Business Eye Aug 2017

• Job Management • Quotes & Invoicing • Forms & Signatures • Time Tracking

Issue 171 August 2017 £2.50 Voted best Business Magazine in Ireland 2005 and Magazine of the Year for Northern Ireland

Pat McGarry HENDERSON GROUP’S £12.5 MILLION INVESTMENT Features: 08

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MCS - Taking The Talent Game To The Next Level

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Danske Bank Business Eye Profit 200 for 2017

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Enda Cushnahan - New Man At The Helm At SDC Trailers

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CONTENTS

August 2017 ISSUE 171

Cover Story

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Pat McGarry & Henderson’s £12.5 Million Investment

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Bar Council Opens Dispute Resolution Centre The Bar Council of Northern Ireland has opened its brand new Dispute Resolution Centre at The Boat in the centre of Belfast, providing ready access to lawyer-led meditation services.

Pat McGarry, Logistics Director at Henderson Group, shows off the company’s very latest major investment, a £12.5 million ambient warehouse on the site of the old M&S depot at Mallusk, and chat about the challenges of running a large-scale logistics operation backing up the retail network.

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MCS...Taking The Talent Game To The Next Level

Residential Property

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NI’s Housing Market.....Riding High But What Does The Future Hold?

Barry & Louise Smyth, the driving forces behind fastgrowing Belfast specialists MCS Recruitment, talk to Business Eye about continued expansion, how the recruitment business has changed and future plans.

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Boosting Productivity....How NI Can Shape Up? Business Eye and Vodafone organised a round table discussion event held at Belfast’s Riddel Hall and looking at the findings of a Vodafone-sponsored report into productivity and how the UK lags behind other industrialised nations....and NI lags behind most of the UK.

Business Eye and Progressive Building Society join forces to stage a lively round table discusssion in Belfast looking at the Northern Ireland private sector housing marketplace, at the best performing sectors, at what needs to be done and at what the future holds.

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ASM....Growth Plans For Accountancy Firm

Business’s Top League Table

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The Business Eye Profit 200 for 2017 The Business Eye Profit 200 for 2017, sponsored

by Danske Bank, charts the fortunes of Northern Ireland’s top perfoming private sector organisations, ranked by the only measure that really matters, and that’s pre’tax profit.

Specials

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Manufacturing

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Enda Cushnahan....New Man At The SDC Trailers Helm

Brian Clerkin, ASM’s Managing Director, talks about further growth plan for the accountancy firm, which already has 160 staff in place across its network of six regional offices.

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Business Eye Business Leaders Forum Now that summer is all but over, what are the key priorities for the coming autumn and winter on the business and economic fronts? We’ve assembled an influential line-up of business leaders from a range of sectors to give us their views.

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Ian Wilson....Opera House Plays To A Bright Future Ian Wilson is a man with a genuine passion for the Grand Opera House. The venue’s Chief Executive looks back at its gilded history and talks about the importance of its role in today’s much-changed Belfast.

Enda Cushnahan has been with Toome-based manufacturers SDC Trailers for all of his working life. He takes over the CEO’s role as the vehicle trailer maker settles into life under the ownership of Chinese industrial giant CIMC.

Regulars

Eye on Insurance

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Eye on Technology

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Eye on Digital

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Eye on Law

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Eye on Economy

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Moving On

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Eye on Awards

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Eye on Conferences & Venues

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Eye on Motoring

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Buckley Publications 20 Kings Road Belfast, BT5 6JJ Tel: (028) 9047 4490 Fax: (028) 9047 4495 www.businesseye.co.uk

Editor Richard Buckley Commercial Director Brenda Buckley

Business Development Manager Ciara Donnelly

Design Hexagon Tel: (028) 9047 2210 www.hexagondesign.com

Photography Press Eye 45 Stockmans Way Belfast, BT9 7ET Tel: (028) 9066 9229 www.presseye.com

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We’ve all enjoyed a fairly quiet summer, haven’t we?

But there are different kinds of quiet.

Comment “The message really couldn’t be any clearer.

And it’s the same message that has come out from just about every survey and every interview with frustrated business people here in Northern Ireland. But do the politicians appear to get the message that we’re fed up to the back teeth with the bickering and lack of progress?

Like hell, they do.”

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he quietness of the so-called marching season, with just a few rows over bonfires and a brief spot of recreational rioting, will be welcomed by all. The quietness of the political world rather less so.

Our politicians, from the leaders down through the ranks, took the phrase ‘summer holidays’ seriously. Once again showing that they don’t give a toss about the economy, health, education or anything much else here in Northern Ireland, they upped sticks and disappeared from view.

Some of them went overseas for bit to top up their tans, some heading down south, others must have headed back to their constituencies and whiled away the lazy summer days fishing, gardening, doing crosswords or arguing with their other halves.

What they certainly didn’t do was to engage in any dialogue about the future of the Stormont Executive and Assembly.

But take a look in this edition at our Business Leaders Forum, which poses the question of, now that the summer is almost over, what our the priorities for business and the economy here. Almost all of the business leaders who contribute said that the No. 1 priority for business and the economy here is the restoration of a working Executive & Assembly.

The message really couldn’t be any clearer. And it’s the same message that has come out from just about every survey and every interview with frustrated business people here in Northern Ireland.

But do the politicians appear to get the message that we’re fed up to the back teeth with the bickering and lack of progress? Like hell, they do.

Richard Buckley EDITOR Irish Magazine Editor of the Year 2005

James Brokenshire, not the most powerful Secretary of State ever to grace these shores, has been doing a bit of talking about the need for fresh impetus.

But no one seems to be listening to him either.

When we’ve called in this space and others for the salaries of Assembly members to be cut until such times as a workable agreement is reached, we’ve been accused of being naïve and of misunderstanding the situation. Naïve we might be, but we still reckon that hitting someone in the pocket is an effective way to make them consider the error of their ways.

Once again, our business organisations need to be stand up and shout this from the rooftops.

Business needs to be heard on this vital issue and the business organisations pay far too much attention to being seen as respectable (and respectful) and less attention to lobbying for the best interests of the economy here.

So let’s get noisy, ladies and gentlemen.

Let’s make it clear to Arlene, Michelle and the minor parties (but particularly Arlene & Michelle) that this matters. It really does.

And, if and when they do manage to get back to business at Stormont, let’s keep on reminding them of the importance of having the local administration in place.

It’s not just a case of inviting the politicians to our latest dinner, lunch or awards ceremony as if nothing had happened. Northern Ireland business has too many prepared to bend the knee – as they say on Game of Thrones – and too few prepared to put respectability and appearances to the side and stand up and be counted.

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Eye on News DIAGEO CELEBRATES START OF A NEW CHARITY PARTNERSHIP WITH ORCHARDVILLE Learning disability and autism charity Orchardville and Diageo Northern Ireland are celebrating the start of a new three year charity partnership.

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he charity operates across Northern Ireland providing opportunities, employment and support for adults with learning disabilities and / or with Autism Spectrum Condition. Orchardville currently supports over 300 service users in finding a job, preparing for employment and generally helping to develop confidence, social and communication skills through a broad range of programmes. It also runs a number of successful social enterprises including the Orchard Cafés in East Belfast, the Orchardville Business Centre and a newly launched retail unit ‘Gifts that Give’ in Bloomfield Shopping Centre, Bangor. The partnership will benefit both organisations with Diageo offering corporate support to the charity and its service users by providing opportunities for

mock interviews, training and career visits, as well as supporting Orchardville staff development through peer mentoring.

Diageo employees will have the opportunity to volunteer for the charity and to support its social enterprises while also receiving invaluable training, such as Learning Disability Awareness Training which Orchardville recently delivered to staff in the company’s head office.

Fundraising is also a key element of the partnership. Diageo has already raised over £2,000 for the charity with numerous other events planned including support for the Orchardville Gala Ball in November 2017 which is being held to mark the charity’s 35th anniversary.

Jorge Lopes, Country Director at Diageo NI, said; “As a company, we receive many requests for charitable support that is why

Kirsty Spencer, Head of Supported Training and Marketing at Orchardville; Jorge Lopes, Country Director at Diageo Northern Ireland and Orchardville service user Pamela McArdle are pictured at the announcement of Diageo’s new three year partnership with Orchardville.

for a number of years we have selected a dedicated charity partner. By making a commitment to a charity for a period of time we feel that we can really get involved and make a tangible difference.

Our employee-led charity selection process is both thorough and competitive and Orchardville impressed us from the very first meeting - they really understood that we wanted a proper partnership with a charity. We look forward to working together with Orchardville and together

Mourne Mountain Rescue Team To Get New Home

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idl Northern Ireland is delighted to announce that following extensive engagement and consultation, that the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team (Mourne MRT) will be provided with a site, free of charge, on which to build a new

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state-of-the-art premises in Newcastle, alongside a proposed new store.

The site, located at Shan Slieve Drive and Bryansford Road, is at the foot of the Mourne Mountains and will offer Mourne MRT the space they need to develop a

new facility which will futureproof the lifesaving service they provide. Mourne MRT is a voluntary organisation made up of members of the local community and the team coordinated 44 rescues last year alone, making them the busiest team in Northern Ireland.

Speaking at the announcement, Dave Goddard from Mourne Mountain Rescue Team said: “As part of our 50th anniversary celebrations back in 2012, we announced our intention to seek a new base for Mourne MRT to operate from. When we embarked on exploratory discussions with Lidl last year, we never dreamed that we would now be in a position to drastically improve efficiencies for the team, whilst also being able to interact even more with the local community.”

“This new base will give us the chance to lower our running costs and

we look forward to making a difference to the lives of people in our local community particularly those most in need.”

Kirsty Spencer from Orchardville added; “Orchardville is delighted to have been chosen as Diageo’s charity partner for the next three years. I have no doubt that we will benefit greatly from one and other and the learning will be invaluable. Orchardville is really excited and looking forward to a successful and bright future working partnership.”

increase our capabilities to train more people from the local area who want to join the team. We are very fortunate to have an incredible level of support from the local community and we are confident that this new chapter in the history of Mourne MRT will be of enormous benefit to the whole area.”

Conor Boyle, Regional Director for Lidl in Northern Ireland, said: “Back in 2016, a young boy from Newcastle called Nathan Pierson put the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team on our radar when he was nominated for a Lidl Community Works Local Hero award for his fundraising efforts for the team.

When a representative from Mourne MRT was in our Newcastle store submitting a nomination for Nathan, they spoke with our planner who was carrying out a public consultation for the new development and mentioned that they were searching for a new base in the area. Since then, both teams have collaborated extensively and we’re confident that the Mourne MRT will make fantastic use of the space on the site and continue to provide a service which benefits the entire local community.”

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Eye on Health

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The Weaving Works Is All Sewn Up

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roperty Consultants GVA NI has announced that Newry-based First Derivatives plc has signed up as the anchor tenant for The Weaving Works building in Belfast. As part of a major expansion of their Belfast based operations, financial software and consulting business First Derivatives plc will take the entire Grade A office space within the 30,000 sq ft property.

It has also been revealed that the ground floor space in The Weaving Works will feature a new Café Nero outlet, the 27th for the coffee chain in Northern Ireland, as well as a new Barking Dog restaurant, the owners’ second Belfast eatery.

The former historic Armagh House linen warehouse on Ormeau Avenue is being redeveloped into a five storey Grade A building by local developer Karl who have appointed MSM Contracts Ltd as the main contractor for the project.

Adrian Toner, Chief Operating Officer of First Derivatives Plc said “this is another exciting milestone for First Derivatives

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and our wholly owned subsidiary Market Resource Partners (MRP). It represents a significant investment for the Firm in the City of Belfast, which mirrors similar investments being made in Newry, Dublin, London, Toronto and Singapore. This building with its impressive history and stunning architecture will provide our present and future staff with a fantastic facility right in the heart of Belfast”.

Jago Bret, Director of GVA NI said, “We are absolutely delighted to have secured this high quality tenant for The Weaving Works. The scheme offers a unique blend of imposing period style coupled with a state of the art internal working environment which has been instrumental in attracting the calibre of tenants we have secured for the building. The Weaving Works represents the only office building to have achieved a 100% pre-letting for many years in Belfast city centre, underscoring what is a very well-conceived and executed development. This letting will provide a

(L-R) Geoff Sharpe, Danske Bank; Aran Blackbourne, Karl; Catherine Harrison, First Derivatives and Jago Bret, GVA NI are pictured at the new Weaving Works building in Belfast.

major boost to the local office market.”

Simon Moon from Karl stated: “It is brilliant to see exciting companies like First Derivatives, Café Nero and the Barking Dog expanding in Belfast. It is our mission to create places that enhance the lives of people and we believe that in bringing this historic building back to life with touches of modern architecture, from our Architects RMI, we will do just that. Completion is due mid-December and we are very excited to see the finished product and to see The Weaving Works in full occupation.”

Paul Currid from Danske Bank, which provided significant package of support to help fund the development, added: “Danske Bank is proud to have supported the redevelopment of The Weaving Works and it is clear from the early letting that there was huge demand for a space of this quality. The bank is very keen to play its part in the ongoing regeneration of the city centre and this deal clearly demonstrates that we are prepared to provide development funding for the right projects.”

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Eye on News

Ulster University Business Schools’ Global Ranking Ulster University Business School’s MSc in Sport Management has been given a top global rating by SportBusiness International in its 2017 Postgraduate Course Rankings

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he 12-month full-time programme which is led

by Dr Robert Kerr and Dr Paul Kitchin at Jordanstown was ranked in the Top 20 Global list and also claimed 6th place in the Top European Post-Graduate Sports Business Courses. In both lists the Business School was the only provider in the UK to be ranked.

SportsBusiness Group, which is a leading provider of data and analysis in the sports sector, created the rankings from over 1,000 submissions from across the world. Courses were assessed based on the overall quality of the student education, taking into account the quality of course content; the standard of teaching; the number and standing of guest speakers; the provision and quality of work placements / internships; and the programme of alumni support.

Course Director, Dr Robert Kerr explains, “Regarded as the most reliable and respected rankings system for postgraduate sports management courses across the world it’s a real coup to be recognised by SportsBusiness

International at this level. Our MSc in Sport Management has achieved an excellent reputation within the sector attracting students from as far apart as Canada to India.

A highly successful employment record has also enhanced the course’s profile with alumni taking up posts in all aspects of the industry including management, communications, licensing, fashion and equipment manufacturing. It’s really encouraging to have achieved these rankings and a real tribute to the academic delivery team.”

Graduates of the course have been fulsome in their praise of the programme. Stephen Cleary, who is now Social Media and Community Manager in Adidas Global Headquarters in Germany, said, “I can safely say that the MSc course at Ulster University Business School prepared me for employment in my dream job.” Sarah Semeraro added that, “thanks to the MSc Sport Management I got the job as Sky Pro-Cycling Sponsorship Executive.”

Congratulating Dr Kerr, Professor Mark Durkin, Dean of Ulster University

Business School, said, “I’m delighted to see this acknowledgment for this excellent programme which in many ways captures what the Business School is all about - translating thought into action. The value the graduates are creating with their employers is evident as they are using their cutting edge knowledge to create meaningful impacts in sportrelated companies far and wide.”

SportsBusiness International is the online sports magazine owned

by SportBusiness Group. Established in 1996 the SportBusiness Group is acknowledged worldwide as a trusted source of business intelligence and informed commentary on the sports sector.

The MSc in Sport Management, both full-time and part-time programmes, is currently open for applications for the 2017/18 academic year. For more information and entry requirements go to www.ulster. ac.uk/courses/coursefinder/201718/sportmanagement-13531 (or 13532).

KIRSTY MCMANUS TAKES OVER AT IOD The Institute of Directors’ new National Director in Northern Ireland, Kirsty McManus, has vowed to further strengthen the voice of business as she commenced her post at the leading business organisation.

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ormerly Head of Business Development at the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kirsty’s appointment followed a successful career during which she has held senior positions at the University of Ulster, CBI and Vistage.

Kirsty has joined the IoD to replace former National Director Linda Brown, who retired in July following 23 years at the organisation.

Kirsty said: “The IoD is known nationally as the voice of business and for the tremendous work it carries out in raising standards in corporate governance and improving economic standards for all.

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“I look forward to further strengthening that voice in Northern Ireland as we seek to build relationships with businesses across all sectors, politicians, local government and the public sector.”

Congratulating Kirsty on her appointment, IoD Northern Ireland Chair, Ian Sheppard, said: “Kirsty brings a wealth of relevant experience to the role and will build on the current foundations to further enhance the work of the Institute in supporting the development of professional leaders in Northern Ireland.

“The IoD is dedicated to supporting our members, encouraging

Kirsty McManus with IOD NI Chairman Ian Sheppard.

entrepreneurial activity and promoting responsible business practice for the benefit of the business community and society as a whole.

“Kirsty will work to grow the IoD’s membership through development and networking programmes as well as strengthening relationships with businesses, politicians, local government and the public sector.

“A high calibre of applicants from across the public and private sector were considered during a rigorous recruitment process and on behalf of our members I congratulate Kirsty on her success.”

Kirsty’s appointment comes at a hugely significant time for the organisation which this year celebrates 60 years operating in Northern Ireland.

Eye on News

UTV GETS READY FOR FIRST CLASS PRODUCTION WITH MCLAUGHLIN & HARVEY UTV has announced that local engineering and construction specialists McLaughlin & Harvey has been appointed to carry out the fit out of their new broadcast facility at City Quays 2 at Belfast Harbour Estate.

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he new facility represents a multi-million pound investment

by ITV, since it acquired UTV over a year ago. The work, due to start in late August, involves the complete fit out of the entire floor from its current shell, and should take 16 weeks to complete.

UTV is taking the entire eighth floor of the building, and when work is complete, it will be home to a modern broadcasting centre, with an HD studio, the latest in editing technology, corporate offices, with administration, finance and sales areas to accommodate all UTV staff.

McLaughlin & Harvey will completely fit out the 11,000 sq feet of prime waterfront office space on the top floor of the building. Over 100 people will work on the project which will comprise McLaughlin & Harvey staff, as well as other subcontracted specialist local firms. Ivan Hutchinson, Contract Manager at McLaughlin & Harvey said, “This is a really exciting project for us and the first with UTV. McLaughlin & Harvey pride themselves on delivering high quality fit-outs, and have over 160 years’ experience.”

Alan Mackey, Operations Manager UTV, Ivan Hutchinson, Contract Manager, McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd., Rhianna Jordan, Site Manager, McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd. and Jacqui Bradley, Head of Support Services, ITV News and Regions.

Terry Brennan, Head of News and Programmes at UTV said, “Today’s announcement marks a major milestone in our plans. We are delighted to have got to this stage with such a well-established local company as McLaughlin & Harvey.

We are looking forward to them being on site from the end of August and,

by the summer of 2018, UTV will be broadcasting from one of the most modern news centres in Europe.”

Richard Cheevers, Director at McLaughlin & Harvey, commented: “We are extremely pleased to be working with ITV on their new facility at City Quays 2.”

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Eye on News

HANNON COACH ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH ODYSSEY TRUST The Hannon Group has announced that the launch of its new business Hannon Coach will create approximately 40 jobs in Northern Ireland this year.

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he news comes as Hannon Coach confirms a three year commercial partnership with The Odyssey Trust which will see the transport provider become the ‘Official Coach Partner’ to The SSE Arena, Belfast, the Stena Line Belfast Giants and W5.

As part of the commitment, Hannon Coach has worked closely with the Odyssey Transport Management Team to provide a dedicated, on-site passenger drop-off facility and an express exit route for its coaches.

The innovative plan is designed to maximise the speed at which customers can access and depart events.

Aodh Hannon, Managing Director of

Hannon Coach, said: “We are excited about our partnership with the Odyssey Trust which will see our business providing high quality transportation to the Odyssey site from key locations across Northern Ireland. The drop-off and express exit routes are central to the accessible and efficient service we are looking forward to providing.

We will be operating regular and pre-bookable transportation links which we want to become a real alternative to taking the car.”

The Hannon Group, which is headquartered in Aghalee with further facilities in Templepatrick, Dublin and the Netherlands, has over 20 years’ experience in transport and logistics.

Steve Thornton, head of hockey operations, Stena Line Belfast Giants, Judith Harvey, group head of education and public affairs for Odyssey Trust Company, Neil Walker, general manager, The SSE Arena, Belfast, and Aodh Hannon, managing director of Hannon Coach.

The company is embarking on a period of diversification and aims to create 80 jobs in Hannon Coach before 2020.

The group’s entry into the coach sector will bring its total number of employees to approximately 350.

The Odyssey Trust is the charitable organisation responsible for the management and development of the Odyssey site, including The SSE Arena, Belfast, W5 Science Discovery Centre and the Stena Line Belfast Giants ice hockey team.

Nigel Robbins, Commercial Director

for The Odyssey Trust said: “This terrific partnership with Hannon Coach will bring increased transport options to the Odyssey site. We want to make it easy, safe and as convenient as possible for our customers to visit on a regular basis, for high profile events and frequent visits to the site. Hannon Coach offers a high quality service, one of Northern Ireland’s youngest and most modern fleet of coaches. As a family business they are committed to customer service excellence. We look forward to working with them.”

Dale Farm Reports ‘Solid’ Annual Results Following ‘Year Of Two Halves’ Dairy company Dale Farm Cooperative has reported a ‘solid’ set of financial results for the year ending March 2017. Group operating profit is up 9% to £9.8m, profit before tax increased 16% from £6.8m to £7.9m, with an associated EBITDA of £15.9 million. Overall group turnover grew by 5.1% to £389m.

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he group generated a positive cash flow, with net debt having decreased from £66.6 million to £64.4 million.

Commenting on the results, Nick Whelan, Dale Farm’s Group Chief Executive, said: “For the second year running, Dale Farm has delivered a solid

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financial performance, despite it having been a year of two halves.

“We witnessed a 12% increase in consumer sales, driven by innovation in product development across our dairy portfolio of butter, ice cream, cheddar cheese, liquid milk, yogurt and fresh desserts.

“The recovery in global dairy

markets in the second half of the year, combined with Dale Farm’s significant cost reduction plan, enabled us to pay a leading milk price to our farmer members in Northern Ireland and across Great Britain.”

Dale Farm’s strategy to grow its presence as a supplier into the sports nutrition market has also proven successful. “A strategic focus for our business is the development of whey solutions, allowing us to respond to the

growing domestic and international trend in protein based products,” Nick added.

The group’s feed business, United Feeds, delivered a “satisfactory performance” despite a challenging environment for farmers throughout the year.

Dale Farm is headquartered in Belfast and has bases across Great Britain. Its dairy brand portfolio includes Dale Farm, Dromona, Spelga, Mullins, Fivemiletown, Loseley and Rowan Glen.

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Eye on Law

The Bar of Northern Ireland Launch Northern Ireland’s First Resolution Centre

As the demand for alternative dispute resolution in Northern Ireland continues to rise, the Bar of Northern Ireland has created a purpose-built facility to enable out-of-court mediation and arbitration services to be offered in an accessible and private space from 14th September 2017.

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ocated within The Boat – an iconic building in Belfast’s skyline – The Resolution Centre will offer bespoke facilities and services for clients to resolve disputes outside of the traditional court setting. Northern

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Ireland’s first and only dedicated centre for alternative dispute resolution, The Resolution Centre will create a venue within the local Belfast market for skilled mediators and arbitrators to use their specific set of core skills to assist parties in arriving at alternative resolution options.

Traditionally a wide range of commercial, civil and family disputes end up being taken to court for resolution. Whilst this remains a highly effective and appropriate route in many circumstances, the number of local disputes settled outside of litigation has been on the rise as parties seek, and are often encouraged, to explore other alternatives. The Resolution Centre aims to support this trend by offering a venue and a service which will help when the conditions lend themselves towards pursuing resolution by another means. In addition to handling commercial disputes, The Resolution Centre is therefore available for handling private cases including divorce and family law.

“A properly constituted legallyled resolution process can provide a range of advantages,” said David Mulholland, The Bar’s Chief Executive. “In certain situations it may be the most appropriate option as it may offer a more timely and cost effective solution with the added advantages of preserving the privacy and relationships of those involved. It is therefore no surprise that this alternative solution is being promoted

by Northern Ireland’s leading barristers, and local solicitors.”

The creation of The Resolution Centre is good news for both local and prospective international clients as it provides another addition to the advantages that the jurisdiction can already offer to them.

Clients already have direct access to a wide network of skilled local solicitors and the ability to engage the Bar’s existing expertise in providing trusted and independent advice and representation in court alongside the significantly lower cost of commercial litigation in Northern Ireland compared to other locations.

In creating The Resolution Centre client choice has been further increased.

The Resolution Centre is open to be used by any practitioners engaged in providing mediation and arbitration services. It is well positioned within Belfast’s City Centre and is in walking distance of the courts and the Bar while also offering easy access via public transportation links. Offering facilities including private room hire with access control and acoustically sealed rooms as well as a full AV suite including Wi-Fi, telephone and video conferencing, confidential paper disposal and wireless photocopying, printing and scanning and catering options, In addition to alternative dispute resolution, facilities within The Resolution Centre can also be used for meetings, training or seminars.

For more information on The Resolution Centre visit theresolutioncentre.co.uk or call 02890565700

Eye on Waste

CDE Global save on costs & achieve zero waste with ISL Historically, CDE simply ordered skips to dispose of all waste and had no knowledge of whether any was sent to landfill or recycled.

Nothing was measured or recorded so there was no way of tracing where it ended up.

Cardboard Recycling

Joe McCrystal, Business Development Manager, ISL Waste Management with Aileen McDonnell, Environmental Officer, CDE Global.

Cookstown based CDE Global began working with ISL Waste Management in 2008 when the company began to experience an unprecedented period of growth. Operations are now of such a scale that within the first three months of 2017, the business generated more than 14,500kgs of waste which was all diverted from landfill.

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s CDE expanded, it became obvious their existing waste disposal practices were no longer going to be manageable or controllable and had to change. ISL approached CDE at just the right time and offered to become the company’s “waste management and consultant” partner – a completely new concept to the business.

Initially, Joe McCrystal, Business Development Manager with ISL worked closely with CDE to help the business understand what needed to be undertaken in both becoming an environmentally responsible company and controlling the costs of implementing new recycling protocols.

The Waste Process “Our first step was to conduct a series of audits to give ourselves a full understanding of the processes at CDE and as a team, to understand the challenges we would face in developing a new bespoke programme,” explained Joe. “On completion Danny Paton, Key Account Manager with ISL worked with the team at

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CDE to advise on compliance issues and to share his extensive knowledge on recycling methods and reporting structures, allowing the company to measure their achievements against pre-set and agreed targets.”

Aileen McDonnell, Environmental Officer of CDE Global explains how ISL have not only saved them money but allowed them to achieve zero waste status.

“Our biggest waste stream had always been cardboard which was “dumped” as general waste, attracting all the associated costs. Shortly after we engaged with ISL, and following their guidance and advice, we invested in a cardboard baler. The consequence has been to remove this particular waste from the general waste and is now picked up by ISL at no cost to CDE Global. An added benefit has been the reduction in valuable space taken up with loose cardboard.”

“We also segregate our other waste including plastic wrap that is collected in dedicated euro bins that are cheaper to collect and process than general waste bins, further reducing our costs. Over 95% of all of our waste is now recycled with a small fraction of residual waste diverted from landfill to generate power.”

Let ISL help your business become more efficient, more environmentally responsible and more profitable.

Contact us for a free waste consultation. www.islwastemanagement.co.uk

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Eye on Data Protection

GDPR… Time Is Running Out As the General Data Protection Regulation date approaches, data protection is expected to become a board-level issue.

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assed in April 2016, the General Data Protection Regulation’s (GDPR) aim is to strengthen and unify data protection for individuals across the European Union and it has recently been confirmed that – despite the UK’s impending exit from the European Union – the Regulation will go into effect across the UK and Northern Ireland on 25th May 2018. Lockton is urging local companies to ensure they are working toward compliance as its roll-out approaches.

“The GDPR will replace and strengthen the current Data Protection Directive and the Data Protection Act 1998 currently in place in the UK by significantly increasing fines to up to €20million or 4% of the organisation’s total worldwide annual turnover in the preceding financial year (whichever is greater), making implementation a board-level issue,” said John Tunnah, Vice President, Lockton Belfast. “Protocol for declaring data breaches has also been updated, with controllers now required to Information Commissioner’s Office within 72 hours of learning of the breach and processors to notify the controller of a data breach ‘without undue delay.’

Data subjects should be notified without undue delay if the breach is likely to result in a high-risk to the rights and freedoms of the individual. Controllers or processors acting as a public authority or body (except for

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courts acting in their judicial capacity) and whose core activities consist of processing operations will now also need to appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO).”

Overall, the new legislation means greater rights for data subjects including the ‘right to erasure’ or ‘to be forgotten,’ the right ‘to restrict processing,’ the right ‘to data portability,’ the right ‘to object and automated individual decisionmaking,’ and enhanced data subject access requests rights. The broader rights available to a data subject means that organisations are likely to receive a wider range of data subject access requests.

“To ensure your organisation is prepared for GDPR roll-out in May, Lockton advises looking at internal processes now to ensure the transition is smooth,” added John. “Ensure key decision makers are aware of and on board with the new Regulation and its potential impact. Organisations should also conduct an information audit to establish what personal data it holds, what it is used for, where it came from, who it is shared with, and how it is stored and transferred. Organisations should also check their policies and procedures to ensure that all individuals’ rights are covered – such as ‘right to be forgotten’ and ‘right to erasure’ and that individuals’ data can be provided to them in a commonly used format. Finally, organisations should review and update privacy policies, procedures and documentation – data protection authorities can ask for these at any time. Data breach detection, reporting and investigation should also be planned for and thoroughly tested with robust incident management in place.”

What to do next? Lockton recommends evaluating all processes in place and examining your organisation’s cyber insurance cover in advance of the 25th May 2018 implementation of GDPR. To further explore what the changes will mean for your business visit www.lockton.com or contact John Tunnah, Lockton Global Cyber and Technology Team, on 02890 248989.

Eye on News

Musgrave Marketplace Announces £1.1M Upgrade Of Duncrue Cash & Carry Musgrave MarketPlace, Northern Ireland’s leading wholesale supplier to retail, foodservice and SME businesses, has announced a £1.1 million investment in the upgrade of its Belfast-based Duncrue Cash & Carry.

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his significant investment forms part of Musgrave MarketPlace’s ongoing commitment to deliver a first-class customer service experience and an unrivalled product offering to its customers.

The upgrade of its Belfast Cash & Carry will feature a range of new speciality areas and state of the art technology to offer retail and foodservice customers a best in class shopping experience.

The revamped 52,000 square foot store, which employs 179 staff, will officially open in October of this year.

As part of the upgrade, new roles will be created at the branch to ensure customers receive expert information

and advice from trusted advisors.

Musgrave MarketPlace Duncrue will feature a range of new and innovative key areas. This will assist their foodservice and retail customers to access the information and products they need to drive their business forward.

Trevor Magill, Wholesale Director of Musgrave NI, said, “We are delighted to announce the upgrade of our Duncrue site following the hugely successful renovation of our Ballymun store last year. The food and drink sector is constantly evolving, and as a business, we need to ensure that we continue to innovate and respond to growing trends that impact our customer’s needs.

Michael McCormack, Managing Director of Musgrave NI and Trevor Magill, Wholesale Director of Musgrave NI at Musgrave MarketPlace Duncrue.

This investment is testament to our commitment to providing cash and carry stores of the future. As well as providing our customers with the products they want, we will also be able to add value through our experts on hand in-store.”

The newly renovated Musgrave MarketPlace Duncrue will officially

open in October 2017. The upgrade is part of an ongoing commitment by the brand to deliver refurbishments across all branches nationwide, with renovation currently in progress at the Robinhood store in Dublin and the launch of the new Ballymun branch of Musgrave MarketPlace last year.

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Eye on Cover Story

Pat McGarry & Henderson’s £12.5 Million Super Warehouse It’s hard to describe the sheer scale of Henderson Group’s new £12.5 million Hydepark warehouse and distribution centre, just across the road from the company’s headquarters site at Mallusk.

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ot only does the complex, built on the site of Marks & Spencer’s former logistics hub, look huge from the road but, once you’re inside, the height, scale and depth of the super-sized warehouse is stunning.

It houses more than 4,500 different lines – from toilet rolls to potato crisps – it’s manned by a 200-strong team and it operates around the clock seven days a week. And it represents another mammoth investment by the family-owned Henderson Group, operators of the SPAR, EUROSPAR and ViVO retail outlets in Northern Ireland.

The new purpose-built warehouse centre houses all of the group’s ambient products from delivery by suppliers through to loading onto Henderson’s fleet of 200 or so delivery vehicles.

“Having finished this project and opened the new ambient distribution centre in June, we’re moving on now to our next project. It’s the re-development of our fresh and foodservice distribution warehouse across the road, and it’s going to cost us another £12.5 million,” says the man charged with overseeing both projects, Henderson Group’s Logistics Director, Pat McGarry.

Both warehouse developments follow on from the opening earlier this year of Henderson Group’s new Group Office building at Mallusk... the result of a further £3.5 million investment by the company.

Henderson Group acquired the 8.5 acre former M&S clothing warehouse site two years ago and embarked on some detailed planning for the new development before the contractors, Tracey Brothers from Enniskillen, went on site last October,

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demolished the old building and went on to complete the job in the early summer months... an impressive timescale by any construction industry standards.

“It was the perfect site as far as we were concerned... right across the road from our headquarters and our other warehouses and, like our main site, close to the motorway network for both incoming and outgoing vehicles.”

The warehouse covers 185,000 square feet or “as big as we could get it” in Pat McGarry’s words, and it’s the net result of quite a number of years of planning, involving Henderson’s local staff as well as logistics specialists at SPAR’s international headquarters in Amsterdam.

In fact, SPAR representatives from as far afield as South Africa, Saudi Arabia, China and a number of other countries will be coming to Mallusk in the third week of September for a conference event being hosted by Henderson Group at Ballymena’s Galgorm Resort and to witness the official opening of the new warehouse complex by Tobias Wasmuht, Managing Director of SPAR International.

“This warehouse is a state of the art facility in international terms,” says Pat McGarry proudly.

“It showcases best practice in retail logistics these days, and it is run by the kind of technology that this industry increasingly relies upon.”

McGarry graduated in engineering from Queen’s University and spent the first ten years of his career in GB, working for RHM (latterly Premier Foods) before returning home to join Henderson Group in the mid-1990’s. He’s been on the board as Logistics Director since 2000.

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Eye on Cover Story

“This is a company that has achieved really significant growth, especially over the past 10 or 15 years. And the pace isn’t slackening off. We opened 22 new stores in the past six months to add to the existing network. So you can understand why we need state of the art logistics in place.”

The Group has some 40 lorries and 80 or so trailers on its fleet, with a further 50 vehicles serving Henderson Foodservice clients in the hospitality and other sectors.

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“Customer service is what it’s all about,” says McGarry. “Our customers need to get the goods that they order, at the right time. It sounds simple, put like that, but it requires a lot of hard work at this end.

“We don’t want any problems to arise but, if they do, we have a service circle meeting every day with the aim of resolving any and every issue that comes in front of us.”

“What are the everyday challenges? There can be surges in demand, caused by promotions, as well as external factors such as bad weather causing transport problems.’’

Technology runs throughout the logistics operation – from online ordering at SPAR, EUROSPAR and ViVO stores through to a complex warehouse management system logging stock levels and the movement of goods through vehicle scheduling and to the palm pilots operated by delivery drivers.

“Our system knows the height, length, width of every pallet of goods and where it

should go in the warehouse, and our algorithms work out where pallets should be at any given time in the process from arriving here to going back out for delivery to our network. And we can keep an eye on KPI’s right through the system.

“What’s also important is that we listen to our customers.

We find out how the logistics operation works for them and we respond to their views. We always consider new ways of doing things if we think they might work for us.”

Challenges a little further out include the potential demise of diesel-powered vehicles. Electric freight vehicle technology might still have a much longer way to go than passenger car technology, but Pat McGarry and his team are well aware of what might be looming over the horizon.

The brand new 185,000 sq. ft. warehouse has plenty of its own green credentials. It’s roof design means that it makes best use of natural light, and it

has energy reduction measures built in throughout....right down to ultra-efficient charging stations for the batteries used to power the 100+ fork lifts and picking vehicles used inside the complex.

Pat McGarry is quick to pay tribute to the colleagues who helped make the vast new project at Mallusk happen. He singles out Mark Adrain, Henderson Group’s Property Director, and Project Manager Allen McInnes, in addition to Alan Abraham and Stephen Branagh from his own Logistics team.

“One of the real strengths of this company is that it isn’t just family-owned. It also has a family ethos and we’ve a lot of very long-serving employees here. I think that what we do is effectively combine family values with the business acumen of a Plc. “Now that we’ve got this new centre up and running, all we have to do is to do it all over again across the road...”

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Eye on Recruitment

Barry & Louise Smyth..

Taking the Talent Game to the next level

Insights into an ever-changing Talent Game Barry and Louise Smyth have been leaders in the recruitment industry here in Northern Ireland for long enough to know that it’s a business that has changed beyond recognition from the pair’s early days.

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he couple are the driving force behind one of the fastest-growing specialist recruitment businesses on the local arena, MCS Group.

But both have been involved in the sector for 25 years or so.... enough to see a lot of changes.

“The industry has changed in so many ways,” says Barry Smyth.

“Recruitment is really all about marketing these days. Candidates are much more discerning and as such organisations need to be able to showcase themselves as forward thinking employers and great places to work. As recruiters, we need to differentiate our proposition by specialising on specific sectors and having deep

knowledge and networks. It’s about how people find jobs, through a multitude of channels, with each demographic of job seeker preferring different mediums.”

MCS Group, from its base in Belfast, has carved out established specialist areas across Accountancy and Finance, Engineering, IT and Digital, even interim managers

Eye on Recruitment and directors. It has also created a strong reputation as the go-to recruiter for many of the inward investment projects which have come into Northern Ireland... and continue to do so.

“We are seeing a very strong market across the board, despite the uncertainty of Brexit and our local political situation,” adds Louise Smyth, “FDI projects are continuing to come in and are making a major impact. In the past Invest NI took a bit of flak for delivering a high volume of contact centre jobs, wrongly in my opinion, as we need all types of jobs to build out our economy. But times have changed. Invest NI are doing really well in delivering high value, specialist jobs these days and the wins are really putting NI on the map across Cyber Security, Fintech and Big Data along with Business Services and Legal.”

A strong inward investment market can bring its own problems though, as several business leaders have pointed out. Often the big brand names can mop up a lot of strong candidates, leaving slimmer pickings for ambitious home-grown organisations seeking to recruit.

“While there are undoubtedly challenges for most companies when it comes to recruiting the talent they need, there are plenty of opportunities out there. It’s about tapping into the mindset of the various candidate pools. For example, there is some evidence that younger candidates are a little less impressed by big corporate brand names these days,” Louise adds. “They’re more career aware and, regardless of size or brand name, will look for employers who’ll give them meaningful projects to get their teeth into, projects that are going to make an impact in the business, or an environment where they receive the desired level of support and mentoring to ensure they develop and thrive. This makes it a much more even playing field when attracting talent.”

Both MCS directors work regularly with our local universities, talking to staff and students about the realities of the job market, and what’s required of graduates making the transition from university to employment.

“What we’re seeing in today’s market is a demand for selfaware young people with great

interpersonal skills and high levels of commercial awareness to come into SME’s and other organisations.

It is widely recognised that universities, as things stand, have challenges in delivering the sort of rounded graduates our employers are crying out for and our local universities are continuing to try and solve the conundrum. At a different level, the local further education colleges, seem to be having success, perhaps down the to practical approach that they take.”

Both agree that there has been a marked shift in some quarters towards modern apprenticeships with more firms successfully targeting 18-year old school leavers, increasing numbers of whom are seeing the chance to avoid incurring thousands of pounds worth of student debt and head straight into employment instead.

“More often than not, our role can be an advisory one, but we’re very happy with that.

We see a lot more young people now who want to make a real impact in the jobs that they are aiming for. That can only be a good thing,” says Barry Smyth.

“They’re not swung by corporate brand names, and they’re also not swung by gimmicks. We’ve all come across the pool table and beer fridge being used as a means of persuading candidates that somewhere is a great place to work. Today’s more switched on candidates have no interest in a pool table if they’re stuck in a role which doesn’t give them the job exposure or career development that they are craving.

“Our message to companies in Northern Ireland? In recruitment you need to seduce the candidates.

You need to be inventive, you need to be honest, and you need to offer real opportunities. There’s no way of avoiding the fact that there is a real war for talent going on at the moment,” says Louise.

“Your proposition is what it is all about. And your proposition can mean your company vision, projects, technologies, offices, the role itself and the impact it has on the wider business. What your management team is like and how it does things, how you present yourself to the online world, your Glassdoor and Google reviews are all important.”

(Glassdoor, for the uninitiated, is the leading employers review site

for employees). “If you want to build a great team and acquire the best talent, you need to get this right.”

“This is what we mean when we say that the recruitment industry has become much more about marketing than it used to be. It’s about great content, if you like,” Barry Smyth says.

“Not too many years ago, recruiters were largely sales professionals.

Nowadays, they’re more like business advisors or consultants, working much closer with the companies they are engaged by. We can’t afford not to understand what our clients are doing and how they’re doing it.”

And, of course, the channels used by recruitment professionals have also been revolutionised.

Back in the day, the pages of the Belfast Telegraph were the only place for job advertisements....the larger ones didn’t come cheaply and the recruitment specialists fought over the prime spots, much to the Telegraph’s delight.

Nowadays, it’s all a lot more direct with social media playing a key role. Even job boards, online recruitment sites, can only account for some 40% of vacancies in a fast-changing marketplace.

MCS is currently based at The Linenhall building in Belfast city centre, but is at the later stages of its latest move to much larger premises,

giving them space to almost double the current staff of 30. The company hope to be in their new home before Christmas this year.

It’s been a busy time. During the past year, Barry and Louise Smyth also established a ‘sister’ agency, Honeycomb, which concentrates on the fast-expanding business support, EA and professional administration areas. Set up in partnership with MD Mairead Scott, who runs the business, this boutique agency has already had a very successful first half of 2017 and is causing a storm in its market by bringing a fresh, specialist approach to a sector which has not seen much change for many years.

“Recruiting is a field that is changing every day, old school recruiters simply won’t survive. To continue to succeed and add value we must find and engage with the best talent out there. It’s a variety of elements, it’s about technology, it’s about being a knowledge leader, it’s about investing in the latest recruitment tools, it’s about being a networking ninja, but at the end of the day it’s still about people.

“Our job is to find the right people.

We talk around the office about the ‘purple squirrel’. It doesn’t exist but a lot of organisations out there expect us to be able to find it. And often we do!”

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Eye on Round Table

Northern Ireland’s Housing Market...

What The Future Holds Business Eye recently joined forces with Progressive Building Society to stage a Round Table Discussion on the Future of the Housing Market in Northern Ireland.

Themes included the challenges facing the private sector housing market, interest rates, the mortgage environment and the political environment.

The Participants RB – To start, can I ask each of you in general terms how you view the challenges facing the private sector housing market here in Northern Ireland?

DA – Probably the biggest challenge is the lack of new developments.

There has been some progress, but not on the scale that we need to meet the demand.

Professor Neil Gibson, Director, Ulster University Economic Policy Centre

Darina Armstrong, Chief Executive, Progressive Building Society

Michael Boyd, Deputy Chief Executive & Finance Director, Progressive Building Society

NG – We’re in quite a healthy position as regards an affordable housing market, compared to other regions. But the needs of the housing market are changing, from elderly to student living. We have to make sure we get the right housing in the right places.

MB – Political uncertainty and Brexit both present their own difficulties on the broader front, but supply is probably the most pressing issue affecting the sector.

Samuel Dickey, RICS residential spokesman

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Richard Kirk, Regional Director, Institution of Civil Engineers

Dr. Martin Hinch, Research Associate in Performance & Analysis of Residential Property Markets, Ulster University

MH – There is a distinct urban/ rural split in Northern Ireland, for one thing, but I’m also being told that there is a lack of quality housing rather than just housing.

Agents are saying that there is a demand but that they’re struggling to get the right properties.

Eye on Round Table

RK – From an infrastructure point of view, it’s difficult in a rural economy like ours. There is definitely a trend everywhere towards urbanisation which we’re going to have to follow, but it’s important to make public services work and work well.

SD – One of the bugbears is the planning system.

Developers have problems getting planning permission for the kind of developments that they want to build.

RB – We’ve mentioned the lack of new housing developments. What can be done to improve this situation?

DA – There are legacy issues out there dating back to the downturn. We’ve had a bit of a lost decade in development terms, and that’s not helped by skill shortages. It is a big challenge.

SD – We need sustainable jobs in Northern Ireland. Financial help from Westminster is good, but it will be short term. Once the roads are built, that’s it. What we need are longer-term jobs.

NG – This presents real challenges for policy-makers.

Property prices are where we want them to be, but even that presents challenges for developers who need to make a margin. It’s a balancing act because we’ve lost a lot of players in the industry, it’s not easy. On the economic front, Northern Ireland has a good record on job creation, but earnings aren’t rising to any great degree and you can’t let the housing market get out of kilter with that. Also, as Sam has said, our planning system really needs to be more flexible and more adaptable.

SD – It is from a confidence point of view. Any uncertainty can have an effect on the housing market.

We’ve had political instability here for more than six months, it’s not particularly stable nationally and then we have impending Brexit.

We’re not seeing that uncertainty in the first time buyer market or in the lower end of the market, but once you’re up at higher levels, there is a slowing down.

NG – I suppose it should be a bit of both but it probably has to be a bit more proactive on our part than we would like and we have to be persistent. You don’t always get a good reception first time around. At the start of the corporation tax journey, we were told that it wasn’t legal and couldn’t be done so we had to go away and try again. We have to do the hard graft and the hard yards.

RK – I noticed a recent EY survey which asked about the needs of businesses.

Number one wasn’t corporation tax. It was investment in infrastructure. Infrastructure is a crucial factor for inward investment. It also delivers jobs, and jobs lead to a need for housing.

NG – Of course a devolved government makes a difference.

We’ve mentioned planning and the need for changes. Without Stormont, there’s no chance of getting action at a national level. It does matter to have someone to go to whether it’s about planning, a different system of rating or whatever it might be.

It’s incumbent on us to go to our politicians with crafted solutions.

They’re not housing experts, they’re not economists. They need us to be creative on their behalf.

Not having an Executive to talk to does, however, have a negative effect on Northern Ireland.

RK – In fairness, the original Programme for Government did call for input from business organisations and others. On a different scale, when it looked as though Crossrail over in London wasn’t going to be built, it took three very big businesses to go to Number 10 and threaten to up sticks and leave the city if the project wasn’t completed.

RB – How important is a return to devolved government at Stormont?

MB – Is it incumbent on us to make the first move? Shouldn’t they be reaching out?

NG – If it’s an important issue, you just can’t rest. You’ve got to keep knocking on the doors of the politicians and not be dissuaded. If we’re going to see Belfast developing along the lines of Dublin, then we need to take brave decisions. We have to build for the people that aren’t

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Eye on Round Table born yet, for the migrants that haven’t yet come. That requires a real strategic view and that’s not easy in a world where every exception has to be listened to.

MH – Do we think that the mindset will change after Brexit, assuming it goes though as planned or will it mean that we have to look at standing on our own two feet and taking charge of our destiny?

NG – The Brexiteers said that this was about greater control.

I wonder whether we’re ready for changes like that.

RB – Can we come back to the planning system? Is it still a major problem?

SD – The planners are good people, but the system is the problem. We do have to lobby correctly but we don’t have a Minister to lobby. So we have to park our gripes and grievances for a while, and the delay really isn’t helpful.

There are other issues too. The weaker pound is pushing up the cost of construction, and this will raise prices for buyers.

RK – It’s been really volatile for a while, and for some firms, it’s been a case of fighting for survival. It’s not without upsides, though, especially for those who can export materials. So it’s a bit of a double-edged sword.

DA – Regeneration is badly needed in some areas. In Belfast, for example, Great Victoria Street is crying out for it. In America, the recent trend for those in middle age is to come back to live in city centres for ease of transport and to avail of a vibrant city lifestyle. The large family homes and gardens are no longer needed with their associated high maintenance and running costs.

Could this be pursued here?

NG– Yes, it’s an area we need to address. We tend to have an old-fashioned view where older people hang on to their houses for as long as they can. We need to start looking at how we can change things. We don’t have a

great student accommodation or elderly living offering, for that matter, and it all requires policy work. Our property needs have changed and are continuing to change but we’ve always got to remember that people want to live where they want to live and it’s very difficult for change that.

RK – We’ve got a bit of a car crash coming on the demographics front, with increasing numbers of older people especially in rural areas. It’s a really big challenge.

MH – A lot of our problems have been fuelled by the lack of social housing. Perhaps we need to address that as a matter of urgency.

NG – There are tough societal questions to be asked around social housing, and the priorities of social housing. These are not easy conversations to have, but they have to take place. Then there are the questions around where it is, how it is funded, and so on. It’s an awkward subject, but it really can’t be avoided.

MH – We look upon property ownership as a right, don’t we?

You leave the parental home, you rent while you save to buy, then you buy. That’s the progression.

NG – Yet, in other parts of the world, that aspiration is going from younger people. What is

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important is that we keep talking to younger people. There’s no point in crafting policies that aren’t going to fit in with what emerging generations want and need. That said, I think we still have an ownership culture in this part of the world.

MB – If it’s not changing, it’s probably because we preach the message to our kids that that’s the path they should take because it’s the path that we took.

NG – It’s also affordable. I’ve hired four young people recently and three of them already own their own homes. That makes Belfast a bit unique. After a year of working as a research assistant, it’s possible to buy a decent starter home close to the city. That’s just not possible in other cities and it’s a big thing for inward investors too. One of our selling points is when we put up the slides showing what kind of houses they can get here for the kind of money that won’t buy them very much anywhere else with good schools for their kids thrown in. We’re very fortunate in that respect.

MH – We have been through a lot of pain. Prices here went from close to the bottom to not far off London prices, then crashed back down to near the bottom again and some scars have been left

Eye on Round Table behind. There are some issues. A rise in interest rates, for example, could have a lot of repercussions.

NG – 28% of income in London goes on housing costs. That drops to 22% in the rest of the UK, but only 12% here in Northern Ireland. We like to have disposable income for other things, but here’s the question.

If you saw the same property bubble coming again, do you intervene as a policy maker? It’s a tough call, especially when you don’t have issues like stamp duty under your control.

RK – That also means that we have the capacity to pay more for our housing and on top of that, we’re also paying around half of what other parts of the UK are paying on rates.

RB – Go back a few years and we had lots of active private developers building lots of houses. Are they coming back into the market?

SD – My sense is that they are starting to come back in, but that they are getting bigger margins across the water. Why would they build here when the prices are so much lower?

DA – Walk around London these days and the signs on the scaffolding at building sites are those of firms that you recognise as they are our local firms working in the UK marketplace.

NG – The solution can’t be to stop them going to London or elsewhere to find the work.

That’s important in its own right. We need to have others coming in to do the jobs here.

RK – Providing we can ensure that quality standards are maintained. The obvious danger of tight costs and tight budgeting is that corners can be cut and that’s not something that we want to see. Drive towards a low-cost market and quality will suffer.

RB – What about the mortgage marketplace?

DA – It’s very good at the minute.

There’s plenty of demand and lots of people still want to buy their own homes. The first time buyer sector is the strongest part of the market.

We’d like to see more growth in other sectors, as well.

MB – What’s important is that the numbers are sustainable.

Given what’s happened in the past, sustainability is an important part of the picture.

RB – Where are the shortages in the marketplace?

NG – Is the spectre of interest rate rises real to people out there?

DA – There’s a shortage of new developments. They are extremely popular and it’s still the case that there is with less development, the further out you go from Belfast.

That’s always an issue.

MB – The MPC is a bit more split than in the past. The most recent voting was 5-3 in favour of maintaining stability. Mark Carney, as we all know, is a supporter of keeping rates stable. Is it the right thing to do? We really don’t know.

But we suspect that it will be at least another year before we see any increase and if they do go up, it will be by small increments.

SD – We’re selling about 40 houses per week. As Darina says, the first time buyer market is the top performer but the second home sector is getting better.

Owner occupation is still the biggest by far, but we do see increase in the private rental sector. We are seeing developers coming back in, but they do have issues with the planning process and construction costs. It comes back to jobs. We need the people in employment to create demand for the houses. That means a robust economy with sustainable jobs. Overall, we’ve got a healthy marketplace which has been returning to normal.

If you put your house on the market, it will sell and we’ve even seen some bidding situations developing. That shows us that the demand is greater than the supply in some sectors.

NG – What is really important is that our fundamentals are good.

Jobs are being created, the inward investment track record is good and we probably have pent up demand for new houses. The prospects look positive but then you throw in Brexit, you throw in possible interest rates rises and the scars of the last 10 years, and it’s not quite so positive.

There are a few headwinds out there to take into consideration.

RB – To wrap things up, what are the key items on your wish lists for the short term future? What would you like to see happening?

RK – I like the idea of crafting proposals for government. First,

we have to have a government, but I think multi-disciplinary approaches to the decisionmaking makes a whole lot of sense. We can craft solutions for the housing marketplace together.

MH – Aside from reversing Brexit and ensuring political stability, consumer confidence is what I would like to see improving.

SD – A more streamlined planning process that will free up housing supply and encourage developers.

MB – Planning is an issue but we need certainty around Brexit and local government. We also need the border issue, within Brexit, to be a lot clearer.

NG – I’d also like to see the Executive back up and running, I’d like to see a positive Programme for Government and I’d like to see them coming out to the community to ask for their ideas and solutions.

DA – I’d like to see more investment in education. It’s scandalous that our universities aren’t getting the funding that they need. It’s also disappointing that 40% of our A Level students continue to leave Northern Ireland and financial support to encourage growth in non-denominational schooling would be even better.

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OUT OF SITE

OUT OF YOUR L O R T N CO

Eye on News

IT BUSINESS LEADER JOINS CLEARBOX BOARD OF DIRECTORS Holywood-based creative agency Clearbox has announced that Patrick McAliskey has joined the company’s board of directors.

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atrick is Managing Director of leading managed cloud provider Novosco, a Belfast-headquartered Sunday Times Top 100 Best Places to Work company that has offices in Manchester, Dublin and Cork.

One of the country’s leading business and technology minds, Patrick has previously held roles in the Royal Air Force and FG Wilson. In 1994 he formed his own company, Real

Time Systems Limited, and has been at the helm of Novosco for 20 years.

Patrick joins Clearbox at a time of continued growth for the agency and will provide unrivalled business expertise in his new role as Non Executive Director. Patrick joins PR Director Karen Wallace and Junior Account Executives Natalie Clarke and Charlotte Goss who have recently joined the Clearbox team, taking the agency’s team to 11.

On taking the role, Patrick said, “I’ve known Anna and her team for a while and I’ve always been tremendously impressed not just with their business performance, but how they seem to do things a little bit differently to other consultancies. I’ve watched the

Anna Morris, Patrick McAliskey and John Megaughin.

transition of Clearbox from a small team of two people to something much bigger and I want to help them push forward to the next level. It’s a hugely exciting company and I’m looking forward to helping the agency grow over the coming years.”

Clearbox Head of Excellence, Anna Morris said, “My goal is to constantly bring the best people into our

business and Patrick’s appointment is one of our most exciting yet. His knowledge, expertise, skills and contacts are second to none and as someone who’s grown a business from humble beginnings to becoming a world-class technology provider, I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us as we work together to push the business forward.”

DAVY ACQUIRES PART OF DANSKE BANK’S WEALTH MANAGEMENT BUSINESS Davy Private Clients UK (Davy) has acquired Danske Bank’s discretionary portfolio management wealth business for an undisclosed sum.

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he deal involves the transfer of the management of more than 1,100 Danske Bank customer investment portfolios, which are currently managed by the bank’s investment centre. The management of these investment portfolios is scheduled to move by the end of October 2017. There will be no associated redundancies, with twelve Danske Bank employees expected to join Davy as part of the deal.

The agreement also sees Danske Bank make Davy its preferred referral partner for private banking customers seeking options to invest over £150,000.

Davy is Northern Ireland’s largest wealth manager, with overall assets under management across the United Kingdom and Ireland in excess of

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£12 billion. Davy has over 660 staff, including 65 in Northern Ireland.

Richard Caldwell, Managing Director of Personal Banking and Small Business at Danske Bank, said: “This has been a good part of our business for many years thanks to the expertise, hard work and customer ethos of our wealth specialists who have been overseeing assets under management of around £500 million.

However, after a strategic review looking at anticipated future costs and regulatory change, it became clear that the best way forward for our customers was to have support in this area from a specialist wealth management company.

“We are delighted to have found in Davy a locally-based, leading national wealth business that has

Richard Caldwell (Danske Bank) and Stephen Felle (Davy)

a track record of strong delivery for customers. Moving forward Danske Bank will continue to invest in and grow its core personal and business banking operations, whilst offering a wealth management proposition to customers through external providers.”

Stephen Felle, Chief Executive (UK) of Davy, said: “We are delighted to welcome Danske Bank’s discretionary Wealth Management customers and the associated staff to Davy. Over our 90 year history, Davy has focused on making a difference that matters

to our customers. The addition of Danske Bank’s business gives us an opportunity to build long-term relationships with a new group of customers. It also underpins Davy’s position as the leading wealth manager in Northern Ireland and opens a new era of partnership between two leading financial institutions.”

Davy has acquired a number of Northern Ireland investment and wealth advisory businesses in recent years, including PFC, Graham Corry Cheevers and Square Seven Financial Planning.

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Eye on Corporate Finance

A Snap-Shot Of The Northern Ireland Debt Finance Market – From Vegetables To Haircuts And Beyond

By Richard Houliston, Banking & Finance Partner, TLT

A little while ago I wrote about the volume of bank lending in Northern Ireland (NI), and that commentators should look at the BBA lending information as a good barometer of economic activity. Q4 of 2016 saw the volume of SME lending in NI drop to around £300m, which is the lowest it has been since the BBA started to publish this data in 2013 (a contrast to Q1 of 2016 when £500m of loans were written). But things are on the up, with Q1 of 2017 seeing a huge swing in SME lending up to £400m and a positive increment in lending activity across the sectors in NI.

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he above statistics reflect TLT’s own helicopter view of the debt finance market.

We work with every major bank lender in NI, and each and every one is currently active and supporting the economic growth of small and large businesses in the country.

These positive success stories are many and varied, from businesses selling vegetables to haircuts. For example, TLT recently acted for

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Danske Bank on its provision of £2.5m debt facilities to the vegetable processor Gilfresh Produce to fund the construction of an anerobic digestion plant on its site. Also, one of Belfast’s leading hair salons, Andrew Mulvenna Hair, recently purchased some beautiful Victorian premises on Gloucester Street to expand into the next stage of its growth plans. TLT advised Santander on the debt facilities used to make these exciting plans a reality.

Barclays and HSBC each have £100m loan funds aimed at supporting the growth of SMEs in NI. There is a real push throughout the NI lending sector to support export growth for SMEs – to help these ambitious companies to look beyond our shores and to scale up internationally. At the same time, a growing number of ambitious companies are taking advantage of these funds to fuel their international growth plans.

WhiteRock Capital Partners is continuing to plug a gap in mezzanine funding and is starting to be recognised as a major partner with the mainstream banks, making deals happen and plugging a funding gap. There is no other operator in that space and in our view there is pent-up demand for this kind of product. TLT recently acted for the Duddy Group on the construction of the new Holiday Inn Express Hotel in Derry. The funding package consisted of Santander on the senior debt side, WhiteRock Capital providing mezzanine funding and Invest NI and the Department for Communities providing grant funding. This transaction is a great example of partnership lending between multiple funders in NI and we expect to see more of this type of activity in the future.

The NI lending market continues to evolve at a fast pace and we are seeing increased activity from challenger banks and peer-to-peer funders. For example, peer-to-peer funder Assetz Capital (led in Northern Ireland by Andrew Fraser) is busy growing a niche offering in development funding and renewable energy refinancing. It is a space that even 12 months ago would have been difficult for such a lender to secure a foothold in, but from what we are seeing they are set to bed-down and continue to grow. Challenger banks are continuing to provide an increasing range of loan products to customers and there is a real opportunity for this market to grow further in NI. There are a variety of funding options available to SME customers in NI, including asset based lending and

asset finance. Capitalflow Commercial Finance is a new entrant in the market and is busy providing asset based lending and asset finance packages to a growing number of SME customers.

Additionally, new brokers in the market like Clearpath Finance, which has provided £20m of new loans in the last ten months and has £40m in legals, are providing further optionality for SMEs. With Conor Devine and his team driving Clearpath Finance forward, they are providing access to a range of lenders on a growing platform.

It has been an incredible start to the debt market in NI in 2017. If that continues, the linked growth in company expansion plans, international and export growth strategies and product development will mean that the NI economy will continue to prosper this year. We are mindful of the continuing Brexit ripples and local government uncertainty, but the barometer suggests that NI businesses would be too quick to talk themselves down. The current level of NI originated deals speaks volumes for the variety of options customers now have in the funding space in NI. Long may it continue.

Please contact Richard Houliston in TLT’s Belfast office on t: 0333 006 1176 or e: richard.houliston@tltsolicitors.com to discuss any lending or borrowing opportunities you may be considering.

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Eye on Property

Valuation – a cornerstone of any decision a business makes As a result, the Belfast office has grown significantly and we now have 14 RICS registered valuers. We are unique in terms of our own sector as we have our own in-house specialist hotel and leisure valuation expert, Alex Speers, which has been a huge advantage given the recent surge of hotel and leisure development activity in Northern Ireland. No matter what sector you operate in, you can be rest assured that CBRE will be able to assist with valuation and consultancy advice which will support or hasten your funding requirements.

Leading valuation services provider

Deborah Cromie, Director at CBRE

According to Deborah Cromie, Director at CBRE, accurate and reliable valuations are critical to the success of every real estate investment and business occupation. She explains why.

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n reality, clients rely on our ability to deliver high-quality, consistent, marketleading valuations. Our approach, thinking and success is based on unrivalled market research, proven processes and seamless service delivery on a local, national and global level. At CBRE Belfast, we offer local knowledge but are also inextricably connected to the CBRE global perspective, influence, knowledge and understanding, particularly when it comes to valuations.

Valuations are the foundation of financial decisions for banks, property firms, developers, investors, occupiers or owners, and it is a core function underpinning all property transactions.

It is increasingly important that business and investment decisions are based on consistently accurate property valuations. There is no doubt that our advanced, industry-leading valuation platforms and vast professional network, which includes a research and consultancy team, ensures that we have access to the most up to date intelligence and analytics.

One of the most interesting aspects of this role at CBRE is without doubt the diversity. No two days are the same, and as a professional valuations expert you can find yourself valuing anything from single assets to diverse portfolios, including student housing and healthcare hubs. What makes it really interesting is some of the more unique projects, which have included distilleries, castles and some of the most iconic buildings across the city.

Traditionally, the market sees us working

closely alongside financial institutions including pension funds, commercial banks and equity lenders, but we also work with a wide range of corporations, private investors, property owners and government agencies.

In addition, we don’t just carry out valuations for secured lending. Valuations also play a part in financial reporting, taxation, rental review, transactional support, arbitration and consultation purposes.

How the Profit 200 can benefit from a regular valuations update Many businesses view valuations as an unwanted and unnecessary expense. This is not always the case, and if timed correctly and used effectively they can prove to be a fantastic addition to a large, medium or small business’ arsenal of information. Apart from secured lending, an up to date valuation could reduce any delay should there be a major change to ownership or directors within the company. Furthermore, it informs the amount of Stamp Duty if a share or an entire property is to be transferred, and finally, if selling your business premises, the Inland Revenue will often require a formal written valuation to be provided in order to calculate Capital Gains or Corporation Tax. Regular valuations can simply help save time, allowing companies to focus on core business activities.

For further information, contact Deborah Cromie on 028 9043 8555 or deborah.cromie@cbre.com.

Our Valuation Team With over 200 RICS registered valuers across 11 UK offices, we have a vast team of people on the ground with expert insight into every sector.

We have the ability to utilise our specialist, sector-specific property experts that understand your precise business and investment needs in whichever sector you operate in. This has become increasingly important over the last ten years due to high levels of refinancing, which has resulted in banks and funders requesting sector-specific valuations on property assets.

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CBRE Belfast’s Valuation team (L-R): Steven Conwell, Brian Lavery (Managing Director, CBRE), Deborah Cromie, Alex Speers, Julie McClelland and Paula McKnight.

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Eye on Cyber Security

Goliath Cyber Security Threats To Business In an era of ever more frequent, sophisticated and automated cyber-attacks, Northern Ireland’s largest indigenous and expanding firm of cyber specialists have been at the forefront of helping organisations manage their cyber-risks.

Working across a range of private and public sectors both locally and internationally, Cyphra is already establishing a reputation as a company with global capability and expertise in cyber security.

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ewly appointed Managing Director, Paddy Trainor together with founding Directors, Conrad Simpson and John Bodels have their sights firmly set on significant growth for Cyphra. Their ‘businessled’ approach, enables their customers’ to better understand the impacts of their specific threat profile and to put in place appropriate defence capabilities to enhance their cyber resilience.

Based in Belfast’s Science Park, in the Titanic Quarter, Cyphra’s team have specialist expertise and experience across cyber security risk management and compliance, technology, people and change. Talking about their future plans for Cyphra,

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Director Conrad Simpson said; “We’ve already seen strong growth since the company was formed, however John and I recognised that in order to keep pace with the growing demand for Cyphra’s services and solutions we needed a new dynamic on the management team. Paddy brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience which will really benefit Cyphra in our ambitious plans for organisational growth and business development. His fresh and energetic approach adds significant value to our senior team, in driving our strategy and most importantly in delivering real benefits for our customers. We’re delighted to have him on board with us.”

“Organisations are facing an increasingly complex threat landscape in which criminality is a growing and worrying aspect. It is unrealistic to defend against all the threats, however abandoning the move to, or use of, digital services is not an option. It is therefore essential to ensure that cyber-resilience is built-in and that organisations are able to create the right balance of security and usability to engender trust from their customers, suppliers and staff.

With growing concerns around privacy, data loss, reputation and compliance on one hand, and on the other, the widespread adoption of cloud services, open data and mobile devices, social media and data sharing, it is no wonder that many organisations either find themselves struggling to know where best to target their security resources or as the victim of a cyber-attack. The most serious of these attacks can hit organisations’ revenues, reputation and profits so hard that in some cases their very existence is threatened.

Our focus is on making sure that Cyphra is always front of mind as the trusted, innovative cyber security partner that can help businesses make the best use of

their security investments and minimise their risk of compromise.

Going forward we’re intent on making sure that Cyphra continues to play an important role in making Northern Ireland one of the safest places to do business online.”.

Speaking about the opportunities and challenges ahead, Managing Director, Paddy Trainor said, “We have a tremendous opportunity to grow further, develop our services and continue to expand into new sectors and territories. We have recently completed a significant project in London and have new opportunities in the Middle East and East Africa. Cyphra is in an excellent position to capitalise on the opportunities presented by continued growth in the cyber security sector globally. I am excited to be on board and part of the team that will take the company to the next level.

Cyphra has a great track record already but many of Cyphra’s success stories are untold sometimes due to the nature and the sensitivity of the customer.

The focus for Cyphra is helping companies build resilience to the ever changing and evolving cyber threats. It’s now often quoted that there are two types of companies

Eye on Cyber Security

(L-R) Cyphra Directors - John Bodels, Paddy Trainor and Conrad Simpson

‘those that have been hacked and those that will be’. The threat to businesses and individuals isn’t a new phenomenon but what’s real, is that it’s growing at a frightening rate. Cyphra are continually proving that we have the capability and expertise to help our customers stay protected”.

“With a true partnership ethos, the company has a track record of building long-term trusted relationships with its clients that deliver genuine business benefits and return on investment”, explains Conrad.

“We help our clients manage their digital risks and ensure their security strategy supports their business agility and growth objectives. We work alongside multiple industry leaders and governments and our strength

is in our people who have a combination of technical skills, consulting experience and managed service expertise. Our approach is to understand the specific business context, identify the associated risks and then ensure that appropriate and effective controls are put in place to manage these risks. Where this requires security solutions, our team has the domain experience and expertise to design, implement and manage government-grade and enterprise security solutions.

Our partner status with a number of Tier 1 global security vendors helps us to deliver innovative and bespoke integrated security architecture solutions every time”.

However, Cyphra recognise that continued growth in cyber security relies on a strong and connected

cyber infrastructure, education and a skilled workforce. Since 2016 there have been a number of game changing attacks in the UK and most recently in the NHS. “A paradigm shift is happening where it is no longer acceptable to try to retrofit cyber security as an afterthought, it needs to be integrated into everything we do by default,” says Paddy.

“Companies (small or large) have a responsibility to get their cyber security fundamentals right. The Government has already identified the need for a more co-ordinated and tailored approach across the private sector, key government agencies and academia to help increase our local economy’s resilience to cyber threats. In doing so we have the capacity to drive further

economic growth by establishing Northern Ireland as a centre of excellence for cyber security and a safer place to trade and invest.”

While the cranes of Harland and Wolff located beside Cyphra’s office are a stark reminder of how the industrial revolution transformed lives. The new digital revolution and the Internet of Things (IoT) has only just begun but has the potential to create Goliath security challenges if not addressed.

Cyphra are a recognised leader in the provision of cyber security services industry across the UK. Contact: info@cyphra.com T: 028 90 995 967

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Eye on Law

Government Report Recommends Employment Status Clarity For ‘Gig Economy’ Workers

Following the recent publication of the Government report into employment practices in the modern economy, Rosemary Lundy, Employment Law Partner at leading law firm Arthur Cox, explains what the recommendations mean for employers.

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he publication in July of Matthew Taylor’s report on employment practices in the modern economy has re-ignited the debate around the rights of workers, specifically those in the ‘gig-economy’.

Subsequent analysis has focused on the absence of any recommendation to ban zero-hours contracts and a suggestion in the report that the current employment status categories be amended.

While no immediate changes to employment law have resulted from the report, the recommendations will inform the government’s industrial strategy.

It is therefore important that employers are fully cognisant of all possible changes to employment status well in advance of them being introduced.

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By getting ahead of the curve, organisations with gig workers will be able to provide greater clarity for their workforce while increasing productivity, thus contributing positively to the overall business both in terms of staff recruitment and morale.

Preparation in advance of possible changes could help employers avoid the risk of potential court action that could result from non-compliance, while at the same time help differentiate their business from organisations that haven’t taken the necessary steps.

Commissioned by the Prime Minister, Theresa May, the report sought to ensure work in the UK is “fair and decent with realistic scope for development and fulfilment”. The report considered employment rights

and tax liability, focusing on the rights and responsibilities of workers as well as on employer freedoms and obligations.

The issue has gained prevalence in recent years due to an increasing number of businesses, such as Deliveroo and Uber, using freelance contractors to provide services like food deliveries, couriers and taxis.

Paid for by the job – or the ‘gig’ – many of those contractors have taken disputes to the Court of Appeal over their employment status and associated rights.

However, the report highlighted that there is a large cohort of people who desire the flexibility offered by gig platforms.

As this flexibility is dependent on the company providing the work, the report therefore recommended that those currently with ‘worker’ status should be redefined as ‘dependent contractors’ to sit alongside the existing ‘self-employed’ and ‘employed’ categories.

Proposal The report stated that efforts should be made to clearly distinguish ‘dependent contractors’ from those who are genuinely self-employed, thus providing welcome clarity for both employers and those being employed.

Another key recommendation in the report was that organisations providing gig work platforms should satisfy three conditions if they are to escape prosecution for not paying all workers the minimum wage at all times.

The report said the businesses should be able to prove that their average worker earns at least 120% of the minimum wage, that workers have complete freedom over when they work and that businesses must be able to provide accurate real-time data about

how much someone would earn at any particular time.

The report also proposed that workers for whom the number of hours worked is not guaranteed should receive a higher hourly minimum wage rate, a concept that is aimed at encouraging companies to guarantee more hours for those on zero or low-hours contracts.

Disparity The report recognises that the different rates of National Insurance contributions (NICs) that apply according to employment status create a disparity of tax treatment that is neither justified nor sustainable, and is not conducive to the goal of a good work economy. It is estimated that lost tax revenue due to lower NICs rates for self-employment is £5.1 billion a year. Therefore, the report recommends increasing class 4 NICs for the self-employed.

The gig economy will continue to remain fluid in nature and, while it is likely to be some time before any of the report’s recommendations are adopted, if at all, employers should waste no time in preparing for potential changes that may follow.

By seeking professional legal advice, organisations can ensure they maintain accurate records of gig workers that work for them, have appropriate contracts in place and adhere to all relevant legal responsibilities.

The Employment Law team at Arthur Cox is well positioned to advise on all aspects of employment law in Northern Ireland. Please call +44 28 9023 0007 for further information from Rosemary or your regular Arthur Cox contact.

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Eye on Law

MMW… A Rising Force In Corporate Law What does Scott bring to the team?

“Scott is a highly regarded corporate lawyer with 20 years’ experience of working in both international firms and large local firms. He was responsible for leading the corporate and intellectual property teams at his previous firm and is ranked as a leading practitioner in these fields by the leading directories Chambers and Legal 500. We worked on a number of transactions recently where Scott was acting for other parties and always had a healthy regard for his technical skills but more importantly the way in which he does business which we felt was very similar to our own. We also share a number of key clients and contacts. The synergies ultimately became too obvious to ignore.”

MMW’s corporate team: front row L to R: Scott Kennedy, Damian McParland, Patricia Arrell. Back row L to R: John Finnegan, Abbie Long, Eimhear O’Kane, Louise Cavanagh, Louise Kerlin.

Millar McCall Wylie is a firm on the rise.

From its origins in Ballyhackamore 20 years ago, MMW has enjoyed sustained growth.

It is not a practice which is content to rest on its laurels though and we met recently with its head of corporate Damian McParland and newly recruited partner, Scott Kennedy, to hear more about it and its plans.

I asked Damian about this growth and the work his team has been doing recently.

“I

joined the firm in 2000 to lead its corporate practice and Abbie Long, who has recently been promoted to partner, joined as a trainee in 2005.

Since then, and notwithstanding the often challenging economic conditions, our corporate team has grown to 4 partners and 4 other fee earners, making it one of the largest in Northern Ireland. Our corporate practice encompasses corporate transactional work, general commercial contract advice, banking and film and media.

We feel that as a firm the

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quality and the volume of the work we have been doing is very high and is increasing all the time. At the recent Insider Dealmakers awards three transactions we were involved with (being the investment into Learning Pool by Carlyle Capital, the NI Growth Loan Fund investment into RMS Cash Solutions and the MBO of Trucorp backed by Cordovan Capital) were all shortlisted for awards.

The firm itself was also shortlisted for corporate law firm of the year.

This peer group recognition has been pivotal in communicating our growing presence to the market.”

What do you think has been key to your growth?

“We are still a first generation firm, with two of the founding partners, Peter McCall and Conor Wylie, remaining in the business. We believe this enables us to identify more deeply with our core client business owners in a way that other longer established firms cannot. We also act for many entrepreneurial clients I think because we are entrepreneurially minded and are willing to be innovative wherever possible. The TV advertising we took at the 2015 Rugby World Cup is a good an example of our appetite to try something new. While it was a step into the unknown for us, it certainly raised our profile. In NI we also recognise that relationships are key to delivering professional services and the firm remains committed to partner led teams delivering work where the partner remains heavily involved in the job and not just a distant figure who is copied into emails.

We’re not complacent though and recognise we can’t maintain our current rate of growth by doing the same things. We’re always keen to invest in talent as and when the right people become available. Bringing Scott into the team is a perfect example of this”.

Scott added, “The firm has always been regarded as being the leading film and media firm locally but I was seeing MMW involved in an increasing number of corporate deals.

It was also clear to me that this is a firm which has a high reputation and deep connections within the local market which I know from experience is absolutely key to generating referrals and developing new business. I was also impressed by the size of the team at MMW which was equal to if not larger than the corporate team at my previous firm. In the short period I have been with MMW, I can see first hand the high quality of client they represent and the work the team is doing.”

Eye on News

SSP TO INVEST £2.5 MILLION IN BELFAST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT OUTLETS SSP, a leading operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations worldwide, is embarking on a £2.5 million expansion at Belfast International Airport which will lead to up to seventy new full and part-time jobs.

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ost of the work will be at existing airside outlets.

The popular Lagan Bar has already been extended at the front and rear, creating seating for an additional 100 customers.

In addition, the Starbucks coffee shop will undergo a complete refurbishment.

SSP, which currently operates all but one food and beverage unit at the airport, will also convert Strangford Kitchen & Grill to a food-led premium bar, and

transform the airport’s Café Bar into a second Ritazza coffee shop.

Belfast International Airport Director of Commercial Development, Brian Carlin, said: “SSP’s investment is most welcome. The airport is seeing unprecedented double-digit passenger growth, and it is to SSP’s credit that it is responding by expanding facilities to meet increased demand.

“It’s a significant investment by a company with a proven track

record for quality and delivery.

SSP is an essential part of our successful airport operations, and this work will transform existing outlets leading to improved passenger facilities.”

Simon Smith, CEO of SSP UK said: “We have been working at Belfast for over 15 years, and we are delighted to be building on this longstanding relationship with one of the UK’s most important airports. In just a few years, passenger numbers have risen

Alastair Caldwell, SSP Operations Manager, Belfast International Airport and Brian Carlin, Director of Commercial Development, Belfast International Airport look at plans for the expansion of the SSP outlets at the airport.

to just over 5.1 million last year.

“An additional 500,000 passengers will pass through the terminal this year, creating yet another new record. This investment will ensure that we will continue to deliver excellent food and beverage to Belfast’s passengers as traveller numbers rise.”

Delivering Secure Access Solutions

Personnel and vehicle entrance management systems

Complete in-house design • and installation support, training • &Technical Maintenance Smartcard & Biometric • finger readers Vehicle entrance automatic • gates & barriers perimeter turnstiles • External turnstiles • &Reception DDA gates Automatic doors - fire rated • operators & Intercoms • CCTV Integrated Time & “improving health & safety, reducing costs, securing sites and facilities” • Attendance for payroll For information or emergency call out response please telephone • Automatic alarm setting Belfast (028) 9083 6622 or Dublin 1800 284283. outside • Certified Alternatively, email service@atireland.com or log on to www.atireland.com hours remote CCTV monitoring & response

A.T. (Ireland) Ltd. Antrimline Business Park, Belfast, BT36 4XX

43

Eye on News

INI BACKED INVESTMENT AT KAINOS Kainos, has announced a multi-million pound R&D investment to develop new software which will transform the way healthcare is delivered through the use of mobile technology.

Brendan Mooney of Kainos with Invest NI Chief Executive Alastair Hamilton

T

he investment includes £3.1m from Invest Northern Ireland, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the EU Investment for Growth and Jobs

Programme 2014-2020, to support R&D, marketing and the upskilling of staff.

Making the announcement, Alastair Hamilton, CEO of Invest NI said: “Kainos has an excellent reputation as a leader in

electronic medical records management in the health sector. It has long recognised the value of investing in R&D to stay ahead of its competitors and has already used Invest NI’s support to develop highly innovative software that transforms the way our healthcare system operates. In addition to this investment, Kainos will create 17 new jobs and bolster existing skills and talent development across its workforce. It is also using Invest NI’s marketing assistance to support a global sales drive, particularly in the US. “This is a very positive announcement for the ICT sector in Northern Ireland, both for driving economic growth and fostering development of skills that will

provide an important boost to the local NI talent pool. We encourage all Northern Ireland companies, large and small, to follow the example of Kainos and to consider focussing more on R&D to strengthen their global competitiveness.”

Brendan Mooney, CEO of Kainos said: “Our Evolve Integrated Care software will allow healthcare professionals to access, amend and store patient information as they undertake their work, all with the required degree of security to protect patient confidentiality.

“We have a partnership agreement with Apple which will ensure our software can be used on iPhones and iPads, making our service much more efficient.”

IT’S ALL UPSTREAM…

P

ictured celebrating their most successful month having funded deals to the tune of £3.5 Million in the last four weeks, is Judith Totten, Managing Director and Alan Wardlow, Head of New Business at Upstream Working Capital. The deals covered a wide spectrum of industries including technology, health, and electrical

wholesale. Judith commented “We are absolutely thrilled to be able to help the SME sector in Northern Ireland but are most impressed by how happy our new clients were not only at getting to meet decision makers on day one but also the fact that our terms were competitive and their funding was put in place quickly and with no fuss.”

Smarts Communicate Appoints Charity Director As Brand Purpose Consultant Global PR and content agency Smarts Communicate has appointed Tim Magowan to the role of Brand Purpose Consultant.

T

im joins Smarts following 14 years at the charity Tearfund, where he was Northern Ireland Director. Tim brings 20 years of PR, communications and leadership experience to his new role, where he will support and expand the agency’s work in the

44

area of purpose-led marketing.

Smarts Communicate has created marketing campaigns for some of the world’s biggest brands including British Airways, Hertz, BT, Marriott, Ministry of Sound, Lidl, Johnnie Walker and Guinness, in more than 20 countries around the world.

Corporate Banking

Why Northern Ireland must not fail the next generation of entrepreneurs Recent Barclays Business Banking research has found that two fifths (42%) of UK school children aged 8-16 want to launch their own business when they grow up – contrary to the myth that young people just want to be celebrities or sports stars. If this entrepreneurial spirit is nurtured, by the year 2025 the UK could create a future generation of entrepreneurs – almost 100,000 new businesses that would contribute an extra £23.3 billion to the UK economy and create 400,000 new jobs.

Yet analysis reveals that the proportion of UK start-ups run by entrepreneurs aged 25 and under in 2016 was just 6%. This is lower than any other age category of start-up owners, demonstrating a critical gap between ambition and the number of start-ups run by young people.

Barriers to entrepreneurship Despite great ambition, a third (36%) of school children don’t actually know what an ‘entrepreneur’ is, confusing the term for a ‘French man’, a ‘magician’, or a ‘circus man’. What’s more, school children believe that there are significant barriers to becoming an entrepreneur and you need certain qualities to succeed, including: •

Being able to take risks (45%)

•

Having luck on your side (27%)

•

Having family connections (17%)

Furthermore, one in seven (16%) think you need to be an adult to start your own business; a tenth (11%) think it’s only open to rich people and 9% think you need to do well at school.

The Silicon Playground Of the children who want to start a business when they grow up, digital businesses are the most popular sector of interest. Over a fifth (22%) of children say they want to start a digital business, citing vlogging, app building or video game design as examples. The research also demonstrates the future business skills this generation already holds; more than half (54%) of 8-16 year olds count blogging amongst their digital skills and 37% can code. A quarter (27%) can build apps and 23% say they can build websites.

Without direct investment in education to help nurture and develop these skills and to remove barriers to entrepreneurship, the UK could lag behind other countries as a breeding ground for young business starters of the future. With this in mind, Barclays has created tailored educational content to help young people develop ‘21st Century Skills’ through its LifeSkills

Adrian Doran Head of Corporate Banking Northern Ireland, Barclays adrian.doran@barclays.com

programme. LifeSkills created by Barclays was launched earlier this year in Northern Ireland in partnership with Business in the Community. The programme, which teaches 11-24 year olds vital skills needed in the world of business, will be delivered to 21,000 local pupils over the next two years, giving them access to employability skills to support the transition from education to work.

In addition, Barclays has recently launched its first Belfast ‘Eagle Lab’ to directly support our strategy to be the bank of choice for High Growth Businesses and Entrepreneurs. The Barclays Eagle Lab at Ormeau Baths is an integral part of a 150 seat co-working site in the city centre providing access to resources including expert mentoring, event space, and workshops - giving Northern Ireland’s start-up and scale-up communities a crucial boost. Belfast is the tenth Eagle Lab Barclays has opened after success in locations such as Salford, London and Cambridge.

“Today’s children are demonstrating new skills that have the potential to disrupt and innovate business and it’s no surprise that Northern Ireland has a generation of ambitious entrepreneurs waiting in the wings. If we want this talent and ambition to flourish, we all need to encourage children who should have access to the right tools and resources to convert their dreams into the businesses of the future. We have answered this call by launching our LifeSkills programme here, and by opening our Barclays Eagle Lab at Ormeau Baths.

We are calling on the rest of the industry and government to join us, and get behind the next generation of entrepreneurs.”

Adrian Doran Head of Corporate Banking for Barclays in Northern Ireland

For more information on the LifeSkills programme, visit barclayslifeskills.com

Barclays is a trading name of Barclays Bank PLC and its subsidiaries. Barclays Bank PLC is registered in England and authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA No. 122702).

Registered Number is 1026167 and its registered office 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP.

We think outside the boundaries, to open up global opportunities You know what’s best for your business, such as a bank that understands international trade inside out. Our dedicated relationship team has the in-depth knowledge and contacts to connect you with local partners, market intelligence and financing – helping you achieve your international ambitions.

Contact our team on 0330 150 1244* or visit barclayscorporate.com

Barclays is a trading name of Barclays Bank PLC and its subsidiaries. Barclays Bank PLC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services No. 122702). Registered in England. Registered number is 1026167 with registered office at 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP. *Calls to 03 numbers will cost the same as a call to an 01 or 02 number and will be included in any inclusive minutes. To maintain a quality service, we may monitor or record phone calls.

Eye on News

THE AGE OF DISRUPTION

Following the recent launch of its CEO Outlook for 2017, KPMG’s Head of Tax in Belfast, Johnny Hanna, tells Business Eye how Northern Ireland companies are preparing to embrace disruption in their businesses…

“T

he concept of disruption and disruptive technologies is becoming a central topic in the world of business, and was a key theme in our CEO Outlook survey this year,” explains Hanna.

KPMG’s annual CEO Outlook offers insights into some of the challenges and opportunities faced by Northern Ireland CEOs and more than 1,200 of their peers from around the world.

“The survey provided an interesting insight into the steps that local CEOs are taking to prepare for the challenges and opportunities they believe will have a disruptive

48

impact on their businesses in the coming years – such as Brexit, and the rapidly evolving world of technology.”

Technology “Unsurprisingly, technology is anticipated by CEOs as one of the principal drivers of disruption in the years ahead – with 84 per cent saying that they expect major disruption in their sector as a result of technological innovation.”

But Hanna predicts that, alongside the disruption caused by technological innovation, one of the many challenges for Northern Ireland companies in the coming years will be the sheer pace of this innovation.

“All around us, new technologies are reinventing sectors and industries,” he says. “This can be deemed positive for the most part – with things that seemed beyond our reach years ago now affordable and accessible.

Retail is one sector which has led the way. Companies such as Amazon forced many traditional retailers to completely transform and innovate their existing business models to meet their customers’ changing needs.

Supposedly more traditional sectors such as leisure and tourism have also adapted (and often led the charge) – proof that nobody is immune.

So in our view NI CEOs, regardless of their sector, are now having to consider what’s next – will they be the disruptor or be disrupted?”

“The challenge for many companies can be the speed at which technology is changing and how they can keep up. It can be difficult to react to the basics let alone put strategies in place to tackle emerging skills gaps, establish new ways of engaging with their customers or even analyse the huge amounts of customer data they are collecting.”

organisation’s relationships with its customers. It has the power to reshape an organisation’s business model, helping it to develop new ways to deliver and capture value. It can also solve operational problems and drive improvements in efficiency.

It forces leaders to reassess their competitive positions and rules of engagement.”

A new norm “In recent years, innovation has been heralded as one of the key drivers of business growth and success and, to some extent, has become ‘the norm’,” he says. “But now, there’s a new normal in town – it’s called disruption and it will be equally impactful.

“Without doubt, organisations that proactively embrace disruption and shape their business accordingly will emerge stronger than those who run from it and react when they have no other choice.

“We’re in an age of disruption.

To succeed, Northern Ireland companies must get ahead of the game and prepare to be disruptors themselves – turning disruption to their advantage,” he concludes.

Friend or foe?

Despite this, the concept of disruption appears to be welcomed by local companies, with all Northern Ireland CEOs surveyed claiming that they want their own business to be a disruptor in their sector.

According to Hanna, a strong leader will see beyond the significant challenges that disruption could bring and focus on the revolutionary impact that it could have on their business.

“Disruption has the potential to have a hugely positive impact on a company,” he says. “It has the potential to completely change an

A full copy of the KPMG CEO Outlook Report can be found at www.kpmg.ie/CEOoutlook

Eye

onprofit 200

200 Sponsored by

Information supplied by the Business Information Division

Company Shop 49

Now for the 6th time in 7 years, we’re ‘Corporate Bank of the Year’. Thank you.

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Eye on Profit200

Information supplied by

the Company Shop Business Information Division

Profit 200 companies still focused on keeping the customer satisfied

By Shaun McAnee, Managing Director of Corporate & Business Banking at Danske Bank

It is my privilege to once again congratulate all the companies who have made it on to Business Eye’s annual Profit 200 list of the most profitable companies in Northern Ireland.

I

t is clear from the strong financial results posted by the businesses on this list that we have more than our fair share of high quality, market leading organisations. The staff and management in all of the Profit 200 companies should all be commended for their contribution to making their employers successful in what are, it cannot be denied, uncertain times.

The firms represented come from across the spectrum of the business world – from industrial mainstays of the Northern Ireland economy like agri-food, construction and manufacturing to knowledge economy sectors such as technology, healthcare and pharmaceuticals. It is heartening to see companies from diverse sectors posting healthy and in some cases substantial growth in turnover and profits.

As you would expect, some

50

familiar names of Northern Ireland business are prominent on the listing. Danske Bank customers such as Almac Group, Norbrook Laboratories, Randox, Henderson Group, SHS Group, LCC Group, Haldane Shiels and Andras House continue to lead the way in their fields.

This year we’ve seen the profile of Randox reach a whole new level with its sponsorship of the world famous Grand National horse race. SHS Group has also made headlines with its latest acquisition of Standard Brands.

And Andras House has completed its £4m refurbishment of the Crowne Plaza. These are just a few of the fantastic success stories we have heard about this year.

Of course, we know there are challenges ahead. Whatever the long term outcome, the Brexit process we will go through in the next few years is unlikely to be plain sailing and could impact on some of our leading firms.

I have been out with a lot of our customers in recent months and naturally Brexit has come up in many conversations. But in all of the businesses I’ve met I have encountered dedicated teams who, amid the uncertainty, are

simply getting on with business.

A common theme with these customers is that they are focused on continually improving what they do. Improving products and services, being more efficient, more inventive and more responsive. I find that very impressive, that companies who often don’t have a big corporate structure behind them are being so forward thinking.

As ever, Danske Bank’s own position in the Profit 200 reflects our customers’ successes and we have learned lessons from them. Principle among those lessons is the need to stay close to our customers and focus on them. Indeed, the best thing any business can do in times of uncertainty is to add value to what you deliver as a supplier, listen to your customers and try to improve your service to them. Danske Bank’s customer satisfaction scores are currently at their highest ever levels but we are not resting on our laurels, and neither, it seems, are our customers.

We’ve seen continued growth in new business lending for expansion and investment this year and Danske Bank has supported a range of transactions

among all sizes of businesses.

Many small businesses are still seeking facilities to finance growth plans that could well see them on the Profit 200 in the not too distant future.

Even when faced with an unclear future, I believe local companies here will find opportunities to grow.

That is important for society because the businesses in the Profit 200 are creating jobs, providing job security, improving their communities, buoying consumer spending, generating wealth and boosting overall confidence in the economy.

It’s been said many times over the past year, but if there is one thing Northern Ireland’s business community is good at, it is having the ability to deal with adversity.

Brexit may have increased uncertainty, but it doesn’t mean business has ground to a halt.

I fully expect the successful business leaders in this part of the world to rise to the challenge, to listen to their customers, to keep striving for continuous improvement. That is what has earned them a place on the Profit 200 and what will keep the best of them there in the years to come.

Now for the 6th time in 7 years, we’re ‘Corporate Bank of the Year’. Thank you.

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Eye on Profit200

Information supplied by

the Company Shop Business Information Division

Company Name Year End Pre-Tax Turnover

(£000) (£000)

Pre-Tax Profit previous year (£000)

Turnover No of previous year employees (£000)

1

Northern Bank Ltd. (Danske)

31/12/16

117,000

229,000

141,935

246,093

1267

2

Norbrook Laboratories Ltd.

29/07/16

62,814

206,216

23,170

202,241

1798

3

Short Brothers Plc (Bombardier)

31/12/16

61,800

705,990

-274,78

744,842

4558

4

Schrader Electronics

31/12/15

61,726

337,216

31,326

259,033

1390

5

First Trust

31/12/16

54,000

-

47,000

-

760

6

N Ireland Electricity Networks Ltd.

31/12/16

50,200

246,800

50,700

236,100

1258

7

N.I.I.B. Group Ltd.

31/12/16

39,045

52,531

37,142

48,732

125

8

W.& R. Barnett, Ltd.

31/07/16

36,244

946,093

27,485

815,089

1140

9

Belfast Harbour

31/12/16

35,837

58112

33,536

54,346

141

10 Moy Park Ltd.

31/12/15

35,721

1,407,000

46,109

1,388,000

9230

11

Power NI Energy Ltd.

31/03/16

34,700

488,500

56,800

568,700

205

12

ENCIRC Ltd.

31/12/15

30,992

241,027

2,328

245,451

1183

13

The Old Bushmills Distillery Co. Ltd.

31/12/15

30,052

75,635

22,052

69,050

105

14

Almac Group Ltd.

30/09/16

26,785

447224

27,977

393,630

3975

15

Terex GB Ltd.

31/12/15

23,440

387061

22,787

377,711

1778

16

SHS Group Ltd.

01/01/16

21,114

379,408

17,067

374,006

764

17

LCC Group Ltd.

30/09/16

20,815

584708

16,536

543,673

233

18 John Henderson (Holdings) Ltd.

31/12/16

20,347

699,322

21,987

659,119

2998

19 Glen Electric Ltd.

31/03/16

19,354

723,228

37,754

765,491

4830

20 FP McCann Group Ltd.

31/12/16

19,150

226,955

*

*

1319

* new company formed

51

Now for the 6th time in 7 years, we’re ‘Corporate Bank of the Year’. Thank you.

8211 DB Profit 200 sponsorship strips 210x20mm PRINT.indd 2

07/08/2017 09:57

Eye on Profit200

Information supplied by

the Company Shop Business Information Division

Company Name Year End Pre-Tax Turnover

(£000) (£000)

21

52

Randox Laboratories Ltd.

Pre-Tax Profit previous year (£000)

Turnover No of previous year employees (£000)

31/12/15

18,376

78,837

9,150

73,004

759

22 T.G. Eakin Ltd.

31/03/16

16,471

27,746

15,614

27,870

64

23 John Graham Holdings Ltd.

31/03/17

16,056

565,921

17,168

507,891

1844

24 Ready Egg Products Ltd.

31/12/15

15,597

40,004

1,702

5,391

82

25 Montupet (U.K.) Ltd.

31/12/15

13,692

85,030

15,422

88,114

593

26 Thompson Aero Seating Ltd.

31/03/16

13,690

64,865

10,643

51,868

285

27 Hilton Foods UK Ltd.

03/01/16

13,297

415,745

6,306

372,829

1234

28 Dunnes Stores (Bangor) Ltd.

30/01/16

13,198

127,569

11,206

136,918

1474

29 Capita Managed IT Solutions Ltd.

31/12/15

12,927

116,753

21,970

163,923

770

30 First Derivatives Public Ltd. Co.

28/02/17

12,498

151,697

10,384

117,033

1595

31

31/12/16

12,000

232,000

32,000

229,000

2142

32 Viridian Energy Supply Ltd. (energia)

31/03/16

11,879

175,885

11,597

181,064

104

33 Wrights Group Ltd.

31/12/15

11,718

276,082

14,548

297,131

1741

34 Retlan Manufacturing Ltd

01/04/16

11,528

196,948

8,525

150,465

828

35 Kainos Software Ltd.

31/03/16

11,339

46,597

7,564

41,160

392

36 Severfield (NI) Ltd.

31/03/17

11,032

77,540

5,701

69,662

296

37 Andor Technology Ltd.

31/03/16

11,002

59,757

1,930

81,619

284

38 Wireless Group Ltd.

31/12/15

10,736

75,074

11,915

82,422

769

39 Hilton Foods Ltd.

03/01/16

10,437

-

11,214

-

18

40 Respond Healthcare Ltd.

31/03/16

10,415

-

*

*

84

Ulster Bank, Ltd.

* new company formed

Now for the 6th time in 7 years, we’re ‘Corporate Bank of the Year’. Thank you.

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Eye on Profit200

Information supplied by

the Company Shop Business Information Division

Company Name Year End Pre-Tax Turnover

(£000) (£000)

Pre-Tax Profit previous year (£000)

Turnover No of previous year employees (£000)

41 McAleer & Rushe UK

31/12/16

10,030

242,880

5,060

180,023

271

42 GT Exhausts Ltd

31/12/16

10,023

2,890

*

*

74

43 Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland Ltd.

31/12/15

9,681

172,315

10,020

189,580

522

44 Beannchor No. 1 Ltd.

30/06/16

9,028

19,238

2,508

18,545

482

45 SSE Airtricity Gas Supply (NI) Ltd.

31/03/16

8,604

126,704

-5,633

96,323

60

46 Galen Ltd.

30/09/16

7,952

52,512

2,616

54,263

23

47 Dale Farm Cooperative Ltd.

31/03/17

7,900

400,000

6,800

370,180

1066

48 Charles Hurst Ltd.

31/12/16

7,726

445,954

7,178

505,784

870

49 Denvir Holdings Ltd.

30/06/16

7,561

43,840

4,196

33,271

-

50 Lagan Construction Group Holdings Ltd. 31/03/16

7,554

225,598

4,329

202,181

527

51

30/04/16

7,466

29,891

7,233

27,748

130

52 Dunbia Ltd.

27/03/16

7,156

787,512

6,566

826,523

3778

53 Ballyvesey Holdings

30/09/16

6.895

621,351

4,625

612,921

2540

54 Diesel Card International Ltd.

31/03/16

6,873

34,803

12,267

43,304

13

55 North West Bookmakers Ltd.

31/12/15

6,749

22,357

-35,886

23,143

354

56 Liberty Information Technology Ltd.

31/12/15

6,629

36,482

5,620

33,482

430

57 UTV Ltd.

31/12/15

6,605

34,501

6,055

34,728

190

58 Ulster Carpet Mills (Holdings) Ltd.

31/03/16

6,593

64,153

8,284

60,299

564

59 Bemis Healthcare Packaging Ltd.

31/12/15

6,543

451,194

7,627

44,300

260

60 Gardrum Holdings Ltd.

31/12/15

6,509

84,092

7,766

72,382

88

Kilwaughter Holdings Ltd

* new company formed

53

Now for the 6th time in 7 years, we’re ‘Corporate Bank of the Year’. Thank you.

8211 DB Profit 200 sponsorship strips 210x20mm PRINT.indd 2

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Eye on Profit200

Information supplied by

the Company Shop Business Information Division

Company Name Year End Pre-Tax Turnover

(£000) (£000)

54

Pre-Tax Profit previous year (£000)

Turnover No of previous year employees (£000)

61 Calor Gas Northern Ireland Ltd.

31/12/15

6,450

29,696

3,564

33,862

82

62 Relay Software Ltd.

31/01/16

6,203

6,088

1,986

5,539

70

63 Cooneen By Design Ltd.

02/12/16

6,176

73,762

8,340

75,893

152

64 AES Ballylumford Ltd.

31/12/15

6,163

111,600

13,345

139,050

158

65 Walter Watson Ltd.

31/12/16

6,145

55,348

40,51

45,001

247

66 O&S Holdings Ltd

31/12/15

6,045

36,585

6,337

32,065

336

67 Springvale EPS Ltd.

30/06/16

5,766

25,513

4,597

25,789

115

68 Isaac Agnew Ltd.

31/12/15

5,675

258,187

1,908

88,772

527

69 Elite Electronic Systems Ltd

31/03/16

5,610

20,675

4,252

17,834

180

70 Allstate Northern Ireland Ltd.

31/12/15

5,596

89,969

-1,852

89,545

2107

71

31/12/16

5,537

427,095

1,277

81,202

803

72 Aidan Strain Electrical Engineering Ltd. 29/02/16

5,516

18,836

5,393

21,633

59

73 Avondale Foods (Craigavon) Ltd.

31/03/16

5,316

51,110

1,366

48,924

425

74 Kelvatek Ltd.

31/12/16

5,271

15,804

11,771

18,553

38

75 MacNaughton Blair Ltd.

31/12/15

5,264

83,038

3,110

79,362

459

76 CIC Properties Ltd.

30/04/16

5,059

15,534

-2,634

6,692

4

77 M.J.M. Marine Ltd.

31/12/15

4,948

58,894

2,387

38,650

185

78 O & S Doors Ltd.

31/12/15

4,939

31,407

4,975

30,850

328

79 Hastings Hotels Group Ltd.

31/10/16

4,919

36,764

4,066

35,307

1138

80 CB SME Holdings Ltd.

30/06/16

4,810

36,326

2,971

20,282

70

McLaughlin & Harvey Holdings Ltd.

Now for the 6th time in 7 years, we’re ‘Corporate Bank of the Year’. Thank you.

8211 DB Profit 200 sponsorship strips 210x20mm PRINT.indd 2

07/08/2017 09:57

Eye on Profit200

Information supplied by

the Company Shop Business Information Division

Company Name Year End Pre-Tax Turnover

(£000) (£000)

Pre-Tax Profit previous year (£000)

Turnover No of previous year employees (£000)

81 Huhtamaki Foodservice Delta Ltd.

30/06/15

4,762

41,957

5,342

39,889

257

82 N & R Gordon Ltd (Gordons Chemists)

30/04/16

4,745

80,570

2,421

76,795

655

83 Brett Martin Ltd.

31/12/15

4,732

109,813

5,235

109,960

589

84 Whitemountain Quarries Ltd

31/12/15

4,617

58,716

5,041

61,617

207

85 Breezemount UK Ltd.

30/09/16

4,511

37,712

4,974

35,267

879

86 Keystone Lintels Ltd.

31/12/15

4,496

36,064

2,997

34,573

338

87 Northstone (NI) Ltd.

31/12/15

4,354

261,408

452

298,247

991

88 Prestige Insurance Holdings Ltd.

31/03/16

4,313

33,586

-381

32,366

443

89 Sangers (Northern Ireland) Ltd.

30/09/15

4,291

197,296

220,885

77,642

216

90 Heatons (N.I.) Ltd.

24/04/16

4,273

48,312

4,368

49,643

446

91 Regal Processors Ltd.

31/12/15

4,176

10,470

5,711

12,076

29

92 Orby Holdings Ltd.

31/08/16

4,142

11,342

4,009

11,042

-

93 Westland Horticulture Ltd.

31/08/16

4,137

127,722

5,929

96,465

590

94 Tobermore Concrete Products Ltd.

30/04/16

4,111

32,364

6,664

28,411

198

95 Huhtamaki (Lurgan) Ltd.

31/12/15

4,087

29,370

3,883

28,982

205

96 Budget Energy Ltd.

30/06/16

4,082

32,772

3,649

33,997

71

97 Clearway Disposals Ltd.

31/12/15

4,004

82,751

-214

123,623

182

98 H&A Group Ltd.

31/05/16

3,926

26,632

4,193

29,824

375

99 Skea Egg Farms Ltd.

31/12/15

3,915

61,678

2,762

61,029

118

100 Metal Technology Ltd.

31/12/15

3,892

17,090

3,692

17,228

75 55

Now for the 6th time in 7 years, we’re ‘Corporate Bank of the Year’. Thank you.

8211 DB Profit 200 sponsorship strips 210x20mm PRINT.indd 2

07/08/2017 09:57

Eye on Profit200

Information supplied by

the Company Shop Business Information Division

Company Name Year End Pre-Tax Turnover

(£000) (£000)

56

Pre-Tax Profit previous year (£000)

Turnover No of previous year employees (£000)

101 B.H.C. Ltd.

31/03/17

3,879

53,118

3078

43,126

342

102 Premier Cement Ltd.

31/12/15

3,840

27,675

43

21,480

11

103 Western Building Systems Ltd

30/04/16

3,816

39,874

3,362

30,443

44

104 Moyallen Holdings Ltd.

31/12/15

3,807

18,860

23,903

21,911

62

105 Sisk Healthcare (UK) Ltd.

30/12/15

3,773

26,837

1,991

24,484

51

106 Medwyn Holding Ltd.

31/03/17

3,759

53,118

2,958

43,126

342

107 Tullymore House Ltd.

31/10/16

3,721

19,947

2,602

15,761

452

108 Lynn’s Country Foods Ltd.

31/08/16

3,682

45,854

3,966

44,910

303

109 Western Building Systems (Hld) Ltd

30/04/16

3,669

39,455

4,440

34,162

44

110 Mallaghan (Holdings) Ltd.

31/12/15

3,668

49,826

1,644

27,289

163

111 Howden UK Ltd.

31/12/15

3,668

65,544

11,572

77,719

255

112 Galgorm Manor Hotel Ltd.

31/10/16

3,652

18,417

2,705

14,474

417

113 Webtech (N.I.) Ltd.

31/12/15

3,641

19,750

3,466

20,232

141

114 DCC Energy Ltd

31/03/16

3,631

146,186

2,980

190,294

173

115 Quinn Cement (NI) Ltd.

31/12/15

3,588

13,999

1,175

9,966

3

116 Premier Transmission Ltd.

31/03/16

3,575

26,390

4,691

25,676

7

117 Hill Engineering Ltd.

31/12/16

3,575

11,797

3,387

11,551

71

118 Ballygarvey Eggs Ltd.

30/09/16

3,559

21,468

2,976

21,434

48

119 Mallaghan Engineering Ltd.

31/12/15

3,552

50,430

1,533

26,802

163

120 Edgewater Contracts & Joinery Ltd

31/12/16

3,548

51,663

635

12,663

47

Now for the 6th time in 7 years, we’re ‘Corporate Bank of the Year’. Thank you.

8211 DB Profit 200 sponsorship strips 210x20mm PRINT.indd 2

07/08/2017 09:57

Eye on Profit200

Information supplied by

the Company Shop Business Information Division

Company Name Year End Pre-Tax Turnover

(£000) (£000)

Pre-Tax Profit previous year (£000)

Turnover No of previous year employees (£000)

121 Valpar Micro Matic Ltd

30/04/16

3,479

18,899

2,670

16,429

68

122 Andrews Group Ltd. (Flour milling)

30/09/16

3,455

20,617

-

-

79

123 BA Kitchen Components Ltd

31/03/16

3,443

29,528

2,280

24,619

237

124 Mac-Interiors Ltd.

31/12/16

3,387

56,553

1,811

36,591

52

125 Decora Blind Systems Ltd.

31/12/15

3,386

46,756

3,405

39,160

450

126 Natural World Products Ltd.

31/12/15

3,383

15,800

2,081

24,573

34

127 Killultagh Estates Ltd.

31/03/16

3,373

63,85

*

*

-

128 Calvert Office Equipment Ltd.

31/08/16

3,327

10,168

3,332

10,079

48

129 Warner Chilcott UK Ltd.

31/12/15

3,290

18,954

2,129

50,977

150

130 Creagh Concrete Products Ltd.

31/03/17

3,288

79,926

4,409

69,796

497

131 Portview Fit-Out Ltd.

30/11/16

3,201

40,372

2,236

41,114

82

132 Lough Erne Investments Ltd.

25/12/15

3,187

40,190

4,199

34,656

85

133 Controlled Electronic Mgmt Sys Ltd

25/09/15

3,165

13,395

3,353

12,785

195

134 Merchant Hotel Ltd.

30/06/16

3,159

11,681

1,274

11,719

325

135 Turkington Holdco (NI) Ltd.

30/12/15

3,148

12,263

3,520

5,710

63

136 Tayto Group

25/06/16

3,144

163,309

6,755

174,201

1349

137 Lagan Technologies Ltd.

31/01/16

3,137

28,912

998

29,407

398

138 Castlehill Enterprises Ltd.

31/03/16

3,120

16,226

2,221

17,448

99

139 K Holdings (NI) Ltd kdm

31/12/15

3,119

10,505

2,315

8,926

80

140 Haldane, Shiells And Co., Ltd.

31/12/15

3,115

89,061

2,469

88,199

522

* new company formed

57

Now for the 6th time in 7 years, we’re ‘Corporate Bank of the Year’. Thank you.

8211 DB Profit 200 sponsorship strips 210x20mm PRINT.indd 2

07/08/2017 09:57

Eye on Profit200

Information supplied by

the Company Shop Business Information Division

Company Name Year End Pre-Tax Turnover

(£000) (£000)

58

Pre-Tax Profit previous year (£000)

Turnover No of previous year employees (£000)

141 Portview Holdings Ltd.

30/11/16

3,093

40,372

2,210

41,114

82

142 Diageo Global Supply IBC Ltd.

30/06/16

3,086

74,522

2,685

66,527

137

143 Foyle Food Group Ltd.

31/12/15

3,028

297,214

-5,368

289,340

1007

144 Highway Barrier Solutions Ltd.

31/03/16

3,004

15,097

1,614

16,702

83

145 Omniplex Holdings (NI) Ltd.

31/10/16

2,984

16,895

2,416

14,948

162

146 Westbank Business Park Ltd.

31/08/16

2,975

27,407

3,178

26,271

50

147 Agnew Commercials Ltd.

31/12/15

2,961

80,276

2,771

73,689

172

148 P.J. Conway Contractors Ltd.

31/12/15

2,916

15,999

2,092

15,208

498

149 A.& F.A. Dundee Ltd.

31/08/16

2,907

27,500

2,877

27,149

172

150 BSG Civil Engineering Ltd.

31/12/15

2,868

21,345

4,377

37,856

48

151 Uni-Trunk Holdings Ltd.

31/12/15

2,860

31,528

2,328

27,954

179

152 Dunbia (Northern Ireland)

27/03/16

2,855

241,766

2,804

256,295

1058

153 Lamex Foods Europe (N.I.) Ltd

31/03/16

2,855

136,652

2,911

153,054

6

154 Downtown Radio Ltd.

31/12/15

2,852

8,429

2,778

7,976

26

155 CDE Global Ltd.

31/12/15

2,838

46,344

1,814

32,320

143

156 Manor Healthcare Ltd.

31/03/17

2,816

5,103

433

4,795

226

157 Diageo Northern Ireland Ltd.

30/06/16

2,747

63,499

2,997

71,316

142

158 GODG Ltd.

31/12/15

2,743

6,694

308

3,568

103

159 Larne Harbour Ltd.

31/12/15

2,741

4,819

2,716

4,764

27

160 Lynas Food Service

30/10/16

2,723

115,909

1,067

108,134

437

Now for the 6th time in 7 years, we’re ‘Corporate Bank of the Year’. Thank you.

8211 DB Profit 200 sponsorship strips 210x20mm PRINT.indd 2

07/08/2017 09:57

Eye on Profit200

Information supplied by

the Company Shop Business Information Division

Company Name Year End Pre-Tax Turnover

(£000) (£000)

Pre-Tax Profit previous year (£000)

Turnover No of previous year employees (£000)

161 Woodside Haulage (Holdings) Ltd.

31/03/16

2,676

56,776

1,415

54,612

423

162 MDF Engineering Ltd

01/04/16

2,628

23,043

1,922

19,645

161

163 Heron Bros. Ltd.

28/02/16

2,603

57,423

2,020

52,021

239

164 Communicorp UK Ltd.

31/12/15

2,580

28,227

917

19,676

118

165 Premier Electrics Ltd.

31/03/16

2,520

50,952

7,829

44,983

49

166 Apamore Services Ltd

31/12/15

2,484

7,762

2,156

7,649

11

167 Andras House Ltd.

30/04/16

2,481

16,791

2,910

16,132

246

168 Greiner Packaging Ltd.

31/12/15

2,478

35,856

1,857

34,472

215

169 James F Mccue Ltd.

31/11/16

2,446

34,562

663

24,797

133

170 A.J. Power Ltd.

30/06/16

2,437

35,480

2,487

39,145

120

171 Surefreight Ltd.

30/06/16

2,434

21,113

1,053

19,509

190

172 Clear Channel NI Ltd.

31/12/15

2,431

5,701

2,088

5,541

20

173 Fyfes Vehicle & Eng. Supplies Ltd

31/12/15

2,415

18,432

2,216

17,432

199

174 Mar-Train Heavy Haulage Ltd

31/07/16

2,414

9,797

779

8,042

39

175 Advanced Sensors Ltd.

31/12/15

2,387

8,961

1,636

8,732

37

176 James E. McCabe Ltd.

31/12/15

2,383

95,252

1,928

93,717

549

177 Nicobrand Ltd.

31/12/15

2,333

7,159

3,096

7,395

28

178 I.C.B. Emulsions Ltd.

31/12/15

2,301

16,062

1,971

21,241

28

179 Lagan Construction Intl Holdings Ltd.

31/03/16

2,297

56,494

-2,634

88,951

177

180 Totalmobile Ltd.

31/12/15

2,289

12,595

2,015

11,522

105

Now for the 6th time in 7 years, we’re ‘Corporate Bank of the Year’. Thank you.

Danske Bank is a trading name of Northern Bank Limited. Registered in Northern Ireland R568. Registered Office: Donegall Square West, Belfast. BT1 6JS. Northern Bank Limited is a member of the Danske Bank Group. www.danskebank.co.uk COM3778 8211 DB Profit 200 sponsorship strips 210x20mm PRINT.indd 1

07/08/2017 09:58

Eye on Profit200

Information supplied by

the Company Shop Business Information Division

Company Name Year End Pre-Tax Turnover

(£000) (£000)

60

Pre-Tax Profit previous year (£000)

Turnover No of previous year employees (£000)

181 Mcavoy Group Ltd. - The

31/10/16

2,289

57,497

1,106

44,809

174

182 Charles Tennant And Co. (N Ireland)

31/12/15

2,283

32,448

2,351

39,188

61

183 Glenbeigh Ltd. (Clothing Retail)

30/04/16

2,257

18,849

2,313

18,673

334

184 Sarcon (No.214) Domino Pizza

25/12/16

2,256

12,424

1,773

11,181

150

185 Clearway Holdings Ltd.

31/12/15

2,242

83,202

-430

124,133

185

186 Jenkins Shipping Group Ltd.

30/04/16

2,226

22,557

2,547

21,688

188

187 Novosco Ltd

31/12/15

2,190

20,848

1,948

19,489

103

188 Em News Distribution (NI) Ltd.

31/12/16

2,173

57,544

2,142

61,902

123

189 Dontaur Engineering Ltd.

31/08/16

2,159

10,229

2,271

10,975

137

190 Trade Mouldings Ltd.

31/03/16

2,154

4,521

1,458

4,339

88

191 Hagan Homes Ltd.

30/06/16

2,135

16,660

455

8,822

12

192 Ards Tyre Service Ltd.

31/12/15

2,132

18,803

2,057

19,497

131

193 Copeland Ltd.

30/09/16

2,123

39,189

2,333

37,259

200

194 J. H. Turkington & Sons Ltd.

30/12/15

2,107

12,263

1,905

18,578

63

195 Oakwood Door Designs Ltd.

30/04/16

2,072

18,562

1,026

14,992

127

196 Loane Transport Ltd.

31/03/16

2,070

14,428

1,855

14,536

49

197 Munster Simms Engineering Ltd.

31/12/15

2,070

16,500

-716

14,296

176

198 Tyrone Fabrication Ltd.

31/12/15

2,056

10,541

341

6,629

106

199 Market Resource Partners

29/02/16

2,044

7,198

1,238

5,345

162

200 Seopa Ltd.

29/02/16

2,033

10,706

2,523

10,023

31

Planning big things for your business?

Talk to:

Eye on Communications

Now is the time for companies across Northern Ireland to innovate and invest to ensure they don’t get left behind, says Stuart Carson.

Build it and they will come

By Stuart Carson, Rainbow Communications

W

ith this being the Top 200 issue, the business leaders involved in the rankings are no strangers to the evolution of their workforce, workplace, strategy and approach. Yet from our experience there remains an overarching need for companies to consider what is actually needed in order to further growth, investment and development.

Kevin Costner may have wanted his baseball field for ghosts, but the goals and ambitions of companies across Northern Ireland are altogether more tangible. So ‘Build it and they will come’ remains a worthy mantra as organisations and corporations continue to fail as they are overtaken by tech that may not necessarily be beyond their reach, capabilities or budget.

The bottom line is that international business is so cutthroat, companies that want to be on the front foot have to be at the forefront of tech, telecoms,

62

and IT. Having access to the latest software and hardware enables them not only keep up but remain in front of the competition.

Start by looking at your connectivity. No matter who you are, deals can be broken by the slightest delay or lack of response. Having a reliable and fast internet connection, be that a dedicated leased line or superfast broadband, will give you the footing required to compete on both the local and international stage. Good connectivity also provides business with a stable footing to take advantage of exciting new technologies.

Next you need to put your head in the clouds. Cloud-based technologies enable companies to remain relevant as businesses realise, and reap, the benefits of flexible, cost effective, resilient and future proofed technology investments.

For example, cloud phone systems deliver feature rich telephony environments that are

flexible, resilient and generally deliver savings on traditional ISDN telephony solutions. Both cloud based and hybrid telephony solutions enable businesses to access their calls from any connected device, and grow seamlessly thanks to their ability to expand with the business, be that through new office locations or team members.

Cloud technologies can also free you from your desk by connecting you to your products such as Office 365 and files through apps or online applications, making your home, local coffee shop or even the beach your office.

In layman’s terms? Voice calls, conference calls, the sharing of desktops, files, and folders are all managed and maintained centrally across all your teams, reducing costs but increasing productivity.

A well-connected company is an attractive prospect to the modern employee and the need for their 24/7 accessibility has never been more prevalent. Cloud technology and remote access

mean technical crews, customer service and senior managerial teams are always on hand.

Sometimes having a desktop PC is as far as some companies get in developing their tech.

But to further their potential in the marketplace, they need to harness the possibilities of cloud technologies for the modern workplace.

Regardless of a business’ size or scope, technology is what every company should be doing properly. As surely the only way is, and should only ever be, up.

They will come, if you build it.

Stuart Carson is Sales and Marketing Director at Rainbow Communications, Northern Ireland’s largest independent telecom provider. For more information on its full range of services, including bespoke solutions, visit www. rainbowcommunications.com

Eye on News

US AWARD FOR ROY ADAIR The Ireland-U.S. Council will present its Cúchulainn Award in 2017 to Roy Adair, Chief Executive of the Belfast Harbour Commissioners.

F

or more than a decade, Roy Adair has managed a highlysuccessful development phase of Belfast Harbour delivering a dozen consecutive years of growth. During this time, the business has diversified through investment in both port and real estate activities. Since he became CEO in 2005, Belfast Harbour has invested almost £250 million in capital projects.

This has included the single biggest capital investment the port has ever made in the form of the £50 million wind turbine renewable energy terminal.

Brian W. Stack, the President of the Council based in New York, said “The Ireland-U.S. Council is delighted to honour Roy Adair, Chief Executive of the Belfast Harbour Commissioners with the Council’s Cúchulainn Award, which is designed to mark significant achievement in building relations between Northern

Ireland and America. Cúchulainn is an Irish mythological hero who appears in the stories of the Ulster Cycle in the pre-Christian era. Born Sétanta, he gained folklore fame when, it is said, he successfully defended Ulster singlehandedly against the armies of Queen Maeve of Connacht in the famous tales of the Táin Bó Cúailnge or Cattle Raid of Cooley. The Award will be a centrepiece of the Council’s 55th Annual Dinner to be held at the Metropolitan Club in New York City on Thursday, November 9, 2017.”

Mr. Stack continued “During his period in charge of the business in Belfast Roy Adair has overseen continued growth in port trade activities and the expansion of the real estate side of the business. This has seen the City Quays development emerge along the waterfront delivering much-needed, top-quality office space and hotel rooms for Belfast and the

regional economy. The Harbour has also invested in new and emerging industries exemplified by the recent completion of the £20 million Belfast Harbour Studios making Northern Ireland the best regional film production location after London in the UK and on the island of Ireland – U.S. Hollywood titan Warner Brothers has just signed on as its first major tenant.”

Mr. Stack added “Roy Adair has been a staunch supporter of the Council for many years, serving on our Board of Directors. In addition, Roy has also served in several non-executive roles locally, nationally and internationally including Chairman of Business in the Community.

In 2015, he was made Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in recognition of his services to the international port community and his work for charities.

The mission of the Ireland-U.S. Council

is to promote closer commercial connections and deeper business links between Ireland and the United States.

Our 2017 Recipient of the Council’s Cúchulainn Award has made a major contribution in this area. It is a pleasure for us to acknowledge and celebrate his achievements and his success.”

Mr Adair said, “The Ireland-US Council has always played a pivotal role in the development of transAtlantic trade links and relationships, something which will become even more valuable in the post-Brexit era.

“It has been my privilege to represent Northern Ireland and Belfast Harbour at Council events, and while I am personally delighted to receive this award, I am very conscious that it is a reflection of the vision and acumen of the Harbour’s Board and employees.”

and upon completion will be able to accommodate up to 2,500 office staff.”

The planned work includes refurbishment of the ground floor office lobby and common areas throughout the building to create international standard reception and open environments, as well as two additional office floors offering spectacular views.

Merchant Square will also deliver large 24,000 sq ft floor plates, which are much sought after by occupiers but in short supply in Belfast city centre.

Ms McAteer added: “Many companies, particularly working in IT and technology, are seeking work places that can accommodate large numbers of staff in one area, and that also come equipped with high ceilings and plenty of natural lighting, which is exactly what this property will offer once completed.”

The development of Merchant Square has been thoughtfully designed by Like Architects, and will be finished to a standard that would not be out of place in London.

MERCHANT SQUARE SECURES PLANNING PERMISSION FOR ICONIC BELFAST OFFICE BUILDING Planning permission has been granted to completely redevelop Merchant Square to provide cutting edge Grade A office space in the heart of Belfast city centre.

M

erchant Square will help transform a significant part of Wellington Place, and upon completion will provide retail and office space totalling in excess of 250,000 sq ft. The iconic design which includes a corten steel fascade will result in Merchant Square offering a striking landmark location for global and local corporate office occupiers.

Delivery of Merchant Square is anticipated for early 2019 providing a welcome boost to the Grade A office supply in the City Centre.

Commercial property agency CBRE are letting agents.

Lisa McAteer, Director, CBRE said: “Demand for Grade A office space in Belfast is extremely high with a real shortage of quality stock. Merchant Square will be vital in delivering much needed supply and will help Belfast to continue to attract global office occupiers.

“The project will also lead to major job creation within the construction sector in Belfast with over 100 jobs being created during the development phase,

63

Eye on Technology

FUEL Export Their High Performance IT Success To Scotland

Due to the firm establishment of the company’s new “High Performance IT” brand and building on the success that FUEL have achieved in Northern Ireland over the past few years, the company have decided to investigate the Scottish marketplace.

A

s a result, FUEL, in line with the expertise and quality of its current staff based in Craigavon, have appointed an experienced ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Consultant, Clelland Anderson. Clelland will be based in Glasgow, Scotland and has excellent knowledge of the business geography of Scotland as well as a wealth of experience in the provision of ERP solutions to SMEs and mid-market businesses.

64

Clelland has spent over 30 years in the world of business application software. Initially training as a software developer (programmer) he progressed into pre-sales with a large IBM managing associate.

He then joined Sage Group plc as their mid-market, UK and Irish Business Development Manager and enjoyed considerable success in building up the company that is recognised the world over.

Clelland has both sales and technical knowledge with BI (Business Intelligence) and CRM (Contact Relationship Management) solutions. He also has extensive experience selling, implementing and supporting various leading mid-market ERP solutions to SME and Enterprise Companies.

Clelland is focused on developing the FUEL brand and specifically

Clelland Anderson contemplates the Scottish ERP market for Craigavon based IT company “FUEL”

delivering SAP Business One solutions to dynamic companies in growth mode within Scotland.

These companies are looking to invest in the considerable functionality and quality of “SAP Business One” but at prices that compare favourably with the more commonly known SME financial software solutions.

For more information on FUEL High Performance IT and their exciting growth plans or on “SAP Business One” solutions contact Trevor Bingham, Business Development, at FUEL on 028 3839 3839 or sales@itfuel.com.

Eye on Communications

BALLYKINE STAYS ONLINE WITH BARCLAY BYTES For almost 38 years Ballykine Structural Engineers Ltd has grown in both size and reputation, securing prestigious projects across the UK including sports stadiums, hospitals, multi-story carparks and their current project at Luton airport to name a few.

G

rowing in size they needed a more efficient way to manage their data and communicate with staff and customers.

Barclay Communications’ IT services, Barclay Bytes packages, have provided Ballykine Structural Engineers with a flexible working solution which allows them to keep in contact with both staff and customers, wherever they are.

Karen Johnston, Office Manager at

Ballykine Structural Engineers said: “Our company motto is ‘at Ballykine there are no problems, only solutions!’, this was definitely the case working with Barclay Communications.

“The transition moving our mail platform to MSO365, Microsoft cloud based email solution was seamless, reducing the requirement for exchange backup management and support, saving both time and money.

“The additional features within 365 like One Drive allow us to have a more flexible working solution with access to email and documents wherever we are.

“We’ve been an IT customer for a few years now and have recently renewed for additional support time, we couldn’t function as smoothly as we do without the support of Barclay Communications and the IT Services team.”

Andrew Higgs, Business Development & IT Services Manager at Barclay Communications said: “Having worked with different IT systems for over 7 years, switching to a new IT support structure was a hard decision to make for Ballykine, but with the flexible and simple structure of Barclays

Bytes they were able to take control of their costs, reducing their IT budget significantly.

“The transition to Office 365 has transformed how Ballykine works, and we were able to do this without compromising the level of service they required, meaning their customers were never affected.

“The adaptable structure of Barclay Bytes means Ballykine pay for what they use and processes are kept very transparent.”

For more information on how Barclay Bytes can transform your IT, please visit barclaycomms.com

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Eye on Office Space

The office that’s with you, wherever you are...

The modern office can be many things; a sleek extension of your company brand or a necessary commodity - nothing more than functional space. It can even be a statement of presence - both figuratively and literally i.e. ‘We want to appear successful.’ or ‘We are slap bang in the heart of the city’. But what about the alternative? The office address without the actual office? It is the virtual office that is fast becoming the popular, flexible solution for the new style of businesses cropping up in Northern Ireland.

Chris Johnston, Managing Director, Scottish Provident Building.

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n a nutshell, a virtual office gives you all the benefits of renting office space, without the associated costs of the office itself. In its most basic guise a virtual office can be a mailing address, i.e. you benefit from having the prestigious business address to use as your company’s own, giving your business a far

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greater professional image. For instance, you might want to give the impression of a larger, well-established company even if you are a sole trader working from home. Other companies who can benefit from virtual offices are those wishing to venture into new territory e.g. a Dublin based company testing the water in Belfast without the

risks and overheads associated with taking physical office space.

There’s no better way to get a step up onto the professional business premises ladder for new start up companies than with a virtual office.

Almost all business centres offer virtual office packages and there are plenty of online services offering call handling or basic reception services.

But they don’t come more prestigious in the city centre than at the very exclusive Scottish Provident Building adjacent to Belfast City Hall.

Prices for a virtual office here start from as little as £55 per month. Why so reasonable for what is probably the most luxurious and talked about office venue in the city? Managing Director, Chris Johnston explains; “We truly believe that anyone with the desire and drive to start a business need all the help they can get. They deserve to be able to position themselves directly in their market place with the best possible presence.

We understand that our virtual clients may only have basic needs from the outset and need to keep a watchful eye on the cash flow. The virtual office solution means they only pay for the address and services and not the actual offices themselves. As their company grows they can seamlessly make the move into the actual offices, once the time is right.”

Chris went on to describe their virtual office offers; “Our entry level ‘Virtual Bronze’ gets you the prestigious address and professional mail handling. You also get access to our meeting or boardrooms at preferential rates - which is the perfect way to impress their clients and for a very small cost per month.”

“The next level up is the call answering package or

‘Virtual Silver’. This gives the user a virtual assistant - our professional receptionists - to answer their calls on their behalf. And it’s not just a matter of saying hello - it will be answered as if it’s their staff working in their office and seamlessly passing call through to wherever the client may be. And with our ‘Virtual Gold’ package they really get the executive, VIP experience.

As well as the mail and call answering services, clients get an increased level of access to the building itself. With included hours for office or desk use per month you can really get a good sense of what SPB is all about - we liken it to a five star hotel and the emphasis really is on a VIP service.”

Now everyone can feel special, no matter what size the company, with a virtual office from Scottish Provident Building.

If you’d like to find out more, call Chris Johnston direct on 02890 918 200 or visit our website; scottishprovidentbuilding.co.uk.

VIRTUALOSO Become an expert in flexible working with the full service backing and address of Belfast’s finest business centre.

S U P E R I O R S E RV I C E D A N D V I RT U A L O F F I C E S A D J A C E N T T O B E L FA S T C I T Y H A L L

028 9091 8200 | scottishprovidentbuilding.co.uk

Eye on Finance

Revitalising Retail

“With an economy heavily reliant on consumer expenditure, the Northern Ireland retail sector faces more pressure than most to deliver exceptional performance. With a buoyant labour market and increased consumer spending, we have seen reasonable economic growth in the last year.

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he Ulster University Economy Policy Centre reports that GVA rose by 1.5% in 2016 and while the Centre points to an economic slowdown, the economy is still excepted to grow by 1.1% in 2017 and increase marginally year on year to 1.4% in 2020. This is despite the challenges many businesses face including a squeeze on incomes, the introduction of the National Living Wage (“NLW”) and potential longer term outcomes around migration, trade and border shifts.

Accounting for almost 15% of NI’s economic output, the retail sector is a key industry for growth locally. While the retail and wholesale sector accounts for 125,000 jobs, employment levels are not predicted to increase and instead companies are

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doing more with what they have in order to increase productivity such as focusing on innovation, product development and exceptional customer service as a way to attract customers and grow.

This is particularly evident in the independent retail sector. From working with family run agri-food businesses to established fashion outlets, we have seen first-hand the commitment of companies here to modernising their operations as a way to improve efficiencies and maximise growth opportunities. More and more businesses are devoting time and resources to investigate how best to excel in a modern and competitive marketplace. From establishing e-commerce sites to offering niche community services, independent

retailers are increasingly at the forefront of the modern high street; able to react quickly to changing consumer trends and tastes.

A number of our customers, McKeevers Chemists, Cunningham Butchers and menswear specialist, Bogart, can attest to this fact. Each of these businesses offers relatively traditional services - pharmacy, food and fashion - yet they continue to enjoy exceptional growth and success due to their ability to understand their customers and the marketplace.

While these three businesses each operate in a different segment of the retail sector, they all share a similar recipe for success.

At the heart of their journeys has been a concentration on delivering an outstanding customer experience through a focus on bespoke services and products. While the external environment will undoubtedly continue to evolve in the years ahead due to factors such as Brexit, increased digitalisation and automation, we have seen how resilient the retail sector is and how retailers have the ability to capitalise on change.

Although economic performance remains steady, the retail sector does face its own set of challenges. In a recent report by Retail NI – ‘Creating a Northern Ireland Economic Powerhouse’ - 75% of survey respondents said they will look to reduce costs extensively in their business while 51% expect to reduce staff numbers due to the introduction of the NLW. As well as a need for greater collaboration between government and industry, we recognise our role in providing access to finance as a way to help stimulate and nurture growth in the industry. From working with a diverse range of retailers, we know there is eagerness among retailers to grow and excel despite the challenging backdrop and we appreciate the customer centric innovation that plays a key part in developing that growth.”

Ann McSorley, Head of Corporate Banking, First Trust Bank

Eye on Finance Paul McKeever McKeevers Chemists

The Right Chemistry For Success Well-known Northern Ireland pharmacy McKeevers Chemists is as much a retail operation as it is a community health facility. Its success on both fronts has seen it recently grow to include a total of 22 pharmacies employing over 200 members of staff.

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his includes 17 stores in Northern Ireland, four in GB – three in Wirral along with a new shop in Liverpool – and the establishment of its first store in Castleblaney in the Republic of Ireland, all with the support of First Trust Bank.

Owned and managed

by Paul McKeever from Armagh – himself a pharmacist by profession - he bought his first pharmacy in Newry in 2001. Speaking about the challenges at the time, Paul said; “The steepest learning curve was that while I understood the pharmacy market very well, I quickly had to develop the retail part of the business as it was clear that both element were vital to create a successful business model.

Myself and a small core team had to get up to speed with all the key retail elements of product buying, pricing, finance, marketing, warehousing and logistics

in a very short time.”

The firm’s recent impressive growth has seen it develop a strong online offering and led to the opening of two warehouses to facilitate order demand and distribution across its network of pharmacies.

Recognising the need for

price comparison checks.

Speaking about the company’s growth, Paul added; “We strive to be at the heart of health care in the local communities we serve and have been able to extend our services to more communities throughout the UK and now Ireland.

While the core of our

“ We know our customers very well and with a friendly and engaging customer service approach to both parts of our business we find we can more than compete with the big boys.” accessible and professional care, McKeevers Chemists puts its success down being at the heart of local communities supporting them with health monitoring services, prescription collection and delivery, as well as offering the ‘best prices in town’ for its retail products through

business is the everchanging pharmacy environment, increasingly we see ourselves as a key player on the retail high street and have to operate as such.”

“With critical mass now behind us, we value our independence greatly, but that doesn’t stop us from

taking a very professional approach to all the key retail elements of our business such as purchasing, product awareness, technology and marketing. We also ensure good communication and share experience and expertise across all our sites to learn from each other and anticipate changes that we need to make.”

“We are never complacent however and are always seeking to invest in new systems and new technology which improves our efficiency and allows us to deliver better customer service. The increasing importance of our online retail offering is evidence of this. We know our customers very well and with a friendly and engaging customer service approach to both parts of our business we find we can more than compete with the big boys.”

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Eye on Finance James Cunningham Cunningham Butchers

A Cut Above The Rest Who better to ask about success in the retail sector than a family run business which has been named ‘Butcher Shop of the Year’ in both the UK and Ireland?

Cunningham Butchers which has been operating in the beautiful fishing town of Kilkeel situated at the heart of the Mourne Mountains for nearly 100 years - has experienced phenomenal growth; up 400% in the last six years.

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t recently opened a new bistro, fresh food hall, renovated its butchery and has grown from employing three members of staff in 2010 to over 50 people. Fresh from his appearance on BBC’s ‘The One Show’ where he cooked his award winning sausages, James Cunningham Jnr credits their innovative approach to food and the dedication of the Cunningham’s team for their ongoing success.

“With the expansion of the shop, we now provide customers with fresh produce from a deli, hot food counter and bakery as well as homemade gelato ice-cream.

We have over 1,000 different product lines including extra lean and gluten free varieties, with the team here quickly able to identify and capitalise on growing health and fitness trends.”

As well as its instore operations and busy restaurant, Cunningham Butchers supplies its range

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to many local retailers. It is one of only a handful of Northern Ireland stores that boasts a Himalayan Salt Chamber for dry-ageing beef and has plans to branch into online e-commerce.

“A key element of our success has been our ability to offer customers high quality products that respond to changing needs but remain steeped in local provenance. Many mainstream butchers tend to focus on one or the other, but being an independent, family-run store with decades of experience, we turn our expertise to both by investing time in innovation. We spent a lot of time researching how best to grow our ready to eat, added value range and we were pleasantly surprised to see how few butchers offer the level of service and diversity we do. We were able to develop a bespoke ordering system for retailers and within two years we

went from supplying two supermarkets to eleven.”

“The local agri-food industry is thriving, and this is partly down to the innovative mind-set of independent businesses that are ready to jump to the challenge and modernise their operations in response to market demands. Our own expansion meets a growing need for products that don’t compromise on taste or quality, including those who are time poor or have particular dietary requirements. Our reputation for preparing food in a traditional way but with a modern twist has grown over the years meaning we have a wide range of customers – families looking for a Sunday Roast to those searching for tasty ready meals.”

Cunningham’s new Bistro provides customers with a unique dining experience with meals prepared using only produce from its

butchery and deli. James explains, “Key to growing our business has been the creation of a well thoughtout business plan that is not only ambitious, but based on market insight that showcases our foresight.

With a workforce of ‘only’ 50, we manage to run a busy deli, restaurant and butchery hall for both retailers and consumers – something much larger firms would struggle to do. I put this down to our fantastic workforce who embrace the qualities needed to run a successful business – determination, innovation and a commitment to outstanding customer service. I imagine it’s hard to feel continually motivated if you’re working on the butcher counter in a standard shop. No two days are the same at Cunningham’s - we always have something on the go to try and impress customers come and see it for yourself!”

Eye on Finance Gary Keenan Bogart Menswear

A Tailored Approach To Growth At Bogart Menswear Bogart Menswear has long been recognised as one of Belfast’s most established retail stores. Its bespoke approach to tailoring and customer service means it continues to attract fresh clientele from all over Ireland.

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stablished almost 45 years ago, the shop is managed by owner John Keenan and his three sons Gary, Mark and Neil, alongside Business Director Stephen Bradley and their highly professional sales team. Gary Kennan explains that customers are drawn in by the stores modern take on traditional trends and he believes that as long as quality menswear is an essential staple, Bogart will continue to be a leading provider in Northern Ireland.

“We recently announced a significant investment in Belfast which saw us purchase additional premises, expanding our store by over 50 %. We were also able to grow our workforce adding several new members of staff across our two locations in Belfast and Newry.”

Gary credits Bogart’s ongoing success to a number of factors including local regeneration, particularly the establishment of

Victoria Square in Belfast which is next to Bogart and has greatly increased footfall to the store.

Equally Gary says “as a long established family business, recognised for excellent service, customers view Bogart as a ‘destination’ store - travelling to avail of the bespoke experience.”

Gary adds that a lot of their custom comes through referrals. “While we do have a presence online and across social media, we have found the best advertisement for our shops comes from reviews and word of mouth.

People are impressed by the level of customer service, attention to detail and the care they receive in-store.

Unlike many department stores, you can come to Bogart and always deal with the same members of staff who know your style and what trends will suit.”

It’s not just members of the public who keep Bogart busy.

The company and leading

clothing manufacturer Herbie Frogg recently signed a contract with the Irish Football Association as Northern Ireland’s official suit partners, ensuring the team were suited and booted throughout the Euro’s and now the World Cup qualifying campaign. Customers also include TV, Radio and sport stars who appreciate the private and specialised service Bogart provides.

“While dressing ‘the Dman’ has been a staple of the business for many years, much of our recent growth has come from corporate nights. Businesses often have a specific professional image they want to portray and trust Bogart and our range of suppliers to provide them with the best style at the best prices.”

“Similarly, we have made great inroads into the wedding market with grooms and groomsmen drawn in by the wide range of options available

at competitive prices.

Bogart Menswear prides itself on delivering an unrivalled customer experience for the bride and groom with private appointments available to discuss wedding requirements.

Talking about the retail industry and in particular the menswear sector, Gary points to a focus on exemplary service; “Whether you want a made-to-measure suit from the finest Italian mills, a casual outfit for an evening out or a private room to match up a wedding dress with a groom’s suit, we will make it our business to provide you with a personal service and a memorable shopping experience.

With Bogart now in its second generation and its exciting expansion just completed the future looks secure for this well established family run business.

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Eye on Manufacturing

SDC Trailers... Growth On Agenda For UK & Ireland’s Top Trailer Maker

Enda Cushnahan, Chief Executive

SDC Trailers CEO Enda Cushnahan has been with the company ‘man and boy’ but he’s got another long-serving employee at the firm’s Toome headquarters to thank for getting a job there in the first place.

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“I

joined SDC as a credit controller on maternity cover back in 1998,” he smiles. “The lady I replaced is still with us and we joke about it quite often. In fact, I met her 19-year old daughter recently and told her about the part she’d played in my career.”

An accountant by training, the young Cushnahan rose quickly through the ranks at SDC under

two influential managing directors – Don Campbell and the man who made way at the top just a few months ago, Mark Cuskeran. Enda’s rise through the ranks was swift: from credit controller to financial controller and ultimately to the FD’s office by the age of 30. Now, at the age of 42, Enda has just been announced as the new CEO at SDC Trailers, officially taking on the role at the start of July.

“I’m very fortunate to have served under two MD’s like Don and Mark. Different characters they might be, but I learnt a lot from both of them,” says Enda.

Having guided the company throught the delicate negotiations leading to SDC’s surprise acquisition by Chinese vehicles conglomerate CIMC in June of last year, Mark Cuskeran moved on to pastures new. Cushnahan had

Eye on Manufacturing International Sales Manager, John Megarry with Enda Cushnahan, Chief Executive.

long been groomed for the job and the transition was seamless.

As the No. 1 truck trailer manufacturer in the UK & Ireland, and one of the leading players in the European marketplace, SDC was a good fit for the Chinese group. CIMC (Chinese International Marine Containers) has its roots, as its name suggests, in container manufacturing but has interests in road transport vehicles, airport handling equipment, offshore logistics, energy, chemicals and food equipment.

Outside of its Chinese base, CIMC operates manufacturing operations in the USA, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Australia.

“Our new owners have been happy to let us get on with how we do things here,” he adds. “They’ve got

“ There was a bit of uncertainty around the plant when the acquisition was first announced, but they haven’t changed one thing about this place or how we do things,” says Enda Cushnahan. “Our job now is to move the business forward and bring it into a new era.”

the global reach and the power of a 60,000 employee company, but we’ve got the knowledge of our specialist marketplace, we’ve also got a fantastic team of people, and we’re very much part of the local community in this part of Northern Ireland.”

SDC Trailers employs upwards of 850 people, 550 at its main Toome manufacturing plant and headquarters, and the rest split between an operation in Antrim and a GB base at Mansfield in Nottinghamshire.

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Eye on Manufacturing

The company specialises in the manufacture of the full range of articulated vehicle trailers – basic trailer chassis, curtainsiders, box van trailers, tippers... and so the list goes on. But SDC doesn’t have a product range as such.

“We build trailers to the specifications of our customers,” explains Enda Cushnahan. “We don’t make off the shelf products, so to speak. Instead, our sales team talks to each customer, discusses specifications for each trailer they want, and our design engineers take it from there right through to the delivery of the finished product.

“We’ve got a very skilled labour force and the team here is very proud of what they do. As for me, it’s a privilege to do this job.

“There is engineering in the DNA here in Northern Ireland. Think of the really strong engineering groups we have around these parts. This company, SDC, has close links to Powerscreen, one of the pioneers of the engineering cluster that is so strong over in Tyrone.”

Enda Cushnahan stresses that he’s an accountant rather than an engineer, but he’s a firm believer that the CEO’s role is all about working with people and making sure that problems are solved as quickly as possible.

SDC’s main customers are the big players of the road haulage industry. Belfast-based HireCo are among the bigger customers, and the list extends to organisations like TIP, Eddie Stobart, Surefreight, McBurney Transport, Mulgrew Haulage and Woodside Haulage.

The company manufactured 9,300 trailer units in 2016, taking

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a 37% share of the UK and Ireland trailer marketplace, and has been moving increasingly into the international marketplace.

The company has a new International Sales Manager, John Megarry, in place and is actively looking at markets as far afield as Scandinavia, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand. “We work through a distributor network. It might mean giving away a bit of margin, but it’s a very effective way of doing things out in the field.

“As a global leader, CIMC have encouraged us to take an export led approach to what we do, and we’re confident that we

offer the kind of customerfocussed approach that will stand us in good stead wherever the market might be.”

Enda Cushnahan admits that Brexit is a potential threat but, like most others, he reckons that it’s not causing anything much more than uncertainty as things stand.

“The pound euro rate makes it a bit more expensive for us to buy axles and other raw materials, but it makes it better for us at the other end....so its a case of swings and roundabouts to some extent.”

The SDC Trailers board has certainly taken on a new international flavour postacquisition, with representation

from Germany, China, Belgium and the USA. Gone, of course, are previous owner John Donnelly and his family as well as Mark Cuskeran.

“There was a bit of uncertainty around the plant when the acquisition was first announced, but they haven’t changed one thing about this place or how we do things,” says Enda Cushnahan. “Our job now is to move the business forward and bring it into a new era.

“Having CIMC behind us means that we have the global strength to move into new markets and build our customer base outside of the UK and Ireland. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

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Eye on Awards For more info or to enter, please visit: utvawards.businesseye.co.uk

UTV Business Eye Awards 2017 CATEGORIES AND SPONSORS Business Personality of the Year SPONSORED BY

Employer of the Year

SPONSORED BY

SME Award

SPONSORED BY

Most Innovative Company of the Year SPONSORED BY

The Northern-Ireland based business personality who in the opinion of the judging panel has contributed most to the local business sector and the local economy as a whole in the last 12 months.

The Northern Ireland company or organisation which, in the view of the judges, has done the most to create a balanced, satisfying and fulfilling working environment for its employees.

The small to medium-sized enterprise (up to 100 employees) which, in the opinion of the judges, can demonstrate significant business growth over the past year to 18 months across any sector of the local economy.

With innovation at the heart of many NI-based enterprises, this award sets out to recognise the organisation which, in the view of the judges, exemplifies best practice in product and/ or service innovation.

Tourism/Hospitality Project of the Year

Young Business Personality of the Year

Fast Growth Business of the Year

Research and Development Project of the Year

SPONSORED BY

The individual project within Northern Ireland which, in the view of the panel, has done most to raise standards in the hospitality industry and to attract more tourists to the region.

SPONSORED BY

This category sets out to identify the achievements of Northern Ireland’s young (35 years old or under) entrepreneurs and business leaders, with entrants able to demonstrate clear achievement and dynamism in their chosen field.

SPONSORED BY

The Northern Ireland-based business of any size which can demonstrate a substantial growth in sales/turnover and/ or employment levels over the past 12-18 months.

SPONSORED BY

Open to companies and organisations which can show clear evidence of an innovative research and development project either on an in-house basis or on behalf of clients.

Eye on Awards For more info or to enter, please visit: utvawards.businesseye.co.uk

Enter now utvawards.businesseye.co.uk Closing date for entries is Friday 27th October 2017.

Lifetime Achievement Award SPONSORED BY

Best Digital/Online Company of the Year SPONSORED BY

The company or organisation which has demonstrated the most successful and most innovative use of online/digital technology to advance its business aims. Entrants can include organisations which have successfully adapted to online/digital from more traditional foundations as well as pure online/digital enterprises.

Outstanding Leadership & Management Award An award recognising exemplary leadership and/or management as demonstrated by a leading individual or by a management team. The achievements of the organisation and the contribution of the specific manager or team must be clearly demonstrated.

Agri Food Innovation Award An award category reflecting the strength and growth of the Northern Ireland agri-food and food processing sectors. The awards sets out to recognise the organisation which can demonstrate outstanding innovation in a sector where innovation is crucial to business sector. This can apply to new product innovation, innovation in manufacturing process or innovation in product marketing.

Evidence of commercial success or commercial potential as a result of innovation should be demonstrated.

Waste Reduction Project of The Year Award SPONSORED BY

Aimed at the increasing number of local companies making a contribution to the environment by reducing commercial and industrial waste. Entrants must outline evidence of how substantial waste reduction has been achieved by a single project over the past 12 months.

Family Business of the Year Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award will honour a leading personality from the wider Northern Ireland business community who has made a significant and lasting contribution to business and the economy in the region.

SPONSORED BY

Sets out to showcase the very best of family businesses, a large and extremely important part of the wider Northern Ireland economy.

The category is open to all familyowned organisations, irrespective of their size of business sector, and the judging panel will consider how family values have been applied in the growth, development and everyday management of each.

International Award This award is open to organisations trading internationally from Northern Ireland, and will recognise the most important achievement/ contribution by such a company outside of Northern Ireland during the period, whether in terms of export sales, overseas expansion/ investment or acquisition.

Business Marketing Award Company of the Year Open to companies in all sectors of the local business community, this award sets out to recognise and showcase the organisation which best uses marketing - including advertising, PR or the strategic use of digital platforms and social media to enhance business performance across the board.

The Northern Ireland-based private sector company which has made the biggest positive impact across the spectrum over the past 12 month period in the view of the judges‌.for reasons which may include business and/or employment growth, acquisitions or other deals, export achievement, etc.

Eye on Technology

Xperience Group: Putting the IT in Security Leading IT provider, Xperience Group have launched a national campaign to educate SME’s on the importance of system patches and updates in light of recent cyber-attacks.

Security: A Daunting Task Technology is a crucial part of business, but corporate IT systems rely on so many different pieces of software that keeping everything fully up-to-date can become an impossible task.

This year, two major global malware outbreaks WannaCry & Petya targeted out-of-date IT systems by utilising exploits created by the National Security Agency (NSA). Organisations that had implemented rigorous, fully automated patch management systems were protected against both outbreaks.

However in most cases, this basic process wasn’t in place - resulting in massive global disruption for many businesses.

Richard Kennedy, Director of IT Infrastructure and Cloud at Xperience Group comments, “Staff are also becoming increasingly mobile, using

multiple devices and consuming more data than ever before. All the while, cyber criminals are getting smarter, which means it’s of exceptional importance that regular operating system and third party application updates are applied to prevent known vulnerabilities from being exploited. That’s where Patch Management comes in.”

What’s the Importance of Patching?

Unpatched systems are one of the easiest attack vectors for criminals looking to gain access to corporate networks. Hackers and security researchers are constantly discovering new vulnerabilities, and companies are constantly issuing patches to deal with them. If those patches are not applied, cyber criminals have an easy job.

Richard elaborates, “Patch

management tools should be a crucial part of any IT manager’s arsenal to ensure that all equipment keeps working as it should. Technology is notoriously fickle beast and even minor software bugs can lead to major headaches so the importance of implementing a regular patching schedule can’t be underestimated.”

The Solution? PMaaS For SMB’s, manually checking for and applying software patches can be a Sisyphean task. Rather than forcing IT staff to manually update critical systems, patch management automatically handles the update process for every node on the corporate network.

Research from Info Security highlighted the patch that could have prevented the WannaCry attack was released 59 days before the outbreak occurred. Richard comments, “This is why patching should be any business’s first line of defence, however, it’s not uncommon for organisations to take 100 or more days to patch an update. With a fully automated patch

management solution, these updates take place daily, removing the threat to the business and taking the ownership away from the IT department.”

Xperience Group has introduced ‘Patch Management as a Service’ (PMaaS) to their product stack, and are seeing a number of early adopters in N.I experiencing massive benefits. Patch Management solutions fully automate the patch management life-cycle for desktops, laptops and servers. They do so by identifying, testing and deploying operating systems and 300+ third party application service packs, security fixes and patches on a daily basis.

Richard concludes, “Fixing vulnerabilities manually is no longer an option, businesses need solutions that are automated otherwise these attacks will continue to hammer them!”

To Explore Patch Management as a Service, Contact Xperience Group: enquiries@xperience-group.com

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Eye on Round Table

Boosting Productivity...

How Northern Ireland Can Shape Up Business Eye joined forces with Vodafone in Northern Ireland to stage a Round Table Discussion held at Queen’s University’s Riddel Hall. The discussion followed on from a London School of Economics report commissioned by Vodafone looking at productivity in the UK, and how Northern Ireland can boost its productivity across the board.

The Participants

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David Armstrong, Northern Ireland Business Lead, Vodafone

Chris Conway, Chief Executive, Translink

Brendan Magill, Head of IT, Lagan Construction Group

Clare Patterson, Marketing Director, Equiniti

Sam Waide, Executive Director of Operations, BSO Health & Social Care

Richard Buckley, Business Eye (Chairman)

Wayne Nickels, Partner, Cunningham Coates Investment Management

Eye on Round Table

DA – By way of background, Vodafone commissioned a piece of research with the London School of Economics around the subject of productivity.

When you consider that the UK was second bottom of all the G7 countries on productivity levels and when you look at UK regions, Northern Ireland is second bottom in that league table, it’s a telling message.

WN – For us it’s twofold. Externally, we look at the productivity of the companies we invest in. Internally, productivity means trying to get more out of the assets that we have.

RB – Let’s wind back a little by asking what productivity means to each of us.

SW – We’re delivering a wide portfolio of business services to health and social care entities. For us, it’s about complete, accurate and timely information being supplied.

Productive outcomes, in other words.

BM – For me, it’s quite simple.

Productivity means delivering and delivering on time, by working smarter, not harder.

CP – Efficiency and productivity can be confused. Efficiency is about driving costs out of the business while productivity is about doing things better and faster. We’re working to implement a lean philosophy and that means putting the customer at the heart of everything we do.

DA – There’s also an important people element to this. It’s about attracting and retaining the best people. That’s a key to productivity.

CC – I spent 20 years working with North American companies and the past 10 in the UK and Ireland.

The difference I see is that the American companies invest a lot more in IT systems to drive process improvement, and workforces are very flexible. So, I think a cultural change is needed to improve productivity.

RB – So the UK lags behind most of the G7 and we lag behind most of the UK. We’ve mentioned culture, but why do we think it is the way it is?

CP – We’ve all worked for managers who haven’t inspired us, I’m sure.

Managers aren’t born overnight.

Average managers recruit average people, and productivity subsequently drops as a result. The right support, the right mentoring and the right training are all important.

I recently read an article that said an inspired worker is 125% more productive than a satisfied employee. So let’s try to inspire.....

DA – I think it was Richard Branson who said that we should train our people so that they can leave, but treat them so that they don’t want to.

CP – And, while we’re on sayings, how about the one that says that people leave managers. They don’t leave organisations.

CC – In Northern Ireland, we’re public sector led and in the past have been subsidy and grantfocused. And grants used to be based on headcounts. That doesn’t encourage productivity. So now we’re in a transition phase towards focusing more on productivity.

That kind of fundamental change is very important.

DA – We’ve already mentioned technology. But it’s important to remember that we’re an SME market. Not every company can invest in expensive IT or the kind of consultancy that they might need. How do we break the cycle?

CP – SME’s are focusing on where the next piece of business is coming from.

They need to start taking the time to benchmark themselves against others and learn from industry peers where they can. Easier said than done, I know, but it’s important to look past the day to day activity.

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Eye on Round Table to my role today, and I don’t think I’m the only one in that situation. There is an argument that education needs to evolve to ensure that students are more prepared for the workplace.

SW – Twenty years ago, I learned to program a computer, an old CNC machine. So, yes, we need to look at what skills are needed across sectors and drive that back into the education system. It’s a big challenge, but it’s a great opportunity. But it all comes back to what is really innovative and what can drive productivity. Northern Ireland is of a scale where we can test, be creative and be brave.

WN – We touched on it earlier and it’s definitely the case that businesses can be focused on efficiency, doing the same for less, rather than productivity – doing more with the same. Other countries look at things differently, perhaps, and that goes right through to their politicians and policies. That comes back to a change of culture.

SW – Because we’re heavily dependent on public sector, productivity means labour.

There’s a view that greater productivity impacts jobs, but to me, it can mean opportunities. For example, if we decide to invest in robotics for certain processes, that brings opportunities for new skills and new jobs, with greater outputs.

DA – A lot of this still comes back to people. You can implement new technology solutions, but you need buy-in from your people or it’s just not worth it.

BM – It’s about a high performance culture and high performance teams and that culture has to be driven from the top of the organisation. It’s something that the All Blacks embrace and do very well. They don’t do loose cannons.....! It’s all about accountability and people being empowered to take ownership of challenges by instilling the values of the company through the organisation. And don’t forget that a lot of our work lies outside of Northern Ireland, therefore it’s important that the standards don’t drop and remain consistent.

DA – That’s a good point. A lot of NI companies are in the same boat, and it adds an edge to the importance of productivity.

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RB – So how do we ‘Laganise’ Northern Ireland? This isn’t a north-south divide thing in UK terms because Aberdeen is 17% higher than us. What’s the answer?

are going to struggle. Brexit is a good case in point. Businesses are going to have to be able to react to whatever changes come about.

WN – When you look at the figures, a lot of the UK economy is service-driven whereas Germany’s, for example, isn’t. And, in Northern Ireland, it might be about services and it might be about the public sector dominance.

WN – A well-run business will have contingency plans....it’s as simple as that.

“ You can implement new technology solutions, but you need buy-in from your people or it’s just not worth it.”

David Armstrong, Vodafone

DA – We are and always have been reliant on the public sector and it is very hard to change that.

It is a bit of a vicious circle.

SW – Where we have increased productivity, it has been in partnership with the likes of our software provider, our supply chain, our customers, our clinicians. We’ve found that it’s the most effective way to do things and it’s a win-win for everyone involved.

CC – For any really big culture change, there has to be a reason, a ‘burning bridge’ if you like. So what’s the burning bridge for Northern Ireland?

DA – And can Northern Ireland businesses react? Things change quickly and, if you can’t react, you

BM – As I mentioned earlier, we are a global business now operating in many different locations which we think is important. We recruit a lot of graduates every year and we’re working hard to bring new people, male and female, across a range of disciplines into the engineering sector.

WN – I think that’s crucial. I’m aware that Kainos wanted to develop its own degree Programme to effectively tailor a degree course to help provide the kind of graduates that it needs, and there is evidence that others are following suit.

CP – I did a degree and a master’s and none of what I studied then applies

CP – But are we not risk averse? We tend to err on the side of caution before we take the plunge. Businesses need to be able to understand what technology is available out there to help them, and how it can help them. Maybe there is a role here for Invest NI or another agency to act as a central resource, and I know that technology providers like ourselves would be happy to play our part.

DA – We’re here in Riddel Hall where the Institute of Directors NI (IoD) is based. Is it down to organisations like the IoD and CBI to play a part and drive the agenda with Invest NI and others? There’s no doubt that most SMEs don’t know where to go for help and guidance when it comes to ICT. They know they should use it better, but they’re not sure how.

CP – And it needs to be an independent resource. Even if companies get a consultant in, there’s a chance that the consultant will be aligned to one IT company or another. It can be a very expensive

Eye on Round Table business, but companies need to be aware that it needn’t cost the earth.

CC – What about the universities?

Do they have a role to play?

DA – They do, but to get back to the education points we were making, there is a move away from degrees being essential. The large Professional Services companies are recruiting nongraduates and others are looking directly at schools rather than universities.

CP – I’ve read somewhere that 15% of a company’s workforce are the stars of the organisation. However, many organisations bury their stars in what’s called organisational drag.

Organisations need to make sure that they’re making best use of their best people, not burying them in processes.

SW – To encourage the 15%, we need to step forward at pathfinder organisations and demonstrate that we can increase productivity through small steps with significant achievements including making best use of our people. Rather than just saying that government needs to do more, our education needs to do more, we also need to do more as employers.

CC – I think it has to be a jigsaw of all of those things. We need a framework embracing policy with government agencies, education and business itself.

CP – And we need good managers. I can’t emphasis enough the importance of good managers who encourage their teams. It can seriously impede the growth of productivity otherwise.

BM – I always think that I’m there to make my team look good, and they’re there to make me look good. A team culture is important and I also think that you’ll find the weak links pretty quickly.

DA – I do think that the starting point really is management, and continually looking at what you do and how you do it. Promoting best practice is very important but so is addressing under achievement.

CP – But the challenge for a lot of SMEs is finding the time to be strategic and step away from the detail. They’re too busy being entrepreneurial, doing what has to be done and trying to get business in through the door. They might not have the time, but they have to make the time.

DA – For young people coming into businesses, it’s not just about salary. They look at the big picture these days. They look for the right technology, for example, they look for flexibility and they will move if they don’t get what they want.

RB – The report mentions three key areas – management practices, technology and workforce flexibility. It urges organisations to ‘embrace digital to thrive’. Are we not already doing that?

CP – Not enough, no. We see organisations who are digitising some processes and then sending you out a letter with a stamp on it. We also see companies who continue to be paper-based.

CC – I think we’re doing it but we’re a bit behind. We’ve probably under invested over the years and now we’re in catch-up mode.

DA – We like to see others doing it first. Take cloud hosting. Northern Ireland companies have been slow to make that move.

“ Organisations need to make sure that they’re making best use of their best people, not burying them in processes.”

Clare Patterson, Equiniti

CP – In some cases, that’s because they’re public facing and they’ve got to look after those members of the public who will never embrace digital.

My mother still goes to the bank.

She’ll never adopt online banking.... and nothing is going to change that!

DA – There are some companies out there, for instance those with mobile workforces, who are still missing a trick when it comes to using technology to drive real efficiencies. It’s not rocket science....it’s common sense.

BM – It’s one of the reasons why we acquired H&J Martin. We saw a company that had successfully used technology to go paperless, had shifted millions of pieces of paper out of its business and had 120 staff out on the road with tablets. By all means talk

to the technology companies.... but it’s always worth talking to those who’ve actually done it and learning from their experiences.

SW – We’re doing it but we’re not doing enough of it, and we are lagging behind other areas. In the health sector, there are pockets of excellence, but we all know that we need to scale it up.

What Clare mentions is what we call a bi-model approach, recognising that we have to cater for those who will never embrace digital methods in totality.

CP – We also find ourselves working with customers with existing legacy systems that are incapable of evolving to allow for the digitisation in terms of integrating with mobile apps and delivering digitised customer experiences. So we end up creating hybrid systems to cope.....as a means of avoiding large-scale capital expenditure.

WN – We faced that decision as a business, but we went for a whole new system. It was a really big investment but we felt that it had to be done.

DA – And I suppose that kind of decision has to be based around true costs. The cost of the investment must be measured against the anticipated returns. And the cost of not adopting the right technology.

CP – But any good technology company should be able to provide transparency around those costs.

Believe me, most of us work hard to be as open as we can be around costs.

WN – The basics of doing business hasn’t changed. A lot of it is about having conversations.....face to face or electronically. And learning from those conversations.

DA – At Vodafone, we try to be as innovative as we possibly can. We’re all technically flexible workers....no desks assigned, flexible meeting rooms, that kind of thing. And we’ve done a lot of work around how it drives productivity.

RB – But are the customers picking up on that?

DA – We’ve done our best to get the message across. And I think things are changing. Some people will always want their office and their car parking space, but more and more companies are doing things differently.

CP – I know that I get a lot more done at home than I do in the office.

There are always people in any office – time bandits – who will hold you back from the job at hand. A flexible environment will improve productivity.

DA – Does sitting behind a desk from 9 to 5 improve productivity? No, it definitely doesn’t. Most people’s view of that has changed over recent years.

SW – I’ve got 600 people dispersed across Northern Ireland. I don’t need to ask where they are. Instead, I ask what they’ve achieved.

DA – And the statistics will say that flexible working is much more effective and productive.

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PERSONAL INJURY...

TAKE THE LEGAL ROUTE 84

Eye on Law

The Law Society for Northern Ireland is throwing its weight behind a campaign to encourage members of the public to put their trust in solicitors when it comes to personal injury claims arising out of road traffic accidents.

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he whole area of personal injury and RTA’s has come into sharper focus over recent years with the rise in popularity of claims management companies, one-stop shops providing courtesy vehicles and claims handling at the same time.

Newry solicitor Rory McShane leads the Law Society’s initiative on the personal injury front, and has substantial experience in this type of litigation.

“There’s no doubt about the fact that claims management companies can seem like an attractive proposition for members of the public who have been involved in accidents,” he says. “They often provide car replacement up front and then

take on management of the case on behalf of the client.

“But our message as lawyers is that personal injury litigation is often a very complex process,” he explains. “Injuries can sometimes be more serious than they first appear, or in the case of fractures, those injuries can be slow to heal. Then there are personal circumstances of each injured party to take into account.

“Each case is different and a lot of cases can be very complicated.

And that’s where the legal expertise of a solicitor comes in.

“Our view is that, in too many cases, the claims management companies will aim for as fast a settlement as possible. They’ll try to avoid getting bogged down in the complexities of any individual scenario.

“That’s not to say that they won’t achieve a settlement for the injured party. They will, but it might not be the best that can be achieved. And it’s always worth remembering that once a case has been settled, it’s very, very difficult to re-open,” Rory McShane warns.

Northern Ireland differs from Great Britain on the issue of

claims management companies.

On the other side of the Irish Sea, the fast-growing claims management industry is subject to regulation. Here, it isn’t.

“The result is that it is a bit of a free for all here and we have a scenario where a number of claims management companies are vying directly for business from the general public.”

It’s one reason, he maintains, why motor insurance policy costs here in Northern Ireland continue to rise and are well above the policy cost levels in Great Britain.

And he’s quick to remind members of the public that, if they’re involved in an accident and want to talk about a personal injury claim, they’re entitled to go to any solicitor that they choose.

“It’s important to note that we have a really high level of fully comprehensive insurance here in Northern Ireland..... around 95% of drivers here are comprehensively insured. That’s much higher than in GB,” he adds.

“That means that the vast majority of drivers here are well insured and may have the benefit of car hire and repair as of right of their own policy. They probably

won’t need to enter into credit hire agreements as offered by claims management companies.

“We’re well insured as a general rule....but we don’t always understand what that means. The advantage of going to your own solicitor is that your rights will be fully explained to you by an independent person who has no conflict of interest. All injury cases need to be fully investigated”.

Rory McShane talks about cases where, at first glance, relatively minor injuries appear to have been suffered. But, in time, flashbacks, sleeping disturbance and other side effects result and the picture is changed.

“As I’ve said many times, injury claims are not a boxticking exercise. Each accident is different, each injury is different and each injured person is different. So a one-to-one relationship between the injured party and his or her solicitor is by far the best way to make sure of the right resolution.”

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Eye on Accountancy

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Eye on Accountancy

ASM

Growth Plans For Accountancy Firm

Brian Clerkin reckons that growth is at the top of the agenda for accountancy firm ASM, already a major player in the ‘challenger’ marketplace with a staff complement of 160 spread across its six offices.

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lerkin is a Director of ASM’s Belfast city centre office where he heads up a team of five directors and 58 staff. The firm, established back in the 1990’s by a team of original founders, also has active offices in Magherafelt, Dungannon, Newry, Dundalk and Dublin as well as a separate wealth management operation.

“We’re very well established as an accountancy firm providing the full range of services to SME’s, to manufacturers, to the hospitality and tourism industry and to both the private sector and voluntary sector,” says Clerkin.

ASM, at its heart, is a traditional accountancy firm, offering audit and tax services across the board.

But it’s built a number of areas of specialisation over the years. Nicola Niblock heads up an experienced forensic accounting practice, while Michael Williamson is acknowledged as one of our leading experts on hospitality and tourism.

The team of five directors is completed by Michael Nixon, leading the corporate finance and consulting team, and by Caroline Keenan, who heads up ASM’s tax offering.

“In areas like these, our team works across the island of Ireland.

They’re as likely to be working with clients in Dublin as they are in Belfast,” Brian Clerkin adds.

ASM has been on the acquisition trail in the past year. It bought over the city centre firm of

Crawford Sedgwick, with both John Sedgwick and Drew Crawford and their staff becoming part of the wider ASM operation.

“It’s an acquisition that has worked out very well for us all, I think,” says Clerkin. “The team from Crawford Sedgwick has integrated really well with our existing team and we’re really pleased with the end result.

Clerkin also makes it very clear that ASM is in the market for further acquisitions to help grow its customer base. “We’re interested in talking to accountancy practices who might be interested in joining our fold, whether for succession, partner retirement or other reasons. We see acquisition as a clear route for further growth.”

The firm is looking at its property options in the city to accommodate its planned growth.

The marketplace, he says, continues to present plenty of challenges. Brexit remains a concern for plenty of ASM’s client companies, but the evidence is that most companies are simply getting on with it in the absence of any concrete information on what’s going to change....and what’s not.

“We’re well used to uncertainty here in Northern Ireland,” says Clerkin. “and we do tend to get on with it. That said, the level of uncertainty is high, what with a political vacuum here, a lack of stability in Westminster and Brexit on the horizon.”

On the practical front, he points to HMRC’s Making Tax Digital drive as a major challenge for businesses here in Northern Ireland.

“I don’t think people realise just how much of a change this is going to mean, with the Revenue requiring accounts to be filed more regularly and on time. For us, we have a major role as educators at the moment.... making sure that all of our clients know what is going to be expected of them going forward.

“We’re also working towards diversifying the practice and making sure that we can provide help and advice to our clients across the board and not just as matters of tax or audit.”

Then there’s the challenge of finding the right people to fill the jobs as a growing accountancy practice. “There’s no doubt that it is hard to get people,” he adds.

“The big brand names, Citi, Baker McKenzie, Pearson, tend to suck up a lot of the available talent, and the universities haven’t really risen to the challenges of matching demand with supply.

“Like others, we’ve turned to school leavers and it’s worked very well for us, and we’ll continue to keep our options open on the recruitment front.”

Brian Clerkin says that he’s optimistic about business prospects going forward, despite the obvious challenges.

“We’ve grown in recent years and we’re going to continue to grow as a business,” he says. “Expect to hear a lot more about ASM over the next couple of years.”

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ON-SITE SHREDDING IS FOR YOUR EYES ONLY.

OUT-OF-SITE SHREDDING IS FOR THEIR EYES TOO!

Eye on News

ATI – A Practical Approach To Security Solutions ATi’s John Reid is all too aware that most business decision-makers prefer a pragmatic, no-nonsense approach from their key suppliers.

It’s an approach he has brought to the field of security and access control, potentially a complex area for many business customers.

“C

ustomers want an effective and reliable system at the right price....and it really shouldn’t be more complicated than that,” says John. “We aim to provide a layered approach and a solution that can save our customers money in the longer-term.”

Newtownabbey-based A.T. (Access Technology) Ireland offer a wide range of security-based personnel and vehicle access management solutions based on secure keypad, biometric finger

reading and face recognition options.

The systems are scaleable from a single door or gate to multiple access points in multiple buildings across multiple sites, including hospitals and universities.

“Done well, a good access control system should be seamless and fairly invisible,” adds John. “It’s about getting the right people to the right areas at the right times, controlling who goes where and when with full traceability, a useful HR tool in it’s own right.” Now integrating

Time and Attendance for payroll.

And, of course, security systems built around access control can be as complex and sophisticated as necessary.

Access control can work alongside CCTV, with perimeter detection and remote monitoring amongst the options. Why not detect and issue a warning over Public Address prior to an attempted burglary or vandalism.

“Businesses need security and access systems for a variety of reasons,” adds John. “It can be for peace of mind, or it can be because of the duty of care to employees on site. Sometimes, it’s very important to prevent unauthorised people and vehicles from entering your premises.

“Our job is to design and install a very effective, robust and flexible solution to enhance and automate security with a 10-year plus lifespan. We can also

upgrade and improve upon existing security systems in business premises, and today’s communications technology helps to make that a lot easier. Our remote access technical support greatly enhances our response for service issues and can provide a helping hand when needed without having to attend site.

“Access systems can now email when unauthorised access attempts are made, and we can design and install systems where a single card can be used for main access gates, car park barriers, turnstiles and both external and internal doors.”

For further information, contact ATi on 028 9083 6622 info@atireland.com www.atireland.com

BELFAST CITY AIRPORT SHORTLISTED FOR GLOBAL AVIATION AWARD George Best Belfast City Airport has been nominated for one of the most prestigious global marketing awards in aviation for a second successive year.

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he airport has been shortlisted for the ‘Under 4 Million Passenger’ category of the World Routes Marketing Awards.

Voted for by airlines, the awards highlight airports which have excelled in route development marketing with the winners announced at the World Routes Conference in Barcelona this September.

The accolade follows the Routes Europe Conference which was co-hosted by the airport in Belfast earlier this year.

Katy Best, Commercial and Marketing Manager at Belfast City Airport, said: “The World Routes Marketing Awards are some of the most prestigious in the industry and to have our work recognised by airlines as world-class is testament to the work we do marketing Belfast City Airport, and indeed Belfast and Northern Ireland as a

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destination, to potential new airlines.”

The airport has been named the Most Convenient Airport in the World in a study by The Telegraph and more recently named Northern Ireland’s Responsible Company of the Year at the annual Business in the Community Responsible Business Awards.

Katy added: “This year has so far been another successful one for Belfast City Airport with the Routes Europe Conference in April presenting a wonderful opportunity to showcase Belfast and Northern Ireland to airlines from across Europe, and further afield.

“We have very strong relationships with all our airline partners and work closely together to ensure a presence in the market, which for us includes both business and leisure customers.

Katy Best at Belfast City Airport.

“However, we also have an ambitious route development strategy and invest a lot of time in engaging with airlines and tourism bodies for whom a link with Northern Ireland may be advantageous.

“Earlier this year we launched a three-times-per-week direct service to Reykjavik with Icelandair, which connects passengers to a wide network of destinations in north America and which has so far proved very popular with our passengers.

“Attracting new routes and airlines does not happen overnight. The process can take several years and in that time we ensure frequent communication

with potential targets and are continuously delivering innovative activity that keeps us on their radar.

“We are really thrilled that for a second year in a row airlines from across the world have recognised our efforts as best practice re-affirming that what we’re doing in the market is not only supporting our existing partners but capturing the attention of potential new airlines and destinations for Northern Ireland.”

Katy will be accompanied by Chief Executive of the airport, Brian Ambrose, and members of her Commercial team at World Routes in Barcelona this September.

FurniturE | SEating | StoragE | Partitions | CarpEt | Lighting t 028 9070 1080 e think@1080.co.uk 1080 IS PART OF THE ALPHA GROUP

@AlphaGrpOffice

www.1080.co.uk

Eye on Economics

Uncertainty...

It’s The Name Of The Game Frances Hill, the Bank of England’s Agent in Northern Ireland, takes a look at economic prospects.

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always enjoy the conversations I have each day with those running businesses, charities and other organisations here in Northern Ireland.

These discussions provide an up-to-the-minute insight into what’s really happening in the economy across the United Kingdom.

And at the moment there’s certainly no shortage of things to talk about – whether that’s the prospect of Brexit, the rise in inflation or the challenge of finding skilled staff.

The information gathered by me and my colleagues in the Bank of England’s Agency network feeds directly into our policymakers in London as they make decisions on how best to guide the economy through these somewhat uncertain times.

The Bank last week published its August Inflation Report, its latest quarterly assessment of the outlook for the economy.

It also announced that Bank Rate, which is a reference point that banks use when setting interest rates on savings and loan products used by households and businesses, would remain on hold for the time being at 0.25%.

The Monetary Policy Committee – which sets Bank Rate – also said that the rate would likely have to rise in the coming years in order for the MPC to hit its 2% inflation target.

Inflation is currently above that figure, largely because the value of the pound fell sharply following the vote to leave the European Union.

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Weaker sterling makes imports more expensive for UK companies and that has resulted in higher prices for UK households. We expect inflation to peak towards the end of this year at around 3%, before falling back towards 2%.

Meanwhile, wages have increased more slowly than inflation, so households’ real spending power has been squeezed.

At the same time, unemployment levels are the lowest they have been since the 1970s, which means many companies are finding it harder to recruit new staff.

It’s a story I hear frequently when I speak to employers in Northern Ireland who tell me that finding the right people is getting harder – for a wide range of jobs and skills – particularly in construction, engineering, agriculture and the care sector.

In some cases, firms are responding by increasing wages.

The Monetary Policy Committee expects that wage increases will pick up in the coming years. Along with the fall back in inflation, these rising wages should support household spending.

We expect UK growth to be a bit slower this year than last, mainly due to the weakness in household spending.

But there are other factors that are helping UK growth, including a stronger outlook for exports.

This stronger outlook comes from the recovery in world growth and the fall in the pound, which together should also encourage businesses to invest more.

Even if the transition to Brexit is smooth, uncertainty about the eventual trading arrangements is likely to mean that firms will invest less than they otherwise would.

This is consistent with what my colleagues and I in the Bank’s Agency network hear in our conversations with businesses.

Many businesses remain uncertain about what Brexit means for them, which might discourage them from investing, perhaps because of fears that barriers to exporting might rise in the future.

So, investment is lower than might be expected given the current low cost of borrowing and the fact that some businesses are busy enough that they might benefit from buying new plant and equipment.

Overall, we expect growth to be modest over the next three years.

The Bank will continue to keep a close watch on the economy

and it stands ready to respond to changes in the economic outlook as they unfold to ensure a sustainable return to 2% inflation.

And we, the Bank’s Agents in Northern Ireland, will continue to play our part in that, acting as ‘the eyes and ears’ of the Bank around the UK. You can keep up to date with what we’re hearing from our contacts here in Northern Ireland and beyond by reading the reports on our website – www. bankofengland.co.uk/publications.

The Agents’ latest summary is available at www.bankofengland. co.uk/publications/Pages/ agentssummary/default.aspx.

Frances Hill is the Agent for the Bank of England in Northern Ireland @BoENIreland

Eye

onConferences & Events

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Eye on Venues

Hilton Belfast The perfect place for a perfect event

Hilton Belfast provides a reliable, world class hospitality experience in an award-winning venue that consistently delivers the wow factor for meetings and conferences of all sizes.

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f you’re looking for a venue where meetings are more motivating, seminars have more sizzle and events are more exciting, then look no further.

A perfect location to host anything from a small meeting to a gala dinner, it offers experienced staff with creative ideas to help you design the perfect event. Award winning chef Chris Mawhinney has designed a range of bespoke mouth watering menus to suit every price bracket and will tingle the taste

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buds of any event organisor.

Businesses large and small are given a tailored approach to booking with a dedicated event co-ordinator taking care of all of their needs from start to finish.

Small meetings for 10 to 25 people can be booked hassle free without complicated contracts using the Meetings Simplified programme. To keep your audience inspired, large meeting groups are invited to Meet with Purpose, with mindfulness at the heart of

every experience. Frequent event bookers are rewarded with an Event Bonus scheme which offers points for every pound spent which can used for complimentary stays with Hilton worldwide.

Companies running charity evenings and registered charities are encouraged to take advantage of the generous offer at the moment of a 10% donation on bar takings.

Director of business development, Darren Gallagher said

“We have a dedicated meetings and events floor offering a range of flexible room layouts, some of which have stunning views over the River Lagan. We can deliver awe-inspiring meetings and events that deliver the results you need�

The hotel also boasts 198 luxurious bedrooms of which 11 are studio /suites with part glass walls over looking the river, H&W and Titanic Quarter.

More information of booking a meeting or event at Hilton Belfast can be obtained from meetings.hilton.com or contacting their events team at Hilton Belfast Tel 02890277000.

HILTON BELFAST YOUR MEETING DESTINATION FOR UP TO 450 DELEGATES

MEETINGS

Simplified

All inclusive from £29 per delegate QUOTE “BUSINESS EYE” FOR THIS OFFER

MEET WITH

MEETINGS FOR 10 - 25 DELEGATES EASY TO BOOK - NO CONTRACT REQUIRED • Room hire • Free WiFi

• Flipchart • Stationery

• Two course lunch • Two servings of tea/coffee • LCD projector and screen

• 24 hour cancellation • All for one great value price

SAVE ON YOUR

Purpose

Christmas Party

For meetings of 25-450 delegates

Celebrate the festive season in style

Free WiFi & Meeting Break Upgrade At Hilton we want your meetings to be more rewarding. That means creating engaging experiences for your attendees and delivering better outcomes for your business. We do this by focusing on mindful meeting, eating and being – ensuring that when you meet, you meet with purpose.

1 in 10 Guests Dine Free

Your team works hard all year, so we want to make it easier for you to celebrate the Christmas season together. Join one of our Christmas parties, celebrate with a Christmas lunch or host your own private festive event in one our suites.

For more information or to book Call 02890 277220 or e-mail events.belfast@hilton.com Quote “Business Eye” to receive offers

© 2017 Hilton Worldwide. Offers are subject to availability and to the hotel’s booking terms and conditions. Credit card guarantee may be required at time of booking. Offers cannot be combined with any other promotions or special discounts. Blackout dates may apply. Meetings Simplified offer applies to new bookings only and is valid for a maximum of 25 delegates. Meet with Purpose offer applies to new bookings only and is only valid for meetings of 25 people or more. Cancellation charges may apply if booking outside of 21 days to arrival. Cancellation must be received in writing 24 hrs prior to arrival. To ensure you get the date and time you want, we recommend booking as early as possible. Minimum numbers apply for private Christmas party.

Eye on Conferences & Events

Belfast Waterfront…

The Ideal Conference Venue

What brings national and international organisations to Belfast and the Belfast Waterfront venue for their conference events? We caught up with Graham Blair, Head of Education at the Royal College of Anaesthesists, to find out why the eminent medical association has chosen the Belfast venue over the past number of years…

You have hosted a wide range of events at Belfast Waterfront since 1997. Why did you initially choose the Waterfront as a venue and why do you keep returning?

As a professional body responsible for the specialty of anaesthesia throughout the United Kingdom, it is important for us to visit our members in Northern Ireland. The Waterfront’s prime city centre location in Belfast makes it the perfect choice to reach our NI members.

On top of this, the venue offers the full package: flexible space, top notch AV technology and catering. It has everything we need and more to deliver a large-scale event successfully under one roof.

The Belfast venue revealed its new 7,000 sq.metre conference facility last year. How did this state-ofthe-art facility help you deliver the RCoA Summer Symposium 2017?

Over the years Belfast Waterfront has proved to be a great venue for hosting our wide ranging events.

Based on our previous experiences of the venue and after seeing the new spaces, even at construction phrase, we were more than happy to sign the contract to bring the RCoA Summer Symposium to the Waterfront.

The biggest benefit of the new facility is of course the flexibility it offers us as event planners. Having the space to accommodate last-minute requests makes our role a lot easier and in addition the

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space suited our specific needs. Breakout spaces close to the main halls eased the flow of delegates and the more relaxed areas overlooking the river were perfect for catching up with colleagues. The new high-speed Wi-Fi enabled all our members to login quickly and join additional learning and engagement opportunities throughout the event and the latest AV technology helped deliver simultaneous multi-presentations across the venue.

The event went without a hitch.

What makes Belfast Waterfront stand out compared to other UK venues?

Belfast Waterfront’s city centre location, brand new conference facilities and friendly and positive team, who couldn’t do enough to ensure our event was a success, together create a great unique selling proposition.

You have been holding events at the Waterfront for 20 years.

What changes have you seen in the city during this time?

Today’s Belfast is bursting with optimism and is ready to welcome many large scale conferences. Increased connectivity, the addition of the new Titanic Belfast visitor centre and the fantastic new conference facility at Belfast Waterfront have dramatically improved the city’s international reputation as a business tourist destination. I look forward to returning to the city and Belfast Waterfront soon.

And the winner is‌ For award ceremonies, gala dinners, exhibitions and conferences Belfast Waterfront is your number one choice.

Enjoy the best seats in the city at our stunning state-of-the-art conference facility, where you will be treated to a feast of flavours, spectacular settings and a service second to none.

We’re ready to welcome you!

Contact us today to discuss making your next event your most memorable yet!

T +44 (0)28 9033 4400 E conference@waterfront.co.uk W waterfront.co.uk @BelWaterfront #BelfastWaterfront

Eye on Conferences & Events

BIG FIRST YEAR FOR THE WATERFRONT

Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall Ltd (BWUH), the company which operates both venues, announces a record breaking first year in operation.

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Ellvena Graham (Chair of BWUH Ltd), Catherine Toolan (Managing Director of BWUH Ltd) and members of the Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall team.

atherine Toolan, MD BWUH, is delighted with the team’s performance in the opening year, with both venues hosting over 340 entertainment and business events. “In our first year of operating we welcomed over 300,000 visitors, sold over 252,000 tickets and served a taste of Northern Ireland’s famed food to over 233,000 people. And the newly extended Belfast Waterfront has brought in over 50,000 delegate nights, generating an economic return of £21m for the city.

The exceptional effort and dedication of the Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall team, Visit Belfast and local ambassadors together with city partners have made this year such a great success.”

In addition to bringing business visitors who spend up to £488 per day, the new development has transformed

Belfast into a serious contender as a host conference and event destination.

In fact an impressive 76% of the conferences last year were newcomers to the stunning riverside facility.

The new venue wouldn’t have been possible without the financial support and vision of Belfast City Council, European Regional Development Fund and Tourism Northern Ireland. Ellvena Graham, Chairman of BWUH, confirmed that: “Based on the venue’s performance in 2016, coupled with overwhelmingly positive client feedback, the city is looking forward to welcoming many more conferences and events from around the world. Indeed the Belfast Waterfront has already secured a further 40 national/ international conferences over the next few years which are expected to bring over 67,000 delegate nights to Belfast.”

Top Class City Venue A

Set in the leafy surroundings of Queen’s quarter in Belfast, the charming 4-star Malone Lodge Hotel is located close to Belfast City Centre. It is an ideal venue for training, seminars, product launches, boardroom meetings, interviews, team building and brainstorming events as well as small exhibitions.

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ll of their meeting rooms offer everything you would expect from a luxurious and contemporary hotel with attentive staff to make your event a success. Each function rooms offer state-ofthe-art conference and meeting facilities. Day delegate rate starts at £27 per person which includes meeting room hire, air conditioning, LCD projector and screen, 3 servings of tea/ coffee, lunch, water and PA system. The hotel also offers just room hire, half day and 24-hr delegate rate, or any bespoke packages which can be arranged by their events team.

Nestled between Lisburn and Malone roads, this peaceful hotel is in close proximity to the Belfast City Centre, and offers easy access to travel routes, motorways, airports and seaports.

Free car parking and WiFi is available within the hotel.

The conference team offers a highly personalised approach to meetings and events, trained to offer a tailored and professional service in addition to highly competitive conference and meeting rates. Believing that sharper organisation makes for better meetings, their aim is to ensure your meetings and events happen when and how you envision them.

For a limited time only, the hotel is offering a free coffee break for room hire bookings for maximum of 20 delegates.

For further information, please call 028 9038 8000 or email salesexec@ malonelodgehotel.com

CORPORATE ACCOMMODATION IN THE HEART OF BELFAST CONTACT OUR SALES MANAGER TODAY TO SET UP YOUR CORPORATE RATE: CLAIRE MARTIN CLAIRE@BULLITTHOTEL.COM 02895 900 600 | 07553 384 931

SAFE LARGE ENOUGH TO HOLD A 17” LAPTOP COMPLIMENTARY TOILETRIES REFRESHING RAIN SHOWERS NETFLIX AND SKY TV IN ROOM CONTROLLABLE AIR CONDITIONING KING SIZE BEDS SUPERFAST WIFI BULLITTHOTEL.COM

Eye on Conferences & Events

The Scent of Christmas is in the Air at The Merchant Hotel

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he team at The Merchant Hotel, one of Belfast’s most luxurious venues, is clearly embracing Christmas this year. They have just released their Christmas events brochure for 2017, and the brochure itself is scented with a glorious hint of Christmas cinnamon. It’s also filled to the brim with a wealth of indulgent experiences to ensure Christmas at The Merchant is truly magical. Enjoy festive banquets, sumptuous overnight stays, seasonal afternoon teas and fabulous celebrations to bring in the New Year and much more.

With a number of special festive event spaces available, The Merchant Hotel can accommodate gala dinners for up to 150 guests, drinks receptions for up to 200 guests and events in Ollie’s Club for up to 550 guests. The Events

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Space features six private event rooms; a choice of three, four, five or six course menus; and complimentary room hire for private dinner parties of 10 or more.

If you are looking for something a bit different, what better way to enjoy the festive season and the best of winter than an event in the Alpine Lodge in The Merchant Roof Garden? Let the cosines of fur throws, the soft glow from candle lights and a few warming mulled wines transport you this winter looking out onto the sights of the city. They can offer private parties from £32 per person to include drinks reception, finger food and private hire. Suitable for up to 70 guests.

For more information or to request a brochure please contact events@themerchanthotel. com or call (028) 90262717

CHRISTMAS AT

FESTIVE MENU FROM £35PP ROOMS FROM £100 PARTY PACKAGES AVAILABLE ROOFTOP BAR AND GARDEN OPENING OCTOBER 2017

BULLITT HOTEL, 40A CHURCH LANE, BELFAST, BT1 4QN 028 9590 0600 | BULLITTHOTEL.COM

TO FIND OUT MORE CONTACT CHRISTMAS@BULLITTHOTEL.COM OR CALL 028 9590 0600 101

Eye on Conferences & Events

White Horse Hotel, Derry-Londonderry

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he 4 star Best Western Plus White Horse Hotel is an established favourite for its conference and banqueting facilities in DerryLondonderry. Conveniently located 3 miles from the City of Derry Airport and just ten minutes from the city centre. We offer ample complimentary parking providing an ideal venue for…

• corporate events • meetings • workshops • product launches • seminars • corporate parties & celebrations

We have the facilities and skills to host your perfect event.

The Willsboro Suite is one of the largest conference suites in Derry ~ Londonderry.

Situated on the ground floor, this suite has the capacity to hold a maximum of 600 people theatre style or 400 banqueting style. With natural daylight and a reception/breakout area, this is an ideal venue for conferences. The suite offers excellent audio visual facilities which include 2 large screens over 3 meters wide and 2 modern projectors, colour changing LED lights and a built in camera to record the event or stream it live on the internet. Perfect for a range of events, from seminars to parties, functions to weddings.

The Willsboro’s private reception can be used as a break out area or operate as a full bar depending on the nature of your event.

The Campsey Suite which also boasts natural daylight is the second largest of our conference rooms with a capacity of 200 theatre style and 120 banqueting style. The suite also has its own breakout area.

Eglinton Suite - This popular suite is elegantly decorated and seats up to 25-30 delegates.

Garden Room - This is our board room with a board table seating a maximum of 8 people Our range of meeting rooms offers us the flexibility to host business and corporate events of

almost any size, from exclusive boardroom style meetings to 600 people seated theatre style in our Willsboro Ballroom.

The management team is committed to providing the highest level of service and to making your corporate event a successful one. We will tailor our packages to suit your needs whilst maintaining a friendly & welcoming atmosphere throughout.

WHITE HORSE HOTEL DERRY-LONDONDERRY

Conference facilities for 6 to 600 people, conveniently located 3 miles from the City of Derry Airport and just ten minutes from the city centre, ample complimentary parking.

With award winning food and the highest Investor in People accolade in the North West, we have the facilities and skills to host your perfect event.

68 Clooney Road, Derry-Londonderry, BT47 3PA 02871 860606 events@whitehorsehotel.biz 102

Looking for a venue for your meetings, training and conferences? We’ve got you covered...

LIMITED OFFER: Free coffee break for room hire bookings* *Maximum number applies *Please quote ‘BUSINESSEYE’

Day Delegate Rate: £27pp • Meeting room • 3 tea/coffee and snack breaks • Lunch • Screen and projector • Car parking • WiFi

www.malonelodgehotel.com 028 9038 8000 eventsmgr@malonelodgehotel.com

Eye on Conferences & Events

Crowne Plaza…

New Look For City Favourite The Award Winning Crowne Plaza is Belfast’s premier conference and events venue, nestled in an area of outstanding natural beauty and just 10 minutes from the city centre and close to all the main arterial routes.

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rowne Plaza Belfast is the North’s largest conference hotel, with 21 meeting rooms catering for all types of event, from a two-person engagement to a

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conference for 900 delegates or a gala ball for 550 guests.. Delegates can also benefit from free fast Wi-Fi and onsite car parking all events.

The sleek Great Oak Conference Centre is located on the top floor of the property, with 12 superb meeting rooms with the latest AV technology and a dedicated business centre with a manned conference reception. The facilities at The Great Oak Conference Centre include The Boardroom which boasts leather seating, a plasma screen TV, a

private terrace and complimentary Nespresso coffee, as well as tea, soft drinks and snacks. The Great Oak Conference Centre provides catering for every requirement from small meetings to conferences for up to 160 and banquets for 120.

The Grand Ballroom at Crowne Plaza Belfast is one of Northern Ireland’s largest dedicated conference and banqueting spaces with capacity for 900 delegates or 550 dinner guests. This magnificent suite avails of HD digital projectors, audio, 3-phase power supply, ceiling mounts for lighting rigs and a generous pre-function area making this a truly multi-function venue.

The elegant Malone Suite accommodates up to 200 guests, with private bar facilities within the room, this stunning suite provides the perfect setting for a more intimate event. The pre-function area provides the perfect area for your guests or delegates to arrive and includes a feature lighting centrepiece with hand-blown glass, unique designer fittings and furnishings and a

gorgeous shimmering cocktail bar.

The Laganview Suite is a dedicated stand-alone venue featuring two suites and pre-function areas for private and VIP events. Complete with its own private arrival area which has stunning views over the Lagan Valley, this suite avails of private bar facilities and an enclosed patio area. The Laganview Suite also benefits from its own garden and three meeting rooms and can cater for conferences, banquets and meetings for up to 210 delegates.

Crowne Plaza Belfast is a brand that is built on meeting the needs of business travellers, and offers Club Bedrooms and a Club Lounge complete with complimentary continental breakfast, snacks and drinks. The Crowne Plaza ‘Sleep Advantage’ programme includes new pocket-sprung mattresses and luxurious new bedding, quiet zone bedrooms and aromatherapy kits in every room to ensure a restful night after a busy day.

The Crowne Plaza Hotel is located at 117 Milltown Road, Shaw’s Bridge, Belfast BT8 7XP. You can visit www.cpbelfast.com for a full list of facilities or make an enquiry on 028 9092 3500 or at meetings@cpbelfast.com

BELFAST

INSPIRING MEETINGS START WITH INSPIRING PLACES Experience our new facilities, perfectly placed, just a 15 minute drive from Belfast City Centre, with free Wi-Fi & parking.

Belfast’s leading conference & events venue, featuring state-of-the-art meeting spaces for up to 900 delegates.

Enjoy premium accommodation with our Sleep AdvantageÂŽ programme & delicious dining in our restaurants and lounge bar.

For more details, call 028 9092 3500 or email meetings@cpbelfast.com

Eye on Conferences & Events

Faithlegg House Hotel introduces stylish new refurbishment Perennially popular and now even prettier than ever, Faithlegg House Hotel has just unveiled an elegant makeover of the 14 bedrooms in the original Manor House, along with the Board Room and Adelaide Blake Suite at the hotel.

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orking with Sheila Aylward’s family business, the Waterford-based Ormond Soft Furnishings, the charming rooms have been refreshed in a way perfectly in keeping with this luxurious and well-loved gem.

All 14 master bedrooms in the Manor House, now called Master Superior and Master Deluxe, have fresh and vivid new colour schemes using pretty patterns paired with curtains and accessories in complimentary shades.

In keeping with the distinctive character and personality of Faithlegg House Hotel, colours vary from room to room, and include a warm heather and lilac colourway with box pelmets featuring a rich abstract pattern, a bold pink shade with a sweetly abstract floral design used in matching cushions and pelmets,

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an appealing duck egg blue velvet with a sumptuous Jacobean-style floral pattern and a classic seaside combination of French blue and fresh white with a stylised pattern of floral medallions.

Depending on the size and style of each room at Faithlegg House Hotel, furnishings can include four-poster beds or deeply buttoned upholstered headboards, and there are cosy wingback chairs or comfy couches perfect for curling up with a good book, and polished mahogany tables and chests of drawers reflecting the glow of the handsome brass lamps dotted throughout. Master Superior rooms are spacious and comfortable, with Lavazza coffee machines, 40” TVs and Voya Elite amenities. Master Deluxe rooms are even bigger, and have the additional pleasure of splendid views across the estate.

The Adelaide Blake Suite at Faithlegg House Hotel has been refurbished in shades of rich cream, silvery grey and old gold, with subtle patterned wallpaper and classic plaid carpet, equally at home as a setting for a civil ceremony or as the backdrop to a sophisticated private dining event.

Faithlegg House Hotel’s Board Room has vibrant and welcoming shades of coral, apricot and burnt orange, and the vintage handblock-style patterned wallpaper with its birds and flowers echoes the lovely views of the gardens through the handsome feature windows. This stylish new look means the Board Room now makes an ideal setting for a more intimate private dining event, an even more polished and refined setting in which to enjoy chef Jenny Flynn’s fine food.

This latest refurbishment of 14

bedrooms in the original Manor House, along with the Board Room and Adelaide Blake Suite at the hotel, almost concludes the refurbishment of all bedrooms at Faithlegg House Hotel. Of the total of 68 Classic Bedrooms in the modern wing at Faithlegg House Hotel, 33 were refurbished during phase one, 7 more will be completed later this year, with the remainder to be completed in early 2018.

With this latest phase of refurbishment at Faithlegg House Hotel complete, this luxurious four-star hotel is looking better than ever.

Faithlegg House Hotel & Golf Resort, Faithlegg, Co. Waterford Tel: +353 (0)51 382000 www.faithlegg.com

Eye on Conferences & Events

La Mon Means Business La Mon Hotel & Country Club is the ideal solution when organising an event or conference.

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omplete with 10 syndicate rooms, conference suites suitable for 1000 guests and capacities for 600 guests at Gala Banquets. Our clients are continually impressed with La Mon’s superior cuisine by our Award Winning Chef’s. La Mon is located only 15 minutes from Belfast city centre, which allows corporate guests to have the opportunity to escape the stress of rush hour traffic and enjoy a personal approach to service and personalised packages, in a state of the art setting.

This is complimented by complimentary car parking and complimentary Wifi.

La Mon’s purpose built conference & event suites are complimented by 120 luxury bedrooms and our Country Club which offers residents complimentary use of our 15m swimming pool, sauna,

Jacuzzi, steam room and two gymnasiums for cardiovascular and muscle resistance.

La Mon Country Club is a great way for delegates to relax and unwind.

Be welcomed by La Mon’s events team and experience ultimate hospitality with tailor made packages to suit your event needs. To contact our team of event professionals, please call: 028 9044 8631 or email: events@lamon.co.uk

La Mon Hotel & Country Club 41 Gransha Road, Castlereagh, Belfast, BT23 5RF Tel: 028 90 448631 Email: events@lamon.co.uk Web: www.lamon.co.uk

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Eye on News

Work To Begin On New City Quays Car Park

Local firm Felix O’Hare Ltd has been appointed as the contractor for the £18million project to build a 900-space multi storey car park at City Quays in Belfast. The development is required by both existing and future City Quays office occupiers as an integral part of the offer, sitting alongside other forms of travel to work methods.

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t is hoped that the 12-month project, located on the former SeaCat surface car park site – situated between Donegall Quay, Tomb Street and the Cross-Harbour Bridge - will create 100 construction jobs.

The multi-storey car park will be developed and owned

by Belfast Harbour who, when complete, will contract out the operation of the carpark.

Graeme Johnson, Belfast Harbour’s Property Director, said: “We’re delighted that work is getting underway on a project which will allow us to plan ahead and implement future phases of commercial development within City Quays.

“City Quays has been an unrivalled success and this is another milestone in its development. We are delighted that another local Northern Ireland construction firm is engaged in building this project and bringing it to fruition.

We are very much looking forward to working with Felix O’Hare Ltd.” Gerry Gray, Managing Director, Felix O’Hare Ltd, added: “This is a significant contract for

our firm and we are pleased to be contributing to the phenomenal success of City Quays. These are exactly the types of construction projects that the industry in Northern Ireland needs at this time and Belfast Harbour is to the forefront of its growth through developments such City Quays.”

The car park will deliver leadingedge parking solutions including mobile payment platforms as well as the provision of electric car charging points.

Design features will include provision of dedicated pedestrian walkways along the car park decks, enlarged car parking space size and greater floor to ceiling height to allow for the unhindered rear access to estate cars and SUVs. The external façade has also been designed to ensure the building sits within the design quality of the rest of the City Quays masterplan.

This latest development to be taken forward by Belfast Harbour will join the City Quays office buildings and a 188-bedroom AC by Marriot hotel.

Current City Quays tenants include Baker & McKenzie, Cayan, MACOM and NBC.

BIFM IRELAND SUMMIT RETURNS TO BELFAST The British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) Ireland FM Summit will return to Belfast on 17th November 2017, when facilities management professionals gather at the newly refurbished National Football Stadium at Windsor Park.

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ow in its 21st year The BIFM Ireland FM Summit has become one of the highlights in the calendars of FM professionals and those working on the periphery of the FM industry from across Ireland and beyond.

Featuring both local and international speakers and exhibitors the summit will bring together facilities management professionals and industry experts to give unique insights into the new and best practices of facilities management, ensuring the efficient and profitable running of businesses.

This year’s theme, ‘The Internet of Things’, will examine facilities management as it embraces new digital communications technologies.

The Internet of Things examines how devices can be used beyond the

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traditional computing norms to provide intelligence everywhere around us.

Automation can allow us to adjust thermostats, open doors, monitor health, and simplify tasks such as to do lists at the touch of a button or even the flick of a wrist. Removing simple chores from our everyday life enables us to maintain better focus at work or gives us more time relax with family and friends.

Keith Halliday, BIFM Ireland Region committee member said, “We are delighted to be bringing our FM Summit back to Belfast for 2017 to such an iconic venue. The Internet of Things will most certainly be the driving force of change and possibilities for the FM and services industry in the coming years. FM as an industry continues to grow rapidly throughout the UK and Ireland and the

Stephen Welch, BIFM Ireland Region committee member and Ray Taylor, Operations Director of the summit’s leading sponsors Aramark, pictured at the launch of the 2017 BIFM Ireland FM Summit.

profession has come a long way locally thanks to BIFM and our Ireland region, which has in excess of 400 members.”

Aramark returns as the chief sponsor this year, with Compass, H&J Martin and Sodexo on board as supporting sponsors. Ray Taylor, Operations Director, Aramark said: “We have supported the BIFM Ireland Summit for many years now and it always presents an ideal platform to discuss with fellow professionals the way forward and delve into the topics that are challenging and changing the

sector. We have no doubt that this year’s summit will be as informative and engaging as always with a great line-up of inspiring speakers.”

As well as looking to the future, this year’s summit also looks to sport for its next inspiration. Held at the iconic National Stadium, the event will be hosted by renowned sports journalist and presenter Denise Watson. A special question and answer session will also be held at the event with football legend and all-time lead goal scorer for Northern Ireland, David Healy MBE.

Eye on Apps

APPS – SEISMIC SHIFT FROM SEXY TO SUBSTANCE When the first apps hit the App Store almost 20 years ago, entertainment was prominent, with games, music and sports focused apps dominating downloads.

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li MacFarlane, the forerunner to what is now a highly populated app development market, started developing apps at award winning Sugar Rush Creative five years ago, when apps were still something of a luxury for helping match shoes to an outfit or for choosing which music the user should listen to that day.

Ali has however seen a seismic shift in what clients’ expectations of apps are now. “Our phone used to ring off the hook with millennials asking for quotes to develop their ideas for shiny sexy apps which had little or no substance and which they didn’t have the finance to fund,” says Ali. “I’ve witnessed a huge transformation though as more and more clients are taking the reason for development

seriously. They understand economic and environmental benefits, how apps can assist with accountability and minimise risk.”

Belfast and London based experts at Sugar Rush Creative now develop apps which make a real difference to users’ lives, organisations bottom lines and real business sense.

Ali said: “To this day I still receive requests from people who have a great idea but in my heart I know it won’t make them a millionaire.

Some requests come from the nicest people and whilst I could easily take their last penny to develop their idea, my integrity and our reputation is more important and I have to let them down gently.

“Genuinely though people are now beginning to realise what I’ve been preaching for the last five years and that’s that apps aren’t quick business fixes. They require time and investment, understanding the placement and positioning for the best user experience to truly receive the best return for the app and the organisation’s investment.

“I spoke to someone recently who

took development overseas as it was a fraction of the cost of UK development. When I asked them about the process, functionality, after sales care and ultimately what would happen if the app crashed – I received a blank stare.”

At Sugar Rush Creative the process from initial idea to the app becoming live is a robust one. Each client is challenged face to face as to the reasoning behind their idea and its purpose.

Ali provides advice and direction on investment and funding opportunities and return on investment for clients to consider before developing a prototype.

Sugar Rush Creative hand hold their clients from concept to conclusion and every conceivable click in between. They provide custom apps rather than templates as there is no real one size fits all.

“Our clients don’t have deep pockets. It’s extremely important for me to develop an app with clients that either saves them money, saves them time, captures data, increases productivity, provides a worthy experience for the user or ultimately assists in

increasing turnover and that’s why I sit down with clients and develop their objectives and goals for the app before the first click of the mouse. I don’t see an app as a promotional tool – it has to have real purpose,” he says.

Recently Sugar Rush Creative entered two awards for the first time and won on both occasions.

The winning apps provide two very different functions. One is an enterprise app developed for the commercial sector aimed at eliminating the risk of legionella, whilst the other has been developed for the public sector helping rehabilitate offenders back into society through the Probation Board of Northern Ireland.

Ali said: “We never invested the time in entering awards before.

This year we decided to enter the prestigious DANI and Digital DNA awards and we were awarded App of the Year in both. It’s a real testament to the work that we do to receive this recognition from our peers and to be acknowledged as being at the top of our game.”

Sugar Rush Creative’s client list spans the globe but whether the client is in a time zone 10 hours ahead or 10 hours behind, the service they receive is the same as the client based on the ground in Belfast or London.

Ali believes that the talent in Northern Ireland is revolutionary and that there is the ability locally for developers to take bespoke to a whole new level with the new channels and technology available to them. “When we started out there were a handful of techies playing with app development and very few were operating at our level” says Ali, “but with the focus on tech here recently I think it’s a really exciting time to be involved in our industry, as we’re on the cusp of truly competing with the global experts who have traditionally been seen as the leaders in our field.”

Sugar Rush Creative awards - Digital DNA ‘App of the Year’ Probation Service for Northern Ireland and DANI Awards ‘App of the Year’ highly commended for ELRM.

ali.mac@sugarrushcreative.com

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Eye on Business Leaders Forum

Summer’s Over...

Back To Business Des Moore, First Trust Bank

With political stalemate at Stormont, looming Brexit, funding logjams, Northern Ireland faces plenty of challenges.

From a business perspective, what is on your wish list for the coming autumn and winter?

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he number one priority for businesses and the wider economy in Northern Ireland remains getting the Executive back up and running as soon as possible. Against the backdrop of Brexit, and its specific impact on this region, we simply can’t afford any more delays.

At the Bank, we have seen how businesses are continuing to do what they do best – buy, sell, invest and grow – adopting very much ‘a business as usual’ approach almost despite the political uncertainty.

While that’s admirable and a sign of the ‘can do’ attitude that is typical here, the wider economy

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and our long-term success needs a functioning government and executive to take forward the many economic priorities we have - whether around skills, infrastructure, corporation tax, inward investment– and an agreed position on Brexit given the special circumstances we are likely to face – and all before it’s too late.

We hope that the positive impact of the recent DUP agreement with Tories, particularly in relation to infrastructure investment such as the York Street Interchange and the apparent continued support for the devolution of Corporation Tax will soon be felt – but how much this

can be progressed without political progress is unclear. Likewise, we know that many of our customers need clarity on issues such as the Apprenticeship Levy and sight of the current Industrial Strategy.

Against this backdrop it is clear that the business community is willing to do whatever we can to help political progress and return stability. This is a shared challenge just as much as it is a shared opportunity.

Eye on Business Leaders Forum

With political stalemate at Stormont, looming Brexit, funding logjams, Northern Ireland faces plenty of challenges. From a business perspective, what is on your wish list for the coming autumn and winter?

Judith Totten Uncertainty is an overused word at the moment and there’s no doubt that this is a real challenge. It’s what leads to people holding back from making decisions – on investment, capex, diversification etc. We need to overcome that obstacle and get on with it. Upstream’s advice to clients’ has always been to agree a plan and execute it.

You might look back and wish you had done things differently – but at least you tried.

NI needs combined thinking. If the executives at Stormont and Westminster could just work out their differences - businesses, funders, advisors, investors and the general population here can function together and collaborate in an atmosphere of respect and trust. We cannot operate in a vacuum with no leadership and no decisions on budgets and so forth.

Business has always got on with it and is still stepping up to fill the void, regardless of what happens “on the hill”, but this extended log jam is exceptionally embarrassing - globally.

Upstream

Companies here have started to overcome their natural conservatism regarding finance.

Moving from one bank to four or five different funders has been a big step and it can be outside of old comfort zones. But the advantages have far outweighed any discomforts. The corporate body has grown in sophistication but the advisory community probably still has a way to go.

Some smaller advisory firms are still stuck in the ‘go to the bank’ mentality. But even this is slowly changing – Upstream wouldn’t exist if that evolution wasn’t happening! But there are still more gaps to fill and a lot more education to offer.

There is room for still more investment and more funding.

Trade and supply chain finance is one area that I’d highlight as a real gap that Upstream is actively looking to fill this year.

That kind of proactivity is so attractive to clients and their advisers. The message is that there is flexibility and that solutions can be found to match the need.

Looking at “Brexit” from a business owner’s point of view, it might offer “corporate” NI an opportunity to try and influence the Brexit roadmap in a way that benefits us. Or, we can just be very compliant and follow suit with what Westminster decides is best for the UK as a whole.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could do something different? - something that would be tailored to Northern Ireland? If achievable it could bring a lot of opportunities.

Brexit, in some ways, is an unfortunate distraction. But is there anyone out there who is honestly certain about everything else except Brexit? Is business not all about managing uncertainty?

The market will adapt and if we can’t overcome Brexit, there is something wrong. And too much speculation really isn’t good for us. NI is an easy sell in terms of cost of living, education and so on - so let’s get selling it.

There are undoubted practical issues for us in NI. A hard border will impact greatly on business and the freedom of movement of people. Currency

volatility and the ability to export with confidence are all hot topics – but again, it is the ‘not knowing’ which is really the biggest challenge. Clear direction from Westminster and Stormont is required and then we need to get on with it.

So in summary, my wish list is to give NI all the advantages of its global competitors for business, travel, finance and growth, kick start productivity and growth and get back to basics.

Enough with the navel gazing!

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Eye on Business Leaders Forum

Brendan Monaghan Like most Northern Ireland business owners, I believe the number one priority this year, and indeed for the foreseeable future, must be a return to sustained political stability.

Brexit will undoubtedly present a number of political challenges, many of which are outside local Government’s control. However, our politicians can and must work together to put in place an Assembly focused on the good of Northern Ireland; one which can positively influence how Brexit will impact upon our economic prosperity.

Northern Ireland has swiftly been becoming a fintech hub thanks to its rich talent pool, low overheads and its valuable geographic location as an access route to Europe. 15% of Neueda’s workforce come from outside Northern Ireland, with a large portion of these people relocating here from countries such as Spain. With a stable Executive in place, we can grasp the opportunity to further cement Belfast’s position as a city of choice for EU-wide talent.

Maintaining frictionless trade and free movement between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will be crucial. As

John Hansen A fully functioning Executive will be critical in the longer term to secure sustainable economic growth for Northern Ireland. Alongside its role in day-to-day governance and policymaking, we need an Executive that can progress three priority areas this coming autumn and winter: (1) Delivering on the commitment to reduce our rate of corporation tax to 12.5% – giving Northern Ireland a much-needed competitive edge that will help to attract foreign direct investment into the region in the coming years; (2) Ensuring that Northern Ireland has a strong voice in any Brexit negotiations in the months ahead; (3) Ensuring the recent ‘windfall’ is effectively spent.

In KPMG’s recent CEO Outlook for 2017, 80 per cent of NI CEOs surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that political uncertainty is having a greater impact on their business than previously seen. For example, the lack of a coherent plan in relation to Northern Ireland and Brexit could lend an air of

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do so many other international operators in Northern Ireland, Neueda works with major clients in several European markets.

We are committed to maintaining service standards with no disruption to our support to them, despite what Brexit may bring. How this issue is managed is perhaps the most critical in allowing businesses to achieve growth and success internationally.

Uncertainties aside, we remain ambitious and optimistic for the future. Neueda’s growth strategy sets out to increase our revenue to £100m by 2022 and we are investing £12million into the creation of 165 new software and IT roles. We believe we are resilient enough an organisation to navigate challenges and deliver on our objectives.

Neueda was founded in 2008 and, despite an extremely challenging economic backdrop, has maintained steady growth year on year since, thanks to our business model’s adaptability.

The business community in Northern Ireland shares a tremendous sense of goodwill and an ambitious vision of where we want to be on the global map. The challenge is now over to the politicians to help steer us on that journey.

Partner In Charge, KPMG in Northern Ireland uncertainty that is not good for business.

However, it was encouraging to note respondents’ ‘getting on with business’ approach to current uncertainties, with many anticipating opportunities as well as challenges from disruptive forces coming down the line – such as Brexit and technological innovation.

Our survey showed that local CEOs are seeing disruption in the months ahead as opportunity to transform their business model, develop new products, embrace technological innovation and re-shape their business by way of building sustainable growth and success.

The Northern Ireland business community possesses a strong resilience that has carried us through even the must unsettling political and economic times and, I believe, will continue to do so this autumn and winter.

CEO, Neueda

Eye on Business Leaders Forum

Kirsty McManus First and foremost, IoD members have sent us a clear message that they want the Northern Ireland Executive back up and running and delivering for all of our citizens.

We need our Northern Ireland Executive to deliver on key infrastructure projects, address the budgetary pressure on our health and education budgets and critically, we need a positive outcome from both the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) and Minister for Infrastructure on the long awaited North South Interconnector.

More importantly, we need a voice to champion our citizens and businesses in the critical Brexit negotiations. Northern Ireland is unique in this debate and we must ensure that our voice is heard at both a UK and European level. The end of October, when the 27 EU heads of state meet to agree if sufficient progress has been made on the border between Northern Ireland and ROI, rights of EU citizens in UK and UK citizens in the rest of EU and much talked about financial settlement, will be seminal.

We need to ensure that sufficient progress

Michael Murphy The 23rd June 2016 plunged our industry into uncertainty, and unfortunately more than a year later we are none the wiser. My three main areas of concern are in the movement of goods within the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, access to labour - and delivery on the promised support for the agrifood industry in Northern Ireland, with a fit for purpose Food Marketing Board to support the economic development plan.

To enable continued growth in the GB market, the control of east-west movement of goods is key - alongside a continued seamless north-south border. Access to EU grain markets is essential to the stability of grain prices and in turn the cost of food to consumers. We need our local politicians to adopt a common sense approach and move forward with solutions.

Whatever type of Brexit we end up with, access to EU labour is essential for the agri-food industry. Our current EU workforce needs clarity on its rights going forward and recognition of its contribution to our society.

IoD Northern Ireland

has been made to allow the negotiations on trade and the all-important question of the UK’s future relationship with its largest commercial partner to begin.

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), “skills have become the currency of 21st Century economies”.

In an increasingly competitive and fast changing world we need to invest in our people at all stages of their career. In particular, IoD members would like to see us revisit the long-standing debate regarding the review of management and leadership provision in Northern Ireland.

As a long-established professional awarding body, the IoD is the only institute in the world to offer internationally recognised qualifications designed by directors for directors under Royal Charter.

CEO Irwin’s Bakery

We need to ensure training schemes match the needs of the industry and encourage indigenous labour into the workforce. Contributions to the Apprenticeship Levy need action and decisions on the best way to develop our young people, to ensure we have a well-trained pool of talent eager to enter the sector.

Finally, the formation of a commercially led Food Marketing Board is essential to our success within the EU and further development of our prospects in international markets. This industry body must be adequately funded to ensure the agri-food sector achieves its targeted contribution to the Northern Ireland economy.

The agri-food Industry, NIFDA and other sector bodies have worked hard on ensuring agri-food industry issues are on the agenda at Westminster. It is now time for Stormont to work for businesses and the people of Northern Ireland, to ensure we have a stable and successful future.

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Eye on Business Leaders Forum

David Mulholland Political instability and uncertainty prevent timely decisions being taken in the long term interest of our society. We want to see decisions affecting the legal and justice sector in Northern Ireland being made by Ministers who understand the specific priorities and needs of this jurisdiction and care about their impact.

We want Northern Ireland to be seen as a place that has something valuable and distinctive to offer to an international marketplace and we therefore want our Ministers to be in a position to positively promote us in this way.

Our barristers are already advising clients regarding Brexit on a range of issues; from importing and exporting goods to managing the potential loss of EU workers. We encourage businesses to be prepared and seek specialist legal

Chief Executive, Bar of NI

advice as required to help them in their strategic and investment planning.

Despite the outlook The Bar of Northern Ireland is positive that the legal sector will continue to invest, adapt and provide support to clients in both established and innovative ways. To complement our existing expertise in providing trusted and independent advice and representation to clients in court, the Bar has recently invested in The Resolution Centre which is a new purpose-designed centre for alternative dispute resolution located at Donegall Quay in Belfast.

In doing so we have responded to client demand and have created a venue for skilled mediators and arbitrators to assist parties in arriving at alternative resolution options.

We hope that a resolution to wider political issues may soon follow.

Business Women’s Achievements to be Recognised in Prestigious Awards Ceremony

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Imelda McMillan and Pamela Ballantine launch the Awards

The achievements of business women throughout Northern Ireland are to be celebrated at the Women in Business Awards 2017.

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he Awards, which are supported by the Irish News, were launched today in Belfast by Women in Business Chair and director at O’Reilly Stewart, Imelda McMillan. Now in their seventh year, the Women in Business awards celebrate, reward and acknowledge the dedication and achievements of business women across Northern Ireland.

A firm fixture in the business calendar, this year’s awards will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Thursday 9th November, where all sectors and industries can join together for an evening of celebration.

All finalists will join the Women in Business Award Finalist Alumnae, which offers the opportunity to network and engage with likeminded business women enhancing both personal and professional development. This year, finalists will also have the opportunity to take part in an exclusive Finalist Retreat where they will be inspired by a range of speakers and network in a unique environment.

Women in Business Chair Imelda McMillan, commented, “Women are an integral and valuable part of every community and every business. Women in Business celebrates women’s professional achievements and inspires them to reach their full potential.

“The Awards recognise business women from all fields through eleven awards categories. With four of the categories divided into two levels acknowledging the contribution of both corporate and small business.

“There is something for everyone with awards ranging from Diversity in the Workplace to Outstanding Innovation, Excellence in IT to Young Business Woman of the year.

Nominations are now open and I would encourage you to nominate yourself, a friend, colleague or an organisation before Monday 2 October at 12pm.”

For a full list of awards, entry forms and to book a ticket to the event visit: www.womeninbusinessni.com/events/ wib-awards-/awards-2017.aspx

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Eye on Internet

Some Of My Best Friends Are Users

By Gareth Dunlop, Fathom.

After the first 100 days of the new American president turned out to be even more shambolic that might have been predicted, I turned to my favourite social and political commentator, Malcolm Gladwell of The New Yorker, to help me try to make sense of it all. I have long admired Gladwell’s writing, not just because he’s a brilliant story-teller, but because he shares my fascination with human behavior in both its individual and social contexts and is committed to the pursuit of facts as the foundation for his opinion.

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hilst he is a journalist and I am an experience design professional, the overlap in our work is clear both philosophically (the importance of observing human behaviour to understand the world) and practically (designing a better world through the pursuit of insight).

So my interest was personally driven but had a professional flavor to it.

Gladwell’s writing spans sociology, psychology, and social psychology, with a particular interest in the unexpected implications of social sciences research.

His specific talent lies in using science and research to explain the otherwise inexplicable. So when the American people appointed a pathological liar to the Whitehouse with a five-decade track record of bullying, self-serving greed and brash tasteless opulence to act as their champion, I needed Gladwell more than ever to help me understand what was going on.

I was sure if he could explain using science and statistics why such a disproportionately large number of billionaires were born in the 1950s, why the majority of Canadian professional ice-hockey players were born in January, February or March, and why Korean Airlines held such a poor safety record for decades, he could help straighten this out for me.

Gladwell’s observation is that people were prepared to overlook the less

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savoury elements of Trump’s rhetoric because of the human tendency toward “moral licensing”. He tells the story of when his parents moved to London from the West Indies in the 1950s, their neighbour (who his family got on well with) would regularly comment to his (black) mother about how awful it was that black people were coming to Britain in such numbers

aspects of life, including design.

Too many website owners have never spoken to users, or haven’t engaged with them in some time, or worse still think they can represent the user with self-reference and so thus adopt the view that they couldn’t possibly be user-ist because there was that one time when they made some kind of an effort.

“ Moral licensing is the mindset which argues “well because I have a friend who is [ insertminority-grouping-here ] I can’t possible be [ insert prejudice here ] because otherwise I couldn’t have that friend.” and what a problem it was. What’s more, this neighbour was never less than cordial at all times, would have counted the Gladwells as friends, and never spotted the irony in the situation.

(For added absurdity, the neighbour’s family were planning to move to South Africa to get away from the challenges of racism and multiculturalism.)

Moral licensing is the mindset which argues “well because I have a friend who is [ insert-minoritygrouping-here ] I can’t possible be [ insert prejudice here ] because otherwise I couldn’t have that friend.”

Moral licensing occurs in many

This represents the worst of the “some of my best friends are users” mindset.

This outlook stands in stark contrast with the design philosophies underpinning the world’s most successful digital products. From global exemplars like Google and Amazon, to big Irish success stories like Daft. ie and Weddings Online, the mindset of “always-on optimisation” believes that every product can always get better all the time, and the only way to achieve that is through programme of ongoing improvement founded on knowing users intimately.

The slightest hint of a commitment

to facts would have saved the Donald from the embarrassment of claiming Obama’s birth certificate was fake (it isn’t), that more people were at his inauguration than Obama’s and that he’s going to build a big wall (it’s mostly fence, right Donald?).

Are you making assumptions about your customers and their online needs right now which could be as catastrophic as some of The Donald’s policy suggestions? You need to find out, and that starts by reconnecting with your users.

Gareth Dunlop owns and runs Fathom, a user-experience consultancy which helps ambitious organisations get the most from their website and internet marketing by viewing the world from the perspective of their customers. Specialist areas include UX strategy, usability testing and customer journey planning, web accessibility and integrated online marketing. Clients include Three, Ordnance Survey Ireland, PSNI, Permanent TSB and Tesco Mobile.

Visit Fathom online at fathom.pro

Eye on Property

Housing Market Strong...

But Challenges Lie Ahead

By Michael Boyd, Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Director, Progressive Building Society.

House Prices

The Ulster University’s latest Quarterly House Price Index survey, produced in partnership with Progressive Building Society and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, has recorded the strongest volume of transactions across Northern Ireland for over a decade, with a range of factors influencing some caution within the market which has resulted in subdued average prices within the period.

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here has been a weighted decrease in the average sale price falling by 1.1% over the quarter reflecting a mixed picture for Northern Ireland’s Housing market.

Confidence remains within the Northern Ireland housing sector and this is supported by affordability, a stable local labour market and economic growth of 0.3% in the early part of 2017.

However, wider economic and

The overall average house price for the second quarter of 2017 (£148,499) is below expectations and the level of pricing experienced during 2016 and the previous quarter.

The positive outlook and sentiment from estate agents is reflective of the growing number of transactions, however the caution within the market has seen buyers renegotiating before sale completion contributing to the lower than expected prices.

As Northern Ireland’s economic hub, Belfast’s strong performance has been at the forefront of the housing market’s growth in recent times. However, its average price of £154,980 is much lower than expected.

At a more regional level the picture is variable if not consistent with the current uncertainty. Within the commuter zone of Belfast the three local markets show contrasting performance with the four markets in the West and South relatively stable and average price levels largely unchanged. The North and North West market areas are variable with Antrim prices dropping back while elsewhere the market has performed well.

Longer Term

political factors are having an impact including uncertainty following the triggering of Article 50 and a lack of consensus on negotiations regarding local, national and international trade, wage growth lagging behind inflation and the expectation that interest rates may rise. This has played out within a discerning market in the last quarter with contrasting performances regarding property type and age.

While the local economy is set to continue to grow by 1% in 2017, that level of growth is expected to fall next year.

Having been sheltered by the immediate impact of the Brexit vote with local exports rising as a result of the devaluation in sterling, the complexities of Brexit is now impacting business and economic certainty. That devaluation of sterling is also now contributing to the rise

in inflation and squeezing household budgets. This is being felt more sharply in Northern Ireland than other regions due to a much lower disposable income than the UK average.

That inflation rise has in turn stimulated the debate on the historically low interest rate and whether the Bank of England will make a change in the near future. These are external issues that are impacting the local housing market.

Factors that may influence the market in the medium to longer term is the business outlook regarding Brexit negotiations, inflation, which dropped to 2.6% in June and the potential establishment of a new Northern Ireland Executive. Significant investment announced for Northern Ireland following the Westminster election will help stimulate economic investment in areas including infrastructural development.

As one of the most affordable regions of the UK, the Northern Ireland housing market remains confident, and the 2017 Q2 paradox that is the strongest transaction levels for 10 years compared with a reduced average price is reflective of the unprecedented and complex economic environment. The impact of external political and macroeconomic issues will be reflected in the level of growth of the local housing market in the months ahead.

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Eye on News

Is Johnny actually Elvis?

It seems a bit naughty to pen an article for “The Profit 200 Business Eye Edition” and basically trash the term in favour of cash flow. Maybe the “Cash 200” Edition wouldn’t sound so illustrious? But in Upstream we remain passionate about working capital. It has been our mission from day one to educate business owners on the difference between profit and cash.

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good way to learn respect for the concept of cash flow is to compare it to the idea of profit. As a business owner, you understand and strive to make a profit. If you can buy or manufacture your product for £10,000 and sell it for £15,000, then you have made a £5,000 profit.

But what if your buyer is slow to pay, and several months pass before the invoice is paid? Your accounts might still show that profit but what about all the bills you have to pay during that gap? You will not have the cash to pay them, despite the profit earned on the sale. In theory, your business could fail while very profitable on paper.

So - profit and cash flow are two entirely different concepts, each with entirely different outcomes if not managed actively. Cash flow, is a dynamic measure. It is a live reflection of the movement of money in and out of your business – and the timing of those movements.

The team in Upstream believe that cash flow is more in line with reality.

Sadly, profitable companies fail all the time because they have all their money tied

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up in assets – usually stock and debtors - and can’t pay their bills. Working capital is critical to business health.

So yes, Johnny (Cash) is actually Elvis (the King) !

Unfortunately, many business owners don’t see the cash implications as clearly as they should. We all have to manage cash as well as profits and that’s where Upstream comes in. We have solutions to fund what we call your ‘end to end’ transaction.

From raw materials or stock of finished goods through to invoiced sales, we can fund that gap with a range of bespoke facilities which provide cash and help achieve that profit goal.

Upstream have just had the most successful couple of months in the Company’s six year history, having funded new deals in excess of £3.5M across a wide spectrum of industry sectors.

We’ve achieved this by delivering appropriate working capital solutions quickly, competitively and with the absolute minimum of fuss.

Our new clients and their professional advisors have told us

they loved the fact that they got to meet decision makers on day one, that there was no elongated credit process, and there were no restrictive conditions attached to their facilities.

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Try the Upstream experience for yourself, we’d love to show you what your profit can really go to.

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Eye on Giving

Charity – Like Business – Is All About People Says Dr Gerard O’Hare CBE DL, Managing Director of Parker Green International 1. What are your thoughts, in general, on charitable giving?

There are so many causes which need to be supported that we cannot expect Governments to provide all funds as required. I am very proud to come from a society where charitable giving is almost a way of life. It is so very important but it is not the end game. We can all do more.

2. Is your giving personal or corporate or a combination of both?

In my case as a Philanthropist for many years I combine my efforts both personal and corporate along with using any other network connections that I can to help where help is most needed. It is so much easier to ask when it is not for yourself.

3. How do you give to charity: monetarily, your own time as a volunteer or your specialist skills?

A combination again of all three.

Monetary being necessary but often the least important.

4. What types of causes do you favour and why?

I like to help causes which will have an immediate and tangible impact on improving people’s lives but first and foremost it has to be where I believe that I can personally offer something tangible to the cause.

5. Are there specific charities or causes that you give to regularly? How do you choose which to support?

I have been a member of a number of Charities for many years – mainly the Princes Charities. The Princes Trust and Business in the Community are close to my heart primarily because

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I have seen the impact they have on the lives of many young people and communities who might not otherwise have been helped.

I also attach to certain overseas projects where I feel I can bring my skills or network of resources together to help make positive change. I have pursued successful projects in South America, Africa and India where often the application of simple knowledge can help communities.

Examples include where the terracing of hillsides by natural rocks and stones as one might see on the mountains of Ireland increased isolated communities’; where a simply adapted pickup truck acts as an Ambulance in the most remote part of NW Nigeria brings medical help to 300,000 people cut off by the River Niger; to where a simple wooden bridge structure allowed children in India to access Education on a daily basis.

In all of my choices of where to help it is important for me to know that my “giving“ will make an immediate impact.

6. Do you believe that companies and individuals have a duty to help others? If yes, why?

As a people we can never forget the old adage “There but for the Grace of God go I?“ Which one of us have not seen our fellow human beings suffer? While cash may still be King and budgets may be gold above all else Business is about People. It is about the people we work with, the people we serve, the environment and society that our business affects directly on a daily basis. But we are a business people of One World – we should never underestimate how much our most basic developed skills and knowledge can help others who may just not have reached there yet – individuals on our streets at home or communities in isolated jungles of the World.

7. What is your message to business people who may be thinking about becoming more involved in strategic philanthropy?

Corporations and Business people who show leadership in their CSR approach help to influence the process of change

in such a positive way and demonstrate to employees, stakeholders, customers and society a very positive image of themselves and their organisations.

Apart from anything else I have found it is always so much easier to be dealing with other peoples’ problems and challenges and a therapeutic relief in getting some time out from just focusing on one’s own.

8. Giving Northern Ireland was set up to champion Philanthropy. Why do you think it is important that there is an organisation that helps businesses and individuals think more strategically about giving?

I believe that it is important going forward for organisations like Giving NI to exist. Many people who now want to get involved need to be helped to find the opportunities and projects to get started.

I also think the next generations will have even more to offer than ours and this is where organisations like Giving NI can start to plan a new approach for an even more exciting future in Strategic Philanthropy.

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Eye on Brexit

Taking Control As Brexit negotiations continue, along with debates around future rates of corporation tax and an absentee Assembly, the tide of uncertainty brings with it unique challenges for business owners who are trying to remain competitive and achieve growth.

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edium and long term business planning has become increasingly difficult with many business owners lacking confidence when it comes to major decisions around expansion and investment.

Providing the right advice, at the right time, is key to helping business owners put themselves in a position to take control. GMcG Chartered Accountants has a track record of working with clients across all sectors in understanding issues unique to their business, to offer tailored solutions and advice that helps put them back in the driving seat.

An eight Partner firm with more than ninety staff across its three offices in Belfast, Lisburn and Portadown, GMcG services a diverse range of businesses and private individuals, public and not-for-profit sector entities, as well as legal and other professional services practices.

The challenges facing our local economy are well documented but GMcG Managing Partner Tony Nicholl believes there are opportunities for businesses and emphasises the value in investing in client relationships: “Becoming a trusted advisor with expertise that helps our clients thrive and grow is the biggest part of the GMcG ethos. Having clients for more than twenty or thirty years is testament to our ability to achieve this and is not something we take for granted.

We continually invest in our staff development, across all service lines, with focus on bringing the right expertise to our clients. We grow with our clients and are passionate about service delivery to help ensure they maximise market opportunities and remain as competitive as possible.”

Despite the challenges and uncertainty, many GMcG clients are experiencing growth and considering international opportunities. This is where the firm’s

Tony Nicholl, Managing Partner GMcG Chartered Accountants

membership of The International Accountancy Group (TIAG) has become an important dimension to the firm’s service offering, as explained by Tony Nicholl: “More and more local businesses are showing an increased awareness and willingness to explore external markets and operations. Our TIAG membership helps us advise our clients on a range of issues associated with such expansion and put them in contact with credible accounting and legal expertise in those jurisdictions”.

To understand more about GMcG Chartered Accountants and how they can support your business growth please visit www.gmcgca.com

AROUND NOON ACCELERATES GROWTH WITH SIGNIFICANT LONDON ACQUISITION Around Noon, the award winning Northern Ireland-based food-to-go manufacturer, today announces a significant acquisition in London to expand its presence within the UK.

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he Newry headquartered company, which already has a market-leading position on the island of Ireland, has acquired Chef in a Box, a premium sandwich and snack manufacturer with market-leading customers in the corporate sector.

The purchase from Donegal Investment Group PLC will enable Around Noon to initially gain a strong foothold in Greater London and provide a platform for further UK expansion.

The food-to-go market in the UK is estimated to be worth over £16billion, driven in part by the rise of littleand-often shopping, and the popularity of coffee culture.

The deal will enable Around

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Noon, which has built a strong reputation for innovation, to access Chef in a Box’s manufacturing, sales and distribution infrastructure, as well as its high-end clientbase, as it seeks to realise its growth ambitions.

Around Noon has been in business for more than 25 years and employs over 300 people. It supplies a broad range of highquality sandwiches, wraps, salads and fruit pots under its Scribbles brand. It also markets bakery items from its in-house operation, Sweet Things, which it acquired last year, and cold pressed juices.

Gareth Chambers, CEO of Around Noon, said: “Chef in a Box is an excellent business

Gareth Chambers & Howard Farquhar.

with an impressive client portfolio, and acquiring the company from Donegal Investment Group PLC gives us the presence and infrastructure required to have a significant impact in the UK market.”

Howard Farquhar, Chairman of Around Noon, said: “Food-togo is a high-growth category and we see London as a very

significant opportunity for us, as well as a platform for further UK expansion, including other potential acquisitions. We are delighted to be expanding our geographical reach, adding to our manufacturing capacity and welcoming new colleagues to our business.”

Eye on News

THE RANGE ANNOUNCED AS NEW ANCHOR TENANT AT CONNSWATER Alfred Street Properties Ltd, owners of Connswater Shopping Centre and Retail Park, has announced that the scheme is to receive a significant boost when home, garden and leisure retail chain, The Range, opens a 57,000 sq ft store at the complex later this year.

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he retailer will create 80 new jobs when it opens the doors to its anchor store in Connswater Shopping Centre. The new store will represent an investment of £2m

by The Range, with a further £1m investment being made by the landlord.

It is anticipated that The Range will be the catalyst to increase footfall at the centre to 100,000 per week.

The Range is currently going through a period of mass expansion and growth, with the UK retailer now operating over 140 stores across the UK and Ireland. The success of The Range is a mark of the entrepreneurial leadership of Devon-based owner and founder of the firm, Chris Dawson.

He began life as a market stall trader across the South West of England before opening his first store in 1989 in Plymouth, under the name CDS - Chris Dawson Superstores - and has grown the company at an impressive rate since.

The new store in Connswater Shopping

Centre will offer quality products across 16 departments including; DIY, Arts & Crafts, Homewares and Furniture, all at great prices. The store will include a large outdoor garden centre providing a wide selection of plants, aggregates and much more to spruce up the garden.

It will also have a family café selling food and drink at affordable prices.

Brendan Boyd, director of Alfred Street Properties Ltd, said: “We are excited to welcome The Range to Connswater Shopping Centre and Retail Park later this year. This is great news not only for the scheme but for east Belfast and the local economy as well. The Range’s arrival is further confirmation that the scheme has turned a corner. This is just one of several notable deals which have taken place recently. Starbucks opened its first ever Drive Thru in Northern Ireland earlier this year, Lidl doubled its store format opening in July and Home Bargains is also set to open a 20,000 sq ft superstore in the retail park in December

Brendan Boyd, director of Alfred Street Properties Ltd and Gerry Monaghan, manager of Connswater Shopping Centre and Retail Park.

in the previous Harry Corry/Lidl space.”

Chris Dawson, the owner and founder of The Range commented on the new store: “Opening a new store is always an exciting moment for the company and Connswater is no exception. It will be our third store in Northern Ireland following the successful launch in Ballymena in 2016 and DerryLondonderry in June this year. The new store in Connswater is a great step in helping the business to progress and grow and we are really excited to continue our Northern Irish expansion in Belfast.”

Colin Mathewson, senior director, CBRE, who acted on this transaction, said: “We are delighted to have secured a letting of this major unit at Connswater with The Range. This will be their first opening in Belfast and represents a major investment by both landlord and tenant. The Range has become one of the fastest-growing retailers in the UK, and the fact that it has chosen Connswater

to secure its first store in Belfast provides a major boost to the scheme.

“Connswater itself is experiencing a period of significant investment and regeneration, welcoming new tenants such as Starbucks and the recently upsized Lidl. We believe The Range will add real value to the retail offering in the area and enhance the ongoing transformation and remodelling of the site.”

Ryan Kee, director of retail agency at Lambert Smith Hampton, who act on behalf of the landlord said: “The Range is a fantastic addition to Connswater Shopping Complex and it is testament to the change in dynamic that the scheme has seen in the last year. With the deals that have been completed recently, alongside a large transformational project in the Retail Park, we have a strong pipeline of interest from other retailers. We look forward to adding to the offering in the months to come.”

Royal Television Society Launches Northern Ireland Programme Awards

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he Royal Television Society (RTS) today launched its 2017 Programme Awards for the Northern Ireland creative industries.

The RTS has partnered with BBC Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Screen, Channel 4 and UTV for these prestigious awards. The winners will be announced at an exciting ceremony in The Mac as part of Belfast Media Festival, this November.

Steve Carson, Chair of RTS NI said: “The RTS NI Awards are fast becoming the most respected and sought after creative industry awards in Northern Ireland. This is the third year of these awards and we are delighted that entries are increasing every year, highlighting the exceptional talent now available in Northern Ireland. As an educational charity these awards help the RTS to raise awareness of the growing success and innovation

of the creative industries in Northern Ireland.

“2017 will see three new categories for gaming, original music score and a new factual sub-category to reflect the strength of this vibrant growth sector of our economy.”

Sarah McCaffrey, RTS NI Awards Committee Chair said: “With exceptional production, world class facilities and talent, Northern Ireland is fast becoming the location of choice for international film and television companies. These Awards recognise fresh and innovative content spanning all genres of television programming by celebrating the achievements of the local industry and showcasing the best talent from Northern Ireland.”

Applications for entries to this year’s Awards are available from today (Monday 14th August) until Friday 8th September, 2017. To qualify for

UTV’s Marc Mallett and Rose Neill with Joe Lindsay of BBC’s Getaways launch the new awards in Belfast.

entry, submissions must have been aired between 1 January 2016 and 31 May 2017 by individuals, broadcasters or companies based in or working in Northern Ireland. Further details can be found on https://rts.org.uk/region/northern-ireland/awards

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Eye on Skills

Skills Northern Ireland Sparks Enhanced Professional Development Gordon Parkes, HR Director, from Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIE Networks) is urging other organisations to get involved in this years’ Skills Northern Ireland.

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aking place on 18 and 19 October at the Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast, Skills Northern Ireland will not only bring businesses face-toface with their future workforce but also provides an exceptional development opportunity for current employees.

NIE Networks have been training apprentices through their dedicated in-house facilities and experienced instructors for over 40 years. As the headline sponsor for Skills Northern Ireland, they use the opportunity

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to engage with both pupils and teachers and to highlight the skills gaps in STEM related roles.

Robert Alexander, a third year Underground Cable Jointing Apprentice, represented NIE Networks on their stand at last year’s event and found the experience developed his confidence and enhanced his standing within the company and with his colleagues.

Robert said: “Skills Northern Ireland was a great experience for NIE Networks to promote the company and our apprenticeship and graduate programme.

It was also a great experience for me personally as it has improved my confidence in speaking to the general public and I feel the event has enhanced my position at work with my peer group.

“I really enjoy getting involved in outreach events with NIE networks. This event in particular was great as it was on such a large scale, was well placed in the centre of Belfast and very well planned out. We had so many young

people interested over the course of the event; I think with us visually showing them our job roles it gave them a better understanding of what is involved.”

Gordon Parkes, HR Director for NIE Networks said: “It is extremely important to our society and our economy that young people possess the skills required by employers. The current position is far from satisfactory with many employers unable to source individuals with the appropriate skills and numerous young people still unemployed. There is certainly a ‘skills mismatch’, which needs to be addressed collectively through an integrated approach led by employers and supported by local government, schools, colleges and universities.

“NIE Networks provides highly qualified skilled apprenticeships and graduate programmes, however each year we struggle to obtain the required numbers to take up these positions.

“We are pleased to be the headline sponsor of this important careers

event to showcase the careers available in the marketplace.”

With over 7,300 visitors already booked in to attend the event, Skills Northern Ireland provides a unique opportunity to recruit fresh new talent who are searching for careers, jobs, apprenticeships or training opportunities.

To find out more about the event visit www.skillsnorthernireland. co.uk or contact Chris Kimmins about how to get involved: chris. kimmins@prospects.co.uk or 01823 345640.

Current exhibitors and those who want to find out a bit more about how exhibiting may benefit their business are invited to meet the team behind the event at The Merchant Hotel, Belfast on 24 August from 1.30pm – 7pm.

Eye on News

SIGNATURE LIVING TO OPEN GEORGE BEST HOTEL IN BELFAST Signature Living, the innovative hotel and hospitality operator behind The Shankly Hotel and 30 James Street, announced it will be opening a George Best Hotel as the company’s first project in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

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he agreement was negotiated

by IMG on behalf of the George Best Company, owned by George’s sister and brother-in-law Barbara and Norman McNarry.

“We are thrilled to support this exciting project knowing that George would have loved to see his name immortalised in a hotel where he would have also enjoyed staying,” said Barbara McNarry. “We look forward to showcasing some special memorabilia, hosting charity events and giving people from around the world a ‘Georgie’ inspired taste of our hometown.”

Located in Belfast’s landmark Scottish Mutual Building, the George Best Hotel will celebrate the career and glamorous

style of the man Pele famously described as “the greatest player in the world”. Often called “the fifth Beatle”, George’s good looks, exceptional skills on the pitch, and flamboyant lifestyle off it made him football’s first global superstar and an enduring legend.

Founded by Lawrence Kenwright, Signature Living has been an innovator in the hospitality industry since 2008, renowned for restoring iconic derelict buildings into unique hotels and hospitality experiences. The Shankly Hotel is a tribute to legendary Liverpool Football Club manager Bill Shankly and 30 James Street was previously the headquarters of the White Star Line –

famous owners of the RMS Titanic.

“Signature Living is incredibly excited to be working with Barbara and Norman McNarry on bringing the George Best Hotel to Belfast. George Best’s story is legendary, and we look forward to celebrating his journey at this new hotel development in his hometown.

“Signature Living has a solid track record of delivering unique hotel concepts, and we envisage the George Best Hotel being as popular as the Shankly Hotel in Liverpool which celebrates the life and career of one of the most successful football managers in history. The award-winning Shankly Hotel is now an international tourist attraction and our ambition is to replicate this success at the George Best Hotel in Belfast.”

In recent years, IMG has developed numerous projects celebrating the Northern Irish superstar, including a line of fashion T-shirts and jerseys, football-

inspired casual shoes, leather jackets, commemorative postage stamps, an e-commerce shop and inclusion of George as one of the legends in Electronic Arts’ FIFA best-selling console video game.

Matthew Primack, Senior Vice President, IMG Licensing said: “It is IMG’s privilege to bring together the Estate of George Best and Signature Living to realise a vision that will honour George and also offer Belfast’s visitors a very special destination associated with its very own ‘Belfast Boy’. Not only will the hotel DNA be born of stories from George’s life, it will also help further cement the brand legacy for the future.”

The year 2018 will mark the 50th Anniversary of George leading Manchester United to victory over Benfica in the 1968 European Cup and his subsequent award of the prestigious Ballon D’Or as European Footballer of the Year.

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Eye on News

LISNEY RAISES £20,000 FOR THE SIMON COMMUNITY Leading commercial property agency Lisney has raised £20,000 – double its initial target - for the Simon Community through its inaugural official charity partnership.

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isney staff supported Northern Ireland’s leading homeless charity throughout the last 18 months by organising a series of fundraising events.

This included three relay teams of five running the Belfast City Marathon and Marketing Manager Chris Campbell completing the entire course, and

together Lisney staff raised £4,000 towards the overall total. Director Ciaran O’Kane also led a team of three cyclists who raised £3,000 by taking part in the Gran Fondo.

Another fundraising highlight saw the Lisney Director team taking part in an overnight sleep-out on the street in front of the firm’s Montgomery Street

Lloyd Hannigan, Surveyor at Lisney (left), and Chris Campbell, Marketing Manager at Lisney (right), with Brian Shanks, Corporate Partnership Manager for the Simon Community NI

base, which raised over £10,000.

The funds raised have gone towards the Simon Community’s Homelessness Prevention Programme, an initiative

which aims to work directly with the community to help resolve problems and circumstances that may put victim’s homes at risk.

SKY’S THE LIMIT FOR FIRST EVER KAINOS EARN AS YOU LEARN GRADUATE Kainos Group plc (KNOS), a leading provider of digital services and platforms, is celebrating the first graduation of a student from its ‘Earn as you Learn’ career development initiative.

Brendan Mooney, CEO of Kainos and Leah Fullerton, Associate Software Engineer at Kainos.

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eah Fullerton, aged 24 from Belfast, has been awarded a First Class Honours degree in Computing Systems from Ulster University, after studying part-time for four years while working at Kainos.

Leah joined the fast-growing tech company in 2013, the pilot year of its Earn as you Learn scheme, which allows students to earn a living as trainee software engineers, gaining invaluable real-world experience while Kainos funds their degree in a package worth up to £100,000 per student.

Leah said: “Kainos is a great place to

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work! It’s a really innovative environment, with plenty of variety day to day. I’d worried before starting about how little I knew, but the training and support is brilliant and my colleagues have been so encouraging.

“The practical experience made the theory behind my degree so much easier to understand, and of course the fact that I’ve graduated without any student loans is just amazing!

“My ambition now is just to keep working hard and moving up in the company. Kainos staff can apply for promotion several times a year, and we frequently move between projects, so

there’s plenty of scope for progression and job satisfaction,” she added.

Brendan Mooney, CEO of Kainos said: “We’re very proud of Leah’s achievement and of the fact that we’ve been able to support her financially through her university education, while at the same time offering her a practical learning experience.

“She’s driven and ambitious, and she has worked incredibly hard both for us and for her degree over the past four years.

She’s consistently shown initiative and diligence working with our customers – and I’m sure she will continue to be a credit to the Kainos team in the future.”

There are 30 students currently studying via the Earn as you Learn programme. Ten places were available in both 2016 and 2017, and Kainos

plans to increase this number for the 2018 intake of post A-Level students.

Mooney continued: “Earn as you Learn is a modern apprenticeship, and is part of our Kainos Academy along with other initiatives such as CodeCamp and A.I.Camp. This Academy helps us find talented young people, and helps them to fulfill their potential through practical training and mentoring.

“Operating alongside experienced professionals on live clients makes for a faster, better learning environment and that’s why Earn as you Learn is working so well,” he added.

Applications for the next intake of Earn as you Learn students will open in March 2018. More information can be found at www.kainos.com/careers/studentand-graduates/earn-as-you-learn

Eye on Communications

Technology is changing how and where we watch TV, says Ofcom

The media industry has always been fast moving but it’s now going into overdrive with the internet making its presence felt in more places than ever before.

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ewspapers have for years been grappling with the challenge of getting readers to pay for content in an era of free online news. Radio has had to face up to a more competitive environment, where any station and any type of music is available online at the touch of a button.

How we watch TV is changing too with more people choosing to watch what they want, when they want, according to Ofcom’s latest Communications Market report.

The report paints a picture of an increasingly interconnected Northern Ireland, where the internet is now available and accessed through our TV as well as smartphones and tablets.

More than three-quarters of adults (76%) in Northern Ireland now own a smartphone

while three in five households (62%) now have a tablet.

One-third (33%) of homes in Northern Ireland now have a smart TV - almost double what it was last year. Four out of five

homes (79%) have a fixedline broadband connection.

And it’s in TV where these devices and the broadband and mobile services that support them is having the biggest impact.

Long gone are the days when there were a handful of TV channels and just a single TV in the house on which to watch them. Viewers are increasingly turning to catch-up and on-demand streaming platforms.

Services from “traditional” broadcasters, such as the BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub, are the most popular ways of watching on-demand and streaming programmes but significant numbers are also using YouTube for watching programmes and films (27%), while 28% now use Netflix and 16% use Amazon Video.

The growing popularity of on demand services is turning us into a nation of binge viewers, where we watch multiple episodes of a series in one sitting, wiping out the wait for next week’s instalment. One third (35%) of adults in Northern Ireland do so every week, and more than half (55%) do it monthly.

James Stinson, from Ofcom in Northern Ireland, says: “This technology has been around for a while but we are now seeing a tipping point where these services have become mainstream.”

These are important developments not just for

consumers but for companies providing these services and for media professionals that use these platforms for advertising, sponsorship and promotion.

The Ofcom report looks at people’s take-up and usage of technology across a range of sectors, from TV and radio through to post, telecoms and the internet.

People in Northern Ireland now spend more than 20 hours every week online, and younger people are far more likely to be online than the over-65s. People in households with children are also more likely to have an internet connection than those without children (90% vs. 72%).

Despite the rise in online activity, traditional media remains important.

People in Northern Ireland spend more time watching live TV (an average of 3 hours 36 minutes a day) than engaging in any other communications activity though there are big differences between younger and older viewers.

Younger viewers watch less live TV and much more on demand programming than older ones.

Listening to the radio continues to play an important part in our lives. On average, we listen to more than 20 hours of radio every week.

“Nine-in-ten people in Northern Ireland tune in at least once a week and people here are also listening for longer, which is impressive when you consider the range of ways we now get our news and listen to music,” says James Stinson.

People in Northern Ireland are also much more likely to listen to local BBC and commercial radio than listeners in other parts of the UK. Some 60% of all listening in Northern Ireland is to these stations.

Local news and programming is obviously highly valued by listeners.

The full report is available at www.ofcom.org.uk/cmr

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Eye on News DELOITTE CALLS ON BUSINESS LEADERS TO APPLY FOR BEST MANAGED COMPANIES AWARDS PROGRAMME 2018 Deloitte has announced the launch of the 2017/2018 Best Managed Companies Awards Programme in association with new programme sponsor Bank of Ireland. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Best Managed Companies Awards Programme.

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ne of the primary objectives of the awards programme is to showcase the success of indigenous companies and acknowledge the contribution that this sector makes to the all-island economy.

The 2016/2017 awards saw two Northern Irish companies awarded Best Managed Company status for the first time, Belfast-based technology training company Neueda Consulting and fellow tech firm Seopa, which specialises in insurance comparison websites.

Cookstown-based construction machinery manufacturer CDE Global was one of only eight businesses to retain Best Managed status for the ninth consecutive year.

The network of Best Managed Companies developed over the last decade now stands at 127, and nine companies are marking a decade in the programme this year. The closing date to apply for the programme this year is August 6th, 2017.

Glenn Roberts, partner at Deloitte said: “For ten years, we have met and worked alongside some of the finest companies

across the island of Ireland. Some were established after spotting opportunities during the downturn, others were faced with the task of surviving during a torrid few years for the Irish and global economies. In spite of all the challenges, they have grown and developed and each year they have added to the strength of our “Best Managed” network.

“We’re particularly proud to recognise those who have been on the programme since 2008, and whose performance across all key functions of the business has excelled. We eagerly anticipate the further growth of this network in the coming awards campaign, and we welcome Bank of Ireland as our partner in this year’s programme.”

The Best Managed Companies judging panel considers companies from every perspective using a wide range of criteria including strategy, capability, commitment, financials and management performance and practices.

They also evaluate companies and their performance in relation to their peers,

Pictured the launching Deloitte’s annual Best Managed Companies Awards are Glenn Roberts, partner at Deloitte in Belfast; Mark Cunningham from Bank of Ireland and Damian Barrett from Henderson Foodservice, which holds Gold Best Managed status for being in the programme for four years.

and the industries that they are operating in, to determine management success.

Mark Cunningham, Regional Business Development Manager at Bank of Ireland NI, said: “The Deloitte Best Managed Companies Awards recognise and celebrate the contribution that indigenous companies make to the all-island economy and the team at Bank of Ireland are delighted to be associated with this important programme for the first time.

The Best Managed companies are drawn from a range of sectors which Bank of Ireland is actively supporting and the goals of the programme very much align to our own enterprise initiatives. We look forward to working with the companies who apply as they develop winning business plans.”

Those who are successful and progress through the awards process will receive

customised feedback and coaching from Deloitte and Bank of Ireland. Their strategy and capabilities are assessed through the coaching process, with an independent view and validation on their strategic direction provided.

Winners also receive national and peer recognition, the opportunity to network at the gala awards ceremony and attend a symposium organised by the IMI.

For further information and details of how to enter the awards, visit www.deloittebestmanaged.ie. The closing date for entries is 6th August 2017. Companies that are successful at the end of this process will be announced in March 2018.

BELFAST HARBOUR INVESTS £2M IN NEW PILOT BOATS Belfast Harbour has taken delivery of a second Pilot Boat, completing a two vessel contract with Cushendall-based Redbay Boats.

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he latest arrival, the ‘Ben Madigan’ joins the ‘Captain Michael Evans’, which was named in honour of the company’s Deputy Harbour Master who was killed in the Cork air disaster.

The Harbour said the vessels, a

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£2 million investment, are already proving to be a major asset, playing a vital role in servicing the significantly larger cargo and cruise vessels which regularly call at the Port.

Trevor Anderson, Belfast Harbour’s Operations Director, said:

“With 23 million tonnes passing through the Port annually and a record cruise season this year, it’s great to be able to launch a second, best-in-class pilot boat into service.

“This additional boat has again been developed to meet the Harbour’s specific 24/7 needs and we’re delighted to have been able to source the vessel from a local supplier.”

The Stormforce 1650 is designed

to operate safely as an all-weather boat in sea conditions. With improved handling and enhanced comfort, the boat allows pilots to board vessels in conditions beyond what would have been traditionally possible – helping keep the port open all year round.

Design on the development of the new vessel began five years ago when Redbay Boats built a prototype to test the technology.

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Eye on Events

NEWCASTLE SERVICE TAKES OFF IN SEPTEMBER

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aty Best, Commercial and Marketing Director at George Best Belfast City Airport, and Andy Mathieson, Commercial Manager – Northern Ireland, Eastern

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Airways, announce the new Eastern Airways daily weekday service from Belfast City Airport to Newcastle.

The UK regional airline’s daily service will begin on 1st September 2017.

AIRPORT’S CHARITY BOOST

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our charities have shared in £20,000 donated by staff at Belfast International Airport.

Cheques for £5,000 were presented to Alzheimer’s Society, Mencap, Stepping Stones and the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.

Belfast International Airport Staff Charity Committee said it hoped

the donations would make a real difference to the four organisations.

In addition to the £5,000 cheque, Lisburn-based Stepping Stones also secured a six-week work placement opportunity for one of their students.

BIA Chief Executive Graham Keddie is pictured making the presentation to the local charities.

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Eye on Events

Pictured from L-R Kevin Houston, Tim Craig, David Farrell and Michael Halfpenny.

BDO’S SLIEVE DONARD CHALLENGE

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DO Northern Ireland are getting set to conquer Northern Ireland’s highest peak on Saturday, 2nd September to support local charity Friends of the Cancer Centre. BDO Northern Ireland are proudly sponsoring this year’s event and (from left) Carol Malcolmson, partner at BDO NI; Judith Cowan, manager and Richard Cromie, senior human resources manager, are calling on other local businesses and their employees to pull on their walking boots and join them to take on the 850 metre climb to the summit.

Looking ahead to the challenge, Carol said “BDO NI have been supporting Friends of the Cancer Centre for the

past year and we have raised over £10,000 already. We are delighted to sponsor the Slieve Donard Challenge and I would encourage people across Northern Ireland to gather work colleagues, family and friends together and take part as you’ll be supporting a fantastic local charity which does so much to support local people.”

Friends of the Cancer Centre is one of Northern Ireland’s leading cancer charities and all money raised from the event will support its work with cancer patients and their families across Northern Ireland. Registration for the event is £10 per person and you can sign-up online at www.friendsofthecancercentre.com.

ICING ON CAKE FOR NEILL’S FLOUR

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ainbow, Northern Ireland’s leading independent telecommunications company, joined global tech giants EE and Samsung, to champion and drive awareness around mobile security and industry advancements.

The exclusive breakfast seminar took place at Belfast’s Fitzwilliam Hotel, and provided information on the best practice on how to negate risk for individuals, employees and companies.

The seminar included speakers such as Sam Shopland, Samsung’s B2B Account Director for EE, who is responsible for the launch of new Samsung devices, services and solutions along with Ian Rowe, Enterprises Mobility Specialist with Samsung UK, who is responsible for the development and delivery of all technical solutions within the Samsung portfolio.

TECHMASTER OF THE YEAR

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elebrity chef Jenny Bristow joins Karl McCrum of Neill’s Flour at the company’s 150th anniversary event in Stormont Parliament Buildings. Senior figures from Neill’s Flour and parent company Allied Mills joined customers from across Ireland along with VIPs including

OVER THE RAINBOW

celebrity chef Jenny Bristow at the event which was held almost 150 years to the day that James Neill first opened his very own flour mill in Belfast.

llstate NI has announced the winners of its first annual student TechMaster of the Year Awards, organised in association with the Queen’s Graduates’ Association at Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University. The new programme aims to recognise the ingenious and extraordinary contributions to technology and innovation from students at all stages of IT-related degree courses at QUB and UU.

The 2017 winners were Kevin McLaughlin, a 26 year old first year MEng Software and Electronics Systems Engineering QUB student from Ballerin in Co. Derry, and 31 year old Pearse Hughes from Lurgan, who has just graduated with a First in BSc (Hons) Computing Science from UU. Pearse (left) and Kevin are pictured with (l-r) Ulster University tutor Roy Sterritt; Queen’s University lecturer Hans Van Dierendonck and Queen’s Graduates Association President, Fergus McCauley.

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Eye on Social Media

Creativity & The Art Of Disruption Tim McKane of NavaTalk Digital reckons that we’re all creative. What we need is the courage of our convictions...

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n 1987 when Steve Jobs returned to Apple they were in the throes of collapse. The business had turned into just another hardware manufacturer. They were losing billions of dollars.

They dialled 911 and Steve arrived back, bringing with him a drive and determination to change the tech world.

Disruption was the name of the game. Looking at what was going on and using it as a basis, not to do the same, but to do something different.

Computers were all the same colour, with a box, a screen and a keyboard. Apple produced the first all-in-one and put it in a turquoise perspex case. Their advertising was then built to tap into a nontech emotion. Apple was for people with creative souls, and everyone has one.

They were selling tools that enabled people to be creative, not tech boxes. But to start the process they had looked at the market, and what people were doing, and what they liked and didn’t like. The new iMac took off and the business turned around, allowing investment in iTunes, iPods, iPhones, iPads - and the rest is history, with Apple as the most valuable company in the world.

The Beatles. I am an anorak, and so read Revolution in the Head, by the late Ian

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McDonald. which takes you through each song, where they were and what influenced them. They did not sit in an empty room with a blank sheet of paper. They listened to Chuck Berry, the Beach Boys, Bo Diddley, The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan, and they all changed Lennon and McCartney. McCartney then went off to listen to Shostakovich and the new radical classical composers.

They spoke to politicians and heard the protests that came out of America. Then they wrote their music.

by then Picasso was already able to paint like a master.

His early work is in view in Barcelona, and his technique incredible. He copied all the great Masters, but then he disrupted his approach. To be creative he needed to do something different. To challenge Impressionism, to go somewhere else.

“ Creativity does not rely on being in the arts, or to come up with a completely new idea. It is about changing things a little. about believing that idea that you had is worth pursuing and looking at Steve Jobs and the results that he achieved by disrupting, twisting not sticking.”

Can you imagine sitting in a bar in Malaga at the beginning of the last century, and a young painter walks in with some canvasses. he shows them to you, and to be honest, you think they are terrible. They are all square shapes, distorted images, hard on the eye rather than easy.

Cubism. A new art form. But

We are all creative. We decorate our own homes, select colours, fabrics, pictures and make them our own. We write more now than before on social media. We take more photographs with our smart phones. We can also feed our creative soul by reading, listening, watching and tasting.

So how does this apply to

business? If all you do is make the same product as your competitor then you end up in a price spiral. If you look at the conventions in your market, then try to disrupt them by being different. then you will stand out from the competitor. And be able to get more value from your sale.

We can all get stuck in conventions. We pitched for a Bank on the early 00’s. We didn’t win, but we did show them a slide of lots of Bank promotional material with the branding removed, and they were not sure which was theirs. All the banks were the same colour, had the same messages, and did nothing to make a difference. We pitched an idea that went too far. We didn’t have a lady holding a beach ball in our creative.

Creativity does not rely on being in the arts, or to come up with a completely new idea.

It is about changing things a little. about believing that idea that you had is worth pursuing and looking at Steve Jobs and the results that he achieved by disrupting, twisting not sticking.

Eye on Charity

Marie Curie Brain Game – Fingers on Buzzers!

Marie Curie’s charity fundraising table quiz, ‘the Brian Game’, returned to Belfast (May 2017) after a break of some 10 years. Hosted by U105’s Frank Mitchell and held in the Europa Hotel, the event was attended by more than 330 guests from the local business community, and all competing for the coveted ‘Brain Game’ Trophy.

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hile the event was very much a fun occasion there was a serious side to proceedings. The Brain Game is a fundraising event and aims to raise vital funds for Marie Curie that will enable the charity to continue to deliver its nursing service in the community and at its hospice unit in East Belfast.

To say the Brain Game achieved its aim is an understatement.

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sponsors Abbey Insurance, Movie House and Draynes Farm, and all those that attended the event raised more than £130,000.

And as Eamon O’Kane, Marie Curie Divisional General Manager (NI & Scotland) explains this money will have a huge impact “The Brian Game has been a tremendous success… the amount raised is just out of this world. This money will allow Marie Curie to reach and care for more people, and their families, that are living with a terminal illness. It will also allow the charity to investigate creative solutions to end of life care and to develop new services that will positively help those people that need it the most.”

For each of the Brain Game quiz rounds Marie Curie enlisted the help of some very special quiz hosts.

Michael O’Neill MBE, Northern Ireland Football Manager, renowned singer Peter Corry and political commentator, Alex Kane, all did their bit as the ‘Brain Game Quiz Master’.

“All three of our special quiz masters were brilliant and really helped to add something special to the night. Peter Corry even treated us to a special rendition of ‘a cappella’ in return for a £1,200 donation from one guest. You could hear a pin drop when Peter started to sing…a truly magical moment” explains Eamon.

The event also had a serious side. Guests heard from Dori-Anne Finlay, who spoke about how she had become involved with Marie Curie. She talked passionately about her daughter, Belinda’s terminal journey and the care and support Marie Curie providers to thousands of people, and their families across Northern Ireland.

In the end the team from Grant Thornton came out on top and were crowned the 2017 Brain Game Champions. Judith Gillespie CBE and chairperson of the Brain Game committee presented the team with their trophy – commissioned from the Belfast Metropolitan College.

A live auction and pledge moment was also held. Ian Wilson, Managing Director of Wilsons Auctions looked after proceedings and got the ball rolling with a very generous personal pledge of £6,090… the amount needed to operate the Marie Curie Hospice for one (1) day.

In total a huge £32,500 was raised from the pledge moment alone.

And from Eamon’s point of view the event was a successfully one.

“There is no doubt that the Brain Game was a huge success and I’m sure it will return again next year. The support Marie Curie has received from the people of Northern Ireland is the reason the charity can continue to deliver its service to those in most need.

“While events such as the Brain Game may steal the headlines, the importance of the hundreds of community based fundraising events cannot be underestimated. So, to everyone that has done their bit for Marie Curie, I would like to thank you and ask that you continue to support the charity so that we can help more people living with a terminal illness.”

“ We would like to thank the Marie Curie event organisers for a wonderful evening. Not only did the Brain Game event raise an incredible amount of money for Marie Curie it provided a great networking opportunity in a fun and entertaining environment. We are looking forward to returning next year to attempt to retain our crown as Belfast’s brainiest business.”

Neal Taylor – Audit Partner, Grant Thornton

For further information on Marie Curie and its services please visit www.mariecurie.org.uk

Eye on News

EXPERTS TO HELP NORTHERN IRELAND’S STRUGGLING RETAIL SECTOR A one day masterclass is set to take place next month to help Northern Ireland’s beleaguered retailers and high street traders compete online.

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ccording to the latest Springboard figures, Northern Ireland’s high street saw the sharpest decline in footfall across the rest of the UK with Danske Bank also reporting confidence amongst consumers in the province has fallen.

Smart NI is set to debunk the decline of the high street through a series of interactive workshops and industry expert lead seminars which will equip the attending retailers with the digital marketing information, ideas on how to integrate innovation and technologies into their business to help them thrive and survive, with a core focus on how to create better customer experiences both instore and online.

From looking at global best practice and real life examples of retail businesses engaging in social platforms, marketing, analytics, rewards and tech to better understand diverse

customers. The series of speakers who have worked with brands including Dior, Emirates, Topshop, Boots and Debenhams will educate the audience on how to create a more engaging and relevant brand experience and how to educate shoppers in the increasingly crowded space of connected devices.

Naomh McElhatton from Smart NI said, “The intention of the day is to help educate, innovate and inspire the attendees, there is still such a huge fear hanging over the retail sector in Northern Ireland as to how they can actually utilise the online platforms and integrate technologies into their business to improve performance both online and offline”.

Headquartered in Belfast, with offices in Dublin, London, Edinburgh, New York and Tokyo, Velocity Worldwide is a global customer engagement and creative retail marketing specialist

Pictured launching a one day masterclass for the retail industry is Naomh McElhatton, Smart NI and David Morgan, Velocity Worldwide

with over 20 years in the business of knowing shoppers and the retailers who serve them.

Velocity’s personalisation and insight technology platform, Darius™ for Retail, was born out of this specialism.

Velocity’s Chief Executive Officer, Enda McShane said, “By integrating data collection, analysis and activation through technology, retailers can change the shopper experience

and create personalised experiences that protect and crucially project their brand by engaging shoppers at all points of their pre-store, in-store and post-store journeys.”

To find out more about the Smart Retail event on September 28th at the Culloden go to www.ti.to/smart/retail

BELFAST CITY MOST PUNCTUAL AIRPORT IN UK George Best Belfast City Airport has been named one of the two top airports in the UK for punctuality.

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ivil Aviation Authority (CAA) figures in relation to flights to and from UK airports for British and Irish airlines have revealed that flights leaving Belfast City Airport are, on average, delayed by just ten minutes.

This is significantly less than that recorded at other UK airports, with the worst delays averaging 27 minutes.

Among the airlines, Aer Lingus was revealed as the most punctual with Flybe named the best performing UK airline.

Katy Best, Commercial & Marketing Director at Belfast City Airport, said: “As the Business in the Community 2017 Responsible Company of the Year in Northern Ireland, we are dedicated to providing excellent customer service to the 2.7 million passengers who travel through our airport each year.

“We are delighted that the punctuality of two of our airlines has also been recognised in the findings, and will continue working with all of our partners to ensure a smooth journey for our passengers

– from arriving at the airport, to relaxing in the departures lounge, to boarding the aircraft.

“Last year Belfast City Airport was named the Most Convenient Airport in the UK and Ireland in a study by The Telegraph.

Being located just five minutes from Belfast city centre is of huge benefit to our business and leisure passengers.

“We have also introduced Airport Ambassadors in the terminal who can assist our passengers as they make their way through the airport making their journey as smooth and as enjoyable as possible.”

Pictured: Katy Best, Commercial & Marketing Director, Belfast City Airport

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Eye on Agri Food

Focused on British market: Allison and Will Abernethy of Abernethy Butter in Dromara

Britain Key For Smaller Food Firms Post-Brexit What impact in Brexit likely to Northern Ireland’s fast growing artisan food sector? Sam Butler talks to several smaller food and drink businesses about the challenges they have identified.

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bernethy Butter in Dromara, one of Northern Ireland’s best known and most successful artisan producers, recently gained new business in Britain with high profile customers The Spa Hotel in Tunbridge Wells in Kent and Yummy Stilton at Cropwell Bishop in Nottingham.

The new deals strengthen the artisan company’s position there and follow another ringing endorsement of the quality of its handcrafted butter by celebrity chef Nigella Lawson. It’s easy to understand why Allison and Will Abernethy, the husband and wife team behind

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the award winning business, are focusing on building sales in Britain, particularly post-Brexit.

“We’ve won business from the Orkney Islands to the Isle of Wight and are determined to build on this in the years ahead,” says Allison Abernethy. “An area where Brexit is likely to impact us is in our business with the Republic of Ireland, our main market outside the UK and one we are also keen to grow. We just don’t know how this will work. This is why we are focusing our resources in Great Britain. It’s easily our most accessible and open market,” she adds.

Concern over the prospect of a ‘hard border’ inhibiting business with the Republic is shared by smaller food and drink businesses across Northern Ireland, most of which are unlikely ever to become significant exporters. The main concern among these businesses is how best to either win first business or expand existing sales in Great Britain as well as Northern Ireland.

Another smaller food business taking steps to enhance its position in Britain is Melting Pot Fudge in east Belfast, a producer of handmade fudge products. The company, formed and managed by enterprising sisters Dorothy Bittles. Cathy Johnson and Jenny Lowry, is implementing a new business strategy.

“While we have some good export business, especially in The Netherlands and Germany, we’ve decided that we need to do

much more in Britain. We have a distribution network in place there and will be investing more time and other resources to grow business in a market that’s our closest and logistically easiest to support,” Dorothy Bittles says. “We’ll also need to defend our position there from an anticipated increase in competition. We have to factor-in the likelihood that our existing business in the EU may be impacted adversely particularly in the shorterm post-Brexit,” she continues.

To strengthen its position in Britain, Melting Pot has invested in a striking new corporate identity, packaging and point of sale support for its award winning fudge products that are now free from dairy, soya and gluten.

Susie Hamilton Stubber, the founder and managing director of Burren Balsamics of Richhill in

Eye on Agri Food

Angus Wilson, chairman of Wilson’s Country in Portadown – the company has developed convenience products and hopes these will be successful in Britain

Co. Armagh, a manufacturer of fruit infused culinary vinegars, has already responded to the Brexit uncertainty by increasing her marketing activities in Britain over the past few months. “Growing my business requires me to look beyond Northern Ireland to the closest market available to me, Great Britain.

“I decided last month to get involved in two major trade shows there, Home and Interiors in London and Fine Food at Harrogate. I did so to increase awareness there of my products. I know I’ll need to do a great deal more to turn good contacts made at these events into firm sales. I’ve also won positive coverage in magazines there such as Fine Food Digest.”

Statistics show just how important Great Britain is to local food and drink producers, both large and small and across all sectors. Over £2 billion worth - twice as much as is

Dorothy Bittles, Kathy Johnson and Jenny Lowry of Melting Pot Fudge in Belfast are investing for growth in Britain

exported to other EU states - of food and drink products from Northern Ireland were bought by customers in Britain, including virtually all the major grocery chains, last year – nearly 50 per cent of external and export sales. Invest NI has been marketing local food and drink very professionally for over a decade and has built strong bridges to retail and foodservice businesses. It also backs this up with ongoing PR support for food and drink firms.

It’s now the most important market for virtually all our leading producers including Moy Park, Dunbia, Linden Foods, Irwin’s Bakery, Genesis Bakery and Mash Direct, the latter announcing substantial deals with Morrisons and Asda over the past few months.

One of a number of local companies now aiming to penetrate the British market is Wilson’s Country, Northern Ireland’s biggest potato

Susie Hamilton Stubber of Burren Balsamics in Richhill has taken to the road in Britain to win business in her most important market

packer and processor in Craigavon.

Angus Wilson, who founded the business in 1987 and is its chairman, says: “We need to move beyond Northern Ireland, which is just too small for the growth we need to develop our business and grow sales in Britain. We’ve now developed a portfolio of convenience potato dishes that we’ve branded ‘You Say Potato’ to strengthen our appeal there especially with the main supermarkets there.”

Mr Wilson also has concerns about Brexit. “We just don’t know how this will impact our business in the Republic. In addition to selling there, we source potatoes from growers in the Republic. They are an integral part of our supply chain and could be subject to border controls and tariffs.” The company has also lost a number of European employees worried about immigration changes and also affected by currency swings which have reduced their income.

Food NI’s Michele Shirlow shares the concerns of local companies particularly the smaller businesses lacking marketing muscle. She’s working closely with Invest NI which has had a marketing support operation there for over a decade. “We are all concerned about a recent comment from Michael Gove, the food minister that UK food producers will have to stand or fall on “high-quality food with a provenance and a supply chain that is guaranteed”.

“It’s quite clear that our food and drink producers, especially the smaller enterprises, will need

even greater assistance to raise their game in Great Britain, our most important marketplace when it is opened up to competitors from around the world in the post-Brexit era. No sector will be more directly affected by Brexit than our food and drink and the farmers who supply high- quality ingredients with provenance.

“The minister’s commitment is to ‘ensure people have access to a wide range of food choice’. As well as producers here finding ‘a wider choice’ in Britain, they are likely to face new competitors in local shops.

And shoppers, faced with a greater variety of products, could find it increasingly difficult to identify and purchase food and drink from here. This a serious challenge to what is Northern Ireland’s biggest manufacturing industry and one which sustains the employment of around 100,000 people. “ She continues; “Food NI is committed and keen to help our companies to develop business in Britain and thereby ensure the longterm sustainability of their business.

We were delighted, therefore, when Invest NI assisted us to arrange Food NI stands for local companies at the forthcoming Speciality and Fine Food Fair in London and BBC Good Food in Birmingham.

“Some of our smaller companies have gained a foothold in EU markets that are easily accessed such as the Netherlands, which will also be threatened by a so-called ‘hard’ Brexit ending tariff-free access to the EU,” adds Mrs Shirlow.

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Eye on Risk Management

COULD ATTRACTIVE EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PACKAGES CURB THE NORTHERN IRELAND BRAIN DRAIN? Every year, thousands of students – and future employees – leave Northern Ireland to study elsewhere, mainly in Great Britain.

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here is nothing new about this phenomenon, nor is there any sign of it disappearing.

Around 16,450 people born in Northern Ireland were studying in England, Scotland and Wales in 2015/16, according to data released by the Department for the Economy in February.

The reasons behind what drives young people to travel in such vast numbers are varied.

But the fact that government figures consistently show almost a third of those students that graduate don’t then return home remains a major concern for the Northern Ireland economy.

However, Richard Willis, Managing Director of Willis Insurance and Risk Management believes it is within the gift of employers to help stem the tide.

The company employs more than 65 people in Belfast where it has operated for more than 40 years.

It provides services to companies across the full range of sectors in Northern Ireland, including on how to reward staff through employ benefits.

Richard said: “There is a perception that economic conditions outside Northern Ireland will provide greater career opportunities and a higher standard of living that makes a homecoming hard to swallow.

“And when graduates see that the average full-time

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salary straight from university in Northern Ireland at around £20,000 is almost £5,000 less than they can expect in Great Britain, it is understandable where that perception comes from.”

But salary is only part of the story. There is a growing culture among employers in Great Britain for offering additional benefits to staff on top of their regular remuneration.

The influence of foreign direct investors from America and the emergence of ‘perk rich’ sectors such as the IT and software industry have raised expectations among graduates seeking employment.

These perks can vary greatly from private medical insurance, help with optical and dental bills or accommodation and food expenses to luxuries such as in-office games consoles, free massages or haircuts.

Richard said: “It is now the norm in the rest of the UK for a package of rewards on top of salaries to be offered to staff.

“It is not unusual therefore for graduates to ask at interview what they can expect by way of benefits in addition to their pay.

“In Northern Ireland, most foreign direct investors are ready to answer with a range of benefits on offer.

“However, the trend has been slower to take hold among other employers compared to their counterparts in Great Britain.”

Richard Willis, Managing Director of Willis Insurance & Risk Management

While some perks may be considered gimmicks – such as a recent offer by one firm to allow the owners of new dogs time off to look after their pet – a simple range of benefits can be highly valued by workers while representing only a small outlay on the part of the employer.

Popular choices include health cash plans, critical illness cover and death in service benefits.

Offered as a group scheme, these extras build staff loyalty and their introduction can often be more cost effective than simply raising salaries.

What works for one company, may not be the solution for another business. For example, death in service payments may be more attractive to workers in industries where accidents are more likely such as construction.

An improved pension scheme meanwhile may be more appropriate for professional grade office staff.

Therefore, it is prudent to seek expert advice to tailor a bespoke package that fits the needs of the company and its employees.

Richard added: “Getting the employee benefits mix right can help reduce absenteeism and improve retention rates as well as attract new recruits.

“For companies in Northern Ireland, it may also set them apart from competitors based in the Republic or Great Britain, and help halt the ‘brain drain’.”

Eye on News

STILL WATERS CATCHES SEAFOOD SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR AWARD Portavogie-based Still Waters has taken the Seafood Supplier title at the second annual Food Awards for Northern Ireland.

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till Waters Managing Director, Paul Carson, said “We were absolutely delighted to become winners at this event which included passionate and creative suppliers from all over Northern Ireland. Over the past year we have made significant changes to our business to ensure it remains at the forefront of the industry.

“Our new brand and strong profile reflects our 75 years long family fishing heritage in Portavogie.

We are consistently dedicated to supplying fresh local produce to our

customers straight from our shores and I am delighted to receive this recognition which is a great tribute to the hard-working staff at Still Waters and the resilient fishermen who, day after day, fish our seas.

Well done to all the other winners!

Kim Lenaghan, said “It’s amazing to be at Portavogie Harbour to present this award to Still Waters, where you really feel at the heart of the industry.

The smells, the sights and the sounds of this village echo generations of hard working fishermen and a true

passion for the sea and it’s produce.

“As a devoted foodie, fresh local produce is important to me and I have been fortunate to sample some of the treasures that have come straight from local fishing boats as supplied by Still Waters and you simply can’t get better.”

The annual Food Awards ceremony was held in the Crowne Plaza Hotel in

Belfast and represented the very best of the Northern Irish food industry.

Voted by the public, The Food Awards are designed to recognize the efforts of the best restaurants, takeaways, gastro pubs, hotel restaurants, cafes and bistros, as well as shine the spotlight on the wonderful local producers who provide their fresh local ingredients.

SASS & HALO TAKES THE CROWN IN DERRY’S £10K BUSINESS CHALLENGE The winners of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s £10k Business Start Up Challenge have been announced.

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aking the top prize of £5,000 was Aoife Doherty’s Sass & Halo, featured in a recent edition of Business Eye. The second place prize of £3,000 was awarded to Ryan Clifford’s company Derry Nice Things and third place, receiving £2,000 was Rowena Millar and Harkan Pyle for their company The Crazy Rabbit Ice Cream.

Tara Nicholas from Council’s Business team said she felt the real challenge lay with the judges in this competition.

She said she was very pleased so many talented entrepreneurs and innovators stepped up to the challenge. She added “The Business Support Team in Council is focused on developing and supporting local business and entrepreneurs. This challenge targeted anyone who had started a business in the past year or who had completed the Go for It programme.

“It was not only designed to give financial support to the winners but also to inspire and drive forward the business plans of the challengers. The thirteen challengers in this competition should

be very proud of themselves and we will continue to support them to develop their businesses and ideas. Entrepreneurial activity is a critical driver of local economic prosperity and we encourage and bolster clever new ideas that will benefit the local economy and create jobs.

“We have a number of programmes running throughout the year, including the ‘Go For It’ programme, I’d encourage anyone starting up or currently running a business to contact the business team at Council to see what support is available to them and take that first step in bringing your business to the next level.”

The thirteen challengers which included; a natural skincare provider, advertising platforms, an ethical street wear brand, an independent food producer and a wellness seeker, pitched their ideas to judges, Liam Nelis of Gradon Architecture, Andrew Ferris, Smalltown America, Leanne Doherty, BEAM Centre and Redmond McFadden, Danske Bank at the Beam Centre last Friday, 16th June.

The three winners of the challenge

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Maolíosa McHugh presenting Derry City and Strabane District Council £10k Business Challenge winner Aoife Doherty (Sass & Halo) with her £5,000 cheque. Also included is Tara Nicholas, Business Officer, Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC) and 10K Business Challenge judge Leanne Doherty, Beam Centre.

were announced today, Thursday 22nd June at Walled City Brewery. The winners were noted for their ability to significantly impact the council area and their ability to create jobs. Further consideration was also given for innovation and export potential on an international scale” Judge Redmond McFadden from Danske Bank, one of the judges on the challenge said, “To pick a winner from such an exceptional group of entrepreneurs was never going to be easy but Aoife’s knowledge, experience and talent shone through as she pitched her business to us. Aoife gave up a career in the fashion industry in London to come

home and create a business in the North West that is already creating orders from ROI, mainland UK, and Europe.

“Aoife knows her product and has a strategy to expand into clearly defined markets and as this business grows Aoife will be taking on staff in the very near future. At a time when the North West exports most of its young talent, it is very refreshing to see one of our own return to flourish in our city. I would like to congratulate all of the applicants for the standard of their presentations and was delighted to see the passion they showed for their businesses. I wish them all every success in the months and years ahead.”

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Eye on Theatre

Ian Wilson...

Grand Opera House Plays To A Bright Future There’s no doubting Ian Wilson’s passion for theatre in general and Belfast’s Grand Opera House in particular. He talks about the place in third person terms, peppering his stories with ‘she’ and ‘her’ to describe Belfast’s grand old lady of entertainment.

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is obvious affection for the place is hardly surprising. In a 25-year arts management career, Wilson served a press officer and Head of Marketing for eight years before leaving the theatre to work in the London theatre world and run his own entertainmentled PR and marketing agency.

Now he’s back as Chief Executive at the Grand Opera House and he’s clearly relishing the role.

He’s well aware of the history that lies in every nook and cranny around the building, and he loves talking about it.

“This place can hold 1,058 people these days, but back in

the late 1800’s, 2,500 would have been packed in here,” he says, indicating the auditorium from our position inside one of the stage-side boxes. “And it was all very class-based back in those days. The Grand Circle patrons had their own entrance so that they didn’t have to mix with the people from the gods.

Eye on Theatre And, back then, it was ladies hats and not mobile phones that we had to warn our patrons about.”

Along with quite a few others, Wilson reckons that Belfast’s Grand Opera House is one of the finest examples of the theatres designed by Frank Matcham, a man who believed that theatres needed to offer an experience to counter the rigours of everyday life in Victorian days.

“Everyone who comes in to the theatre still looks up and around them. It’s a special place and it still has the drama and excitement that visitors expect.”

Belfast’s Grand Opera House first opened its doors in 1895 and productions continued unabated right through until the early 1970’s. The theatre even stayed open through the Second World War, and staged a victory celebration in 1945 attended by Field Marshal Montgomery and General Dwight Eisenhower.

But the Troubles did a lot more damage than the war.

With the city centre a ‘no go’

well over 250,000 people each year,” says Ian Wilson. “But, at its heart, it’s a very old building and it needs a lot of loving care. We look upon at as working heritage.”

The maintenance that lies behind that loving care is no mean task, especially when the theatre only has two ‘dark weeks’ (closure periods) in a given year.

The Grand Opera House fell victim to not one but two big terrorist bombings. There was a bomb attack in 1991 and a second much more devastating one in 1993, which blew a hole big enough in the fabric of the hotel that Glengall Street was visible from the stage itself. The theatre’s subsequent restoration was another major project in itself.

One of Ian Wilson’s challenges is to continue to deliver a high quality entertainment programme to the Opera House stage... one that keeps the punters coming through the doors. That means a mix of drama, musicals, opera and ballet.

“ This is one of the most opulent and splendid theatres of its kind in Europe, and it’s also Belfast’s most important cultural asset as well as a venue that welcomes well over 250,000 people each year,” says Ian Wilson. “But, at its heart, it’s a very old building and it needs a lot of loving care.

We look upon at as working heritage.” area, the theatre’s owners Rank (who had been running it as a cinema) took the decision to close it down and in the early to mid-1970’s, it was scheduled for demolition before a local campaign was launched to save it.

One of Belfast’s top architects, Robert McKinstry, was called in to survey the building and went on to design the Opera House as it is today. The theatre was restored over four years between 1976 and 1980 before it re-opened its doors, becoming the very first listed building in Northern Ireland.

“This is one of the most opulent and splendid theatres of its kind in Europe, and it’s also Belfast’s most important cultural asset as well as a venue that welcomes

“We’re different from other UK theatres in that we have the Irish Sea to consider. So touring productions, which typically require four articulated lorries, have to factor the sea crossing into their logistics. That said, it’s not a factor that stops us from bringing the very best touring productions to our stage.”

To put the Opera House’s success into context, it currently runs at an average of 73% capacity. That compares favourably to the UK theatre average of 58%.

“One of my jobs is to balance ticket prices, striking the right note between paying for top class productions and making theatre in Belfast

as accessible as possible.”

The theatre’s biggest production of the year continues to be its annual pantomime, which runs to a remarkable 96% capacity and ranks as one of the UK’s most successful pantos. Pantomimes have been running at the theatre since it opened in 1895 with a production of ‘Bluebeard’.

“Financially it is important to us. I’d fall short of calling is a cash cow but it’s certainly important to us as a business,” says Ian Wilson, who says that he sees his role as one of stewardship. “This old building will live on long after I’ve gone.”

The Opera House is funded by a mix of ticket sales, bar

and food sales and an Arts Council grant of £480,000 per annum, down from the previous grant of £494,000 per annum in line with the Arts Council’s own funding cut.

“Funding is always a bit of a jigsaw but it’s something that we have to get on with and make the best of. We have a great team of people here, a team with a passion for this place and what it stands for.

“Sitting here and seeing a full house for the recent Summer Youth Project production of Oliver is the kind of experience that makes it all worthwhile.”

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Eye on News

BELFAST MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY COMPANY ACQUIRED BY MAJOR US HEALTHCARE FIRM Belfast-based Intelesens Ltd. has been acquired

by UltraLinq Healthcare, the Connected Health Platform of Renew Health Limited.

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he acquisition of Intelesens, which specialises in intelligent, wearable, non-invasive, wireless vital signs monitoring devices for both the hospital and home patient monitoring markets, will assist UltraLinq in progressing its strategy of providing a cost-effective digital health platform focused on the improvement of cardiovascular healthcare globally.

The cloud-based ultrasound and image management platform provides physicians, technologists and admins with the most effective workflow for evaluating, sharing and archiving imaging exams, such as X-Rays and Ultrasounds, and reports.

Stephen Farber, CEO of New Yorkbased UltraLinq Healthcare, said: “Intelesens has pioneered the development of proprietary world class algorithms for the detection of a range of cardiac arrhythmias from wireless sensors on the body. This technology, coupled with the team’s incredible knowledge of the space, will allow us to make huge

strides towards our end goal of providing cost-effective tools to improve the delivery of cardiovascular care globally.

“Together, with our existing cloudbased image and data management platform, we are going to be able to solve an abundance of care delivery problems that have never truly been targeted with this kind of technology.”

Intelesens currently sells its products – Zensor, which assists in streamlining the medical referral pathway resulting in clinical and economic benefits, and Aingeal, which facilitates the monitoring of respiration rate, ECG, heart rate, motion and skin temperature in hospital patients – to healthcare providers in the UK, EMEA, ASEAN and North America.

Aidan Langan, CEO of Intelesens which was originally founded as a spin out of the Ulster University in 2001 and will continue to operate under the existing company name, said: “The Board of Intelesens believes that the deal with Ultralinq represents a tremendous opportunity for the

UltraLinq CEO Stephen Farber, centre, welcomes the acquisition with Deirdre Francis, Intelesens CFO and Professor James McLaughlin, Intelesens co-founder and CTO.

company and its future development, as well as for the MedTech sector in Northern Ireland more generally.

“The acquisition has presented a great outcome for our shareholders and our staff are very excited about the ambitious plans.”

Intelesens currently employs a team of 39 who will remain at its Heron Road site where the company manufactures a range of electrodes and devices. In 2011, the company won the prestigious Silicon Valley ‘Most Promising Technology Award’ for its technology.

Jasmine Gardiner, COO of UltraLinq, which is keen to continue significant corporate growth in the Belfast area, said: “Northern Ireland, specifically Belfast, has an amazing talent pool that we are excited to tap into.

“When you combine that level of engineering quality and skill,

with the technology support that Intelesens has enjoyed from Ulster University and a supportive development agency like Invest NI, Belfast becomes an obvious choice for continued corporate development.”

Deirdre Francis, CFO of Intelesens said: “We are very grateful to Invest NI and the Ulster University for their continued support throughout the development of the Intelesens business.

“In particular the strong relationship with our Client Executives and their faith in the products we have developed, have had a meaningful and direct impact on our success.”

Intelesens maintains a strong and close academic–industrial collaboration with the Ulster University Nanotechnology and Integrated Bioengineering Centre (“NIBEC”), an internationally recognised world-class research facility.

LAW FIRM RAISES FUNDS FOR AGE NI Corporate law firm A&L Goodbody recently raised £1,000 for charity partner Age NI through a sponsored Spinathon – the first in a series initiatives the firm will undertake to support the charity during their two-year partnership.

T Catherine Fearon, Solicitor, A&L Goodbody; Tracey Schofield, Commercial Property & CSR Partner, A&L Goodbody; and Nadine Campbell, Head of Fundraising, Age NI.

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racey Schofield, Commercial Property & CSR Partner at A&L Goodbody said: “The lives of so many of our lawyers and business support professionals at A&L Goodbody are touched and enriched by older people in both their family and friendship circles and it is very satisfying for us to give something back.

We are proud to play an active role in supporting the incredible services that Age NI provide to thousands of people in later life across Northern Ireland every year through initiatives like this Spinathon. I am very grateful to my colleagues and clients of the firm who took part and donated generously to this fantastic cause.”

Eye on Communications

Transform How Your Company Operates With Workpal How many hours a week do you spend on admin? Chasing up paperwork and checking incomplete forms is time consuming and ultimately costs your company money.

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orkPal is a mobile and desktop app which streamlines workflow, with job management, time tracking, job reports and invoicing all from the palm of your hand.

Mobile workers have access to customised job sheets from the mobile app, can be guided through their task and have the ability to report back instantaneously on the progress. Once a job is completed, WorkPal allows for speedy invoicing, even from out in the field. The endto-end process management ensures that the accounts department is completely integrated with field workers and everyone in between.

By law, every employer must make sure that work equipment is maintained in an

efficient state, in working order and in good repair, this includes vehicles. It is important that vehicles are maintained so that they are mechanically in good condition.

An incident reporting system is essential to enable employers to meet their legal obligations to report accidents. Before starting a shift, drivers should check tyres, lights, indicators, visible damage to the vehicle, mirrors and breaks, recording this information and sending back to head office. The paperwork involved in this costs time, money, and slows down processes.

With WorkPal, users are able to complete mandatory daily checks on shift starts including vehicle safety and personal protection equipment all from the app. This saves time for workers and reduces the risk of paperwork being misplaced, incorrectly filled out and ensures safe practice in the workplace.

Ian Megahey, Head of WorkPal Sales said: “One of the most attractive aspects of WorkPal for our customers is WorkPal forms.

When setting up your WorkPal install your paper based forms development as part of the system. Data captured from the app will be automatically synced back to the desktop providing your forms for email and export, meaning documents can’t be lost.

“Having vehicle checks built into the app ensures safety compliance with workers and stops a backlog of paper forms.

“The bespoke nature of WorkPal means it’s as affordable and flexible as companies require, ultimately saving money and growing profits.”

WorkPal, including its sister company, Barclay Communications, has been awarded a place on the Government Framework for the Digital Marketplace, allowing over 36,000 public sector buying organisations to avail of their products.

For more information on other benefits of WorkPal and how it could transform our business, visit yourworkpal.com

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Eye on Moving On 1 Chris Annon has been promoted to Group Logistics and Vending Development Manager at Mount Charles. He has been with the company for almost 20 years.

2 Also at Mount Charles, Gavin Annon has been promoted to Head of Sales and Marketing. He most recently held the position of Commercial and Marketing Manager.

3 Gregory Martin has joined the Commercial Property team at A&L Goodbody as an Associate. Gregory has worked as a solicitor in London for the past 10 years and joins from city law firm Nabarro.

1 Chris Annon

2 Gavin Annon

3 Gregory Martin

4 Arthur Cox has appointed Lizanne Jones as Partner in its Northern Ireland Property practice. With 12 years’ experience of providing legal counsel to a range of clients in Northern Ireland and throughout the UK, Lizanne’s appointment further strengthens Arthur Cox’s property offering.

Professional recruitment consultancy, Abacus Recruitment, has made two new appointments 5 to its team. Jessica Neeson has returned from working in London and has been appointed as a 6 Recruitment Consultant for IT/Technology. Lucy Mooney has been appointed to the company’s ICT Consultant position – she also has returned to Northern Ireland to join the Abacus team. Both Jessica and Lucy graduated from Ulster University.

4 Lizanne Jones

7 Barry Jackson

5 Jessica Neeson

8 Laura McClements

6 Lucy Mooney

9 Scott Wright

7 At Belfast International Airport, Barry Jackson has been appointed as the new External Relations Manager. Formerly Sales Manager for United Airlines, he joins the airport team with unparalleled knowledge of the Northern Ireland Transatlantic market and a wealth of general industry knowledge. Also at the airport, 8 Laura McClements has been appointed as Digital Marketing Executive and will oversee the airport’s digital and social platforms. Laura joins the company from Camp America.

9 Scott Wright has been appointed Business Development Manager at Rainbow Communications, where he will specialise in New System Sales and Hosted/VoIP Telephony Solutions. Scott has over 3 years’ experience 10 within the telecoms sector. Will Gibson has been appointed to the same role at Rainbow. Will first joined the telecommunications industry in 1999, and has since worked throughout the UK and Ireland with some of the leading mobile networks.

11 Charlotte Turk becomes a Solicitor in the Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution department at A&L Goodbody. Charlotte specialises in providing advice in relation to Technology, Media and Intellectual Property.

12 Also at A&L Goodbody, Claire McGoldrick is appointed as a Solicitor in Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution.Claire specialises in the areas of Intellectual Property, Construction Litigation and Dispute Resolution.

10 Will Gibson

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11 Charlotte Turk

12 Claire McGoldrick

Eye on Moving On Bangor-based manufacturer and exporter Denman International has announced the 13 appointment of Roisin McCart as Marketing Manager. Roisin began her career at Unilever before joining Campbells to work on iconic brands like Oxo and Godiva. Following an 8-year spell in America including a spell working for Walmart, Roisin has returned to Northern Ireland to lead the development of Denman as a global consumer and professional haircare brand.

13 Roisin McCart

14 Michael Marshall

15 Kirsty McManus

The Roe Park Resort, Limavady has appointed 14 Michael Marshall as its new General Manager.

Originally from South Africa, he joins the Roe Park Resort from his previous position as General Manager at Hilton Aberdeen Treetops in Scotland.

He has also served as the General Manager of Mount Murray Hotel and Country Club on the Isle of Man and managed the Ramada Jarvis Hotel Nottingham in England and the Toadbury Hall Country Hotel in his native South Africa.

15 Kirsty McManus has been appointed National Director at the Institute of Directors Northern Ireland where she will work to strengthen its relationship with businesses, politicians, local government and the public sector.

Formerly Head of Business Development at the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kirsty joins the leading business organisation following a successful career during which she has held senior positions at the Ulster University, CBI and Vistage.

16 Steve Tweed

17 Barbara Creed

18 Jenny Moore

16 Steve Tweed has been appointed as Head of Mediation and Consultancy Services at Ampersand’s new NI office. Previously Director of Industrial Relations at the Irish Medical Organisation in Dublin, Steve has extensive experience across the private, public and not for profit sectors.

Corporate law firm A&L Goodbody has announced the appointment of a new partner 17 at its Belfast office. Barbara Creed has over 12 years’ specialist experience in dispute resolution and advises directors, shareholders and property developers in corporate, land and contractual disputes. She is dual qualified to practice in Northern Ireland and in England and Wales, and has a certificate in Advanced Advocacy.

19 Ciaran O’Shiel

20 Peter Smyth

21 Kevin Murphy

18 Jenny Moore has been appointed as an Associate at A&L Goodbody. She has experience of advising both private and public sector clients on all elements of employment law, both contentious and non-contentious and has developed a specialism in corporate immigration.

19 Ciaran O’Shiel also becomes an A&L Goodbody associate. Ciaran specialises in litigation and dispute resolution with a particular emphasis on intellectual property and information law.

20 Peter Smyth has been appointed as Client Relationship Executive at Ulster Community Investment Trust Ltd (UCIT), Northern Ireland’s leading Social Finance specialist.

Peter comes with over 28 years’ experience across a number of senior roles in Danske Bank. He will be responsible for Relationship Management and raising awareness of UCIT as a provider of funding to the wider community and voluntary sector.

21 Kevin Murphy has been appointed partner in the real estate group at law firm TLT. He has a strong reputation in the local property market and specialises in the renewable energy sector. Kevin has acted for a large number of corporate and public sector tenants, as well as landlords, developers, local and GB investors, retailers and funds across a diverse range of commercial property matters.

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Eye on News

CONLON HEADLINES AT NEWRY DINNER Over 230 guests attended Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade’s Gala Dinner 2017, held in the Canal Court Hotel, with Guest Speaker, Brian Conlon, Founder and Chief Executive of global firm First Derivatives Plc.

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he event was sponsored by Ulster Bank and the Canal Court Hotel. It was attended by dignitaries, government decision makers and distinguished guests including former Ministers, the Chairperson of Newry & Mourne District Council, Councillors, local schools and local business leaders.

Speaking on the success story of First Derivatives plc from its humble beginnings in 1996 started from his bedroom with a loan of just £5,000, Brian Conlon reflected on the diverse range of organisations using the

company’s software worldwide and the dedication and commitment of the organisation to become one of the leading researchers and innovators in its field worldwide.

Brian also spoke passionately of his commitment to Newry as a wonderful place to do business.

To date in 2017 almost 200 graduates have started their careers at the company’s HQ in Newry, with a projected 400 graduates to take up employment in the graduate programme before the

Mary Meehan, Newry Chamber Chief Executive, Brian Conlon First Derivatives, President Michael McKeown, Mark Crimmins Ulster Bank, Patrick Kerr Canal Court Hotel.

end of 2017 - making it one of the largest recruiters on the island.

President Michael McKeown stated, “We in Newry Chamber are immensely proud of the success of First Derivatives Plc employing circa 1750 employees, the majority of whom are graduates from local universities.

From its humble beginnings, it has expanded into a global phenomenon

and we welcome Brian’s very positive comments about First Derivatives commitment to its future in Newry”.

President McKeown added, “Newry Chamber offers it appreciation to The Ulster Bank and The Canal Court Hotel for generously sponsoring this annual event and to the Chamber members, patrons and guests who made this event a great success”.

COMPANIES URGED TO PREPARE FOR TERRORIST ATTACK Northern Ireland’s biggest independent security company Mercury Security Management has teamed up with internationally acclaimed specialist security consultancy and training provider PS5 to launch a new training programme to help local businesses prepare for a terrorist attack.

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ith the terrorist threat level in the United Kingdom currently set at SEVERE, another attack is considered by the Government as highly likely, so Mercury and PS5 are urging companies across Northern Ireland to look at their security operations and ask themselves if they are truly prepared for the worst to happen.

The four-hour training programme, entitled ‘We Go Prepared: Living in an Age of Terrorism’ will show companies what can be done to protect their employees, organization and customers from a terrorist attack, including the correct protocols and procedures to deal with the attack and its aftermath.

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“The problem with international terrorism in this day and age unfortunately needs no explanation,” said Mercury Security CEO Frank Cullen.

“In our own daily security work, we have become increasingly aware of the threat of terrorist attacks and the need for vigilance to ensure that we are best prepared to deal with worst case scenarios if they should happen.

“So we thought it would be a good idea, in association with our longstanding training partner PS5, to share the knowledge and expertise that we have collectively accumulated with the business world at large and help them prepare as best they can for every eventuality.”

Launching the new programme are (L-R) Mercury Security CEO Frank Cullen, Garry Suddaby, Mercury Training and Development Manager, and PS5 CEO Steve Collins

The training programme has been designed by PS5 CEO Steve Collins, an acknowledged authority on weaponsrelated crime and personal protection from violence, aggressive behaviour and terrorism. Collins has worked as an advisor to UK, USA and Middle Eastern government bodies and in service with law enforcement agencies, government departments and security professionals in over 60 countries, including the USA Department of Defence in their TSWG research directive for combating terrorism.

Companies can book the programme exclusively for staff on site at their

own premises or off site at Mercury’s Training Academy near Lisburn.

Alternatively, the company will be announcing a number of public dates and venues to which small businesses can send delegates.

For further information on the ‘We Go Prepared: Living in an Age of Terrorism’ training programme or to book a place, interested parties should call Mercury on 028 9262 0510 or email info@mercurysecurity.biz

Eye onMotoring

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Eye on Motoring

BMW, Mercedes & MINI On Board For Emissions Incentive Scheme BMW, Mercedes Benz and MINI have all signed up to the new lower emissions incentive scheme, which encourages motorists to trade in their old diesel models for today’s efficient diesel vehicles... with an additional discount of £2,000 on offer.

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he scheme effectively enables owners of any Euro 4 (EU4) emission standard or below car to trade in their existing vehicle for most models across the BMW, Mercedes-Benz and MINI ramnge with emissions of 130 g/km or below with the £2,000 discount automatically applied.

In other words, if you currently own a diesel car that

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was registered before January 2011, you may be eligible for the offer, which runs until the end of December this year.

If you’re not sure about your existing vehicle’’s status, you can contact your local BMW. Mercedes-Benz or MINI dealer, or visit the Vehicle Certification Agency’s website.

The current offer is a direct result of EU6, a piece of European

legislation aimed at reducing exhaust pollutants that have an impact on air quality, and to make cars more environmentally friendly.

The legislation sets restrictions on how much nitrogen oxide (NOx) and hydrocarbon gases may be emitted by a road vehicle.

To put the standards into perspective, the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) claims: “It would take 50 new cars today to produce the same amount of pollutant emissions as one vehicle built in the 1970s.”

All new BMW vehicles sold today are EU6 compliant and use some of today’s cleanest and most efficient engine technology across the entire model range.

When it comes to MINI models, the team at Belfast MINI point out that the offer means £2,000 on top of any other existing offers and on top of the tradein price. “There’s never been a better time to get to know the latest MINI models, with their legendary go-kart handling and iconic design,” said a spokesman.

“Our current line-up is cleaner than ever, with every MINI launched since 2014 designed to meet EU6 standards which are now mandatory for all new cars. Driving an EU6 compliant car comes with a host of benefits, from reducing driving taxes to emitting fewer harmful emissions. “

THE BMW 730d M SPORT SALOON MONTHLY RENTALS FROM £399.98 (Plus £2,399.88 initial rental)*

For more information or to arrange a test drive†, call us on 028 9038 1311 or visit www.bavarianbmw.co.uk

Bavarian

2 Boucher Crescent, Belfast County Antrim BT12 6HU

BMW Business Partnership Official fuel economy figures for the BMW 7 Series range: Urban 24.8-51.4 mpg (11.4-5.5 l/100km). Extra Urban 45.6-67.3 mpg (6.2-4.2 l/100km). Combined 34.9-134.5 mpg (8.1-2.1 l/100km) incl PHEV. CO2 emissions 189-49 g/km incl PHEV. Figures are obtained in a standardised test cycle. They are intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not be representative of what a user achieves under usual driving conditions.

Bavarian is a credit broker.

Business users only. *Price shown excludes VAT at 20% and is for a 24 month Business Contract Hire agreement for a BMW 730d M Sport Saloon, with a contract mileage of 16,000 miles and excess mileage charge of 19.98p per mile. Applies to new vehicles ordered between 1 July 2017 and 30 September 2017 and registered by 31 December 2017 (subject to availability). At the end of your agreement you must return the vehicle. Excess mileage, vehicle condition and other charges may be payable. Available subject to status to UK residents aged 18 or over. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. The amount of VAT you can reclaim depends on your business VAT status. Terms and conditions apply. Offer may be varied, withdrawn or extended at any time. Hire provided by BMW Financial Services (GB) Limited, Summit ONE, Summit Avenue, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 0FB. Isaac Agnew Ltd trading as Bavarian, commonly introduce customers to a selected panel of lenders including BMW Financial Services. We may receive commission or other benefits for introducing you to such lenders. This introduction does not amount to independent financial advice. †Test drive subject to applicant status and availability.

Eye on Motoring

Motoring with Derek Black dbmotoring@btinternet.com

Velar Is The New And More Affordable Range Rover The Velar is the fourth member of the Range Rover family and sits between the Evoque and the Range Rover Sport. It is claimed to be the most car-like but still features permanent four-wheel drive and the terrain response controls expected from a serious off-roader.

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would also say that this is the most stylish Range Rover we have seen with a smooth and sporting new profile. The door handles sit flush and only open up when you approach with the remote control. Inside, the finish is significantly upgraded with a screen that bevels out and a much improved sound and navigation system.

As it is a sister car to the Jaguar F-Pace SUV you get a more dynamic driving experience on the road. The most potent engine, a supercharged 375bhp 3.0-litre V6 petrol, takes full advantage of the

added litheness. This makes it a direct rival to the Porsche Macan.

Of the diesel engine options, the familiar 3.0 V6 with 296bhp is the quietest and most drivable with 44mpg claimed on the combined cycle. For business users, however, the most tax-friendly option is the 178bhp 2.0-litre unit that also powers most Land Rovers.

It may be a bit less refined than

the sixes but the 2.0 turbo diesel does the business with a claimed 52mpg combined and emissions of 142g/km putting it in the 30% tax band. Priced from £44,830 - before you dip into the extras bin - it is competitive with the German rival.

Among the options are a drowsiness monitor, adaptive cruise control, allround cameras, emergency braking and a towing system that makes it

easier to reverse with a trailer.

All Velar models come with the eight speed automatic gearbox and the V6 models have air suspension giving them a towing capacity of 2500 kg.

They all have the 650mm wading depth of the Range Rover Sport.

The Velar gives Range Rover a very useful mid-range model with all the luxury and ability you expect from them - plus more style and sportiness.

is very subdued and you avoid hilly routes. But with emissions rated at 70g/km you are exempt from BIK tax!

The hybrid is priced from £23,695 so it is a slightly higher upfront investment to reduce the running costs.

Diesel versions of competitors like the SEAT Ateca and the Qashqai are nicer to drive and can be cheaper if you are happy with a smaller petrol engine. If you like Toyota build

and reliability you could settle for the less stylish but cheaper Auris which is also available as a hybrid.

The CH-R starts in Icon trim with climate control, auto lights and wipers, adaptive cruise control, 17-inch alloys and a 7-inch touch screen. Excel trim offers sat nav, bigger wheels and part leather.

TOYOTA C-HR OFFERS STYLE AND FUN - AND A HYBRID VERSION! Sometimes a car that looks boring on paper turns out to be more fun than you think. Such was the Toyota C-HR, a close competitor to the Nissan Qashqai and better looking but a bit more cramped in the rear. Could it be a rep-mobile with a difference?

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he car I drove had an eager 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine that felt livelier than you would expect from 115PS. A fast-reacting CVT auto box meant that you get the best from it. This wee car just drives itself leaving you to concentrate on the road.

With 47mpg combined, a BIK rating from 21% and a £21k tag, it does not exactly scream ‘fleet car’. But it is undemanding and enjoyable to

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drive and creates a funky image.

The hybrid version is a more serious contender for your business. Somehow they have crammed all the mechanicals of the Prius into this smaller package.

That is to say a 1.8-litre petrol engine plus electric motor giving a combined 122PS and similar performance to the small petrol version.

The combined mpg is stated at 72mpg - nice work if your driving

Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per 100km) for the E-Class Saloon range: urban 24.1(11.7)65.7(4.3), extra urban 37.2(7.6)-78.5(3.6), combined 31.0(9.1)-134.5(2.1). CO2 emissions 207-49 g/km. Official EUregulated test data are provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors.

The E-Class Saloon from £382* per month.

Built around your business.

Packed with intelligent features, the E-Class Saloon is the car to take your business forward in the connected world.

And it’s available now with our latest competitive offers at Mercedes-Benz Northern Ireland.

Visit us at Mercedes-Benz of Portadown or Mercedes-Benz of Belfast.

Model featured is an E 220 d SE Saloon at £37,345 on-the-road including optional metallic paint at £645 (on-the-road price includes VAT, delivery, 12 months’ Road Fund Licence, number plates and first registration fee). *Business users only. Mercedes-Benz Contract Hire agreement. All rentals exclude VAT at 20%. No ownership option. Vehicle conditions, excess mileage and other charges may be payable.

Rental includes Road Fund Licence for the contract duration. Guarantees may be required. Orders/credit approvals on selected E-Class Saloon models between 1 July and 30 September 2017, registered by 31 December 2017 excluding Mercedes-AMG models. Subject to availability, offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Some combinations of features/ options may not be available. Credit subject to status by Mercedes-Benz Finance, MK15 8BA.

Mercedes-Benz Northern Ireland mercedes-benzofnorthernireland.co.uk

Eye on Motoring

Motoring with Derek Black dbmotoring@btinternet.com

Refined New XC60 Confirms Volvo As A Premium Brand

Volvo built its name with big estate cars that sold to people with green wellies. Now the company, like its customers, are majoring on the SUV. Their big XC90 has a strong following so it is no surprise that the new middleweight XC60 has a lot in common with their proven winner.

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ince their take-over by the Chinese Geely group, the Swedish icon seems to be going from strength to strength with investment in new engines and a 20% global sales rise. But is Volvo a premium brand these days?

They seem to think so for the XC60 starts at a hefty £37k.

Not as eager as an Audi nor as precise as a BMW, the words associated with Volvo are strong, comfortable and safe rather than sporting. As such, the XC60 offers something similar but distinctly different to the Q5 and the X3. Those new engines - all variants of the same 2.0-litre design - are rather efficient.

The 190PS diesel returns 54mpg combined and emits 136g/km putting it in the 28% BIK bracket. It comes with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive. Other options are the 235PS D5 or the 254PS T5 petrol and there is a T8 hybrid on the slips (from £56860!).

None of these engines is slow - even the 190PS D4 can make it to 62mph in 8.4 seconds. Somehow they do not feel as though they should be driven quickly, unlike the opposition though there is a choice of driving modes..

But the cabin is superb with a big screen and the seats as comfortable as you will find.

Of course, all the safety features are available including an optional clever auto braking system called Pilot Assist that can recognise cars, cyclists and animals and keep you out of trouble.

Even the starter Momentum spec includes keyless entry, cruise control, auto lights and wipers, leather, climate control and 18 inch alloys.

Air suspension is a £1,500 option on the lower grades.

SUZUKI SWIFT GETS GEM OF NEW ENGINE AND LOTS MORE STYLE The Suzuki Swift has long been a likeable little car. The newest model is a bit bigger and has a lot more style. There is a touch of the MINI look which can be no bad thing.

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approached the 1.0-litre SZ5 automatic with more than a degree of trepidation.

Could a pint pot engine with the strangling effect of automatic deliver the goods? The answer is an emphatic YES on both counts.

Suzuki has worked wonders with its little Boosterjet three-cylinder engine.

It seems to be packed with power and makes its 111PS go far. The six speed torque converter automatic is another revelation - it is quick in action and the

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response to the kick-down produces a pleasing roar from the eager engine.

It sprints to 62mph in under 10 seconds - actually slightly quicker than the manual version - and feels lively and responsive most of the time. My car had paddle shifts which seemed a bit cheeky but they worked well to give the driver more control.

This is a fun car to drive with sharp steering and good handling though a bit on the stiff side over the bumps.

What is more the auto is rather

efficient - it is claimed to do 56mpg on the Combined Cycle but actually managed a creditable 50mpg real time average on a mix of town and country driving. Emissions of 116g/ km put it in the 23% BIK bracket.

So it is an economical little car that is joyful to drive. There is space for adults in the back though the boot is modest.

It is also good value for money with a starting price of £12,999 for the starter

SZ-T model with a less powerful 1.2 engine though is reasonably equipped.

The 1.0 Boosterjet SZ5 that I drove comes in at £15,849 but boasts a lot of kit including a forward detection system with laser sensors and camera to warn you if you drift out of lane, or fail to notice that the car in front is stopping. It also has adaptive cruise control, sat nav, keyless entry and automatic headlamp dipping.

The new Volkswagen Arteon.

Available to order now from £299 a month plus VAT and initial rental.

Contract Hire 3-year, 10,000 miles per annum example for Arteon Elegance 2.0 TDI 150PS 7-speed DSG. 35 monthly payments of (plus VAT)

£299.00

Initial rental (plus VAT)

£897.00

Excess mileage charge (plus VAT)

7.0p

Advanced dynamic cornering light, 6-way “ergoComfort” seats, Lane Assist, Area View, Car-Net, Multi-function steering wheel and Active Info display.

With the arrival of the new Volkswagen Arteon comes a car that redefines business class driving. A car that combines the athletic design elements of a classic sports model with the elegance and 5-seat spaciousness of a fastback. With its revolutionary technology generating a fusion of autonomous functions, the Arteon offers more driving assistance systems than any previous Volkswagen. Featuring increased safety and comfort, its designation as a truly ‘avant – garde’ car is easily justified.

Agnew Volkswagen Belfast

Agnew Volkswagen Mallusk

1 Boucher Road, Belfast, BT12 6HR. Telephone: (028) 9124 0461.

2 Mallusk Way, Newtownabbey, BT36 4AA. Telephone: (028) 9124 0388. www.isaacagnew.volkswagen.co.uk

Isaac Agnew Limited is a broker and not a lender and can introduce you to a limited number of lenders, who may pay us for introducing you to them. *No ownership option Business users only.

All Prices Exclude VAT. VAT payable at the prevailing rate. 18s+. Subject to availability and status. T&Cs apply. Offer available when ordered by 1st October and delivered by 31st December, 2017.

Indemnities may be required. Offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer and may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Accurate at time of publication. Freepost Volkswagen Financial

Standard EU Test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Official fuel consumption figures for the new Arteon range in mpg (litres/100km): urban 30.7 (9.2) – 52.3 (5.4); extra urban 46.3 (6.1) – 70.6 (4.0); combined 38.7 (7.3) – 62.8 (4.5). Combined CO2 emissions 116 – 164g/km.

Services.

Eye on Motoring

Drivers of change Fleet Financial puts driver safety first with launch of AuditComply

Pictured launching AuditComply are (L-R) Aaron Wright, BCS (Business Compliance Solutions), which will manage AuditComply’s roll out and implementation, Kevin Donaghy, Director, AuditComply, & Damian Campbell, Sales Manager, Fleet Financial.

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leet Financial, Northern Ireland’s leader in the procurement and management of company vehicles, has launched a new product which will help to ensure that businessowners and managers are protected in the face of road risk legislation.

According to the Department for Transport, more than a quarter of all road traffic incidents may involve someone who is driving as part of their work at the time.

In its mission to simplify the process for owners and drivers, Fleet Financial has partnered with two local companies, Business Compliance Solutions and AuditComply. Their innovative and empowering new online tool enables businesses to identify employees who use a

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vehicle as part of their work and manage their occupational road risk and compliance levels. This includes company owned or ‘Grey Fleet’ for example those drivers who use their own vehicle for work purposes.

Under health and safety law, employers have a clear duty of care to manage occupational road risk in the same way they manage other health and safety risks. However, Fleet Financial Sales Manager, Damian Campbell, highlights that compliance with the regulations remains an issue.

“The challenges involved in running a business can be overwhelming – priorities and focus can change quickly and there will always be something that takes a back seat”, Mr Campbell said.

“However, in the area of legal compliance for vehicle and driver management, we’re delighted to be introducing a tech solution that will keep you, your company and staff safe and legally protected.

“Surveying businesses across Northern Ireland to listen to their views and to understand their needs, it was clear that while most were aware of their responsibilities, few were properly addressing them.

Larger fleets were more acutely aware but businesses found this a tough area to tackle.”

Damian said Fleet Financial had introduced AuditComply with companies of every size in mind and that the information produced provides the clear guidance and

next steps required to ensure this key area is addressed.

“We provide a range of bespoke services and products which can be drawn upon at any time. We introduced AuditComply because businesses told us they wanted a simple solution to address this issue, clearly identify the risks and recommend the right action. We’re delighted with how it has been received so far.

“Not knowing is half of the problem and most of the worry.

AuditComply is not only pivotal in making things right but in fostering a culture of compliance and road safety which benefits everyone.”

Damian added: “Organisations have a legal duty to put in place suitable arrangements to manage health and safety. This is a wide-ranging requirement which encourages a commonsense and practical approach.

“It should be part of the everyday process of managing vehicles associated with your business.

With AuditComply we believe we have a cost effective, on line solution that helps a business identify who drives with work in any capacity, identifies and analyses risk with commendations to reduce the risks.”

Employers have duties under health and safety law for on-theroad work activities. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 states you must ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the health and safety of all employees while at work. You must also ensure that others are not put at risk by your work-related driving activities. The self-employed have similar responsibilities.

For more information, visit www.fleetfinancial.co.uk or phone 028 9084 9777 to arrange a free demo.

We understand the

procurement & management of company vehicles is changing...

We have the perfect

mix of innovative solutions that help & support you when you need them most.

Contract Hire & Vehicle Funding options

Driver Assistance App

Fleet Breakdown

Online Vehicle Management Software

Fleet Management

Online Driver Risk Assessment

Personal Contract Hire

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This is modern vehicle management.

NI Office: T: 028 9084 9777 GB Office: T: 0161 291 9030

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Eye on Finance

Company Car Funding for Senior Management

David McEwen, Head of Business Development at Agnew Corporate with Stephen McConnell, Finance & HR Director at Atlas

Access to a fully funded car is undoubtedly a key benefit in a company’s staff remuneration packages and most company drivers would take this route by default. However, when it comes to Directors and Senior Managers in a business, the situation may be more complex.

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enior staff tend to prefer high CO2, pricier company cars, unless they are tuned into the BIK implications and choose to opt for a hybrid car, in an effort to cap their personal company car costs. With BIK increasing year-on-year, decisions on vehicle models and

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funding options have become vital in securing the most costeffective vehicle solutions.

At Agnew Corporate, we have the expertise to advise on the best funding options for each individual, whether it may be via business contract hire or a private purchase on PCH or PCP. Adopting a consultative approach, we utilise the Deloitte Whole Life Cost application to ensure we can give sound advice, combined with accurate financial modelling.

Factors taken into account include; • Vehicle make and model • Business vs private mileage split • Fuel reimbursement policy and pricing • Whether there is a cash allowance option and, if so, the available budget

With thorough analysis of each of the above factors, we can assist in ensuring that the most financially beneficial solution is reached for both the company and driver. We can also calculate the cash allowance to keep the company costs neutral or drive savings if required.

Recently, we carried out a Whole Life Cost analysis for our customer, Atlas, which resulted in significant savings where two directors were due to change their company vehicles. Previously, the drivers had run both vehicles as company cars with an agreed monthly lease budget, as standard across all fellow directors. Having picked their cars, we calculated that the most efficient option in this case involved allocating a suitable monthly cash allowance and funding the cars on a personal contract hire basis.

While the individual calculations varied depending on the business mileage split and car selections, we managed to produce significant savings for both directors. Stephen McConnell, Finance& HR Director at Atlas said, “We are delighted to have had access to this level of information from Agnew Corporate.

With their assistance, we now have a full understanding of our costs, which ultimately allowed us to make significant savings”.

If you would like more information or advice on vehicle funding options, please contact David McEwen, Head of Business Development, on 028 90 386600.

Agnew Corporate, 18 Boucher Way, Belfast, BT12 6RE

Your fleet in our hands

We’ll manage your fleet while you manage your business Call us on: 028 9038 6600

18 Boucher Way, Belfast, BT12 6RE W: agnewcorporate.com 157

Eye on Motoring

Classy New Model Adds Appeal To VW Range Volkswagen is expanding its model range with the debut of an avant-garde Gran Turismo: the new Arteon.

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o say we are eagerly awaiting the September arrival of this outstanding vehicle is an understatement. The new Arteon is a major addition to our Fleet offering: a display of engineering style and class, sure to turn heads with its sporty yet elegant appearance and abundant technology. The elongated contours and long wheelbase present a highly distinctive profile; there’s plenty of space whether you are driving or relaxing as a passenger making even longer journeys an enjoyable experience. Meanwhile, boot space via the new fastback hatch can only be described as cavernous. As for the spec, as you’d expect it matches the

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style of the car: Multi-function steering wheel, ABS (Anti-lock braking system), Disc brakes front and rear, and Curtain airbag system all feature as standard.

Enquiries for the new Arteon are already exceeding our expectations; to secure a test drive or for more information on this exciting new Volkswagen, please contact the Agnew Volkswagen Fleet team on Belfast 028 9023 4477.

(L-R) Elizabeth McClay, Business Development Manager; Stanley McKittrick, Fleet Co-Ordinator; Julie Graham, Fleet Sales Executive; John O’Reilly, Fleet Sales Manager

Is it true that, the less miles I put on the car, the less I pay?

To find out the answer, visit: dfcbelfast.co.uk/resources/pch-faq-video-be.html

Eye on Motoring

Motoring with Derek Black dbmotoring@btinternet.com

IMPROVED KUGA WITH SMALL DIESEL DOES THE BUSINESS! The Ford Kuga count on Ulster roads seems to have gone up in recent years. This may well be because the second generation car, upgraded at the turn of the year. is actually a much better vehicle.

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he up-market 2.0-litre turbo diesel with ST Line trim, is certainly an impressive mover. It has a beefy 180PS to deliver, can sprint to 62mph in ten seconds and never seems to be short of puff. But, with automatic and all-wheel drive this is a £30k confection.

Business buyers will cut to the chase with cheaper models especially the 1.5 turbo diesel. Of course this may be a bit pressed

if you load it to the gunnels and comes with just front-wheel drive.

Against its more modest 118PS output you can buy it in Zebec trim for £7k less than the flagship.

What’s more the 1.5 TDCi returns up to 64mpg on the urban cycle and has emissions from 115g/km putting it in the relatively modest 25% BIK tax bracket. Now the Kuga is starting to make more sense with the company accountant and he also knows that there are generous dealer discounts to be had.

On the road the diesel engine is subdued in normal driving and the Kuga does not lean as much into the bends as others of its kind. The ST model is firmer than most and can thump a bit on bad surfaces. The Kuga is good at managing over speed bumps.

The Kuga can be pricey but if you stick to the lower trims and smaller engines it can make sense.

Even starter models come with a

4.2-inch screen, Bluetooth, DAB radio and a USB socket to charge phones. The next grade up brings sat nav and a bigger 8-inch screen.

FERRARI OWNERS OUT IN FORCE A cavalcade of 70 Ferraris driven by their owners, recently had the unique opportunity to journey through Belfast, led by Ferrari’s Special Anniversary car, The LaFerrari Aperta.

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he cavalcade met for registration and reception at The Ulster Folk & Transport Museum, Cultra, where guests had the unique opportunity to explore the museum. It then travelled onwards, stopping at the iconic Titanic Quarter Slipways for a photograph, before arriving at the Royal Palace, Hillsborough Castle, to begin evening celebrations.

The evening began with a Champagne reception in the Beautiful Gardens at The Royal Palace and a chance to explore Hillsborough Castle, followed by an exclusive dining experience created by local multi award winning chef, Chris McGowan.

Amongst the cars in attendance were not one but two LaFerrari Aperta models, one owned by a local customer, the other sent by Ferrari, a 250 GT formerly owned by Eric Clapton, a 275 GTB, a 246 Dino and a 360 Challenge Stradale.

Charles Hurst Belfast was the latest UK Ferrari dealer to host the Italian brand’s 70th Anniversary celebrations.

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dfcbelfast.co.uk

Eye on Motoring

Save time and money with Fleet Management DFC is Northern Irelands only major locally owned Independent Vehicle Management Company supplying cars and vans to businesses and individuals in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and across the UK since 1989.

• Over 25 years in business • Independent impartial advice • Unique “One Call” operations department • 24 hour / 7 day access to the DFC operations team.

• On site tyre replacement and roadside puncture repairs.

• RAC Telematics fitted as standard.

• Access to unlimited funding through unique relationships • We are members of the BVRLA • Customer Portal for important information • Access to DFC’s Vehicle purchasing power and reduced labour/parts costs.

• Independent Customer Care Surveys • Vehicle disposal • We can purchase your existing vehicles • Access to our Fleet Management package, please see details below Fleet Management Package explained; If you don’t have cars or vans with DFC you can still enjoy a lot of the advantages of the relationships we have developed with manufacturers, dealer service points, national tyre networks and motoring organisations.

Due to the positive feedback from companies who are enjoying our Fleet Management Package we have decided for a limited time to offer this to any company who have a fleet of 5 or more cars or vans. We can arrange servicing, mot checks, warranty recalls and breakdown recovery on a ‘pay per use’ basis. This gives you all the benefits of our experience, facilities and our specifically negotiated rates which helps you manage your fleet costs.

No subscription fee, No Management fee, simply pay when you use the service.

Local Company Local People Local Service

DFC Manage your vehicles whilst you manage your business

DFC is Northern Ireland’s only major independent locally owned Vehicle Management Company.

For over 25 years DFC have supplied, funded and managed cars and vans.

We are confident we can provide a cost effective solution for your business or individual needs.

Call us today for more information on our car and van offers on 028 9073 4222 or email sales@dfcbelfast.co.uk

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If you would like to know more about how you can take advantage of this offer and see how DFC’s Fleet Management Programme can improve the overall efficiency of your business please call us on 028 9073 4222 or email John Moore, Operations Director at john@dfcbelfast.co.uk

dfcbelfast.co.uk

Eye on Motoring

DFC Your Local Company For All Your Vehicle Requirements DFC are totally independent so will only ever advise on the best option for you. Below are a few special offers.

All makes and models available on both Business and Personal Contract Hire.

Family Cars

Cross Over Cars

Superminis

From £169 + vat/month

From £155 + vat/month

From £135 + vat/month

Executive Cars

Saloon Cars

Hatchback Cars

From £169 + vat/month

From £209 + vat/month

From £149 + vat/month

Estate Cars

Electric Cars

Vans

From £195 + vat/month

From £209 + vat/month

From £179 + vat/month

To find out more about our offers go to www.dfcbelfast.co.uk/contract-hire-offers, email sales@dfcbelfast.co.uk or call us on 028 9073 4222

Is tax included in the monthly payments?

To find out the answer, visit: dfcbelfast.co.uk/resources/pch-faq-video-be.html

Eye on Motoring

Motoring with Derek Black dbmotoring@btinternet.com

VAUXHALL BIGS UP ITS LONG RUNNING INSIGNIA REPMOBILES Vauxhall is ringing in the changes on its Insignia five-door hatchback. It has grown in size and has been renamed as the Insignia Grand Sport. In a similar theme, the estate version is called the Sport Tourer.

T

he styling is smoother with a touch of the coupe look and new grille and bumpers to give more presence. Actually, the Insignia has a very low drag coefficient and slips through the air which helps save fuel. The interior is also improved with a more intuitive feel and a 7-inch infotainment screen which grows to 8 inches if you fit satellite navigation. That extra space is most

appreciated in the rear seats.

Private buyers who don’t do a huge annual mileage will be attracted to the 1.5-litre petrol engines available on the lower cost models.

There are 138 or 163bhp outputs and both are surprisingly flexible to drive. Fuel consumption is rated from 47mpg on the Combined Cycle and emissions from 136 g/gm.

High mileage and business users

will go for the 1.6 litre turbo diesels which are quieter and more refined than before. Again there are a couple of power outputs with the lower one offering up to 70mpg on the Combined Cycle and emitting from 105g/km in ecoTech spec.

There are sporty models with a 2.0 Turbo petrol engine, eight speed auto transmission and four wheel drive.

Or there is a more powerful diesel equivalent with a biturbo engine, four-wheel drive and automatic.

List prices range from £17,485 for the 1.5 petrol, from £20,785 for the 1.6 diesel and up to £28,800 for the flagship with all the top mechanical and equipment packages.

Comfortable and easy to drive, the latest Insignia offers value and space in a useful hatchback format.

It looks and feels more modern with lots of technology available. There is a wide choice from impressive economy models to high-performance mile eaters with all-wheel drive.

Data from the SMMT shows that there are approximately 19.3 million pre-Euro 5 emission level passenger cars on the UK roads today and reducing that number, through scrappage programs, would have the effect of reducing CO2 by 15million tons per year, equivalent to the annual output of approximately three coal-fired power stations.

In the absence of a government scheme, the motor industry initiatives are unlikely to lead to a huge reduction in the number of ‘dirty’ vehicles on our roads, but it will help to improve their images - as well as selling a lot more vehicles. It is likely than many more manufacturers will follow the example of the market leader.

FORD CLEANS UP ITS ACT WITH INCENTIVES FOR CLEANER CARS AND VANS Ford has followed BMW and Mercedes with a car and van scrappage scheme but theirs applies to petrol and well as diesel vehicles. The idea is to attract buyers to new cars and commercial vehicles, including the popular Fiesta and Transit Custom, with significantly lower emissions.

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he scheme applies to any pre-Euro 5 vehicle, registered by 31st December 2009, and offers a scrappage incentive of between £2,000 and £7,000 on a variety of Ford models. The program will run to the end of the year and is effective for registrations from September 1st to December 31st 2017.

New Ford EcoBoost petrol and EcoBlue diesel models meet the Euro 6 standard, the toughest vehicle emissions yet. Not only are they cleaner than ever before, but they

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are also the most efficient, meaning improvements in fuel economy too.

Latest Euro 6 standard and new vehicle technologies mean today’s cars produce far lower emissions than previous generations: - Carbon monoxide (CO), petrol down 63%; diesel down 82% since 1993 - Hydrocarbons (HC), petrol down 50% since 2001 - Oxides of nitrogen (NOX) down 84% since 2001 - Particulate matter (PM), diesel down 96% since 1993

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