LEADING VISITOR ATTRACTION MAKING A TITANIC IMPACT ON LOCAL COMMUNITIES
TITANIC Belfast has announced the creation of a new initiative that has already seen £147,000 set aside to help make a lasting impact for people and communities across Belfast and beyond.
In February 2023, the world-leading visitor attraction committed to donating 45p from every adult ticket sold into a dedicated annual Titanic Belfast Community Impact Fund in support of community groups, charities and organisations throughout the island
of Ireland, across three key areas – people, place and prosperity.
Over the last year, projects that the world-leading visitor attraction has supported through the fund include a School Transport Bursary, launched to give schools in some of Belfast’s most
deprived areas the opportunity to apply for free transport to enable them to book an educational visit to Titanic Belfast – 15 schools were supported with a total of 615 pupils enjoying a school trip.
Local charity and social enterprise, Orchardville, was
awarded a grant to support the vital work it does to help change the lives of people with learning disability and autism, alongside offering employment opportunities to individuals across various departments.
Continued on page 4
Announced changes to bus and train timetables
From early July as well as some bus stop changes in Belfast City Centre.
These changes are being introduced to ensure people can continue to move into and around Belfast. as significant public realm improvement works to enhance walking routes, accessibility and cycling around the new Belfast Grand Central Station and rail infrastructure works intensify. Passengers are being encouraged to plan their trip ahead of time using information on the website www.translink.co.uk or Journey Planner and allow extra time for their journey.
From Monday 1st July, adjustments will be made to some city centre bus stops with relocation of some Ulsterbus services to Laganside Buscentre to help maintain bus service reliability and performance during increased traffic pressures on the city centre network. Passenger Information will be displayed on impacted bus stops and is available on the website www.translink.
co.uk.
Essential engineering works take place on the railway line between Belfast and Lisburn, with a line closure planned from Wednesday 3rd July until early autumn. Train services from Lanyon Place to Lisburn stations will be affected. These works are essential to complete the rail infrastructure works and all the safety testing, commissioning and training that must be completed to enable the opening of the world class facility. Express bus substitutions will be in operation between Belfast and Lisburn. Passengers using the Lisburn Line stations will need to use the regular scheduled Metro and Ulsterbus Lisburn Road services. Valid rail tickets will be valid on these services.
Further details on Belfast Grand Station and the works programme can be found here: www.translink.co.uk/bgcs
A new initiative created by Titanic Belfast is setting aside £147,000 for communities across Belfast
Asda Dundonald Colleagues
Celebrate 155 years of Service in the Aisles!
Five colleagues at Asda Dundonald are celebrating a collective 155 years of service with the retailer.
Evelyn Spence and Eunice Stoops have each clocked up 40 years’ service while Simon Fisher, Trevor Adams and Janice Campbell each reached their 25-year milestone.
In total, 20 Asda colleagues across Northern Ireland have received ‘Big Anniversary’ recognition for service up to 2023.
When combined, this equates to a huge 590 years worked by colleagues, section leaders and managers from Asda’s 8 NI stores.
Congratulating the award recipients, Niall Keyes, Senior Director for Asda Northern Ireland, said:
“Our colleagues really are the heartbeat of our stores. I was absolutely
honoured to celebrate with colleagues of a combined nearly 600 years’ service in the room.
“The Big Asda Celebration event was a great opportunity to recognise some of our longest serving colleagues and I am so proud of them. I look forward to catching up with them all in store again soon.”
Asda Dundonald colleague, Evelyn Spence added:
“Along with the rest of our team, I was delighted to attend the Big Anniversary celebration event. It was a wonderful opportunity to have some fun, congratulate each other, and reflect on all of the great memories we’ve shared over the years with Asda.”
Colleagues from Asda Dundonald who received long service awards are pictured with Niall Keyes, Senior Director, Asda Northern Ireland: L-R: Simon Fisher (25 years), Janice Campbell (25 years), Eunice Stoops (40 years), Niall Keyes, Evelyn Spence (40 years) and Trevor Adams (25 years).
Australian Skin Cancer Experts Visits Belfast
Northern Ireland’s leading, local charity Action Cancer has hosted an International Skin Cancer Conference at the Belfast Harbour Commissioners’ Office. Non-melanoma skin cancer is Northern Ireland’s most prevalent type of cancer with melanoma continuing to increase UK wide.
Action Cancer’s first skin cancer conference was organised by Iona McCormack, Senior Skin Cancer Specialist Nurse, who heads up the skin cancer detection service at Action Cancer. The service, which has now been operational for a year has detected over 100 skin cancers. The conference was themed on looking at collaborative and innovative ways of working between all sectors involved in the delivery of skin cancer management.
Ninety delegates heard from guest speakers coming from a range of specialities including experts from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia who have a wealth of knowledge and experience in treating skin cancer and guest speakers in the field who are working locally in Northern Ireland. The aim of the conference was to discuss skin cancer prevention, skin cancer management and Pathology.
The conference provided delegates with an interactive experience where they could all learn from each other with representation from the primary, secondary and
third sector. The conference also welcomed colleagues from the Department of Health and the Public Health Agency.
Speaking at the conference was Dr Dan Kennedy, an Australian Plastic Surgeon who works in Queensland where there are some of the highest per capita rates of skin cancer in the world.
His practice focuses on facial tumour removal and reconstruction.
Dr Kennedy said: “The Australian experience with fair skinned patients informs us that early detection and treatment makes a big difference in the lives of people with skin cancer.
“As a surgeon, if I can avoid removing someone’s eye, ear or nose by taking their cancer out while it’s
still small, I’ve done them a huge service.
“If you can avoid that cancer altogether by educating them, you’ve done them an even greater service. Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.”
Associate Professor Dr Jim Muir is a dermatologist in public, private and virtual practice in Brisbane, Australia. He has been director of the department of Dermatology at the Mater Hospital Brisbane since 1995.
Dr Muir added: “Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. One reason is that many of us have fair skinned ancestors. Your doctor can effectively find and treat your skin cancer but only if you get
a check. Early detection is crucial. Knowing the warning signs of skin cancer and how to do a self-check of your skin also helps.
“However, the single best thing you can do to reduce your risk is sun protection. I was amazed to see tanning parlours and sun beds advertised in Northern Ireland. Skin cancer is free in Australia but here you want to pay for it?
“We banned commercial sun beds years ago. Given the weather in Northern Ireland, sun beds are likely an even greater contributor to skin cancer here than in Australia. They should be banned!”
For further information visit www.actioncancer.org or contact Action Cancer on 028 9080 3344.
Pictured at the International Skin Cancer Conference were Australian Plastic Surgeon Dr Dan Kennedy; Iona McCormack (Senior Skin Cancer Specialist Nurse, Action Cancer); Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Associate Professor Dr Jim Muir, also from Australia.
New Norther N Irela N d
Ch I ld C are Sub SI dy S C heme to help w I th C
h I ld C are C o S t S
In May the Education Minister, Paul Givan, announced a £25 million package of measures to support children, parents and providers with early learning and childcare.
As part of this package there will be a new Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy which will provide a 15% contribution to the cost of childcare for children who are under primary school age, from September 2024. This is a welcome and important step towards delivering much-needed financial support directly to parents, via their
childcare providers. What we know so far:
• The scheme is for working parents with children below primary school age
• It will provide a 15% subsidy towards the cost of childcare for all below school age children whose parents are eligible for and using Tax-Free Childcare
• The 15% subsidy will be paid through registered
Contributions on the subsidy payments. Get advice to make sure this is right for your family
While this is will provide valuable additional support for many families, some parents will be better off using a different form of support. We would encourage anyone who is using Childcare Vouchers, Universal Credit or Tax Credits to call the Family Benefits
Advice Service on 028 9267 8200 for advice before stopping their current form of support to move to Tax-Free Childcare.
The speed king that’s always on the wing
JV Allister writes about the ‘not so common’ Swift
That the name of this relatively small bird, perhaps because of its speed in flight (up to about 70mph in level flight, around 25mph when hunting flying insects) or, simply, its silhouette, has been applied to cars, motorhomes, a travel card, even a computer programming language, couriers and a host of other things, suggests that it is held, perhaps in our imagination or culture, to be of particular importance.
In ancient Greece and even up to relatively recent times common swifts were much admired but misunderstood. They
suddenly appeared in spring, rapidly bred, mostly in the eaves of houses, often in factory chimneys after the industrial revolution, then flew around at speed, often in packs on late summer evenings, screaming like a school playground gone mad, before suddenly disappearing. They were thought to hibernate in river mud.
Back then no one knew about migration and that they flew north from Africa to breed in Europe.
Amazingly, swifts never land anywhere, except to nest. They eat, sleep and even
mate while flying. It’s worth emphasising that when they’re over-wintering in Africa, they NEVER stop flying. At a glance they might be thought similar to swallows and martins, but their dark form against the sky, the scythe-like wings, and their speed sets them apart (and, for the record, they’re not related to swallows and martins).
As with so many birds, their numbers are in decline, possibly because of fewer winged insects available for food (when did we last see lots of squashed insects on car windscreens?) and certainly due to nesting requirements.
Demolition of older buildings and modern building methods have increasingly reduced nesting places, and nature charities are appealing to householders to install nest boxes.
Encouragingly, more developers are incorporating ‘swift bricks’ in new and refurbished buildings, including our own local Choice Housing https://www. choice-housing.org/ news/2023/november/ choice-housing-
answers-nature-s-call. If you would like to help this unusual, almost mystical bird, have a look at this RSPB page. https:// www.rspb.org.uk/ helping-nature/whatyou-can-do/activities/ create-a-high-homefor-swifts JVA
Rainbow Gymnastics, Dundonald, Bringing confidence to kids in full colour!
Rainbow Gymnastics, located in Dundonald, is a high-performance dedicated gymnastics facility. Their expansive state-of-the-art purpose-built facility offers a fully inclusive club experience, catering to beginners through professionals.
Rainbow Gymnastics is owned and managed by Tamlynn Carlson. Tamlynn holds FIG Level 2 and BG Level 4 qualifications and has trained with elite coaches Kelly Hill (USA) and Paul Hall (GBR). In 2023, she was one of two gymnasts chosen to represent Ireland at the European Gymnastics coaching course in Frankfurt, Germany. Additionally, she has been elected Chair of the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Technical Committee.
Tamlynn says: “We have an absolutely brilliant facility – one of the biggest and best in Northern Ireland. We are very proud of the gymnasts excelling in national-level competition at present and we are equally pleased to bring the many physical and health benefits of gymnastics to children participating at all levels!”
As Dundonald’s premier
gymnastics academy, Rainbow Gymnastics caters to enthusiasts of all skill levels in a secure, nurturing, and exhilarating environment. From the grace of artistic gymnastics to the dynamic moves of circus acrobatics, tumbling, and exclusive boys’ groups including Parkour, there’s something for everyone!
Here’s just a little of what you can expect!
Gymnastics, Parkour, Circus, and Rhythmic Gymnastics: Rainbow Gymnastics provides a range of disciplines, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Expert Tuition: Highly qualified coaches with over 20 years of experience lead child-friendly, positivebased learning. All staff are British gymnastics qualified and up-to-date with child protection and safeguarding. Develop Confidence and Fitness: Children build confidence, make friends,
and enhance strength, coordination, balance, and flexibility in a fun and positive environment.
Progress Reports: Rainbow Gymnastics offers individual progress reports to keep parents informed of their child’s achievements. Children also participate in awards and have the chance to earn medals and certificates.
Communication: Regular communication with parents ensures transparency and addresses any concerns.
Structured Recreational
Programmes and Summer Schemes. Rainbow Gymnastics offers opportunities for children to engage with the sport through their highly acclaimed programmes.
Address: 1 Ballyoran Business Park, Dundonald, Belfast BT16 1XJ Phone: 028 90 486936 Email: rainbowgymclub@outlook. com
For more details, visit their website wwwrainbowgymclub.com. Keep up with their latest updates on their Facebook page.
Mariti M e & Offsh O re Netw O rk (N i MO) lau N
M ariti M e excelle N
Northern Ireland’s maritime and offshore sectors are set to reach new heights with the launch of the Northern Ireland Maritime & Offshore network (NIMO). NIMO, which is being funded by Invest Northern Ireland’s Collaborative Growth Programme, will unite Northern Ireland’s Maritime and Offshore sectors by supporting members to unlock commercial opportunities through innovation and collaboration.
Kieran Donoghue, CEO of Invest Northern Ireland, said: “Northern Ireland has a rich maritime heritage, and the sector plays an important role in the Northern Ireland economy, employing over 5,000 people and contributing almost £4bn to our economy each year. With NIMO poised to catalyse collaboration, innovation, and growth, Northern Ireland’s maritime future looks brighter than ever.
Kieran Donoghue, CEO, Invest Northern Ireland “Invest NI is pleased
to support NIMO which will advance our maritime and offshore sectors while addressing key strategic priorities, including job creation, regional balance, productivity enhancement, and carbon emission reduction.
We are excited to see how the network will evolve over the coming years, as it expands its member base and reaps the benefits of Northern Ireland’s rich maritime and shipbuilding heritage. With NIMO poised to catalyse collaboration, innovation, and growth, Northern Ireland’s maritime future looks brighter than ever.”
Stephen Kane, NIMO Chair
The launch of NIMO builds on the work of the Belfast Maritime Consortium, which was led by Artemis Technologies, delivering an unprecedented
investment of £33 million into Northern Ireland’s new maritime ecosystem, through UK Research & Innovation’s Strength in Places fund.
NIMO is made up of 46 members including Kinsetsu, Belfast Harbour, Harland & Wolff, MJM Marine, Foyle Port, Doyle Shipping Group, CASC, Sea
Source, Simply Blue Group and many more. The launch event is taking place at Belfast Harbour on 11th April and precedes the prestigious Maritime UK awards in Belfast on June 5th, 2024, which underscores Northern Ireland’s growing prominence in the maritime and offshore wind sectors.
Pictured (L-R) are John Patterson, Head of Defence, Artemis Technologies; Kerry Muldoon, Northern Ireland Maritime & Offshore Network; Stephen Kane, NIMO Chair; Kieran Donoghue, CEO, Invest Northern Ireland.
New £20 millio N e N ergy support
fu N d for busi N esses lau N ched
A new £20 million fund which will offer support to local businesses to purchase and install energy efficient equipment that will help to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions has been launched recently.
The five-year programme is now open for applications and will offer businesses grants of up to £150,000 for investments in areas such as lighting, heating and cooling equipment, motors and drives, compressed air systems, and onsite renewable energy generation.
This new scheme represents a pivotal step towards realising our vision of a greener, more prosperous economy.
Launching the Energy Efficiency Capital Grant (EECG) Department for the Economy Permanent Secretary, Ian Snowden said: “This new scheme
Economy NI, Mary Meehan
CEO of Invest NI.
represents a pivotal step towards realising our vision of a greener, more prosperous economy.
“The grant will help companies invest in technologies that reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. This will lower costs for businesses and also progress Minister Murphy’s decarbonisation journey towards net zero as set out in his Economic Vision.”
The EECG will play a pivotal role in realising the Energy Strategy’s mandate of delivering a 25 per cent reduction in energy consumption from buildings and industry in Northern Ireland by 2030. Ian continued:
“This scheme shows how government, and businesses can work together to build
prosperity at the same time as reducing carbon emissions.”
The EECG programme is our commitment to empower businesses to embrace energy efficiency measures that will not only reduce operational costs but also contribute significantly to our collective journey towards a net-zero future.
Kieran Donoghue, CEO of Invest Northern Ireland, emphasised: “At Invest NI, we are committed to driving economic growth hand in hand with environmental responsibility. The EECG programme is our commitment to empower businesses to embrace energy efficiency measures that will not only reduce operational costs but also contribute significantly to our collective journey
towards a net-zero future.”
“The grant is available to a wide range of businesses in sectors from retail to advanced manufacturing to hospitality. Using less energy and utilising the energy we do use more efficiently is vital to reduce carbon emissions and lower energy bills. By empowering businesses to ‘do more with less’, we are safeguarding our environment and nurturing a resilient and prosperous economy for generations to come.”
For more information on the Energy Efficiency Capital Grant Programme, including eligibility criteria and application details, please visit www.investni. com/support-for-business/ energy-efficiency-capitalgrant.
We’re Sure Insurance – the rise of a local business
Stephen Hughes, Director of We’re Sure Insurance tells us how identifying a need where people from our wee country could deal direct with people from our wee country led to the birth of local Insurance Broker We’re Sure Insurance.
We’re Sure Insurance have access to an extensive panel of the UK’s largest and most reputable insurance companies. They pride themselves on their very high customer service
Their staff are available by phone or in person, and use their expert industry knowledge and experience to make your journey as straightforward and stress
You won’t find them on aggregator sites… their best price IS their best price…We’re sure is sure of that! We’re Sure Insurance is now celebrating 6 successful years in business!
Stephen says: “Having finished school & completing an HND in Business & Marketing, I spent three years working for Eagle Star (now Zurich) in Liverpool. Having seen how an insurance company works & deals with brokers, I returned home to work for my father’s brokerage, Hughes Insurance, in 1999. I spent nearly 20 years working there, and loved my time, but everything changed when the business
was sold! The selling of the business was my motivation to set up We’re Sure Insurance with my two business partners, Derek Quinn & James Johnston. All three of us wanted to set up an insurance brokerage, that was tailored to our customers in Northern Ireland...we believe that people in our wee country want to deal with people from our wee country, especially when it comes to buying their insurance & especially if they have to make a claim. As a result, you will not find We’re Sure Insurance on any online platforms or aggregator sites, we see ourselves as being “old school”...gives us a ring or call in for a cuppa and local experts will be on hand to help, as our customer service IS second to none. There are 13 of us working for We’re Sure Insurance, each has unbridled experience and knowledge within this team. Unlike like most of our competitors, we work from an office and not home, which is situated
at the entrance of the Carrowreagh Business Park in Dundonald, so please call in if you’re passing!”
As for the current economic climate and future plans for We’re Sure Insurance. Stephen comments:
“Unfortunately, as most people are aware from the news, insurance premiums for both personal & commercial insurances have been increasing and for the near future will continue to rise, as notable insurance companies have pulled out of the UK & NI markets.
In the immediate future we aim to entice & obtain some new insurers to do business with ourselves in Northern Ireland and start to push peoples premiums back down in the right direction!”
We’re sure are directly authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and comply with the relevant requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998.
Call 028 9131 1011 or request a callback using the We’re sure form at https://weresure.com/
Pictured (L-R) are Ian Snowden, Permanent Secretary, Department for the
Deputy CEO of Manufacturing NI and Kieran Donoghue,
A Dec AD e of Progress
The Rise of Female Business Owners in Northern Ireland
Over the last ten years, Northern Ireland has witnessed significant changes in its business landscape. One notable trend is the increasing number of female entrepreneurs who have taken the plunge into entrepreneurship. In this article, we explore the growth of female-led businesses, the challenges they face, and the impact they’ve had on the local economy.
The Numbers: Where We Stand Company Stock Growth: In 2023, Northern Ireland had 67,388 companies, representing an increase of 2,621 companies over the previous year. This growth was remarkable, especially considering that other UK regions experienced stagnation or decline.
Early-Stage Entrepreneurship:
Unfortunately, Northern Ireland lags behind the UK average in early-stage entrepreneurship. Only 7.2% of women in Northern Ireland are engaged in early-stage entrepreneurship, compared to 10.0% in England and 9.8% in Wales.
Female-Led Companies: Despite progress, Northern Ireland still has the lowest share of female-led companies (13.6%) compared to the UK average (17.3%). If Northern Ireland matched England’s rate (18.3%), we’d see an additional 3,134 female-led companies.
Challenges and Opportunities
Access to Capital:
While 27.6% of Northern Ireland’s female-led companies accessed external capital (the highest rate among UK
regions), only 10.4% qualified for the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS). Bridging this gap is crucial for sustained growth.
Fast Growth: Female-led companies need to accelerate their growth. In 2023, only 8.9% achieved fast growth, compared to 9.1% across the UK. This decline from 2022 highlights the need for targeted support.
PillPacPlus: A female-led pharmaceutical packaging company making waves in the healthcare sector.
QMAC
Construction: A Mid Ulster-based construction firm led by women,
Afternoon tea at The Old Inn Crawfordsburn
Enjoy Afternoon tea at The Old Inn Crawfordsburn, where you’ll be greeted with cosy fires and furnishings to make you feel right at home.
The Restaurant boasts a sophisticated, yet relaxed environment, the perfect spot to delight in Afternoon Tea. From a selection of delicious savoury and sweet options from chicken coronation brown, mozzarella, tomato fondue & basil pesto on sourdough, scotch haggis bon bon, and more. For those who love a timeless tradition, you’re in for a treat with freshly baked fruit and plain scones with raspberry jam and clotted cream. Your sweet plate will be piled with scrumptious treats such as buttercream & jam filled Madeira sponge sandwich, pineapple jelly shot, coconut panna cotta, dark chocolate biscuit cake, coffee macaron, espresso martini filling, and more. Served 12 – 5pm Monday – Friday £32.50PP | Saturday & Sunday £35.00PP Champagne or cocktail afternoon tea | Monday - Friday £45.00PP | Saturday & Sunday £47.50PP
contributing to local infrastructure development.
Bellamianta: A beauty brand that has gained recognition beyond Northern Ireland’s borders. While challenges persist, the growth
of female business owners in Northern
is cause for celebration. By fostering an inclusive
entrepreneurial ecosystem, we can continue to empower women and drive economic prosperity.
Let’s build on this momentum and create a more equitable business landscape for all!
Success Stories Jane’s Kitchen: A thriving food business founded by Jane, showcasing culinary excellence and innovation.
Ireland
Linda Stinson, Owner of NI Born Beauty Brand Bellamianta
Maldron Hotel Belfast International Awarded Four Stars by Tourism NI
The 107-bedroom property, located 50 metres from Belfast International Airport, received its four-star grading from Tourism NI for ‘investment in facilities’ & ‘excellent levels of service offered to guests’.
The four-star Maldron Hotel at Belfast International Airport owned by MRP, the property development and investment division of McAleer & Rushe, has achieved a four-star grading from Tourism NI.
The hotel is managed by the Dalata Hotel Group
and boasts 107 recently refurbished bedrooms, seven state-of-the-art meeting rooms, as well as its Grain & Grill restaurant and bar.
Alison Leslie, Quality Assurance Manager at Tourism NI, said:
“Tourism NI is delighted to award the Maldron
Hotel Belfast International Airport this well-deserved four-star grading.
“This award is a testament to the investment in facilities and the excellent level of service offered to guests.
I commend Conor and the entire team at the Maldron Hotel for all of their efforts
to achieve this grade.”
The Tourism NI Quality Grading Scheme is a mark of distinction which gives visitors a clear idea of the standards of accommodation and service that they can expect during their stay. There are more than 550 members of
the Scheme across NI, including hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, selfcatering lets, hostels, and guest accommodation. Businesses are able to achieve a grade of between one and five stars.
Conor Curran, General Manager of the Maldron
Hotel Belfast International, said: “This award clearly reflects the service commitment and product
standard that we uphold here at Maldron Belfast International Airport. I am extremely proud of the team, as they ensure our guests’ expectations are met and exceeded on a daily basis.
“The continued investment from our stakeholders ensures that the physical product that we offer to our guests is of the highest quality.
Working closely with Dalata Hotel Group means that we have a huge support network and a quality brand to reassure our guests that they will be staying at the heart of hospitality here at Maldron Hotel BIA.
“This accreditation comes at a great time for us given Belfast International Airport’s investment plan over the next few years - very exciting times ahead!”
Designed and built by McAleer & Rushe in 1990, the hotel has been retained by MRP in its portfolio of assets since its inception and is managed by leading hotel operators, Dalata Hotel Group. McAleer & Rushe and MRP
have a well-established partnership with Dalata spanning decades, having delivered 2,900 hotel bedrooms throughout the UK, with two currently under construction in Manchester and Liverpool. Over the last years, under MRP’s stewardship, approximately £4 million has been invested into the upgrading and refurbishment of the Maldron Belfast International Hotel. This has seen the refurbishment of all 107 bedrooms, meeting rooms, and front-of-house areas, including its bar and restaurant. In addition to this, there has been external works to provide an extra 70 car parking spaces.
MRP plan to invest further to pivot to the use of green energy by installing solar panels to not only decrease the overall cost of utilities but to move forward with decreasing the carbon footprint of the hotel. All 107 bedrooms were fitted with new bathrooms as part of the £4 million investment
Some of the Maldron team joined by representatives from Belfast International Airport, Tourism NI, Antrim & Newtownabbey Council & MRP
Hospitality Ulster la U nc H es G U ide to e mployin G p eople
o ver 50
Minister for the Economy Conor Murphy MLA was in attendance as Hospitality Ulster launched their Hospitality Guide to Recruiting Workers Aged 50+ in conjunction with Tourism NI.
Launched in Café Parisien in Belfast city centre, the guide focuses on supporting the integration and sustainment of the 50+ workforce within the hospitality sector. With Office for National Statistics data stating that the UK employment rate for those aged between 50 and 64 stands at 70.8% and the economic inactivity rate for those in the same age bracket is 27.3%, the guide seeks to dispel myths around the employment of those aged 50+ and advise operators on how to overcome any barriers with such employment and on what changes business can make, both short- and long-
term, to ensure that their business is age inclusive.
The guide is the latest initiative aimed at expanding employment opportunities in a sector often referred to as the ‘backbone’ of Northern Ireland’s tourism industry. Given the ongoing work being done by the NI Region Hospitality & Tourism Skills Board towards the development of more good quality hospitality employment opportunities, the respective organisations consider the chance to further debias recruitment essential.
The hospitality sector is the fourth largest
private sector employer in Northern Ireland, with an annual turnover of £2 billion. For every £100 spent in the sector, £58 is added to the local economy and hospitality businesses in Northern Ireland purchase one third of all NI agrifood.
As the lead of the NI Region Hospitality & Tourism Skills Board, Hospitality Ulster has delivered a range of initiatives aimed at enhancing the hospitality workforce, such as the Wellbeing Promise, a commitment from employers to develop their staff and provide a worklife balance delivered with Tourism NI,
and the successful Get Into Bartending and Get Into Food courses. The courses, codesigned and delivered with Belfast MET and taking place in hospitality premises with real products, saw over 100 candidates achieve a level 2 qualification in customer service through a pilot in autumn 2023. Get Into Bartending has since been rolled out across Northern Ireland’s six further education colleges with Department for the Economy funding. 98 of 103 participants so far have achieved a level 2 qualification. The
success of the scheme has attracted private sector investment, with Diageo joining forces with Hospitality Ulster and Belfast MET to deliver an enhanced programme which includes a visit to the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin.
Conor Murphy MLA, Minister for the Economy, said: “I welcome the launch today of Hospitality Ulster’s Hospitality Guide to Recruiting Workers Aged 50+ in conjunction with Tourism NI and congratulate Hospitality Ulster and Tourism NI for providing support to businesses in this sector. It is important that the sector grows in a way that creates good jobs and this guide will help provide support and sustainment of the over 50s workforce in the hospitality sector.
“Recently retired people or people looking for a second career are increasingly finding good and rewarding jobs within tourism and hospitality and in return these sectors benefit from the inclusion of older workers, bringing with them life experience and skills garnered in other, sometimes very different, careers.”
(L-R) Joel Neill, Director of Operations, Hospitality Ulster; Conor Murphy MLA, Minister for the Economy; Eimear Callaghan, Head of Experience and Industry Development, Tourism NI; Stephen Magorrian, Chair, Hospitality Ulster
The Countdown to Castlewellan Show 2024 is on!
With ‘Bags go Free’ HANNON Coach & Sail is perfect for city shopping in Glasgow!
Set across 50 acres in the beautiful surroundings of Castlewellan Forest Park, Castlewellan Agricultural Show always takes place from 9am – 6pm on the first Saturday after the 12th of July each year. This year the Show is on Sat 13th July! Featuring classes for cattle, sheep, goats, horses, ponies, donkeys poultry, pigs, rabbits, dog agility and home industries. A wide range of trade stands, food and craft producers showcase their wares alongside live music, vintage tractors, carriage driving, demonstrations of countryside pursuits, Young Farmers competitions, pet show, fashion tent, vintage tea tent
and children’s amusements which will entertain all day long. The Show is organised by an enthusiastic committee and we are keen to welcome visitors from towns and cities to profile all the countryside has to offer. We have lots for children and young people to do and see with those of primary school age admitted free of charge. Car parking is free.
East Broadway Theatre Company brings Peter Pan to Stage this summer
East Broadway Theatre Company is a local theatre group based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Founded in 2016, they began their journey in a living room with a vision for performance.
In their inaugural year, they staged a delightful “Night at The Musicals” and also performed a play they had written at Sunflowerfest. Their motto is simple yet powerful: “teach, inspire, perform.”
This cross-community, non-profit charitable organization aims to provide theatre opportunities for all and want to instil confidence in the young people who work with them through, singing, dancing and acting. Whether you’re passionate about theatre or simply want to learn more and make friends, East Broadway invites you to join them as they create together.
ALEX MCKELVEY is CO-OWNER AND MUSICAL DIRECTOR of East Broadway Theatre Company. Alex studied at Bath Spa University and obtained a Certificate of Higher Education in Musical Theatre in 2018. He started his
passion for performing at Belvoir Players Theatre Academy, where he h as been a member for 15 years. Alex also musically directs for many theatre companies in Northern Ireland including, NISMAT, Rainbow Factory, New Lodge Arts and Queens Musical Theatre Society.
KATIE-ROSE SPENCE
CO-OWNER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Katie-Rose was trained in classical and theatre style singing by Leila Webster from age 9. She has performed with the Opera House Summer Youth Project and was a member of Belvoir Players for 5 years performing in both their academy musicals and pantomimes. Katie has most recently obtained a high distinction in her grade 6 musical theatre exam. She hopes that through East Broadway she can bring her passion for mental health awareness and the
benefits of theatre to young performers.
Development officer Chloe Moreland has been in theatre for 10 years, playing roles from ensemble to leads. She achieved highest in her class for GCSE and A-Level drama which gave her the passion that she now has for theatre. Chloe was a member of The Rainbow Factory from the age of 13 and has been a dance captain for 5 shows. In Chloe’s most recent show,
she played Janis Ian in a miniature version of “Mean Girls the Musical”. This Summer Eastbroadway Theatre will present three performances of Piers Chater Robinson’s Peter Pan on the weekend of 2nd/3rd August. If you’re curious about their shows, you can explore more on their website www. eastbroadwaytheatre. co.uk. And remember, the magic of theatre knows no bounds—it’s a place where dreams take centre stage!
Direct Belfast – Glasgow Express now departing from Belfast, Europa Bus Station.
An award-winning service offering hassle-free travel with very generous baggage allowance, HANNON Coach & Sail is ideal for spring shopping in Glasgow and the perfect antidote to flying and airport stress!
Already hugely popular with those in the know, the Belfast – Glasgow Express Coach Service is rated 5-Star on TripAdvisor. A shopper’s paradise, Glasgow is recognised as having the best retail therapy in the UK outside of London. Consistently voted ‘top of the shops’, the city is Scotland’s premier shopping destination. Not just shopping, Glasgow is also famous for its fantastic nightlife, and great choice of restaurants and bars. Glasgow is the perfect choice for your next city break away.
With a simple flat fare of £44 which includes the cost of the ferry and your bag, our Belfast – Glasgow
and
The service is operated by HANNON Coach and leaves twice a day from Belfast, Europa Bus Station and drops visitors right in the heart of Glasgow’s ‘Style Mile’. The simple flat fare allows passengers to pick and mix dates and times of travel to suit and with
Company director Aodh Hannon says people seem to really love the convenience of the service as we take you right into the heart of the city centre.
“People love the fact that it’s so hassle-free compared to flying, no airport
Norther N Irela N d N amed
Best Golf d est IN at I o N IN Wester N e urope
Tourism Northern Ireland recently released new figures showing that the overall value of golf tourism reached a new high last year, and now far exceeds prepandemic levels, driven by more spend by golfers from Great Britain and North America.
Research conducted by Sporting Insights for Tourism NI’s annual Golf Tourism Monitor showed that the overall value of Golf Tourism in 2023 increased to £68.2m, the highest figure ever recorded for golf tourism in NI, and well above the £52m recorded in 2019, the year which saw The Open Championship return to Royal Portrush.
The figures have been published as the region’s golf industry is celebrating Northern Ireland being named the Best Golf Destination in Western Europe by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO).
The IAGTO awards, which are voted for by 660 golf tour operators around the world, recognise the destinations, golf resorts, golf courses and destination management companies that delivered outstanding service to their clients.
IAGTO recognises only a select few deserving suppliers and destinations each year and announced the winners of its Europe & Africa awards at its 24th annual IAGTO European Convention in Malaga this week.
Peter Walton, Chief Executive of IAGTO said: “It is a huge endorsement
of Northern Ireland’s golf product that our members have voted to name the region the Best Golf Destination in Western Europe. IAGTO tour operators demand a very high standard of service and experience to even put a destination on the list of places they bring their valued customers to year after year. While Northern Ireland has always had great golf courses, the rest of the package is clearly also meeting and exceeding their expectations.”
Tourism NI’s research
shows that North America remains the priority market for golf visitors, accounting for £36.2m of total value in 2023. Golfers from Great Britain generated £11.9m for the local tourism sector in 2023, up from £6.5m in 2019, reflecting the emphasis on close to home markets following the Covid-19 pandemic. Domestic overnight and day visitors contributed £8.4m.
The report also showed that the overall number of non-domestic golfers visiting NI increased from 23,400 in 2019 to 29,000
in 2023. It said an increase in prices and the thriving luxury end of the market for US visitors helped drive the overall growth in economic impact. Those who travelled from furthest afield, such as North America or outside Europe, on average played one round at five different courses, more than visitors from Great Britain, the Republic of Ireland or Europe. The majority of domestic visitors played a parkland course while those from the US predominantly played links courses.
Introducing Padel54 – the new activity just down the road in Moira!
Ever thought about trying Padel for your next friends, family, team-building, customer or corporate event? Whatever your preference, we’re here to make it happen.
Played by celebrities and sports -stars padel is the fastest-growing racquet sport across Europe. The BBC recently highlighted the sport and its growth across the UK & Ireland. https://www. bbc.co.uk/news/ newsbeat-68607780
It’s perfect for team building because it combines fun and physical activity in an easy-to-learn game suitable for all ages, fitness levels, and skill sets. And, it’s great for socializing and networking.
Situated in Moira, less than 20 minutes from Belfast with easy access from the motorway, Padel 54 has six indoor courts ensuring your team event takes place no matter the weather. At Padel54, our primary mission is to ignite the passion for Padel by introducing this sport to as many members of the community as possible. Our special focus lies in introducing the game to the younger generation, and we’re actively seeking sponsors for our youth and local school programs.
https://www. instagram.com/ padel_54/ https://www. facebook.com/ Padel54N/ www.padel54.com
A Culin A ry Journey A t
Binky’s Belmont
Binky’s Belmont, a charming restaurant located at 20-22 Belmont Road, Belfast.
This delightful bistro offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, making it a neighborhood gem for locals and visitors alike.
Breakfast & Brunch Delights
Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast or brunch. In addition to the traditional hot fry. Here are just a few of their other mouthwatering options!
Breakfast tortilla wrap with scrambled egg, bacon, sausage, cheese & tator tots served with Ballymaloe relish or how about sweet & savoury spicy chicken & waffles with southern fried tenders, Belgian waffle blueberries, fresh chilli salsa & hot honey?
Lunch & Dinner Selections
As the day progresses, Binky’s Belmont continues to delight: From Fresh Tagliatelle pesto verde with grilled Halloumi, corgette, spinach, peas& basil served with garlic bread to an 8oz Irish rump sliced steak served on a hot iron skillet with sauté onions, mushrooms & peppers with creamy peppercorn sauce & choice of side!
Check out Binky’s Belmont on Facebook and Instagram For (evening) table bookings (daytime booking not required), or in-store collection contact: 028 9067 1474
WIZARD OF PAWS
Sarah Matthews tells EDA Media about her life as a dog trainer
“I’m a fully qualified member of the institute of modern dog trainers (IMDT) and Professional Dog Reactivity Specialist I was motivated to start my business during lockdown after being given the all clear post chemo and feeling in a better position to start doing more – before that I folded knickers in Primark and knew it just wasn’t for me! Initially I walked dogs and studied under other trainers, before going full time on my own about a year and a half ago. That time gave me invaluable experience and insight that sparked me on to become the trainer I am today. I haven’t looked back since! I work hard to tailor
my training sessions and classes to meet the needs and goals of each individual. My key focus for my clients is to make training sessions & classes easy to follow, fun to be a part of and with realistic goals that work for them. Working in an industry that holds animal welfare and ethics to the highest standard means that clients can be held in disregard or left to feel stupid by a trainer - my goal has always been to build up my clients skills & confidence so they can help their dogs succeed.
Currently it’s a freelance business but my mum is a wonderful support – she’s always there to sort out
those last little details! I currently travel to clients across Belfast, Down, Antrim and Larne for 1-1 training sessions. I also host classes & workshops at my all weather training facility in Glenavy!
There are a lot of trends in the dog training industry after all there’s always more than one way to teach an old dog a new trickpersonally I believe that all dogs and people have a right to learn without using pain, fear and intimidation & that learning should be a pleasurable experience for all.
The exciting part of the dog industry is that there’s always something or someone inspiring you to try something new - if
you surround yourself with the right people it’s a consistent buzz of people and ideas devoted to helping dogs thrive in a human society.
Long term I can’t wait to see where my business goes - so long as I’m helping owners and their dogs feel good and live their best possible lives together then anything else is just a bonus!
Sarah also offers free training support/advice for dog owners that have been affected by cancer, currently most of her work is with young people and their families.
For more information see Sarah Matthews Colour advertisement in this issue or call: 077 296 203 07
The principles of garden design.
Every garden differs in size, scale, and aspect. However, professional landscapers use some common themes to create magazine-worthy designs. When designing your garden, take a moment to consider to think about:
Unity: Creating a cohesive and harmonious design across the colours, materials, and styles you choose (akin to a design scheme in a room)
Balance: Creating
a visually satisfying composition in the garden
Proportion: Make sure your hard landscaping and the plants you select are well-proportioned, so one item doesn’t dominate the
space
Scale: Choosing appropriately sized plants and hard landscaping for the space, so everything feels in place
Rhythm: Creating repetitive patterns and a natural flow (like how a gravel path leads you around the gardens of a stately home)
Contrast: Highlighting certain parts of the design to make your design visually interesting. For example, vibrant green plants against contrasting black fences
Focal point: Creating a feature to anchor the rest of the garden. For example, a beautiful tree, a pergola, or a
water feature
Texture: Adding depth and interest with a varied planting scheme and different hard landscaping elements (like the textural elements in a room)
Colour: Incorporating personality to bring your garden to life, across in plants and garden decor
Function: Creating a space that not just looks great but is accessible and practical –think clearly defined areas for dining, easy-to-maintain beds, and clear paths instead of steep steps, for example
How to plan your garden layout
Planning your garden
layout doesn’t require any specific skills or tools. Here are three steps to planning your ideal garden layout with ease:
Gather ideas and inspiration Social media: Use Pinterest to create boards with pins of garden layouts you like
Magazines: Collate garden images that capture your attention Visit gardens:
Take a trip to stately homes, garden centres, or public gardens and take photos
of the elements you like
Online: Search the web for garden inspiration.
Consider the finer details.
A major part of planning a successful garden design is understanding the space you’re working with.
Garden aspect: Is your garden is north, south, east, or west-facing?
Climate and exposure: Is your garden near the sea or exposed to high winds, for example?
Soil type: Is your soil chalk,
clay, sand, etc, and what is its pH (acidic or alkaline)?
Knowing this will help you select the right plants for your garden conditions and position them in the optimal spot for them to thrive.
Sketch your garden plans.
With a clearer idea of how you want your garden to look, the purpose you want it to serve, and the conditions you need to factor in, it’s time to sketch some ideas to help visualise the design.
You can do this yourself with a sheet of graph paper and a few coloured pencils. What to include in your garden plans. Aim to draw a scale plan of your garden by measuring up the space Draw in any solid structures that will stay in situ, e.g. a pond Mark out your preferred areas for the various functions you know you want your garden to serve, e.g. where should your dining area be (south-west is optimal) and what material you want it to
be (decking, paving, gravel etc) Include any ideas you have to ‘zone’ these areas, e.g. plants around a dining area or paved steps up to a raised level.
Add any soft landscaping, e.g. the position of flower beds and borders and dot in the colour scheme you like, aiming for a repetitive pattern. Map out the routes and paths you’ll take around the garden, e.g. do you want a path to a vegetable patch, or a direct link from the kitchen to the outdoor dining zone? Are there privacy considerations? Plan in ways to tackle this, e.g. adding mature trees, hedges, screening, or fences, Include any specific features you want, e.g. a play area, a vegetable garden, a shed, or a pergola. In a smaller garden, stick to a simpler design with one or two key features.
For more information see
https://www.checkatrade. com/
New GR Spo R t II lead S t oyota
H I lux 2024 l IN e-up
Order books are open for the 2024 Toyota Hilux range, led by the new Hilux GR Sport II. With even more powerful looks and benefiting from a series of technical adjustments, the GR Sport II celebrates Hilux’s formidable heritage as one of the world’s best-respected and most capable pick-ups, a status reinforced by multiple victories in the gruelling Dakar Rally.
The new model has a double cab body and is powered by Hilux’s proven, 2.8-litre unit that delivers 201bhp/204 DIN hp105kW with 500Nm, driving through a six-speed automatic transmission. This is muscle enough for best-in-class towing (3,500kg) and payload (1,000kg).
This is the bestdriving Hilux yet, on
and off-road, thanks to the wider track, a raised ride height and improvements in handling characteristics, including a reduced roll angle and more precise steering response.
There is less noise and vibration and suspension and brakes have also been revised.
The styling changes include red coil springs and coloured dampers – black at the front and red at the rear, plus black overfenders.
There are also new 17-inch black alloy wheels which strike a contrast with red brake callipers. They contribute to the vehicle’s performance too, with a lightweight design that’s aerodynamically
efficient. The specification includes an aero sport bar and a soft cover for the load area. The bodywork features both black badging and the GR Sport logo.
The GR Sport II further stands out with its black G-mesh upper and lower grilles, with the TOYOTA name spelled out in classic style. The black detailing theme continues with the side steps, mirrors, door handles, aero sport bar and rear bumper. A silver front under-run and distinctive GR Sport badging complete the look.
paddle shifts and aluminium pedals reference the motorsport influence.
The cabin complements the strong design with a black monochrome theme with red accents. Red
The sports seats are upholstered in a combination of black synthetic suede
and leather with silver stitching and perforations. The GR logo is featured in the information display and instrumentation and there are new-look door trims.
Toyota Smart Connect+ multimedia
The Hilux GR Sport II is fitted with the Toyota Smart Connect+ multimedia system, accessed via an eight-
inch touchscreen display. Users can also connect their smartphone or tablet to the system –wired or wirelessly if using Apple CarPlay or with a wired link for Android Auto.
The multimedia package includes access to cloud-based journey navigation, which uses constantly updated real-time traffic event information for accurate and efficient route planning. There is also an embedded navigation system that can be used when no data connection to the cloud is available.
The GR Sport II is also equipped as standard with a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system.
Garolla Doors: Quality Craftsmanship and Unrivalled Service
At Garolla, we believe in delivering the perfect door for your home, crafted right here in the UK, and at the right price.
What sets Garolla apart? Our commitment to quality craftsmanship and exceptional service.
As the UK’s number one for electric garage doors, we have earned our reputation through relentless dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction. Built to Last in the Heart of Yorkshire Our doors are meticulously crafted in our Yorkshire-based factory from durable aluminium and highdensity polyurethane. This robust construction ensures they withstand the test of time, making them ideal for the rigors of everyday life. Each door is powder-coated in a choice of colours and finishes, offering enhanced weather protection and allowing for customisation to match your home’s unique style.
The Garolla Installation Service
But it’s not just about quality craftsmanship – it’s also about exceptional service.
With Garolla, you can
trust that the same local engineer who conducts your initial survey will also install your door, ensuring consistency and peace of mind throughout the process, providing a seamless experience from start to finish. Why Choose Garolla?
Choosing Garolla means investing in quality, durability, and style. Our doors are engineered to last, crafted from the finest materials, and installed with precision. With our extensive product range, you can find the perfect door to meet your needs, whether you’re
looking for space-saving solutions, enhanced security, or superior insulation.
Transform your garage with Garolla, the UK’s number one recommended electric
garage door provider. Contact us today to book a free a survey and discover how Garolla can enhance your home. With our five-year warranty and commitment to customer
satisfaction, you can be confident that you’re making the right choice
Garolla. Call us on 028 9246 0041 the Garolla family today and
There is further convenience with future multimedia and safety system software tweaks or upgrades delivered seamlessly over the air, via the car’s data communications module (DCM).
Hilux Invincible The 2024 Hilux Invincible benefits from some specification upgrades, including the addition of smart entry, eight-inch multimedia touchscreen and a reversing camera. The revised range offers the Invincible Double Cab with the 2.4-litre engine and six-speed automatic transmission, or the 2.8-litre unit with manual transmission. The Invincible X uses the 2.8-litre engine and manual transmission. Available to order now, on-the-road price
£49,750
seatbelts,
