Ulster Business May/June 2020 by Ulster Business

Contents 06 News The latest news from across the world of Northern Ireland business

29 Business finance & banking

61 IT & technology

We look at what’s being done to help our firms

Coronavirus and how the world is tracking and tracing an invisible enemy

14 Cover story

42 Platform

67 Branding & marketing

In a special cover story, supported by Ulster Bank, we profile some of those fighting back

Economy Minister Diane Dodds on measures in place and what’s around the corner

Stephanie Bell speaks to the experts and looks at the art of the company logo

18 Podcast

49 Manufacturing & engineering

71 Motoring

Are you listening to the Ulster Business Podcast yet? Make sure to tune in...

21 Commercial property & construction The workplace and changing landscape

The companies stepping up to the plate

Pat Burns has his hands full with some hatchbacks and something with more oomph

55 Management education

76 Technology

Ulster Business examines a new dawn of learning across industry and education

Looking for a tablet? Now’s probably as good a time as any. Adrian Weckler profiles the best

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MAY/JUNE 2020

EDITOR’S COMMENTS

Slowly returning to a our society

here do you start? It’s been such a chaotic, worrying and unpredictable time for everyone throughout Northern Ireland and the wider world. From the obvious fear and trepidation surrounding the health crisis in front of us, to the huge damage it has, and is, doing to the economy and how we go about our daily lives. Leaving the house for the few essentials we need and seeing the images popping in to our systems from the news photographers still out there each day, the swathes of shuttered shops, once thriving businesses, now, temporarily desolate.

This edition of Ulster Business charts the story so far, the assistance that’s being

offered to ﬁrms across Northern Ireland, but also highlights the success stories, resilience and ingenuity of our companies, some of which you can see on our front page and read about in our chat with Ulster Bank’s Mark Crimmins, as well as throughout the magazine. As I write this, lockdown has eased, and we are seeing a gradual return to society. However, it remains one which will be transformed for the foreseeable future. Remember the ﬁrst time you saw someone wearing a surgical mask in public? Once an oddity, it will soon become the norm. At Ulster Business we are making sure that companies are still getting their messages out, that business is and will continue, showcasing the stories of positivity,

Publisher Ulster Business c/o Independent News & Media Ltd Belfast Telegraph House 33 Clarendon Road, Clarendon Dock, Belfast BT1 3BG

development and transformation along the way. But many here still want further clarity from the Executive as to when they may be able to plan to open their doors again. Many, without that, and hospitality in particular, fear they may not reopen if there is no time to put a proper plan in place. We’re currently working on our big summer Top 100 edition, which charts the leading ﬁrms from across Northern Ireland. It remains an important vehicle to highlight the breadth of the ﬁrms we have here. While there will be tough times ahead for many in the coming weeks and months, we’ll be here each step of the way. ■ John Mulgrew

Editor John Mulgrew Magazine sales manager Mark Glover Sales executive Sarah-Ann Gamble Sales executive Judith Martin Production manager Irene Fitzsimmons

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MAY/JUNE 2020

NEWS

month IN Declarations and numbers process concerns A

90%

remain over Brexit deal By John Mulgrew

The percentage Northern Ireland’s unemployment level increased by during April, fuelled by lockdown amid coronavirus.

The number of jobs being created by US cyber security firm Cygilant. The company is setting up a base in Belfast.

7.5%

The percentage Northern Ireland’s economy could shrink by this year. But according to Danske Bank, the economy could return to growth in 2021.

The number of months left until the transition period ends and the UK will leave the EU, following four decades of membership of the European institutions.

Belfast Harbour

dditional processes and declarations are still a cause for concern for businesses as the Government confirms there will be checks on some goods entering Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK once it leaves the EU, it’s been claimed. Checks will be needed on some goods entering Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK as part of Brexit but bureaucracy will be kept to a “minimum”, the Government has said. The Government published proposals on implementing Northern Ireland provisions in the EU Withdrawal Agreement, which are designed to keep trade in agricultural and manufactured goods aligned with that of the Republic of Ireland. Some infrastructure screening animal and food products at ports will be “expanded”.

“Northern Ireland’s economy relies on the seamless movement of goods and services to and from Great Britain,” Seamus Leheny, Freight Transport Association (FTA) Northern Ireland policy manager, said. “The announcement will give reassurance to Irish businesses that these trading relationships should continue with minimal interruption. “However, the likelihood is that some additional process will be needed to move goods into NI and this could create delays

and additional costs which must be avoided if possible.” He said there is “cause for concern within the declaration” with the UK Government’s acknowledgement that there will be some limited additional processes on goods arriving into Northern Ireland including some checks on agrifood products that will be required. He says there is “limited infrastructure currently available to conduct the level of examinations which will be required”. “According to the Government there will be no export documentation, exit declarations, customs formalities or regulatory checks on goods leaving Great Britain for Northern Ireland, and no additional infrastructure in ports in Great Britain.” Tina McKenzie, policy chair for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Northern Ireland, said: “While responding to the economic challenges of the coronavirus remains the priority for small businesses at present, the next deadline in the Brexit process looms large, with the implications of the Northern Ireland Protocol coming into effect in less than eight months’ time. “The paper produced by the UK government is a positive step forward in that process and we cautiously welcome its contents, while noting that more detail is yet to come and that it will be subject to further negotiation.”

NEWS

NI recovery ‘not a trade off between health and economy’ to-wards the end of any roadmap, and will need additional support.

By John Mulgrew

orthern Ireland’s recovery is “not a trade off between health and the economy”, it’s been claimed.

“My department has so far paid out over a quarter of a billion pounds in targeted direct assistance to over 25,000 businesses across Northern Ireland through £10,000 and £25,000 grant schemes. Recently, we opened a scheme to support thousands of micro-businesses.

Writing in this edition of Ulster Business, Economy Minister Diane Dodds says that “the two are inextricably linked and it is important we all recognise that”. Ms Dodds says the road ahead must be by a “step-by-step” process.

“… the brutal impact of coronavirus means that the health of our population has been our primary focus. However, it is not a binary choice between health and economy. Mitigating the economic damage is essential.”

“The road from adversity to recovery will take time and determination but I am confident we will succeed,” she says. “Obviously businesses involved in the nighttime economy, or hospitality, will likely be

MAY/JUNE 2020

Diane Dodds

Read the full article on page 42-43

NEWS

Quotes OF THE month “We warmly welcome the strong stand taken by political and community leaders and look forward to a renewed drive to ensure journalists can safely carry out their work on behalf of the public.” The NUJ’s Seamus Dooley speaking as newspapers and politicians showed solidarity for journalists threatened by paramilitaries.

“As we move into the critical phase of considering a path out of lockdown, government must work with us to create rules which protect our staff, and our customers.” Hospitality Ulster’s Colin Neill writing in Ulster Business as his sector is among those hit the hardest amid the pandemic.

“It brings the total support for businesses from rates relief and grants to over £70m, demonstrating the Executive’s determination to protect livelihoods and jobs.” Finance Minister Conor Murphy speaking as he announced a rates relief extension until March 2021 for many firms.

‘I understand business concern over lack of timeline’ John Mulgrew speaks to Claire Hanna MP about whether our road map to recovery should include dates, the importance of parallel conversations taking place about both health, and the economy and whether there should be a one off tax for industry giants, such as Amazon, which have prospered during global lockdowns

laire Hanna says she understands the concerns among businesses that a lack of dates in the Government’s reopening will have on their ability to restart. Speaking on the Ulster Business Podcast, the SDLP MP for South Belfast, said: “Genuinely, I’m really glad to see it. There was quite a bit of detail in it and glad to see the Executive going in the same direction – it was specific for Northern Ireland… it was about what works for us. “My concern was around the timelines as well. I’m open to both arguments and I get that some of them are immoveable feasts, and we just don’t know what stage the virus will be at. “But of course other countries have done timelines, and a I genuinely think people are really bought into social distancing and if that had to change, I don’t imagine you are going to get push back… people get it. I’m a believer in, particularly if this is a long road, we need to find ways to co-exist. “My overall feeling is that I’m glad we got into the practicalities… it isn’t a battle between good and evil. There isn’t a perfect public health exit strategy and a perfect economic exit strategy and it is always going to be a balance of both. “I’m glad to see it and understand the real concerns from business about the inability

Claire Hanna

to scale and plan and it’s just going to require meaningful social partnership, and engagement, as it rolls out.” Claire says continued support and intervention is required to insure firms will be able to reopen, when they are allowed to. “What is very clear is that it isn’t just going to pick up by magic,” Ms Hanna says. She says talk of potential austerity measures being introduced by Downing Street are not something that should be considered and further investment remains a priority, postlockdown. And she says there is a “really strong case” for bringing in a one-off tax for global giants, such as Amazon, which have prospered amid the international lockdown, due to coronavirus.

NEWS

Online platform to help companies return to work

new online platform will help firms from across Northern Ireland return to work and comply with major workplace changes post-coronavirus lockdown.

to allow employers to perform a range of essential business tasks, including on-boarding of new staff, training and compliance,” Obbi’s chief technical officer, John Paul McCorley, said.

Obbi Solutions has developed Obbi Lite to deal specifically “with the challenges of restarting business after temporary closure due to Covid-19”.

“The platform offers practical information on handwashing, PPE use, social distancing, health screening and working practises. Employees can be continuously tested on those regulations as well as complete daily Covid pre checks, so they understand what is required to work safely.”

The company is giving Obbi Lite free to manufacturers, construction and food firms in a bid to offer “immediate help in getting staff back to work safely and effectively” as lockdown begins to ease across Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. “The original Obbi platform was designed

“It brings together details of government restrictions, regulations and forward plans, as well as details from representative organisations in the manufacturing, food processing and construction industries.”

John Paul McCorley

Two in five NI firms fear they will not reopen: survey the survival of their business, while almost three quarters of these businesses say the ability to partially furlough workers would benefit them.

Tina McKenzie

round two in five small and medium-sized firms here say they fear not opening again amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. According to a survey of around 239 firms, carried out by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), 57% have been forced to close since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak.

MAY/JUNE 2020

And of those that have closed, 37% will not reopen or are unsure whether they will ever open again. It says more than a third (35%) have failed to make, or faced severe difficulties in making, commercial rent or mortgage repayments as a result of the pandemic’s economic impacts. Almost four in five have furloughed staff to aid

“Many firms in Northern Ireland are concerned about the future viability of their businesses. Government, both at Stormont and Westminster, have brought forward considerable support for the small business community, from income support schemes, to cash grants, to help with accessing finance; But, of course, we are acutely aware that many have fallen through the gaps, and the support has been insufficient for some,” FSB NI policy chair, Tina McKenzie said. “It is now recognised that the risks associated with coronavirus will not disappear quickly, and it is therefore vital that support for business does not fall off a cliff-edge and is tailored to reflect conditions.”

NEWS

Hotel’s new planned outside area ‘could be first of many for sector’

Belfast city centre hotel is planning to develop an outside bar and cafe seating area in what could be the first for many hospitality businesses across Northern Ireland, it’s been claimed. The Hilton Belfast wants to extend its new No 4 bar with an outside seating area at the front entrance to its four-star hotel. The business launched its new bar in November last year as part of an almost £10m revamp.

Now, Colin Neill of Hospitality Ulster, says such schemes are likely to be the first of many, as business try to prepare and adapt to life after lockdown amid Covid-19. It’s understood The Hilton’s plans for an outside area had been established before the outbreak, but that a planning application was then pushed through during lockdown. “It shows the industry still has confidence and determination to operate during social distancing and beyond,” Mr Neill says. “It is a sign of the new model that will emerge, and we do need government, especially the Department for Infrastructure and Department for Communities, to make our legislation flexible and friendly, and work with us to create combined spaces across towns and cities. He says such schemes and assistance are needed to “save the industry”. “People are now looking at ways to innovate. This is the first of many. But we need Belfast to implement pavement cafe legislation, and we need issues resolved, and make this happen now. Businesses are going to have to plan for reopening.” The proposed development wants to install new fixed planters at the external entrance to the bar and to the front of the hotel. An application says “the proposals will have no resultant adverse impact on the appearance of the front of the hotel or on the surrounding area, being in keeping with design guidelines and adding to the amenity while also making positive use of the opportunities afforded by the existing building/urban form”.

Simon Hamilton, Belfast Chamber, Mark Walker, Hilton Belfast & Gerry Lennon, Visit Belfast, unveiling the new £10m revamp earlier this year

The hospitality sector here has called for a clear timeline and guidance on when they can reopen. Following the announcement of the Northern Ireland Executive’s five stage plan, First Minister Arlene Foster said she hopes Northern Ireland will be long past the final phase, by December. That phase includes the proposed reopening of bars, cafes and restaurants. Speaking on the latest episode of the Ulster Business Podcast, South Belfast MP, Claire Hanna, said there must be continued support and intervention for businesses until they are allowed to reopen. “If the kind of life support and furlough stops and there are gaps of weeks and months (between it stopping and firms reopening)... it would be game over. “So much is done in December, and probably

late November… if you are not at full tilt, that big hole will not be able to be plugged. “You can look at it in an optimistic way. If there are real limitations on space in bars and restaurants, people can be creative with that. “I can see how it would be too late. It’s really important that we don’t run ahead of where we are in terms of containment of the virus. It’s also fair to say that even if the Executive or another government said ‘do what you want’, that it’s about peoples’ confidence and safety. “But if we are just lifting the shutters in December I can understand how problematic that will be. That’s why businesses should be supported financially and with interventions to allow them to do adaptations between now and then, but allowed the space to experiment. But it will vary, venue to venue. “Some have a completely different layout and people will need to be given the space and support to do that where it is safe to do so.”

NEWS

NI bakery wins £24m deal to sell pizzas in 1,000 Lidl stores

Co Fermanagh firm has landed a huge £24m deal to supply pizzas to German supermarket giant Lidl.

Crust & Crumb in Derrylin will supply products across around 1,000 Lidl stores across the UK and Ireland. The company employs around 300 staff and has supplied Lidl since 2013. It’s Ireland’s biggest supplier of dough-based products. The deal will involve supplying 20 varieties of Lidl’s Deluxe range sourdough pizza, six Chef Select pizza lines and two flavours of its Simply pizza value range. Conor Boyle, regional director of Lidl Northern Ireland, which has around 39 stores, said: “From small beginnings in 2013 we’ve built an

outstanding relationship with Crust & Crumb and we are thrilled that this new contractual arrangement will bring its great-tasting, quality, locally-made products to thousands of new consumers in stores across the UK and Ireland. “An innovative company with renewed capacity for growth, Lidl Northern Ireland acknowledges this company’s hard work and commitment afforded by its team of staff and we’re proud to support its expansion.” Crust & Crumb has two production facilities in Derrylin, one of which is for gluten-free products. It also operates a second site in Ballyconnell, Co Cavan, which opened last year. Mark McCaffrey, director of Crust & Crumb

Food sector ‘needs support and exports group’

Nick Whelan

orthern Ireland’s food sector needs a fresh support scheme, financial assistance and the establishment of a new exporting body to secure its future post-coronavirus, it’s been claimed.

MAY/JUNE 2020

Conor Boyle from Lidl and Mark McCaffrey of Crust & Crumb

Nick Whelan, chief executive of Dale Farm, was speaking after being appointed as the new chairman of the Northern Ireland Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA) board. He will hold the position for two years, while

Bakery, said: “Supported by a dedicated team of craft bakers, we take great pride in producing a range of world-class products which pack real punch in quality, taste and value.”

George Mullan, managing director, ABP Northern Ireland has also been appointed as vice chairman. “These have been extremely challenging times for all of us. Our workers in the food industry – our food heroes – have been working harder than ever to ensure that the nation continues to have access to safe, nutritious food,” Mr Whelan said. “Companies have had to adapt to an ever-changing situation, responding rapidly to fluctuations in demand and transforming factories by implementing social distancing measures. “The industry has demonstrated its resilience and its ability to innovate, but it remains a very difficult time. The loss of what we call the ‘foodservice’ market – restaurants, hotels, cafes, pubs, canteens – has led to serious stock and cashflow issues for many food manufacturers. “We need a capital expenditure support scheme now, and grants should be given to support firms in investing further in automation, innovation and skills. Furthermore, the establishment of a food export marketing body is long overdue and should be an urgent priority for the Northern Ireland Executive.”

ANALYSIS

Coronavirus and the Press: how local newspapers are reporting the crisis With Northern Ireland readers increasingly turning to news about Covid-19, the role of trusted media has never been more important, writes John Mulgrew

alongside the tragedy, has never been so important. From the local manufacturers, retooling to produce tens of thousands of items of PPE for our frontline workers, to those donating their time, food and resources to making sure those who most need it are looked after, these are the stories that need told. The scale of this crisis is hard to comprehend. The impact is being felt on some of our leading local newspapers. And a vacuum in solid news reporting risks a litany of unverified and unsubstantiated information, purporting to be news and shared across chat groups and sections of social media.

t’s all about trust, says Mark Conway, editor of the Fermanagh-based weekly newspaper The Impartial Reporter. “We are established in the community and people trust us to tell their stories. And we know the people ... it’s also really hard for us.” While we deal with the biggest global crisis in generations, it’s never been more important to have trusted, local voices at the heart of communities. When we look back at this period in a year or two, what will we use to help chart the struggle, the horror, the efforts of health service and frontline workers, the triumph over adversity? In Enniskillen, The Impartial Reporter’s coverage of the funeral of 93-year-old Lawrence McManus laid bare the now dayto-day impact of coronavirus: undertakers dressed in white Hazmat suits as they wheeled Mr McManus’s coffin towards the grave at Cross Cemetery in the town. It’s just one story, one person amid a crisis like no other, but it’s every bit as important when trying to put a human face on a pandemic of biblical proportions. In these cases, as mourners are unable to attend the funeral and wakes, and gatherings become a thing of the past, local newspapers can help in offering some solace to those who need it most.

Twitter has been – and still is – an essential tool in a journalist’s arsenal during this crisis. Largely unable to leave our homes, it’s often the first port of call when looking for information, or a new lead. And while it can deliver us the latest updates from our own Department of Health, and both nationally and across the globe, by its very nature, the information is a breaking news blip: a flash in the pan; gone the following day. How, then, will we remember and record the most significant period in a generation at a local level without the efforts of some of our most talented journalists across regional and local newspapers? This, remember, is a global pandemic; one which, tragically, sees the number of deaths in the hundreds, daily, across the UK, but no longer necessarily leading the next day’s national paper. Because of that, because of the scale and reach of this crisis, telling the local stories of heroism, triumph and solidarity,

While, nationally, newspapers focus on the wider UK and international spectre of Covid-19, the handling of the crisis at Downing Street and the burgeoning death toll, papers closer to home, both online and in print, are ensuring the stories of progress being made to tackle the crisis, the economic and business struggles, the personal anguish and, yes, the little victories along the way, are not forgotten. And, while hundreds of journalists across the island and beyond have swapped the buzzing, frenetic newsroom for the confines of a quiet home office, living room, or kitchen table, there’s never been more of a sense of team effort in working to produce something to help inform, educate and, despite the starkness of much news coverage, entertain amid the darkness. “At a local level, the big issue is being established in the community. People trust us to tell their stories, especially when they are so emotional,” The Impartial Reporter’s Mark Conway says. “It’s about the support that we give people. “This is a cruel virus, affecting everyone, every way and across every walk of life. It’s all about trust.” ■

RECRUITMENT

What can we learn about how we work from the coronavirus crisis? By John Moore, managing director, Hays NI

his year will undoubtedly be defined by coronavirus and the toll it has taken on society. But while many of us are now looking at how our businesses might respond in the second half of 2020, it would be unwise to think that things will simply go back to normal. Some of the key learnings from the crisis will be about the way we work. Through necessity, lockdown has forced employers whose teams are able to work remotely to embrace a far more flexible way of working than they might ever have done without the pandemic. So, what impact will this have on future working practices here in Northern Ireland whenever we exit lockdown? PEOPLE MANAGEMENT Some employers have managed teams remotely for years, particularly those who have staff in different locations. Coronavirus has proven to many others that it is possible. Perhaps your organisation has simply replaced physical meetings with long online ones, but most of us have got more efficient about managing these conversations with our colleagues and clients. Will it mean fewer meetings in the long term? It’s hard to know. But if you trust the people that work for you, remote working must now be on the agenda as a long-term option. In the short term, the extension of social distancing measures means we may need to get used to a new hybrid working system, with part of a team in the office and others working remotely. It’s certain that more roles will be remote-enabled in future. COMMUNICATION The lockdown has highlighted the importance of good internal communication by forcing us to engage with staff more directly, consistently and more regularly than before, sometimes using new tools. A lot of that has been in response to safety measures, furlough schemes and logistical matters around working from home, but it must be hoped that employers will not revert to a more distant form of communicating with their people when they are allowed back into the world. RECRUITMENT Certain industries have understandably furloughed employees and some companies have had to make people redundant, but others have maintained their hiring plans. For roles that are not hands on, interviewing, hiring and onboarding has all been done from afar. Talent managers in international companies were used to doing this to some degree already, but most local hires still involved the recruiter meeting their chosen candidate in person. It is nice to meet people, but more organisations will likely realise it’s possible to move away from the traditional hiring process.

MAY/JUNE 2020

SKILLS AND INNOVATION People have been forced to be innovative in responding to this crisis. It’s been brutal for some companies, but others have found new solutions to problems, invented new products where needs have arisen, pivoted on a product or service that became irrelevant during lockdown and tapped into something new. Digital skills that were so in demand before lockdown will continue to be highly valued. CAREER CHANGES? We have written a lot in recent years about the growing desire amongst employees to work for employers with a purpose, a mission and a reason for doing what it is doing. While in the short term many people will be glad to still have a job, it seems likely lockdown will encourage more people to consider whether their employer is really for them. Other careers which have been able to help society through coronavirus may become more attractive. It will be interesting to see if more people follow through on those desires in future. CULTURE AND LEADERSHIP Many business leaders will, I hope, have been heartened by the desire of their teams to work together and go above and beyond during lockdown. I’m not just talking about essential services here. It will be important for leaders and managers to motivate people to continue in this vein rather than allowing a feeling of comfort of normality to return and settling back into how they used to do things. They must make sure positive changes, particularly around cooperation and collaboration are retained. ■

COVER STORY

We’re with you throughout this In the space of just a few weeks, Northern Ireland’s economy and wider society was effectively put on hiatus as we, along with the rest of the world, tried to tackle the spread of coronavirus. But Mark Crimmins, head of Ulster Bank NI, says it’s helping a raft of firms deal with the crisis head on, as well as supporting others through the most difficult of times

ess than a year ago, Mark Crimmins took up the reins at Ulster Bank in Northern Ireland.

Now, as a bank stalwart with more than two decades under his belt, he’s helping customers and companies of all shapes and sizes weather the biggest societal and economic crisis in peace time. And Ulster Bank is one of those already ahead of the curve, offering significant financial support packages to firms, including the UK Government-backed Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans (CBILS) and Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS).

“For us, firstly, it was about the health and safety of our staff and customers – being good citizens around the Government’s guidelines. That has informed a lot of the decisions we have made,” he told Ulster Business. In the initial weeks that followed the outbreak of the coronavirus crisis, and subsequent lockdown, Ulster Bank in Northern Ireland approved more than 95% of business customer requests for support. And since then, it has been assisting its customers in both keeping afloat, and helping in the fight back against the pandemic.

“We had to make sure that all our critical banking systems continued to function as they should – payments, online, mobile, fraud systems – things which help support the economy. “Then it was all about supporting businesses with their requirements – in the long term and short term, looking at what measures were needed.” That includes financial assistance such as the availability of fee free loans, up to a six month capital repayment holiday on variable rate lending and the granting of an overdraft or extension of existing overdraft limits.

COVER STORY Businesses behind the innovative Hero Shield, crucial for front line NHS workers and others when it emerged there was a shortage of the protective visors, are among those securing financial support from Ulster Bank. Among the companies are Ulster Bank customers Shnuggle and Minprint, which have now received significant financial support packages, including CBILS. “The volume of what we are dealing with occurs among the small to medium-sized businesses,” Mark says. “For the largest, we have been involved with forbearance and other funding for them. It’s been primarily to help firms get through lockdown”. Among Ulster Bank customers helping to produce the crucial Hero Shields is Belfastbased Crossen Engineering, which is working alongside Denroy Plastics to make the products available to the business community. >

Employees from Denroy Group are pictured assembling the Hero Shield visor at the factory in Bangor

Sinead Murphy, Shnuggle When an unimaginable, unprecedented health crisis struck, beginning on the other side of the world, before hitting our shores – the strength and ingenuity of a few stood out. And as the pandemic began to hit our front line services, with genuine fears of a severe shortage of PPE and other key essentials for our NHS, companies like Shnuggle began thinking of how they could play their part. Sinead and Adam Murphy set up their baby product business in 2011. But almost a decade later, amid the crisis, Adam saw the need for face visors and designed what’s now known as the Hero Shield. “With the Hero Shield project, my husband has been the project leader on it, and I have turned my attention towards Shnuggle,” Sinead says. “We wanted to be able to do something, and something helpful. We saw people crying out for PPE, and we could see that there were huge shortages. Adam then started to talk to our head of design within Shnuggle, and came up with the design for a face shield, and started putting the project together – then it kind of snowballed.” That initial idea soon led to a series of companies retooling to begin producing the life-saving gear for our front line workers, including Bloc Blinds, Huhtamaki and Denroy. “They were able to get other firms, local companies, involved in the

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manufacturing, and getting distribution of the shields. “A lot of fundraising went on, and there were some amazing donations, mostly from Northern Ireland. The website then started to process orders, and there were the logistics, delivery to households, care homes and hospitals. We project managed it and co-ordinated the whole thing.” And that initial idea between Adam and the firm’s chief designer, just a few weeks ago, means the firms together have already smashed an initial target of 100,000 face shields, according to Sinead. “We were sitting on the couch in the evening and getting the emails in from the NHS and care home staff who were using them – and thanking us. It was quite humbling. “We are removed from the front line, but we are at least contributing in some way. We don’t have our own manufacturers but our skills are in design, co-ordinating projects – learning from our time with Shnnugle.” From its own perspective, Sinead says Shnuggle has endured the global pandemic, but also seen a strong uplift in online sales from the UK and Ireland. “We have been very fortunate, ourselves. It has been very strong. Babies are still being born and people want to make sure they have what they need.”

COVER STORY Managing director Paul Crossen says the health service will continue to have priority but that the increase in production capacity will enable them to make the product available commercially. In terms of additional assistance for firms, Ulster Bank is also helping Northern Irelandbased small and medium-sized businesses move seamlessly to non-cash payments with an innovative new digital platform, for which it is waiving terminal rental fees for the remainder of 2020. Tyl is a merchant acquiring and payments solution that has been developed to enable customers to take card payments anytime and anywhere. Meanwhile, Mark, like his colleagues, have been through tough times before – both at a bank level and across the UK and international economy as a whole. He says the true picture of how the Northern Ireland economy, and beyond, is being impacted by the Covid-19 crisis, will only start emerging as we reopen and government financial assistance begins to be withdrawn. “There will be some winners and losers. You will have a lot of corporate indebtedness. In Northern Ireland, businesses have been deleveraging. But the worry is that some could take on extra debt, which is dead debt, which will eat into cash flows and consume balance sheets.” But Ulster Bank adapted to the ever-evolving situation rapidly, and assisted those turning their attention to new markets and retooling in a bid to help amid the crisis. And while the attention is drawn towards customers, such as Shnuggle – which has received assistance and is the baby product firm which designed the Hero Shield – others are being financed to source key goods, such as importing personal protective equipment (PPE). “Dealing with a crisis is something that we are used to,” Mark says. “We have some good muscle memory from the last financial crisis and have expertise in dealing with this. “Before this we had been predicting a mild and short recession, which we would have

been able to navigate. But this is a lot deeper and will be more long-lived than anything we would have expected. But we are going in as a bank. The difference between this and the credit crunch in 2008 is we are going into it in a much stronger position. “We are long on capital and have meaningful headroom in the funding ratios and are capitalised to support customers through this. That’s the biggest difference. “For me, the next thing is looking at what the future would look like, and how we need to position ourselves to support customers and our staff.” Mark is also turning his attention to what general day-to-day business will look like when Northern Ireland, and the rest of the world, begins to return to workplaces, and society starts to open its doors. “We are all watching what changes there

will be in the worldwide trends,” he said. “You could see a lot of reversal, worries around security of supplies of food, medicine, healthcare, and there may be government rethinking around that. “There may be consequences on large cities, and Northern Ireland could make a case for itself. As firms repurpose and reposition, there will be opportunities for Northern Ireland.” And for Ulster Bank, Mark says it is now actively exploring its opening hours, but alongside the ability to work safely and employ social distancing measures. “The next stage is encouraging a governmentled thinking on the future, and the opportunities that could potentially be unearthed as mega trends change around the world. “There will be long-lived and permanent change to working practices.” ■

PLATFORM

It’s now time for some long-term thinking By Glyn Roberts, chief executive, Retail NI

inston Churchill aptly described his six-volume account of the Second World War as ‘The World Crisis’ and several months into the Covid-19 pandemic, it is still unbelievable that we are dealing with our own ‘world crisis’ which is affecting lives and livelihoods in every part of the planet in the 21st century. It has been said many times, but the world will never be the same again, especially for the economy. Given the rapidly changing nature of the Covid-19 crisis, it has been a challenge for all levels of government to provide effective policy responses that will support our economy throughout these awful times. While Retail NI welcomes the NI Executive’s initiatives such as the Small Businesses Grants, 12 months’ rate relief and the five stage plan, we believe it is now time to make greater progress on rebooting and reopening our economy. The reality is that until a vaccine is produced, we will have to find creative ways to safely work around this virus and ensure that we have an economy which provides jobs and investment for Northern Ireland. Recent unemployment figures show an economy which is in real danger of freefall unless action is taken, and the blunt reality is that high levels of poverty will only exacerbate the mental and physical health problems within our communities. In our discussions with Executive ministers, Retail NI has outlined the need for an intensive one-year recovery plan and stimulus package to address the immediate challenges facing our local economy. We also need to give some thought on what a longer-term economic plan would look like.

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Before this crisis, Retail NI as part of Trade NI, published its Vision 2030 plan, setting out how to create 65,000 new jobs and transform Northern Ireland’s economy into an eco-system of innovation. Our plan is even more relevant now than before.

set for the reopening of the rest of our retail sector, in line with the plan announced for England by the Prime Minister, of course predicated on the medical evidence.

Since the beginning of this crisis, footfall and trade in town and city centres has all but collapsed causing huge damage.

The retailers who are currently on the ‘closed’ list will need time to consult and train staff, produce a social distancing plan and retrofit their stores to ensure the safety of shoppers and shop staff.

The NI Executive needs to begin work on a reopening plan for our town and city centres, which will ensure the right health and safety guidance for retailers, key businesses in town centres, their employees and also consumers.

Further help for independent retailers is also needed to support them in the move towards reopening and planning for the future such as the Small Business Grants being extended for multi-site independent retailers.

The Dublin City Centre BID and the UK High Streets Task Force have both published some key recommendations on what this would look like in terms of social distancing, deep cleaning, signposting, stewarding and public transport.

Our retail sector will play a key role in the economic recovery of Northern Ireland and will provide employment and investment in the challenging times ahead and we need to learn lessons from these past few months and make sure that our high streets can not only recuperate, but are ready for the challenges of the 21st century. ■

We also want to see a target date in June

PODCAST

The Ulster Business

Podcast The new Ulster Business Podcast with editor John Mulgrew is now live and a host of Northern Ireland’s top business leaders have already featured, with many more interesting debates and interviews on the way. With hundreds of hours of listening time already, we take a look at some of the episodes so far EPISODE 6 – STEPHEN KELLY

“These firms (manufacturers) are problem solvers. They haven’t run away, they have actually run towards the problems and that is something we should be proud of. “I think the first thing in our view is where businesses can operate safely, they should be operating safely. This pandemic arrived really quickly, the rules were brought in really quickly, but it’s going to be a very long while until we know what normal looks like. “We are going to have to live with this virus… the way to deal with that risk, as manufacturers and others know, is to mitigate against it, plan and to put interventions in place. “We have all need to continue to go shopping… and we have behaved in a very responsible way. We need to be planning for this virus to be with us for a long time. It’s not going to disappear at the end of the summer. “We do have the ability to introduce our own policies – laws and legislations. I think we should be following our own plan and one that ticks all the benefits of what the UK Government can offer us. And all the benefits that being an island brings to us.”

orthern Ireland should follow its own plan in reopening as thousands of workers prepare to return to workplaces they won’t recognise after adapting to social distancing.

Manufacturers have not been idle. They have updating their risk assessment sought best advice and there’s been a new safety guide published.

Stephen Kelly, chief executive of Manufacturing NI, told the Ulster Business Podcast he believes Northern Ireland could emerge from lockdown faster than elsewhere in the UK. “I expect that we will be out of some of this lockdown that the UK has established, much quicker than the rest of the UK. I also expect that we will do things differently from the Irish,” he said.

Mr Kelly said firms in manufacturing and across the sectors have been proactive in introducing new workplace environments and workflows to deal with the situation, post-lockdown. “Manufacturers have not been idle. They have updating their risk assessment sought best advice and there’s been a new safety guide published. They have spent the time while a lot of people have been on furlough to transform the environment. “When people return back they will find a workplace that they probably won’t recognise. There have been changes to how people clock in, removal of doors, panting of floors to ensure people are visually aware of distancing, screening, PPE and changed the production processes.” ■

PODCAST

I think in a controlled environment, and that’s not being reckless, we are all responsible people, I think we could get open if it’s at 40% or 30% volume

EPISODE 5 – MICHAEL DEANE AND JORIS MINNE

estaurants should be allowed to open as early as June or face as many as half going under, one of Northern Ireland’s top chefs has said.

Michael Deane said the Government needs to speak to the industry to formulate a safe plan to restart. He said he is confident restaurateurs will be able to open their doors and serve customers, using social distancing measures. “There should now be consultation as to how we move forward… we’ll be ready to go within a few weeks as long as it’s safe. We are just going to have to cope with this until there is some sort of vaccine,” he said. “I would say Belfast, if it doesn’t reopen by June, we will see about 50% drop off (in restaurants). We have a good background, we’ve been around for 25 years, we have been through bigger storms than this. “We are OK for a while – at the end of the day you can’t keep us locked down forever and we don’t want to see the industry die. The economy can not just fall into free-fall. Belfast is going to be a lot worse than it was in the 1970s.” Mr Deane, who owns a collection of restaurants in Belfast including the Michelin-starred Eipic, said the industry is “on its knees” amid the coronavirus pandemic. And while he believes restaurants such as his could open with reduced customer numbers, he said government must consult and communicate

with the industry directly to ensure a plan is now established. It comes as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced a phased reopening of the Republic, which includes the relaunch of restaurants and cafes by the end of June, with pubs to follow in August. “Restaurants, bars, cafe and clubs – they are all different. I think in a controlled environment, and that’s not being reckless, we are all responsible people, I think we could get open if it’s at 40% or 30% volume – whatever the guidelines are. “Of course we have to listen to the experts… I really think that Ireland should have been locked down as an island and I think we should be able to start business within the next month or so.” Belfast Telegraph food critic, Joris Minne, said: “The hit that they (hospitality) have taken on this is just extraordinary. And being able to find the motivation to do what Michael is doing, and others, transforming their restaurants to takeaway ... that is not an easy thing to do. “I think there are around 60,000 people in the sector across Northern Ireland. People like (First Minister) Arlene Forster, who is a former Economy Minister, knows better than most just how important it is and how closely linked it is to the tourism offer. “People like Michael Deane and experts would surely be able to figure out how that (reopening) might happen. There has to be some sort of practical document that says ‘here is how a restaurant can work, here is how a pub can work’.” ■ >

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PODCAST

One (area where) we have found a huge growth is in the ﬂﬂexible exible co-working spaces within the city. They pay rates as part of an overall charge to their landlord

imon Hamilton, now chief executive of Belfast Chamber, says that while businesses had seen some benefit from the initial support schemes, hundreds of firms had fallen through the gaps. Speaking on the Ulster Business Podcast in April, he said central and local governments would have to take a “much more interventionist role in the economy”.

Mr Hamilton stressed that ideas such as the introduction of universal income would have to be considered in the future. The former DUP MLA, who also served as Health Minister, praised the efforts of Executive so far, saying ministers had “done their best with the resources they have had”. “Robin (Swann) has a huge job, Arlene (Foster) and Michelle (O’Neill), leading the Executive, have a very difficult job in terms of responding to this, but I think that they have everybody’s support in doing what they are doing,” he added.

“(The plan for after the lockdown) needs to have some structure to it. It’s very early days, but there are a number of questions that have come out of this. “At the end of all of this, every state, everywhere, is going to have much more debt and much more of an interventionist role in the economy. Once taken on, that is not quickly relinquished.” Mr Hamilton said that while measures to help businesses stay afloat, including protecting employee wages, a rates freeze and grants, “put a bit of a floor under everything”, many companies had missed out. “There are quite a few gaps emerging. None of this is said as a criticism of the Executive or ministers as to how they have responded to this,” he added. “Sitting, dealing with this situation, there is no manual to take off the shelf. They are responding to a fast-evolving situation with no particular guidance as to what the best practice is. They have done their best with

EPISODE 1 – SIMON HAMILTON

the resources they have had. “There are emerging gaps. The gaps are there around those who aren’t paying rates. Charities, social enterprises and the likes of small manufacturers... they don’t get rates relief because they get industrial de-rating. “One (area where) we have found a huge growth is in the flexible co-working spaces within the city. They pay rates as part of an overall charge to their landlord, which would include rent, broadband and other different things, but because they don’t have a ratepayer ID number, they are unable to access the Small Business Grant of £10,000. “It is very, very clear this is not going to be short. It is going to be sharp, but the impact might be severe and long-lasting. That is starting to trouble me and a lot of the members.” ■

You can ﬁnd all of podcast episodes at www.ulsterbusiness.com, SoundCloud, Spotify and iTunes

Commercial property & construction Sponsored by

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY & CONSTRUCTION

Workplace, development and the changing urban landscape As Northern Ireland begins to reopen the very infrastructure around us is, and has already, changed rapidly. John Mulgrew looks at what the office of the future could look like, how planning and construction is working in a post-coronavirus world, reopening the housing market and a changing urban landscape CHANGING OFFICE There’s a good chance if you’re reading this article from a workplace or office environment, it looks different from the one you walked out of just weeks ago. Tightly packed workplaces, closely confined meetings and close proximity chat with colleagues in the corridors and stairwells may be a thing of the past for the foreseeable future. It’s brought the discussion around how we are work to the fore. But, like me, while you realise that while advances in technology – once just a convenient boon – mean much of our business can be done from the confines of a home office or kitchen table, many of us want to return to some form of workplace as soon as we can. Darragh McCarthy, founder of financial services firm FinTrU, put it well in a recent episode of

the Ulster Business Podcast. “We are all social beings,” he said.

prompted RMI Architects to produce a report examining what that new office could look like.

However, how office space is developed and planned is something which is already being discussed and well underway among some businesses. The coronavirus crisis has also

“In the short term all office based businesses will need to re-evaluate their current spatial planning layouts,” it says. “Many are currently based on medium to high density open

Part of what a new office environment could look like according to the new report from RMI Architects

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY & CONSTRUCTION

Aerial images showing Belfast city centre after lockdown. Pic Kevin Scott

plan workspaces and businesses will need to consider how these can be quickly adapted to accommodate the new world where social distancing is the norm for the foreseeable future.“ Rob Jennings, managing partner at RMI Architects, says: “As countries across the globe begin the process of moving from strict lockdowns to allowing businesses to reopen, the prevailing advice is that social distancing is going to be with us for some time. Automated doors and sign-ins will become more commonplace to avoid the need for staff and visitors to touch door pulls and handles. And inside the office employers may need to consider a return to subdivision and cellular office arrangements. “Creating social distancing in circulation routes can pose greater difficulties and consideration will need to be given to developing ‘one-way’ systems within offices and ensuring these are clearly communicated with directional and social distancing signage. Alternate stairwells may need to be used for staff travelling up and down floors.” Ciaran Fox, president of the Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA), says the reduction in travel caused by home working could see a move towards cutting back on particularly long commutes, and the possibility of new shared office hubs in towns and villages. Nial Borthistle, business development manager at Glandore, which provides high-end flexible workspace and serviced offices in Belfast and throughout Ireland, says that the situation

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is “likely to change the way corporates approach office space”. “A lot of companies have already been looking at more flexible office models for a while now. If they weren’t considering a more flexible approach before, the global pandemic has certainly pushed the question to the forefront of any long lease holder’s mind.” Elsewhere, planning and the processing of applications is continuing – the portal online providing the requisite platform while some decisions are being made through delegated authority as mechanisms are put in place to allow the resumption of much of council committee work. HOUSING MARKET One of those areas still up in the air at the time of writing is when Northern Ireland’s residential property market will be allowed to return. RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) has called on the NI Executive to provide clarity that the house buying and selling process, including inspections and valuations within clear parameters of public health, can restart. “The NI Executive now has the opportunity to pave the way for a resilient post Covid-19 recovery,” RICS policy manager, Dr Patrice Cairns, says. “What the housing market needs first and foremost though is clarity, and an unambiguous signal from the NI Executive

that the house buying and selling process, including inspections and valuations within clear parameters of public health, can restart.’’ The other quandary is what impact the lockdown and ongoing pandemic will have on property prices, on the whole. And while the residential market here has effectively been placed on hiatus, and no property deals can transact, John Minnis of John Minnis Estate Agents, says although we can’t predict the future, that the housing market will effectively start from where it left off. He also said that there has been a sharp spike in online queries and traffic, amid lockdown. “The market will need time. People are phoning me every day looking to view houses. There has been a spike in the analytics, and the interest in people logging on has gone through the roof while we are in lockdown.” John says there may be new demands from consumers, such as families with young children looking at buying a bigger house, while older people may look towards downsizing and buying a property with less upkeep. “For all those reasons, it remains the same. That’s the difference. There hasn’t been a property boom so there won’t be a property crash. Someone will press play and we will be back to normal.” CONSTRUCTION “If anyone had told me that in my second month in my new role with the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) that I’d be issuing statements asking the industry to step down >

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY & CONSTRUCTION

Hill Street in Belfast after bars shut their doors amid the coronavirus pandemic

from all but essential construction work, I wouldn’t have believed them,” Mark Spence of the CEF, told Ulster Business. “In the days and weeks that followed lockdown, the bulk of work on our construction sites here began to shut down.” In a survey carried out in May, around 52% of members said they had closed 100% of sites over past month, while 32% of members closed 75-99%. But looking forward, that numbers changes dramatically, with just 7% of those quizzed saying all their sites would be shut. “In reality the impact of the Covid-19 virus has been so rapid, so overwhelming and so dangerously misunderstood that it has taken our industry and most others by complete surprise,” Mark says. “The call for downing tools on all but essential works was called for by many members in the days before the lockdown and according to our survey a week later was supported by close to 90% of firms, with over 40% even thinking the Industry could have acted sooner. “The remainder would argue still that their particular activities typically outdoors could still be delivered within the two metre social

distancing guidance that makes so much construction work unfeasible. “One thing is for sure, the NI construction industry is resilient and there will come a time when some degree of normality returns and, although the economy and society will be different, so too construction will have changed to meet this new challenge.” A CHANGING ENVIRONMENT “This is not a time for minor tweaks but for big, bold, ambitious changes that not only facilitate a resumption of social and economic activities in the short-term but also leave a lasting legacy of cleaner air, reduced carbon emissions and improved wellbeing,” according to Joan McCoy, president of the RSUA. That came following the first announcement from Infrastructure Minister Nichola of a move to make sections of Belfast and parts of Derry, more pedestrian friendly. That included the pedestrianisation of Hill Street and Gordon Street in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, the widening of the footpaths on key arterial routes and extending waterfront spaces in Derry. And cycle lanes are now likely to be extended and improved in the coming weeks in order to encourage people to bike to work, if possible.

“Finding solutions will only be possible if we work together,” she said. “Work is already underway by my department to establish a walking and cycling advisory group with representatives from a wide range of public and voluntary sector organisations. “In the coming weeks I will announce plans for pop up cycle lanes and quiet streets across Northern Ireland. At a time where there are constraints on public transport, I want to make it easier for people to choose to cycle.” Joan McCoy says: “In the very short term as increasing numbers of people return to their workplace it is not enough to encourage people to walk, run or cycle to work. The Government must create safe space to enable this whilst maintaining full access for people with impaired mobility. “This would be a big challenge on its own but we must also factor in the space required for people queueing outside shops, increased spacing at crossing points and outdoor space for some businesses like cafes to expand into when they are allowed to re-open. By September we need the infrastructure in place to enable the majority of children to safely get to school on foot or bicycle.” ■

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY & CONSTRUCTION

Plan needed to move forward

‘S

ure, the Northern Ireland development industry can take it. Didn’t it weather the economic crash?’ Well, just about, if you discount the bankruptcies, the lights put out, the slow crawl back to well-being. But this is so much worse. Never before have we as a society faced such a severe, and lasting, public health crisis. Never before has our economy been shut down, with no date for re-opening. Never before has our development management system been so paralysed. Never before has our economy – dependent as it is on development and construction – been so endangered. In that context, there is mounting concern among those engaged in Northern Ireland’s planning system that the system is overall not responding effectively, collaboratively, and expeditiously to the challenges of Covid-19 and the related imperative to protect the local economy against severe and lasting damage. We compete for investment with Ireland and Great Britain. That requires a comprehensive, co-ordinated system from local council to planning appeal to court, if necessary, for all citizens. Just as nature abhors a vacuum, business detests stasis. If we cannot deliver an effective decision-making process we will lose that investment. In particular, it is clear that the planning systems in Great Britain are well ahead of Northern Ireland in mounting a co-ordinated and proactive response, with widespread use of digital working and an embracing of video conferencing for hearings. So, for example, many planning authorities in GB were working digitally even before Covid struck, and the English Planning Inspectorate is being very proactive in its response. The Inspectorate is holding its first fully digital hearing on May 11, with additional cases to be heard by digital hearings/inquiries in May/early June with a view to scaling up digital events further over June/July. In terms of cases postponed because of the

MAY/JUNE 2020

Belfast city centre pictured as the majority of businesses remain closed

pandemic, the Inspectorate is assessing them to establish whether they can proceed by digital, traditional or a ‘hybrid’ approach, in order that they can be re-arranged, and a trial of virtual site visits is underway involving thirteen Inspectors. What NI needs is a technologically-savvy, regional, co-ordinated, proactive, collaborative response, where stakeholders are brought into the fold, and public and private sectors join forces, to secure efficient decision-making. And we need it now, in case stasis sets in, as the summer approaches, and to allow us to play ‘catch-up’, and compete, with GB. To that end, the Northern Ireland Planning Bar Association (NIPBA) has been engaging with key players in the planning system to advocate the early use of technology to enable council planning committee meetings and Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) hearings to proceed using video technology, if a solution based on social distancing is not feasible. That technology proved its worth to the private sector even before this crisis, and we are confident that its time has come at this critical

moment in our planning system. If it is felt not to be suited to the job, then we need to know why, and what the alternative is. In that context, NIPBA has welcomed the fact that the PAC is taking positive steps to explore with their colleagues in the Department of Justice the use of technology to enable hearings to proceed. It has urged the PAC to expedite that process, and to do so in a way that engages all stakeholders in formulating the way forward. To that end, NIPBA remains willing to do its part to assist, now, and is happy to co-ordinate input from other key stakeholders, with a view to advancing a working proposal to allow hearings to proceed by video conferencing, in the near future. All of us in Northern Ireland need a development industry to come back to, on a brighter shore. Stasis is not an option. ■ William Orbinson QC LARTPI is a specialist planning barrister, and chairman of the Northern Ireland Planning Bar Association (NIPBA)

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY & CONSTRUCTION

Is common sense the key to success in the ‘new normal’? By David McClure, managing director, Osborne King

s we settle into our third month of lockdown, a lot has changed in a very short space of time. So many things that we previously took for granted both professionally and personally now seem a distant memory and many of us have become armchair epidemiologists along the way. We have been bombarded with science in recent weeks and been asked to absorb all manner of complicated theories and hypotheses about the journey that lies ahead in our coronavirus future. We have seen buzz words emerge and phraseology drift in and out of our consciousness over the past number of virus dominated weeks; herd immunity, flattening the curve, cocooning, self-isolation, lockdown, track and trace, stay safe, R numbers, and my personal favourite and currently en vogue term, social distancing.

These two simple words now roll off the tongue with effortless ease in every household and business across the country, but what does it actually mean? In the UK we have been told that at its essence it means we must stay two metres apart wherever and whenever possible as we attempt to go about our daily lives as we slowly emerge into the new normal. The theory is easy and the principle is readily understood but how will this translate in practice? It is something we have been pondering at length as property professionals as we seek to understand the implications in our changed market. How do you social distance in a lift for example, an office lobby at peak times, how do retail and leisure businesses ever operate profitably again or for that matter even be able to meet their existing

contractual lease commitments with such measures in place? I have come to the conclusion that the answer lies in well-worn phraseology, it’s simply achieved by adopting good old fashioned common sense. We are already starting to see examples of this in the construction industry as builders flock back to sites across Belfast. Certain trades and constructions processes are quite simply impossible maintaining two metre distancing but these have been adapted and additional health and safety measures introduced – in short a practical solution has and will continue to evolve. The same is bluntly required of us all as we seek to do the best we can in incredibly challenging circumstances. Good businesses will find a way and consumer attitudes will relax as the weeks and months of the reopening of our economy unfold. I recall

reading somewhere recently that pandemics typically have two types of endings: the medical, which occurs when the incidence and death rates plummet, and the social, when the epidemic of fear of the disease subsides. The latter can clearly only occur when people grow tired of panic mode and we learn to live with the coronavirus. The gradual easing of the current restrictions will undoubtedly fuel such a mindset whether premature or not and this can only be seen as a positive step forward. There appears no point trying to define the end of the epidemic at this stage as this will in all likelihood be a long and arduous process. In business as in life, I believe we must now stop looking towards the Government for the answer at our every baby-step, we must evolve, come up with our own creative common sense practical solutions and be prepared to move quickly when public confidence returns. ■

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY & CONSTRUCTION

Major schemes move forward amid lockdown A major social housing plan and huge mixed-use scheme are some of the construction developments moving forward since lockdown. John Mulgrew takes a look at the details

ne of the largest ever residential planning applications in Belfast has been submitted for approval.

Braidwater has submitted plans for a £95m scheme at a 75 acre site beside the Glen Road in west Belfast, known as ‘Glenmona’. It says Apex Housing Association will be responsible for the management of the completed social rented homes. Affordable housing for sale will also be offered by The Braidwater Group to first time buyers or people who are currently not in home ownership. Sinn Fein councillor Arder Carson, chairman of Belfast City Council’s planning committee, said: “We’re delighted to see an application of this scale coming forward, and especially one which sets out a significant social and affordable housing offer. “Our Belfast Agenda sets out to improve quality of life for our residents, so this type of application is very welcome indeed. “We’ve made changes to our processes – for example, changing from paper-based applications to applications by email in response to the Covid-19 lockdown – and I’m delighted to say that our planning team is continuing to provide an excellent, professional and rigorous service, helping to keep the economy moving forward.” The Braidwater Group has been operating for more than 40 years, and currently has eight developments with nearly 1,000 homes in construction across Northern Ireland. Meanwhile, a new £60m office and mixed-use development close to Bank Buildings in Belfast city centre has been given the go-ahead.

The ambitious scheme would see the development of Norwich Union House, which occupies part of Castle Street and Fountain Street. The plans have been brought forward by ES NUH Ltd, a development company associated with Co Tyrone construction giant McAleer and Rushe. It would see Norwich Union House knocked down, and a 231,000 sq ft scheme built, which would include office space, retail, restaurants, cafes and bars. The building was awarded permission by Belfast City Council. A previous scheme had also included a hotel. “The application originally proposed a hotel as part of the redevelopment proposals, however, this element has been removed from the scheme and replaced by additional office

accommodation,” planning documents said. “Re-consultation has been carried out on the amended description.” When recommending the scheme for approval, planners said that “having regard to the development plan and relevant material considerations, it is considered that the proposal is acceptable”. “It is recommended that planning permission and conservation area consent are granted with delegated authority given to the director of planning and building control to finalise conditions.” Meanwhile, there are fresh plans for a 10-storey serviced apartment development on the Dublin Road. Like Architects has been appointed by John Smyth’s Estates to design 85 apartments and a restaurant. ■

Business finance & banking

BUSINESS FINANCE & BANKING

Looking past lockdown and the long road ahead From a job retention scheme, to grants, a VAT freeze, deferral of rates and bank support, John Mulgrew looks at what’s being made available to keep our private sector afloat, asks, is it enough, and examines the need for a longer-term strategy

ews of an extension of rates relief for many Northern Ireland businesses unable to open their doors in the aftermath of lockdown was greeted as a “saving grace” for firms here. “We also need to give some thought on what a longer-term economic plan would look like,” Glyn Roberts told Ulster Business.

It was the latest in a series of unprecedented government measures to ensure the long-term future of Northern Ireland’s private sector. With many unable to trade, open their shops and businesses, or operate safely amid the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, a life line on a scale like no other is what’s been required to keep the engine ticking over as we begin to ease back into society and plan for an altered way of doing business. GRANTS AND SUPPORT When Finance Minister Conor Murphy announced a £213m rates support package for

businesses such as pubs, hotels, restaurants and cinemas, it followed the revealing of a series of measures to mitigate the lack of cash flow among almost all of them. The series of grant schemes available cracked the £1bn mark in the first few weeks, while the Job Retention Scheme continues until October. At this stage it’s covering wages at 80% up to £2,500 a month. However, it’s not yet clear whether the Chancellor will reduce that level before the autumn. Rishi Sunak said the Government will ask companies to “start sharing” the cost of the scheme from August. Across the UK as a whole, around a quarter of the workforce, some 7.5 million people, are now covered by the scheme, which has cost £14bn a month. There has also been a deferral of VAT for a period, and delaying of when businesses have to file their annual accounts to Companies House.

More than 23,000 grants have been issued to firms in Northern Ireland so far, amounting to around £250m. Applications for both funds have now closed, while a new £40m fund for micro business (those with one to nine employees) was still open at the time of going to print. The initial schemes brought forward both a £25,000 grant and £10,000 grant in order to help support firms of different scales and sizes. And banks then soon came to the fore in supporting the Government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS). It’s aimed at small and medium-sized businesses, allowing them access loans and other kinds of finance up to £5m. The Government guarantees 80% of the finance to the lender and pays interest and any fees for the first 12 months.

BUSINESS FINANCE & BANKING

Translink has also secured a £30m emergency funding to address pressures caused by coronavirus, and councils £20m. Farms and horticultural businesses are getting £25m, while £15m has been released for charities and £4m for substitute teachers’ pay. There were, and are gaps, however. One of the main issues raised by firms was than the grants offered by Stormont, such as the £25,000 scheme, were aimed at assisting companies in covering key overheads, such as rent. But in Northern Ireland each business can only get one £25,000 grant, regardless of how many shops it operates. That’s something which business owners like Pete Boyle, who runs jewellery chain Argento, had raised issue with. BANK SUPPORT In just a few short weeks, Northern Ireland’s banks had already approved hundreds of millions of pounds worth of coronavirus-related

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business loans, and other measures, such as mortgage holidays, speeding up payments and increasing overdrafts.

Bank of Ireland UK has also announced a range of additional measures to support mortgage customers through the pandemic.

“We have approved over £120m, worth of coronavirus-related business support loans since the middle of March, with over £64m of this volume provided through the Governmentbacked Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS),” Danske Bank’s Kevin Kingston said.

And AIB launched a three month ‘payment holiday’ option on mortgage repayments, business loans and personal loans, to customers impacted by Covid-19.

“Our volume of business lending during the crisis has been more than double the equivalent amount lent during the same period last year.” Meanwhile, Ulster Bank has offered a range of assistance to customers. Businesses behind the innovative Hero Shield, crucial for front line NHS workers and others when it emerged there was a shortage of the protective visors, are among those securing financial support from Ulster Bank.

Adrian Doran, head of corporate banking for Barclays in Northern Ireland, said: “The various schemes launched by the Government both locally and nationally, have been vital in giving businesses confidence they can get through this crisis and come out the other side. “Major government initiatives like the Jobs Retention Scheme and the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme are extremely helpful but will take some time to deliver. “While these come through, banks are in a position to support customers and bridge the >

BUSINESS FINANCE & BANKING

Finance Minister Conor Murphy during the daily media broadcast in the Long Gallery at Parliament Buildings

gap, for example with overdraft extension, until this funding is received.”

“We also need to give some thought on what a longer-term economic plan would look like.”

Banks have also played their part in assisting the many firms turning their attention to retooling and assisting in the front line fightback.

While some businesses, forced to shut amid the pandemic, are now reopening, others, such as hospitality, face a longer period without customers at their doors.

THE LONG ROAD AHEAD Business and wider society is now preparing for the longer-term approach to how working practices, trade and hospitality can work, while employing social distancing and other health and safety considerations. There’s a consensus that there must be Government-based assistance, intervention and subsidy in order for businesses to weather the initial lockdown shock and amend their environments and operations in order to keep trading. “In our discussions with Executive ministers, Retail NI has outlined the need for an intensive one-year recovery plan and stimulus package to address the immediate challenges facing our local economy,” Glyn Roberts says.

And while it’s likely the UK will cut back on the generosity of its Job Retention Scheme, it’s essential that a similar system for pubs, restaurants, cafes and hotels is brought in to ensure that these firms can continue to be supported, while many are still not being allowed to open. “The absence of dates within the plan does however mean that planning ahead is a challenge for businesses,” Ann McGregor, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, says. “In the short to medium term further clarity is important, especially as other regions move on. In order to minimise significant longer term damage to the economy, we now need to see a

cross party, cross departmental, strategy for the future of the Northern Ireland economy – one that is developed by government in partnership with business, education, the social economy and unions.” And the language around how we refer to this unprecedented economic and societal crisis is one while could change. We all chuckled when the word ‘Brexit’ was first introduced to the lexicon. Now, it’s almost the dictionary definition, used in Parliament, newspapers and EU documents. Economist David McWilliams has proposed that our current state and incoming turbulent economic times be referred to as a ‘pandession’. “You’ve got to the change the language”, he says. “That is an an economic slump, associated with the action to a global pandemic, and it’s a totally unique thing. It demands completely different solutions, as it has never been seen before, and it may well be the economic concern of the 21st century.” ■

BUSINESS FINANCE & BANKING

NI set for huge contraction but gradual growth in 2021: survey

Conor Lambe

orthern Ireland is set to suffer a huge economic contraction this year but gradually return to growth in 2021, a new report has said. And while we’re set to experience a “staggering decline in economic activity in Northern Ireland this year” of around 7.5% there could be a return to growth next year with a 5% increase in output. That’s according to the latest forecasting for Danske Bank. All areas of decline are expected to be limited to the first two quarters of 2020, with activity beginning to recover gradually in the second half of this year and into next year. Danske Bank chief economist Conor Lambe said: “Unfortunately it seems clear that we will experience a staggering decline in economic activity in Northern Ireland this year due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on consumer spending and business investment. “However, once the lockdown measures begin to be gradually lifted we should see the beginning of a recovery, with the range of recently announced government policy

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measures supporting the economy to get moving again. “It is important to say that, despite the expected return to positive annual growth rates from 2021, total economic output may not return to its pre-coronavirus level until late in 2022 or into 2023. In addition, these forecasts are provided in a climate of extremely high uncertainty and the risks around our numbers are weighted to the downside.” Looking at individual sectors the report said the accommodation and food industry (-17.0%), arts, entertainment and recreation (-16.8%) and education (-14.2%) would bear the brunt of lockdown measures. The wholesale and retail trade sector will experience an annual fall in output of 8.5% in 2020. Both manufacturing and construction are also expected to experience sharp declines in output, with falls of around 12% and 7.7% in 2020 respectively. The report added that extensive shutdowns and falls in orders are impacting both sectors. And, given the global nature of this pandemic, future

supply chain issues may impact their recovery. Meanwhile, there’s been a sharp fall in consumer confidence in Northern Ireland as the effects lockdown and the coronavirus pandemic are felt. Around 36% of those surveyed expected their financial situation to worsen over the next year, while 43% pointed towards ‘global risks’ as having the biggest impact on confidence levels, according to Danske Bank. However, the survey was carried out during March and only partly captures the impact of the lockdown measures on sentiment levels. There was a fall in the component of the index which examines job security, with 20% expected their job security to worsen. “The coronavirus pandemic was the main factor that contributed to the fall in confidence levels in the first quarter of the year, with notable declines in sentiment relating to how people felt about their future financial positions, job security and spending on expensive items,” Mr Lambe says. ■

JOBS

US cyber firm creating 65 new jobs for Belfast A

US cyber security firm has set up a base in Northern Ireland with the creation of 65 new jobs, it announced today. Cygilant, which is led by chief executive Rob Scott, already has offices in Vancouver and at its base in Boston. But Mr Scott said it had chosen Belfast as its first location outside the US due to the strength of its talent pool and the cluster of cyber security firms already here. The company has already recruited 25 people, and plans to have a total of 65 in place in two years time. It started out at the city’s Ormeau Baths before signing up for the Centrepoint building in Ormeau Avenue. It was based there for just a few weeks before it moved to homeworking in March. Staff at the firm will be paid average salaries of around £43,000. The new global security operation centre (SOC) in Belfast will provide security monitoring services to around 200 customers. Mr Scott said: “We needed a presence in Europe to help with our tech requirements, but the second reason that we came here is the talent pool. “Our competitors are here in Belfast and we have students coming out of the universities with cyber security degrees.” The investment in Belfast is supported by economic development agency Invest NI. Mr Scott said he had worked in many other European countries including Finland, Ukraine and Scandinavia but that Belfast had seemed the best choice for investment. “In these challenging times it is welcome news to be able to announce new cybersecurity jobs for Northern Ireland,” Economy Minister Diane Dodds, said.

“Cygilant provides a cloud-based security monitoring service for mid-sized enterprises, essentially becoming their ‘eyes and ears’ for cyber security monitoring and compliance. “This is an important endorsement of Northern Ireland’s growing reputation for excellence in cyber security. The company’s new security operation centre will house an information security team responsible for monitoring, analysing and responding to cyber security incidents on customers’ behalf. “The new team will include engineers and cybersecurity advisers (CSA) at different levels of experience, with salaries that are competitive in the market.” The company has already secured its permanent base in Belfast’s city centre and recruited 25 of the roles, with hiring efforts continuing over the next few years. When fully operational, this investment will deliver nearly

£2.8m in annual salaries to the Northern Ireland economy. “The project will also make a significant contribution to the technology and, in particular, the growing cybersecurity sector in Northern Ireland.” Invest NI offered £455,000 in support towards the jobs. Mr Scott said: “The city is also quickly becoming an innovation hub for technology companies including a growing cybersecurity sector, so all the pieces just fit nicely together. “We are thrilled to be here in Belfast and in the short time since we’ve started operations, we are already seeing the impact the team is having on our business.” Cygilant employs over 100 staff globally. Its key sectors include finance, education, healthcare and retail. Any new staff for the Belfast operation will join the company from home. ■

TRANSPORT

Translink: here if you need us

In these unprecedented times, Translink is making every effort to keep passengers and staff safe and to keep Northern Ireland moving as we look towards a recovery, writes chief executive Chris Conway Ireland’s response to Covid-19 and have allowed us to ensure that public transport coverage is retained for essential workers. We will keep timetables under constant review in the weeks ahead, with additional peak services introduced to accommodate social distancing on board. We have been delighted to offer free travel to NHS and carer staff as they undertake essential journeys.

Chris Conway

A key priority in helping to combat the virus has been to introduce appropriate social distancing policies. Passenger numbers have been limited onboard all services, with screens fitted to protect staff and passengers. Frontline staff have been provided with gloves and hand sanitiser, and social distancing measures continue to be enforced.

his has been an unparalleled period for businesses across Northern Ireland – Covid-19 has resulted in most people staying at home to save lives and not travelling for work purposes

I’m grateful to colleagues across Translink who have played such a key role in keeping Northern Ireland moving during this difficult time.

We have worked alongside colleagues in the Department for Infrastructure and across the Northern Ireland Executive to maintain an effective public transport service in very difficult circumstances while ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to keep everyone safe.

In order to help our economy recover, Translink will be there to help people complete essential journeys, with safety remaining our top priority in the weeks ahead. Every effort is being made to ensure that public transport is a safe place for both passengers and staff.

Timetable changes and reductions in frequency have helped to provide resilience to Northern

Anyone travelling through our bus and rail stations will notice that measures are in place

to keep everyone safe, including signage in stations and on board, as well as hand sanitiser dispensers. Our ‘no change’ policy on board will continue, and we continue to promote pre-paid tickets such as mLink and Smartlink and contactless payment methods – these are now seen as preferable options. We’re also asking passengers to be patient as we implement measures concerning safe access to and from buses and trains, with passengers waiting to board asked to stand aside and space out sufficiently while those exiting the vehicle do so. We want to ensure the right level of peak services are in place for essential commuter journeys to allow

TRANSPORT

everyone to maintain a safe social distance. We recommend that, if possible, you travel outside the peak times and leave extra time for your journey. We have been delighted to support the international #ChasetheRainbow campaign with the introduction of our Trainbows on the railway network and images of rainbows on buses and shelters. We’ve also been proud to join everyone in #ClapforCarers on Thursday evenings, demonstrating our support for key workers in our society, as well as applauding our own colleagues who have played such an important role in getting Northern Ireland through this crisis. We are grateful for the patience and support

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of passengers at this time and ask everyone to remember that these measures are in place to keep us all – passengers and staff alike – safe. Moving forward, I believe better days lie ahead and that public transport will have a key role to play in the economic recovery to follow, helping to connect people and communities to business and employment opportunities. We also cannot forget the climate emergency, which has not disappeared, and Translink will continue to be at the forefront of local efforts to alleviate this in the months ahead, with our ongoing investment in new technologies, including hydrogen and hybridelectric, moving us towards a zero carbon fleet. Work will also be continuing, with

appropriate social distancing, on the Belfast Transport Hub and North-West Transport Hub in Derry~Londonderry, which will assist the recovery of the local construction industry and help provide a boost to the local economy as the recovery process gets underway. Above all, I want to emphasise that Translink services are here if you need us, but we encourage people to avoid non-essential travel for the time being as we work to keep public transport safe for everyone. We stand ready to play our part in progressing our community to a better place. ■

ROADMAP

The road to recovery The Northern Ireland Executive has outlined a roadmap for the economy to reopen. But a lack of dates and a timeline means many sectors are unable to prepare for when they can get back to business. John Mulgrew looks at the five phases and the reaction from the business community

PHASE ONE This will see the first graduated opening of some additional businesses, but not a major change to those open which are deemed essential, such as food and groceries. Again, those who can work from home are being encouraged to do so, but those that have been unable to can return on a ‘phased basis’. The

only change to the retail environment is that large, outdoor businesses, such as garden centres can open. Outdoor and public sport amenities can also be allowed to open.

PHASE TWO In the first significant loosening of restrictions for businesses which rely on

face-to-face contact, the second phase will see non-food retailers able to open “where numbers are limited and social distancing and other mitigating measures are in place”. With education, and subject to risk assessment and adhering to maximum capacities, there is “provision expanded to cover wider definition of key workers as workplace activity gradually increases”.

ROADMAP

“We welcome visibility on the route out of lockdown but we will need to see a time line to allow retailers and our supply chains to prepare.” Aodhán Connolly, Northern Ireland Retail Consortium

“Getting Northern Ireland back to work in a way that prioritises safety will minimise the impact on livelihoods from this pandemic. It must be done gradually, based on science, to retain public confidence. Moving too far, too fast could set back the economic restart.” Angela McGowan, CBI Northern Ireland

PHASE THREE The next major step for most businesses will see a phased returning to the office and other workplaces. However, if work can be done from home, the document recommends it should be. As team sports are now allowed there is also a reopening of businesses such as museums, galleries and libraries.

PHASE FOUR The next level of ‘contact’ retail operations can now start to open their doors. That includes businesses such as hairdressers, gyms and tattoo parlours. Leisure centres and other indoor leisure facilities open, with outdoor concerts on a restricted basis.

PHASE FIVE The last step will mean all workers

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can return to work and the remaining sectors open. Remote working is still being encouraged where possible. Now, hospitality firms such as cafes, restaurants and pubs, can open up, subject to risk assessment and with some limitations in place. Also, nightclubs can reopen, and concerts take place on a limited basis. ■

“This document is welcome progress, but business needs key dates and times to prepare for the gradual reopening of the economy. We fully recognise that all of this is subject to medical advice and protection for workers and consumers.”

“Businesses need some certainty and, sadly, the announcement does not offer them that. Belfast Chamber would urge the Executive to give businesses the clarity they need so that they can prepare to open again in ways that are safe for their staff and customers.” Simon Hamilton, Belfast Chamber

“The Executive’s five-step plan provides a significant step forward in terms of information available on the easing of lockdown, however the absence of dates means that planning ahead will be a challenge for businesses of all sizes.” Ann McGregor, NI Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Glyn Roberts, Retail NI

PLATFORM

‘Recovery is not a trade off between health and the NI economy’

Just a few months after the establishment of the new NI Executive following a three year stasis, ministers were faced with their greatest challenge. Economy Minister Diane Dodds writes for Ulster Business about what her department is doing now to support business but what new measures need to be introduced to ensure a long-term future 42

hen I took up post in January I did not imagine that we would be facing a life-changing pandemic on such a global scale. Back then, I set out goals for this mandate. I wanted to ensure that Northern Ireland continued to have unfettered access to our most important market in GB, benefits from new international trade deals and that we had a sensible migration policy post Brexit. My ambition was to introduce parental bereavement leave, grow our tourism sector, drive up investment and job creation and direct more funding into skills. Within a matter of weeks, those priorities changed. The brutal impact of coronavirus means that the health of our population has been our primary focus. However, it is not a binary choice between health and economy.

Mitigating the economic damage is essential. We have lived through recessions before and seen government stimulus plans based on encouraging people to spend money in shops, restaurants and on holidays to boost the economy. This was neither possible nor appropriate when dealing with Covid-19. What was required by government was bold, swift action. The link between the population’s health and the economy’s health is clear. As people faced the prospect of losing their job, they worried about supporting themselves and their families adding to an already-stressful environment. The Executive and the UK Government have acted quickly. The financial grant schemes, rates relief, bank lending scheme, job retention scheme and support for the self-employed has

PLATFORM

been essential in ensuring that the economy does not implode. My department has so far paid out over a quarter of a billion pounds in targeted direct assistance to over 25,000 businesses across Northern Ireland through £10,000 and £25,000 grant schemes. Recently, we opened a scheme to support thousands of micro-businesses. This intervention will assist the recovery because businesses can ramp up more quickly when they retain staff. But the recovery may not be as rapid as the decline. As we face this new reality, government, nationally and locally, must support businesses to rebuild. So how do we go about this? The answer is:

The next step is a phased return for the retail sector. Many food stores here have adapted. But non-food retail is wide and varied and requires a careful and staged approach to reopening drawing upon experience from elsewhere. how to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic.

step-by-step. The first step to kick-starting the economy began with construction and manufacturing returning to safe workplaces. In Northern Ireland, manufacturing and construction activities were permitted under the existing regulations. While some did close as a precaution, many have restarted, having re-viewed their approach to safer working. These are sectors that can adapt to cope with the precautions against COVID-19. We need to encourage flexibility and home working for businesses in the services sector. Our normal work patterns have changed forever because we have become more accustomed to working remotely, using technology more and transport less. We need to capitalise on this The next step is a phased return for the retail sector. Many food stores here have adapted. But non-food retail is wide and varied and requires a careful and staged approach to reopening drawing upon experience from elsewhere. Obviously businesses involved in the night-time economy, or hospitality, will likely be towards the end of any roadmap, and will need additional support. Throughout this process, we are putting in place guidance to help our employers, employees and the self-employed understand

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This approach is grounded in a set of starting assumptions and guiding principles which are focussed on the health, wellbeing and safety of our people. However, beyond this, further measures will be required. Some sectors will need further support as will vulnerable but viable businesses. We are looking at how we will support people who become unemployed to retrain, upskill and keep close to the labour market. My ultimate goal is a strong, competitive and regionally balanced economy with more people working in better jobs in these challenging times. For our economy to make the best possible recovery, we need to work together. We need buy-in from all sections of society to emerge from lockdown because it is a fine balancing act to reduce economic damage, while keeping Covid-19‘s R-rate under control. A skilled workforce is at the foundation of recovery. Our schools, FE colleges and universities are having to deliver support to students differently too through virtual and remote learning. My department is determined to all it can to facilitate improving skills. We have removed the 25% SME employer contribution to Skills Focus to allow furloughed staff to gain accredited qualifications and return to work upskilled. We have launched a postgraduate course in software development with

QUB, offering a fully funded part-time course to those impacted by Covid-19. We have also partnered with the Open University to provide free online learning for workers. Because it has been impossible for our FE and HE students to sit exams in the conventional way, it is vital that arrangements were put in place for them to receive their qualifications and move forward into the workplace. We will need their skills when the time comes. Investment is essential. The Executive has agreed to match fund £562m for City and Growth deals and £55m for Inclusive Futures Fund. And it will provide up to an additional £100m for complementary projects. Alongside UK funding, this means that a crucial injection of around £1.2bn is available for all regions of Northern Ireland. My department will play a central role in delivering important new projects in innovation, in the digital economy, in skills and in tourism. This investment is essential as we rebuild, and it will continue to boost our economy over the next decade. We also need channel the skills and expertise of our business leaders. I have re-established the Economic Advisory Group to provide expert advice on our economic strategy and on recovery. Its role is to help us identify global market opportunities so we can build on our world class reputation in areas such as cyber security, fin-tech and digital start-ups. Despite the crisis, Northern Ireland is still an attractive proposition in these fields. US firm Cygilant recently announced it was setting up a cyber security hub in Belfast creating 65 new jobs. I have also established the Tourism Recovery Steering Group to galvanise the energy and expertise within that sector to drive forward the rebuilding of an industry that was hit early and hard by this crisis. Recovery is not a trade off between people’s health and the economy. The two are inextricably linked and it is important we all recognise that. The road from adversity to recovery will take time and determination but I am confident we will succeed. ■

NEWS

George Best Hotel enters administration before opening doors It had been in the works for the last two years but the George Best Hotel in Belfast city centre has now entered administration, writes John Mulgrew

he long-delayed George Best Hotel in Belfast city centre has entered administration before opening its doors to the public. Administrators have moved to say they will be in contact with investors involved in the development “at the earliest opportunity to confirm our appointment and gather further information”. Lawrence Kenwright outside the George Best Hotel

Liverpool developer Lawrence Kenwright’s Signature Living has spent the last three years trying to turn the former Scottish Mutual Building, behind City Hall, into a £15m ‘boutique’ hotel. But following a series of delays, a temporary shutdown due to alleged unauthorised work, and staff being offered redundancy, administrators Duff & Phelps were appointed to the development. “The renovation of the hotel is in the latter stages of completion and is due to be launched later this year,” Michael Lennon from Duff & Phelps said. “In order to protect its investment and provide a platform from which the hotel can be completed, Lyell Trading Limited have taken steps to appoint the joint administrators. “We recognise the value of the George Best Hotel as a finished development and trading hotel. In so far as it is possible, advance bookings and reservations remain unaffected. We will be exploring all options with the current funders to maximise its value and ultimately the return to creditors.

“Like Signature Shankly Limited, we are aware that there are a number of bedroom investors that have paid deposits, we will be contacting all investors at the earliest opportunity to confirm our appointment and gather further information.”

It came after the Department for Communities’ Historic Environment Division (HED) raised concerns over “unauthorised works” at the high-profile development. Initial work had been carried out under previously granted planning permission.

Lawrence Kenwright arrived in Belfast in early 2017. At the time, he announced plans for at least four hotels for the city. It was then revealed he had bought the Scottish Mutual Building from former owners Tullymore House and was due to turn it into a George Bestthemed development.

The concerns were raised in a consultation letter from the HED which was published on the online planning portal over the redevelopment of the B1 listed building. Lawrence Kenwright also criticised the council and had threatened to reduce the amount of planned investment across the city.

Mr Kenwright’s company had also planned to redevelop the former Crumlin Road courthouse and took on the former War Memorial Building on Waring Street in the city as another project. But in November 2018, Belfast City Council revealed that it has opened an enforcement investigation in relation to the proposed £15m George Best Hotel in the heart of the city centre.

It is understood that around £10.5m had been spent on turning the Scottish Mutual Building on Bedford Street into the new hotel. At the end of last year, Mr Kenwright told Ulster Business that he hoped it could open by February this year. ■

NEWS

Safety to the fore amid reopening of garden centres Garden centre owners across Northern Ireland may have been expecting “chaos” as they were allowed to open their doors, but the reality proved more serene as customers took their first steps out of lockdown, writes Allan Preston and Donna Deeney

a lot in the garden. I’m delighted to be out. And, of course, from the garden centre point of view I think they had been struggling as well, so it’s a win-win for everybody. Couple Ann-Marie (48) and David Scott (53) from Dunmurry were out to buy new flowerpots for the front of their house. “We’ve been in the garden all day, every day,” Mr Scott said. “It’s so nice to get out of the house for a while. We knew it would be busy but people are doing a good job with social distancing and it feels safe. People seem to be looking after each other.” At Coleraine Garden Centre owner Alan Hall has introduced a number of measures to keep customers safe, including social distancing, controlled admissions and a one-way system. Mr Hall said the Executive’s decision to allow access to garden centres in the first phase of its easing of the lockdown restrictions had saved him a significant sum of money. “Lifting the restrictions could not have come at a better time, because had it gone on until step three or four, it would have been too late in the season and I could have lost tens of thousands worth of stock,” he said. “We have plenty of plants ready for sale but bedding plants might be the problem because although we grow some, most come from our suppliers and they are struggling.” Among those who were delighted to be browsing the hundreds of bedding plants, shrubs, bushes and trees was Karen McCloskey from Dungiven. “It is great to see the garden centres open because it gives you hope that things will return to normal again,” she said.

Shoppers and members of staff at Hillmount Garden Centre in Belfast. Pic Kelvin Boyes

t Hillmount Garden Centre in Belfast visitors were greeted by staff with face masks and hand sanitiser on the first day of reopening, as part of phase one of Northern Ireland’s road map. A new entrance leading to a one-way system allowed shoppers plenty of space among the floral displays while maintaining social distancing. With much of the stock having a limited shelf life, owner Robin Mercer said he

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was relieved to get back to some normality. “They’re all coming in, they’re so happy to be here and pick their own plants for their gardens,” he said. “We’ve had a website going for the home deliveries but it’s just not the same as allowing people to come and pick things out for themselves. Keen gardener David Irwin (60) from Belfast was taking no chances as he arrived wearing gloves and a face mask. “I would normally do

In Templepatrick Richard Fry, managing director of Coleman’s Garden Centre, said he will be lucky if the business breaks even this year. “To be honest, I think 2020 we have to write off. There’ll be no profitability as such for this year. If we break even we’ll be doing well. “We are limiting the number of people through the door to just two per household. We have people on the front door, we have people on the back door, we have a one-way system in place, we’re asking people to sanitise their hands.” ■

INTERVIEW

‘No one knows when we’re going to reopen’ Just weeks ago many of them were flourishing and helping to boost Northern Ireland’s food and drink credentials to those from outside these shores. Now, they are businesses finding a new way to survive. Top restaurant owner and chef Niall McKenna talks to Emma Deighan about remaining optimistic during the darkest of times

Niall McKenna

INTERVIEW

“N

obody has clue when this will be over or when hospitality will reopen, and if they tell you differently, they’re lying,” are the sobering words from one of Northern Ireland’s most respected chefs and business owners, Niall McKenna.

It sells products from local suppliers including those based in Kilkeel. Back at Hadskis, the hand sanitiser available during collection there is also in keeping with Niall’s support local products theme, as it’s ordered in from Shortcross Gin. “The place smells like gin but at least we’ll be clean,” he jokes.

“We are all talking to each other in hospitality and we’re looking to each other, budgeting, covering all bases as much as we can but in the end it’s the virus that is calling the shots,” he says.

Niall employs 75 staff, most of whom are currently furloughed. He praises the Government scheme: “I think the Chancellor really pulled one out of the bag there by extending that scheme. He’s done the right thing for the industry.”

Niall, who was born and bred in west Belfast, has been instrumental in building a culinary culture in NI through landmark restaurants James Street and Hadskis.

Is it enough though to sustain hospitality businesses? “I’m an optimist and I believe it will. We are all in this together. There is not one business who isn’t feeling the impact of this and I believe we all have to take responsibility for ourselves. There are people out there who need help and they’re doing the right thing by taking it. Of course there will still be some people who won’t survive this.

He’s also gone on to share his gastronomic intelligence through his cookery school and is nurturing NI’s future chefs through his apprenticeship scheme. It’s been a successful business for him, and of huge tourist value, he says. “When you look at what we have here, it’s special. We are a true foodie destination. First you’ve London, then Edinburgh and then Belfast. “When you look at the size of us, we’re more like a town rather than a city but we punch above our weight and we have a lot going for us because we have the quality product, the great suppliers.” But since lockdown, restaurants and bars have been struggling, with the chain reaction meaning that some of the trade’s most valued food suppliers are at risk, Niall says. In a bid to safeguard those suppliers, he has set up his own click and collect service from Hadskis, his restaurant in the Cathedral Quarter. It’s a move that helps his business tick over and remain in people’s minds, he says, and, even more so, to ensure his valued suppliers are still in place afterwards. Hadskis at Home is a cook and dine service offering three-course meals every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Dishes like Tomahawk steak (a ribeye with a long bone) and Sunday roast and a step-by-step cooking guide are helping customers replicate the Hadskis dining experience at home.

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“We need to remember that we will all play a role in paying this back. It could be this generation or the next, no-one knows, but I think after lockdown we are looking at pressing the reset button.” “They require some cooking in order to make them complete. I provide the instructions and we observe all the regulations to meet the current hygiene, safety and social distancing measures when people come to collect it,” Niall says “Right now, for us, it’s about looking after everyone; our staff, customers and suppliers and doing the right thing. Everyone forgets about the supply chain; those meat and food producers, the wine distributors and paying them. They need to be still standing after this or we won’t be working with good quality products. Is this service going to make us money? Not really but we are keeping ourselves alive and keeping our name out there.” The click and collect service is one some other industry veterans have gotten behind to keep the supply chain flowing. Fellow chef and business owner Andy Rea of Mourne Seafood has effectively opened a drive through fishmongers at his Bank Square restaurant.

Asked if he thinks the trade could break even in a new normal of social distancing and new safety measure in place when the time might come, he says, “I don’t know. That’s a decision for each business to make. Some businesses, yes, it might work depending on the size of the premises and outside space but then you have winter coming. You have to ask if you can turn it around, does it stack up and is it worth reopening for 20 to 40% of what you’re used to. “Right now what we have to do is stay at home and take responsibility because the last thing we need is a second wave in winter. We will come back. It will take a long time and it will be hard on all hospitality businesses but we will be here when that happens. No one knows when that may be. “The Government would be foolish to give out a timeline. I just hope that whatever happens, the Government will be behind us. Right now we need strong leadership.” ■

HOMEGROWN BUSINESS

Harbinson Mulholland: rooted in Northern Ireland’s business community By Darren McDowell, senior partner, Harbinson Mulholland

ow are you doing? In this new world I’m finding this to be a common initial question before meetings. Before answering I think we all pause and consider a little more than we would have done in the past. So how are we really doing? Covid-19 has impacted all of us. From those infected by this dreadful virus to the frontline NHS staff caring for them, to the key workers keeping us going. In our first world society its wider affect has been in the form of a biblical scale of lockdown, bringing all of our lives into an abrupt detour. Prior to the crisis, Harbinson Mulholland (HM) in conjunction with Ulster University Business School had planned to launch the latest Homegrown list of the most successful SME businesses on March 26, three days after lockdown. We had launched this Homegrown campaign to shine a light on the SME businesses rooted in NI that play such a vital role in underpinning our local economy. As an independent accountancy practice also rooted in NI our culture and values align strongly with this sector. A sector that will be critical in pulling us through this situation. At HM our key primary concern was our team and our existing clients. Like so many businesses we moved quickly to establish a secure remote office environment. As a team of 50 we rely heavily on expertise provided by our external IT supplier CMI, which incidentally is another company rooted in NI. Once operational in this new virtual office environment we set about reaching out to our clients and assisting them in navigating the immediate financial challenges posed by such a massive shut down in the economy.

We see evidence from our client interactions of resilience, creativity, and inventiveness. Massive government intervention in the form of the Job Retention Scheme, grants, Bounce Back and CBILS lending is welcome. As a practice we have been focused on speaking into the individual circumstances of each of our clients and helping them to identify the best solutions. Video calls and technology can facilitate remote working but one thing is clear – relationships matter even more. For SMEs those relationships start with the people in our businesses and extend out to our customers, suppliers, stakeholders and communities. HM’s approach is based on the bedrock of client service, care and excellence in what we do. Our team are well placed to advise clients in areas such as corporate reconstruction, cashflow management and specialist tax advice to help businesses rooted in NI survive and thrive post pandemic. In addition to this as an independent practice we too have had to work through the

operational and financial challenges posed which provides a commercial footing for our advice when we engage with local SMEs. The ongoing shock of Covid-19 on the business landscape is going to have a structural effect on the sectors of businesses that emerge post shutdown. I’m not a great believer in being able to predict the future with any degree of accuracy, particularly when it comes to economies. But people live and act on hope and the exceptional leaders in the clients that we work with are already creating that hope. Based on this I’m sure of one thing, businesses rooted in NI will find a way through. The entrepreneurial spirit runs deep in NI and our conversations with clients over the last few months have demonstrated this time and again. In times of crisis, sometimes a fresh pair of eyes and ears can be useful for anyone running a business and we can offer this to NI based businesses, our homegrown community. ■

Manufacturing & engineering

MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING

Stepping up to the plate

Employees from Denroy Group are pictured assembling quantities of the Hero Shield visor at the factory in Bangor

From clothing to distilleries – some of Northern Ireland’s most ingenious businesses retooled and reskilled to help in the frontline battle against coronavirus. But while it shone a beaming light on the best of our businesses, did it shine one equally as bright highlighting that key supply chains need more support and we’ve lost, or risk losing, key skills and trades? John Mulgrew takes a closer look

f you’d told anyone, anywhere, two months ago, they’d see a top end gin brand’s hand sanitiser on the shelves of our supermarkets or in our hospitals and care homes, it would have been nothing but strange looks.

But strange times have led to strange measures. With the ongoing coronavirus crisis affecting our day-to-day life, it was many of our manufacturers stepping up as the chaos began. Sportswear giant O’Neills grabbed the headlines towards the start – retooling and training staff to produce PPE for nurses and other key workers. Just a few days in, and more than 40 companies volunteered to assist in providing support to produce various PPE requirements. The situation also spurred on the creation of the Hero Shield project. It was the brainchild of Adam Murphy, who co-founded Newtownardsbased company Shnuggle with his wife Sinead more than a decade ago following the birth of their first child.

Since then it was worked with many major firms across Northern Ireland to roll out production of the equipment. That included Bangor’s Denroy. Our distilleries, big and small, also turned their attention from producing juniper-rich gin, and spirit which, after at least three years in barrels would end up as whiskey, to making hand sanitiser. Focusing first on frontline NHS workers, producers included Boatyard in Fermanagh, The Stillhouse in Moira and The Copeland Distillery in Donaghadee. Drinks giant Diageo was also one of the first to turn its attention to producing hand sanitiser for health services across the globe. That included up to eight million bottles being produced – with around 500,000 litres of grain spirit (96% alcohol) for the UK and Ireland. But according to Stephen Kelly, chief executive of Manufacturing NI, while this resilience and ability is as awe-inspiring as it is impressive, that the global pandemic highlights that “we are no longer equipped to be able to meet all >

MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING

Workers at O’Neills producing scrubs at the firm’s Strabane site

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MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING

Finance Minister Conor Murphy, Cormac Diamond from Bloc Blinds Ciaran Doherty from Huhtamaki and Health Minister Robin Swann

the demands of those tacking this virus at home”. “Hundreds of our manufacturers are providing life sustaining, priority goods for consumption at home and as part of international supply chains,” he said. “I have spoken to businesses who send material to China which has come back as part of the critical protection for front line workers to keep them safe; another who works with people supplying oxygen masks and the new Covid-19 test to keep us healthy; another providing digital infrastructure that keeps us connected; another who provide the world’s best agricultural equipment to keep us fed and another who makes the packaging that means we can ship and consume goods in prime condition. “In local manufacturing, we are proud of the place we have in not only in getting pay in to people’s pockets but helping people at home and abroad to keep us fed, connected and healthy. “Yes, as our surveying demonstrated, around 600 manufacturers have repurposed or begun working collaboratively with others to meet the needs of those on the front

line in tacking this Covid emergency. They of course need celebrated for the ingenuity, their endeavour and their community focus.

He said this crisis should help government, and others, to help “develop, equip and sustain local supply chain resilience”.

“However, we know now that there has not been sufficient attention to keeping or supporting firms who provide resilient supply chains for our front line and priority sectors at home.”

“The Government as a buyer, committed to sourcing proven quality products here at home that we know will be there when it is needed and called upon must form part of our strategy to protect the health of our people, the wellbeing of front line workers and indeed part of the necessary rebuilding of our economy.”

“A lot has been written over the years about the critical importance energy ‘security of supply’ but at the same time we largely allowed the security of supply of textiles and other items which have now come in to sharp focus as being equally critical. “In some ways, we are lucky that O’Neills, Randox, Huhtamaki, Bloc Blinds, Diamond Corrugated Cases, Armstrong Medical, Echlinville Distillery and hundreds of others have been able to quickly put their experience, equipment and people to productive use. But, equally we shouldn’t have to require our firms to raid their stores looking for PPE or rolls of material to pass to our nurses. “We shouldn’t have to beg our international supply chains to get on to production schedules or to get the raw materials or get extra boxes on to aeroplanes from suppliers where demand outstrips supply many times over.”

Another of those firms stepping up to meet burgeoning demand is Aktivora NI. The company, based in Lisburn, says it has been inundated with orders for its ‘super sanitiser’. It says it’s the first sanitiser in the UK and Ireland to be certified to kill coronavirus. Aktivora said it is “currently negotiating multimillion pound orders from governments around the world for the multi-purpose solution which can be diluted to varying strengths depending on whether it is used as a hand sanitiser, for cleaning buildings, floors and surfaces, or for mass sterilisation”. The company has recently secured a contract to help sanitise The Principality Stadium in Wales, which has been converted into a 2,000-bed NHS hospital to care for Covid-19 patients. ■

MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING

Road map is good start but we need to set dates By Stephen Kelly, chief executive of Manufacturing NI

he Executive’s route map outlining their rationale for a staged exit from lockdown is welcome and in many places offers some necessary clarity on how decisions will be made over the coming weeks and months. But it lacks the necessary timetabling. Business understands the power of targets, of certain actions taking place within pre-determined timelines in order to focus attention and deliver the right results. But in this public health and economic emergency, why are dates important? First, there are fundamentally two different types of campaigns – one based on fear or one based on ambition or aspiration. Clearly the community, our economy, needed the lockdown shock to suddenly shift behaviour. It was absolutely right to fundamentally alter economic life, quickly. The right campaign for the right moment. But, more than two months in, there is growing evidence that people are no longer adhering to the advice. It is not just that people are bored or becoming relaxed – for many the messaging has become like wallpaper… you know it’s there but you no longer notice it. The choice now is do we ignore this behaviour or do we react to it? The Executive’s plan, their clarity on how they will go about making decisions, does help a little to move us towards giving the public some targets to hit. If we can meet these, we will see a reopening of more of what we understand to be more fully-functioning life including community and sporting activities, returning to work and enjoying nice things in life like spending time with family, socialising and shopping. But if we do not know when these will

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happen, people will increasingly make their own choices based on their own understanding or assumptions of the risks. We should be telling them that if we collectively do these things by a specific date, then there is going to be movement. A target to aim for, ambitions met if we act together. It is time for a fresh message which can resonate with the public but a more positive one which motivates them to help achieve the outcomes we all require. Secondly, businesses just cannot flick a switch and turn things back on. It takes time and resources to get back functioning. Speaking to staff so they can be mentally prepared to return to work, placing orders with our suppliers or find new suppliers, planning for cash flow, investing in expensive social distancing protections, turn on their marketing

and commit to logistics providers. Equally, they cannot hold out forever. They are running out of cash and in some customers are looking elsewhere. Giving firms an indication of when things will move or come back online will provide them with the necessary space to make arrangements. We just simply cannot wait this out until a vaccine is found. This virus is not going to disappear in three weeks’ time but we should use that period to develop fresh messaging, look at what parts of economic and civic life can be safely brought back and lay out a targeted plan which motivates us all to still play our part. Telling us what and – equally as importantly – when we can return to activities, will have us collectively focused on taking the right actions. A little hope can be very effective. ■

ANALYSIS

We need government to help us reopen our doors In the space of just a few weeks, Northern Ireland’s hospitality sector has gone from a burgeoning core of the economy, to effectively, shutting up shop amid the coronavirus crisis. Colin Neill, chief executive of Hospitality Ulster, outlines what’s needed from government to ensure the doors open once again

hen the coronavirus pandemic reached our shores, it was clear that the hospitality industry was going to be the first hit, worst hit, and last to reopen. Our industry thrives on social interaction – enjoying time with friends, family and even total strangers.

We have been grateful for the government intervention and support measures which Hospitality Ulster lobbied hard for in the early days of this pandemic. In fact, Hospitality Ulster continues to work around the clock to ensure nobody misses an opportunity to put food on their staff’s tables.

We have seen some fantastic innovation during the lockdown period; for example some restaurants have been able to offer limited home delivery of their product, pubs have continued to engage with their local communities through live streams and online entertainment – but in comparison to the retail industry we are extremely limited to what we can do to continue in business when we are physically separated from one another.

Sadly, we still have a score of businesses who have received zero help since they were forced to close their doors. To sustain this closure, frankly, the industry needs additional help. But to move forward and reopen? To rebuild our industry in a socially distanced environment? We need government to work with us. Until such times as social distancing measures allow our industry to be sustainable, there is sadly no point in reopening just to go broke.

distancing rules together, in a manner which is sustainable to our businesses. Going forward, Hospitality Ulster will continue to fight to ensure our members’ voices are heard. We will continue to fight to protect an industry worth £1.9bn to the economy, sustaining 65,000 jobs and providing the backbone of our tourism industry. As we move into the critical phase of the path out of lockdown, government must work with us to create rules which protect our staff, and our customers – in addition to making businesses financially viable. Only then will there be any point in attempting to reopen. ■

If that were the case, the industry might as well have just gone broke over seven weeks ago before any government intervention was introduced. Government must continue their interventions whilst planning alongside the industry to introduce social

One of Belfast’s best-known publicans, Willie Jack, walks past his Duke of York bar in Belfast. Pic Elaine Hill

Colin Neill

Management education

MANAGEMENT EDUCATION

Welcoming a new dawn of learning As Zoom, Microsoft Teams and other apps become the new (temporary) norm for many, companies, colleges, schools and universities across Northern Ireland are turning their attention to teaching online, with remote learning â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in some cases using their own technologies to help other countries train staff. Ulster Business looks at learning in a new environment

Bridgeen McManus from North West Regional College

MANAGEMENT EDUCATION

ll of Northern Ireland’s further education colleges are now continuing study for around threequarters of students through the prism of virtual learning.

construction learning platform is now being used by a Croatian vocational school for its online training, as schools in country are having to shut to help curb the spread of coronavirus.

It’s something which has come out of necessity, rather than choice. And while we’re all yearning for the days when we can return to a social, educational or working environment, we’re having to deal the problem that’s now in front of us.

The Croatian Agency for Vocational Education and Training appealed for help in securing additional specific online training.

“There have been around 50,000 online engagements with students, and learning continues in subject areas as diverse as software development, engineering, hair and beauty, plumbing and languages,” Economy Minister Diane Dodds said. “Our further education colleges play a crucial and significant role in the success of Northern Ireland. Their response to the pandemic, ensuring that learners can continue their studies and providing crucial support networks to make that possible, demonstrates their commitment to the people who study with them. I commend and thank all the staff for their efforts in adapting to the challenges posed by Covid-19.” In one particular case towards the start of UK and Ireland-wide lockdown, a Belfast college began to help train students in Croatia within the construction sector through after offering up access to its online portal as nations make the switch to remote learning. Belfast Metropolitan College’s BIMcert digital

The pan-European action to help offer up the schemes is being taken by the Belfast Met-led project, along with the full support of the BIMcert programme manager, Mr Paul Mc Cormack. “We want our training offering to benefit the European construction industry but we are also conscious of delivering real societal benefit to countries at this time of need,” he said. “Due to the ongoing global crisis we are all dealing with currently we are all now looking at the way we live and indeed the way we work.” Our universities have also branched out and flexed their digital muscles amid the crisis. Queen’s University has just launched a free online part-time postgraduate certificate in software development, to upskill and retrain individuals in programming, testing and computing foundations. The Department for the Economy will be funding 100 places on the course, offering upskilling for those who have either been furloughed or lost their job due to the pandemic. >

Economy Minister Diane Dodds with Brian Doran, principal, during her visit to Southern Regional College in Lurgan to meet staff making PPE for frontline workers

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MANAGEMENT EDUCATION

Meanwhile, in recent weeks, thousands of students and staff from Northern Ireland’s further education colleges have combined their time, talents and skills gained through their college courses to support frontline efforts to fight coronavirus. All six colleges have been involved in the production of PPE equipment, while students from a range of courses across the colleges have also been involved in the fit out of the new facilities at a number of hospitals. Northern Regional College is one of those to embrace a wide range of technology and digital platforms to deliver online learning to its students. Thanks to the power of technology, around 4,000 of the college’s students who normally attend classes at its campuses in Newtownabbey, Magherafelt, Ballymena, Ballymoney and Coleraine are now learning from home. Figures released by the college show that during the past few weeks its Canvas e-learning platform, currently being used by students at home, has received around 700,000 views, while students have logged into the college’s learning assistant platform almost 13,000 times, uploading 5,775 pieces of work, and have viewed 1,912 videos, through LinkedIn Learning. The college says “lecturing staff have also embraced technology and are staying in touch with their students by email and phone

using Zoom and Skype to carry out online assessments to ensure that students can complete their studies”.

But for our best and brightest already through the system, the final step has been irreparably damaged due to the crisis.

And South Eastern Regional College has launched a comprehensive programme of online support designed to upskill individuals and work teams in a range of industry sectors.

The rite of passage of all university students saw many forgoing the traditional grand graduation ceremony for something with a few more ones and zeros.

For those of a younger age, a Belfast educational technology company has also seen a fourfold increase in global demand for its maths learning tools as parents look for resources to help their children keep learning during the coronavirus lockdown.

Among them was Dr Abbie Harte (24), who studied for six years to achieve her medicine degree, which she was awarded on her laptop screen in a virtual celebration last amid the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

Komodo Learning is a maths learning system for children aged five to 11 which is designed to supplement primary school maths at home. It provides animated video guidance and short practice exercises that can be accessed on smartphones, tablets and computers, with learning individually tailored to each child’s needs by a maths teacher. Founder Gerard McBreen said the lockdown in many countries has resulted in increased interest from parents looking for resources they can trust. “Komodo has been helping parents to support their children’s maths learning for years but since schools have closed, we’ve been called upon by even more parents who have had to become their children’s sole educators. It is not how we expected to grow the business but we are responding to the rise in demand.”

The university has committed to holding further celebrations in the future to allow graduates to reflect on their achievements with family and friends. “Although a traditional ceremony would be nice to mark the end of our medical degree and a lovely way to celebrate with close family and friends, I think that we are all extremely understanding of the current situation and why we weren’t able to have a traditional ceremony,” she told the Belfast Telegraph. “It wasn’t the celebration we were all hoping to have, but it was a lovely day and I was able to celebrate with my close family to acknowledge the end of a challenging six years. It’s definitely a small sacrifice to make, especially when you see how hard all key workers are working at the moment.” ■

WORKPLACE

The return to work: a five step guide Reopening any business can seem a laborious task. In these unprecedented times however, this task can seem overwhelming. ABL Group is advising firms to put in place a ‘return to work’ plan to navigate the process

PREPARATION AND PLANNING ARE KEY “Like any business objective, we know that the key to successful implementation is in the planning,” David Sinnamon, risk manager, says. “To begin, try to determine when your business will likely be re-opening. This will give you a clear idea on how to formulate and conduct a Covid-19 risk assessment and action plan. Ensure you review the most up to date Government guidelines to fully understand when a safe opening should be planned for or liaise with enforcement authorities, legal professionals and insurers as to the most up-todate information”.

CREATE AN INTERNAL RESPONSE TEAM “At this point, the safe and successful management of staff against exposure to Covid-19 within the workplace requires a team effort. To be successful, you will need to create an internal business response team. From team leaders, sanitation supervisors to communication advocates; the expressed aim of this team should be to ensure the business continues to implement health strategies to reduce the potential spread.”

“In areas used by staff throughout the day- be that food preparation areas, washrooms, or meeting rooms – assess the risk of Covid-19 exposure and take appropriate action; ensuring daily cleaning schedules are followed and re-enforced. This also applies to main touch points through the workplace, for example, door handles, stair rails and lift buttons.”

“Factor in the workspace. You may need to separate workstations or adjust floor plans to keep employees distanced. In doing so, plan for occupancy. This may involve staggering arrivals and departures or sequencing tasks so that risks are reduced.

“Equally important, is the requirement to reassure staff returning to the workplace. Whether they have continued to work remotely

RESHAPE AND ADJUST WORKSPACES “Consider all spaces where your staff pass through, congregate or occupy throughout the normal working day. If workspaces have been closed for the past number of weeks, consider deep-cleaning to minimise potential Covid-19 spread.

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KEEP EMPLOYEES INFORMED “Ensure all staff are fully aware of the actions the business will be taking to safeguard safety; compile information detailing what the business is doing and what staff are expected to do,” David says. “This should re-enforce the need to maintain a healthy and Covid-19 free workplace; be that through social distancing within the office, handwashing, surface disinfecting and cleaning”.

or if they have been furloughed; all staff should be ‘re-inducted’ into the business with a key focus on health and well-being. This will also give you the opportunity to inform staff of new business protocols and brief them in respect of new rules and PPE requirements”.

PLAN, REVIEW, ADAPT, REPEAT As is the case with any business planning, ‘return to work’ plans should be monitored, assessed and updated. “Rushing a return to the workplace may increase the risk of employees being exposed to Covid-19,” he says. “Therefore, all policies and procedures should be subject to regular monitoring and review. Where necessary, work with the corresponding departments such as HR, health and safety or external advisers, as well as government websites. It’s important to remain flexible at this unprecedented time to ensure the successful re-opening of your business and a healthy, reassured work force”. ■

NEWS

The islands turning towards a greener future T wo islands off the coast of Ireland are looking towards a greener energy future and developing a new hydrogen-based strategy.

Rathlin Island off the coast of Co Antrim and Valentia Island off the coast of Co Kerry are both committed to seeing a green hydrogen future that includes new ‘green ferries’ operating to both islands. Michael Cecil, Rathlin Development and Community Association chairman, believes the island is braced for the challenges around a post-lockdown and coronavirus society. “All small and medium islands suffer from energy poverty as traditionally most have no means of producing energy or fuel, this leads to a reliance on transporting everything using very inefficient methods. “During periods of bad weather, ferry downtime or even the current Covid-19 lockdown transportation becomes even more difficult – all leading to insecurity of supply. “Covid-19 has shown the public quite clearly how we are damaging our planet – since lockdown and with the reduction in transport and industry there has been a marked improvement in air quality, there is anecdotal evidence that nature has bounced back somewhat. We need to ensure we don’t revert back to how things were precoronavirus. That will involve new thinking around travel and energy.”

Rathlin Island

Energia, focused around using hydrogen as a fuel of the future. In the coming years the community says it has aspirations to explore options around retrofitting the ‘Rathlin Express’ passenger ferry with hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen storage tanks and electric drives.

There has been a desire to move Rathlin Island towards carbon neutrality and the ‘Rathlin As A Carbon Neutral Island’ document produced in September 2019 was a step in gathering thoughts and momentum. There was also a meeting held on Rathlin between representatives from Rathlin Development and Community Association, Belfast Metropolitan College, Invest NI, and

Michael Cecil

There is a need to secure a hydrogen supplier to meet the potential demand from the ferry. A pilot of hydrogen powered vehicles on Rathlin and a new identity for the east lighthouse on the island are all envisaged. “Our roadmap outlines our ambitions around hydrogen and this includes a plant producing green hydrogen in the short to medium term, that is very much part of the plan,” Michael said. “Yes, our desire is to develop green ferries coupled with an island green transport all linked back to wind energy and an associated hydrogen plant can become a tourist and education attraction in its own right. “The brief for the lighthouse development is quite clear in that the entire venture must aim for carbon neutrality in its build and operation. We hope that pilot projects and medium scale research can take place onsite to be rolled out to the wider community.”■

IT & technology

IT & TECHNOLOGY

Covid-19: how the world is tracking and tracing an invisible enemy As countries launch contact-tracing apps to help the fight against Covid-19, Adrian Weckler examines how the UK and Ireland’s proposed systems could look and contrast with those being used around the world

potential exposure to carriers. Others want to delve deeper, seeking the ability to directly notify individual citizens that they may be at greater or lesser risk.

There are then differing approaches as to how authorities want to use this data. Some will be happy to get a general overview of citizens’

For example, UK authorities have been clear that they want their app to be able to alert the phone’s owner if the phone of someone who tested positive was close by at any stage.

ost countries are approaching their contact-tracing apps in the same basic way: using the wireless Bluetooth technology on a citizen’s smartphone to detect and interact with other citizens’ smartphones.

Against this backdrop, Apple and Google have jointly launched a technological way to connect all smartphones over Bluetooth for contacttracing effort by health authorities (and only health authorities). However, uptake of their platform looks set to be mixed. While countries like Germany will use it, the UK will not, because it prefers a more directly-accountable system that is

IT & TECHNOLOGY

centralised on a server to the decentralised one existing on individual phones that the two tech giants are building. Here’s a comparative look at what we know so far about Ireland and a handful of other countries. REPUBLIC OF IRELAND The Health Service Executive (HSE) says that it will have a contact-tracing app in the coming weeks, but has given little guidance on its shape or specific purpose, as other countries have done. That includes basic outlines, such as whether it will be a centralised or decentralised system, whether the HSE will have a large database of people’s phone data or whether if it will construct the app in a way that won’t centralise information like this. The HSE has also not said whether if it plans to it will use the on-device technology being made available by Apple and Google, nor whether the app will work in the background on iPhones. The firm designing the app, Waterford-based

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Nearform, is understood to be focusing it around on-device storage, meaning that technical information about the identity of other app-carrying phones would mostly be stored on the user’s phone as opposed to on a centralised HSE server, as countries like the UK are doing. This could mean that the app makes use of the Bluetooth application programming interface (API) being introduced by Apple and Google, as countries such as Germany are doing. Elsewhere in the Irish medical system, others are being more open about development of their own contact-tracing apps. Beaumont Hospital currently has an app under construction that may give staff greater protection against exposure by using Bluetooth to notify the hospital and workers of potential exposure by other staff who test positive. The app, being built by Machine.ie on a pro bono basis, is being designed primarily to help contact-tracing professionals in their

work. While it has not yet been completed, key decisions will include the extent, if any, that mobile phone numbers might play a part in the notification process. UK The UK’s National Health Service is building its own contact-tracing app that aims to record a phone’s location data when it is close to another app-using phone for a period of several minutes. Matthew Gould, the executive in charge of the project, said this would allow tracers to more quickly assess the potential threats and spread of the virus. However, the location setting will be an opt-in feature, he added. Mr Gould also said that the UK has decided to choose a centralised operation system, meaning that more of the data from the apps will be processed and stored in a single location rather than separately on people’s phones. The advantage to this, he told MPs, is that they can put together a more complete picture of which data to trust and act upon, such as the likelihood of some individuals being at greater risk than others. It is yet to be explained how >

IT & TECHNOLOGY

Police at Helen’s Bay in Co Down

such a system will work on iPhones, which have strong privacy guards against apps that run in the background. GERMANY Germany was set to go live with a centralised contact-tracing app but has had to change the design of the app, for two reasons. First, there were concerns about the potential privacy implications of a centralised database, and the potential that the data may be used for other purposes either during or after the pandemic. But the clincher may have been a difficulty with iPhones, which don’t allow for the smooth operation of monitoring technology in the background. A direct appeal from Germany’s chancellor

Angela Merkel on this issue to Apple was rejected.

be opened and kept on, something that isn’t required on Android phones.

SINGAPORE Singapore’s ‘Trace Together’ app has been a central focus for many other countries because it was one of the first to be deployed and isn’t as invasive on privacy grounds as comparative apps in South Korea and Israel.

AUSTRALIA Within a couple of days, over a million users had downloaded Australia’s new contact-tracing app. Those who download it are asked for their mobile number, name, age and location. The centralised app then alerts users if someone who has been within Bluetooth range tested positive.

It uses Bluetooth to detect and communicate with other app-enabled phones. If someone tests positive, they are asked to upload their contact data. From there a contact-tracer will call other individuals thought to be at risk from proximity to the person who tested positive. But other countries have also seen that to properly work on iPhones, the app needs to

To address privacy fears, the Australian government says that all data is wiped either when the app is deleted from the phone or after 21 days. It also insists that no other authority in Australia – including the police force – will be allowed have any access to the data. ■

IT & TECHNOLOGY

Dealing with digital working By Peter Snowling, principal management consultant, Novosco

verybody is perhaps already fatigued with the term ‘new normal’. And while we don’t know yet exactly what the ‘new normal’ post the pandemic will be, we do know that technology is going to play an even bigger role in it for consumers, employees, businesses and other organisations. Indeed, some technology leaders have gone as far as to suggest that every company could become an artificial intelligence (AI) business as a result on the Covid-19 pandemic.

Certainly, there is reason to believe that organisations are using the current situation as a time to rethink their technology infrastructure and to accelerate their cloud adoption and AI journey. We have already seen a scramble by employers to facilitate home working on a scale and pace never seen before due to the lockdown. And surveys of business leaders suggest homeworking is here to stay for many employees post the pandemic. The infrastructure as a service (IaaS) market responded quickly to the recent surge in demand for homeworking tech and for wider solutions regarding Covid-19. Microsoft – provider of MS Azure cloud infrastructure – saw a 40% uptick in service

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requests from clients, including increases in demand for Windows Virtual Desktop, VPN connectivity and Teams. It recently announced that it now has about 75 million daily active users of Teams; up 31 million since April. And rival Slack, designed to replace email as the primary method of communication and sharing, broke all user records as demand surged for remote working. Amazon Web Services provides the Johns Hopkins University platform that supports global coronavirus data tracking including modelling on the number of confirmed cases, deaths, and recoveries, by location, updated daily. It was also selected by UK Government as a strategic partner to assist in the sale and distribution of Testing, leveraging Amazon’s unrivalled logistics network and its Amazon Web Services (AWS) ecommerce capability to scale to meet demand. What is clear is that previous generations of data centre and software architectures may not have been able to deal with this crisis as effectively and certainly not as quickly. Cloud has elasticity built into it – compare that with the traditional approach to procuring, implementing and operating traditional IT infrastructure. We’ve seen immense digital transformation

already, and the reality is that it is unlikely to slow, including when it comes to cloud adoption, service automation and artificial intelligence. Part of the shift to AI is driven by the fact that companies large and small are expanding how they use it to increase social distancing and reduce the number of people that have to physically come to work. AI is also being used to perform roles that workers cannot do at home. And it’s not just in more obvious areas like contact centres. According to the futurist Martin Ford, using AI in the post Covid-19 world also presents some marketing advantages in many sectors. He says that people will prefer to go to a place that has fewer workers and more machines because they feel they can lower their risk of exposure to viruses. The reality is that with technology today, information can be shared quicker than ever; real-time collaboration is now the norm; and new systems and services can be put in place quickly to significantly change organisations. What the new normal will be is still to be determined, but when we look back on the pandemic in future, I have no doubt that we will conclude that fast modern technologies, such as Cloud, AI and automation, were deployed in many ways that made them significant forces for good. ■

The column with an ear for experience... How did you first start out in your business? Having worked in the construction industry I decided to change career in 2007 and joined a global recruitment company, as a trainee consultant. I worked my way into senior management, having set up their technical and engineering division in the Mid Ulster region. In 2015, I took the opportunity to set up my own business specialising in environmental health and safety recruitment, in Armagh and since then have opened a second office in Monaghan. What have you found the most challenging in your business so far? Coming from working in large offices with over 50 colleagues, to working on your own is challenging. Not having that collaborative working environment, to bounce ideas off with people around you, can sometimes be tough. Fear is both terrifying and exhilarating. The fear drives you forward but starting out, you also have to worry about the financial stability of your fledgling business. How would you describe your management style? The nature of my business means that I work with business leaders, consultants and freelancers, so you need to be a good listener, very organised and have good project management skills. Have you done it all on your own? No, I have been very lucky to have a very loyal client base that has been with me for many years. I also get a lot of business referrals. Because my offices are based in business centres, I have received very solid assistance from business support organisations and I also have very a good financial management team working with me.

Name: Michael Smith Position: Managing director, Michael Smith Recruitment How would you like your business to be remembered? In recruitment you have got to understand that you are dealing with peoples’ careers and there is a real person behind the CV. Back in 2017 I started using video interviews and quickly realised how it could add value to the traditional recruitment process. Video adds personality at the CV ‘sift stage’ of the hiring process, ensuring you have the right cultural fit between candidate and company. I’d like my business to be remembered by companies for making recruitment easier and more seamless. Employing my technology shortens the time it takes to get to the hiring stage and cuts out the need for scheduling, travelling and welcoming candidates to your office. It also allows me to work exclusively with organisations, to positively promote their employer brand and to attract talent with the specialist skills required. Since the start of Covid-19, video interviewing is no longer a nice to have, its now an essential part of the hiring process. It introduces personality and allows organisations to look

for attitude in the hiring process and train for skills. The health and safety management field involves a lot of interpersonal communication, so video allows employers see how a candidate performs along with the hard skills on their CV. What would you change if you had to go back and do it all again? I probably wouldn’t change direction too much would maybe but do some things better. I would also have a stronger sense of self belief and be more confidence in the value that I offer but that all comes with experience. I’d also seek out more advice from business leaders, mentors and entrepreneurs. What advice would you give to a 20-year old you? Firstly, always ask, listen and never assume. Secondly, never forget where you’ve come from, as your career is based on your own experiences. I recently introduced a health and safety officer to an agri-food business and because I grew up on a farm, I fully understood the needs of this business and the challenges they faced when trying to hire the right person. ■

Branding & marketing

BRANDING & MARKETING

London’s Piccadilly Circus in 1969

simple icon that sums up your ideals and makes your company instantly recognisable is the essence of what a good logo should be about.

If you’ve got it right, then just seeing your logo should automatically bring your company’s name to mind. Large businesses spend an extraordinary amount of time and money trying to create an iconic logo.

The colour, the detail, even the type face you choose all combine to help portray a message about you and your firm. Many of the biggest companies in the world have it nailed when it comes to logos. Think of the Starbucks mermaid, the crossed fingers for the symbol of the National Lottery or the red white and blue globe of Pepsi.

BP spent £136m on a new ‘sunflower’ logo and marketing campaign. It followed a huge spill in the Gulf of Mexico by BP. And while its sunflower image is not what you would normally associate with an oil company, it suggests a commitment to nature and to the environment which was crucial for BP after the spill.

Just how attached customers can get to logos was brought home when international clothing brand Gap changed its logo with a new font in 2010. It caused such a huge backlash from customers that the firm had to abandon its plans and revert back to its original logo. It is not just large companies which rely on logos for marketing but according to experts it is something even small start-up firms need to consider. However, Chris Holland of Creative Zoo design agency in Belfast, says many Northern Ireland

The art of the logo

BRANDING & MARKETING

As a business owner, having a logo that represents what your company stands for is usually the ﬁrst step in getting your branding up-and-running, writes Stephanie Bell

firms starting out don’t see the need to invest in a professional logo and company branding. Chris, who has clients in the US, across Europe and the rest of the UK, says it is only here that his team encounters resistance in developing a logo and brand image for small start-up firms. “The importance of a good logo and branding is lost over here. We deal with a lot of SMEs and they don’t see the importance of it. They think ‘why should we pay for a logo when we can do it ourselves in Word?’

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“We know from research and experience that people judge your company in the first three to five seconds of seeing your brand. If they don’t like what they see they are not going to use you or engage with your company. “Yes, you can buy a generic logo online but it’s not bespoke and there will be nothing individual about it. The most important step in creating your business is your brand and one way to look at it is that it is your sales rep, but you don’t have to pay anyone and it will work for you for the next 20 years.”

Chris maintains that the more uniform a brand is and the more consistent, then in turn the more business it will attract. Firms wanting to appear professional and sleek to attract tenders or deal with big companies need a logo and professional branding, he says. “Everyone judges everything on aesthetics and what is visually pleasing. “If your branding isn’t right then you won’t grow your business and get it where you need to be, especially when trying to deal

BRANDING & MARKETING

Piccadilly Circus in London

with large companies or local councils, a good logo can be make or break.” Developing a logo is a detailed process and should involve lengthy engagement with the creative team who need to understand fully what your company vision is. Their expertise in design comes into play when it comes to choosing colours and fonts which will sum up the message you want to portray. “You can have the best font in the world but if the colour doesn’t match it then it will never work. It is all about keeping consistency,” he says. David Henderson runs DHD Design in Kilkeel, Co Down, and Belfast, specialising in brand building, visual identity and digital marketing. Over the past few years David has been invited to share his expertise on the importance of branding and marketing to over 800 university students at the world-renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He too believes that getting the design right can make or break your brand. “Getting the look and feel of your logo right from the get-go is crucial. The pinnacle of your branding is your logo.

“It is the foundation of your marketing and the look and feel of your logo is a representation of your brand and business values. It validates your company. All the good things that your brand represents are solidified in the mind of your customer when they see your logo. If you have a good logo you can build a strong product on top of it, such as your website and social media presence but if you have a weak logo all of that falls apart.”

“Colour represents different things around the world. For instance in China, red is considered lucky and a good thing. If a company is planning to market largely in the Asian community then red would be a good colour for their logo.

When it comes to designing a good logo, according to David, the rule is: the simpler the better. He says the best logos are those which can be redrawn by a five year old in seconds – think Nike’s iconic swoosh or the globally known golden arches of McDonald’s.

“Blues, which are favoured by banks and

And the psychology of colour and choice of font are crucial in ensuring your logo portrays what you want it to.

“Similarly green is a very positive colour which is associated with growth and nature and the earth, while yellow represents energy, joy and happiness.

financial companies, represent calm and confidence. A font or typeface can portray the tone of the voice of your company – whether that is quirky, traditional or humorous.” David believes digital marketing has made a logo more important than ever as companies strive to reach their customers online. The internet is now in our pockets.

“The use of colour, typography, form and the minute detail really matter,” David says. “If you look into the psychology of colour and topography, like any other form of art, they can stir up some form of emotion. We are emotive beings and colour can be very suggestible.

“Brands interact with people through their data and searches and also through social media channels. That audience needs to recognise and remember your brand so it is important now more than ever to get the look and feel of your branding right.” ■

Motoring By Pat Burns

MOTORING

Corsa hits its fifth incarnation

auxhall’s popular Corsa has been on our roads since 1993 and an allnew fifth generation model has just been launched. Featuring a new range of high-efficiency petrol and diesel powertrains, the 2020 Corsa offers reduced fuel consumption, flexibility and refinement as key characteristics of all powertrain options, with every variant of the new model emitting less CO2 than the most efficient versions of its predecessor. Thanks to its lightweight design, the new Corsa weighs up to 108kg less than the outgoing model. This means that every new Corsa benefits from improved performance and handling, and increased efficiency, whether it’s powered by an electric motor or conventional engine. As well as high-efficiency petrol and diesel models, an all-electric Corsa-e, the first-ever electric Corsa, arrives in Vauxhall showrooms later this year. High efficiency and lively performance are signature characteristics of the new petrol engines. The engine line-up begins with an

entry-level 1.2-litre (75PS) petrol unit, fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox as standard. This is complemented by an award-winning three-cylinder, direct-injection, all-aluminium, turbocharged 1.2-litre engine with 100PS (combined 47.9mpg to 52.3mpg according to WLTP, 96g/km CO2). In combination with the low vehicle weight, excellent aerodynamics and optimised gear ratios, these factors make the Corsa great fun to drive. The 1.2-litre (100PS) can achieve a top speed of 121mph and 0-60mph in 9.3 seconds. In addition to the six-speed manual gearbox, customers have the option of pairing this engine with a smooth eight-speed lightweight automatic transmission. The two petrol engines are joined by a threecylinder, turbocharged 1.5-litre diesel unit with 102PS and maximum torque of 250Nm (combined 62.8mpg to 70.6mpg according to WLTP, 85g/km CO2). The engine is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. The diesel model can achieve a top speed of 117mph and 0-60mph in 9.6 seconds.

Until now, adaptive speed control has only been offered in mid-size cars and above. Now, the system makes its debut in the allnew Corsa. Using the front camera and radar sensors, the system automatically adapts the gap between the car and the vehicle in front by accelerating or decelerating, according to the distance selected by the driver. If the vehicle in front decelerates, so does the Corsa – even to a standstill, if necessary. The Corsa also offers forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian and cyclist detection while driver drowsiness system also comes as standard. Outside urban areas, the matrix headlights automatically switch to high beam. Cleverly controlled by a high-resolution front camera, the light beam continuously adapts to the traffic and the surroundings to ensure optimum output without dazzling. Vehicles in front or behind the Corsa are simply cut out of the light pattern, preventing glare. Prices for the new Corsa start at £15,550 or £203 a month. ■

MOTORING

Puma on the prowl again

t might be 20 years since the original Puma was on sale, but the new 2020 Puma represents how the new car market has changed in the intervening period. The new Puma introduces Ford’s advanced, fuel-saving mild-hybrid powertrain technology alongside classleading practicality and smart design for compact crossover customers.

ahead before they become visible to the driver or vehicle sensors

Responsive performance and good fuel efficiency is delivered using Ford’s EcoBoost Hybrid 48-volt technology – integrating electric torque assistance with a low-friction, threecylinder 1.0 litre EcoBoost petrol engine to deliver up to 155 PS.

Last year Ford announced that every one of the company’s range launched from the allnew Focus onwards will include an electrified option. The new Puma is one of 14 electrified vehicles to be introduced by Ford by the end of this year.

A range of advanced driver assistance technologies deliver a simpler and less stressful driving experience and include: adaptive cruise control with stop and go, speed sign recognition and lane centring, for negotiating highway and stop-start traffic, along with local hazard information, which can inform the driver of hazardous situations in the road

The EcoBoost Hybrid technology enhances the Puma’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with an 11.5 kW belt-driven integrated starter/generator (BISG). Replacing the standard alternator, the BISG enables recovery and storage of energy usually lost during braking and coasting to charge a 48 volt lithium-ion battery pack.

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The new Puma is also the first vehicle in its segment to offer hands-free tailgate technology and lumbar massage seats for comfort and convenience – both delivered as standard in premium Titanium X specification.

The BISG also acts as a motor, integrating with the engine and using the stored energy to provide torque assistance during normal driving and acceleration, as well as running the vehicle’s electrical ancillaries. Offered in 125 PS and 155 PS variants, the intelligent, self-regulating mild-hybrid system continuously monitors how the vehicle is being used to determine when and how intensively to charge the battery. The hybrid system improves CO2 emissions which are 124 g/km for the 125 PS variant. In addition, customers can also choose from the range of EcoBoost petrol and EcoBlue diesel engines that are supported by standard auto start-stop for further reduced running costs, and a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission. The Ford Puma Titanium, available from £20,845, features segment-first driver and passenger lumbar massage seats as standard, in addition to advanced wireless charging. ■

MOTORING

Mazda’s classy new SUV

azda has added a new compact SUV to its range. The CX-30 enters a new market segment for Mazda, slotting into the firm’s awardwinning SUV range between the CX-3 and CX-5. Following the launch of the all-new Mazda3 last year, the CX-30 is the second model in the company’s next generation line-up and the second to feature the ground-breaking Skyactiv-X spark-controlled compression ignition engine. Combining the bold stance of an SUV with the sleek profile of a coupe, it’s spacious and versatile cabin ensures it has the practicality and comfort demanded by customers in this popular sector.

Available in five trim levels – SE-L, SE-L Lux, Sport Lux, GT Sport and GT Sport Tech – the new CX-30 features Mazda’s characteristic generous standard equipment across the entire range and is offered with a choice of two petrol engines, both of which feature the 24v Mazda M Hybrid mild-hybrid system. The new range features both two and four

wheel drive models and two engine choices. As fitted in the Mazda3, the 122ps 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine powers front-wheel drive models and offers a choice of automatic or manual transmission across all five trim levels. Likewise, the ground-breaking Spark Controlled Compression Ignition (SPCCI) Skyactiv-X petrol engine is also offered across all grades with a choice of transmission. Additionally from Sport Lux upwards, the Skyactiv-X CX-30 is available with Mazda’s latest advanced all-wheel drive system. Thanks to its unique combustion method in which spark plug ignition is used to control compression ignition, the resulting efficiencies mean this 180ps petrol SPCCI engine delivers diesel rivalling economy combined with low CO2 emissions and flexible performance. With emissions as low as 105g/km and WLTP combined economy as high as 47.9mpg, the Skyactiv-X engine is the perfect solution for private and fleet customers, offering the ideal alternative to diesel in a segment that has seen demand for diesel powered cars dramatically reduce.

While Mazda is committed to diesel and the development of next-generation clean diesel engines for appropriate sectors, the abilities of Skyactiv-X and diminishing consumer demand for diesel engines in the compact SUV segment mean that in the UK the Mazda CX-30 will be exclusively petrol. As with the all-new Mazda3, the CX-30 features a generous standard equipment tally across the whole range with every car featuring a colour windscreen projecting head-up display, radar cruise control and LED headlights to name just a few of the high-grade items found on every model. Inside, premium dark grey cloth with navy blue accents is standard, while GT Sport and GT Sport Tech models feature black leather with rich brown accents or for £200 stone coloured leather. With a high-quality, stylish and practical cabin, the CX-30’s interior sets new standards for a Mazda SUV, while the 430-litre boot ensures it’s as practical as it is desirable. Priced from £22,895 to £33,495. ■

MOTORING

Suzuki goes hybrid

his year, Suzuki is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Back in 1920, the Suzuki Loom Manufacturing Company was founded by Michio Suzuki. Since then, Suzuki has expanded its business from looms to motorcycles, automobiles, outboard motors and ATVs.

After changing its name to Suzuki Motor Co. Ltd in 1954, Suzuki launched the Suzulight, the first mass-produced mini vehicle in Japan. The company name was then changed to ‘Suzuki Motor Corporation’ in 1990 in view of its business expansion and globalization. Coinciding with their centenary, the company has launched Hybrid versions of three of its most popular models – the Vitara, S-Cross and Swift Sport. These new models feature a revised Boosterjet engine and a 48 volt electric hybrid system. The Boosterjet engine was developed with Suzuki’s ethos of reducing weight and size with added response and smooth power delivery

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to achieve the characteristics that Suzuki engines are renowned for. The revised engine incorporates new Variable Valve Timing and other upgrades for more power and torque. This Boosterjet technology is Suzuki’s own development and is characterised by improved fuel efficiency and driving pleasure made possible by using a small displacement, high torque turbocharger. The new and higher-powered Suzuki hybrid system consists of a 48V lithium-ion battery, Integrated Starter Generator (known as ISG) and 48V-12V (DC/DC) converter to power components requiring lower voltage including lights, audio and air conditioning. The ISG acts as both a generator and starter motor, is belt driven and assists the petrol engine during acceleration with a higher level of torque. The lithium-ion battery stores electrical energy recovered from deceleration and braking and incorporates an idle stop function operated through the the ISG. This battery, as well as the DC/DC convertor unit, are located under the

front seats to assist overall weight distribution. The combination of the revised engine and the hybrid system results in a more responsive engine with improved fuel consumption and emissions. The new 1.4 Boosterjet Vitara can now return up to 45.9mpg. A further efficiency benefit of the new 48V Hybrid system is the introduction of electric motor idling when the clutch is disengaged and vehicle speed is below around 50mph. This function therefore eliminates fuel consumption under these conditions as engine momentum is electrically controlled by the ISG unit and the car is ready to re-accelerate on request with no engine restart delay. In this their centenary year, Suzuki has developed a new range of engines and hybrid power that are a fitting tribute to their illustrious history. Prices for the new 1.4 Boosterjet Hybrid ranges start at £19,249 for the Swift Sport, £20,849 for the Vitara and £25,399 for the S-Cross. ■

TECHNOLOGY

The tablets to help home working With all the home working and Zoom streaming we’re doing, our laptops are getting worked to the bone. Using Windows, iOS or even Android, ‘pro’ tablets are designed for power, work compatibility and leisure time in almost equal measure. Here are three of the best options to look at right now

Microsoft Surface Pro

his is the king of Windows-based ‘two-in-one’ devices. The Surface Pro line takes the real power of a premium laptop and compacts it into a nicely designed touchscreen with a detachable keyboard case. Because it’s Windows, you can run anything you would on any normal laptop or desktop with no workaround. The Pro 7 is the powerhouse of the line, with Intel chips (up to Core 7) and up to 16GB of Ram. It is the one to get if you think you’ll need to throw some heavy lifting at your Surface Pro,

up to and including things like Photoshop or video-editing programs. The model I personally favour is the Surface Pro X, because of the extra consideration given to its design. The Pro X is thinner than the Pro 7 and has a slightly larger display (13 inches versus 12.3 inches), as it has thinner side-bezels. It’s probably the best-looking two-in-one device on the market too – this makes a difference when you’re going to be living with it, day in and day out. It isn’t quite as powerful as the Surface Pro 7 as it uses an ARM processor rather than a beefy Intel one.

But the difference is not noticeable for the vast majority of functions; you’ll only really feel it if you’re using graphics-heavy applications. The keyboards on the Surface Pro devices are also excellent, relative to other pro tablets. And they also naturally have trackpads. The Pro X also has an ingenious way of housing the stylus pen. The X model is the most expensive of the Surface Pros. There is a budget version called the Surface Go, from €459 (£410), which is good, although you need to make sure to get the higher configuration (8GB Ram). There’s also a ‘version two’ of this likely to emerge soon. ■

TECHNOLOGY

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6

amsung (or Android, in general) isn’t often thought of in the pro tablet space. But if you’re looking for an alternative to iPads or Windows, its Tab S6 offers quite a lot and is competitive with semi-pro models like the iPad Air (which is almost identical to earlier iPad Pro models). Samsung has had a nice feature in its business-focused phones and tablets for a few years that has been relatively underappreciated. Its DeX system lets you hook the tablet up to a monitor and use it as you would a laptop, including the use of a mouse (or, if you don’t have a mouse, your S-Pen stylus).

iPad Pro 2020

n one sense, the iPad Pro is the most versatile all-purpose laptop on the market.

It’s just as handy as a streaming or a sketching device as it is for Zoom, Skype, word processing or Office productivity apps. And its keyboard has now evolved to include a trackpad for cursor control on the device, something that would have been hard to imagine a few years ago. (All iPads running iOS 13 now support cursor control with a mouse or trackpad.) Indeed, Apple has slowly ramped the iPad Pro up to a bona fide laptop replacement device, with updates that let you multi-task with different windows, import files using its USB-C port and then place them in the iPad’s ‘Files’ folder. The work-based apps (from Microsoft and many others) have also been fine-tuned now to such an extent that there’s almost nothing you can’t do on them relative to a Windows laptop. It’s also the only non-Windows pro tablet that offers a laptop-sized 13-inch display as an option. That starts to make a difference if

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you’re using it a lot for multi-tasking during the day. And Apple has had quite a year in reassessing its approach to the importance of keyboards. In its new ‘Magic Keyboard’, it has provided something much closer to a real professional touch-typing unit, with backlit keys that ‘travel’ nicely.

By and large, it’s really quite decent for those who sometimes feel they need a mouse-andcursor powered session, especially since it lets you open lots of windows at the same time. If you want the full use of a keyboard, it’s good advice to go for Samsung’s own ‘Book Cover Keyboard’. It acts as a protective cover as well as a decent keyboard, complete with trackpad. If the €185 (£165) for the cover seems steep, you can get equivalents for around €100 (£90).

Even though the Magic Keyboard is pricey, around €400 (£360), it’s backward compatible with the 2018 iPad Pro models, which you can still find in some online stores. When you’re finished working for the day, the iPad Pro beats all rivals hands down. It’s simply better for things like photos, videos, games or streaming services such as Netflix, YouTube or Disney+. It’s also quicker for things like shopping from the main online stores.

You get Samsung’s S-Pen with the tablet, which is a nice feature. (Apple’s Pencil costs over €100 (£90) and you only get Microsoft’s stylus included with the Surface Pro X if you purchase the high-end keyboard option.) It has a choice of either 128GB or 256GB of storage, which is about right for this kind of device at this price point. It also comes in either 6GB or 8GB variants.

The new 2020 models (11-inch or 13-inch) add only a bit more engine power than the 2018 versions, but they now also come with Lidar laser cameras. ■

If I were buying one, I’d go for the higher 256GB, 8GB version as it’s currently only €80 (£72) more than the 128GB, 6GB variant. The device’s 10.5-inch display is excellent, although it’s a shame you can’t get this in a bigger size. ■

Uncovering the 9-5 NAME: Gerard Greene POSITION: Chief executive of Community Pharmacy Northern Ireland (CPNI) 6.30am I get up and get ready for work. In the last couple of months my working life and home life have very much merged into one, like it has for so many people. Before leaving for work I have breakfast at home and check my emails and the news headlines, particularly those relating to the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on health and social care. Representing all community pharmacists in Northern Ireland means that I must be able to update them on new and emerging issues and be able to react to anything that comes up. 8am I like to get into the office after 8am. With new social distancing measures in place, most of our team who can work from home are now doing so, however we have taken the decision that there will be a limited presence at the office. 10am Due to new ways of remote working, we hold a Teams staff meeting â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which is often the first of many that day. We reflect on the issues that arose the day before and discuss what has to be prioritised that day and look at new challenges that may come up. Working during a pandemic means that things can change on an hourly basis, so each day will throw up something new. I frequently have interviews

with news outlets on the challenges and issues facing community pharmacy as a result of coronavirus. Communicating to the public is also crucial. Many of the people community pharmacy supports are elderly or in vulnerable groups and we need to ensure they know that we are here to support them, and their needs are central. 12pm The most important part of my job is reflecting the issues of community pharmacists on the ground and working to get local pharmacists the remuneration and conditions they deserve for the incredible work they do daily. I speak to local contractors every day to see how they are managing, particularly during this pandemic when demands on the service are unprecedented. Community pharmacists are working around the clock, supporting people in their communities to make sure they get their medicine. The efforts and the lengths that they have gone to in very challenging conditions is inspirational. 3pm We are in constant contact with officials at the Department of Health and the Health and Social Care Board. We usually have a meeting with the pharmacy leads for the Department of Health and Health and Social Care Board

on the ongoing health crisis, to discuss the different issues facing pharmacists working on the frontline. CPNI acts as a key point of liaison between organisations, so there is always lots to update on and new guidance and ways of working to communicate. 6pm Due to the pandemic, we have had to switch board meetings to the evenings. The meetings are virtual for obvious reasons. We review the issues that have arisen in the Community Pharmacy network and look ahead at what needs to be done. In recent weeks this has covered issues such as PPE, the rising costs of medicines, supply issues, Covid testing, changing opening hours and the additional costs pharmacies are incurring due to Covid-19. There is always a new issue to grapple with. 7pm My working hours vary significantly, but I usually try to be home around 7.30pm for dinner with my family. During this time, it is still important to take a break and spend time away from the desk. I do try and get home at a reasonable hour but it is not always possible. 11pm It is time to call it a day and get a good nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sleep ahead of another busy day.