCityAirport, regardlessofwhich optionyouchoose,youcanenjoy a quickand seamlessjourneythatallowsyoutomakethe mostofyourtime.
TheheartofBelfast
BelfastCityAirport’s primelocationmeansyou cangetyourjourneyoff tothefasteststart.
AstheUKandIreland’s mostconvenient airport,locatedonlyfveminutesfromBelfast’s bustlingbusinesscentre,youcaneffcientlygo fromboardroomtoboardingandbackagain withease.
Puttingthe‘fast’inBelFASTCityAirport Forbusinesstravel,punctualityisparamount.
BelfastCityAirportwasnamedthemost punctualairportintheUKin2023,and coupledwithitsspeedysecurityprocessing times,it’s nosurprisethatBelfastCityAirportis thefrstchoiceformany
Fromcheck-intoboardingandarrivals,it’s
designedwithyouinmindand a focuson makingeachaspectofyourexperienceas smoothandeffcientaspossible.
Yourgatewaytotheworld BelfastCityAirportoffersmore domestic connectionsthananyotherNorthern Irish airport,facilitatingtraveltotheUK’s top businessandleisure destinations.
ItalsoservesasNorthern Ireland’s only truegatewaytothe restoftheworld, offering190connectionsthroughmajorhubs includingLondonHeathrow, Manchesterand Amsterdam.
Thisextensivenetworkfacilitatesglobal travel,makingiteasierforyouto reach internationalbusinessdestinationseffciently fromtheheartofBelfast.
Travelat a timethatsuitsyou
Withupto12fights a daytoLondon,fve toBirmingham,fvetoManchester, and a newdoubledailydoubleservicewithKLMto Amsterdam,takingoff inOctober, BelfastCity Airportcangetyouwhere youneedtobe, whenyouneedtobethere.
Thisunrivalledchoicemeansthatnomatter where you’re heading,youcangetthere in a
timethatworkswithyourschedule.
Thesmartchoiceforbusinesstravel
Forbusinesspassengerswhoprioritise effciencyandconvenience,BelfastCityAirport istheoptimalchoice.
Theairport’s commitmenttoproviding a swiftandseamlesstravelexperiencemakesit theidealstartingpointforanybusinesstrip.
Itsstrategiclocation,excellentsecurity processingtimes,andextensiveglobal connectionsensure thateveryaspectofyour journeyistailoredtoyourprofessionalneeds. ■
To fndoutmoreabouttravellingfromBelfast CityAirport,visitbelfastcityairport.com
Losingthe waterbattle Sponsoredby
Dozensofconstruction andcommercialschemes couldhavebeenlostdue toinsuffcientwastewater capacity,leadingtocalls forsignifcantinvestment intheinfrastructure,as wellastheExecutive committingtomuchmore housebuilding,along withatotalrevampof ourplanningsystemhere, writes
JohnMulgrew
Morethan50commercial, manufacturingandhospitality schemeshavebeenturneddown andjobslosttoother regionsdueto ongoingwastewaterinfrastructureissues, it’sbeenclaimed.
Construction–andmorecruciallyhouse building–isfacingawatershedmoment.
At UlsterBusiness we’vecontinuedtoraise theissuesfacingdevelopershere,including planningdelaysandappeals–whichisleading developerssuchasLaganHomestolooksouth forexpansion.
Buttwomajorconcernshave rearedtheir headscontinuallythisyear–althoughtheyare farfromfreshproblems.
Oneofthemisthelackofcapacityinour waterinfrastructurehere.
A recent reportsaidalackofinvestment inNorthernIreland’swaterinfrastructurehas resultedin“signifcant”capacityissuesthatare affectingnewdevelopments.
Accordingtothe reportbythecomptroller andauditorgeneraloftheNorthernIreland AuditOffce,DorinniaCarville,construction ofnewhomesisamongthedevelopments affected.
Majorschemesherearebeing recommendedfor refusalbyNI Waterdueto insuffcientcapacity.
“Weurgentlyneedtheindependentexpert
reviewofthefundingofNI Waterascalled forintheNIAuditReportpublishedinMarch 2024tobegintoaddresstheenormous obstaclethatthewaterinfrastructuredefcit presentstosocialandeconomicdevelopment thatispromisedinthedraftProgramme forGovernment(PfG),”MarkSpence,chief executiveoftheConstructionEmployers Federation,told UlsterBusiness
“Recently,theannouncementofa£700m investmentintheMageecampus,anexciting andimportantaspiration,mustnowbeseen throughthelensofNIW’slatestupdatesthat ruleoutfuturedevelopmentinDerry.”
Hesaidthat’sinadditionto“some55 commercial,manufacturing,hospitalityprojects thathavebeenturneddownduetolackof waterinfrastructureandhasdirectlyledtojobs beingcreatedasfarafeldasPoland”.
“ItissimplynotcredibleforourExecutiveto continuetokickthisissuedownthe roadand theconstructionindustrywouldwelcomethe opportunitytoaddtheirexpertinputtothe independent reviewinduecourse.“
SpeakingaboutthePfGmoregenerally,Mr Spencesaidwhilethereisacommitmentto deliverymorehousinghere“itfallsdrastically shortofwhatisneededinordertodealwith
Awater treatment plant
NorthernIreland’shousingcrisis”.
ThePfGmentionsa£150menhanced investmentzoneforNorthernIreland,whichis essentiallyapolicythatprovidesgrantsandtax breaksfora region.Thiswaspromisedinthe SafeguardingtheUniondealthatledtothe restorationofStormontinFebruary.
Thereisalsoacommitmenttodelivera housingsupplystrategyiswelcome,given demandisfaroutstrippingsupply,withmore than47,000applicantsonthewaitinglist.
“Weareseeking Treasuryagreementfor appropriatetreatmentofborrowingtoenable theNorthernIrelandHousingExecutive(NIHE)
toincreaseinvestmentinitshomes,improve energyeffciency,andcontributetonew supply,”itsays.
“TheExecutivedoesn’tappeartohavefully understoodthatagainstabackdropofa60yearlowofhousingcompletionsin2023–a recordlikelytobeeclipsedbyanewlowin 2024–fundamental reformis requiredtodeal withthekeyblockstogrowinghomebuilding,” MrSpencesaid.
“WebelieveitiscrucialthattheExecutive treatshousingasitsmainpriorityforthe rest ofthismandatebecause,ifitdoesnot,it risks removingfromanentiregenerationthe prospectofahometocalltheirown.
“GiventheExecutive’sone-yearcapital budgetof£2bnfor2024/25-thesamein cashtermsassome17yearsago–anda recurrentneedfromNI Waterfromthisofat least£600mperannumforthenextdecade, theExecutivemustfacetheurgent reality thattheoverallsettlement,andwhatislikely
intheyearsahead,goesnowherenearthe level requiredinordertodelivermanyofthe keyprojectswhichformpartofthedraft PfG,nevermindNI Water’sPC21andPC27 programmes.”
Hesaidwhile relatedstrategiessuchas theExecutive’sInvestmentStrategyandthe HousingSupplyStrategyareyettoemerge,it isthereforevitalthaturgentstepsaretaken todealwithboth“decadesofunderfunding inourwaterandwastewatersystemwhich meansthathomebuilderscannotgetnew housingconnectionsinlargepartsofthe countryand,aplanningsystemwhichisno longerftforpurpose.”
“Afundamentaltestofanygovernment mustbewhetheritputsinplacetheenablers foranecessarylevelofnewbuildhousingto bedeliveredforitspeople.Currently,Northern Irelandisfallingwoefullyshortonthisanda failuretoactwouldbeadamningindictment ofthisExecutive’sperformance. ■
COMME RC IAL PROP ERTY & CONS TRUC TION
MarkSpence
Historiccountryestate onthemarketfor£3.25m Anhistoriccountryestatehasgone onthemarketwithanasking priceof£3.25m.
NewGroveEstateisa149-acre residential andagriculturalpropertylocatedjustsixmiles southofBelfastcitycentreonBallylesson RoadinDrumbo.
It’savailableasawholeorinthreedistinct lots:onecomprisingthehistoricmainhouse withsurroundinggardensandwoodlands, andtwoseparatelotsofproductiveprime agriculturalland.
TimMartinEstateAgentssaidthe “expansive”estate“offersauniqueblend ofhistoricalcharmandmodernpotential, makingitarareopportunityfordiscerning buyers—whetherseekingaprivate residence, primeagriculturalland,adevelopment opportunity,oracombinationofallthree”.
Theyexpectinterestfromlocalbuyers aswellasinternationalinvestorsseekinga distinctiveproperty.
ThecategoryB1listedGeorgian-period residencedatesbackto1760andcomprises sevenbedrooms,a receptionhall,dining room,drawing room,study,andvarious
service rooms.
Themainhouse,NewGroveHouse,isthe centrepieceoftheestate.Notablefeatures oftheperiodhome,which requiressome renovations,includeoriginalplasterwork, hardwoodfoors,impressivefreplaces,sash windows,anAgarangecooker,andwoodburningstove.
Complementingthemainhouseare outbuildingsandfarmbuildingsthatenhance thecharmandfunctionality.
Theagriculturallandincludes118acres ofhighlyproductivefeldsand14acresof pasture,whichhavepreviouslysupporteda varietyofcrops,aswellasdairyherds,pigs, chickens,andhorses.
DespiteitsruralsettingNewGroveEstate isexceptionallywell-connected,withtheM1 motorway,Lisburncitycentretrainstation, BelfastCityAirport,andBelfastInternational Airportallwithineasy reach.Steepedinhistory, theestatehasbeenasignifcantpartofthe locallandscapeforcenturies,withconnections tonotablefguressuchasNarcissusBatt,a pioneeringbankerofthe18thcentury.
TimMartin,principalpartnerof TimMartin
EstateAgents,said:“It’sincrediblyrareto fndapropertyofthismagnitude,steepedin historyandlocatedsoclosetoBelfast.
“Thisestatenotonlyoffersaprestigious residencewithunparalleled privacyandabreathtakingcountryside setting,butitalsopresentsimmensepotential foragricultural, residential,anddevelopment ventures.
“Whetheryou’relookingtopreservea pieceofNorthernIreland’sheritage,createa luxuriousprivate retreat,orinvestinaversatile propertywithlimitlesspossibilities,NewGrove Estatestandsinaclassofitsown.” ■
NewGroveEstateon BallylessonRoadinDrumbo
NI’slargestnewstudent schemegivengreenlight NorthernIreland’slargeststudent newstudentaccommodation schemehasbeengiventhegreen light.
Plansforthe TitanicQuarterStudent Village wereapprovedbyBelfastCityCouncil’s planningcommittee.
Theschemewillinclude1,007-bedroom purpose-builtmanagedstudent accommodation,consistingof286studio bedroomsand721cluster rooms
Theproposalsareajointdevelopment venturebetweendeveloper WatkinJonesand LacunaDevelopments.
Thedevelopmentwillbelocatedonthe TitanicQuarterestate,oneofEurope’slargest waterfront regenerationprojectsandinclose proximitytoQueensUniversity’sInstitutefor Electronics,CommunicationsandInformation Technology.
Developerssaytheproposalswill regenerate acurrentlyvacantformerindustrialsite, deliveringhigh-quality,environmentally sustainableaccommodationsplitacrosstwo phasesandofferinggoodconnectivitytothe citycentre,andthetwouniversities,alongside
accessto retailandleisureofferingslocatedin theimmediatevicinity.
Thecar-freeschemeissettoinclude rooftop solarpanels,carbon-freeheatingusingair sourceheatpumpsandheat recoveryunits, rainwater recoverysystems,andwillenhance sustainabletravelbetweenthesiteandthe universitiesthroughagreentravelfund.
Thesemodernstudiobedroomsandcluster fatswillfeature24/7managementanda rangeof residentialunittypestosuitstudents atvariousstagesoftheiracademiclifeand studyingatanyofBelfast’suniversitiesor highereducationlocations.
Inadditiontomanagedstudent accommodation, TitanicQuarteraimsto delivernewprivate,social,andaffordable homesformorethan8,000new residents before2035,alongsidecommercial,leisureand hospitalitydevelopment.
“WearepleasedthatBelfastCityCouncil hasapprovedthe TitanicQuarterStudent Villageapplication.Theschemewillhelpto addressthegrowingneedforPBSA(purposebuiltstudentaccommodation)inBelfastwhile supportingasustainableandsafecommunity
forliving,working,andleisure,”GeorgeDyer, groupinvestmentdirectorof WatkinJones, said.
“Residentswillbeneftfromexcellent transportlinkswhichwillbefurtherenhanced throughthegreentravelfund,proximitytothe citycentre,andnearbydevelopmentsincluding TitanicBelfast,theSSEArena,and Titanic Studios.
“Ourproposalsincludealandscaped courtyardgardenandamenitiesincluding gyms,common rooms,and recreationfacilities, complementingthe restaurants,cafés,bars, andparkatthiswaterfrontlocation.
“TheStudent Villageisthesecondproposed investmentin TitanicQuarterbythejoint venture,havingforwardsoldtheLoftLines, aBTR(buy-to-rent)development,toLegal& GeneralandClanmilHousinglastyear.
“Throughbothprojectswehave collaboratedcloselywith TitanicQuarter LimitedandBelfastHarbourCommissioners, deliveringpartofitslonger-termvisionfor Queen’sIsland, regeneratingaformerindustrial areaintoasustainableplacetolive,studyand play.” ■
Whatthenew Titanic QuarterStudent Village couldlooklikewhen completed
Hagan’sBarin Dungannon
Publicanvowsto‘takeit easyforawhile’havingsold thefamilybarafter55years AformerpublicaninCo Tyronehas saidheandhiswifeplanto“take iteasyforawhile”afterselling theirpubafter55yearsinthefamily.
DominicandMayHaganfrstopened Hagan’sBarinIrishStreetinDungannonin 1969.
TheirsonPaulandhiswifeBriegetookover thepropertyin1990,andhadbeenrunning ituntilasalewasfnalisedin recentweeksto OakleafGroup,ahospitalityfrmbasedinMid Ulster.
Hagan’sfrstwentonthemarketin September2022andhada recentguideprice of£900,000.
PaulandBriege’s34-yeartenurespanned partofthe Troubles,atleasttwoeconomic downturnsandalsotheCovid-19pandemic.
PaulHaganalsocitedthesmokingban introducedin2007asachallengingperiod.
“Butprobablythepandemicwastheworst time.Itwasterrible,”hesaid.
Hesaidtheprospectofhittingalandmark agebackin2022hadpromptedthecoupleto putthepubupforsale.
“WhenImadethedecisiontosellIwasjust abouttoturn60and realisedIwasonthe wrongsideofit.
“Youcouldbeatthepointwhereyou mightn’thavelongleft,andI’min reasonable health,soIthoughtImighttryandenjoyafew yearswhileIcan. Youmulloveritalongtime andthenyoujustmakethedecision.”
MrHaganandhiswifeownotherproperty inthetown,and16apartmentsandfour shopsonIrishStreetandGreersRoadarealso duetobesoldbythepair.Asforthefuture, MrHagansaidthecouplewill“takeiteasy forawhile”butwillbekeptoccupiedbytheir remainingproperties.
Theyhaveonechild,Sinead,whoPaulsaid wasn’tinterestedinthepubbusinessand becameahairdresser.She’snowamumof two,withPaulandBriegeinthe roleofbusy grandparents.
MrHagansaidhefelthisparentsDominic andMaywouldsupporttheirdecisiontomove on.
Buttherearesomethingshewillmissabout theiroldlife,hesaid.“I’llmissthecustomers andtheinteractionIwouldhavehadwith themonadailybasis,andthestaff,too. Havingapubbecomeslikeafamilytoyou, andawayoflife.”
Nopurchasepricehasbeenconfrmedfor thesale.PatrickScullion,managingdirector ofOakleafGroup,said:“Hagan’sisoneof Tyrone’slongest-runningandmostpopular familybarsandwearedelightedtoadditto ourportfolioinMidUlster regionandbeyond.
“Wealreadyhaveaverystrongfootprint inCookstown,sowhentheopportunity arosetoacquiresuchaprestigiousvenuein neighbouringDungannon,itseemedavery logicalandexcitingmoveforthecompany.”
Mediation: Apowerfultoolfor resolvingcommercialproperty andconstructiondisputes Disputes,asinothersectors,areinevitableincommercial propertyandconstruction.
Commonissuesthatarisefrequentlyincludeleaseagreement conficts,constructiondelays,costoverruns,paymentdisputes,and contractualmisunderstandings–andwhiletraditionallitigationhas oftenbeenthego-tofor resolvingsuchmatters,mediationisquickly emergingasabenefcialalternative.
Aprivatepracticebarristerfornearly25years,MichaelBready supportsclientsacrosstheUKandIreland,spanningsectorsincluding property,construction,commercial,familybusinessesandmoreto reach outcomestodisputeswhichsatisfyallpartiesinvolved.
Whymediationworksinthecommercialpropertyand constructionsectors
Mediationoffersaconfdential,faster,andmorecost-effectivewayto resolvedisputescomparedtocourtproceedings. Typically,mediation sessionscansettledisputesonthesamedayandwithinweeksofthe partiesagreeingtomediate,avoidinglengthydelaysassociatedwith litigation.Theprocessisusuallymorecost-effective,withexpensessplit betweenthepartiesinvolvedandcanminimisedisruptiontoongoing projects.
Mediationfocusesonpreservingongoingworking relationshipsand emphasisesfndingfuture-orientedsolutionsinsteadofassigningblame forpastissues.Theprocessisinherentlyfexible,allowingpartiesto reachsettlementstailoredtotheiruniqueneeds.Forinstance,parties mightagreetoabarterdealorofferpaymentin returnforanother contractualbeneft.Thisfexibilitycontrastssharplywiththeoftenrigid, win-loseoutcomesofcourtproceedings.
Howmediationworksinpropertyandconstructiondisputes
Themediationprocessbeginswithbothpartiessharingtheir perspectives,whilethemediatoridentifestheunderlyingissues andareasofagreement.By rebuildingtrustandopeninglinesof communication,mediationcanoftenleadtoa resolutionthatallows constructionprojectstoproceedwithouttheneedtochangecontractors orsuppliers.
Forcomplexdisputesinvolvingmultiplepartiesorlayersofcontracts, themediator’sskillliesinengagingwitheachpartytoidentifytheir individualprioritiesandintroducetheconceptofcompromiseearlyin theprocess.Byencouragingpartiestobecuriousabouttheotherside’s perspectivesandcollaboratetowardsasolution,mediationfostersa senseofpartnershipratherthanopposition.
Thekeybeneftsofmediation
Inadditiontobeingasignifcantlymorecost-effectiveandlesstime-
consumingsolutionthanlitigation,oneofmediation’smostattractive featuresisitsconfdentialityandtheabilitytosafeguardcommercially sensitiveinformationlikeprojectcosts,profts,andbusinessstrategies. Thisconfdentialityencouragespartiestonegotiateopenlywithoutfear ofdisclosuresbeingusedagainsttheminfuturelegalproceedings.
Inmediation,outcomesarefexibleastheyarenotimposedbya judge,butinsteadcraftedbythepartiesinvolved.Asa result,mediation canleadtooutcomesthataremorepracticalandsustainableforall partiesinvolvedwhilstalsoworkingtopreserveworking relationships throughaforumforpartiestoexpresstheirgrievances,understandeach other’sperspectives,andfndawaytomoveforward.
Thegrowingneedformediation Earlyinterventioniskeyto reachingasuitable resolutionforallparties. Thelongeradisputefesters,themorechallengingitbecomesto resolve. Engagingamediatorassoonasissuesarisecanpreventthemfrom escalatingfurtherandprovideaquickerandlessadversarialpathto resolution.
Despiteitsmanybenefts,awarenessofmediationasanalternative tocourtproceedingsisstillgrowing.However,asbusinesses recognise thepersonalandfnancialtolloflitigation,mediationisincreasinglyseen asawayto removeblockagesthatinhibitproductivity,proftability,and workplacemorale.
Byofferingacost-effective, restorative,andprivatemeansof resolving disputes,mediationissettoplayanincreasinglyimportant roleinthe commercialpropertyandconstructionsectorsinNorthernIrelandand beyond. ■
To learnmoreabouttherolethatmediationandarbitrationcouldplayfor yourbusinessvisitwww.michaelbready.com
MichaelBready
Age verifcation: the tech and why parents have a massive role to play Regulatorsaretryingtoestablishsolidprotections aschildrengainincreasingaccesstoharmful content,writes Adrian Weckler
Whilemuchofthetalkin recent weeksofbanningsmartphones andsocialmediaforunder16sseemsaspirationalandwithoutany reallegislativeproposalinIrelandor Europe,thereisonepartoftheonline safetypuzzlewhere regulatorsandlawmakersappeartobegettingserious:age verifcationsystems.
The resultsofa recentCyberSafeKidssurvey of7,100childreninIrelandbetweentheages of8and14provedthatmostparentsdon’t regardwithholdingphonesfrom11or12-yearoldsasanoption.
NoraretheylikelytogoalongwithanyDáil Éireannbanonsocialmediaandmessaging apps,withthreequartersofkidssetupbytheir parentsonWhatsApp.
Buttheremightbegreaterconsensuson stricterageverifcationsystemsiftheycan beintroducedinawaythatdoesn’tmean everyonehastostartuploadingtheirpassports toXorMeta.
Ageverifcationsystemsareacentralfocus forIreland’sCoimisiúnnaMeán,aswellas Britain’sOfcomandtheAustralianeSafety Commissioner.Sowhatarethecurrentoptions forageverifcation?Andcananyofthemwork reliably?
1Ageverifcationcurrentlyinusefor socialmedia
WhatsApp, YouTube,Snapchat, TikTokand
Instagram–inthatorder–arethemost commonsocialmediaandmessagingservices usedbyunder-13sinIreland.
Allbut YouTubehaveaminimumage requirementof13.Theageverifcation techniquesusedareverysimilarinmostofthe services.
(a) Voluntaryagegate: thisiswherethe userinputsthedatetheywerebornwhen signingup.Ascurrentusagefguresabout primaryschoolchildrenindicate,it’scompletely ineffectiveandusuallybypassed.
(b)Documentaryevidenceoradult verifcation: Instagramhasasystemwhereif someonewhohassignedupasa13-year-old (andisallowedtousetheserviceinalimited way)triestochangetheirassignedbirthdate –forexampletoaccessmoreadultcontent–theyare requiredtoeitherfurnishgovernment photoidentifcation,submitaselfephotofor assessmentorgetaverifedover-18user,such asaparent,toattesttotheirnewage.
(c)Detectionofusagebehaviour: allofthe platformssaythattheyuseAI-typesystemsto analysewhethersomeoneisusingtheirservice typicallyasachildmight,inthecontentthey engagewithandeventhephotostheyupload. Thedetectionsystemalsolooksfortelltale signssuchascommentsleftaroundthetimeof aperson’sbirthday.
2Ageverifcationforotherservices
Whiletheaboveageverifcationtoolsfor
socialmedialetalotofkidsslipthroughthe giantgapsineffectiveenforcement,other onlineactivitiestakeafrmerapproach. Revolutandotherbankingservices require theuploadofgovernment-issuedidentifcation andaPPSnumber.Mostonlinegamblingsites requiresomethingsimilar.
3Otherageverifcationcontrols
Prepayphonesthatareboughtinashop withcashautomaticallyhaveadultcontent fltersineffectthatcanonlybedisabled bycontactingthemobileoperator.Prepay phonesboughtonlinewithacreditcardare notsubjecttothesefltersasacreditcardis deemedtobeverifcationofadultage.
4WhatIrelandiscurrentlydoing
Ireland’snewonlinesafetycode,drawnup byCoimisiúnnaMeán,isduetotakeeffect bytheendofthisyear.Thiswillincludeage verifcation requirementsonsocialmediafrms. Crucially,though,the regulatorhasnot specifedwhichexactmeasuresmustbe
employed.Instead,ithaslefttheverifcation requirementvague,sayinginsteadthatitisup tothesocialmediafrmstouseageverifcation controlsthatareeffective.
Thiseffectivelykeepsself-regulationasthe industry’sguidingprocess.
5WhattheUKisdoing
TheUK,throughits regulatorOfcom, hasoutlinedmorespecifcmeasuresforage verifcationtoprotectteensandchildren, althoughthesearemainlyaimedatprovinga useris18,ratherthan13or16,whichitnow admitsisfarmorediffculttodoeffectively. Theover-18controlsinclude:
(a) lettingmobileoperatorsverifyauser’sage (b) acceptingbankingdocumentsasidentity (c) photoselfeorvideoselfeuploads (d) creditcardverifcation
Crucially,theUK regulatornowbelievesthat facial recognitionisunreliableasanindicator ofageamongteenagersandchildrenandhas discontinuedthatasapossiblemeansofage verifcationforkids.
6WhatAustraliaisdoing Australia’seSafetyCommissioner,Julie InmanGrant,hasbeenoneofthemost vocalandvisibleproponentsofcontrolsover underageaccesstointernetservices.Inits 2023‘Roadmapforageverifcation’ report,it recommendedconsiderationofasystemcalled a“double-blindtokenisedapproach”,which wouldallowacombinationofdevicestoverify theageoridentitystatusofauser.
7Cananyofitwork?
Therearehuge,possiblyinsurmountable, barrierstoageverifcationtechnologyworking effectivelytostopchildrenaccessingsocial media.
(a)Privacyandsafety: themost reliable methodforensuringthatchildrendon’t accesssocialmediaisto requireeveryoneto uploadgovernmentidentifcationtoaccessthe services.Thatdoesn’tseemtobeonthetable, eitherforanyofthegovernmentministers callingforacrackdownorforCoimisiúnna Meán.
Otherthanthedraconianovertoneson privacythatsuchamovemighthave,thereis alsoaconsiderablesafetyconcern.
Earlierthisyear,onesuchservicewas reportedlybreached,compromisingusers’ sensitiveinformation.Theservicesupplies verifcationfacilitiesforseverallargeonline platforms.
(b)VPNs: oneoftheeasiestwaytoavoidany controlsmandatedinoneparticularcountryor regionissimplytologonusingaVPN.Thisis exactlywhathashappenedinstateslike Texas, whichintroducednew restrictionsonadult sites,andincountriessuchasBrazil,whichhas justbannedaccesstoX.
(c)Parents: thebiggestobstacletoeffective agecontrolsareparents.AstheCyberSafeKids studyshows,thevastmajorityofparentsallow theiryoungteens,andoftentheirprimary schoolkids,tohavesmartphonesandaccess toonlinesocialmedia.Indeed,somegivetheir childrenthedevicesassecuritytools, requiring themtohavetheirlocation-sharingfacilityon atalltimes. ■
TECH NOLO GY
Thecolumnwithan earforexperience... Howdidyourcareerstart?
IjoinedNIENetworksasanapprenticeclerical traineeinSeptember1987alongside11other trainees.Interestingly,37yearsagoitwasa closefriendwhoworkedforNIENetworks atthetimewho recommendedthatIapply. HavingdecidedtoleaveschoolIknewI wantedacareerinadynamicorganisation offeringcontinuingpersonalandcareer developmentopportunities.Iamavery practicalpersonandenjoyedlearningonthe jobwhilecontinuingmystudieswhichwere allsupportedbyNIENetworks.Formeitwas absolutelythebestofbothworlds.
Whathaveyoufoundthemost challengingduringyouryearsofbusiness, sofar?
ChallengescomeasopportunitiesandIbelieve thisisanimportantmindsettohave.For mepersonallybuildingacareer,raisingfour childrenandstudyingatthesametimewas challengingbutNIENetworkssupportedme throughoutthis.
Challengesintheworkplacearevaried. WhendealingwithpeopleIhavelearntyou havetotakethetimetolistenandunderstand whatthepotentialchangeorissuemeansto themandthentrytoworkthroughthisto achieveapositivesharedoutcome.
Howwouldyoudescribeyour managementstyle?
Mymanagementstyleiscollaborativeand supportive.Iwillalwaysleadfromthefront butensureIbringtheteamandotherswith me.Formethekeyqualitiesarebeingableto listen,tosupportandcareforcolleagues,be empathetic, recogniseyourteamasindividuals andtoimpartyourknowledgeandexpertiseto thenextgenerationoftalent.
Whatwouldyouchangeifyoucouldgo backanddoitallagain?
I’mnotsurethatIalonecouldhavechanged itbutIcertainlywishthatcareersinSTEM
Name: PaulaLeathem
Position: HeadofHR,NIENetworks subjectsweretalkedaboutatanearlierstage inschoolsinthecontextofthemanycareer optionsavailablewithafocusonencouraging femalestobreakthemouldof rolesonlybeing seenformales.
It’sstillanareaweasanorganisation continuetoworkonaswehavesomewayyet togobutwehavedefnitelymadesignifcant in-roads.
Haveyoudoneitallonyourown?
I’mastrongbelieverinthebestworkbeing deliveredaspartofateam,sowhileImay haveinitiatedsomethingorbeenthelead,the realityisthatworkingwithcolleagues,whether inHR,theseniormanagementteamortrade unioncolleagueswillalwaysensurethe deliveryisoptimum.Ithinkit’simportantto havea remitandtofeellikeyouarepersonally deliveringbutworkingalongsideateam deliversagreatcamaraderie.
Howwouldyoulikeyourcareertobe remembered?
Oneofmygreatestachievementshappened
earlierthisyearwhenNIENetworkswas awardedhighperformingInvestorsinPeople Platinumaccreditationwhichisanachievement only6%ofaccreditedcompaniesworldwide haveachieved.
Ibelieveverystronglyinthethreekey principlesoftheInvestorsinPeopleprocess whichare‘leading,supportingandimproving’. IfeelveryproudoftheworkI’veoverseenin my rolewhichhascreatedfemaleandfamily friendlypolicies,astronghealthandwellbeing portfolio,multiplelearninganddevelopment opportunitiesandaninclusivecultureforallof ouremployees.
Beingabletopositivelyimpactonthe workplacethatemployeesspendsomuchof theirtimeinisvery rewarding.
Whatpieceofadvicewouldyougivetoa 20-year-oldyou?
To behonestIwouldn’tchangeanything personally.Iwouldalwaysadviseanyyoung persontogetinvolvedinthelifeofan organisation,createapersonalprofleand driveyourcareerforward. ■
OF FICE EN VI RONM EN T& FI T- OU T Officespace Sponsoredby
FouryearsonfromtheCovid-19pandemic,despite manybusinessesreturningtotheoffceandmoving awayfromremoteworking,someprogressive businessesarepavingnewmodelsforthefuture,writes PavelBarter
RemoteworkinglevelsinNorthern Irelandwerearound19%inthe frsttwoquartersof2024:astark comparisonto35%levelsintheRepublic.
Thestatistics,drawnfromtheUK’sLabour ForceSurveyandIreland’sCentralStatistics Offce,illustrateNorthernIreland’sposition as“theoddoneout”in remoteworking, accordingtoasenioreconomistattheUlster UniversityEconomicPolicyCentre(UUEPC).
“AcrossotherpartsoftheUK,inthesouth andaroundDublin,higherratesof remote workinghavecontinued.ButNorthern Irelandislaggingquitefarbehind,”Anastasia Desmondsays.
Fiveof11 remote-workinghubsintown centres,proposedbytheDepartmentof Financeforcivilserviceworkersin2022,have yettomaterialise.“Giventhehighproportion ofNICSemployeesavailingofhybridworking
arrangementsandthelimitedusageofthe hubs,plansforthe remaininghubshave beenputonholdduetocurrentfnancial constraints.Thiswillbekeptunder review,”a spokespersonforthedepartmenttold Ulster Business
ManybusinessesinNorthernIrelandhave apparently returnedtotheoffce,despite workplaceprecedentsthatemergedduring thepandemic.The19%fgureissignifcantly higherthanthe4%whoworkedmainlyfrom homepriortothepandemic(UUEPC’sthe FutureofRemote WorkinginNorthernIreland, 2022).InApril2020,following“workfrom home”mandates,41%ofpeopleworked fromhomeinNorthernIreland.ByQ1of2023 thishadfallento17%whiletheUKandRoI averageswerea respective31%and34%.
AnastasiaDesmonddescribesNI’s sectoralcompositionasa reasonbehindthis
Considerablyfewer peopleareworking remotelyinNorthern Irelandcomparedto thoseintheRepublic
divergence.“IT,fnanceandprofessional servicesembrace remoteandhybridworking toagreaterextentthanmanufacturingor agriculturewhereyouneedtobeonsiteand ontheground.Thehealthservicetoo. You’re notgoingtohaveasurgeoncompleting asurgeryfromtheirsparebedroomat home.”Adecreaseinthepopulationofselfemployedindividualsandalackofprogressive governmentpolicymayalsoplayafactor. “Governmentcoulddosomethingtohelp cross-border remoteworkers,particularly aroundtaxationrules,”shesays.
Butdidsomebusinesses returntothe offcewhenthepandemicendedbecause ofoutdatedmanagementpractices?“Some peoplearekeentogobacktothewaythings werebecausethat’swhattheyareusedto andmorecomfortablewith,”Anastasiasays. “Whenwespeaktoemployers[forUUEPC
ColetteKidd,chief peopleoffceratKainos
research]theysometimessay,‘Iliketohavemy employeesintheoffcebecauseIknowwhat theyaredoing’. We say,‘Butdoyouknow? Areyoulookingovertheirshouldertomake surethey’reactuallyworking?’”
ManybusinessesinNorthernIrelandare activelychallengingsuchperceptionsand provingthat remoteandhybridisnotonly aviablealternativetotheoffce,butitcan alsoimproveproductivity.Kainos–asoftware companyheadquarteredinBelfast–isacase inpoint.Whenpandemic restrictionsbeganin February2020,thecompanyleaptintoaction.
“Weneededtomakesuretherewas constantcommunicationwithourpeople,” ColetteKidd,chiefpeopleoffceratKainos, says.“Wehad regularsurveyswiththemin ordertoidentifyandhighlightanyneedsthat theywerefacing.”Kainosintroducedanoffce set-upscheme,inwhichemployeescould
expenseachairoroffcedesktothecompany. Thisschemestillexiststoday–asdoesthe remoteandhybridworkingmodel.
“Wehaveseenourproductivityincrease,” Colettesays.“Weworkinagileteams.Each pieceofworkisgivenascorebasedonthe complexityofthepieceandhowlongit willtake. We startednoticingthatwewere scoringhigher,whichmeantproductivitywas increasing.Peoplewereusingthetimethey previouslyusedfortravellinginandoutof theoffce.Somepeopledon’tknowhowto measuretheproductivityofemployeesunless theyseethemsittinginfrontofthem.
“Wemakesurepeoplehavecleargoals. We have regularcheck-insandtrytomaintain astrongsenseofpurposeandaccountability. We measureproductivityby results,notby hoursspentintheoffce.This,webelieve, encouragesemployeestodelivergoodquality
work,focusingontangibleoutcomesrather thantheirlocationortheirschedule.”
Overthelastfewyearsathirdoption, beyondthehomeandtheoffce,hasemerged intheformof remoteworkinghubs.Kevin Traynor,anentrepreneurfromStrabane, openeduponesuchlocationinsummer 2024.HiveCo-workingisasmallco-working space,attunedtotheneedsof remote workersandfreelanceswho requireafexible space.
“Wehavededicatedoffcespaceand deskspaceswithlockablestorage,akitchen areaandaboardroomthat’savailablefor hire,”Kevinsays. Tenantsincludea remote workerforShopify,ane-commercesoftware company,andStrabanenativeswhoworkfor businessesinLondon.“Soit’saveryeclectic mix,justasyouwouldkindofexpectinthis kindofpost-Covidworld.Peoplemight>
OF
OF nothaveaspare roomattheirhomethat theycanconvertintoanofficeortheymay justwantadifferentenvironmentformental space.Intoday’sworld,therearearangeof differentsolutions relevanttodifferenttypesof businesses.”
NorthernIreland’sfinancedepartment appearstohaveunderestimatedthedemand for regionalhubs,however.In2022,then financeministerConorMurphylaunchedplans for11Connect2RegionalHubs,describing themas“atransformationalapproach”to workingwithinthecivilservice.Sixlocations haveopened(includingBangorandCraigavon) butfivehavenot(includingDerry,Newryand Enniskillen).
“TheNICSoperatesahybridworkingpolicy whichaimstobalancetheworkpreferencesof employeeswithbusinessneeds,whichenables staffwithsuitable rolestohavea…mixof workingfromtheworkplaceandfromhome or remotely,”aspokespersonsaid.Benefits
ofthesehubs,theysuggest,include:abetter worklifebalance;“assistingwithdiversity aspirations”;a reducedcarbonfootprintfrom commuting;“addressing regionalimbalance, promotingeconomic recoveryandsupporting local regeneration”.
Proponentsof remoteandhybridworking alsopointtogreaterflexibilityforpeoplewith youngfamilies.“Inanageingworkforce, peoplewithcaring responsibilitiesandlooking afterelderly relativesandfamilymembers arealsogoingto requirenewworking arrangementsaswell,”AnastasiaDesmond says.
Astechnologyandinfrastructureimproves andhiringpracticeschange,morecompanies arelikelytoembracehybridworkingasthe newstandard.Butprogressivebusinesses arealsoconsciousthatsocialconnectedness iscrucialtoacompany’ssuccess.Businesses bringingtheirstaffunderone roofneedto nowthinkcarefullyabouttheirenvironment,
accordingtoRichardReid,propertyestates manageratAngusProperties.In recenttimes, Angushastransformedanoldfour-story baroquestylebuildingonLombardStreetin Belfastand revampedtheformerPrintworks buildingonQueenStreetinthecity.“Ithink peopleneedqualityspaceiftheywanttohelp getstaffbackintheoffice,”Richardsays.“Our tenantstendtoconsistoflocalheadquartered firms.Oneofthemisaglobalconsultancy firm.Ourimpressionistheywanttohavea higherqualityspacefortheirstaff.”
Kainos,meanwhile,isconstructinganew headquartersinBankmoreSquare,Belfast. “Theprojectwillbeleadingworkspacefor peopleandcontributesignificantlytothe economicandsocialfabricofBelfast. We see ourofficesascollaborationhubsandserving asvenuesforteambuilding, re-instalment sessionsandkeymeetings,”ColetteKiddsays. Intheworkplaceenvironmentof2024, anythingshouldbepossible. ■
ThePrintworksbuildingonQueenStreet whichisbeingtransformedintoanewoffice
Shareholdersmaytakelegal actionoverinsolvencyatH&W ByJamesMcNaney
Agroupofshareholdersis consideringalegalchallengeto theadministrationofHarlandand Wolff.
ThecompanyannouncedthatHarlandand WolffGroupHoldingsplc,whichownsfour shipyards,includingthefamoushomeofthe TitanicinBelfast,wasinsolventandwould enteradministration.
Aspokespersonforanumberof shareholdersofthelistedfrmsaidtheywere workingonalegalchallengetoblockthe administration.
MrPhilipHyde,thespokespersonforthe shareholdersgroup,saidthatequityholders had“helpedbuildthiscompanyfromthe ashes”.
“Wehavefundedthecompanyinvarious cashraisingstobuythefacilities,toinstallnew machineryandgetnewpeopleonboard,”he said.
MrHydeiscriticaloftheinterimexecutive
chair,RussellDowns,whoisanexpertin company restructuring.
HeclaimsMrDownshasactedinthe interestsofmajorcreditor,Riverstone,as opposedtotheinterestofshareholders.In response,aHarlandand Wolffspokesperson said:“Wearenotgettingintoapublicdebate withMrHyde. We areholdingashareholder briefng[followingtheannouncement]andhe iswelcometocomeandaskhisquestionsat that.”
Thegrouphasbeentryingtoorganise anEGMin recentweekstocallforthe appointmentofanon-executivedirectortothe boardto representshareholderinterests.
Ina recentbusinessupdate,theboardsaid itwouldholdsuchameetingiftheywere formallynotifed.
Theshareholdersgroup,whichisbelievedto holdaround30%ofthecompany’sstock,are understoodtobeworkingwithJohn Wood, theformerchiefofthecompany.
Mr Woodwaspartofthegroup thatbroughtHarlandand Wolffoutof
administrationin2019.
Heisunderstoodtobetryingtoraisefunds foratakeoverbidofthecurrentplc.
Meanwhile,theFirstandDeputyFirst ministers remainoptimisticaboutthefuture ofHarlandand Wolffandsaytheywillwork toprotectjobsdespitetheembattledBelfast shipbuildingbusiness.
Themovecouldseeasmanyas60staff facingimmediate redundancyashistoriclosses andthefailuretosourcelong-termfundinghit home.
Theprocesswillbeconfnedtotheholding company,Harland& WolffGroupHoldings plc,meaningthecompanieswhichrunthe shipyards–includingoneinScotlandandtwo inEngland–areexpectedtocontinuetrading.
Thatprocesshadalreadystartedwiththe closureofitsScillyIslesferryservicebefore sailinghadevenbegun.
Othernon-coreoperationsincludeasmall businessintheUSandamarineservices businesswhichistobesoldinthehopeof preserving14jobs. ■
TheHarlandand Wolff Shipyardinthedocks areaofBelfast
RonnieCrawford,Calibro, TimBoyle,BelfastHarbour,RobertDitty,CBRENI,Aaron Patton,Calibro,PaulBeacom,MRP,Andrew Talbot,Calibro,NialBorthistle,Glandore, EmmaCooper,CarsonMcDowell,SimonHamilton,ConfuenceConsulting,Cormac Freehill,BennettFreehill,ChrisMorrow,NIChamberandJarlPorter,Calibro
ExaminingtheBelfastoffcemarket RonnieCrawford,managingdirectorofoffcedesign andbuildfrm Calibro Workspace,satdownwith leadersfromthecommercialpropertyindustryfora roundtablediscussionabouttheBelfastoffcemarket
Developmentpipelinewasafocal pointforthe recentdiscussionwith Calibro Workspaceandleaders fromtheworldofcommercialproperty.
Thegroupnotedthatotherthanthe recent planningapprovalforCityQuays5,thereare nonewprecinctsinthepipelinefortheBelfast offcemarket.Thisisdue,inpart,tothe volumeofgradeAstockcurrentlyvacant.
Retrofttingolderoffcestockisabigpartof solvingthispuzzle,butitwasnotedthatthis canbealmostascostlyasconstructinganew building.There’slittleincentiveforlandlords todothis.Themechanicalandelectricworks alonecanbeabarrierforthemarket,with anincreaseofaround40%inmaterialcostin thelastfewyears.Muchoftheolderstockin Belfastislikelytobe repurposedforalternative
usenow,duetothelow returnoninvestment andlackofincentives.
“Thefighttoqualitywasnoted,”Ronnie Crawfordsaid.“Withmanycompanies selectingoffcesfortheirsustainability credentials–includingLEEDandBREEAM–to helpthemmeettheirESG(environmental, socialandgovernance)targets.Andthe implementationoflegislationaroundthe energyperformanceratingofbuildingsis expectedtodrivethisfurther.
“Amenitiesarealsoabigconsideration fortenants,”hesaid.“Connectivityand surroundingsmatter.Asdochildcareoptions andotherconvenientofferingsforstaff.These allinfuencewherebusinesseschooseto relocateto.ExperienceiskeyinBelfasttoday, solandlordsofferingfullyfttedandserviced
offcesneedtokeeptheseinfuencesinmind duringthedesignprocessoftheirspaces.”
Discussionsalsotouchedonhowevolving workingpatternshavechangedtheneeds ofbothemployersandemployees,andhow landlordsare responding.
“Somecompaniesseekingtooccupy spaceinBelfastmaynotbesurewhattheir requirementsarewhentheyapproachthe market,”Ronniesaid.“Thisisparticularly pertinentasbusinessesworkthroughtheir hybridpolicies,orchangethementirely,as we’veseen recentlywithAmazon’splansto havecorporatestaffbackintheoffcefvedays perweekin2025.”
Speakingaboutthebeneftsofhosting discussionsbetweendisciplinesintheoffce spacesector,Ronniesaid:“Gettingthe opportunitytohostthefrst roundtableof thiskindisanhonourforCalibro.Sharing perspectivesandlisteningtoothersishowwe worktogethertoimprovepeople’sexperiences ofworkinginBelfast,withthevisionofmaking itthebestcityitcanbe.” ■
AisléanNicholson,leadpartner forFast50atDeloitteNIwith SimonMcIntyre,marketing directorat Totalmobile
Entriesnowopenfor Deloitte TechnologyFast50 ToptechfrmsfromacrossIreland arevyingfortheirchancetobe namedaspartofthisyear’sDeloitte TechnologyFast50.
Nowinits25thyear,theprogrammeranks thefastestgrowingtechnologycompanies basedon revenuegrowthoverafour-year period.
Thelistfeaturesbothprivateandpublic listedtechnologycompaniesthathave demonstratedinnovativestrategies,sound managementpracticesandmarketplacevision, drivingthemtoachievethestatusofhighgrowthleaders.
“TheFast50programmeisagreatway toshowcaseNorthernIrelandasahubfor creative,homegrowntechnologycompanies,” DeloitteFast50leadpartnerinBelfast,Aisléan Nicholson,said.
“Thetechnologysectoronthisisland continuestogroweveryyearandtheFast50 listdemonstratesthepotentialforIrelandto competeatagloballevelinthisindustry.
“Wecontinuetoseestronggrowthfrom technologybusinessesdrivinginnovation inareaslikeAI,cleantech,sustainability, cyber-securityandhealthtech.Deloitte’sFast 50awards recognisethesuccessofthese companiesandtheirpositiveimpactonour economy.”
ThetopplacedcompanyfromNorthern IrelandlastyearwasBelfast-based conversationalAIsolutionsproviderSyndeoat numberthreeonthelist.
Totalmobile,whichwasoneofnine NorthernIrelandcompaniesonlastyear’s list,hasfeaturedintheFast50forthree years,andwasalsorankedforfveyears
whenthebusinesswasknownasConsilium Technologies.
SimonMcIntyre,marketingdirectorof Totalmobile,said:“Wehavealwaysviewed beinglistedasaDeloitte TechnologyFast 50winnerasahugelypositiveendorsement ofourbusiness,aswellasthecompany’s achievementsandfuturegrowthtrajectory.The Fast50listisagreatwayof recognisingthe talent,expertiseandvisionoftheinnovative leadersinourindigenoustechnologysector.”
OtherNIcompanieswhomadethe 2023Fast50listincluded:Catagen,Fibrus, Lightyear,LocateaLocum,MetaCompliance, PlotBoxandSciLeads.Fifteenofthe50ranked companiesin2023werefrsttimewinners.
TheclosingdateforentrieswasSeptember 27andthewinnerswillbeannouncedata ceremonyinDublinonNovember28. ■
Pizzaandbeer hallopensin Belfastcitycentre Anewbeerhallandpizzeriahas openedintheheartofBelfastcity centre.
ThenewAmeliaHallonHoward Streethas undergone a seriesoftrialstotestkitchens, barsandsystemstomakesure there are few teethingissueswhenitopens.
AmeliaHall,ownedbytheRinglandGroup, featuresanexpansivebeerhallwith a uniquely curatedselectionofbeers, a pizzeriaserving artisanpizzas,andanoutdoorterracefronting Howard Street.
“We are thrilledto finallywelcomeour first customerstoAmeliaHall,”PeterRingland,cofounderoftheRinglandGroup,said.
“It’s been a longjourneytobringthis concepttolife,andthe responsesofarhas beenoverwhelminglypositive.
“AmeliaHallismore thanjust a bar – it’sa
destinationwhere peoplewillcometogether, to share greatcocktails,beers,wines,smallplates andpizzasinoneofBelfast’s mostbeautiful buildings”.
ThomasCamblin,headofdevelopmentfor theRinglandGroup,says:“Theinteriordesign ofAmeliaHallsets a newstandard inBelfast, andwe’re incrediblyproudofthe finish. We believeit’s goingtobe a must-visitlocation foranyonelookingfor a greatnightoutor a relaxedafternoonwithfriends.”
TheRinglandGroup recentlyannounced a newpartnershipwithUlsterBankwhich includes a £1.75mpoundfacilitytosupportthe developmentofAmeliaHall.
Foundedin2008bybrothersPeterand BenRingland,theRinglandGroupcontinues togrowitsportfolioofsuccessfulhospitality venues,includingtheFlintand1852hotels,
aswellasthepopularbar-restaurants Town Square,SouthsideSocial & LuckyDuck.
AmeliaHallisopensevendays a week, offering a mixture offoodanddrinkin a vibrantsetting.
Meanwhile,TheIvyhasalsoopeneditsdoors inBelfastmore thantwoyearsafteritwas revealedthatthechainwouldlaunchits first spothere.
Aheadofitslaunchitwelcomedsome ofBelfast’s mostwell-knownfacesacross business,hospitalityandentertainment.
Itoffersanall-daymenu – frombreakfast todinner – and a barservinganarrayof fine wines,beersandcreativecocktails.
Some70newjobswillbecreatedatthenew Ivy restaurantinBelfastaspartofanoverall £8minvestment.
TheIvyCollectionhasturnedCleaverHouse intoitsnewtwo-storey restaurant.
The restaurantchainopeneditsoriginal locationat WestStreetinLondonmore than a centuryago.Itnowrunsmore than30 restaurantsacrosstheUK,includingcafesand brasseries.Itopenedits firstlocationinDublin in2018. ■
TonyLiddelisnow leadingthekitchen teamatAmeliaHall
Taking a bite out of retail Thefoodanddrinkexperienceisbecomingan increasinglyimportantpartofbothourtownsandcity centres,aswellasattractingshopperstoourlargeoutof-towndevelopments. PavelBarter takesalookat themovetobringhospitalitytoretail
Amovefrom retailtofoodanddrink isagrowingtrendinshopping centres,accordingtoshopping centremanagers.Retailexpertssuggest centresshoulddedicate30%oftheirunits tofoodinanefforttoincreasedwelltime andoffsettheappealofonlineshopping. ThispolicyappearstobeinpracticeatLesley
ForestsideshoppingcentreinsouthBelfast wherethenewownerMichaelHerbert,who purchasedthecentrefor£42min2023,has builtanumberofnew restaurantunitshousing popularfoodbrandssuchasNandos,Greggs, andthefrststoreinNorthernIrelandfor Popeyes,apopularUSfastfoodchain.
Foodanddrinkoperators,meanwhile,are
keentoavailofthefootfallprovidedbya popularoutlet.“Shoppingcentresareakey partofourlocationstrategyaswecontinue ourgrowthacrosstheUKandIreland,”a spokespersonforPopeyesUKtold Ulster Business.“SincethePopeyesbrandarrivedin theUKinNovember2021wehaveopened 56locations,manyofwhicharebasedat shoppingcentresor retailparks.”
AccordingtoChrisMcCracken,managing directoroftheLinenQuarterBusiness ImprovementDistrict(BID),shoppingcentre valuesdeclinedacrosstheUKduringthe pandemicbutpotentialnowexistsfor investment.Chris,whohasabackground inurban regeneration,describesitas“no
surprise”thatMichaelHerbertis“investing heavily”toturnForestsideintoadestination “throughahigherentertainmentandfood basedmix”.
TheBoulevardoutlet,locatedoffthe A1motorwayinBanbridgeisonasimilar track.“53%ofvisitorswhocomehereto shopwilltakeabreakforacoffeeorfood experience”,saysChrisNelmes, retaildirector attheBoulevard.“And20%ofour retail spendnowisonF&B[foodanddrink].”Other centresacrosstheprovincearefollowing suit.CastleCourtonRoyal AvenueinBelfast isinvestingheavilyincustomerexperiences, includinganartdecothemedcinemaanda rangeofeateries.ThenewownersofFoyleside
inDerry,whopurchasedtheshoppingcentre for£27min2023,havepledgedtoenhance theirleisureofferings.
“FoylesidehasaCostaonitsgroundfoor whichisverypopular,”saysAnnaDoherty, chiefexecutiveofDerryChamber.“They alsohaveafoodquarterupstairs,whichwas introducedacoupleofyearsago.Thisexpands thestreetfoodelementtheresoyoucanget takeawayoptionsofalmostanyvarietyof food.Somefantasticnew restaurantsandnew genresarecomingin.TheRichmondCentre [inDerry] recentlyexpandedacaféontheir groundfoorandaStarbuckshasopenedup theretoo.”
Surveyssuggestoverathirdofconsumersin theUKarelikelytoeatordrinkwhileshopping atacentre.“Ifyouaregoingshoppingand
planninganytimespentatacentre,partof theexperienceistogetacoffeeorlunch,” continuesAnna.“Itgivesyouabreakandis agreatincentivetokeeppeopleforalittle bitlonger.”EnhancedF&Balsoencourages shopperstovisittowncentres.“TheChamber andbusinesses[inDerry]arekeentosee regenerationinthecitycentre.[Foodand drink]inshoppingcentresaddstothe personalityofacitycentre.”
Sinceitsopeningin2008, VictoriaSquare inBelfastplacedentertainmentandfoodas acoreelementwithinitsmix.Undernew proposals,twoshopunitsat VictoriaSquare arebeing redevelopedintoanew restaurant. Knoops,aluxuryinternationalhotchocolate brand,isalsoen routetothe922,000sqft centre.Shoppingcentreslike VictoriaSquare areconsidereddestinationsforthetourism marketaswellaslocals.Foodanddrinkoutlets addtotheappeal.
Out-of-towncentressuchastheBoulevard areequallyinvested.TheBoulevardcurrently hasanumberofF&Boptions,includingSalt Kitchen(amodernIrish restaurant),Costa andBurgerKing,andisabouttoundergoa £9mexpansioninwhichthedevelopmentof newleisureandF&Bwillbefundamental,says retaildirectorChrisNelmes.TheBoulevard iscurrentlyhometoanOmniplexCinema andisabouttointroduceHollywoodBowl, a21-lanebowlingalley,whichwillbebring itsowndiningoptions.Foodanddrink, saysthe retaildirector,makesthesitean experientialdestination.Somecustomersvisit theBoulevardjusttoeat,drink,orattend
Left:TheBoulevardinBanbridge;Above:Chris McCrackenoftheLinenQuarterBID
ChrisNelmes
Popeyeshasopeneditsfrstlocation atLesleyForestsideinsouthBelfast businessmeetings.“Around37,000carspass usnorthandsouthdailyandsoweareakey destinationpointforpeopleturningoffthe roadforcoffeemeetings.”
Shoppingcentremanagersalwaysneeded togettherightmixof retailersontheirsites. Nowthereisanincreasingemphasisonfnding therightbalanceofcafes,fastfoodandcasual dining.“Absolutelynomoreburgers[here],” saysChrisNelmes.“We’reoverindulged withfastfoodburgersinparticular. We want quality,experienceandambience:something specialattherightprice.Ifit’sdoneright, you’llgetmore repeatbusinesswithinanF&B thanyouwoulddowitha retailstore.”
Restaurantbrandsalso recognisethis opportunity.Popeyesdescribetheopening ofitsfrstlocationinNIatForestsideas“an incrediblyimportantmilestone”:inparticular duetothecentre’slocation“atamajor road junctionthatiswellconnectedtothecity”. Shoppingcentres,saysChrisMcCrackenat
LinenQuarterBID,areallaboutthebrands andindependentsdon’ttendtoworkas well.“That’snotsayingyoucan’thave independents.Independentsmightwork betterinafoodcourtenvironment.People willgotothembecauseofthetypeoffood they’redoingratherthanthebrand,butfor mostshoppingcentresit’simportanttohave astrongbrandbecausealargeproportionof shopperswillnotbeindigenousandneeda brandtohelpthemnavigatetheirwayaround thechoices.”
Shoppingcentremanagersmustalso carefullyconsiderthelocationoftheirfood anddrinkofferings.InGB,foodcourtstend tobelocatedwithinmallsand restaurants aresituatedexternally.Thistrendisbeing replicatedinNI.Starbucks,forexample, is reportedtobetakingaunitoutsidethe mainForestsidecentre.ChrisNelmesat theBoulevardinBanbridge,meanwhile,is planningtocreate“ahubofF&Bwithleisure”
aspartoftheoutlet’s£9m redevelopment. “Therewillbeelementsofdeliandcoffee shopsupanddowntheschemetobreakup theshoppingexperienceandallowyoutogo inandhaveachat.”
Inanenvironmentinwhichovertwothirds ofshoppersconsiderfoodandbeveragean importantelementoftheiroverallexperience, accordingtoanalyticsfromCBRE,centresare advisedtoadaptordie.“Shoppingcentres thatfailtoevolveand remainfunctional anduninspiringspaceswilltendtodecline infootfallandoverallvalue,”saysChris McCrackenofLinenQuarterBID.“Manyacross theUKandNIarelimpingalong.”
Historically,saysChrisNelmesatthe Boulevard,“landlordswouldfocuson retail andputfoodandbeverageasanadd-on, butnowakeypartofanyshoppingcentre,is havingarightmixofF&Bonsite.Bringingthe rightF&Bintoashoppingcentrehasbecomea game-changer.” ■
JudithOwens,chairoftheNorthernIreland TourismAlliance,EimearCallaghan,headof experienceandindustrydevelopmentat TourismNIandColinNeill,chiefexecutiveof HospitalityUlster,launchNorthernIreland’sfirst TourismandHospitality Week
TourismandHospitality Week shininglightongrowingsector Anewconferenceiskickingoff aweek-longschemeaimedat shiningalightonNorthern Ireland’stourismandhospitalitysector.
TourismNI,HospitalityUlsterandthe NorthernIreland TourismAlliance(NITA)have joinedforcestoofficiallylaunchNorthern Ireland’sfirst TourismandHospitality Week.
Theevent,whichkickedoffonSeptember 26withtheNITAConferenceatICCBelfast, willrununtilOctober3andisaimingtoshine aspotlightontheimportanceofthesector tothelocaleconomythroughaseriesof engagingeventsforbothindustryandthe public.
“The TourismandHospitalityindustryis vitaltoNorthernIreland’seconomy,andwe’re excitedtojointogetherwithourpartnersand keystakeholderstoshinethespotlightonall oursectorhastooffer,”JohnMcGrillen,chief executiveof TourismNI,said.
“We’reallworkingtowardsmaking NorthernIrelandayear-round,world classdestination renownedforauthentic experiences,landscape,heritageandculture
andwhichbenefitscommunitiesandthe environment.
“Wehaveambitioustargetstogrowthe valueoftourismoverthenextdecadebygiving visitors reasonstostaylonger,spendmoreand spreadvalue,andtoplayanevengreater role intheeconomybyprovidinggoodjobsthat help rebalancetheeconomy.”
AndDrJoanneStuartOBE,headofthe NorthernIreland TourismAlliancesaid:“We aredelightedthattheNITAConference,will betheopeningeventofNorthernIreland’s inaugural TourismandHospitality Week.
“Thisyear’sglobaltheme‘Tourism andPeace’setsthestageforapowerful explorationofpoliticaltourism–notjustasa growthopportunity,butasatransformative forceininterpretingconflictanduniting communities.
“Ourothersessionspromisetoengage andinspire,includingadeepdiveintohow localcouncilsaredriving regionaltourism developmenttothethought-provokinglook atpricingdynamics. We lookforwardto welcomingattendeestotheconferencewhich
willprovideauniqueopportunityto reimagine tourism’s roleinshapingabrighter,more unitedfutureforthe region.”
ColinNeillofHospitalityUlstersaid:“It ishugelypositivetocelebrateourindustry in TourismandHospitality Weekthatwill provideaplatformto reiteratesomeofthe keyopportunitiesandchallengesforour sector.Inparticular,creatinggoodjobsisa keypriorityforourmembersinHospitality andthededicatedseriesofeventsduring theweekwillhelptoshowcasetheongoing workwithourpartnersinfurthereducationto providemodernqualificationstocreatecareer pathwaysforpeoplealreadyinorwithan interestinworkinginhospitalityandtourism.”
ThelaunchcomesasthelatestNISRAfigures showthatvisitorstoNorthernIrelandspenta record£1.2bnin2023,generatedthrough5.4 millionovernightstripstakeninthe region.
Theindustry,whichsupportsmore than70,000jobs,isalsooneofthemost geographicallyandsociallydispersedsectors oftheeconomy,with70%ofjobslocated outsideBelfast. ■
Corporate fnance CORP Legaltrainingfirm boughtbyLondoninvestor Ale gal training an d co mp liance te chnology bu sine ss ha s be en bought over by a London -based inve stor.
Briefedhas announced it s acquisition by Londonbased OmniPartners
The significant investment in Briefed is a testamentto the company ’s grow th under the lead er ship of Orlagh Kelly. Follow ing the deal clos e, Briefed will be merged with leading legaland governance talent search company, DM J Re cruitment.
Founded in 2012 by barris ter and entrepreneur Orlagh Kelly, Briefed employs 10 people, including thre e barris ters delivering ex pert onlinesuppor t for profes sional firms in the legal sec tor across the UK through a suite of programmes delivered on a dedicated digital plat form
Ms Kelly will now take on the role of chief executive of the newly merged business “O mnihasa strong track re cordin
suppor ting founders andI am thrilled that theysharemy vision and ambitions,evidenced by their investment in Briefed,” she said
“T he newly combined UK business will triple in size overnight. Our aim is to us e that strength to becomea leading global resource by providing sp ecialis t training, development and re cruitment solutions to profes sionals in legal, corp orate governance and compliance roles.
“I es tablished Briefed to help organisations reduce their ex posure to risk by not complying with key employment and compliance legislation and increasing employe e ef fe ctivenes s– that will now be further enhanced by our ability to source and place the mos t ex perienced fully trained employe es.”
Steven Clark, founder of OmniPartners, said : “We see a realgrow th opportunit y for the combined business to become an innovative full -s er vice talent manager that
helps legal, corp orate governance and compliance profes sionals match their talent with opportunities andsuppor ts their grow th at all stages of their care er We are confident thatunder Orlagh’s ex perienced lead er ship the combined entit y will flourish.”
Follow ing their participation in numerous Invest NI programmes, Briefedhas secured a total of £4 60,0 00 investment from the economic development agenc y to as sis t in R& D to develop it s digital plat form and create new jobs
And Jeremy Fitch of Invest NI, said : “T he announcement is atestamentto the collec tive ef fort and ex pertis e of the entire Briefed team, led by Orlagh Kelly. They ’ve show n how combining profes sional knowledgewith innovation can drive business grow th, and Invest NI is proud to have suppor ted them from inception to thissignificant miles tone
“T his acquisition and Orlagh’s role in leading the newly merged company are clear
Marc Tobias,founderandmanagingdirector,DMJ, OrlaghKelly,founder,BriefedandDavidPress, founderandmanagingdirector,DMJ
endor sement s of her profes sionalism, vision, and dedication – qualities that highlight the strength of Northern Ireland’s grow ing entrepreneurial landscape.”
John McGuckian, partner at Tughans, said
it was “delighted to repres ent Orlagh on the legal asp ec ts of this deal”.
“We wish her and Briefed well on the next stage of her entrepreneurial journey as a private equity backed founder. Thisis a shining
example for lo cal founders in general and female founders in particular, of the rewards in building a strong business brand which will at trac t investment partnership leading to furthersustainable grow th.” ■
NIsolarpanelbusiness acquiredbyprivateequityfrm ACoDownsolarpanelbusinesshasbeenacquiredbya majorNIprivateequityfrm.
PrivateequityfrmCordovanCapitalManagementhasnow takenoninsulationandsolarPVinstallationproviderBlueBuild.This representstheninthinvestmentclosedbyitsinstitutionalfundvehicle, CordovanCapitalPartnersIILP.
Foundedin2011,BlueBuildprovidessustainableenergysolutionsto bothdomesticandcommercialcustomersincludingarangeofinternal andexternalinsulationservicesandsolarPVinstallations.Operating outofNewtownards,NorthernIrelandandDublin,RepublicofIreland, thegroupprovidesitsservicesacrosstheIslandofIrelandandmainland GB.
BlueBuildwillbeledbynewmanagingdirectorRobForsythand operationsdirectorEwanMelvinwhohasbeenwiththegroupsinceits inception.Thecompanywillalso receivesignifcantadditionalsupport fromCordovanasitentersthenextphaseofanalreadyexciting growthstory.
“WearedelightedtoaddBlueBuildtotheCordovanportfoliowhich buildsonour‘greentransition’themehavingpreviouslyinvested inSolmatix(solarinstallation)andCEMALighting(LEDlighting installation),”Cordovanpartner,StephenMcClelland,said.
“BlueBuildhassuccessfullyidentifedinsulationandsolarPVastwo effective,sustainablemeasureswhichenablebothhomeandbusiness ownersto reduceenergycostsandsimultaneouslyhaveapositive impactontheenvironment.
“Thegroupisattheforefrontofhelpingdelivergovernment sustainabilitypolicyand regulationthroughitsprimarycontractorstatus onkeyframeworksinNorthernIrelandandtheRepublicofIreland”.
CordovanCapitalManagementLimitedwasadvisedbyPaulO’Brien andBenSimsof TughansSolicitorsinBelfast,BillHolwellofLGFCapital Partners,andMattOwensofEYBelfastforfnancialduediligence. ThevendorswereadvisedbyMaxNesbittof WilsonNesbittSolicitors inBelfast,andPaulGleghorneandConnorMcAnallenofHNHDeal Advisory. ■
DrLeah Tottonfrm postssalesof£2.7m DrLeah Totton,former winnerofTheApprentice, hasseenconsistently strongturnoveroverthe lastfewyearswithher cosmeticskinclinics, writes JamesMcNaney
ThefrmofaNorthernIrelandwinner ofTheApprenticehas reporteda turnoverofover£2.5mforthethird consecutiveyear.
DrLeah Totton,whowonthe2013edition ofthe realitytelevisionshowfrontedbySir AlanSugar,runsanumberofnon-surgical cosmeticskinclinics.
Hercompany,DrLeahLimited,was incorporatedinJuly2013and recentlyfledits accountsfortheyearendingJune2024.
Thedirectors’ reportattachedtothe accountssaystheboard“arepleasedto report allclinicscontinuetoperformwell”.
“Performancecontinuestohit recordhighs ofover£2.7m,”itsaid.
“Theboard remainconfdentthat,withour brandpositioningandever-increasingdemand forourservices,thebusinesswillcontinueto grow.”
Thecompanyiseligibleforasmallbusiness exemptionundertheCompaniesAct2006, meaningitdoesnotfleaccountsasdetailed asfrmswithhigherturnover,proftsorstaff numbers.
Theaccountsdoshowchangesintheassets heldbythecompanyinthepastyear.Itholds stockworth£158,000,downaround£5,000 fromlastyear’sfgure.
Thecompany’scashatbankhasalmost halved,downto£494,000fromaround £983,000in2023.Thisisthesecondstraight yearofdeclineincashatbank,withthe
companyhavingheldover£1.2min2022.
Thecompany’sdebttocreditorsdecreased slightlyinthepastyear,downto£611,000 from£630,000in2023.
Withinthat,therewasariseinthe corporationtaxbilltoalmost£226,000,from justover£191,000inthepreviousaccounting period.
Therewasaslightincreaseinmoneyowed toDrLeahLimitedbydebtors,upto£217,000 from£203,000.
SirAlanSugarisoneoftheoffcersofDr
LeahLimited,servingasacompanydirector.He wasappointedtothepositioninAugust2013, onemonthafterthecompanywasfounded.
SpeakingtotheBelfast Telegraphearlierthis year,Dr Tottonsaidthatstartingabusinessat suchayoungagewithoutpreviousexperience wasdaunting.
Shehadbeenworkingasamedicaldoctor beforeappearinginthecompetitionseries.
“Iwas24yearsoldwhenweflmedit,25 whenIwon,andIhadnobusinessexperience atall.” ■
LordSugarandDrLeah TottonpicturedoutsideDrLeahCosmeticSkinCliniconBakerStreetinLondon
DunadryHotelunveils newlyrefurbishedcellar and‘whiskeyexperience’ ACoAntrimhotelhasunveileda newly-refurbishedcellaroffering guestsanewwhiskeyexperience.
TheDunadryHotelhas restoredthe building’soriginalcellar,turningitintowhat theyaredescribingasa“whiskeyexperience.”
OwnerofthehotelMcKeeverGroup believesthatthegrowingpopularityofIrish whiskeysaroundtheworld,andthehotel’s growingnumberofinternationalguests,will makethenewventuresuccessful.
Thecompany,whichhasruntheDunadry Hotelforoveradecade,hasspent£100,000 andfvemonths renovatingthebasementarea.
TheDunadryhasalonghistory.Itoccupies thesamegroundasanancientfort,andthe currentbuildingwasoriginallyapapermilland alinenmill.
Itwasturnedintoahotelin1966,andwas runasbytheMooneyGroupfrom1986to 2017.McKeeverpurchasedthesitethatyear foranundisclosedfee.
“Irelandhasseenanexplosionintermsof whiskeyproductionoverthelast10years,with over40distilleriesnowexportingnearly€1bn oftop-classproductsacrosstheworldeach year,”EddieMcKeever,managingdirectorof theMcKeeverHotelGroup,said.
“Wewantedtobepartofthis revivaland shareinthewidespreadappreciationofour nationalspiritonourhometurf.
“The renovationofTheCellarnotonly breathesnewlifeintoourhistoricbuildingbut alsosupportsourlocaldistilleriesandartisan producers.
“Theend resultisaneclecticmixofthebest Irishwhiskeyswithfnewinesfromtheworld’s topproducers,allservedinacharmingyet sophisticatedenvironment.
“Ofcourse,it’snotjustabouttheproducts andthesetting.Our‘wedomore’ethos equallyappliestoourCellarexperience, withstafffullytrainedtoensuretheyare knowledgeableacrossourentirerangesand
equippedtodeliverexpertadviceandservice.
MalachyMcCollum,whoisoperations managerattheDunadryandoverseesthe Cellar,said:“Muchofthisprojecthasbeen drivenbythechangingneedsofourguests andvisitors–fromtheseasonedwhiskey enthusiaststothecuriousnewcomers–and alsofromourcorporateclients.
“TheCellarcatersforall,offeringbespoke whiskeytastingexperiences,whilealso showcasingtherichdiversity,depthandquality inherentinIreland’svibrantwhiskeysector.”
Whiskeyhasbecomeanimportantexport industryontheislandofIreland.TheIrish Whiskeyassociationestimatedthatexports passed€1bninvaluein2022.
Themoneytobemadehas revitalised dormantareasoftheindustry,with Titanic Distillers,thefrstnewwhiskeydistilleryfor almostninedecadesinBelfast,openingin 2023,followedbyMcConnell’sIrishWhiskyat theformerCrumlinRoadGaol. ■
EddieMcKeeverandBridgene KeeleyofMcKeeverHotelGroup inthenewCellartastingroom
JudithMartin,UlsterBusiness,PaulMuldoon,Mediahuis,KarenMcGarvey,Mediahuis,EoinBrannigan,editor-in-chiefoftheBelfast TelegraphandSundayLife, UlsterBusinesseditorJohnMulgrew,Mediahuisdeputypublisher,EdMcCannandKarenPreston,chiefcommercialoffcer,Mediahuis
Top100: businesschiefs turnoutforleadinglistlaunch Thisyear’s UlsterBusiness Top100NorthernIrelandCompanieslist,inassociation with KPMG,showssalesupacrossourfrms,whilepre-taxproftsaredown. BusinessleadersturnedoutatBelfastHarbourOffcestomarkthelaunchofthis year’sleadingedition
Companychiefsandindustryleadersfromacrossthesectors haveturnedouttocelebratethelaunchofthisyear’s UlsterBusiness Top100NorthernIrelandCompanies,in associationwithKPMG.
BelfastHarbourOffces’BarnettRoomactedasthebackdropforthe event,whichsaw Top100frmsandbusinesschiefsfromthroughout NorthernIrelandmarktheoffciallaunchofthisyear’sleadingbusiness listandedition.
Thisyearturnover reacheda recordlevelof£35.2bnacrossthefrms whichhavemadethelist–up17%onthepreviousaccountingperiod. However,averagepre-taxproftsfellby8%to£1.32bn.
MoyParkhas returnedtothetopspotfor2024withturnoverof £1.88bnandpre-taxproftsof£18.7m.
Newcomerstothisyear’slistincludedKingsbridge,D&WCarlisleand CharlesBrandGroup.
Speakingattheevent, UlsterBusiness editorJohnMulgrewsaid: “We’reintheBarnettRoomthisevening–historicallytiedtooneofour largestfrmsandbasedjustashortwalkfromhere.
“Andwe’reinanareawhichhasbreathedindustryfordecades,even centuries.”
“It’ssomethingofaNorthernIrelandprivatesectormicrocosm,and it’s refectedinthisyear’s UlsterBusiness Top100,withmanyofsaid frmsappearingonthelistandjoiningusthisevening.
“I’donceagainliketothankeveryonewhohassupportedusinthis specialannualedition,alongwiththosewhohavecontributed.Ithelps makethisallpossible–showcasingthestrengthandbreadthofour localeconomy.
“I’dofcourseliketopayspecialthankstoKPMG–whichcontinues tobeourpartnerwiththe Top100edition–andinparticulartopartner incharge,JohnnyHanna,andJulieThompson.”
TheeventalsoheardfromBelfastHarbourchairDrTheresa Donaldson,whowelcomedguestsandoutlinedtheport’splansfor furthergrowthanddevelopment. ■
Guestspicturedatthis year’s Top100launch
Belfast Harbourchair DrTheresa Donaldson addresses guestsat theUlster Business Top 100launch
Guests picturedat theUlster Business Top100 launch
MoyPark topped thisyear’s Ulster Business Top100 list Guestsfrom acrossthe sectors attended theUlster Business Top 100launch
Belfast Harbour’s grand Barnett Room played hosttothis year’s Top 100launch
JulieThompson, KPMGwithUlster
Business’sJohn Mulgrewand
JudithMartin
Thehangover: whattopfoodiesturn tothemorningafter Whileweshouldalldrinkinmoderation,therearea fewdishesandfoodswhichmanyturntoafterafew tipples. JohnMulgrew speakstotopfoodiesabout whattheyeatthemorningafter
I’mnotadoctor.Iwasadabhandat biologyinmyformativeyearsbutlet’s justsaythatscience-basedschooling tookmenofurtherthanmyGCSEs.There’s nomedical-ledassistanceinthewordsand paragraphsahead.
Thoseofuswhoquaffapintofsomething hoppedandfoaming,enjoyalittleglassor twoofadeepgarnetvinousdrop,orsip atsomethingagedandsupremelyboozy, occasionallymaytakethatonesteptoofar intotheevening’sabyss–andfeelconsiderably poorerforitthenextday.
Ofcourse,ifyouareimbibingthenyou shoulddosoinmoderation.It’salsosomething whichhasbecomeincreasinglyapparentasthe roadtofourdecadesapproaches.
Whetherthat’spsychosomatic,additional
earlymornings,thegrowingportfolioofa moregrown-upexistence,orthat,infact,our bodiesarenolongerbuiltquiteliketheywere inthehalcyondaysofyouth.
We’llstayawayfromanyspuriouspseudo medicaladvice,butofcourse,youneed liquidto replenishthoselostwhenyouwere consumingthosewithlessofaH2Ocontent, aswellas replacingvitaminsandelectrolytes (orsotheinternethasinformedme).
Peopletendtogoforthecarb-heavytreat endofthefoodspectrum.Whetherthat’sa starchypizza,bigbowlofnoodlesorahefty burger.
However,somesuggestthatafattyand carb-focusedlargemealcanactuallymake yoursymptomsworse–makingyoufeel heavierandbloated,andputtingextrastress
onyourstomach.
Thatbeingsaid,pollingforthisarticle(by pollingImeanaskingfriendsandcolleagues fortheirownpreferredmunchinthehours thatfollowafewjars)showedthatthe ubiquitousUlsterFryandsimilarlysubstantial fat-ladenfriedplatesoffoodproved predictablypopular,whileachickengoujon wrapwithtobaccoonions,cheeseandspicy mayonnaiseisasolution,accordingtomy sister.
Mulligatawnysoup
Scotland’sIrnBruwas oneoptionfordealing withahangover
Chef,broadcasterandnowginbrandowner PaulaMcIntyreenjoysacollectionofsolidsand liquidsinordertohelpstaveofftheilleffects ofacoupleofshandies.
“Theonewhichworksformeisabuttered toastedsodawithsausageandketchup(with Dennysausages),”shesays.“That’sthen washeddownwithIrnBru(thefullsugar variety)andashotofmilkthistleto roundit alloff.”
WhileStevie Tomanistheco-founderof oneofourtrulygreat restaurants–Belfast’s OX–heleavestheMichelinstarandkitchen tweezersatthedoorwhenitcomestoapostlateeveningmeal.
“Ithastobepancakeswithfriedeggs, streakybaconandagoodqualitymaple syrup,”hesays.“Andstrongcoffeeandsome bananastofnish.
“Ithinkwecravethiskindoffoodthenext morningasgoinghealthyjustdoesn’tcutitat thisstage.”
ForPhilErivine,co-founderof Tasteand Tour,whichhostsawiderangeoffoodand drinktoursacrossBelfast,it’seitheron-the-go mediationwithsomethingeasilyaccessible
andingestible,orabithealthierandmore substantial.
“Desperatetimescallforapacketof Tayto SmokyBaconandaLucozadeSport,usually boughtfromthegarage,”hesays.
“ButifI’mhomeoroutsomewhereniceI’d optforanavocadobreakfast,withpoached eggs,bacon,halloumi,freshlysqueezed orangejuice,andafatwhite.”
Belfast TelegraphfoodcriticandPRman JorisMinnesayshetriestoavoidanything approachingahangoverthesedays,duetothe severityoftheirimpact.Butwhensomethingis required,it’ssoupheturnsto.
“Itrytoavoidhangoversnow becausetheyfoorme–for days,”hesays.“Butwhen Idohaveadrinking accident,thenextday canonlybefacedafter abowlofMulligatawny soupwithverywelltoastedwheatenbread.
“Thesoupisagreat settlerofthemindand diminishesthefear.Theheatof
Aplateofpancakeswitheggs, bacon,maplesyrupandcoffee wasanothersuggestion
thecurryhelpssweatoutthetoxins,soIliketo believe,andthetoastedwheatensoothesany achingspiritnomatterwhatthecausemight be.”
StevieHigginsonofTheSquareBistroin Lisburnkeepsitsimplewithafast-foodstaple, courtesyoftheGoldenArches.
“Forme,itdefnitelyhastobeadouble cheeseburgerfromMcDonald’switha strawberrymilkshake,”hesays.
AndforPaulO’Connor,foodconsultantand co-founderoftheAsianRestaurant Awards andIrishFood Writingawards,therearetwo optionsonthetablewhen required.
TourismNorthern Ireland,Hospitality UlsterandtheNorthern Ireland TourismAlliancehave joinedtolaunch Tourismand Hospitality Week,which kickedoffonSeptember 26
“Ifallbetweentwoextremes offoodtocureahangover,” hesays.“Thefrstis asausageandegg bap–theeggbeing essential.“Thebaphas tobeeitherbrioche, orafourybap,with tomatoketchup.My otherchoicewouldbe agoodstrongvegetable curry.” ■
FOOD& DR IN K
Feeling hot: the top nine chillisauces and condiments to have in yourlarder Whatshouldyouhaveinthecupboardtospiceupyourhome cooking? JohnMulgrew takesalookatsomeofthebest
1
Blair’sOriginalDeathSauce
Therewasatimewhenthecupboards inmyfrstapartmenthadasmall,but perfectlyformedarrayofproperhotsauces. We’retalkingthebigUSnamesmadefrom acombinationoffreshScotchbonnets, habaneroandevenextractandhabanero pods.Now,youcangetsaucesmadefromthe mightyCarolinaReaperandScorpion(which aretrulyterrifyingintheirheatlevels),butback thenitwasBlair’swhichgrabbedmyeye.The brandproducessomebonkersextractsauces whichcomeinattwoorthreemillionScoville
units(wherebyajalapenoisbetween2,000 and8,000),butitsclassicsauceplaysablinder. Itpacksalotofhabaneroinside,sobeware, butit’susableasatablesauceandhasarich, balancedproflewithlotsoffreshnessand garliczing.It’snotcheap,butit’sworthit.
2 WilderBeeHotHoney There’sawiderangeofiterationsof hothoney,butbasedonthehandful I’vetried WilderBeeiscertainlyastrong recommendation.Itcomesinataround£6-£7, butabottleshouldlastyousometime.I’ve
mademyownversionathomewithcheap honey,butthisisbasedaroundhigh-quality organicwildfowerhoneyandisallthebetter forit.It’sforal,fresh,sweetandzingy,and thenpacksthatpunchofScotchbonnetchilli. It’ssuperboneggsofanykind,butwouldalso dowelloversweetwaffes,orfriedchicken.
3
Gochujang
Thisiswhatyouneedinyourfridgeto reallyboostanyAsiansauceorstew, orgiveyourfriedriceasuitablekickinthe bottom.Gochujangisafermentedchillipaste
Arangeofsriracha saucescanboost yourcooking
Chillicrispcanenliven anysimpleplateof noodlesorrice
madewithotheringredients,suchasmaltand rice,whichhasathickandtackyconsistency. It’spackedfullofumami,alittlebitsweetand doesn’ttendtooverdoitontheheatfront. Youcanaddgochujangtoalmostanythingor evenblitzitupwithsomemayonnaise.Abig tubisaroundafverandwilllastafairwhilein thefridgeonceopened.
4 LaoGanMaCrispyChilli LaoGanMaCrispyChilli,thereare manylikeit,butthisoneismine–to paraphrasetheRifeman’sCreed,most associatedwiththeflmFullMetalJacket. You’llfndthislittlegeminanyAsian supermarket,aswellassomestandard supermarkets,andonline.Therearealso othergreatalternatives,includingacouple madelocally,butyouwon’tgofarwrong withthis.It’sessentiallylotsofdried redchillis foatingaroundinchillioil.Itcanbebunged intoanythingandeverything,buttoppinga simpleplateofriceornoodleswillcompletely
transformadish.Therearealsovarietieswith blackbeanwhichareevenmoreinteresting.
5 FlyingGooseSriracha Althoughit’snottechnicallytheOG, FlyingGooseiswhereyouwantto turnforallyoursrirachaneeds.There’sa widerangeofdifferentiterations–including thosespikedwithwhiskey,blackpepper,one packedwithyetmoregarlic,wasabi,mintor kimchi.Butstartwiththeclassicandhaveitat handatalltimes.It’sclassicallypackedfullof sweetness,garlic,andsaltypunch,alongwith alittlechilliheat.It’snotoverwhelmingand youcanessentiallyuseitinplaceofsomething likeketchup.Itworkswithalmosteverything.
6
Pickledjalapeños Youcanpickleyourownjalapeñoswith asimplemixtureofwhitevinegar,water, sugarandblackpeppercorns,butitdoesn’t hurttohaveajaroftheseinthefridge.Throw intoalmostanythingorenlivenhomemade tacos,enchiladasorfajitaswithalittlesubtle heatandkickofsharpnessandacidity.
7
LidlSrirachaChilliMayo Thissurprisedmeinjusthowgooda storebrandcouldbe,especiallywhen competingagainstthesrirachabigboyslike FlyingGoose.Itactuallypacksmorepunchin
theheatstakesthanstandardsriracha,and lesssweetness,butstillwithawhackofchilli andgarlic.This remainsasolidchoicetotop everythingfromfriedchickentoinstantramen orariceplate.
8
Frank’sRedHot Thereareacoupleofdifferentvarieties Icouldhaveincludedinthiscategoryof vinegar-basedpeppersauces,soyoucouldalso gowithequallysolidoptionssuchasCholula, butFrank’sisaclassicinthistablesaucegenre. It’slinkedtothecreationoftheclassicbuffalo hotwingandisapiquant,punchyandgreat thingtofreoverthetopofalmostanything, withoutaddingmuchheat.It’salsoanideal baseforachickenwingsauce, reduceda littleandemulsifedwithbuttertogiveyoua perfectlyrichandclingyliquor.
9
Freshchillis
I’vefriendswhogrowtheirown,and that’sprobablytheidealscenarioforthe freshestchilliwhilealsobeingabletochoose andcuratethevarietiesyouprefer.Butafew freshjalapeños,bird’seyechillisorhabanero willgiveyouenoughchoicetoaddsomeheat andzestinesstoadish.Andifyoufndyourself withtoomany,youcanmakeabasicpickle whichwillstretchouttheshelflifesignifcantly further. ■
BYDDolphin: ajourneysouth withtheworld’sbiggestcarmaker BYD hasjustovertaken Teslaastheworld’slargestcarmakerbyvolume.It’snow beingofferedherebyCharlesHurst,witharangeofvehiclesavailableatdifferent pricepoints. JohnMulgrew spentaweekwithitsentry-levelDolphinhatchback toseehowitperformedonafamilyroad-tripsouth
Onthesideofthemotorway–not farfromGreystones–sitsanold blackRenaultClioasitssecond enginefnallygivesoutwithacacophony ofwhitesmoke,noiseandbluster.
Itis,however,kinwhicharecallingthe motorwayemergencyservicesnumbertoget towedofftoasafespace,andnotme,aswe headnorthfollowingacoupleofsunnydaysin theCo Wicklowtown.
I’minsteadcocoonedinoneofthenewest electriccarstohitthestreetsinNorthern Ireland–whichwe’relikelytoseeconsiderably moreofinthemonthsandcoupleofyears ahead.
Forthoseunfamiliar,BYDisnowtheworld’s biggestelectriccarmaker.Thatmaycomeas somethingofasurprisetothoseonlyfamiliar withpetrolordieselvehicles,orthesheer mediaattentionthrustonto Tesla.
AnditwastheBYD’sentrymodel,the smalltomid-sizedhatchback,Dolphinwhich accompaniedusona recentfamiliarexcursion south,thankstoaloanfromCharlesHurst–whichistheNorthernIreland’sfrstcardealer toofferthefrm’srangeofvehicles.
I’vebriefydrivenacoupleofelectriccars overtheyears–afrstgenerationNissanLeaf andthesecond,ahandfulofminutesina Tesla Model3.
There’saninitialelementofbothsurprise andchildishcheerwhendrivingone–mostof thatcomingfromtheseeminglyinstantaneous torqueonoffer,thankstotheelectricmotor. TheBYDDolphinhasmorethan200hpand hits60mphinjustundersevenseconds.
TheDolphinonloanwasthetop-spec Designvariant–offeringa60.4kWhbattery andaWLTPrangeof265miles(estimated,but realworldrangesarelikelyinandaround220).
Thatinitialzippyperformanceisimmediately noticeablewhenpullingawayontoabusy BoucherRoadfromthedealership–leaving mydieselGolfbehind,andfeelingsuitably sluggishincomparison.
It’saquirkycartolookat–theDesign modelcominginatwo-toneofmetallicgrey andblue.
Intermsofdetailedspecifcations,the internetwon’tsteeryouwrong,butin generaltheleveloftechnologyandfeaturesis particularlyimpressiveatthispricepoint.
Andwiththatconnectivityandvisualtech aesthetic,few,ifany,brandsatthisprice pointcanmeetBYDheadson.It’sall relatively straightforwardintermsofnavigationand settings,andboastswirelessAppleCarPlayand AndroidAuto.
Inside,there’sstilllotsoftactilebuttons topress,includingcontrolsfortheair conditioningandmodes,withoutdelving
intothetouchscreen.Thecabinitselfis comfortable,withftandfnishcomparable tosomethingGerman-made–lotsofsoft materials,fauxleatherandstitching.
We’remakingthe140-mileoddjourney withfourpassengers–includingasmallman who recentlyturnedone.There’salotto bringwithus,thusisthenature,andthecar managestosqueezeeveryoneincomfortably, althoughthereareafairfewbagsinand aroundthebackseatstooasourbuggyhadto ft,folded,uprightinthebootratherthanfat –andwiththeparcelshelf removed.
TheDolphinisacomfortableperformeron shortjourneysaroundthecity–something electricsexcelat.
It’sthenwhenthetechnology,suchasthe adaptivecruisecontrol,makesthejourneyto Luskforatop-upcharge,feeleffortless.
Youwillbecongratulatedfordriving sensibly,however,andsomewhatpunishedfor
TheBYDDolphin withthetopspec Designtrim
havingaleadfoot.Whenovertakingattop motorwayspeedof75mphyourpowerusage shootsupdramatically.
It’sastopatApplegreennotfarfromDublin totryoutboththerapidchargingnetwork, andhowtheBYDperforms.
Thefastchargeronsite–withtwo connectors,oneofwhichisthecompatible CCS–andit’sfree.Itapmycard,getthe greenlight,andplugin.I’mawaitingforan errormessageoraconnectionwoe,butallis well.TheDolphinchargesatupto150kWand whileit’snotpullingdownthisfromcharger, wegetanalmostfullbatteryafterabathroom breakandfeedingayoungman.
There remainedplentyofchargeleftbefore ourstop,butstrategicstopsarekeyinkeeping
FACTFILE
Brand:BYD
Model:Dolphin
0-60:6.8seconds
Price:From£24,933
thingstickingoverandtherangeheftywhen you’reonalongerjourneyandawayfrom home.
AsweheadpastDublinandontosmaller roads,theDolphin remainsasuitablystrong performer.Inthesunnycoastal roadsinand aroundGreystones,it’sabreezetodrive.
The returnjourneybeganwithacallabout 15minutesaftermysisterleftourholiday home rentaltoinformusthatthetiming belthadgoneonhercarandtheywerenow parkedonthesideofthemotorway.
Whilethiswashappening,themileswere onceagainbeingeatenuponthemotorway. AstopoffattheadjacentApplegreenthistime includedawaitforthechargertobefree.But after15minutes,wewerepluggedin.
Ishouldsaythatmysister’saforementioned carwoeswere resolved–alongsideasizeable billtogetpeople,dogsandvehiclehome.
Turningtothedrivemodes,Sportgives everythingalittlewelcomezestandboost. Pullingawayatlightsona50mphdual carriagewayfeelsimmediateandextremely nippy–leavingon-paperpriciersportssaloons inyourwingmirrors.
WithEcomodethingsappeartosettledown andtheeffciencyincreases,whileNormal modefeelsliketheidealscenarioformost journeys,unlessyou’rebattlingwithrange anxiety.
TheBYDDolphinispositioningitselfina nice,neatlittlesegmentoftheEVmarket.It’s family-sizedbutnottoolarge.Ifyou’reaftera biggerbootandmorelegroomthentheAtto3 mightbemoreyourthing.
Ittickstheveryusablerangeboxwitha batteryinthat50kW+sizewhichnormally givesrangesuitableformost,hasimpressive specs,ftandfnish,andwhileit’snotwhat you’dcallsporty,ithassubstantialhorsepower, torqueandaccelerationtomakejourneysa pleasure.
There’saclean,effortlessnessinthedriving experience,whileit retainsitsowncharmin termsofyourconnectiontothecar.Moving backtoastandarddieselmanualfeelslike steppingbackintimeorjumpingintoahorse andcartintermsoftheoverallperformance. ■
MOTORI
Above:TheBYD Dolphinwiththetop specDesigntrim Left:InsidetheBYD Dolphin
Appleexpects$10bnhitto earningsafterEUtax ruling Apple ha s declar ed thatit will take a $10b n earnings hit init s four th fscal quarter, af ter the Europ ean cour t’s ruling thatit mu stpay €13b n in bac k ta xe s to Ireland .
In a fling to the stock market, Apple said : “O n September 10, theECJ announced that it had set aside the 2020 judgment of the General Cour t and confrmed the European Commission’s 2016 state aid de cision
“A sa result, the company ex pec ts to re cord a one -time income ta x charge in it s four th fs cal quar ter ending September 28 , of up to approximately $10bn, which willincrease the company ’s ef fe ctive ta x rate for the quar ter.”
In a separate statement the company said it was “dis appointed” withthe de cision, and that the European Commission was tr ying to retroactively chang e the rules and ignore the fact that Apple’s income was alread ysubjec t to ta xes in the US However withthe cour t’s de cisionnow fnal – it will not besent back to
a lower cour t fora retrial – the Department of Finance, in conjunction withRevenue and the National Treasur y Management Agenc y (N TMA) , is planning to windupthe escrow account in which the Apple ta x moneyhas been held for the last six year s.
While there remains a possibility that other EU countries might make a legal bid for some of the proceeds, the Cour t of Justice ruling implies that the ta x was legally owed in Ireland. There may be a deduction from the fund based on ta x that Apple, whos e chief executiveis Tim Co ok, has since paid in America on profts that wererepatriated from subsidiaries here
Asked if other states might look fora slice of the revenue, Ireland’s Finance Minis ter Jack Chambers saidit was not possible tocomment on the likelihoodofsuchclaims
“T here have been some third -country adjus tments alread y made in the contex t of the escrow fundthatwas es tablished,”
said “W hat we’re going to do now, over the next number of months, [is] bringa fnal determinationon what amount will transfer from the escrow fund to the Irish exchequer.”
The Government initially put €14.3bn into the escrow account in 2018 , but the value of the fund has since fuctuated, eventhough it was mos tly invested in shor t- to medium-term sovereignandquasi- sovereign bonds, with investment permit ted only inhigh -rate eurodenominated fxed income securities.
The value of the fund was also reduced when €246m was taken out in 2021 to allow Apple pay ta x in anotherjurisdiction.
The investment policy for the fund was initially agre ed by the Minis ter for Finance and Apple. An investmentcommitteewith an equalnumber of member s appointed by the NT MA and by Apple was responsible for oversight and for monitoring the performance of the investment managers It met four times last year ■
Applechief TimCook
Motoring ByPatBurns
TakingaSwift lookatSuzuki WiththedemiseoftheFordFiesta, buyerslookingforasmall hatchbackwillhavetolookto thelikesofSuzukifortheirnextcar.
TheSwifthasbeenagreatsuccessforthe Japanesemanufacturerandthenewfourth generationcarcouldwelltopthesmallcar bestsellerlist.
BasedonthesameHeartechplatformas theoutgoingmodel,thenewSwifthasanew threecylinderenginematchedtoahybrid system.Inadditiontoitsstylishnewdesign andcompactsize,theSwiftfeaturesexcellent visibility,aspaciouscabinandampleluggage space.
StandardequipmentforentrylevelMotion grade(£18,699)isverycomprehensive.
TheUltragradeadds16-inchpolished alloywheels,automaticairconditioning, rear passengerheateroutletandelectricfolding doormirrorsincorporatingsideturnindicators.
Annewandeffcientthree-cylinderpetrol enginewithmulti-pointfuelinjectionhas beendevelopedforthenewSwiftandit offersenhancedfueleconomy,improved
torqueandlowerCO2emissionsthanbefore. Themaximumpoweroutputis82PSwith aslightlyhighertorquefgureof112Nmat just4,500rpm,accelerationtimeto62mph isimprovedslightlyto12.5secondsforthe manualmodeland11.9secondsforthe optionalCVT.
Fueleffciencyisfurtherenhancedwhen pairedwiththeself-charginghybridsystem poweredbyalithium-ionbatterywithcapacity of10Ahtoimproveenergy recoveryeffciency.
Fittedasstandardequipmentforthenew Swift,the12Vmildhybridsystemisacompact andlightweightunitthatincorporatesan integratedstartergenerator(ISG)whichactsas bothageneratorandstartermotor.
FortheSwiftMotionwithmanual transmissiontheHybridsystemhelps reacha CO2emissionsfgureofjust99g/km(WLTP regulation)plusachieveafuelconsumption fgureof64.2mpg(WLTP)onthecombined cycle.
Standardactivesafetyequipmentforboth MotionandUltraSwiftgradesincludesan upgradeddualsensorbrakesupportsystem.
Thissystemhasenhancedcollisionmitigation withimprovednighttimeandintersection visibilityandcandetectpedestrians,cyclists, motorcyclistsandvehiclesinfront.
Theradartechnologyenablesittowork evenathighspeeds,indarkness,andinrain orotherbadweather.Thesystemprevents ormitigatesacollisionbymeansofthree functionswhicharewarning,brakeassistand automaticbraking.
Acamerabuiltintotheinstrumentpanel monitorsthedriverseyesandanear-infrared LEDilluminatesthedriversfacetoenable monitoringinlowlight.Ifthesystemdetects thatthedriverisdrowsy,fallingasleep,or lookingawayfromthe road,itsoundsa warningalarmanddisplaysanalertmessage ontheinformationdisplay.
Lowcostownershipishelpedwiththe inclusionoftheserviceactivatedwarranty toallSuzukicustomers.Introducedlastyear, theserviceactivatedwarrantyisofferedfree ofchargeoncethecar reachestheendof itsmanufacturerwarrantyperiodandisthen bookedinforitsnextscheduledservicewithin theSuzukiDealernetwork.Thiswarrantystays inplaceuntilthenextqualifyingserviceandis thensimply renewedagainuptoamaximum vehicleageofsevenyears/100,000miles–whichevercomesfrst. ■
Two’scompany ThenewMazda2Hybridhasan updatedappearancethankstoa newfrontbumperandgrilledesign. DesignedatMazda’sEuropeandesign studioinGermany,the revisedbumpershape combinedwithunique reartailgategarnish givestheMazda2Hybridafreshlook.
TheMazda2Hybridisbasedonthe Toyota Yarisandhasproventobeapopularaddition toMazda’sline-up.TheupdatedMazda2 Hybridwillcontinuetosellalongsidethe Mazda2,maintainingMazda’sextensive superminiline-up.
Thenewhybridmodelisavailableinfour newgrades:Centre-Line,Exclusive-Line, HomuraandHomuraPlus–pricedfrom £24,130to£29,230.Alongside,theMazda specifcupdatestotheexteriordesign,the Hybridfeaturesconnectivityandentertainment upgradesacrosstherange,includingwireless AppleCarPlayandAndroidAuto,plusanew colourtouchscreencentraldisplay.
Exclusive-Linemodelsandupwardsfeature newequipmentthatincludesauto-folding
mirrors,blind-spotmonitoring,plusfrontand rearparkingsensors,whileatthetopofthe rangetheHomuraandHomuraPlusgrades featureanewdigitalinstrumentbinnacleand black rooflining.ExclusivetoHomuraPlus grade,the2024Mazda2Hybridalsofeatures integratednavigationandapanoramicglass roof.
PartofMazda’selectrifedline-upthat includesthebatteryelectricMX-30,CX-60 PHEVandtheMX-30e-SkyactivR-EVPHEV –theMazda2Hybridbringsaself-charging fullhybridpowertraintechnologytothe Mazdamodelrange.Partofthelong-standing collaborationbetweenMazdaand Toyota,this ToyotaMotorEuropesuppliedmodelwillnow featureamoreMazdadifferentiatedexterior designbut retainsanunchangeddrivetrain. Withacombinedpoweroutputof116ps drivenviaaCVTautomatictransmission,the Hybridwillacceleratefrom0-62mphin9.7 secondsand returnsaWLTPcombinedcycle fueleconomyofbetween67.3to74.3mpg andCO2emissionsofjust87-98g/km
dependingonthespecifcationof16-inchor 15-inchwheels.
Thefullhybridsystemprovidesplentyof powerfromastandstillandtheCVTgearbox ensuresspeedierovertaking.Ithandlesvery welltoo.
Atstart-uptheHybridautomaticallyruns inEVmode,offeringsmooth,seamlessand quietrunningonelectricmotorpowerin urbanenvironments,withzeroCO2,NOx andparticulateemissions.Duringnormal driving,powerallocationisadjustedbetween thepetrolengineandelectricmotorfor optimumperformanceandthebestpossible fueleffciency.Duringdecelerationandunder braking,kineticenergyis recoveredaselectrical energyforstorageinthehigh-performance battery.
Batterypowerlevelisconstantlymanaged viaanengine-drivengeneratorto removeany needto rechargethesystemfromanexternal source.AlthoughitisacompactB-segment vehicle,theMazda2Hybrid’slong2,560mm wheelbaseofferscomfortableaccommodation foruptofouradults,aswellas286litresof bootspace. ■
NewA5getsthe greenlightfromAudi Audiisconsolidatingitsposition inthepremiummid-sizesegment withanadvancednewA5range that replacesexistingA4andA5model lines.
Poweredbyanewgenerationofeffcient petrolanddieselengines,pricesfortheA5 Saloonand Avantrangesstartfrom£41,950 and£43,850 respectively.
BothnowadopttheA5/S5designationto alignwiththenewAudinamingconvention, inwhichevennumbersdenoteelectrically poweredmodelsandoddnumbersare assignedtovehicleswithcombustionengines. Largerandbetterequippedthantheir predecessors,theyarethefrstAudimodels tobebuiltonthenewPremiumPlatform Combustion(PPC)chassis.
AllA5variantswillinitiallybeavailable withachoiceofSport,SlineandEdition1 specifcation,whiletheS5Saloonand Avant willbeofferedexclusivelyinEdition1form.
Theirmoredynamicdesignischaracterised
byalow,sportysilhouetteandAudiUr quattro-styleblistersframinglargewheels. Inside,theapproachisequallyfresh,thanksto thenew‘digitalstage’,acurved,free-standing OLEDpanoramicMMIdisplayintegratingan 11.9-inchAudivirtualcockpitanda14.5-inch MMItouchscreen.
A5Saloonand Avantdrivershavethe opportunitytoenjoysomeoftheS5models’ additionalfeaturesbyselectingtheoptional Soundand VisionPack. AvailableforSport, SlineandEdition1variants,itincludesthe confgurablehead-updisplay,theBang& Olufsen3Dsoundsystemwithheadrest speakersandtheambientlightingpackagepro withdynamicinteractionlight.
Initially,thenewA5rangewillbepowered bythreeTFSIpetrolandTDIdieselengines–two2.0-litreTFSIunitswith150PSand204PS anda2.0-litreTDIwith204PS.Inthenew S5SaloonandS5 Avant,anewly-developed 3.0-litreV6TFSIenginewith367PS replaces theprevious3.0-litreTDIunit.
The2.0-litreTDIand3.0-litreV6TFSIare notableasthefrstcombustionenginesto bepartiallyelectrifedusingthenew48-volt MHEVplussystem.Thesystem’selectrifed drivetraincomponents reduceCO2emissions thankstohigh recuperationperformance, andincorporatea48-voltstartergenerator thatensuresenginestartsaresmootherand reactionstothrottleinputsarefaster,abeneft whichisfeltparticularlykeenlyintheS5.In theTDImodelstheMHEVplussystemhelpsto further reduceCO2emissionsbyupto10g/ km,whileintheS5totalsdecreasebyupto17 g/km,basedonWLTPcycletests.
InA5models,thetwoTFSIunitsdrivethe frontwheels,whiletheTDIisavailablewith eitherfront-wheeldriveorquattroall-wheel drive.AlltransmittheirpowerviaasevenspeedStronictwin-clutchtransmission.The S5modelsfeaturea revisedStronicunitthat hasbeendesignedtohandlehighertorque outputs,andalso reducestheweightonthe frontaxletoimproveagility. ■
Negativearticles aroundEVs‘don’t refectowner experience’ ByJohnMulgrew
Themajorityelectriccardrivers heresaynegativearticlesabout owningonedonot refecttheirown experiences,accordingtoanewsurvey.
Meanwhile,whileissuesandconcernsstill remain–predominatelyaroundthepublic chargingnetwork–morethan83%ofEV ownerssaidtheywould“likely”or“defnitely” buyanotherelectricvehicle.
However,thelatest reportfromEVANIsaid almosthalfofownersarestill“somewhat anxious”aboutbeingabletofndasuitable andavailablepublicchargepointwhile travelling.
Andspeakingtousersforfeedback,some saidtheywere“bitterlydisappointed”ata lackofGovernmentsupportandstrategyfor electricvehiclesinNorthernIreland.
“TheEVANIsurveyisuniqueincapturingthe thoughtsofexistingelectricvehicledriversin NorthernIreland,”itsays.
“This resultsindatathat refects realworld experience,ratherthanassumptions.
“Our2024survey received423 responses, providinginsightsthatwillbefedintoour
stakeholdermeetings.”
Ofthefndings,thenumberofpeople buyingausedEVhasgrown–upfrom21.9% to32.4%,presumablyasthevolumeofsecond handvehiclesincreasesinthemarketplacein NorthernIreland.
“InhomesthathaveanICE(internal combustionengine)vehicleandanEV,the electriccartakesthemajorityofthestrainwith thesecondvehicletravellinganaverageof 5,073milescomparedtoa12,561averagefor theEV,”thesurveysaid.
Turningtothe reasonforthemoveto anelectriccar,almost40%citedrunning costs,with15.1%backingthemovedue totax reasons(themajorityofwhichare onlyavailablewhenutilisingabeneft-inkindschemethroughself-employmentor workplaceswhichtakepart).
Oneinfourcitedtheenvironmentalbeneft, whichwasthesecondmostcommonsingle answer.
Andaround82.5%ofdriverssaidtheywere satisfedorverysatisfedwiththeirEV’srange–upfrom81.2%lastyear.
TurningtowhatEVANIsaysisan “extraordinarywaveofdisinformationaround
EVsinthelast12months”,some90%of owners“haveencounterednegativearticles thatdonot representtheexperienceoftheir ownEV”.
“Incredibly,almostoneinfourare encounteringthisonadailybasis,”thesurvey said.
TheoverallpurchasecostofanEV remains themainbarrier(48%),withissuesaround publicchargingcominginsecondon(25.7%).
Tesla remainsthetopownedbrand, accordingtothesurvey,withtheModel3 leadingtheway.
ThatwasfollowedbytheNissanLeaf, Tesla ModelYand VolkswagenID3.
Halfof respondents(50.8%)saidtheir secondaryvehiclehadanInternalcombustion engine(downfrom60.4%lastyear),while 18.2%haveasecondarybatteryelectric vehicle(upfrom11.8%lastyear),while3.8% haveasecondaryplug-inhybrid(upfrom 2.3%lastyear).
Around11.6%saytheyaredependenton thepublicchargingnetworkhere,that’sa fallfrom15.2%lastyear.Thevastmajority (88.4%)saytheyarenotdependentonthe publicchargingnetwork.
Intermsof reliabilityinpublicrapidchargers, NorthernIrelandfrm Weevtoppedthelistas themost reliable,accordingtothesurvey.That wasfollowedby Tesla. ■
APPOIN TM EN TS DenisMcCourthastakenthehelmas managingdirectorforstandardbrands atSHSGroup,whereheissteeringthe commercialgrowthagendaanddeveloping thebusiness’scommercialsuccess.
BelfastlawfrmEdwardshasappointed itsyoungestpartner.KellieMorwood (28)graduatedfromtheInstituteof ProfessionalLegalStudieswithdistinction andqualifedasasolicitorin2019.
DonitePlasticshasappointedMatthew Revelsasgeneralmanager.Hejoinsthe Saintfeld-basedcompanyfromIlligUK, bringingextensiveengineering,project managementandleadershipexperience totherole.
Openfoldehasannouncedthe appointmentofGayleMcGurnaghan asheadofpeopleandculture.Ms McGurnaghanhasanextensivecareerin humanresources,talentmanagement,and organisationaldevelopment.
Renewableenergyfrmb4bRenewables hasappointedDarrenLemonasitsnew managingdirector.Hisnewleadershiprole withinb4bRenewableswillseehimset thedirectionandstrategyforthebusiness whileworkingcloselywiththeteam.
SHSGrouphasappointedStuartMcCready asthenewcommercialdirectorforSHS salesandmarketingIreland.Inthisrole, hewillleadtheteamindrivinggrowthfor SHSbrandsandbrandowners’businesses, bothinIreland,andinternationally.
ErgohasappointedAlistairStoopsasdata, analyticsandAIlead.HewillleadErgo’s data,analyticsandAIpractice,wherehe andhisteamwillworkwithErgo’sclients acrossboththepublicandprivatesectors.
UnitedFeedshasappointedClarence Calderwoodasgeneralmanager.Hewillbe responsibleforleadingthebusiness,which ispartofDaleFarm,thelargestUKfarmerowneddairyco-operative.
BGFhasexpandeditsteaminBelfast withtheappointmentofinvestorMatt Jones.HewillworkalongsideChrisNixon, wholeadsBGF’sinvestmentactivitiesin NorthernIreland,andwillberesponsible forallaspectsoftheinvestmentprocess.
1. Entrepreneursfromacross NorthernIrelandarebeing giventhechancetosecureup to£5,000ininvestmentfor theirbusinessideawiththe launchofGoSucceed:The UltimatePitch.
2. ActionCancerhasheldits annualGolfDayatHolywood GolfClub,homeofRoryMcIlroy. PicturedareCassieAbbott, CranmoreDental,professional rugbyplayer,JohnCooneyand MarkJones,ActionCancer.
3. AbbeyAutolinehaslaunched a recruitmentdriveforschool leaversandyoungprofessionalsto kickstarttheircareersinfnancial servicesbyjoiningaspartofits highlysuccessfulapprenticeship programme.PicturedisPiaras Dunbar.
4. FinanceMinisterDrCaoimhe Archibald(right)calledonanyone planningtostartorexpandtheir businessbysettingupinalong termvacantpropertytoavailof theBackinBusinessscheme.She’s picturedwithDianeMalcolmson, CausewayCraft&CoffeeShop.
5. USConsulJamesApplegate (secondfromleft)hasvisited businessesinArdsandNorth Down.He’spicturedatCopeland DistillerywithitsfounderGareth Irvine,MayorAlistairCathcartand SusieMcCullough,chiefexecutive ofArdsandNorthDownBorough Council.
6. InfrastructureMinister JohnO’Dowdhas encouragedyoungpeopleto maketheirvoicesheardon decisionsthatimpactthem, nowandinthefuture.
7. OutsourceGrouphaspartnered withCalifornia-basedPaloAlto Networks,theworld’sleading cyber-securityfrm.Picturedare ShaileshRao,presidentforCortex atPaloAltoNetworksand Terry Moore,chiefofOutsourceGroup.
8. DuneaneCommunityGarden launchedtheGrowGardeningfor BeginnersCourseinconjunction withAntrimandNewtownabbey BoroughCouncil.Picturedare BernieDonaghy,MayorNeilKelly, JohnDoyle,NathanielandBreige Marron.
9. Followinganinvestmentof £500,000,PizzaCrewLisburn wasoffciallyopenedbyBelfast GiantsplayersScottConwayand BoHanson.Theyarepicturedwith PizzaCrewfounder,CiaranKelly.
10. AlysonEnglishhas beenappointedasthenew managingdirectorofLighthouse Communications.Sheispictured withfounderStephenSmithwho will remainwithinthebusiness overseeingcrisismanagement.
11. HealthMinister MikeNesbitt(centre) hasacknowledgedthe ‘immenselyvaluable’ contributionmadeby internationally-recruitedstaff inhealthandsocialcarein NorthernIreland.
12. EconomyMinisterConor Murphy(secondfromleft)has welcomedtheamalgamationof CharteredAccountantsIreland andtheInstituteofCertifed PublicAccountantsinIreland.He’s picturedwithBarryDoyle,Pamela McCreery,andMichaelKavanagh.
13. Venturecapitalfundingof €494mintoIrishSMEsinthe secondquarterwasthesecond higheston record,according totheIrish VentureCapital Association VenturePulsesurvey. PicturedareSarah-JaneLarkinand GerryMaguire.
14. TourismNIchiefJohn McGrillen(left)hasundertakena tourofFermanaghtomeetwith tourismandhospitalitybusinesses inthearea.He’spicturedwith MichaelCadden,ownerofLusty BegIslandResort&Spa.
15. AgricultureMinisterAndrew MuirhasheldmeetingswithNick Thomas-SymondsMP,Minister fortheCabinetOffce,andother governmentministers.
16. Digitaltechnology companyKainosismaking amajorinvestmentin quantumtechnologythatwill see25universitystudents collaboratingwithleading computingexpertsatthe UniversityofGdansk.
17. b4bRenewables,aleading innovative renewableenergy companyinNorthernIreland,has appointedDarrenLemonasits newmanagingdirector.
18. BelfastChamberhaslaunched thisyear’sBelfastBusiness Awards,sponsoredbyBankof Ireland.Itschiefexecutive,Clare Guinness,ispicturedwithPaul McClurg,headofBelfastbusiness bankingatsponsorBankof IrelandUK.
19. HospitalityExchange2024is markingasignifcantmilestone astheevententersits25th year,offeringanengagingand insightfulexperience.Picturedare NIHFpresident,EddieMcKeever, andHowardHastings.
20. FarransConstructionhas launcheditsapplicationprocess for50high-demandpositions onitsindustryleadinggraduate programme,FarransFoundation, withintakedatesinJuneand September2025.
21. TheNIFamilyBusiness Forumhostsitsannual conferenceinBelfastwhere guestswillhearfrom presentersincludingKat DeLoreanSeymour,daughter ofJohnDeLorean.
22. Spar,Eurospar, Vivoand Vivoextrahavelaunchedthis year’s12DealsofChristmasas partofa£6mcampaign.Pictured isStephanie TaresfromSparNI.
23. RiverRidgehasannounced aninvestmentinitsglasswaste collectionservicefollowing receipt oftwonewbiofuelvehicles. PicturedareJamesSinton, Beannchor,andSimonCrossley, RiverRidge.
24. BelfastCityAirportandAspire AirportLoungeshavemarkedone yearsinceitopenedthe£1.2m refurbishedlounge.Picturedare Kathy Toye,BelfastCityAirport, andHeather Wilson,lounge manageratBelfastCityAirport.
25. Damian WilsonofShare Energylaunchesthenewentrant intotheelectricitymarkethere, whichwillshare50%ofallfuture companyproftswithitsdomestic andcommercialcustomers.
26. Privateequityfrm CordovanCapital Managementhasacquired insulationandsolarPV installationprovider BlueBuild.This representsthe ninthinvestmentclosedby itsinstitutionalfundvehicle, CordovanCapitalPartners IILP.
27. S’more’a’licious,foundedby Laura Vogan,pictured,isaiming toexpanditspresenceinGreat Britain,theRepublicofIreland andbeyond,after receiving one-to-onementorshipfromGo Succeed.
28. LambertSmithHamptonhas expandeditsserviceofferingto clientsbyprovidingRICSexpert witnessesforbothbuilding consultancyandvaluations. PicturedareLisaO’Connor,RICS NI,withDarrenFitzsimonsand DavidHoriskofLambertSmith HamptonIreland.
29. LoveLamb Weektookplace month,focusingonthekey elementsofsheepfarmingtoraise awarenessaboutwhatitinvolves. PicturedareGerryMelotte,ABP Linden,Crawford Wilson,UFU, ColinSmith,LMCchiefexecutive, andfarmerIan Wilson.
30. Wholesaledrinkscompany DrinksInccelebratedthelaunch ofMionettosintoitsportfolioat asummerpartyatThePerchin Belfast.PicturedareJonnyCallan, JamesMcLornan,ShaneMcNally, andHannahHayward.
31. TheBelfastMela,the largestcelebrationofcultural diversityinIreland,hastaken placeatBotanicGardens, bringingthousandstogether foradayofmusic,food, theatre,artsanddance.
32. Catalysthasopened applicationsforitsCo-Founders programmewhereambitiousand innovativepeoplewillcollaborate tocreatestart-upbusinessesthat couldchangetheworld.Pictured areMichaelKelly,ClaireKelly,and GemmaMcAllister.
33. TitanicBelfasthaspartnered with TerryBradleyand AwareNI tolauncha‘MotorcycleMeet Up’tohelpraiseawareness ofmentalhealth.Picturedare JarlathMcCreanor, AwareNI, TerryBradley,Alan Waringfrom BelfastHarleyDavidsonandLeigh Osborne, AwareNI.
34. Belfast-headquartered Openfoldehasannounced theappointmentofGayle McGurnaghan(right)asheadof peopleandculture.Sheispictured withmanagingdirector, William Gilbert.
35. Thecountdownisontothe innaguralNIFoodtoGo Awards, aimingtoshowcasesomeofthe besthospitalitybusinesseshere. Picturedareawardspresenter IbeSesay,JuniorMinisterPam Cameron,KieraCampbelland MichaelHenderson,NIFood To GoAssociation.
36. AgricultureMinister AndrewMuir(centre)has addressedtwoseparate eventsonclimatechangeand greengrowth.He’spictured withKlairNeenan,Suzanne Wylie,CatMcCusker,and KatrinaGodfrey.
37 TourismNorthernIreland, HospitalityUlsterandthe NorthernIreland TourismAlliance (NITA)havejoinedforcesto offciallylaunchNorthernIreland’s frst TourismandHospitality Week.
38. Magician,mentalistand televisionpresenterJoelM(front centre)hasheadlinedthemain stageatNIChamber’sFestival ofBusiness.He’spicturedwith LorraineMcCaffrey,PeterMcVerry, TrevorKane,Lisa Toland,Suzanne QuireyandSuzanneWylie.
39. LoughErneGolfClub hasannouncedBritishHeart FoundationNorthernIreland asoneofitscharitypartnersin honourofabelovedmember. PicturedareLoughErneGolf ClubcaptainRoyCathcart,Lady CaptainDaphneGibsonand FearghalMcKinney,BritishHeart FoundationNI.
40. InfrastructureMinisterJohn O’DowdandEconomyMinister ConorMurphyhavebeenbriefed onBelfastHarbour’splansto redevelopandenhancetheport’s offshore renewableenergyand cruisefacilities.
You’dbehardpressedtoever imagineaboutiquebrandsuch aPatekeverputtingawatchon anythingotherthanbracelet,leather,or rubberband.
Butithas–showcasingafewofitsbig hittersonadenimband.It’sactuallymade fromcalfskin,withadenimmotif,butthat beingsaid,it’sadepartureandanextremely strikingoneatthat.
IthelpstheNautilus–thebrand’scelebrity andmostInstagram-heavypiece–garnera entirelynewpersonality.Therewasactuallya timewhentheNautiluswasfromastarofthe showintermsofdesirabilityandprominence –whichishardtofathomgiventhesheer volumeofsocialmediaattentionit’s receivedin thisdecadeinparticular.
Goneisthemixtureofbrushingand polishingonthebraceletinplaceofsomething alittlemorecasualbutentirelymorequirky andinteresting.
Itsitsparticularlywellonthewristand wouldworkequallyaswellwithasuitjacket asa T-shirtandshorts–thesamebeautifullyfnisheddialandcaseshapeevokingthebig Nautilusenergy,
It’safybackchronographpackedinto thatunmistakablecaseatjustover40mm, withapunchyblue-greyopalinetextureddial matchingperfectlywiththeband.Iimagine
Pa te k Philippe: new watches for2024 bring modern touch andfair PatekPhilippe hasunveileditsnewwatches for2024,includingadialvariantofoneofitsmost technicallyimpressiveandstunningpieces,along withalittlemoderntouchforacoupleofitsmost reveredlines. JohnMulgrew gothandsonwith aselectionofthewatchesduringavisittoLunn’s JewellersatQueen’sArcadeinBelfastcitycentre
it’sgoingtobeoneofthehotwatchesonthe wristsofthefamous,andlikelyonewhichwill seeaspikeinvalueintheyearsahead.
Butit’snottheonlyPatektomakethemove todenim.It’salso releasedaversionofits5330 World Timewithasimilarly-fnishedstrap. I’vesometimesthoughtthispiecewasalittle busyintermsofthedial,butwiththebrand’s ‘carbon’patternitpairsupparticularlywell withthedenimstriping–onceagainmaking amoretraditional,classicpiece,feelupdated andfresh.
There’sstilltheusualmajestyofthat240 HUcalibreinsideaperfectly-balanced40mm case,andbeautifulmini-rotoronshowthanks tothedisplaycaseback.Ifyouhaven’tseena PatekPhilippemovementupcloseandinthe fesh,thenyoushouldmakethetime.There’sa reasonthatsapphirecrystalexists.
Twoyearsago,Patek’snewplatinum5236P jumpedoutofthedisplaycabinetatme.
It remainsaveryspecialwatch,whichhas recentlybeenseenonthewristofFacebook magnateMarkZuckerberg.
It’sagrandcomplicationperpetualcalendar, butthispiece’spartytrickispackinginall thoseextrajewelsandadditionalcomponents undertheservicetokeep,what’sotherwisea normallybusydial,clean.
There’sanin-lineperpetualcalendaranda newmovement(ahugelycomplexmechanical complicationwhichintheorymeanthedate andtimewouldnot requiretobechangedif thewatchweretokeeprunningfordecades).
Itfrstcameinastrikingbluedial,butPatek hasnow releasedanewvariant.
It’sequallyasstunning,thistimeinopaline rose-giltwithcharcoalbatonhandsinwhite gold.Itfeelsalittlemoretraditionalinterms ofthePatekaesthetic,butsitsasequallywell onwrist.Ifyoucanafforditandwanttojump tothefrontofthehorologyqueueandensure
ThePatek Philippe5330 ondenimstrap
there’slittleelseina roomwhichcantopyour watch,thenyou’dbehard-pressedtofnd muchelseasgrandasthis.
Thedialissoimpeccablycleanforsucha complexmovement,withthelittlesplashesof darkbluehereandthereonthemoonphase providingsomecontrastfortheeye.
PatekPhilippehasalsoextendedits female-focusedsmallerbraceletwatchline, the Twenty-4.Aestheticallytheseareelegant pieces,withthe4910linehavingalittlebitof anexttierCartier TankFrançaiseaboutthemin termsofdesign.
Andmarkingits25thanniversary,it’s unveiledanewquartzvariantsportinga bold,purpledialonyellowgold,alongside34 brilliant-cutdiamonds.
It’sabalancedpiece,onceagain,withthat quartzmovement–whileadeparturefrom themajorityofPatek’srange–keepingthings neat,withatinycasedepth. ■
The5236withnew rose-giltdial
PatekPhilippe’s Nautilusondenimstrap
Far from the crowdsin Thailand’s eco heaven BeautifulKhaoLakisanunspoiledpartofparadise ingorgeousThailand,writes MaryBarber
’mtheonlyIrishpersonlivingand workinginKhaoLak,”saysBrenda Clark,asshesitsbehindadeskather scubadivingshopinhershortsand T-shirt.
“TheysayIrishpeopleareeverywhere–but they’renotinthispartofsouthernThailand, whichisweird.It’ssobeautifulandpeaceful hereandoffersanawfullottotourists.They canchilloutonthewhitesandybeaches,climb inthemountainsordiveintheAndamanSea.”
It’sawarm,humiddayandsheis waitingtogreetcustomerstoPirateDivers (piratediversinternational.com),theshopshe openedover10yearsago.Inthattime,the scubainstructorhasshownthousandsaround thismarineparadise.
Theclearwatershereareteemingwith exoticfish,seaturtles,coralandcaves.There arealso25kmofmostlydesertedwhite-sand beachesinthreenationalparks:KhaoSok,
whichhasthelargestareaofwildforestin southernThailand;KhaoLamPi,whichis mountainouswithwaterfalls;andKhaoLak LamRu,whichisavasttropicalwilderness.It’s afarcryfromBangkok,some800kmaway.
ItisnothardtoseewhyClarkgaveupher jobof25yearsasahairdresserinDublincityat Cats TempleBarforanewlifeinThailandafter visitingonholiday.Herfamilyandfriendswere shocked.
Shearrivedin2005, retrainedasa divemaster,andlatersetupherownbusiness. IspentadaysnorkellingintheSimilan
Islands,amarinenationalpark72kmoff thecoast.It’sanarchipelagoofnineislands (‘similan’isaMalaywordfornine)though threeareclosed,toaidconservation.Mytrip includedfveofthem.
Ihadjustgotintothewarmturquoisewater aroundislandeightwhenaseaturtlecame alongsideourboat.Schoolsoffshandcoral reefspreadoutinglorioustechnicolorbelow us,whilethehillyislandswerefringedby white-sandbeaches,themselvesborderedby hugegranitebouldersandtropicalvegetation. EverywhereinandaroundKhaoLakislush
KhaoLakisanunspoiled partofparadisein gorgeousThailand
andgreen,thankstodownpoursinthewet season(SeptemberandOctober)andall-yearroundwarmweather.
Bananaandrubbertreesgrowinthefelds and roadsides,asdovegetables,fruits,herbs andspices.
Thedistrictof TakuaPadatesbacktothe 13thcenturyandwasonceanimportant centreforforeigntraders,whosetuptin minesandbuilttheirownhomes.TheSinoPortuguesearchitecturethat remains refects theirinfuence.
Chinesecultureisevidentinmanyplaces andtraditions,from Taoisttemplesto red lanterns.Ienjoyedabreakfastofdimsum andnoodlesoupatMrChai’scafenexttothe mainpagodaandsawtaosarcakes,similarto Chinesemooncakes,beingmadeatthebakery inthetownof Tuangrat.
Tuangratdeclinedaftertheminesclosedin the1980s,butithasenjoyedatourist-driven revivalwithbuildingsconvertedintoeateries andhotels.
Iwas remindedofanother,moresobering linktothepastwhenwestoppedatthe SaoriFoundationCentrewomen’sworkshop inBangMuang,about13kmaway.Myvisit inDecembercamejustdaysbeforethe19th anniversaryoftheworld’sdeadliesttsunami–whenonStStephen’sDay,2004,anundersea earthquaketriggeredmassivewavesinthe IndianOcean,killingnearly230,000peoplein 14countries.
KhaoLakwastheplaceinThailandworst hit.Beachbungalowsandvillages,largely madeofwood,weredestroyed.
The region’soffcialdeathrateis3,950–but unoffcialestimatesaremuchhigher,dueto thenumberofundocumentedmigrants.Four IrishtouristsinThailanddied,oneofthemhere inKhaoLak.Inthewakeofthedisaster,the SaoriFoundationwassetuptohelpsurvivors earnalivingandaidtheir rehabilitation.
Imetfourwomen–Maew,Ung,Mannand Keaw–whohadalllostsomeonein2004. Maew’schildandmotherwereamongfve familymemberswhodied.
Maewwaslivinginthesmallfshingvillage ofBanNamKhemwhereabout1,400people died.Atsunamimuseumwasopenedthere lastyearandhasdetaileddisplays,alongwith storiesofsurvival.
Nearlytwodecadeson,KhaoLakisagain thriving–butthereare remindersofthe devastationinanearly-warningsystemand signpostedevacuationprocedures.Investment inthetouristinfrastructurehasbeensteady, andmanybeachbungalowshavebeen replacedbywell-fortifedboutiquehotels.
AmongthemtheOutriggerinBang Muang,whichhas151spacious rooms andsuitesandsevensecludedvillas,each combiningmodernfacilitieswithtraditional Thaidesign.Myelegantdeluxegarden room openedontoaprivateterraceoverlooking atropicalgarden,andjustmetresawaywas beautifulBangsakBeachandapool.Among theexcellentfacilitiesareagym,children’s areaandgames room.
Thailandisknownasthelandofsmilesand thatisseeninthewarmwelcomesfromstaff, whoarealmostentirelylocal.
NightlifeinKhaoLakislimitedtoafew barsoreventslikethehotel’sbuffetwith traditionalThaidance,whichIalsoenjoyed. BreakfastisasmorgasbordofThaiand westerncuisine.It’sservedinthehotel’s second restaurant,whichoverlooksthe manicuredtropicalgardens,inthecentreof whichliesthehotel’sownnurseryofherbs andvegetables.
Thehotel’ssustainablepracticesinclude supportingvariousprojectssuchasthe neighbouring35thRajaprajanugrohSchool, whichlookedafterchildrenorphanedinthe tsunami.Thehotelbuysfruitandvegetable seedsandplantsfortheboardingschool’s kitchengarden.
Staffhelpteachersandpupilsgrowthe produceandthehotelbuyssomeofitback, withproceedsgoingtoschoolprojects.Iwent alongwithJay,thebellman,tomeetgarden teacherMaliUbolpringandotherhelpers.The garden,whichisnormallyclosedtothepublic, wasimpressive.
Backatthe resortIwalkedthroughthe tropicallandscapetogettothewhite-sand beach.Naturecanbesobeautifulandyet socruel,Ithought.Butthereisasenseof resilienceinKhaoLak.
ThisquietcornerofThailandmayhave enduredadevastatingnaturaldisaster,butit hasbouncedbackanditisasbeautifuland friendlyasever. ■
Howa payment problemat a stall was lightbulbmoment for SumUp chief SumUp’snewchiefexecutiveforIreland, Niall MacantSionnaigh,istakingchargeatwhatisa timeofpivotalgrowth,writes Adrian Weckler
NiallMacantSionnaighwas introducedtowhatwouldturnout tobeapathwaytohisfrstchief executivejobatafarmer’smarketinsouth Dublin’sBluebellbusinesspark.
Thethen-LinkedInexecutivehad recently returnedfromCaliforniawithhisAmerican wife, TerriAnnFox,whowantedtosell produceandservicesfromtheirnewly-founded organicfarminGlencree,Co Wicklow.
Buttryingtosetupabusinessaccount provedtobeanightmare.
“Shewasrunningastallthere,selling fermentedcheeseandbreads,”hesays.
“I rememberatthetimetryingtofnd somebodytotalktointhebankjusttoget throughtheprocessofdoingtheaccount verifcation.Itwasaseriousstruggle.”
Hestartedtolookattheissue,hesays,and becameinterestedinthegeneralchallenge thatsmallmerchantsandbusinesseshavein settingupshoptotakepayments.Thatwas whenhewasintroducedtoSumUp,thesmall whitemobilepaymentterminalthatbecame commonamongcoffeevans,foodcompanies andothersmallbusinessesaroundIreland duringCovid.
Soonafterwards,heleftLinkedIn–where heledateamof500people–tojoinSumUp astheUK-basedcompany’svicepresidentof globaloperations.
AsaformercornerforwardforGaelic footballteamKilmacudCrokes,MrMacan tSionnaighfoundsomejoyinthespreadof SumUpterminalsacrosscommunitysports clubs,includingGAAandsoccerclubs.
Hewas recentlyannouncedasthe company’snewchiefforIreland,wherethe frmemploysaround30people.
It’sa relativelyheadytimeforSumUp.In May,itannounceda€1.5bndebtfnancing round,Europe’sbiggestsuchdealinseveral years,fromasyndicateledbyGoldmanSachs andincludingBlackRock,DeutscheBankand severalotherseniorlenders.
Thatcameaftera€285m roundin Decemberanda€590m roundin2022.
Theprivatelyheldbusinesswasmost recentlyvaluedatabove€8bnandnow operatesinseveralmarketsworldwide.
Thegoal,saysMrMacantSionnaigh,is tomakeSumUpsynonymouswithbusiness payments.
“We’reexpanding,”hesays.“Weopened inAustraliatherelastyearandarestilltryingto chipawayatnewmarketplaces.”
Likeotherpaymentoptions,SumUphas afewdifferentlayersofpricing,depending onwhetheramerchantpaysamonthly subscriptionornot.Onthesmallestwhite terminals,forexample,itrangesfrom0.99% to1.69%pertransaction.
Thereareotherservicestosupportit,too, frompolicingandaccountingtoinventory management.
“We’vegotasuiteofproductsnowwhere youcan reallygofromunboxingtohaving yourownbusinessinamatterofminutes,” hesays.
“Thatcanbea realassettosomeonewho’s tryingtogetoffthegroundandgoingthrough thatstrugglethemselves.”
MrMacantSionnaigh,whoalsopreviously workedatDeloitte,BankofScotlandand Accenture(andonceappliedfora roleat IndependentNews&Media),spentseveral yearsinSanFranciscobutnowlivesin Wicklow withhiswifeandthreedaughters.
Hegetsintotheoffcemostdaysandthinks
We’ve gota suite of products now where you can really go from unboxing to having your own businessin a matter ofminutes thatthebalanceisstartingtotipmoretoward in-offcedaysratherthan remoteworking.
“Intermsofourteams,Iseethevalueof us reallytryingtogetbacktofvedays(inthe offce)asakindofmainstay,withfexibility whereit’s required,”hesays.
“Ithinkthatthepermanenthybrid modelhassomesignifcantdrawbacks,for operationaljobsorengineering rolesandit sometimesmakesitmorechallengingtodo thework.
“Ithinkthatyoucandothefoundations ofthework,butto reallygetengagedand bepartofitandtogeneratemomentum,it startstogetdiffcultbecauseyoucanbealittle halfin,halfout.Thatsaid,it’simportantthat there’sstillthefexibilitytobehybridifyou needtoforaparticular reason.”
WhileSumUpdoesn’tbreakoutcountry statistics,MrMacantSionnaighsaysthatthe addressablemarketinIrelandislikelytensof thousandsofdevicesandaccounts.
Recentinnovationsincludetap-to-payon
smartphones,whereaseparateterminalisn’t required.
ThecompanysaysthatIrelandisstrategically signifcantforSumUp,withtheIrishentity operatingasa“gateway”toSumUp’s Europeanmarkets.Thecompany,itisalso claimed,hasenjoyedoveradecadeof sustainedgrowthandhasgeneratedpositive EbidtasinceDecember2022.
MrMacantSionnaighisn’ttheonlynew appointment.AlastairNolan,previouslySumUp Group’schieffnancialoffcerforEurope, willnowserveasSumUpLimited’sheadof fnance,whileClaireGillandersisnowhead ofcompliance.JessicaCottawas recently appointedaschiefriskoffcerforSumUp Limited. ■
TECH NOLO GY
Uncovering the9-5 NAME: LaurenPurnell
POSITION: Fieldserviceengineer,Clearhill
6.30am
NotwodaysarethesameworkingatClearhill. IstartedwiththecompanyinMarch2023 andIlovebeingoutandaboutandinsucha hands-on role,servicingourproductswhich includeFunHubridesandclawmachines.Ican bealloverNorthernIrelandinoneday,from DerrytoBelfasttoNewry. We havefexible workinghourssodependingonwhatdayitis, andbeinganearlybirdmyself,Iusuallyliketo startearlyandfnishearly.
8.15am
Twiceaweekat8.15am,wehavea‘lean’ meeting,integratingourbusinesseslean mindsetbyusingthistimetolearnfrom eachother,celebrategroupandindividual achievements,andworktowardsourcommon goalsandbusinessobjectives.Theother engineersandI,whoarealsomostlikelytobe onthe road,signontothis remotely.
8.30am
Whileeverydayisdifferent,Ispendalotofmy timeonthe roaddrivingtoourpartner retail locations,whereourproductsarelocated.I likedrivingandIlistentoalotofpodcasts,my favouritebeingtheBear&ScullyPodcastwith OwenMallonandShaunScullion.
10am
Onaverage,wecanvisituptofourpartner locationsaday.WhenIhavearrivedateach location,Isigninandessentiallyalotofwhat Idoasafeldserviceengineeris replenishing stockandfxinganyissues,shouldtheyarise
onanyofourproducts. We carryanumber ofpartsinourvans,justincaseanything needs replaced.Ispendalotofmytimeon the roadalone,andtheotherfeldservice engineersprovideagreatsupportnetwork. We stayintouchusingaWhatsAppgroup inwhichpeoplecanraiseanyqueriesor providesuggestionstoanytechnicalissues we’rehavingtroublesolving. We alsohavea bi-annualinpersonmeetupwhichisgreatfor teamcamaraderie.
1pm
Iusuallygetlunchonthe road.Mygo-to isa TescoMealDeal,thoughIdotrytobe organisedandbringmyown.AtClearhill,we areprovidedalunchonceamonthcoveredby thecompanywhichisalwaysawelcometreat. Dependingonmy routethatday,Isometimes bringachangeofclothessothatIcangetout andgoonarunduringmylunch.
2pm
Ifallmypartnerlocationvisitsarecompletefor theday,IusuallyheadbacktowardsBanbridge whereClearhillheadquartersarebased.I’m luckytoliveonlyashort15-minutedrive fromwork. Towardsthestartoftheweek,I callinanddoavan-restock,inwhichIcheck whatsuppliesI’mshortofandfllupmyvan forthe restoftheweek.Again,thiscanbe agoodopportunitytogetspeakingtoother engineers.
6pm
AfterdinnerIliketogetoutandexercise.Iplay GAAtwiceaweekforUlster’sfrstLGBTQ+ GAAclub,ladiesgaelicfootballteam,Aeracha UladhbasedinwestBelfast,whichIabsolutely love.OnceI’mfnishedmytrainingIgethome andhaveashowerand relaxandcheckout whatmy routewillbeforthenextdayonthe app. ■
