Ulster Business - September 2018

SEPTEMBER 2018 Price £2.30 (¤2.60)

Kicking up a storm in telecoms Barclay Digital Services on disrupting the communications sector across the UK CONFERENCING

A growing sector and a change for a top venue

IN FOCUS

Hotel developer Lawrence Kenwright on his NI foray

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Contents 6 News

34 Top 100 Launch

77 Motoring

A host of news and exclusives from across the Northern Ireland business spectrum

The Ivory played host to the Ulster Business Top 100 Northern Ireland Companies launch

Pat Burns tests out everything from a speed machine with a sting in its tail, to a luxury van

14 Cover Story

39 Conferences & Event Management

86 Photocall

We speak to Ian Megahey from Barclay Digital Services about disrupting the telecoms sector

18 In Focus Lawrence Kenwright more than year on from his first entrance into the Belfast hotel scene

We look at Belfast’s burgeoning industry

57 Energy, Waste & Environment

Everything from job announcements, business deals to awards and new companies

92 The Chairman

A fresh look at the future of energy provision

He was at the hottest ticket in town, and swung by a few others along the way

23 IT & Technology

67 Employment Law

96 Technology

John Simpson on Northern Ireland powering through to the next industrial revolution

What’s facing firms after the UK leaves the EU? We examine the Brexit workplace puzzle

Not everyone’s after an iPhone X - so what are the best budget smartphones out there?

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34 92

SEPTEMBER AUGUST 56 2018 2018

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EDITOR’S COMMENTS

Still a stalemate and we won’t even get a record...

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s Northern Ireland headed towards what we thought was going to be the unenviable accolade of having gone the longest period of time without a government, even that bubble was burst by the Guinness World Records.

We discovered, that as a devolved administration, it wasn’t in the running to officially smash Belgium’s 541 days.

But we’ll continue on, regardless of the political situation. And while businesses in a survey this summer suggested that the impasse is having a greater impact on their forward planning than the vote for Brexit, and the ensuing scratching of heads, we’ve seen positivity from our companies here.

Ulster Business, along with all of those who have supported it over the years, officially unveiled the Top 100 edition - a definitive list of the biggest companies in Northern Ireland, which has now been going for 30 years.

Chatting to the companies and business leaders who turned out, some with turnovers at the far end of the hundreds of millions, while it’s a thorn in the side, most of the discourse is around what they are doing, rather than what they aren’t.

However, one area which did raise its head is what’s coming down the line for our farming and agri-food sector. One

Publisher Ulster Business c/o Independent News & Media Ltd Belfast Telegraph House 33 Clarendon Road, Clarendon Dock Belfast BT1 3BG Printer W&G Baird Greystone Press, Caulside Drive, Antrim BT41 2RS www.wgbaird.com

conversation cited a number of major challenges facing the industry, in particular to food production and meat - some of which are irrespective of the impending exit from the EU. As someone who’s spent most of his time in Brussels and the surrounding areas, when not here, there’s always, and continues to be utter bafflement and confusion among those in the capital of Europe, as to what the UK is, or was, thinking regarding leaving the world’s largest trading bloc.

On one of several visits to the European Commission over the years, shortly before a date for the referendum was announced, I was called upon during a discussion with executives and think tanks to try and explain the reasons, albeit arguably trite and confused. I was the only journalist from the UK or Ireland on this occasion.

I tried my best to explain, playing something of a devil’s advocate on this occasion, why some in the UK - at that stage fuelled by a sovereignty argument - wanted to leave the EU. The response? Overwhelming bafflement. And it’s that tone which continues, amid ongoing discussions to secure some form of deal. On that note, I hope you enjoy this September edition of the magazine. ■ John Mulgrew Editor John Mulgrew

Production manager Irene Fitzsimmons

Manager Sonia Armstrong

Graphic design INM Design Studio

Deputy manager Sylvie Brando

Cover photo Elaine Hill

Sales executive Sarah-Ann Gamble

Contact: 028 90 264260 www.ulsterbusiness.com

@ulsterbusiness Independent News & Media Ltd © 2018. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior permission of Independent News & Media Ltd.

SEPTEMBER 2018

Ulster Business Magazine

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NEWS

A month in numbers 0.3% The drop in overall footfall across Northern Ireland retail. The small fall was fuelled by a large 5.5% drop in those visiting shopping centres, while the high street saw an uplift.

Dark horizon for NI amid ‘disastrous’ no deal Brexit paper

By John Mulgrew

T 2,700 The number of mortgages taken out by new home buyers in Northern Ireland during the second quarter of the year, according to industry body UK Finance. That represented a 12.5% increase, year-on-year.

£4.9m The proceeds of the carrier bag levy in Northern Ireland during 2017/18. During the fifth year of operation, 98.8 million bags were dispensed by retailers under the bag levy in Northern Ireland.

here could now be a worrying “dark horizon” for Northern Ireland’s economy as the Government publishes its paper on a potential “disastrous” no deal Brexit scenario.

The planning documents show that, if the UK doesn’t secure a deal with the EU, it will mean everything from customs duties being payable – including a suggestion firms take on their own ‘customs brokers’ to deal with the bureaucracy, invest in software and warehousing.

It also suggests that the UK Government is still up in the air as regard to the impact on Northern Ireland, in particular, and that it strongly wishes to avoid a ‘no deal’ scenario without a legal agreement between the UK and EU, taking “full account of the unique circumstances of Northern Ireland”.

Unless an agreement can be made, it further confirms that World Trade Organization (WTO) tariffs would be in place on imports from the EU, on day one.

That could mean an average of 22% on food – something which has been branded as “disastrous” for consumers and businesses, according to Aodhan Connolly, director of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium.

380,000 The number of overseas visitors to Northern Ireland during the first quarter of the year, according to the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. While it was down, year-on-year, overall spending rose 3%.

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Aodhan Connolly

“The Irish government have indicated they would need to discuss arrangements in the event of no deal with the European Commission and EU member states,” the document says.

“We would recommend that, if you trade across the land border, you should consider whether you will need advice from the Irish government about preparations you need to make.”

As for workers, it’s believed that EU rules will be transposed into UK legislation, but could face some minor changes.

“This will translate into price rises which is disaster for our consumers who already have half of the discretionary income of our GB counterparts,” he said.

The document shows that customs declarations would be required on importing goods from the EU which will add to the time, cost, and red tape of bringing goods into Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland businesses have also been told to start making preparations for the ‘no deal’ Brexit by contacting the Irish Government to discuss potential arrangements if the UK and the EU fails to broker a deal.

Announcing the publication of the documents, Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab reasserted the government’s commitments to Northern Ireland and how they were committed to ensuring there was no hard border at the Irish border.

NEWS

Belfast Waterfront undergoing fresh rebrand

B

elfast’s Waterfront Hall is getting a major rebrand as the business expands its growing conference and events business, Ulster Business can reveal.

Catherine Toolan

It’s rebranding its conferencing business, which includes the large waterside extension, to ICC Belfast.

But it’s keeping its Waterfront Hall name for the original business and building.

It’s using the rebrand to identify the two main markets it now works in, from music and events, to the burgeoning conferencing business.

Writing in Ulster Business this month, Belfast Waterfront managing director, Catherine Toolan, said: “The reposition to ICC Belfast is a hugely exciting new chapter for the venue.

SEPTEMBER 2018

“Adopting a new identity that reflects our status as an international convention centre will enable us to become more competitive on a global stage.”

The extension to the original Belfast Waterfront offers up a 2,000-seat auditorium, two multi-purpose halls across 2,500 sq m, a 380-seat studio, 17 meeting rooms

accommodating up to 200 delegates, a gallery and bar area, exterior terraces and more.

It’s played host to a number of large formal black tie events since its opening, along with major international conferences, including the Royal College of Nursing Congress’ 5,000-strong event, which was held in May.

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NEWS

Quotes of the month “Looking back 30 years, it was a very different list. In fact, Moy Park’s turnover back then wouldn’t even merit it a place on this year’s list. Thirty years on, and after two decades of relative peace and stability, the Top 100 has a very different look, epitomised by the growth of the food processing sector, the raft of world-class pharma firms, a burgeoning tech sector, as well as strong manufacturing and construction industries.”

John Mulgrew, editor of Ulster Business speaking at the launch of Top 100 Companies list.

“The UK economy performed better in the second quarter of the year than it did in the first quarter, but we shouldn’t get too excited about this pickup in growth.”

Danske Bank chief economist Conor Lambe speaking after official figures released showed the UK economy expanded by 0.4% during the second quarter of the year.

Tayto boss buys over McErlain’s Bakery

By John Mulgrew

T

he boss of Tayto in Northern Ireland has bought over a Co Londonderry family bakery business – saving around 260 jobs.

Mr Allen bought McErlain’s Bakery in a private capacity, after it began suffering trading difficulties in the past year.

As a result, EY was appointed as administrators to the company, and identified a fresh buyer for the long-running family firm, based in Magherafelt.

The bakery, produces the Genesis Crafty range as well as private label cakes and breads for stores such as Marks and Spencer, Waitrose and Tesco.

Managing director, Brian McErlain, said while this is “obviously a time of mixed emotions; sadness that it is now a different family who own the business but hope for the future and the growth of the Genesis Crafty brand”.

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“Paul Allen’s ability is very well respected in the business community, not just in Northern Ireland but further afield and I believe that his involvement will be a real benefit to the company.”

Mr Allen said that this is a “private investment by me and my family”.

“The McErlain family have built a great business, with excellent products which have national markets. I’m hoping that in my nonexecutive role with the company, I will be able to use my experience in the industry to help guide the growth of both the Genesis Crafty brand and the overall business.”

ABL expands with fresh investment

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orthern Ireland insurance broker Abbey Bond Lovis (ABL) has taken on a majority share in Digney Grant for an undisclosed fee.

It’s the second major deal the for the firm, which is GRP’s retail broking hub in Northern Ireland.

“Everyone must remember it was a bust business and we need landlords, councils and brands to pull together to save House of Fraser on the high street.”

Michael Murray, Sports Direct’s head of elevation, speaking after it was announced London’s Oxford Street branch of House of Fraser, which was bought out of administration by the firm, was staying open.

Paul Allen

Digney Grant, which has offices in Newry and Banbridge, deals in commercial and personal lines business.

The deal is the third transaction for GRP in the last few weeks - bringing the total number of acquisitions to 33.

“We are delighted with this deal and look forward to welcoming Digney Grant’s three directors, Anthony Boden, Sean Grant and Paul Grant and their 21 strong team to the group,” Maurice Boyd, managing director of Abbey Bond Lovis said.

Anthony Boden, Digney Grant, Maurice Boyd, ABL Group with Paul Grant and Sean Grant of Digney Grant

“We are looking forward to working in partnership with them and helping Digney Grant’s significant growth plans.”

Paul Grant, director in Digney Grant, said all three directors and the staff would be staying with the business.

And Mike Bruce, chief executive of broking for GRP, welcomed the deal and said the acquisition “once again illustrated the effectiveness of GRP’s hub strategy in encouraging ABL to pursue acquisitions in its local markets where it has a wealth of experience and connectivity”.

NEWS

Translink’s Glider bus goes live in Belfast

T

ranslink’s long-awaited Glider bus scheme is due to go live this month – linking east and west Belfast.

It will see the purple buses regularly crossing the city from east to west, with services running every seven to eight minutes. The scheme also saw around 100 new staff being recruited.

Robin Totten, Translink’s Glider senior programme manager said: “Testing of the system has been rigorous, and we have been very pleased with how the programme has gone over recent months with vehicle testing and driver training clocking-up many thousands of kilometres of problem-free running.

“This is a hugely significant project for Belfast - it is set to further enhance the image of the

city and inspire even more people to choose public transport.

“We are pleased with the positive feedback and support we are getting from many stakeholders, community representatives and customers and look forward to launching the

new Glider service.”

Meanwhile, in its latest accounts, the transport operator confirmed it managed to recover from a £10.9m pre-tax loss in 2017 to a £2m pre-tax profit in the year to March 25, 2018.

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NEWS

House prices suffer fall… but some regions see price uplift

By John Mulgrew

H

ouse prices in Northern Ireland have witnessed their sharpest decline in five years, according to the latest official figures.

The latest NI House Price Index, from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency, shows a 1% fall in the average sale price of homes, between April and June this year.

However, prices have increased by 4.4% since the first quarter of 2017.

The worst performing region was Newry, Mourne and Down. The area saw average sale prices falling by 4.8%, with an average of £135,767.

However, some areas saw an improvement, with Causeway Coast and Glens increasing prices by 2.1%.

areas remains Lisburn and Castlereagh, with average prices at just under £159,000.

Richard Ramsey, chief economist with Ulster Bank in Northern Ireland, said the figures, which are provisional, were hampered by a quarterly decline amongst detached properties of close to 4%.

“However, the latest quarterly figures are always provisional and can be prone to significant revisions,” he said.

The average decline in house prices in Newry, Mourne and Down

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“These suggest that Northern Ireland’s residential property market remains relatively buoyant. The standardised price of an apartment or house in Northern Ireland rose by 4.4%, yearon-year, in quarter two 2018, slightly above the corresponding rise for the UK.

2.1%

-4.8%

The cheapest place to buy a house in Northern Ireland is in Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, with standardised prices at just under £118,000, while the most expensive

trend and year-on-year comparisons.

The increase in house prices in the Causeway Coast and Glens area

“Indeed, the quarter one 2018 figure initially revealed a 0.3% quarter-on-quarter rise in the standardised residential property price.

“This has subsequently been revised up to a quarterly gain of 3.1%. In light of the above, it is more insightful to look at the underlying

“Significantly, house price inflation continues to outpace annual earnings growth and consumer price inflation. This fact coupled with strong private sector rental inflation makes it more difficult for those not on the property ladder to gain their first foothold of home ownership. House prices for first-time buyers are becoming less, not more, affordable.

“House price rises will be clearly welcomed by existing homeowners, particularly those who found themselves in negative equity.

Northern Ireland’s residential property prices have rebounded by 36% since their low fiveand-a-half years ago.”

NEWS

SDC adds 50 jobs with £7m expansion

C

o Antrim manufacturer SDC Trailers has created 50 jobs as part of a £7m expansion that has boosted production.

The Chinese-owned company said the move had improved production capability and output and had made its Toomebridge operation one of the biggest manufacturing locations in the province.

It added that the recruitment of new painters, welders, engineers and material handlers will bring the workforce at SDC to over 900 people — putting it in the top 50 of Northern Ireland’s largest private sector employers.

SDC Trailers chief executive Enda Cushnahan said: “The opening of the new facility at Plant 1 in Toomebridge is an example of SDC’s proactive strategy to meet the growing demand for innovative trailers as required by customers in markets at home and abroad.

‘The expansion will revolutionise our manufacturing process and gives us the ability to increase output of trailers by 50% on a weekly basis.”

He said the move had enabled it to grow in international markets where it previously had only a limited presence.

Enda Cushnahan

“The demand in those markets is for tailored transport solutions which have been the cornerstone of the SDC success story,” he said.

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NEWS

Brexit vote continuing to hit business confidence

By John Mulgrew

potential implications of Brexit for them – and seek help wherever it’s available – whether through local advisers or through various Brexit preparation programmes delivered by the likes of InterTradeIreland to create a plan.”

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round half of Northern Ireland businesses say they have postponed or cancelled investment plans due to the vote for Brexit.

Meanwhile, a separate survey has shown that businesses in Northern Ireland would narrowly prefer to see a return to direct rule in order to improve the economic landscape, over the restoration of devolution.

According to the latest AIB Brexit Sentiment Index for the second quarter of 2018, 61% of SMEs in Northern Ireland believe Brexit will have a negative impact on future business.

That’s compared with a figure of just 50% when the index first launched a year ago.

The survey, conducted AIB’s Brexit Sentiment Index conducted by Ipsos MRBI, is a quarterly survey of more than 700 SMEs in NI and the Republic, that assesses the attitudes of SME business leaders on Brexit and its impact on their businesses.

It shows that the majority of businesses in Northern Ireland, around 85%, envisage a border closer to what we currently have.

The NI Chamber and BDO revealed little consensus on the way forward.

Brian Gillan

first wave of the AIB Brexit Sentiment Index has done little to change the views of NI businesses with the latest sentiment reading of -37 compared to -38 in September 2017.

Brian Gillan, head of business and corporate banking, First Trust Bank, part of the AIB Group, said:

“There is little doubt that the lack of certainty as to what is going to happen down the line, good or bad, is impacting decisions here – with now one in two investment or expansion plans being postponed or cancelled as a direct result of Brexit.

“While we have seen incremental increases, the passage of time since we undertook the

“We would strongly urge companies of all sizes to start the process of understanding the

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Just over one in four (27%) said direct rule was the answer, while 25% said they would prefer to see devolution restored.

Overall, companies fared slightly better in the second quarter of 2018 after a poor start to the year.

The latest quarterly economic survey showed that as the date for Brexit in March next year draws closer, more firms are expressing concerns over its potential impact.

Some 26% reported that Brexit had negatively impacted their ability to recruit non-UK nationals, compared to just 4% in the latter stages of 2016. ■

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COVER STORY

Ringing in a new era Ian Megahey of Barclay Digital Services tells Ulster Business about the telecoms firm’s rapid expansion, disrupting the market, and landing top end customers

I

an Megahey doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to stating the company’s goals of disrupting and taking the telecoms market by storm.

now, but also in the future. This was an important strategy for us as a business. In order to be disruptive I believe you need to be market leading and future proof,” Ian says.

Director for Barclay Digital Services is helping to lead the Belfast-based company through expansion and improving product lines while picking up major blue-chip clients along the way.

“At present there are three main product offerings from Barclay Digital Services – mobile, Barclay VoIP and WorkPal, and we are very proud of each of these products.

Customer experience is at the heart of their business and its latest product, a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) solution, provides evidence of this.

VoIP is in essence, the future of workplace telephony, with calls going through a high speed broadband connection rather than traditional copper lines. By 2025 the market has been advised that traditional analogue lines will be a thing of the past, especially as so many organisations have already started to embrace this new technology.

Barclay Digital Services’ other core products include its unique mobile offering and WorkPal – the firm’s mobile workflow management system which has been designed and developed in-house.

“I have been working hard to expand our products, while simultaneously ensuring they are not only a fundamental need for clients

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“When we decided on each product we took our time to ensure that an aggressive price was matched with an impeccable product and dedicated support.

“In a very short period of time we have surpassed our own growth target while picking up several of Northern Ireland’s top 100 companies along the way. A welcomed bonus for the business.

“The key reasons for this, we believe, are our ability to provide much more spending control for our customers, new pricing matrices along with predicting and preventing potential overspend by utilising new technology,” Ian says.

“What I love most is our ability to offer customers single billing across various products, however, what has really impressed clients is the level of control we can now put into their hands by allowing them to set usage alerts or limits, change networks mid >

COVER STORY

SEPTEMBER 2018

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COVER STORY

contract, ensure calls across both landline and mobile aren’t missed via twinning technology, whilst speeding up their remote workers daily routine via innovative software.”

“Having your own portal that allows you to do this has been well received. Giving customers training by a hugely experienced team supporting all aspects or needs continues to be the heartbeat of what we offer.”

The company boasts customers from right across the world of business, from very small or start-ups to some of the largest firms in Northern Ireland.

With Barclay Digital Services’ new VoIP solution, the company remain ahead of the curve. Ian stated that the company sees further potential with 5G technology being rolled out in 2020, vastly improving speed across several products.

“58% of UK workers seek remote working opportunities at present, therefore it’s clear that 5G will be a huge aspect of the remote comms toolkit, so watch this space,” says Ian. “We see more and more businesses focused on digital transformation, actively looking at new ways to unify their communication platforms, seeking benefits that include scalability, high quality such as HD audio calling, unified messaging across devices whilst

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having the power to make changes remotely and easily without being tied to a single location” “Unified has been talked about a lot, but I genuinely feel 2018 has been a year where customers have taken notice of what it can do for them – where voice, instant messaging, email, text and social are all brought together to make business communication highly collaborative and totally connected via a single workflow.”

This new solution works across a range of platforms that include Windows, Mac and mobile having simple integration with major CRM products (such as Microsoft dynamics, salesforce or tapi driver) and Outlook.

“Changing the way people do things to make them faster and more efficient all through a single bill isn’t us re-inventing the wheel but our products and how we support them is what makes us unique. Our VoIP product is a much more sustainable solution than many other providers currently on the market.”

“Our diversification not only comes from our product range but also from the customer experience we offer. The team has acquired vast experience across all our products. It is key for us to ensure we are specialists in all our customer needs. A huge plus for us is to have a team of engineers based at our offices,

giving the customer a hand held experience from start to finish, through site survey, system build meet, full system testing environment, install and training onsite when going live.”

“We want to not only offer the best price or the best products and stop there. We have to offer the best service and provide more control to our customers to truly stand out for many years to come.”

Ian says the strength resides through the team with its innovative and forward thinking mentality. “We developed WorkPal from scratch by listening to our customers – we built exactly what they needed.

We understood the mobile market had become stale and decided we wanted to offer something truly different. Along with understanding the huge potential in VoIP and having a stable and resilient system, being critical and at the front of what we do feels like the winning formula.”

But the company isn’t standing still and it’s looking to the future with product expansion and build.

“As long as we can remain innovative, encompass a strong pricing structure across a range of products and provide our customers with an unrivalled service experience, then we will continue to be disruptive in positive ways. ■

SEPTEMBER 2018

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IN FOCUS

Liverpool developer Lawrence Kenwright is about to open his first two Belfast hotels. But he tells John Mulgrew it’s been a tough planning journey along the way, including a less than warm reception

‘I’ve gone into these hotel developments with my eyes open’ 18

IN FOCUS

shore up walls and ceilings, so that’s good.

“Originally it had planning to knock down the back wall, and extend, but I didn’t like that, because you are messing around the original (building).”

Originally, the hotel was due to be a 150-bedroom scheme, but that’s now been revised down.

Lawrence’s company Signature Living is now going with a mansard roof, and building an extra floor. Plans show the hotel could be a smaller development with 71 bedrooms amid newly filed plans.

He said previous plans submitted, following two public consultations were knocked back.

“We had two public consultations, and there were no problems. Then they (planners) said no,” he said.

Now, we have just put one floor in the roof, and then we have gone to the Crumlin Road jail on the other side, and we are hopefully going to put accommodation in the wings.

Lawrence Kenwright

“W

ho does this guy think he is?”

It’s been 18 months since Liverpool developer Lawrence Kenwright first officially dipped his toe in the waters of the Belfast hotel scene, and he says that’s been the tone of some of those he’s met along the way here.

Now, less than two years after his first announcement, he’s due to open two new hotels in December. That includes the George Best Hotel at the former Scottish Mutual Building, and the Waring Hotel at the former War Memorial building in the city centre.

SEPTEMBER 2018

But it’s been far from plain sailing for the 52-year-old, especially when it comes to his most ambitious development to date – the Crumlin Road courthouse.

“We have had a very long, fractious process of getting plans through. Not to blame anyone, but the system in Northern Ireland is a lot longer than anywhere else, and I found that quite tough,” he told Ulster Business.

“It’s literally falling down. Around 20% of court room one’s ceiling has fallen down in the last year.

“We’ve been given the OK to go out and

“It’s not confirmed yet, but we are looking at whether we can open up the tunnel and access the wings.

“It’s no more tricky, but planning has been more tricky. I walked into that building with my eyes open, and I knew it was always going to be tough.”

His first flagship hotel in Northern Ireland will be the 63-bedroom George Best Hotel.

“We are still on track to open the first week in December. The only thing holding it up is when we took away the foundations for where the lift was going to go, there was quite a lot of asbestos – we have now removed that.

“All the rooms are built, the first fix is in and second is going in.” >

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IN FOCUS

Lawrence Kenwright outside what will become the Waring Hotel

The events space, which will sit atop the hotel will be called ‘Seven in the Sky’ and have enough space for 260 covers, along with a root-top balcony overlooking City Hall and Donegall Square.

Lawrence is also pushing ahead with plans for a George Best statue – peering down on the city.

Also due to open its doors in December is the Waring Hotel. It’s changed hands a couple of times in the last few years, and now, it’s set to become a “food and beverage-led” development, in a similar vein to Lawrence’s other hotels, such as 30 James Street in Liverpool.

“The Waring will be food and beverage led.

It’s a hotel that is more akin to Signature Living. The George Best is more akin to the Shankly (Lawrence’s other Liverpool hotel named after the late Liverpool manager).”

The first phase will just include the original building, and Lawrence says there will be no more than two to three beds in each room.

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But it’s aiming to increase in size, and extend towards the rear of the building – growing room numbers to 55.

So, how does he rate Belfast as a place to do business, so far?

“Belfast is a great city. I thought planning would be a bit simpler… but I have to conform with what you do. It’s a lot slower than Liverpool.

“If it was the same product, then I would be worried. But it’s a different product.”

He said he believes some in Northern Ireland took a view of “who does this guy think he is?” when he first announced his plans to open hotels across Belfast city centre back in early 2017.

“I’ve been in Liverpool 10 years and I’m still getting it there,” he said.

“I’ve my eyes wide open, and understand the process. They are also realising that they need to be quicker. It’s not just me – it’s just the way it is.”

Lawrence also wants the chance to transform the derelict Floral Hall dance hall building on Cave Hill in Belfast into a new hotel and venue.

But how does Lawrence feel about going up against a well-established hotel scene in Northern Ireland – dominated by familyowned businesses. His George Best Hotel will sit directly across from the newly-opened Grand Central from Hastings Hotels – the largest of its kind in Northern Ireland.

He’s also pressing on with three other hotels in England, including a Dixie Dean hotel – named after the Everton footballer.

“They are a different product... we will carry on with what we do.

“That has to open for April 2019, as does Preston in 2019.” ■

“(We are having a) tough time with that, and there are still tenants in there. They have to come out by the end of the month.

PROFILE

New Newry whiskey distillery to boost international tourism

By Andrew Cowan, chief executive, Matt D’Arcy & Company Ltd

T

ourist numbers and spend are on the up in Northern Ireland. The influx of cruise ships and all-round better connectivity is bringing more people here from all over the world, and many are seeking authentic experiences on the island of Ireland.

Over the years, the investment in a range of tourism products have largely been responsible for growth in the sector. This coupled with the recent expansion in hotel beds has created a welcoming environment.

We can’t stand still and need to make sure that new quality tourism products are developed attracting tourists to stay longer and spend more.

Irish whiskey tourism One way in which this is happening is through the expanding whiskey tourism sector in Ireland. We only have to look at the example of Scotland to see what a huge boost their industry has contributed.

Fresh figures show that 814,000 people visited whiskey attractions in 2017, some 81,000 more than the year before. There are plans to double this by 2025. In comparison, Scotland had 1.7 million whisky tourists last year, home to 149 distilleries.

We know we have a growing market which means that whiskey tourists are intentionally seeking out Ireland as a destination they can spend more time indulging in their passion and enjoying other experiences that we have to offer.

Northern Ireland, and in particular, Co Down,

SEPTEMBER 2018

Michael McKeown, owner and investor of Matthew D’Arcy & Company with chief executive Andrew Cowan

is seeing a jump in the number of distilleries that are appearing, which is vital for the development of the overall product.

Investment and jobs At Matt D’Arcy and Company Ltd we will be playing our part in the development of this quality tourist product with new £7.3m investment in Newry. Our ambition is to create a new distillery, Victorian bar, restaurant and visitor’s centre returning the former site to its full glory. That will see around 50 hospitality jobs being created, alongside a distiller to oversee the future maturation process of the whiskey that will be distilled at the Monaghan street site.

The distillery is expected to take around 18 months and, when completed, will bring forward an international tourist attraction.

The Newry city site will be returned to its former use as a fully functioning whiskey distillery producing single malt for the superpremium market on the international stage, and is expected to be around 14,000 sq ft

over several floors with the investment spread over three years.

Super-premium whiskey The Irish whiskey market set itself a target of 12 million cases by 2020. We are only half way through 2018 and it is already in a strong position to exceed that.

Prior to any public announcement we have been maturing our own whiskey off site and will release a super-premium matured merchant Irish whiskey in early 2019.

Our aim is to produce around 420 barrels each year of single malt and to retain stocks for at least 10 years aimed at the superpremium market.

We want to play a leading part in developing the Irish whiskey tourism market to this part of the island of Ireland. The international market is growing year on year, so the more product that comes on-stream, the stronger the draw and dwell time will be in Newry city for tourists from all over the world. ■

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RECRUITMENT

Taking pride in recruitment

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nyone that attended the 2018 Belfast Pride Festival would have been bowled over by the number of participants in the parade, the huge crowds of well-wishers who assembled, and the sizeable number and range of employers supporting the event.

It was great to see so many people unite and support the importance of diversity and inclusion, themes that are central to successful recruitment strategies. Perhaps, those of us who are in business can learn a lesson from the organisations, that quite literally, lead the way on the day in the parade.

Prominent firms such as Danske Bank, Allen & Overy, EY and FinTrU were out in force at Pride.

Leaders within these organisations truly value being seen as ethical, fair and engaged employers. They know that all their staff expect to be able to bring their ‘true’ selves to work. And of course, when people are happy in work they are productive, so it makes total sense.

When it comes to the attraction of new talent to an organisation, we should think hard about how we position ourselves as inclusive, especially if the intention is to appoint millennials. A recent statistic, published by YouGov and referenced by Fergal McFerran of Stonewall, at the Powered

By Talent conference stated that “49% of 18 to 24 year olds now identify as something other than 100% heterosexual”.

Employers should derive two items from this statistic straight away. Firstly, it is highly likely your organisation has LGBT staff employed within. Secondly, employers seeking to recruit, must be seen to welcome potential candidates from all avenues, failure to do so could mean a significant reduction in applications.

Here are some steps to ensure that your

22

Justin Rush

organisation, is doing everything it can, to attract recruits from the LGBT community: Dedicate web and social media pages, that hold specific LGBT inclusive content. This simple measure says lots about company culture and openness.

LGBT equality, include a statement of commitment when advertising jobs on-line.

Ensure confidentiality and fairness.

Train recruitment teams, focus on removing any unintentional bias, do your teams know why it is so important to be inclusive?

Use proudemployers.org.uk, to advertise your jobs to the UK and Ireland LGBT audience.

Join the parade, get involved in LGBT community events, nothing will say you are

an inclusive employer more.

If your organisation is welcoming of diversity, strives for inclusion and is visible in doing so, congratulations. Unfortunately, here in Northern Ireland many organisations are still not thinking widely enough in definition. Those organisations need to establish if their agreed policies are indeed active practice.

If you feel your organisation would benefit from being more visible and more inclusive, visit www.stonewall.org.uk/diversitychampions-programme ■ Justin Rush is director at Belfast-based Abacus Group. He specialises in advising businesses on research, advice and strategy on talent. He can be contacted at justin@ abacus.jobs

TITLE

IT & technology

Sponsored by

SEPTEMBER 2018

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IT & TECHNOLOGY

Powering through to the next industrial revolution With Northern Ireland on the brink of fourth industrial revolution in IT, John Simpson looks at what’s needed to get it off the ground and ensure we have the right people to do it

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orthern Ireland faces a series of critical challenges not only to catch up with key IT advances and technology changes, incorporating the digital economy, but also to build a new position of comparative advantage for businesses. The knowledge and digital economy should now be accelerating with wide ranging implications affecting much of the commercial sector as well as strengthening living standards for the next generations and beyond.

The application of IT techniques is not new.

However, globally, the rate of application and development of IT techniques is offering significant and early changes on a scale that

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can be seen as the equivalent of the fourth industrial revolution.

Helped by ever improving techniques and technology, year by year the make-up of the range of potential IT related businesses is changing. So also, and as a consequence, the essential skills of the labour force need to be developed in newly defined ways. The new highly skilled employees will help to introduce modern products, services and techniques.

Many older or displaced businesses will either fade away or modernise quite sharply.

The rate of change and the necessary scale of the preparation for change is large. Innovation and product (or service)

developments will stimulate investment. Some of these investments will change the shape of the economy. All of the changes will bring important changes to the jobs market, the role of the education and training specialists and, if successfully encouraged, have the potential to generate higher value added roles and higher real earnings levels.

As the post-Brexit economy emerges, particularly if it emerges in a disrupted trading environment, the best business anticipation is both challenging and opportunistic. Business analysts are already coping with forecasts of a quickening of automation, along with efforts to shake off the damage of an overlong period when productivity growth has

IT & TECHNOLOGY

been missing, and concern that, unusually, real earnings for employees have tended to decrease.

The increased momentum in the application of IT and related new technology will bring a wide ranging series of developments.

First, there is an understandable fear that improved technologies could mean a reduction in the number of job opportunities.

That fear, if there is a logical response by innovators and policy makers directed at ‘keeping ahead of the game’, should be dispelled. The regions that remain passive as IT changes take place will lose

SEPTEMBER 2018

their competitive strength with unhappy consequences.

fail to respond coherently, the potential gains may be lost.

Those that keep ahead, especially if there is already an educational and training base which can be transformed, have a chance to build an enhanced comparative advantage.

In the last decade Northern Ireland has experienced the early stages of an injection of businesses relying heavily on IT services. There has been a demand for numerate competent employees in a series of businesses variously described as providing ‘back office’ services.

The critical requirement for public policy makers, educationalists and training organisations, business development agencies, businesses investing in critical infrastructure services, and decision makers in Government, authorities and public utilities is an acceptance that we will be living through a wide-ranging series of changes which will interact on one another. If collectively we all

In many cases these are extensions of business services to companies based elsewhere: they are genuinely services of a back office nature.

Some of these businesses are potentially suitable to attract investment for a broader and more highly skilled range of professional services. Northern Ireland must beware of >

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IT & TECHNOLOGY

Catalyst Inc in Belfast

the danger that, if more professional staffing at senior levels is not available and there are insufficient higher quality IT technical experts, the IT revolution will not mature: the local success might only be to supply modestly qualified skilled people for ‘bread and butter’ routine type occupations.

Taking the IT and new technology agenda to

a higher level is a critical process. While it is critical, importantly, it can be achieved with the availability of only a smallish number of key industry high fliers. A handful of enterprising leaders can leverage large changes.

Northern Ireland already has a small number of key people. Some have helped to build success for businesses such as First Derivatives and Kainos. Both of these companies now have an international footprint and they are both now quoted companies on the stock market. In a parallel application of new techniques, the success (and takeover) of Andor Technology, now part of Oxford Instruments, illustrate the benefits of access to Northern Ireland university know-how.

An international standard broadband network and service is becoming more critical for the changing economy. The ambition to enhance the existing broadband network is already on the infrastructure agenda. An allocation of funding at an early date is now a priority.

Andor Technology founder Dr Hugh Cormican

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The enhancement of broadband services may be expected to link with smaller business units in the ‘gig’ economy: the

self-employed boffins who can hope to be specialist subcontractors. Indeed, to facilitate the ‘gig’ economy in the context of an increasing range of services provided by very small enterprises, the role of adequate (at international standards) broadband services is a complementary support. It is central to the modern enhancement of communications.

How far is the IT and technology revolution going to extend? An important lead is being given by Catalyst Inc, the former Northern Ireland Science Park. The ‘knowledge economy’ project, led by Catalyst, has demonstrated the progress being made but also confirms the gap still to be made up if Northern Ireland makes good progress.

The scale of the sensible ambition is large.

There is no easy specification of ‘who will do, what, and when’. However, there are sufficient indicators to feel confident about the scale of the changes and to re-orientate business development agency policies, set priorities for education and training expansion as well as promote NI as a modernising region that can get ‘ahead of the curve’. To passively fall behind ‘the curve’ by neglect in official policy is more than a dereliction of duty. ■

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IT & TECHNOLOGY

Terry Moore

IT: A problem child or business enabler?

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s a business owner, managing director, or senior manager, what is your perception of IT within your organisation? Is it something you put to the back of your mind as long as everything seems to be working relatively okay, only to become a pain in the proverbial when issues arise and productivity takes a hit? Or perhaps you take the same approach so many of our clients do, and view your IT and telecoms infrastructures as vitally important to the smooth running, and therefore productivity and profitability, of your business?

We recently carried out service-user research and found that tech downtime is costing companies a minimum of £250 per IT user each year. Based on the average Northern Ireland SME this equates to an annual loss of up to £30,000 due to preventable failures in technology which create downtime and slow time for businesses.

It’s figures like these which spur us on to develop services which are innovative in their approach and don’t simply comply to the traditional break/fix model of IT support.

As a business it’s counter-productive to only

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invest in your IT when there’s a problem.

If your IT isn’t functioning at full capacity, then how can your company? IT failures are more than just an inconvenience, they are actually having a negative financial impact on businesses. Without the proper support and systems in place, some of our customers could run up costs in tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds due to the damaging impact of down time. Even a slow-down in systems at the wrong time can have major consequences on productivity and output.

We believe our business can help your business to grow and succeed. As such, we are now delivering a new-to-market fully managed contract (FMC). It’s a simple approach – we provide an agreed level of service for which a customer pays a flat fixed monthly fee. Outsource then manage their IT ensuring agreed service levels. To deliver this, we constantly invest in new and better technology, we pro-actively monitor, maintain

and repair customer devices 24/7 and 365 days a year - remotely where possible - before and without the customer even knowing on many occasions.

The outcome is an IT system which is performing, fully protected and productive and a business which doesn’t have to endure a sudden and unwelcome invoice for services not budgeted for.

Our clients can also now benefit from the knowledge that Outsource has secured the highest level of certification, Cyber Essentials Plus – an independently verified credential awarded by the Government’s National Cyber Security Centre for businesses that can clearly demonstrate they have systems in place which are secure against potential cyber attacks.

All of this means that, quite simply, with FMC your IT just works. Consistently. Meaning you can get on with doing what you do best, running your business. ■ Outsource was established in 2000 and now has offices in Antrim, Belfast, Cookstown, Dublin and Edinburgh. Its customers include leading names from the hospitality, engineering, legal, professional services, manufacturing, energy, financial services and food sectors.

OFFICES: Antrim | Belfast | Cookstown | Dublin | Edinburgh CONTACT: +44 (0) 28 9448 5112 EMAIL: info@osgroup.co.uk

INNOVATION

Innovation Nation 2018 shines light on vibrant Newry Mourne and Down economy As the inaugural Innovation Nation 2018 conference approaches, the people behind the innovation and technology event reveal why the district’s economy has blossomed in the last few years

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ewry, Mourne and Down District Council’s economy has been on something of an upward trajectory over the past few years.

Its location near the border with the Republic combined with its wealth of strong transport links and awe-inspiring vistas are just some of the factors which have helped businesses there flourish.

Established companies in the city, such as Norbrook Laboratories and First Derivatives, have grown their headcount and product offering substantially; emerging names such as STATSports have established themselves as global players and a host of start-ups have emerged to help create an energetic and vibrant ecosystem.

But the physical attributes are only part of a jigsaw made up of pieces which together have helped these and other companies in the district reach for the stars.

As important are the ambitious plans for economic development by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council - plans which go handin-hand with the ambitions of business. And perhaps of most importance is the people.

Entrepreneurial dynamos Their innovative, entrepreneurial spirit has been the bedrock of the local economy’s success and has made sure that even faced with global success, some of the district’s biggest companies have retained their headquarters there.

They’ve also played a big part in boosting the start-up community by sharing know-how,

30

experience and, in many cases, people.

It is for this reason Newry Mourne and Down District Council, in conjunction with supporting partners from the public and private sector, have organised the first-ever innovation and technology conference in Newry this September.

Innovation Nation 2018 will unveil how organisations can use the latest innovations and technology to drive their businesses and will shine a light on the burgeoning tech scene in Newry and the surrounding area.

The conference will take place on September 27 – 28, with the second day delivered in partnership with Catalyst Inc, which is lending its expertise to shape an exciting programme for up to 300 school children from 10 schools across the council area, the Day of Ambition.

Time to showcase the innovation and tech powerhouse that is Newry city “Innovation Nation will celebrate the powerhouse innovation and tech scene which has emerged in the Newry, Mourne and Down district over the last few years, showcasing the ground-breaking work which some of our local companies have been carrying out,” Liam Hannaway, chief executive, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council said.

“With innovation and technology now infiltrating every aspect of our work and personal life, Innovation Nation is a mustattend event for anyone interested in the fourth industrial revolution taking place all around.”

Mark Murnin, chair of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Council said the focus on encouraging innovation and technology for young people in the region is key.

“I have pledged to make sure the young people of this district are fully equipped to help drive the economy in the future so Day of Ambition is particularly important to us at the council.

“We want to get the next generation excited about the brilliant things which are happening in the technology sphere in the district and give them the best opportunities to experience the world of work.”

Aligning skills to the needs of industry is a priority, he said. “This generation is the workforce of tomorrow and we need to make sure we are producing the right talent to meet the future demand from the sector.”

Global giants jump on board First Derivatives and Norbrook Laboratories have demonstrated their support for the conference by becoming Innovation Nation 2018’s headline sponsor and gold-level sponsor respectively.

KPMG, STATSports and Invest NI are also supporting the inaugural event as silver-level sponsors and will also play an important role.

Adrian Toner, chief operating officer at First Derivatives, said the event will shine a light on the district’s brilliant technology ecosystem.

“We are pleased to become the headline sponsor of Innovation Nation in its first year

INNOVATION

EVENT SPEAKERS INCLUDE Pictured launching Innovation Nation 2018 is Paul McKernan, joint managing director, STATSports, Ashleen Feeney, director, KPMG in Northern Ireland, Liam Nagle, chief executive, Norbrook Laboratories, Councillor Mark Murnin, chair, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Adrian Toner, chief executive of First Derivatives, Liam Hannaway, chief executive, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, and Mark Bleakney, regional manager, Invest NI

and believe it will perfectly position Newry, Mourne and Down as a great place in which to locate and invest,” he said.

“It will highlight the impressive pipeline of talent in the district and showcase the world-leading technology companies already operating here. Furthermore, it will also heavily promote education to align with the skills required to help shape the future of innovation and to meet the requirements of key employers in the region.”

Liam Nagle, chief executive of Norbrook Laboratories, said the district has a long history of innovation.

“As one of the largest employers in this area, we are delighted to play our part in showcasing the attractiveness of the district alongside the talent and innovation which has always been in our DNA.

SEPTEMBER 2018

“Innovation Nation 2018 will host some of the world’s leading thinkers on all aspects of innovation and technology – from cyber security to artificial intelligence, robotics to augmented reality – and offer practical advice on how businesses can harness current and future trends to improve efficiency and grow their bottom line.”

 Mark Little, co-founder of NevaLabs, founder of Storyful and former Twitter Ireland managing director  Brian Conlon, founder of First Derivatives  Adrian Toner, chief operating officer at First Derivatives  Liam Nagle, chief executive at Norbrook Laboratories  Liam Hannaway, chief executive at Newry, Mourne and District Council  Helen Lennon, chief executive of Secure Broadcast  Greg Maguire, founder of Humain

There’s still time to get involved Innovation Nation 2018 is being held in Newry Town Hall and The Sean Hollywood Arts Centre on September 27 - 28, 2018.

To find out more about the programme, speakers and how to get involved visit: www. nmdinnovationnation.com

 Steve Pette, co-founder at Ormeau Baths

Tickets are still available at a cost of £55 each, £35 for sole traders and £15 for students.

 Matthew Scott, chief executive of Navada Group

A 20% discount is available for tickets purchased before midnight on Friday, August 31.

 Dr Cathy Craig, founder at INCISIV  Sean O’Connor, chief commercial officer at STATSports  Ashleen Feeney, director at KPMG  Suzanne Murdock, The Hub Newry

Follow Newry, Mourne and Down District Council for live updates: @nmdcouncil and #innovationnation18. ■

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TOP 100 LAUNCH

Ulster Business Top 100

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he cream of the region’s business crop turned out in force for the launch of the Ulster Business Top 100 Northern Ireland Companies 2018, sponsored by A&L Goodbody.

Around 200 of the best of Northern Ireland business and industry packed the Ivory restaurant at Victoria Square, Belfast, for the launch of the 30th double-edition of the leading business magazine’s definitive list of the biggest companies.

The event attracted some major companies, industry experts, economists, journalists and those from across the world of PR, sales and events.

Sarah-Ann Gamble, Sonia Armstrong, John Mulgrew and Sylvie Brando, Ulster Business, along with Peter Stafford (second from left), chairman of A&L Goodbody’s Belfast office

This year’s Top 100 list saw Moy Park take the top spot for the seventh year in a row.

Overall, companies making the list saw pretax profits increasing by almost 80% in the space of one year.

Addressing those who gathered at the launch, Peter Stafford, chairman of A&L Goodbody in Belfast, paid tribute to the success of all those who made the list, while Ulster Business editor John Mulgrew said the growth in sales and profit is even more impressive this year, as it’s all been done under the cloud of a lack of devolution.

Sarah Little, Peter Stafford and John Mulgrew

Elaine Birchall, Kellie-Ann Hoey and Sonya Cassidy

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Alastair Luke, Karen McGarvey, Grainne McGarvey and Simon Cunningham

TOP 100 LAUNCH

Keith Guta, Noel Brady and Eddie Ryce

The Top 100 crowd

Laura McElroy, Sylvie Brando, Stephen Mills and Jackie Logan

Jenny Robinson, Amanda Sistern, Conor Donnelly, Sarah Dugdale and John Dugdale

Rachel Annett and Leanne Armstrong

Michelle Donnelly, Matthew Jeffrey and Glenda McStravick

SEPTEMBER 2018

Sarah Little, Jackie Reid and Sonia Armstrong

Claire Galloway and Sharon Brown

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NEWS

First stage of £400m Sirocco site scheme given green light

By John Mulgrew

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he first stage of a £400m waterside regeneration scheme has been given the go ahead.

The Belfast Waterside project will see the former Sirocco site close to Short Strand transformed into a mixed-use development including office space, apartments and retail.

The first £50m phase, which will include office space, was approved by Belfast City Council’s planning committee.

Jim Osborne, chief operating officer for Vanguard Real Estate, which owns the site, said the “decision reflects months of hard work undertaken by the Belfast City Council planning department, and illustrates that the city is ready and open for doing business on a global scale. I’d like to thank the entire Belfast City Council team for ensuring this decision could be taken quickly by the planning committee, to enable development”.

Speaking to Ulster Business earlier this year about the plans, Chris Kane, chairman of Vanguard Real Estate, said: “Phase 1 is 250,000 sq ft office building and some housing - 700 sq m of hive building for

36

content creation. Overall, it’s a £400m project.

“It’s a biggie. It looks like Belfast has a shortage of grade A office space.

Michael Gordon, head of Turley in Northern Ireland, said: “This decision by Belfast City Council is a real boost for the city. The Vanguard team has an exciting vision for this part of Belfast which fully supports the city’s strategic ambitions and we’re delighted to be part of it. We’re looking forward to working with the planning department to secure further planning permissions to deliver a new place in Belfast with much needed city centre offices, homes, a hotel and quality public spaces.”

And AECOM director Trevor Leaker, said the decision “marks an important milestone for Belfast Waterside, which will be a huge catalyst for growth in the city”.

“We have been involved with this significant scheme since its inception and we look forward to supporting its progress,” he said.

Simon Brien said the “approval of the first landmark office building at Belfast Waterside is only the beginning of what will be a new quarter of Belfast”.

“The detailed design of the residential apartment living is well advanced and will offer Belfast exceptionally high quality, European design standard accommodation which will make Belfast Waterside one of the most dynamic areas in Northern Ireland to work, live and socialise.”

Stuart Draffin, head of agency at Lambert Smith Hampton in Belfast, said: “The Vanguard team have a proven global track record in delivering challenging large scale tailored property solutions on time and within budget for a wide range of occupiers.

“We are delighted to be working with the Vanguard team to secure occupiers for Belfast Waterside.”

Speaking about the ambition for the site to reconnect the city, Jacob Kurek, partner at Henning Larsen, said: “We are going to create the framework for people to feel part of a shared public life by the River Lagan making it attractive to stay in the city.

“The River Lagan will no longer create a barrier in Belfast but is going to connect it instead.” ■

PROFILE

Going strong after 45 years in business

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fter more than 45 years in business Park Electrical Services is still going strong and has expanded its reach over the last five decades.

Formed in 1973 at University Street in Belfast the firm, now based at Dargan Road, boasts a workforce of 108 staff.

Park Electrical Services specialises in industrial automation products. It’s customers are based across a range of industries, including water, utilities, engineering and food and beverage.

The firm serves a wide range of customers from their branches in Belfast, Dublin, Glasgow and Wrexham, with a new location recently opened in Aberdeen.

After setting up shop in 1973, Park Electrical Services then moved to Fitzroy Avenue in 1981, later that year to Millar Street off Ravenhill Avenue. In 1986 it moved to its purpose-built premises on Dargan Road.

Celebrating 45 years in business marks Park Electrical Services 45th year of working alongside Eldon, its first supplier.

Eldon was founded in Sweden in 1922, and today the sole focus is on industrial enclosures, which enables it to drive continuous development of its products and services.

scrutinised in order to optimize enclosures and accessories to create the best possible user experience, a desire that goes hand in hand with Park Electrical Services’ legendary devotion to customer care.”

Founder and managing director Jim McConachie said: “We received our first order from Eldon in September 1973, when we were based at our first premises on University Street in Belfast. I still remember our exact order.”

Its focus is “insight into customer requirements and the ability to turn insight into enclosures that offer easy assembly, optimum protection, and appealing design”.

As for the strength and longevity of Park Electrical Services, it says that’s down to “Identifying gaps in the market”, which have subsequently led to it growing its branch network to five locations.

“All aspects of form, fit, and function are

Speaking about the partnership over the

SEPTEMBER 2018

last 45 years, Mark Sanders, sales director of Eldon UK & Ireland, said: “From our side, Park Electrical Services is a genuine partner we have worked very closely with from 1973 to supply the Eldon range of enclosures to the control and automation sector and continue to do so today.

“I congratulate Park Electrical Services on their first 45 years in business and can guarantee that everyone at Eldon will do their best to continue to support everyone at Park Electrical Services way in to the future.” ■

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Why blockchain could transform HR in Northern Ireland

By John Moore, managing director, Hays Northern Ireland

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lockchain technology has already had a huge impact on the world of finance. But it might not be long before its influence is felt in HR in Northern Ireland as well.

It’s not a case of whether it will disrupt HR, but how quickly it will happen.

Perhaps the most obvious is how it will be used to verify individuals’ identities, qualifications, credentials and experiences, with potentially significant implications for the recruitment process.

We know that most people are honest with recruiters and employers, but some inevitably try to oversell their talents to secure a role.

Blockchain will likely replace the need for the time consuming process of referencing as once someone has completed a qualification they can simply log that certificate on to Blockchain

to have it verified and encrypted.

Blockchain also offers the potential for those in HR and recruitment to more accurately identify potential candidates. This is likely to become more important as organisations make more use of the gig economy.

A logical extension of this would then be to use blockchain and AI technology to underpin the contracts themselves, using so-called “smart contracts”. Freelancers could, in the future, be able to define their own contract terms upfront.

In Hays’ case, we would have to be 100% satisfied in the stability and security of any system before we implemented it as we’re dealing with people’s livelihoods and identities.

Many employers are doing the same.

There are pockets of HR professionals that understand what blockchain is and what

John Moore

its applications might be and we are having conversations with those clients.

The technology is likely to hit different sectors at different points. In highly regulated industries, such as medical, health or social care, it’s clear that having your training and certification verified will be of particular benefit.

For now, HR professionals need to ensure they have at least a basic understanding of what blockchain is, and the potential of its impact on their organisation. Those who can do this will be ahead of the curve.

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Conferences & event management Sponsored by

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Northern Ireland’s only purpose-built convention centre with over 7,000m2 of flexible event space

CONFERENCES & EVENT MANAGEMENT

The conference is calling Just a few years ago, Belfast wasn’t even on the shortlist as a place to host events, but Emma Deighan finds out the city is growing as a leading venue for top-end global conferences

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steadily growing economy no longer in its infancy, tourism is one of NI’s most promising money generators and its sub trade business tourism - has seen Northern Ireland’s conference landscape evolve unrecognisably as a result.

Rachael McGuickin, director of business development, Visit Belfast, said key investment in infrastructure here has strengthened the region’s position as a key player for hosting larger business events.

NISRA’s latest statistics show that there were 4.9 million trips made in Northern Ireland during 2017, with spending of £926m - up 9% on 2016.

“This year, national and international conference business secured by Visit Belfast and our partners is forecast to generate almost £48m and an estimated 112,000 bed nights for the city, an increase of over 30% on 2017,” Rachael told Ulster Business.

Amid those stats is a burgeoning scene that has summoned international attention and put corporate eyes on the NI conference map and it’s given way to facilities that benefit everyone from the foreign event holder to the native client.

The largest conference to be held here yet was the Royal College of Nursing Congress’ 5,000-strong event which was held in May at Belfast’s Waterfront. It’s also recently played host to the Powered by Talent recruitment event.

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The Waterfront is dubbed as the godfather of this scene as it opened NI up to larger events thanks to its new 7,000 sq m venue which was unveiled mid 2016.

It’s also now undergoing its own rebrand with the large extension for conferences now called ICC Belfast.

The extension presents a 2,000-seat auditorium, two multi-purpose halls across 2,500 sq m, a 380-seat studio, 17 meeting rooms accommodating up to 200 delegates, a gallery and bar area, exterior terraces and more.

“Continued investment in this venue, in particular, has ensured the city is internationally competitive,” Rachael said.

Located at the heart of one of Europe’s most accessible, vibrant and flourishing cities

CONFERENCES & EVENT MANAGEMENT

Powered by Talent at the Waterfront

The income from a business tourist is estimated to be triple that of the leisure traveller, says Tourism NI. Eimear Callaghan, Tourism NI’s business solutions manager, said business tourists are one of the most economically important visitors.

“Business tourism is crucially important for its propensity to bring midweek, shoulder-season business to Northern Ireland,” she said.

“Even more so given the increased capacity now available, in particular in Belfast. Business tourism visitors are lucrative, worth on average three times that of the average leisure visitor and this is why there is such competition to attract this type of business.”

SEPTEMBER 2018

Laura Cowan, head of business and leisure sales at Titanic Belfast is one of those competitors. She said her venue has benefitted massively from heightened corporate interest.

“Over the past six years, our out-of-state business has increased threefold and we have now hosted over 2,000 business and leisure events. These events, combined with a proactive sales strategy, have been a key driver for business tourism, and combined with constant innovation, improved air access, significant investment in infrastructure and increased bedroom capacity has really made a difference.”

Laura believes the city’s “authenticity and uniqueness” is a major pulling point.

“That makes us stand out against the competition,” she said. “Belfast has been transformed into an exciting and vibrant city with a warm and welcoming feel. From an organiser’s point-of-view the city is compact and easy to move delegates around.”

Tourism NI believes the high spec corporate offering, which is relatively new in recent years, coupled with the most popular attractions here - Causeway Coastal Route and Game of Thrones sites to name just two wrap up a business and pleasure package that is hard to resist for many outsiders.

“We offer award winning venues, top quality hotels, a compelling destination, along with a range of supports to bring conferences and incentive programmes here,” Eimear said. >

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Working alongside our partners to create a city-wide conference experience like no other

CONFERENCES & EVENT MANAGEMENT The Powered by Talent event took place at the Waterfront in Belfast

spread throughout a region and may not be an urban-centric product which can add to its appeal.”

The attention to detail paid by existing operators and newcomers is not just growing business tourism but it’s providing variety and spice for NI-based businesses and organisations and it’s not going unnoticed by the natives.

“In particular, Tourism Northern Ireland is actively pursuing the incentive market and in June past, we welcomed Hosts Global Forum to Northern Ireland, the first time ever, that this event took place on this side of the Atlantic. The forum attracted a very high calibre of Incentive planners and buyers, whose combined corporate travel budgets exceeded $2bn (£1.5bn).

This financial wake that follows a business event is good news for all sectors, according to Rachael.

“Conference tourism is an integral part of the city’s tourism mix, generating valuable weekday business not only for the conference venues and suppliers but for the wider hospitality sector.”

And that wider beneficiary has taken serious note of the new white-collared guest, and the hotel industry in particular, is responding with revamps, extensions and ramped up business facilities.

Meanwhile, newcomers to the hospitality scene, namely hoteliers, are ensuring their shiny new setups are fit for both work and play. Among some of the most notable names contributing to business space is Titanic Belfast and the Titanic Hotel, which opened late 2017 and combined Belfast’s shipbuilding heritage with seven business suites capable of catering for up to 300 delegates.

AC by Marriott at City Quays, which launched in spring, opened up three additional business spaces, each catering to 40 guests.

And the new Maldron in Belfast’s Brunswick

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Street has five linen-themed meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 80.

The five meeting facilities at Belfast’s latest addition, Grand Central hotel, are also upping the ante. These spaces mix business with pretty spectacular views, possibly the best the city has to offer yet.

Then there’s the room growth that hotel expansion brings and this year the anticipated 9,000 room barrier for 2018 was “smashed” earlier in the summer says the Northern Ireland Hotel Federation (NIHF). By the end of the year it expects the new rooms’ mark to increase to 10,000.

Janice Gault, chief executive, NIHF said: “There are now 142 hotels in Northern Ireland and over 1,000 rooms have come on stream since January 2018. Hotel properties in Northern Ireland have also seen considerable investment over the last number of years and this is being reflected in a better room rate in all areas.”

Janice says the meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) sector is hugely profitable for hoteliers adding: “Conferences and large meetings are of particular interest to the hotel market as they are a rich source for rooms sales. Delegates often use other services in the hotel and some may stage fringe events in the hotel premises. A number of the new openings in Belfast are ideally placed to serve this market and are actively targeting the business customer.”

“It is very competitive and an area that requires a lot of attention to detail, delivery of an authentic experiences and a high level of management. Incentive business can be

Melita Williams, managing director of Bespoke Northern Ireland, an agency that accommodates incoming businesses for events and tourism said: “My business has been operating for eight years in the MICE sector and I have seen massive changes.

“There was a time when the city lost out to others due to the conference and event being too big for our largest venues or we just didn’t have the bedrooms.

“Now since the extension of the Belfast Waterfront we can take these larger events and just as importantly we can easily provide accommodation for them too.

“The business tourism trade, including Visit Belfast and Tourism NI all market and promote Belfast as a truly ‘walkable city’. It is one of our very important USPs. Not only is it easy to get around for the delegate, but we now have a fantastic range of larger hotels for them to stay in, all within a few minutes’ walk to the biggest exhibition space on the island of Ireland.

And the future for the sector is extremely positive with huge potential.

She said: “We look forward to welcoming many more large conferences to Belfast during the remainder of this year including the World Congress of the International Measurement Confederation (IMEKO) in September, as well as the International Healthy Cities Conference in October, both with an anticipated 1,000 international delegates.”

Tourism NI is equally as hopeful: “Business Tourism continues to go from strength to strength, supporting overall tourism performance. Last year we welcomed almost five million visitors contributing £926m to the economy yet there is still potential for growth,” Eimear said. ■

Maldron Hotel Belfast City Maldron Hotel Belfast City offers a dedicated Meetings and Events host to meet and greet your delegates on the day. We also offer full business support of faxing, photocopying, printing if required.

We have 5 flexible meeting rooms which can accommodate up to 80 delegates, located in a dedicated conference floor with a breakout area to facilitate catering and networking.

MEETING ROOM CAPACITIES MEETING ROOM CAPACITIES

• Air conditioning • LCD projector & screen, or 74” plasma screen TV with HDMI & VGA connections • Flip charts • Pens & pads • Mints & bottled water • Natural daylight rooms • All meeting rooms are wheelchair accessible.

Room

Room

Size

Size

The BoydThe and Boyd and 2 Tweed Inter Tweed Inter91m 91m2 -Connecting Suite Suite -Connecting The Tweed

The Tweed

50m2

The Boyd

The Boyd

33m2

The Flax

42m2

36

42

42

45

24

24

24

22

22

24

24

16

20

45

30

16 32

32

32

12

12

18

18

16

20 16

18 25

25

18

24

16 12

16

16

16 16

12

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Each meeting room opens out onto our specially designed relaxed breakout area.

This is the perfect place to sit and chill out during your refreshment break.

There are a diverse range of food and beverage options available for meetings and events which are guaranteed to keep you fuelled for whatever your day has in store.

16 24

16 16

BREAKOUT SPACE WITH A DIFFERENCE

20 Brunswick Street, Belfast, BT2 7GE +44 28 9600 1680 info.belfastcity@maldronhotels.com maldronhotelsbelfastcity.com

U-Shape Banquet

U-Shape Banquet

36

32

42m2

Boardroom

Boardroom 32 32

33m2

The Cotton

Classroom 48 48

30

42m2

Classroom

80 80

42m2

The Cotton

The Flax

Theatre

41m2

41m2

The Linen

The Linen

50m2

Theatre

16

24 16

16

16

24

16

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Helping to make Northern Ireland a world-leading business tourism destination

A new dawn for Northern Ireland’s only purpose-built convention centre

B

elfast is still considered by some to be a hidden gem, reserved for travellers in the know, who are relentless in their pursuit of undiscovered adventures. However, the word is out about Belfast’s ambition, optimism and energy and it’s spreading fast. The public and private sector investment in infrastructure and air transport links have helped to make Belfast and Northern Ireland a world leader in the area of business tourism; a key driver of inward investment.

“The contribution of business tourism to the Northern Ireland economy is significant and the benefits are tangible,” says Catherine Toolan, managing director of Belfast Waterfront. “One such example of this is the World Health Organisation Healthy Cities Conference 2018. The four-day conference will be held in our venue from October 1 - 4 and is set to generate £1.93m in economic impact for the city.”

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In order to capitalise on the opportunities these large national and international conferences and conventions yield, Catherine explains the reasoning behind the decision to reposition the venue as ICC Belfast.

“Comprehensive research indicated that Belfast Waterfront has the potential to be one of the UK and Ireland’s best performing international convention centres.

“Following the £29.5m venue extension unveiled in 2016, which was funded by Belfast City Council, Tourism NI and the European Regional Development Fund, the spaces and facilities are world-class. The venue is also ideally located at the heart of one of Europe’s most accessible, vibrant and flourishing cities and the compact nature of Belfast makes for a city-wide conference experience like no other.

“However, the brand identity did not resonate strongly with event buyers, meaning the city was less likely to be shortlisted as a potential destination. Furthermore, grouping the live entertainment offering under a universal brand meant the capabilities of the venue as a conference and exhibition centre were more easily misconstrued by consumers.

To this end, the two distinct markets will adopt unique identities; ICC Belfast and Waterfront Hall.

Catherine said: “The reposition to ICC Belfast is a hugely exciting new chapter for the venue. Adopting a new identity that reflects our status as an international convention centre will enable us to become more competitive on a global stage.

“If we do this, everyone in Belfast and Northern Ireland can benefit socially, culturally and economically from welcoming new visitors to our city. Today, tomorrow and beyond.”

Our experienced and ambitious team has over two decades’ experience in delivering world-class events in Northern Ireland’s only purpose-built international convention centre.

“On the day it was brilliant. It was the best event outside of London that we’ve done. The way everyone bought into it wholeheartedly, it was off the scale to what we’ve done in any region before.”

Kellie While, Head of

SEPTEMBER 2018

Creative

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An inspiring venue for all occasions Five flexible function rooms featuring the latest in audio visual equipment In a business world you need a business hotel that inspires! Whether your event is large or small, business or pleasure, the dedicated conference and banqueting team at the 4* Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel will ensure it is an inspirational one.

Located only 1 km from Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh. Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel has gained a reputation for being one of Northern Ireland’s most professional, versatile and flexible four star hotels. Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel offers the choice of five conference suites accommodating up to

wines that will satisfy your guests. Residential delegates can enjoy complimentary use of the hotel’s exclusive Health Club, complete with swimming pool and outdoor hot tub, or can go that one step further and enjoy a luxurious pampering session in the

500 delegates in a variety of styles.

Elemis Spa.

All conferencing suites and meeting rooms have natural daylight, with many of them boasting panoramic views over scenic Lough Erne.

The Hotel also offers both residential and non-residential packages with the possibility of private dining from specially created menus and

For all Bookings and enquiries, call Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel on +44 (0)28 6632 3481 email events@killyhevlin.com or www.killyhevlin.com

Dunadry Hotel – offering event space just 20 minutes from Belfast City Centre.

Annual Awards Dinners, Conferences, Trade Shows, Christmas Parties Call for a quote or arrange a show around of the new facilities.

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T: (028) 9443 4343 E: events@dunadry.com W: www.dunadry.com

T i Ta n i c v e n u es B e l fast

I c o n I c | H I s to r I c | U n I q U e Whether you are hosting a client reception, planning a conference, gala dinner or large scale exhibition, with capacity for 50 to 5,000 guests, Titanic Venues Belfast offers the perfect solution for every event!

Contact the team today to discuss the possibilities for your event.

Email enquiries@titanicbelfast.com or call 028 9076 6386.

SEPTEMBER 2018

t i ta n i c V e n u e s B e l fa s t. c o m

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Helping to make Northern Ireland a world-leading business tourism destination

Big Data conference kicking off in city

T

he Big Data tech conference is set to return to Belfast with a high profile line-up of speakers offering their insights into new technologies, ideas, and tools from right across the sector.

The one-day conference takes place at Belfast Waterfront on Thursday, October 18, exploring trends and opportunities emerging in health care, smart cities, the internet of things (IoT), fintech, artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Speakers include the founder of WhiteHat

Dr Alastair McKinley, Analytics Engines, SmashFly site lead Gareth McCullough, Analytics Engines’ chief executive, Dr Aislinn Rice, and SmashFly chief executive Thom Kenney

Security Jerimiah Grossman, lead data scientist at Liverpool Football Club, William Spearman, and programme director from the Alan Turing Institute, Mark Briers.

Also speaking will be Thom Kenney, chief executive of recruitment marketing software solutions SmashFly, which recently announced a major investment in Belfast creating 70 jobs.

Co Down estate creates 30 new jobs Estate duty manager Bernie Hyland with David Wilson and Tourism NI boss John McGrillen

T

he opening of a rural estate in Co Down has is creating 30 new jobs along with a further 40 during its construction.

The 400 acre Montalto Estate will open its grounds to visitors for the first time. The estate, located minutes away from the centre of Ballynahinch, was purchased by the Wilson family in 1995.

The family, which runs a range of businesses in Northern Ireland, originally used the manor house as a venue to host business clients but in 2012 expanded into ‘The Carriage Rooms’, a luxury wedding venue.

As part of the ongoing business development strategy, the family decided that branching into tourism would support the sustainability of the estate. Recently, the grounds have been renovated to include a welcome area, a 120-seat cafe and a shop that will sell local produce and crafts.

The family hopes that by opening the estate to the public, visitors will reconnect with nature in the picturesque grounds.

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BUSINESS AND WELLBEING WHERE

MEET

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When booking your next business event, be it large or small, one venue can, without exception, successfully deliver it all.

10 spacious, air-conditioned Meeting Rooms for up to 402 delegates Central location, just off the M1 and 10 minutes from Belfast Customer Service Excellence Accredited Free Wi-Fi and on-site Technical Support Competitive Rates 300 Free On-site Parking Spaces

Find us at Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, BT27 4RL

SEPTEMBER 2018

Call us today on 028 9244 7444

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CONFERENCES & EVENT MANAGEMENT

A warm welcome to a unique location

C

rumlin Road Gaol is one of Belfast’s most beautiful and historical buildings, providing a unique and architecturally stunning space for any event.

The grade A listed building was built in the 19th century, and today its impressive design is complemented by advanced audio-visual technology coupled with outstanding hospitality facilities, providing the perfect solution for your event.

From intimate meetings to exclusive use of the entire building, Crumlin Road Gaol is the ideal setting for conferences, seminars, product launches, drinks receptions, gala dinners, private parties, exhibitions, concerts, movie screenings and more.

We recognise that wonderful food is an integral part of any successful conference or event. Therefore our head chef, Damian Blaney, has developed versatile menus consisting of the finest Northern Ireland produce that can be tailored to suit your needs.

on being as flexible as possible, ensuring that every clients need is tailored to provide the highest quality experience for your guests.

Crumlin Road Gaol can cater for a vast range of event requirements, from small meetings in the atmospheric Governor’s Boardroom, to seminars and workshops in the Forbes Boardroom or Tunnel Suite and large conferences in the Lanyon Suite, clients We pride ourselves on providing unique and can be assured of a memorable event for all CRG Conference Advert 2018 178x130mm.pdf 1 10/07/2018 17:16 bespoke events for each of our clients, and guests.

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We are committed to using locally sourced products and offer a wide range of healthy food choices. From tasty lunchtime treats to formal banquet dinners, food and drink at Crumlin Road Gaol is always enjoyable, satisfying and refreshing.

With all room bookings clients have complementary access to our customised AV equipment, free wi-fi and free, secure on-site car parking for guests. You will also be assigned a designated events manager to aid the smooth running of your event beforehand and on the day of your event. ■

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NEWS

NI sales to GB ‘four times that of those to Republic’

By John Mulgrew

N

orthern Ireland businesses sell around four times the value of exports to elsewhere in the UK than to their neighbour in the Republic, according to official figures.

total declared exports, fell by 3%, whereas exports to the US rose by 12%.

in Northern Ireland employ fewer than 50 staff.

The statistics confirmed that the rest of the UK remains our single biggest external market.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that Northern Irish businesses conducted most international trade with the Republic of Ireland, accounting for around 27% of exports and 23% of imports.

Sales to elsewhere in the UK were worth oneand-a-half times the value of all local exports, and nearly four times the value of exports to the Republic in 2016.

Domestic businesses in Northern Ireland were “less diversified in terms of products and markets compared with foreign-owned businesses”, according to the ONS.

But, separate data, which includes intracountry trade, highlights that the rest of the UK remains Northern Ireland’s biggest market.

Overall, more than half of all goods exported from Northern Ireland, outside the UK, go to either the Republic or United States.

The statistics revealed that between 2012 to 2016, businesses that only export to the Republic account for almost a third of all exporters here.

However, in that period, the share of exports from here to the Republic, as a proportion of

52

The future of the border is one of the most important issues facing Brexit negotiations.

The report said: “The sale of finished products to Great Britain relies upon cross-border trade in raw materials and components through integrated supply chains, meaning trade with both Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland are vital to Northern Ireland’s economy.”

Overall, food and live animals represented “around 33% of the total Northern Irish exports going to the Republic of Ireland, of which the top sub-category was milk and cream products”.

And around 70% of exporting businesses

“The biggest proportion of two-way trade in similar products was in food and live animals, suggesting integration of supplychains in this category,” it said.

Chemicals and related products represented just over half of all exports to the US. Trading patterns also varied by industry in Northern Ireland, with businesses in the mining and quarrying, manufacturing, wholesale and retail sectors the most likely to declare trade transactions.

The smallest proportions of businesses that declared trade transactions were in agriculture, forestry and fishing, as well as in the public sector, accommodation and food services. ■

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BREXIT

Seamus Leheny, Northern Ireland policy manager for the Freight Transport Association says a ‘no deal’ will hit the region harder than anywhere in the UK

I

t seems like the chances of a no deal outcome for the UK leaving the EU increased, following comments made this summer.

Businesses in Northern Ireland rely on the ability to transport their goods into the EU more so than similar businesses elsewhere in the UK and this can be illustrated by the types of operator licences utilised in both regions where we see 27% of NI licences is for ‘international’ work compared to a GB average of just 10%.

According to data published by Irish Revenue, commercial goods vehicle traffic across the Irish border were estimated at 4,677,772 vehicle movements for the year 2016.

This works out at a staggering 12,788 commercial vehicle movements daily across the border and I would add this would be a conservative figure as it does not take into account all 300 border crossings, only the main trunk roads.

It’s also worth highlighting that compared to 2014, commercial vehicle traffic across the Irish border has increased by 21.4%.

If customs checks were to be imposed on cross border traffic, even at a bare minimum 1% then we would see around 128 physical inspections of goods vehicles daily. The impact of such checks would be additional costs for transport operators, delays and missed schedules.

Customs checks on things like tariffs is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of checks and there is potentially an even bigger problem facing the local supply chain.

Council Directive 97/78/EC of December 18, 1997 states that food products of animal origin, including meat, entering the EU shall

54

A ‘no deal’ will damage our industry be subjected to veterinary checks. There are three elements to these checks.

physical inspection.

IDENTITY CHECKS: Check to ensure products in vehicle match those described in documents. This will mean physical inspection of vehicle to check seal numbers. Again all loads crossing the border would have to adhere to this.

It’s also worth highlighting that a high proportion of our agri-food exports to GB is shipped via the Dublin to Holyhead route in order to meet strict supply chain schedules so any delays or checks will impact on our ability to meet such schedules for GB customers.

The UK may also have to reciprocate such checks for goods entering Northern Ireland and Great Britain as potential future trade partners will want to limit the UK market from the supply of similar EU products that they wish to sell us instead.

PHYSICAL CHECK: Here the consignment is physically inspected which can include examining the packaging, checking temperatures, sending samples for analysis to a laboratory and vets may smell or taste a product. This would apply to 20% of all beef, lamb and pork consignments and 50% of all poultry.

Northern Ireland stands to be disproportionally affected compared to Great Britain due to the nature of all-island supply chains and this is why a ‘no deal’ outcome to Brexit must be avoided otherwise we will face increased transport costs, delays and red tape, something that Brexit was meant to reduce for UK industry.

Veterinary checks must take place at the physical point where goods enter the EU so without some special agreement and if the UK leaves without an agreement we will face every such load having to stop to lodge documents, ID checks and potentially a

Instead our politicians and Government should be seeking an outcome that gives Northern Ireland a competitive advantage over the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain rather than risk our region becoming collateral damage. ■

DOCUMENTARY CHECKS: Verifying the veterinary certificates and documents accompanying the consignment. All loads would need to adhere to this.

50 SEPTEMBER 2018

Technology Fast 50 2018 IRELAND

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PROFILE

Entrepreneur of the month JUDITH TOTTEN, OWNER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF UPSTREAM

How is business?

Business is generally very good. We’ve just launched a new supply chain / trade finance company. The combination of a fresh solution for business owners and the ability to finance their working capital needs end-to-end – from supplier to buyer – has created a real ripple in the market. Vitally though, we are seeing real profitable benefit across our client base. Clearly there are challenges in the economy, but business owners are trying to keep their heads down and ride any storm – and we are doing the same.

How did you get started in the industry?

Leaving school, I didn’t fancy university. I tried a few financial services related roles before joining Danske Bank and developing a career in business banking with a specific specialism in working capital and trading business. I enjoyed my time with the Bank – they trained me well and gave me a grounding which stays with me today. But at 40 I needed a change. So, I took the bold step to leave Danske in 2008 and set up Upstream in 2011.

Typically, who are your clients or customers?

Our clients come from a variety of sectors – manufacturing, wholesale distribution and the service sector– and generally they are SME level in size. However, with the new trade finance facility, we are seeing larger clients. Really, as long as the business is buying or selling a product or service on credit – thereby creating a working capital funding gap - we can step in and fund. In terms of geography we can fund clients

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across the UK and Ireland and we can fund global purchases and sales in most tradeable currencies.

Do you enjoy what you do, and what in particular?

Of course – otherwise I couldn’t be here every day. I love meeting new people and hearing their stories. I get to learn about all types of businesses and the very best part of all, is being able to say yes when they ask for our help. To play even a small part in the success of a business is a privilege.

What is the most difficult part of your job?

Sometimes we cannot help a business for a myriad of reasons. What we try to do is signpost the business to another potential solution and walk them through a different

process, so that they do not feel abandoned.

For me personally, there will always be the rare client who lets us down, and I still take that personally.

What are the challenges facing your sector, and the economy in general?

The uncertainty of Brexit and the lack of governance in NI is naturally to the fore right now. The Stormont crisis is damaging businesses today and the limbo that we find ourselves in is really not sustainable.

However, the finance sector remains in reasonably good shape. In Northern Ireland we have lots of choice with good advisers and funders, willing to sit down and package facilities for lots of business needs. It is incumbent upon us as business owners and leaders to drive Northern Ireland, and not let inertia take over. ■

TITLE

Energy, waste and environment Sponsored by

SEPTEMBER 2018

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ENERGY, WASTE AND ENVIRONMENT 2919_NI_BUSINESS_TRADE_STRIP_210X25.indd 1

15/08/2018 14:27

The new power generation

With a dedicated framework for energy provision in Northern Ireland coming to an end soon, John Mulgrew takes a look at the state of power generation in the region

I

t feels like the future of energy provision in Northern Ireland is at somewhat of stalling point as is its political counter-part at Stormont.

then employment minister, Arlene Foster, said that “without reliable and affordable energy, economies and communities will cease to function”.

Northern Ireland’s energy sector remains floundering without a fresh dedicated framework – something which was promised a couple of years back, but has since failed to materialise with the ongoing deadlock at Stormont.

“Within Northern Ireland we are dependent on imported fossil fuels for most of our energy needs.

The last published framework began in 2010, and carries on until 2020.

As part of the framework back in 2010, the

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“That is why, looking to 2020 and beyond, I believe we must seek to shift the balance with regard to Northern Ireland’s energy mix.”

Northern Ireland is closing in on a target of 40% consumption from renewable sources by 2020, but there’s still appears to be a need for

ENERGY, WASTE AND ENVIRONMENT 2919_NI_BUSINESS_TRADE_STRIP_210X25.indd 1

15/08/2018 14

Robin McCormick, general manager, SONI

some form of more traditional, yet modern, energy provision – transitioning to a lowercarbon economy.

competition and downward pressure on wholesale prices – which is good news for consumers.

Speaking to Ulster Business about Northern Ireland’s energy provision, Robin McCormick, general manager at SONI (System Operator for Northern Ireland), said:

“The delivery of the second North-South interconnector remains a key strategic priority for SONI, in particular to enable the efficient delivery of I-SEM.

“We are at a very important stage of transition for the electricity market on the island of Ireland. We will see the new Integrated Single Electricity Market (I-SEM) go live in October 2018.

“The project is also essential for long term security of supply. We work with The Utility Regulator to protect and to improve Northern Ireland’s electricity security.”

“The new market will ensure greater

SEPTEMBER 2018

And following the proposed closure of AES’s Kilroot station – which is still up-and-running

– and a cutback in output from Ballylumford, eyes have turned to getting the North-South interconnector shovel-ready, and giving a green light to the £280m gas-powered Belfast Power station on the Harbour estate.

However, following a High Court challenge to the go-ahead for the Arc21 incinerator, civil servants are not getting major, regionally significant schemes over the line, for fear of further legal challenges.

And that’s impacting both the interconnector, and the huge Belfast Power station.

Ciaran Devine, founded of Evermore Energy

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ENERGY, WASTE AND ENVIRONMENT 2919_NI_BUSINESS_TRADE_STRIP_210X25.indd 1

15/08/2018 14:27

Ciaran Devine

C

M

with his brother Stephen in 2000. It’s already invested £83m in the company’s Lisahally power station in Londonderry.

It’s also planning the £280m station in Belfast, which Ciaran has said could meet half of Northern Ireland’s energy needs, at its peak.

South interconnector “was approved by the Department for Infrastructure (DFI) in January 2018... that approval is currently subject to a judicial review, on the grounds that the decision was made by the Permanent Secretary and not a locally elected minister”.

“We’re very proud of the Lisahally Power Plant and the fact that it brought significant investment and job creation to the North West, where we grew up.

“We have pressed Government and political leaders to ensure that this situation is clarified urgently. The current DfI decision making uncertainty is affecting planning decisions elsewhere in relation to other major energy and infrastructure projects.

“But we don’t want to stop there. We’re passionate about playing a major role in the transition to a low-carbon economy here, and the Belfast Power Station is a central part of that.

“When we looked at Northern Ireland and our energy mix, we knew it had to change. Wind has played a huge role in making our supply more diverse, but it can’t do it all on its own.

“Solar is progressing and is coming down in cost, but it’s still some way off from playing a major role here.”

“So it’s clear that, in order to meet demand in the coming years, we need new longterm, sustainable solution – and that’s exactly what we’re providing with the Belfast Power Station.”

Robin McCormick says that while the North

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we’re expecting to create over 350 jobs during build-out and 50 full-time roles when the power station is operational.”

According to Robin, one of the growing strengths of the energy market here, despite a lack of clear strategy in the coming years, is the increased use of renewable generation.

“One of our great achievements in recent years has been our ability to connect sources of renewable generation and to utilise them on the system,” he said.

“We are hopeful that, in the absence of a restored Executive, measures will be put in place by the Secretary of State to resolve this issue soon.”

“For the 12 month period April 2017 to March 2018, 35.2% of total electricity consumption in Northern Ireland was generated from renewable sources located in Northern Ireland.

Speaking about the impact of the deadlock impacting their own scheme, Ciaran said:

“We are closing in on the 2020 target of 40% consumption from renewables. In 2018 alone, we achieved a record with renewables providing 65% of electricity demand; this is world leading. We want to take that higher to 75% and we are working with the renewables industry to make that happen.

“Obviously the lack of a Stormont Executive has been frustrating, and is now starting to impact significant projects in terms of planning, but we’re hopeful steps will be taken soon to allow these important decisions to be made.

We have some major announcements to make over the next few months that mean as soon as the plant receives planning permission, we can hit the ground running with construction.

“That’s when the real economic benefit will be felt, as along with the substantial investment,

“This is an exciting and challenging period of change for the electricity industry and SONI. We will continue to lead in the delivery of key electricity infrastructure projects and we look forward to delivery of I-SEM and through it, help to keep electricity prices as low as possible for NI business and consumers.” ■

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Electric Ireland helping business grow and become more efficient Clare McAllister

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he business energy market has changed considerably in Northern Ireland over the last twenty years, but one consistent presence has been Electric Ireland, part of the ESB Group, which has continued to invest, providing innovative and tailored solutions to meet its customers’ evolving needs.

Throughout the last two decades Electric Ireland has developed long standing relationships with customers across many of Northern Ireland’s industries, initially under its former brand name ESB Independent Energy, supporting them in becoming more efficient, grow their business and create employment.

The company’s investment in the residential market in 2015 has complemented the growth of its business supply and with a brand awareness of 65% as well as an experienced, knowledgeable and passionate team, Clare McAllister, head of sales and marketing, is confident Electric Ireland will continue to grow its business customer base: “With our innovation, expert market intelligence and the insights from our team we are committed to providing real valuable

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support to our customers and it is that approach that is integral to growing our customer base across Northern Ireland,” she said.

efficient, innovative production facility, not only in supporting over 1,000 family farms with a supply base but also providing wider social and economic benefits,” he said.

“As an energy provider it is crucial to have an in-depth understanding of our customers’ business, the industry they operate in and the opportunities and challenges within their sector. This in turn enables us to provide our customers with the most relevant, affordable and tailor-made energy solutions.”

As a region, Northern Ireland is hugely dependent on SMEs for both employment and economic output and Electric Ireland is working hard to make it easier for its SME customers to understand more about their energy supply.

Electric Ireland offers a range of flexible customer driven products which have helped it become the energy partner to some of Northern Ireland’s leading companies including LacPatrick, Moy Park, BT, Lakeland Dairies and Allstate. The valued relationships which Electric Ireland has with these businesses are built on the brand’s ability to provide solutions that solve diverse and changing needs in a fluid market.

Customers who have endorsed the brand’s expertise include Gabriel Darcy, chief executive of LacPatrick Artigarvan. “Electric Ireland share our goal to run a highly energy-

In 2018 the company has increased the number of SMEs it supplies by more than 10% and it plans to provide additional support to these customers by launching a new SME Premium Insight tool later this year. The new tool will show customers how their business consumes energy, will give them the ability to benchmark usage against their competitors and receive personalised tips to help reduce energy costs.

There are both opportunities and challenges ahead for business throughout Northern Ireland and Electric Ireland has pledged long term commitment to continuing to support its customers in an ever-changing environment. ■

Powering businesses in Northern Ireland across hospitality, retail, manufacturing and distribution For further information on our products and services please contact our Business Sales Support Team at ���� ��� ���� or visit electricireland.com/business

Smarter for Business SEPTEMBER <%M> <%Y> 2018

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NI Water: probably the most vital infrastructure.

Water is as essential to human activity as air. Every day we process, on average, over 900 million litres of drinking water and wastewater through a vast network of over 42,000 km of water and sewer pipes and over 2,700 sites including treatment works and pumping stations.

Much of what we do takes place underground or out of sight and as a result most people don’t think about water and wastewater but economic growth, environment protection, safeguarding people’s health; every aspect of life and business in Northern Ireland depends on NI Water’s vital infrastructure.

Water services

23 Water treatment works

24 Impounding reservoirs

370 Service

reservoirs

335 Pumping

stations

850,000 Households and businesses

26,800km of water mains 570m Litres per day

Waste water services 680k

Households and businesses

Pumping 1,300 stations

1,030 Wastewater

treatment works

60 Sludge management

centres

340m Litres per day

15,800km of sewers

INTERVIEW

Going green and growing a charitable business

By John Mulgrew

But despite its charitable status as a social enterprise, Eric says the business “isn’t just handed work”.

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ne area which businesses increasingly can’t ignore, or place in the pile of ‘things to do tomorrow’ is the issue of their ‘green’ footprint on the landscape here.

“There will be a lot of change over the next two or three years. The trend initially was to put in wheelie bins to most households, but a lot of councils have seen the sense of separating, rather than putting them all in the same area.

Bryson Recycling, which is part of the Bryson Group, is one of the firms from across Northern Ireland helping ensure councils, private firms and individuals get rid of their rubbish, the right way.

“That makes it much more suitable for manufacturing - that’s the value.

Eric Randall

Speaking to Ulster Business, boss Eric Randall says in the last few years the social enterprise has grown considerably – now boasting 250 staff and turnover of around £13.5m.

“We actually collect or receive recyclables from 60% from households across Northern Ireland,” Eric said.

“We also run household recycling centres in Donegal, on behalf of the council, with two in north Wales.

“In the last 10 years we have seen a big growth, where we went from a handful of staff up to around 200, and picked up a lot of contracts that we still have today.”

Eric, who has been with Bryson for 26 years,

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says the core of the business is collecting and sorting, which Bryson receives from councils.

“It’s part of life. People recognise the environmental sense, but also the economic as well.

“We have been around, and we were there when it was a niche. Then EU directives came in to make councils do more, and we started the process of innovation to help form the direction for councils, and we came out of that with deals.

“We have been at the forefront, and are punching well above our weight. We have been there from the start and are continuing.”

“Our role is to collect, or sort, putting into the marketplace. That is a massive industry which we look to feed in to.

“We are able to put separate compartments on our vehicles, which are very high quality, and there’s not much additional work needed done to them.”

He says the Bryson Recycling lorries, which can be spotted out and around Northern Ireland, were first developed with a first draft in his Donegal caravan on a rainy day.

And looking ahead to the next three to five years, Eric says along with the further development of its vehicles, it’s looking at other recycling activities, and providing additional services to businesses. ■

Employment law & dispute resolution Sponsored by

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EMPLOYMENT LAW & DISPUTE RESOLUTION

The great Brexit workplace jigsaw

The countdown is on to a post-Brexit Northern Ireland. John Mulgrew speaks to legal experts about what that could mean for workforces across the region

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he fog of Brexit uncertainty is continuing to hang over workplaces across Northern Ireland.

And between attracting and retaining staff, the potential introduction of additional work checks for non-UK staff and new costs, what should employers here be most concerned about?

While the UK Government unveiled an ‘employer toolkit’ the summer, legal experts across Northern Ireland say that a “lack of certainty will continue to present challenges for organisations in terms of retaining existing

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staff and recruiting new staff”.

According to Lisa Bryson, principal associate, Eversheds Sutherland, businesses are telling the law firm that “attracting and retaining staff is a major issue for them and it’s not getting any easier amidst the fog of Brexit uncertainty”.

“When we at Eversheds Sutherland surveyed employers across the UK regarding Brexit and immigration last year, almost 80% reported a major skills gaps in the recruitment market as the reason for recruiting EU workers.

“There has also been a clear increase in the

number of civil penalty notices being served

by UK visas and immigration on employers and we are receiving far greater number of queries from clients regarding immigration compliance from employers in Northern Ireland than previously.

“It is clear that employers in Northern Ireland will need more help with immigration law and compliance for these reasons in future.

“The process is complicated and mistakes can be expensive – up to £20,000 per employee.

HR managers will need to be aware of the new immigration risks arising, whatever the outcome of the Brexit negotiations.”

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EMPLOYMENT LAW & DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Gareth Walls, partner and head of A&L Goodbody employment and incentives team in Northern Ireland, says “it’s increasingly likely some accommodation will be made which will allow EU workers to remain post Brexit but it’s equally not yet clear what that will look like”.

“In the short term, employers need to be doing as much as possible to encourage their existing EU employees to remain.

“If there is going to be a change post Brexit, then it will likely only impact new entrant workers from the EU and, even then, there will be a transitional period before new rules

SEPTEMBER 2018

are introduced so that employers will have time to react accordingly.”

Louise McAloon, partner at Worthingtons, says that one of the “immediate challenges facing Northern Ireland businesses when it comes to their employees and workforces as a result of Brexit is how to assist and support their EU employees living and working in Northern Ireland who understandably want to know whether and how they can secure their status here”.

“On July 25, 2018 the UK government released an ‘employer toolkit’ to equip organisations with the tools and information

to support EU migrant workers and their families on the EU Settlement Scheme. In essence to be eligible for settled status, an individual will need to: be an EU citizen, or a family member of an EU citizen, have been living in the UK continuously for five years (continuous residence), have started living in the UK by December 31, 2020.

“If they have lived in the UK for less than five years, they will generally be eligible for ‘presettled status’ instead.

“While the toolkit is undoubtedly a welcome development, full details of the scheme are still subject to approval by Parliament and >

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EMPLOYMENT LAW & DISPUTE RESOLUTION Gareth Walls

that lack of certainty will continue to present challenges for organisations in terms of retaining existing staff and recruiting new staff in the coming months and years.

“Current ‘right to work’ checks will apply until the end of 2020 and we understand that there will be no change to the rights and status of EU citizens living in the UK until 2021.

“Employers are not expected to pay/support the cost of the EU Settlement Scheme application for their EU citizen employees but are welcome to do so at their discretion. EU workers will not need to apply if they hold Irish citizenship or have indefinite leave to remain, but their family members from outside the UK and Ireland will.”

And according to Leeanne Armstrong, legal director at law firm TLT, the extent of the impact on UK and Northern Ireland businesses “remains somewhat of an unknown”.

“The most recent development in the path towards Brexit was the passing of legislation to bring about the UK’s withdrawal from the EU,” she said.

“The European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 will maintain all of the EU law in its current form, at the point of exit on March 29, 2019.

“This should provide assurance to NI businesses that, at least in the short to medium term, there is unlikely to be any change to the existing statutory framework – save that there is some limited scope for the government to remedy any defects in the law that arise as a result of exit from the EU. “Immediate and wholesale changes to employment laws is unlikely. Aside from possible interference with operational activities, the biggest short term challenges that NI employers will face centre on changes to immigration rules.

Lisa Bryson

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“These changes could add additional complexities to employer ‘right to work’ checks and processes, and bring about labour and skills shortages.”

Patricia Rooney, partner at Tughans, said: “The UK government has confirmed there are no plans to make any changes to UK employment law in the immediate future.

There is however the question whether post Brexit, UK employment law will keep pace with EU employment law.

“Employee relations in UK could be impacted if, post Brexit, the rights and protections for workers in the EU are improved, whilst those in the UK do not keep abreast with EU developments.

“Also, while EU migrants are allowed to remain in the UK until the end of the implementation period in December 2020, it may be that considering both the government’s desire to control migration and end free movement, with the possibility that employment rights in UK are less than in the rest of Europe, that EU workers find the UK a less attractive place to work.

“This would greatly impact those employers who rely heavily on migrant seasonal workers.” ■

EMPLOYMENT LAW & DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Promoting gender equality in the workplace

By Leeanne Armstrong, legal director at TLT

obligations and understand they can be held vicariously liable for acts committed by their employees in the course of their employment (and in some instances, by third parties against their employees), unless they can demonstrate they took reasonably practicable steps to prevent such acts.

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n the last few months, gender equality has dominated news headlines, from high profile cases of sexual harassment to the introduction of gender pay gap reporting in Great Britain.

With this in mind, we have outlined three key steps for NI employers to take to advance gender equality in the workplace.

Address your gender pay gap The requirement on employers in Great Britain with 250+ employees to publish mean and median pay gap figures has revealed significant gaps as well as highlighting female under-representation at management and board level.

Many companies are now introducing initiatives and objectives to close their gap.

One such objective has been set through a review of FTSE companies, with the aim of seeing females occupying at least 33% of board positions by the end of 2020.

Although mandatory gender pay gap reporting does not extend to NI, there is provision in the Employment (Northern Ireland) Act 2016 to introduce it. NI employers should therefore undertake an internal review of their gender pay gap figures now and devise targeted action plans to improve the recruitment and progression of female employees. Communication of salary ranges to employees could also provide for more fair and balanced discussions during pay reviews.

Research shows that the gender pay gap begins to widen among working mothers, highlighting a link between limits to pay and progression and time off for child care. A review of family friendly policies, including promotion of shared parental leave and more agile working practices, could increase talent retention among female staff and start to close the gap at more senior levels.

SEPTEMBER 2018

Ignoring or mishandling such complaints and behaviours could not only lead to expensive litigation but also huge reputational damage for the company.

Address harassment A clearly drafted and robustly applied antiharassment procedure should clarify those standards of conduct that are expected and unacceptable.

It is important to stress that a gender pay gap does not mean there is an equal pay problem. However, companies should periodically undertake equal pay audits to ensure parity among males and females alongside gender pay gap analysis.

Understand harassment Under the Sex Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 1976, harassment is defined as unwanted conduct related to sex which has the purpose or effect of violating another personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them. In addition, there is a specific definition of sexual harassment that covers conduct of a sexual nature.

Examples may include the making of inappropriate jokes or comments, displaying explicit or pornographic images, sending inappropriate emails and unwanted physical contact.

When it comes to legal assessment, tribunals must take account of how the complainant perceived the acts, and it does not matter if the alleged harasser did not intend to cause offence.

Employers should be aware of their legal

It should include guidance on how to confidentially raise complaints, both via an informal and formal route, and make clear that disciplinary action will be taken against any employee found to have engaged in unacceptable conduct.

Invest time in training line managers and those responsible for implementing the procedure, to ensure they have the necessary skills to deal with what can be sensitive and complex issues.

Perhaps most importantly, companies should periodically provide training to all employees to promote understanding of the procedures and to re-enforce the duty on everyone to uphold the values of dignity and respect in the workplace.

TLTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s employment team is well positioned to assist companies with all aspects of promoting workplace gender equality, including gender pay gap reporting, equal pay audits and implementation and training on anti-harassment procedures. â&#x2013; For more information, please contact Leeanne: t: 0333 006 1545 e: Leeanne.armstrong@TLTsolicitors.com

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EMPLOYMENT LAW & DISPUTE RESOLUTION

The Resolution Centre: the venue of choice for dispute resolution

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s the demand for alternative dispute resolution in Northern Ireland continues to rise, a new purpose-built premises has been created to enable out-of-court mediation and arbitration services to be offered in an accessible and private space with premium facilities at competitive rates.

Located within The Boat – one of the most recognisable buildings across Belfast’s skyline – The Resolution Centre offers bespoke facilities and services for clients to resolve disputes outside of the traditional court setting.

Northern Ireland’s first and only dedicated centre for alternative dispute resolution, this is a venue that has been specifically designed to meet the requirements of skilled mediators and arbitrators and has resulted in a space that enhances the client experience and directly assists parties to arrive at alternative resolution options.

Traditionally a wide range of employment, commercial, civil and family disputes end up

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being taken to court for resolution. While this remains a highly effective and appropriate route in many circumstances, the aim of this new centre was to create a tailor-made venue, ideally suited for when the circumstances lend themselves to a different form of resolution.

A properly constituted legally-led resolution process involving skilled mediators and arbitrators can provide a range of advantages.

In certain situations, it may be the most appropriate option as it may offer a more timely and cost-effective solution with the added advantages of preserving the privacy and relationships of those involved.

The Resolution Centre was created in response to a growing demand to add to the advantages that the jurisdiction can offer to local and international business clients who can already avail of the significantly lower cost of commercial litigation in Northern Ireland compared to other locations.

Situated in the heart of Belfast with convenient access to parking and transport, The Resolution Centre is available to any

practitioners engaged in providing mediation and arbitration services. Offering facilities including private room hire with access control and soundproofing, wi-fi, telephone and video conferencing, secure document management services and catering options, The Resolution Centre has proven to be a much sought after venue by a growing roster of regular clients.

The potential of The Resolution Centre to serve, not only its original purpose, but also a wider range of needs for business clients has also become increasingly apparent, with many clients using it as a venue for meetings, seminars, training events and confidential interviews.

The positive feedback from clients to date has been overwhelming. The Resolution Centre would be delighted to talk to you about how it can partner with you to meet your requirements. ■ For more information on The Resolution Centre visit theresolutioncentre.co.uk or call 028 9026 5700

VENUE OF CHOICE FOR DISPUTE RESOLUTION Choose from nine custom-designed rooms, available for hire individually or in combination.

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Confidential paper disposal Breakout spaces Reception and tech support services Central location, car park and transport links

To book or to arrange a tour of our facilities call us on 028 9026 5700 or email contact@theresolutioncentre.co.uk For more information visit www.theresolutioncentre.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2018

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WORKPLACE

The five generation workforce

By Donal Laverty, Baker Tilly Mooney Moore

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n recent years we’ve witnessed the emergence of four (and soon five) generations in the workforce.

Differences and diversity can help build a highly productive environment, but the management of these differences is key to any workplace success.

Each generation has its attitudes, mindsets, preconceived notions and experience. While each one is increasingly unique, there is one characteristic that each of these five generations share – they are all participants in today’s workforce.

While traditionalists are mostly leaning towards retirement and Generation Z is just beginning their first wave working, each generation is still prominent and unique in the average workplace. More needs to be done to make the most of what each generation has to contribute while responding to their expectations, needs, values, views and working styles.

As always, demographics are generalisations and stereotypes with the purpose to understand overall trends, not specific situations.

quo. Millennials, have just recently overtaken Generation X as the largest generation in the workforce. Millennials tend to be most interested in self improvement and are determined to grow in their own fields.

Finally Generation Z is just entering the workforce – growing up fed on digital and social media, they are experts in technology; they are open and sharing (sometimes too much) and rely less on face to face interaction happy to replace that with virtual and remote communication.

them. Creating opportunities for employees of different generations to interact ➤ Create opportunities for cross-generational mentoring. This can work both ways— don’t automatically assume that younger generations will be mentored by older generations. ➤ Consider life paths. Understand where your employees are at in their life paths in terms of responsibilities and interests they may have outside the workplace.

While traditionalists adhere to their moniker, in respecting traditional approaches to delivery of work and hierarchy, they are also wells of knowledge who have significant learning to pass on. For baby boomers, they created the title ‘workaholic’, being competitive and often associating work and status with self worth and position.

The key is to be able to effectively address and take advantage of the differences in values and expectations of each generation. Here are a few tips to help a multi-generational workplace succeed.

Ultimately, managing generational differences in the workplace is all about creating an environment where people understand and appreciate various points of view, even if they differ from how they saw things going.

➤ Conduct regular engagement surveys to keep a pulse on needs

Generation X though broke the norm – they were the first to challenge the assumption of loyalty to one company – for them, respect is earned and not expected.

➤ Motivate with the right rewards using survey feedback to understand what works best for different generations

By understanding the different mindsets and tendencies of different generations, you can make your efforts go further by creating a less fragmented workforce and making people of all ages build relationships with each other.

They tend to be IT literate, informed and independent and often challenge the status

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➤ Build collaborative relationships. We understand and appreciate others more when we have the opportunity to get to know

Appeal to the right people in the right way and you will have a workforce that operates beyond mere policies and processes, and strives to put in that extra amount of effort. ■

CFR HR: Cleaver Fulton Rankin unveils new consultancy and employment insurance service

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FR HR is a pioneering new HR Consultancy based in Northern Ireland servicing clients throughout Ireland on a wide range of HR projects and requirements.

Employment Protection Insurance Scheme A Freedom of Information request from The Irish News revealed that overall between the Industrial Tribunal and the Fair Employment Tribunal, cases are up 28% since the previous year. This has resulted in over ÂŁ1.5m in compensation being paid by businesses in Northern Ireland. This figure does not account for the additional costs in terms of legal fees, wasted management time and out of court settlements.

Cleaver Fulton Rankin is the first law firm in Northern Ireland to offer a HR consultancy service and our clients benefit from cost effective support on HR and employment law matters such as: - Conducting workplace investigations covering areas such as disciplinary, harassment and dignity at work and grievances - Organisational restructuring and redundancy - Bespoke HR and employment law training (equal opportunities, social media, GDPR) - Managing poor performance and sickness absence - Developing policies and procedures Our experienced HR consultancy team, led by lawyer Michael Black, will deliver advice and HR consulting services to public, private and third sector employers on all areas of HR and employment law which continues to be one of the most rapidly developing and challenging areas of legal practice.

Unlike other traditional HR consultancy

Michael Black

services, our clients have the benefit of advice covered by legal professional privilege which we believe is of major benefit to our clients.

We will also we assist with more traditional human resource management tasks as they arise.

We understand that due to the nature of employment issues timescales are often important and we pride ourselves on our ability to provide prompt advice and practical solutions to prevent issues becoming contentious. We offer an Employment Law Helpline with 24-hour response and more importantly, employment protection insurance cover to protect against tribunal claims.

When faced with an employment tribunal claim, the biggest fear for many businesses is the cost involved. We are pleased to offer our Employment Protection Scheme through which we can provide insurance cover to clients to mitigate the risks of expensive tribunal claims.

Unlike other forms of employment protection insurance, we will be able to represent you in Tribunal and you will be able to retain instant access to our team of highly qualified employment lawyers, assisting and supporting you throughout the process.

Our Employment Protection Scheme insurance cover will give you peace of mind knowing that if a Tribunal claim arises, your costs and most types of compensation that a tribunal can award will be covered, subject to the limit of indemnity that you can choose. â&#x2013; For more information, please contact Michael Black on m.black@cfrlaw.co.uk or 028 9027 1312 or CFNI-HR@cfrlaw.co.uk if you are interested in any of these services.

Michael Black is head of CFR HR, a Chartered Member of the CIPD and a solicitor who has specialised in employment law for 25 years.

Legal Excellence

+

Commercial Sense

The employment team at Cleaver Fulton Rankin

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INTERVIEW

Since taking over at the helm of Henderson Foodservice more than a decade ago, boss Damien Barrett tells John Mulgrew the firm is heading towards a £115m turnover

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arking 50 years in business last year, Henderson Foodservice now has more than 420 staff between Northern Ireland and the Republic.

Damien Barrett

Just this summer, the company, which is part of the Henderson Group – a business which came in at the number six spot in the Ulster Business Top 100 Northern Ireland Companies 2018 list – took on the 25-yearold Co Monaghan firm BD Foods, founded by the Bowe family, parents of retired Ulster and Ireland rugby star Tommy Bowe.

Henderson Foodservice now ‘heading for a £115m turnover’

That will see the business dealing in everything from top-end truffles (the sort found in the ground by pigs and dogs, and not the chocolate variety) to Iberico ham.

in People Gold Award, and part of that was about our strategic management.

“Food service is an all-Ireland business, as opposed to the rest of the group. We supply across the 32 counties,” Damien Barrett told Ulster Business.

“We supply into every food service sector, from top hotels, coffee shops, cafes, bars, nursing homes, schools and hospitals.

“We have had fairly substantial growth in the last number of years.

“I took over 10 or 11 years ago. We were doing around £31-32m (turnover). This year, it should do £115m.”

Speaking about taking on the luxury BD Foods business, he said: “It’s very high-end, so it will do everything from truffles at three thousand a kilo, to Iberico ham. We also just won the Investors

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“We looked at that a few years ago, looking at how do we get to £100m. How do we shape the senior management? We wanted to get into areas of the market we hadn’t been in.

“A lot of what we tried to do is lay out a strong core vision. We wanted to get closer to the customer, be easy and agile to do business with, be full of passionate and caring people.

“We are about 420 people north and south.

We are among the Deloitte Best Managed Companies for four years.

“As employment becomes tighter you have to invest in your people. A lot is how do we attract and retain the best. A lot of that is investment in training.”

But, like many in the agri-food sector in Northern Ireland, Brexit is around the corner

– at some stage. Damien says the main issue facing the business is the ongoing currency fluctuations, given the business is all-island.

“Being all-Ireland, we already have the challenge of two currencies. We have infrastructure north and south. It’s very hard to predict the unknown – if our betters can’t do it, I’m not sure how much of a benefit it is to second guess… no one can say which direction it will go.”

Asked about the impact of potential delays hitting trade, Damien says many people don’t realise that while products on the face of it appear to be from the UK, core ingredients could come from elsewhere in the EU – and that’s something which could be impacted following Brexit.

“We might be buying Heinz ketchup in the UK, but the reality is the tomatoes are coming from Italy,” he said. “There will be tariffs, but how much, and what will be agreed? That will have an effect on what manufacturers will charge.” ■

Motoring

By Pat Burns

Sponsored by

SEPTEMBER 2018

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The Largest Family Owned Motor Retailer in N.Ireland www.donnellygroup.co.uk

TITLE MOTORING

Swift Sport grows up S uzuki’s impressive new Swift Sport now features a turbocharged 1.4 litre engine which develops impressive amounts of torque in this ‘warm hatch’. It might not be an out and out boy racing hot hatch, but it is a more civilised and refined car that comes with high standard specification and impressive low down torque.

After the introduction of the 1.4 litre Boosterjet turbocharged engine in Vitara and S-Cross during 2016, this engine technology has now been extended to the new Swift Sport. This unit has an output of 140PS and is direct injection turbocharged (DITC). It offers 44% more torque than the previous model which is available from just 2,500rpm.

Matched to a six-speed gearbox, there is more than enough performance than you will ever need without it becoming a handful on wet or bumpy roads.

Offering the same level of power and torque of a much larger capacity normally aspirated engine (2.0 litre), it delivers an effortless drive and genuine driving pleasure. In addition, the new Sport has an improved maximum torque figure of 230Nm which is available from just 2,500rpm up to 3,500rpm.

Standard equipment is comprehensive and includes unique sport interior trim with bucket seats and red accents to the dashboard and console areas, six airbags, auto air conditioning, satellite navigation, leather steering wheel, privacy glass, DAB radio with Bluetooth and six speakers, LED daytime running lights, 17-inch wheels, body coloured door mirrors and four electric windows.

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The previous Sport model developed 160Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm. The 1.4-litre Boosterjet engine offers strong benefits in performance too with 0-62mph acceleration time of 8.1 seconds and a

maximum speed of 130mph.

Fitting with its position as Suzuki’s flagship sports model, the advanced handling capabilities found in previous Swift Sport models have been further refined in the new model, with greater driving stability, optimised roll rigidity, and improved dynamic response.

Suspension roll angle has also been significantly reduced compared with the previous model and is now on par with its closest competitors. Carrying on from its predecessors, the new Swift Sport uses Monroe shock absorbers, which have a reputation for high performance.

The Swift Sport has an enhanced braking system to that of the standard Swift in order to match the additional performance available, while the 17-inch polished alloy wheels are of unique design to the new Sport and have been made even lighter in their composition. Prices start at £16,499. ■

The new Touareg from £405 per month on Business Contract Hire.

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The new Touareg’s leap forward in styling is complemented by impressive specification, new technology and ground-breaking levels of digital dashboard design. You can customise the 15-inch Innovision glass display like a smartphone to project information such as speed, directions and driver assistance messages onto the windscreen.

An SUV with real power and strength, Volkswagen’s latest Touareg also offers true off-road capabilities. Available to test drive in our showroom today.

Donnelly Volkswagen Enniskillen

Eglinton

101 Irvinestown Road, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, BT74 6GQ Tel: 028 6632 4712 www.donnellygroup.co.uk/volkswagen

Campsie Industrial Estate, Eglinton, Co L/Derry, BT47 3DN Tel: 028 7181 2806 www.donnellygroup.co.uk/volkswagen

Donnelly Volkswagen is a broker and not a lender and can introduce you to a limited number of lenders, who may pay us for introducing you to them. *No ownership option Business users only. All prices exclude VAT. VAT payable at the prevailing rate. 18s+. Subject to availability and status. T&Cs apply. Offer available until 30th September 2018. Indemnities may be required. Offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer and may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Accurate at time of publication. Freepost Volkswagen Financial Services. Contract Hire* 4-year, 5,000 miles per annum example for Touareg SEL 3.0 TDI SCR 286PS 4Motion 8psd auto. 35 monthly payments of £405.88. (plus VAT). Initial rental £2430.00. (plus VAT). Excess mileage charge per mile £9.0p (plus VAT). Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures are obtained under standardised EU test conditions (or, in cases of vehicles with WLTP type approval, are the NEDC figures provided pursuant to Government guidance until further notice). These figures facilitate direct comparison between different models from different manufacturers, but may not represent the actual fuel consumption achieved in ‘real world’ driving conditions. More information is available at www.volkswagen.co.uk/owners/wltp. Choice of wheels and other options may affect fuel consumption and emissions data.

Official fuel consumption figures for the new Touareg model range in mpg (litres/100km): urban 36.7(7.7); extra urban 47.9(5.9); combined 42.8(6.6). Combined CO2 emissions 173g/km. Excludes battery, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

The Largest Family Owned Motor Retailer in N.Ireland www.donnellygroup.co.uk

MOTORING

No holes in this polo Y

ou might not have noticed the new Polo, such is its resemblance to the current Golf. It has the more aggressive styling of the latest Golf and its proportions almost match those of a Mark 4 Golf, but the new Polo is now an upmarket class act.

Volkswagen’s Active Info Display.

The sixth generation of Volkswagen’s perennially popular supermini is now only offered in five-door format here. It has the feel of a much larger, more expensive automobile with high quality interior matched to a smooth and refined ride.

Technologies such as city emergency braking with new pedestrian monitoring function, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot detection significantly improve safety.

The main focus of the new sixth generation Polo is a major increase in cabin and luggage space within larger external dimensions alongside the debut of new engines, sharper design, new ‘big car’ assistance systems, the application of a new generation of infotainment systems and the global debut of the second generation of

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The developments with the new Polo – which has found a home with more than 1.4 million drivers in the UK over the last 42 years – also reflect a new level for assistance systems in the supermini segment.

The new Polo, built on Volkswagen Group’s new MQB AO architecture offers the ability to create significantly more dynamic proportions with a long wheelbase, short body overhangs and a sporty ratio of its key dimensions.

The new car is longer, wider, has a lower overall height but improved headroom versus its predecessor. As the Golf has grown, so

has the Polo and the once staid image of the Polo has long gone.

The five three- and four-cylinder petrol engines range from the naturally aspirated 1.0 MPI with 65 PS to the turbocharged 2.0 TSI with 200 PS. As a diesel the Polo will offer a choice of two 1.6 TDI engines whose outputs are 80 PS and 95 PS respectively. Regardless of fuel choice, all new Polo engines are equipped with a stop-start system and a regenerative braking mode, while any of the TSI and TDI powerplants with an output of 95 PS or more can be configured with a six or seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox, depending on engine choice.

New LED headlights replace all xenon headlights on the sixth generation Polo, while LED daytime running lights are also standard on the car. Prices start at £13,855 ■

The TheLargest LargestFamily FamilyOwned OwnedMotor MotorRetailer RetailerininN.Ireland N.Ireland www.donnellygroup.co.uk www.donnellygroup.co.uk

MOTORING

Tourneo is a conference on wheels

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f you need a set of wheels that offers seating for your team at work, but you want room for bikes at the weekend, the new Tourneo range from Ford is just what you’re looking for.

Ford’s renewed line-up of Tourneo people movers have received new styling and upgrades recently with two versatile and spacious new models offering enhanced style, sophisticated interior technologies and advanced powertrains to customers.

The range-topping eight/nine-seat Tourneo Custom is distinguished by its bold new front-end design and offers an all-new premium cabin interior that features uniquein-segment rear seating with six individual seats that can be arranged in conference format.

To provide customers the ultimate flexibility in configuring and using the rear cabin, the new Tourneo Custom is the only vehicle in its segment to offer six individual seats, with the ability to arrange the two rear

SEPTEMBER 2018

rows in conference format for outstanding access and enhanced interaction between passengers, or in two rows of three seats facing forward.

The six individual seats in the rear can each be folded flat, tumbled, stowed in a multiple locations or removed completely, enabling customers to create limousine-like space, maximise the luggage area or meet their own special business or lifestyle requirements.

According to one study, business people rate face to face meetings to be worth five video conferences, ten telephone calls or 20 emails.

And with many business travellers expecting to make more trips in the coming year, there is a clear benefit to ensuring time on the move is not wasted.

The new Tourneo Custom is the only people mover in its segment to offer six individual seats that can face each other, conference style – each with its own USB charging point.

From brainstorming with colleagues to a one-on-one catch-up, seating can be quickly

configured to provide a flexible, interactive workspace.

The new Tourneo Custom also introduces a number of advanced driver assistance features and is the first vehicle in its segment to offer Intelligent Speed Limiter, which enables automatic adjustment of maximum vehicle speed to remain within legal limits, using the Traffic Sign Recognition system to detect speed limit signs.

The new model also offers blind spot information system with cross traffic alert, which warns drivers reversing out of a parking space of vehicles that may soon be crossing behind them.

New Tourneo Custom features the Ford EcoBlue diesel engine with a choice of 105 PS, 130 PS and 170 PS power ratings, delivering significant cost of ownership and performance benefits, with fuel-efficiency improved by up to 13%, CO2 emissions from 162 g/km, and low-end torque enhanced by 20%. ■

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The Largest Family Owned Motor Retailer in N.Ireland www.donnellygroup.co.uk

MOTORING

A real sting in the tail

K

ia is bringing back the golden age of beautiful and elegant high-performance gran turismo cars with the stunning Stinger, the most adventurous model in the company’s history.

The Stinger is the first classic grand tourer from Kia and the first rear-wheel-drive model the company has introduced here. Left hand drive markets in Europe get a four wheel drive Stinger but the UK market is treated to rear wheel drive only. In range-topping twin-turbo V6 guise it is also the fastest-accelerating Kia ever, with a 0-60mph time of 4.7 seconds.

Six years in the making, it has evolved from the Kia GT Concept revealed at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. In the intervening years many people questioned whether Kia would be bold enough to step outside its comfort zone and sanction a production model.

Five versions of the car are available here, all with turbocharged direct-injection engines

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mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and featuring state-of-the-art electronic driver aids and connectivity systems. The GT-Line and GT-Line S offer the choice of a 2.0-litre 244bhp T-GDi petrol engine or a 2.2 litre 197 bhp CRDi turbodiesel, while the rangetopping GT S is sold exclusively with a 3.3 litre 365 bhp twin-turbo V6.

The Stinger is not a hard-edged sports car created to be brutally fast at the expense of comfort.

The seats are snug and enveloping, and the two in front have eight-way power adjustment – with a memory function on the driver’s side – and a two-way power cushion extender plus four-way power lumbar adjustment. The front seats and steering wheel are heated, and in GT-Line S and GT S they are also ventilated, while the outer rear seats are also heated.

On the one hand the 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 T-GDi is the fastest-accelerating Kia ever, with a 0-60mph time of 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 168mph, while on the other the

2.2-litre CRDi’s combined fuel consumption of 48.7 mpg gives it a touring range of comfortably more than 600 miles. In between there is the 2.0-litre T-GDi offering much of the best of both: acceleration from 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds with combined fuel economy of 35.8 mpg, allowing it to cover more than 450 miles before the driver will need to stop for fuel.

The transmission offers up to five different shift and throttle programmes, accessed through the car’s electronic drive mode selector. Drivers can leave the car to shift for itself, or change gears with steering wheelmounted paddles. A limited slip differential is fitted to all models so that torque is transferred to the rear wheel with most grip.

The Stinger is a true gran turismo, which provides exceptional comfort for occupants on the long distances it is designed to cover, but it also rewards enthusiastic drivers with pliant but controlled suspension, precise steering, impressive brakes and powerful engines. Prices start at £30,545. ■

A word from

The Wise The column with an ear for experience...

Tim Honeyford, centre manager, Sprucefield Centre How did you start out in business?

I applied for the job as centre manager in 1989, when Sprucefield Centre was just about to open. At that time, out of town shopping, bringing flagship retail stores to Northern Ireland was something very new.

Sprucefield was one of the first centres of its kind here. I saw the job as an exciting and challenging opportunity to shape the retail landscape here.

From day one, the Centre and its retailers have enjoyed great success, thanks to the thousands of people who come here every day. Next year, we’ll celebrate our 30th anniversary - I’m very fortunate that I still enjoy the role almost three decades on.

What have you found the most challenging during your years of business, so far?

The early days brought some unique challenges. We traded against a back-drop of on-gong security issues. However, our customers are very loyal, to the extent that we also had to work through long traffic queues on the M1, due the popularity of our stores!

We have also survived two recessions, again thanks to the customers who supported us, many of whom have been with us since the beginning.

In the almost 30 years that I have been in this role, retail and fashion trends have changed a lot, so keeping ahead of those trends is a constant challenge.

SEPTEMBER 2018

How would you describe your management style?

My style is inclusive, honest and focused on getting the best from everyone in a team environment. Everyone in our centre management is here for the same reason to assist our traders and customers. When everyone is motivated toward the same common goal, the role of a manager leading the team becomes much easier.

What would you change if you could go back and do it all again?

I am a firm believer that even if you make mistakes, they help you gain valuable experience. There is very little I would change, as I have learned something from every success and challenge.

Have you done it all on your own?

Certainly not. The success of Sprucefield Centre is thanks to the fantastic retailers we have here, the quality of service demonstrated by everyone who works in our stores and the customers who enjoy the experience we

provide. It’s a combination which thankfully, continues to reward everyone involved.

How would you like your business to be remembered?

Sprucefield Centre is a place where people can enjoy more of the things they love – fashion, food, interiors and time with those close to them. I would like the centre to be remembered for a combination of those things; for being brave and bold in bringing large scale stores to Northern Ireland and for being a place where customers can enjoy time well spent with family and friends.

What piece of advice would you give to a 20-year-old you?

Having been in the job for almost 30 years, if I had any doubts, I’d reassure myself that this is definitely the job for me. I’d advise anyone starting out in a career in retail or management to build and trust in a great team, be persistent, learn from mistakes and above all, enjoy it. ■

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APPOINTMENTS

Lauren Coughlan has been appointed manager of the Seahorse Restaurant and Bar at the Grand Central Hotel. Ms Coughlan has more than eight years’ industry experience some of which she gained at an international level and holds a degree in hospitality management.

The Clanmil Housing Group has announced the appointment of Joy Scott as its new chairman.

Ms Scott has been a member of the Clanmil Board since 2012 and vice-chairman since 2014.

GOC Estate Agents in Belfast has appointed Leah Griffin as lettings team leader. With five years’ experience, she will be responsible for overseeing the busy rental department including liaising with clients, valuations, inventories and inspections.

Marina McBride has been promoted to branch manager in Progressive Building Society’s Glengormley branch. She has been employed by the society since 1993 and has a host of experience in both lending and savings at a branch level.

Claire Ball is now senior graphic designer at Morrow Communications. She works closely with clients to develop creative solutions for print and digital formats. As well as graphic and web design, Claire develops brands, creates event exhibition materials and is an email marketing specialist.

Sean Tanuvasa has been appointed as a paraplanner at Insight.Out Financial. With four years’ experience in the financial services industry, specialising in pensions and investments, he joins the team at Insight.Out Financial from a financial advisory company.

Neueda has appointed Stuart Cosby as delivery manager. He is responsible for the delivery of Neueda’s digital transformation services and offerings to its public sector customers.

He previously held sales and management positions in Microsoft and Nortel Networks.

Shona Ayre has been appointed as sales and business development executive by the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society. She will be responsible for sales, events and account management at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, the society’s leading exhibition and events space.

Jonathan White has joined Liberty IT as senior director of operations. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the organisation with over 22 years’ experience in IT including more than 10 years in the fintech industry.

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APPOINTMENTS

Dr Xavier Jacq is now vice-president of biology at Almac Discovery. He will be responsible for leading the company’s small-molecule discovery biology team as well as playing a key role in defining the strategic direction of both the biology group and Almac Discovery.

Damien McDonald has been appointed as food and beverage manager for the Grand Central Hotel. Mr McDonald has been with Hastings Hotels for 15 years and was most recently the beverage manager in the Europa Hotel.

Morrow Communications has appointed Matthew Roddy as a graphic designer. Mr Roddy is responsible for designing a wide range of brand and corporate materials including creating new brands, product packaging, exhibition stands and advertising.

Damian Tumilty has been appointed executive head chef at the Grand Central Hotel. Mr Tumilty has over 20 years’ experience in the hospitality industry and his previous employment includes Shu Restaurant and French Village. He is a parttime lecturer in professional cookery.

Catherine Cree has been appointed office manager at Insight.Out Financial. Having previously worked in the voluntary sector for over nine years, she joins the team at Insight.

Out Financial bringing a wealth of experience to the new role.

Chris Love has been appointed as PR account director at ASG & Partners. He brings with him over 15 years’ experience in communications, working with and representing SMEs to global brands in both the public and private sector.

Neueda has appointed Marguerite Clarke as account director. Ms Clarke will help enable Neueda’s public sector customers to transform the way they do business using digital solutions.

She previously held management positions with Sopra Steria and Invest NI. Neueda has appointed Nadine Shrourou as account manager in capital markets. Based in Neueda’s London office, she will be managing client accounts within the capital markets team. Nadine has a wide variety of technology solutions experience within financial markets.

Kate McIlvenny is now an associate in litigation with law firm A&L Goodbody. Her specialism within the wider litigation department is providing contentious and non-contentious advice across the broad spectrum of public and regulatory law.

SEPTEMBER 2018

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PHOTOCALL

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1. Launching the first Four Star Pizza NI Darts Challenge. Taking place in Belfast on September 27, is Daryl ‘The Superchin’ Gurney (centre), joined by Four Star Pizza directors, Teague Whoriskey and Ciaran Bradley.

2. Sliderobes has reopened its flagship Boucher Crescent showroom. At the opening is Sliderobes group managing director Paul Rothwell, along with head of sales, Annelize Bekker, head of design Joanna Azevedo and director, Mervyn McCall.

3. Marking Subway’s 20 years in Northern Ireland at the sandwich chain’s Ballycastle store are Sharon Kane, area manager for Spar, Leon McMaster, member of Subway team, Sean Hamill, assistant store manager for Spar, Chloe McLaughlin, member of Subway team, Stacey Brown, development manager for Subway Northern Ireland.

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4. Pictured at the launch of the fourth Royal Television Society (RTS) NI Programme Awards are Kieran Doherty, chair of RTS NI, Jannine Waddell, chair of RTS NI Awards Committee and Zach Willis, managing director of Ka-Boom, headline sponsor of this year’s awards.

5. Unveiling the Skills Academy supported by the Department for the Economy and delivered by South West College is Ann Williamson, head of employer skills at the Department for the Economy and Ciaran McManus, head of industry and training at South West College.

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6. Ireland and Ulster rugby star Rory Best is to be officially handed the Freedom of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough at a ceremony in Armagh. He is pictured with Lord Mayor Julie Flaherty.

7. Achievements of Northern Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top business women are to be celebrated at the 2018 Women in Business Awards. The awards were launched in Belfast by Women in Business chief executive, Roseann Kelly and title sponsor representative, head of sales and pre-sales Northern Ireland at Virgin Media, Seamus McCorry.

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8. Peter Hannan alongside Howard Hastings of Hastings Hotels after it announced that the hotel group is now sourcing all of its beef exclusively from Moira-based Hannan Meats.

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9. Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has partnered with the Department for the Economy and Enterprise Northern Ireland for a new enterprise programme. Pictured at the launch of Exploring Enterprise 4 Programme is Alan Hamilton, Mayor Lindsay Millar, Michael McQuillan of Enterprise NI, Laura McCourt of LEDCOM, Shirelle McIvor, Enterprise NI and Gail Kelly, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

10. Donnelly Group is now an official Jaguar partner. Pictured is Sean Donnelly, head of business at Donnelly Land Rover along with Terence Donnelly, group executive chairman at Donnelly Group, Geoffrey Lamont, site director at Donnelly Group Dungannon, Dave Sheeran, managing director at Donnelly Group.

SEPTEMBER 2018

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PHOTOCALL

11. Conservative Party chairman Brandon Lewis was guest speaker at a business lunch in the offices of Grant Thornton. He is pictured with Richard Gillan, managing partner at Grant Thornton NI, and Alan Dunlop, chairman of the Northern Ireland Conservative Party Board.

12. The Institute of Directors has launched its annual Young Directors Conference. At the launch are Barry Smyth, managing director of MCS Group, Gavin Campbell, Barclays corporate banking relationship director, Lisa Maltman, IoD NI business development manager and Louise Kelly, audit partner at Grant Thornton.

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13. Stena Line is taking part in training that will ensure its staff are equipped to provide excellent customer service to people with learning difficulties and communication barriers, with JAM Card awareness training.

Pictured is Diane Hill, NOW Group along with Carolann Laird, NOW Group ambassador and Stephen Bryden of Stena Line.

14. Cosmetic retailer Make Up Pro Store has opened a new store in Londonderry. Pictured outside the new shop at Foyleside is makeup artist Aaron Toland with founder Paddy McGurgan.

15. Brett Martin has announced it is now getting renewable electricity from a solar installation developed by Lightsource BP. Pictured is Brett Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s financial director, Geoff Stewart and managing director, Laurence Martin with Lightsource BP chief executive, Nick Boyle at the new solar installation in Mallusk.

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16. Carson McDowell has announced eight internal promotions, adding one senior associate and seven new associates to the team. Michael Johnston, managing partner at Carson McDowell with the new associates and assistant solicitors.

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17. Fionnuala Brennan, relationship manager at First Trust Bank is pictured with NTR program manager Martin Sweeney and Noel Breslin, site manager from RES at the ÂŁ50m Castlecraig Wind Farm, which is to become fully operational by the end of the summer.

18. Councillor Mark Murnin, chairman of Newry, Mourne and Down District Counci, Liam Nagle, chief executive of Norbrook Laboratories, Adrian Toner, chief operating officer, First Derivatives, and Liam Hannaway, chief executive, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council at the launch of its Innovation Nation 2018 business scheme.

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19. Pictured launching the new pop-up Linenopolis on Bedford Street in Belfast is curator Rene Mullin, Jo Watson from Linen Biennale and Chris McCracken from Belfastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Central Business District.

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20. 4c Executive has begun the search for a new chief executive of Ulster Rugby.

Pictured is Gary Irvine, founder and chief executive at 4c Executive, Gareth Hanna, search consultant at 4c Executive, and Paul Terrington, chair of Ulster Rugby management committee.

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PHOTOCALL

21. Holywood-based communications consultancy Morrow Communications has been accredited with the Consultancy Management Standard (CMS). Pictured are Moya Neeson, Jane Watson, Nicola McClean, Peter Morrow, Sarah Stitt, Kieran Donnelly, Jacinta Parkhill and Claire Bonner.

22. Northern Ireland manager, Michael O’Neill, joined fans at the official opening of the new Wallace Village Eurospar to launch Ginsters of Cornwall’s new partnership with the Irish FA. He’s pictured with Josh Smyth, penalty kick competition winner and Mark McCammond, Henderson Retail director.

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23. Matthew Stubberfield of Translink’s ‘Team Glider’ as the new Belfast Rapid Transit set to go live this month. Translink has teamed up with Volunteer Now to help customers during the introduction of Glider services soon to operate cross city services from the east to the west.

24. Pictured at the opening of the third Nugelato store on High Street in Bangor is John Ferris, entrepreneur development manager at Ulster Bank with business owners Catriona and Michael Nugent.

25. Pictured at the launch of the Ulster Business Top 100 are Rachel Price, David Elliott and Laura O’Connor. The event saw some of Northern Ireland’s top business people descend on the Ivory restaurant in Belfast for the official unveiling of the leading business magazine list.

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26. Horseshoe Cottage in Co Down has been awarded a four star rating for self-catering accommodation by Tourism NI under its accommodation grading scheme. Pictured is Tracey Jeffery, Horseshoe Cottage with Samantha Corr of Tourism NI.

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27. Cushendall manufacturer Glens of Antrim Crisps has shipped its first container of crisps to a supermarket chain in Singapore. Pictured are Michael McKillop, sales director, Glens of Antrim Crisps and John Hood, director of food and drink, Invest NI.

28. Belfast firm Zenith Networks is partnering with easyHotel to support its IT infrastructure. Pictured is Martin Lyons of Zenith alongside hotel owner David Crowe.

29. John McGrillen, chief executive Tourism NI, David Wilson, managing director of Montalto Estate and duty manager Bernie Hyland ahead of the opening of the new visitor attraction, which will create 30 new and part-time jobs.

30. Intersport is set to open a new store at The Junction in Antrim, creating up to 10 new jobs. Pictured is Craig Stewart, Lotus Property along with Leona Barr, centre manager, The Junction and Padraic McKeever, Sports Merchandising Ireland.

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CHAIRMAN

office, Peter Stafford, marketing manager Glenda McStravick, and Alice Bailie, Kate McIlvenny, Orla O’Hare and Andrew Spratt.

And of course, the Ulster Business team was out in force, with Sonia Armstrong, Sylvie Brando and Sarah-Ann Gamble joining editor John Mulgrew. I’m told he spoke reasonably well, but unfortunately this Chairman was otherwise engaged and propping up the bar for some much-needed Pinot Noir.

The Chairman He took in the top-end business glamour of the Top 100 launch and still managed to find the time to go watch shopping along the way...

T

here are few lavish social and business bashes more important in the Northern Ireland events calendar than the Ulster Business Top 100 Northern Ireland Companies launch, alongside A&L Goodbody.

It was certainly the highlight of the Chairman’s summer social affairs, dropping by the third floor Ivory restaurant – nestled in the heart of Victoria Square in Belfast city centre – for a few glasses of something fizzy, and a chance to rub shoulders with some of Northern Ireland’s top business and industry leaders.

Helping lead the business charge was the A&L Goodbody team, sponsor of the edition, including chairman of the Belfast

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correspondent Ryan McAleer, along with commercial director Sarah Little and Irene Fitzsimmons.

Clare Bonner, of the Morrow Communications team, joined her colleagues Clare Daly and Nicola McClean.

And in the world of banking and finance, Bank of Ireland economist Alan Bridle also paid a visit, along with Conor Lambe from Danske Bank.

There was also a large group of some of the leaders in Northern Ireland PR. I’m just now wondering, what’s the collective noun for a group of PR types?

That included Jonathan Ireland of Lanyon Communications, as well as Jackie Logan of Naked PR and Chris Harrison, managing director at JComms.

The Lighthouse Communications team were also out on the town, travelling all the way from the leafy suburbs of Holywood, which included Alyson English, former hack Simon Cunningham, Molly Cullen and Carly Rodgers.

At one stage there were four current and former editors of Ulster Business in the room, including Symon Ross, now a PR man for MCE, David Elliott, now a PR man for Lanyon Communications, and Gary McDonald, who had a brief spell in the world of PR before heading up business in the Irish News for many a year.

Top economist John Simpson joined Dr Joanne Stuart of Catalyst Inc, and the man in charge of making the buses run on time, Chris Conway – chief executive of Translink.

Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA)’s Michael Bell, joined Moy Park’s Brian Moreland, with other business heavyweights taking in the atmosphere including Michael Graham of Graham Construction, William Barnett of W&R Barnett and business consultant Noel Brady.

And Belfast Telegraph events specialist Karen McGarvey joined the paper’s business

Now, turning to a bit of horology for a moment, the Ormeau Baths was the backdrop for the unveiling of a new watch brand – based in Northern Ireland.

Hans Henrik Enoksen, founder of Enoksen Watches, joined brand ambassadors Bernard Fouquet and former international tennis player Mikael Pernfors.

Meanwhile, the most famous face and voice in UTV continuity for a generation, Julian Simmons joined Sue Corbett, and Ciara Hedgcock of Northern Woman magazine, while Ulster Rugby star Chris Henry was joined alongside his wife Jade Henry.

Topping off a busy few weeks, it was an opportunity to sample a touch of bluegrass in the Dirty Onion. The event helped unveil the 27th Annual Bluegrass Music Festival at the Ulster American Folk Park.

Of course, making an appearance was Mr Drinks Industry himself, Mark Glover of Hospitality Review, alongside his wife Angela Glover.

And with that, onwards to the black tie and dinner season. ■

CHAIRMAN

Jackie Logan and Sylvie Brando pictured at the launch of the Ulster Business Top 100

Alice Bailie, Kate McIlvenny, Peter Stafford, Orla Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hare and Andrew Spratt pictured at the launch of the Ulster Business Top 100

Hans Henrik Enoksen(centre) founder of Enoksen Watches with brand ambassadors international model Bernard Fouquet (left) and former international tennis player Mikael Pernfors (right)

Ulster Rugby star Chris Henry alongside his wife Jade at the Enoksen watch launch

John Simpson, Joanne Stuart and Chris Conway pictured at the launch of the Ulster Business Top 100

Julian Simmons and Sue Corbett at the Enoksen watch launch Michael Bell, Nicola McClean and Brian Moreland pictured at the launch of the Ulster Business Top 100

Karen McGarvey and Glenda McStravick pictured at the launch of the Ulster Business Top 100

SEPTEMBER 2018

Claire Bonner and Noel Brady pictured at the launch of the Ulster Business Top 100

Pictured at the Dirty Onion are Mark and Angela Glover with Alasdair Moran

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TRAVEL

Eagle Brae: A gem tucked away in the Highlands Dominic Francis discovers that a remote log village is the perfect base for a host of activities, food and drink

T

here are not many places on the face of this earth where you share your breakfast with a herd of wild

deer.

Ness and in the few years since it took its place in the wild, it has become a magnet for discerning travellers who value peace above all else.

Probably none. And having three goats mulch on the roof of your holiday home as you sip your sundowners is an experience which can only be described as, well… unusual.

It nestles between Glen Affric and Glen Strathfarrar, just a 30-minute drive from Inverness and is an antidote to the pace of the outside world.

Add in a few low-flying golden eagles, gentle mountain lakes, the prospect of finding a monster, a peace and tranquility that prevails over everything and very quickly you realise that you have landed somewhere special.

Mike and Pawana Spencer-Nairn, are reminders that if you have a dream, you should do everything in your power to make it come true.

This is Eagle Brae, a luxurious wilderness log village in the Scottish Highlands that walks away with your heart and emotions.

Mike was raised in Jersey, but his family are Scottish, from the Highlands. On a trip to the Himalayan regions of India 20 years ago, he met and fell in love with Pawana.

The dream of a young couple, it has risen up in remote glen between Inverness and Loch

Fast-forward to 2005 when the long slog of making their dream of setting up the ultimate

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Scottish Highland self-catering experience a reality.

It was fulfilled at the 8,000 acre Struy Estate in Inverness-shire owned by Mike’s family since the 1930s.

Their unique log cabin village is made up of seven different-sized Canadian cedar wood homes, and a central reception cabin. More are being planned to cater for an enthusiastic market.

Sustainably sourced and lovingly handmade, each one of the Highland cabins is made from gigantic logs shipped in over the years from British Columbia.

The cabins are well spaced out, allowing guests plenty of privacy, bar a few visits from wild deer and birdlife, and Eagle Brae’s three goats, Barnaby, Billy and Bakra, whose job it

TRAVEL

How to get there Easy to get to, yet hidden away in the Highland wilderness, Eagle Brae is just 23 miles from Inverness train station and 30 miles from Inverness Airport.

The location is totally self-sufficient with an on-line kitchen providing home-cooked meals and online concierge service. The closest village is nearby Beauly, 13 miles away, where there is a railway station, a number of shops, eateries and other amenities. is to mow the grass-insulated roofs.

Inside, these huge feats of craftsmanship are super-high pitched ceilings, luxurious bedrooms and high-spec bathrooms, kitchens equipped with everything you could need, and snazzy appliances and office areas with wi-fi.

There’s underfloor heating throughout, and toasty wood-burning stoves.

While the cabins are self-catering, the couple also offer a homemade meal concierge service. Visitors can order from a choice of ten meal options which are prepared off-site and delivered to the cabins to be reheated.

The venison stew with a Himalaya twist is the stuff that dreams are made of.

There’s so much do within a stone’s throw of Eagle Brae.

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Fishing, kayaking, hunting, horse-riding, golf, camera-stalking and husky sleigh rides can all be organised by Mike or Pawana. If you’re a walker, they’ll will be happy to point you in the right direction.

Glen Strathfarrar, outside the sweet town of Beauly, is single track road that takes you up into the highlands, past stunning lochs and scenery. This area is also famed for being one of the best places in the Highlands to enjoy traffic-free cycling.

Hikers should head to Glen Affric, just five miles from Eagle Brae, or Glen Strathfarrar, nine miles away.

You can’t visit the Highlands without taking a drive out to the most famous loch in the world, and fancying your chances at spotting the elusive Nessie. Yes, it’s a touristy expedition, but the area is stunning, and hasn’t been tarnished by the thousands of visitors who flock there every year.

Affric is one of the most beautiful Glens in the Highlands of Scotland. Trot through some of the 30 miles of the largest ancient Caledonian pine woods in Scotland, and keep an eye open for ospreys overhead and otters on the banks of the lochs.

Closer to ‘home’ the village of Struy is just under two miles from Eagle Brae. The Struy Inn is an absolute must-visit for dinner. Run by husband and wife, Jim and Karen, it seats just 18 of an evening and the food is sensational. ■

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TECHNOLOGY

Budget 2018: how to work hard and save big with a cut-price phone The capability of budget smartphones has shot up over the last year. But are they now realistic replacements for flagship models? Adrian Weckler looks at the four best models

I

n a month’s time, Apple will launch its newest iPhone, sparking an annual wave of upgrades and holiday wish lists. But rival smartphone manufacturers have quietly released a different, almost as intriguing, batch of smartphones this summer: powerful ultra-budget models.

Nokia, Motorola and Huawei have led the charge, launching modern handsets that look and feel like expensive devices but that cost under £200. Here’s a look at four of the best budget models.

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Motorola G6 Play (£149 from Argos, 32GB) Over the last four years, Motorola has arguably become the standard-bearer for good budget smartphones. It has done this through its ‘G’ series of handsets.

The G6 range is no different: you get extremely usable, practical modern smartphones for a fraction of the money you’ll spend on bigger devices.

There are actually three in the G6 range, but the one I think is most useful is the cheapest – the G6 Play. That’s because it has one feature prized above almost all other among a certain type of power-user: battery life. This phone’s 4,000mAh battery is almost twice that of some phones in its price range. It even breezes past most top-end flagship devices, including Samsung’s S9 Plus (3,500mAh) and Apple’s iPhone 8 Plus (around 3,000mAh).

Only Huawei’s P20 Pro – at a whopping £599 – can match this upstart of a budget smartphone for battery longevity.

In practice, the extra-long battery means you can skip charging it for two days or, if you hammer your phones the way I do, it is guaranteed to last you an actual full day.

It has a 5.7-inch screen (almost the same size as a Samsung S9) and, while it’s not as good as a premium phones, it’s fine. Its 32GB of internal storage is an acceptable minimum for anyone who isn’t filling the device up with photos and videos. You won’t be tempted to anyway, as the handset’s 13-megapixel rear camera is run of the mill. It does have a (rearmounted) fingerprint sensor for security and a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.

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Nokia 3.1 (£149 from Carphone Warehouse, 16GB) Remember Nokia? The company that used to hold a staggering 80% market share in Ireland just 10 years ago is back with a bang.

It is targeting the ‘value’ end of the market and it’s very hard to see anyone doing it better right now.

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While its ‘7 Plus’ handset is probably the best overall largescreen phone you can get for under €400 at the moment, the just-launched 3.1 model is a pretty incredible deal for the money.

The 5.2-inch handset looks and feels like a smartphone two or three times the price, with many of the features that would have been considered premium a few years ago.

The design is a high point, with a smooth metallic frame around the sides and a glass display that curves gently at the sides.

It cuts costs by omitting things like a fingerprint sensor but keeps the beloved headphone jack.

It has a reasonable 13-megapixel rear camera and a decent 3,000mAH battery.

Like many of Nokia’s Android phones, it uses Android One, which eschews most of the ‘skins’ that manufacturers usually try to overlay on Android phones and that mostly just get in the way.

The processor and Ram memory (2GB) in this device are basic, so if you’re depending on the phone to cut through tasks in rapid succession, you might notice that it’s a bit slow from time to time. Casual users won’t see this, though. Instead, what they’ll notice

TECHNOLOGY

is a handset with excellent build quality that performs well overall.

moderate and definitely won’t see you through to a second day.

This is probably one of the last new phones we’ll see released with the old micro USB power connection (instead of the newer USB-C one). The upside to that is that micro USB cables are plentiful and cheap.

Unusually for a non-flagship device, the 32GB model has two rear cameras (although the second 2-megapixel camera is there to guide the first one rather than being a second, distinct telephoto lens like on an iPhone). Its selfie camera is eight megapixels.

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Huawei P-Smart (£179 from Carphone Warehouse, 64GB) Huawei recently overtook Apple to become the second-biggest phone manufacturer in the world (behind Samsung). It has done it not only with flagship devices like the P20 Pro but with budget models that overperform.

Alongside Nokia’s 3.1 and Motorola’s G6, Huawei’s P Smart is the best budget smartphone you can buy right now and is tailor-made for those who want a larger screen while not paying more.

Its 5.7-inch display means that you get to scroll through emails, documents and social media much more comprehensively than with smaller-screen devices. (A 5.7-inch screen is around 25% bigger than a 5-inch screen.)

The phone’s design isn’t thrilling, insofar as it looks like any other generic smartphone. But it’s more than adequate and the handset is both slim and light.

It includes a fingerprint scanner but opts for a micro USB port rather than a new USB-C variant.

The 3,000mAh battery on this phone is

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The quality of the photos is only okay, but definitely on par with other phones in its price range.

one of the biggest drawbacks of the larger smartphones. There’ll be no thumb-strain here.

There is an argument that the iPhone SE is the most aesthetically beautiful handset that Apple ever produced. It’s utterly distinctive.

You get 32GB of storage as standard, which is reasonable.

If you need a big phone (or a second one), this is a great choice.

The iPhone SE also has an excellent 12-megapixel camera, better than just about any other smartphone in its price bracket.

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It also runs a powerful processor (the A9, which is the same as on the iPhone 6S) and can run the latest iOS interface, similar to any of the bigger iPhones.

Apple iPhone SE (£239 from John Lewis, 32GB) We’re not used to thinking of iPhones as ‘budget’ devices, yet the current SE model all but qualifies.

For the money, this is one of the bestequipped, most powerful smartphones you can buy right now.

Its main compromise (although it’s really a design choice) is its screen: at four inches, it stands out as the smallest display you can get among any of the major phone brands.

It means that it’s not as good for watching videos or TV and possibly not as good for long surfing sessions through social media or email.

On the other hand, it’s much easier to handle and operate with one hand, which is

Unlike the larger models, the SE also retains a headphone jack.

For those who are nonplussed by the shiny black slabs that appear to make up 99% of all new smartphones, regardless of manufacturer, this stands out as a real, modern, powerful alternative.

There’s only one thing to bear in mind – Apple will probably update this model in September when it unveils its latest iPhones.

So while this generation of SE phone will likely keep up with iOS for at least another two years, Apple may shove more power under the hood in a few weeks. π

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MY DAY Uncovering the 9-5 Name: Andrew Boyd Position: Co-founder of Credit Card Compare

5.30am Time to get up and going. I always put on a pot of coffee, check the news, and take some time to think before the day starts.

6am With the headquarters of Credit Card Compare being located in Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia, usually I have a series of conference calls first thing in the morning. These tend to be with our marketing partners in Australia.

8am The conference calls are typically over by now and it’s time to help get the kids ready for school. Fortunately for us, school is a short drive away. On the rare occasion that the weather is good enough, and we have enough time, we’ll try and walk the kids to school.

9.30am I’ll probably go and get another coffee and then head to the gym. I try and get a few sessions in during the week and prefer to go early.

11am This is the time I tend to catchup with my brother, and co-founder of the company, in Australia. David and I started the business in 2008 to stay in touch after he had emigrated. It’s now the largest comparison site of its kind in Australia. David will recap what has been happening his side, and we stay in regular contact – especially with our recent acquisition of a startup in Singapore and our expansion into South East Asia.

12.30pm Lunch is usually a fairly short affair, but I try not to miss it. There are a couple of good coffee shops near my office, so I can grab something to eat before heading back to the office.

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1pm Most of my afternoons tend to be spent on conference calls. These are usually with our design and development teams.

5pm Now it’s time to head back home. My Northern Ireland office is a 10-minute walk from home, which gives me a bit of time to

prepare for what’s coming next: dinner and bedtime routine.

8pm Sometimes I might have another call later on, but I try to curtail these as much as possible, so I can get to sleep at a decent time.

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