Issue 196 April 2020 ÂŁ2.50 Voted best Business Magazine in Ireland 2005 and Magazine of the Year for Northern Ireland
Coronavirus (Covid-19) Digital Edition
We’ll back you through this. We all have a role to play in helping one another through the COVID-19 crisis. For you, it could be staying home, helping your community or being on the frontline. For us, it means doing everything in our power to support our customers, so you can concentrate on what matters most - each other. That’s why we’ve introduced a range of supports for our customers who have been impacted by COVID-19 right now. • Our branches are remaining open with social distancing measures in place and designated priority banking hours (10am-11am). • Dedicated phone line at 0345 646 0319 for customers who are over 70, their carers and those that are shielding. • Increased contactless limits of £45 on both credit and debit cards. • Cash withdrawals can be made by nominated non-account holders*. • 3-month mortgage payment holiday or interest only options. • 3-month payment holiday for personal loans and credit cards. • 3-6 month payment holiday for business loans. • Up to £500 interest free overdrafts on personal current accounts until September 16th 2020. And we’re helping to meet the challenges ahead, as AIB Group commit over £2 Million funding to help accelerate efforts to develop a vaccine. At AIB, we continue to work hard every single day to ensure that you get the support you need, so, if you need to talk to a member of our frontline team we are available in-branch, or by phone or find out more at aibni.co.uk/covid19 Take care.
aibni.co.uk/covid19 *contact us for more information. The AIB logo and AIB (NI) are trade marks used under licence by AIB Group (UK) p.l.c. incorporated in Northern Ireland. Registered Office 92 Ann Street, Belfast BT1 3HH. Registered Number NI018800. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authorityand the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Contents
April 2020 ISSUE 196
8 NITEC Solutions
30 A City In Peril
How one of our leading local IT specialists sprang into action for its customers as the full force of the Covid-19 crisis hit home.
Simon Hamilton, Chief Executive of Belfast Chamber of Trade, says that Belfast can recover from the current crisis. But planning for recovery and the future needs to start now.
12 Manufacturing In Crisis
44 Broadband Lifeline
Stephen Kelly of Manufacturing NI paints a clear picture of paralysis in the crucial manufacturing sector here and calls for continued government assistance.
Mairead Meyer, Openreach’s NI chief, explains how her key workers are ensuring that Northern Ireland’s all important broadband connections are maintained.
13, 18 & 22 Banking For
45 Talking Tech
Business In Uncharted Waters
How three of our main local banks are stepping up to the mark to help their businesses customers to survive through the coronavirus crisis.
20 Prince’s Trust...Aid For Young Entrepreneurs
Mark Dougan, Director of the Prince’s Trust Northern Ireland, talks to Business Eye about how the Trust is working hard to help young entrepreneurs caught in the Covid-19 storm.
27 Retail’s Front Line Warriors Aodhan Connolly of the NI Retail Consortium says that our major retailers are to be applauded, not criticised, as they adapt to serve customers during the crisis.
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
Ken Roulston of CMI says that technology – and proper technology management – can play a vital role for almost every business in a new era of networks and remote working.
48 Managing Your People Through The Pandemic
Orlagh O’Neill, Employment Partner at Carson McDowell, guides business owners and manager through the legal complexities of furloughing and how best to manage employees in unprecedented times.
52 Securing Your Business Lisburn-based Mercury Security Management has a crucial role to play in the midst of the crisis. The firm has a number of services on offer, from securing empty office buldings to temperature-detecting scanners and deep property cleans.
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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None of us would have believed just a couple of short months ago that we’d be in the position that we’re in now.
Comment
“It’s always easy to criticise, and as journalists we know that more than most, but Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s package of measures has been a life saver for many in business.”
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usinesses closed down, businesses struggling to stay in operation, thousands of staff furloughed (a word we’d barely heard until recently) and a deeply uncertain future ahead of us. It’s often said that we’re all in this together and, to be large extent, that’s true and it’s something of a comfort. The togetherness applies across borders too. The nitpickers and armchair critics (of whom there are many) can fire their little barbs, but there are few nations unaffected by the coronavirus crisis. It’s true that some countries have been hit harder than others. And it’s true that mistakes were made, in the UK, Ireland and almost everywhere else. But looking back in anger, surely, is a pointless exercise. There will come a time when we can look back and examine what went right and what went wrong – at British government level, at Irish government level and at Executive level here in Northern Ireland. Now is not the time to be getting all hot and sweaty about who made the most mistakes. The British government – and, whatever your politics, they’re the ones pulling the strings around here – have responded a whole lot more effectively than many of us might have reasonably expected. It’s always easy to criticise, and as journalists we know that more than most, but Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s package of measures has been a life saver for many in business, extending as they do across emergency grant aid, the CBILS scheme, the furloughing scheme for employees and targeted assistance for the self-employed. Implementation was never going to be easy and, sure enough, there have been many
Richard Buckley EDITOR Irish Magazine Editor of the Year 2005
website crashes, delays, stop starts and howls of anger and frustration over the past weeks. But the Chancellor’s claim that the UK business support measures stack up well internationally is pretty hard to argue with. A number things are most important now. First, government must continue to listen to the business community in its very widest sense. It must continue to ensure that support is delivered as smoothly and effectively as possible, and it must address any remaining gaps in the funding and support landscape. The same applies to our own Executive at Stormont. It doesn’t have a great record when it comes to listening to the concerns and worries of business here in Northern Ireland, and it needs to step up to the mark in that respect. But by far the most important piece of help and assistance that can be delivered for businesses and the economy here and the jobs and families that depend on those businesses is a gradual, phased and careful return to economic life. We all appreciate that we can’t simply return to where we were in early March overnight. We all appreciate the risks and we all appreciate that a relaxation of the current draconian rules must be delivered at a reasonable pace. Equally, we’re all a little tired of being treated like errant children by patronising politicians, particularly at the local level. The economy can’t be flatlined for much longer. Businesses can and should be allowed to work their way back to some level of economic life. The livelihoods of many and, in real terms, the actual lives of many are riding on common sense being allowed to prevail.
Eye on Community
NIE Networks Takes On Volunteering Roles During Coronavirus
For so many companies coronavirus has brought the need to adapt and in many circumstances change their line of work to help support communities across Northern Ireland.
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nder normal circumstances the metering team at NIE Networks would call with customers on a regular basis to read or install electricity meters, but the team is currently unable to enter premises and so have offered their time to volunteer in a number of new and innovative roles. Over recent days the company’s metering electricians have been working to manufacture simple face visors for domiciliary staff working in care homes. Using materials donated from local companies, the team has already made 7,000 visors and with such
a high demand for the equipment are aiming to produce 10,000 face shields by the end of the week. Barry O’Lone, who normally manages a team of meter recertification electricians across Northern and has been working for the company for 5 years, said; “Many of our colleagues are still carrying out the essential work that is required to keep the electricity flowing and so when our normal work of reading or repairing meters had to come to end to protect customers and staff, putting our time to valuable use was very important to us. “We wanted to do our bit to support other key workers and
our communities, so making the visors for the heroes working in care homes has been an incredible way to make just a small contribution. We know PPE is so important for those on the frontline of healthcare and it’s in short supply, so we hope the visors will go some way to ensuring their safety.” The volunteering doesn’t end there and the teams have also now taken to the road as a collection and delivery service for prescription and grocery supplies. Gary Robinson, who normally reads meters in the Craigavon area and has been working for us for 4 years, said; “So far we have been able to support those most in need, including the elderly and vulnerable, across lots of communities including Belfast, Armagh, Lurgan, Omagh and beyond. A further 60 staff are currently being matched with their local pharmacy service so we hope to reach even further afield
in the coming days and complete over 700 deliveries per week. “We are used to seeing our customers regularly so delivering essential food and medical supplies has given our customer service a whole new lease of life and to be honest we are getting so much more out of it than we will ever put in. Seeing an elderly or vulnerable customer and how much they need and appreciate the support is an amazing reward.” Although meter readers will not be visiting customers for a while customers can submit their own electricity meter reading to avoid an estimated bill. Customers will receive a reminder notification from NIE Netwoks or their supplier, to tell them what to do when their meter reading is due.
For further information please visit www.nienetworks.co.uk
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Eye on Economics
Managing The Shock Of The Covid-19 Crisis Frances Hill, Bank of England Agent for Northern Ireland, explains how insights from Northern Ireland help the central bank to understand the impact of the Covid-19 crisis
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he people of the UK are making extraordinary efforts to limit the health impact of Covid-19. NHS staff, aided by carers and volunteers, are doing sterling work in the face of unprecedented pressures. Families, friends, and neighbours are rallying round those who are ill or isolating themselves. And thousands of businesses are safeguarding the well-being of their staff while ensuring essential supplies continue to flow to those who need them. This crisis is very different from other economic shocks that the Bank has had to grapple with in the past. That means it’s very difficult to judge how big the disruption is going to be or how long it’s going to last. What is clear is that Covid-19 and the measures that have been introduced to limit its spread are already having a major impact on the UK economy. This is borne out by the latest summary of business conditions compiled by me and my colleagues in the Bank’s network of agencies around the UK. Our conversations with companies across the country indicate that households are spending much less, especially on travel and leisure, while staff absences, supply disruptions, and weak demand are leading to difficulties for businesses. Unsurprisingly, many businesses have been putting their investment plans on hold and cancelling other spending. All told, Covid-19 is causing a rapid and widespread fall in economic activity. But if job losses and business failures can be limited, then the risk of lasting damage to the UK economy will be reduced. That is why the Bank has been taking action over the past few weeks, putting in
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place a package of measures to help keep firms in business and people in jobs. We have reduced Bank Rate from 0.75% to 0.10%, so that businesses and households can borrow more cheaply. We have announced that ÂŁ200 billion of new money will be injected into the economy (via quantitative easing, or QE) to boost spending and investment. And we have introduced a new funding scheme (TFSME) which will provide banks with strong incentives to pass on the reduction in Bank Rate to customers and continue lending. The TFSME is particularly targeted at incentivising lending to the small- and medium-sized businesses that often need more support at times like these. In addition, we have reduced the amount of capital that banks have to hold in reserve against their lending. This should also serve to boost lending to businesses and households. Having conducted ‘stress tests’ on the major banks and building societies late last year, we are confident that they are strong enough to keep lending, even in the face of a severe economic downturn. The Bank is working closely with the Government to ensure our actions provide maximum support to the economy. To support larger businesses in paying their staff and suppliers, the Bank and the Government have together introduced the Covid Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF), offering them cash in return for their corporate debt. And the Government has announced its own substantial support measures. These include: t PQUJPOT GPS CVTJOFTTFT UP EFGFS UIFJS VAT payments (VAT) and claim back Covid-19-related sick pay (SSP); t UIF $PSPOBWJSVT +PC 3FUFOUJPO 4DIFNF $+34 XIFSF FNQMPZFST DBO DMBJN for 80% of the wages that they are paying staff who cannot work; t UIF 4FMG &NQMPZNFOU *ODPNF 4VQQPSU 4DIFNF (SEISS) worth 80% of trading profits up to a maximum of ÂŁ2,500 per month for 3 months; t BOE UXP OFX MPBO TDIFNF $#*-4 BOE CLBILS), from which businesses can borrow, with the Government giving guarantees to the banks that make those loans.
Frances Hill.
The unprecedented nature of the disruption means that the intelligence gathered by the Bank’s agents from their business contacts is crucial in ensuring our senior policymakers understand how Covid-19 is affecting the Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. We’re grateful to the many contacts who have been taking the time to give us this essential intelligence, despite the remarkable pressures they, their families, and their businesses are under. With your help, my Bank colleagues and I will continue working to reduce the economic and financial impact of Covid-19 and to promote the good of the people of the UK.
Frances Hill is Agent for Northern Ireland. @BoENIreland
Eye on Communications
Perfecting Business Continuity Plans For Recovery By Stuart Carson, Rainbow Communications
Most businesses in Northern Ireland will already be used to the quick and dramatic shift in working practices the Covid-19 pandemic has brought.
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n the month since restrictions began, like never before, businesses have streamlined workfrom-home practices and policies, unlocked all the benefits of cloud computing and are already considering how to integrate this rushedthrough learnings into their long term plans. In the aftermath of the crisis, experts believe that the way we live, work and travel will change profoundly, and they predict big policy implications for government for transport, commuters and for broadband availability. For many well-placed organisations, working from home, or remotely at least, was part of their culture. For others, the crisis came as a major wake-up call and a steep learning curve. Fortunately for everyone, in 2020, we’ve never been better placed to capitalise on the tech options available and relative broadband availability. As talk of wider economic recovery begins and as businesses ignite new growth plans, if the following tech solutions aren’t already being deployed, there’s never been a better time to review these future-proof measures.
Avaya Team Collaborate One of the top options for business use; this secure, exciting and easy-to-use platform enables voice, video and group conference but also includes document storage, file-sharing and task management options. It’s easy to use on your smart phone, which means you can collaborate effectively in this one-stop solution. This one App does it all.
Microsoft Teams An already established platform for business use and widely known, Microsoft Teams provides multiple users with the opportunity to instant message, speak, see one another and share documents – all at the same time. It’s part of Office 365 and all its tools, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Hosted VoIP telephone system Protect your vital telecoms infrastructure in the event of any crisis by keeping your customers and
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.rainbowcomms.com
staff always connected. Hosted (VoIP) telephone systems are vital for business continuity, delivering a secure and flexible backup to keep you connected. Should a crisis hit, a hosted phone system can immediately divert inbound calls to designated numbers, ensure call answering, provide update messages to customers, record messages and manage online enquiries.
Party and FaceTime, there’s no end of choice. While most are free, there are emerging concerns around security and reliability and not everyone’s systems are compatible to allow them to perform at their best. Review the options to determine whether your business needs a professional solution to deliver these benefits, without the security risks.
Sharing files BCP call management A simple, quick and cost-effective solution which can easily be ‘switched on’ remotely and even used on older ISDN lines. Our BCP (Business Continuity Planning) call solution means you can manage your main number calls between a group of designated staff. Using their own mobiles, staff can also dial out but where the main office number is only visible to those at the other end. Cheaper, more reliable and more flexible than traditional call diverting, it’s an immediate problem-solver for many businesses.
Video conferencing You will already be aware of the plethora of apps available. From Zoom, Google Hangouts to House
In the absence of a comprehensive work from home solution, one obstacle you might have run into is how to share files securely and safely. There are plenty of options available, and, generally, the more you pay the better they are. If you already use Microsoft, you should already have access to OneDrive. Dropbox is also great alternative and can be set to synch your files automatically. Initial sign-up is free for most options but beware of the size limitations allowed. While it won’t be business as usual for some time yet, the Covid-19 crisis has certainly put business continuity planning back on the priority list. However, what this huge and unexpected upheaval has taught us is that we need to be ready for every eventuality, to analyse the impacts and mitigate them quickly.
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Eye on Technology
NITEC Solutions... Springing Into COVID-19 Action By Richard Buckley
(l-r) - Gavin Woods, Nigel Mulholland & Michael Hutchinson.
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Eye on Technology Wednesday, 11th of March. It was the day that Covid-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation, the day that Italy’s death toll reached an alarming figure of 168 and the second day of the Cheltenham Festival.
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t was also the day of my last business handshake for the foreseeable future. Three of them in fact. With Nigel Mulholland, Michael Hutchinson and Gavin Woods, the trio of directors at Antrimbased Nitec Solutions. Later that same day, both Nigel and Gavin headed to Dublin to meet up with some of their key contacts at Microsoft. But, the following day, as Michael puts it, ‘all hell broke loose’. “We had decided earlier that week to do some real planning. The Covid crisis only seemed to be going in one direction, and alarm was building all the time. So, on Thursday 12th March, we sent our staff home. The idea was to make sure that our disaster recovery plan for Covid- 19 worked, and we didn’t want to be caught hesitating or navel gazing.” Nigel Mulholland, Nitec’s Managing Director and the founder of the company way back in 1985, takes up the story. “That’s when we took a big decision,” he says. “We decided there and then to tell our staff of 55 to stay at home and not come back into the office until the Covid crisis had passed. It was a case of getting past our own anxiety and being confident in what we were doing as a company. “Then, once we’d done that, we could lean into our clients and give them all of our time. It wasn’t a sudden decision. We’d been thinking about this for a while. We’d even bought up extra headsets and screens, when such items were possible to buy, as well as other bits and pieces to make sure our people had what they needed to be fully productive at home in terms of technology. And they bedded in very quickly. Since then, it’s been a case of optimising and fine tuning what we’re doing. “We wondered back then if we might have been a bit
overzealous in our approach. A bit like those who were stockpiling toilet paper back in mid-March. But it hasn’t turned out to have been the case at all.” The Nitec team holds management meetings at 8.30 am every morning using the same Microsoft Teams technology that has been a life saver for many companies around Northern Ireland and beyond, as well as using the application for regular full team sessions. But the past number of weeks couldn’t have been any busier as Nitec has responded to calls from its customers facing the prospect of remote working for the first time. “There were those who were fairly calm and there were those who panicked,” adds Gavin. “There were those who were well prepared, with work cultures that already supported the idea of working from home, at least for some of their staff. But many were simply not prepared, with no mobile staff members. We had to deal with a lot of very different attitudes and mindsets.”
each other. It was the same for everyone, but it’s not quite as easy as it sounds,” he adds. What’s more, Nitec had to produce the goods not just for small business customers with less than 10 people working remotely, but also for much larger businesses with hundreds of people involved in their operations. “In effect, we had to ask each customer what they needed to achieve. And then we had to make sure that they achieved it. Depending on the individual customer, that can take a heck of a lot of work,” says Nigel. “We had to make sure that their technology worked for them, that it was resilient and reliable. And we had to make sure that we didn’t drop our trousers on security.” Cyber security, all three Nitec directors stress, is a major potential threat in the new normal where thousands of employees are working remotely right across the country. “The more isolated people are,” says Nigel, “the more open they are to security threats.” Another challenge is the importance of resilient broadband. About a third of Nitec’s customers have invested in a dedicated fibre internet service at their place of work. Those customers found themselves much better prepared than the rest, better able to facilitate the influx of connections from home. We suspect that post
“There were those who were well prepared, with work cultures that already supported the idea of working from home, at least for some of their staff. But many were simply not prepared, with no mobile staff members. We had to deal with a lot of very different attitudes and mindsets.”
But the bottom line was that Nitec had to produce a working solution for each of its customers, whatever business sector they happened to be in, and they had to do it quickly. “We had to get their people working effectively from their homes, connecting with office systems and with
Covid-19, many of our customers will look to see Internet access as the fourth utility behind electricity, gas and water. Nitec’s partners at Microsoft – the Antrim company has been a Microsoft Certified Partner since 2002 and a Gold Partner since 2005 – hit the remote
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Eye on Technology
working button at much the same time from its Dublin base. “Microsoft Teams, which fuses group chat software with really effective collaboration tools, was gaining in popularity recently in any case. Certainly, Teams came along at precisely the right time. It was being perfected as a platform and now it’s been rolled out to customers all over the world,” says Gavin. “Being the Microsoft Teams Partner of the Year for Ireland couldn’t have been more relevant under the circumstances. Zoom software, he reckons, is fine for consumer and social chat use. But MS Teams, he contends, is far superior in a business environment, with much deeper levels of collaboration functionality to enable remote team work. From that fateful week back in March, Nitec’s Service Desk – normally run from its Antrim headquarters – saw a tripling in call volumes as local companies and organisations scrambled
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to prepare for the crisis. “That’s what made it all the more crucial that we had completed our own internal preparation and planning first,” adds Nigel. “So we were ready
We know it might not always be like that, but our focus has been entirely on helping our customers to manage the huge technology challenges that Covid-19 has brought with it.
“What all of this proves beyond any doubt is that remote working can be very effective,” says Michael. “Is there any need to go to work in an office every day? Probably not.”
to respond to our customers’ needs rather than our own.” Nigel and his two fellow directors have been so busy that they have had little time to stop and think about the financial implications on Nitec. “We realise that it won’t go on at this pace for ever,” says Michael. “We’ve watched clients furloughing employees, but we’ve still got our full staff in place.
“We’ve been impressed by how quickly a lot of companies have reacted and how quickly they have managed to adapt. Even non-tech people have been very capable of rising to the challenge.” All three agree that the Covid-19 crisis is bound to change the way we work, in Northern Ireland as in everywhere else. Many of our customers are discovering for the first time that staff can be just as
productive at home, some more so. I wonder how many desktops we will see in the years to come? “What all of this proves beyond any doubt is that remote working can be very effective,” says Michael. “Is there any need to go to work in an office every day? Probably not. “In addition to that, organisations will start to consider the arguments around improved quality of life through remote working and better work life balance, particularly for those with families. “Company bosses are already started to see that they can actually get more bang for their buck through having staff working effectively and productively from home.” Nitec’s role has changed beyond recognition since those handshakes around the Antrim board room table on March 11th. But, so has business in Northern Ireland, and so have all of our everyday lives.
IF CORONAVIRUS IS AFFECTING YOUR BUSINESS HELP IS AVAILABLE. It includes: • Help for employers to protect jobs • Income protection for the self-employed • Deferrals on tax, VAT and filing accounts • Grants of £10,000 or £25,000 depending on circumstances • Business rates holidays • Loans of up to £5m
Check details at
www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/coronavirus 11
Eye on Manufacturing
Manufacturing In Northern Ireland... A Return To Work Is Essential Stephen Kelly, Chief Executive of Manufacturing NI, paints a clear picture of the scale of the crisis facing the region’s all-important manufacturing base. they expect the rest of the economy to continue to operate provided it is a safe working environment. The Executive have not compelled businesses to close.
They will never return after COVID if they do not stay in business now They have contracts with public and private sector buyers which must to be met. There are huge penalties, liquidated damages, in some contracts, which means the business would not survive during a shut-down leaving suppliers and staff without payment.
They are the only way some employees can currently be paid
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one of us have seen the likes of this before. What is clear is that we are fighting not only a public health emergency but an economic emergency too. The UK Government and the NI Executive have taken action to help protect firms and jobs, but this appears to be only delaying a major economic crash in the weeks ahead. But, why are some factories still open and others returning to work?
They are essential It is accepted that businesses in the Life Sciences and Food are critical, but large numbers of businesses operating across sectors are critical to providing support to these industries and to public services. For instance, food needs packaging, labelling and logistics, refrigeration and storage, primary producers, feed, machinery etc. All are essential or it simply doesn’t work. Some businesses have repurposied, moving from ‘normal business
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activities’ to ‘essential’ to join the fight against COVID. Indeed Manufacturing NI’s recent surveying showed that 12% had repurposed or are working collaboratively to support the NHS and others tackle the virus. That’s 600 manufacturers joining thousands of others who continue to provide priority goods here and in other markets.
They are safe They meet the guidance published by the Minister and supported by business, Unions, the Public Health Authority, Health and Safety Executive and others. Employees can work safely and protected from risk. In many cases, business was already ahead of our public services but many have spent time and money during a shutdown to update and action their risk assessments, re-engineer their processes and transform the workplace. It is important to remember that the Government has said that whilst some parts of the economy must close,
81% of our firms have furloughed staff, a higher proportion than in GB. Hopefully the furlough cheques start arriving from HMRC on Monday. But many firms struggle to fund the payroll in the interim. Our surveying showed that 4 out of 5 were using cash from within their business to keep going as some struggled with meeting borrowing requirements from both the banks or the CBILS fund. The furlough scheme has been tightened and the risks of making mistakes on the applications could result in businesses left holding the cost of wages. Worries remain about businesses who cannot justify a claim as they have a solid orderbook and customer demand (including the public sector) or have failures in the supply chain or industrial disputes.
They can’t afford to close There is a significant working capital requirement to pay overheads to the end of April and beyond.
The VAT deferment scheme is useful in principle but useless in practice. Deferring February’s VAT bill has been lost as firms haven’t been invoicing in March. The amount due back to firms has instead been balanced off what was owed for February. In the absence of this funding, they’re completing orders to bring cash into the business to pay employees. Finally, some businesses still have viable markets to serve, but if they close even temporarily, could find that competitors, in parts of the world that are no longer affected, have taken on this business. When the crisis is over these businesses could find that their customer has been lost permanently.
So, what now? Our manufacturers don’t need shamed. They should be celebrated. ___________________________ There’s an urgent need for a restart and a rebuild plan. The Executive must explore how customer demand can be kick started and support those who have to wait for markets to reopen. It should start by committing to a local, resilient supply chain for our front line and priority sectors, escalating the pace of delivery on strategic projects including those in infrastructure and being bold and ambitious about using the months ahead to rapidly increase our productivity and skills levels. Healthy families and communities need a healthy economy. The scale of the challenge which awaits after we deal with the current public health emergency is huge, we need to use every day available to get us back to work.
Eye on Banking
Supporting Business Through The Coronavirus Crisis By Robert McCullough, Head of Business Sector Engagement at Danske Bank
The extended period of lockdown that society has faced as a result of the coronavirus will undoubtedly have an impact on every sector of the economy, at both a local and global level.
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usinesses in some industries have managed to adapt quickly to a new reality of remote working and social distancing, while others have regrettably seen trade grind to a halt and are eagerly awaiting guidance from government about when measures brought in to protect our health might be eased. Whatever business you are in, it’s likely you’ve felt the effects of the pandemic in some way. Our current view is that this will be a short, sharp shock, with the economy starting to grow again before the end of the year. The unprecedented measures announced by the government – including lending guarantees through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) – will help a lot of companies to survive and I am hopeful the majority will ultimately recover. We at Danske Bank have been busy putting support measures in place and dealing with queries from our customers. Whether customers are applying for a CBILS loan or additional funding under normal commercial terms, there are some key questions we need to ask. Firstly, we look at whether a business was performing well before the coronavirus outbreak. You can argue about the criteria for what counts as a healthy business, but in simple terms we want to know that a company has been generating sufficient revenue to pay its costs with some left for reinvestment. If your business has a reasonable track record with the
bank, we will do everything we can to support you. If this isn’t the case we can still look at other support – such as capital moratoriums on loans, asset finance or allowing more time to complete actions that were agreed pre- coronavirus. Secondly, we will look at how much cash a business is likely to use over the next six months. We’ll ask them to take a really critical review of costs and make sure they have already availed of all government support on offer, such BT UIF $PSPOBWJSVT +PC 3FUFOUJPO Scheme and all available grants. Importantly, we will also look at owner-led cost reductions as part of their immediate critical business planning and afterwards as part of the recovery plan. Thirdly, we will consider whether the business can operate sustainably with the debt incurred once this is all over. It is fair to assume that if operating profits have been at a reasonable level for several years, then some reasonable assumptions can be made about what debt the company can handle. If the projected debt looks too high, then some other form of equity injection may be required in addition. There are also some important points to make specifically about CBILS. It is the most significant government funding intervention most of us have ever seen and will let companies access loans they would otherwise not be able to access on commercial terms due to a lack of security. But there are a few misunderstandings that need clarification:
t 5IF TDIFNF QSPWJEFT B MPBO guarantee, it is not a grant. As with any loan, the capital will need to be repaid and the borrower always remains 100% liable for repayment of the guaranteed facility. After the initial 12 months where interest is grant funded, interest on the loan will be payable. t 5P CF FMJHJCMF B CVTJOFTT has to have been viable, in the eyes of the bank, before the current crisis. t 5IF MPBO XJMM OFFE UP CF affordable for the business with some reasonable assumptions around projected trading post-coronavirus. t #BOLT NBZ IPME TFDVSJUZ BHBJOTU any lending under the scheme as the borrower will be liable for the debt and the bank is limited to 80% coverage under the government guarantee. t 8IJMF 1FSTPOBM (VBSBOUFFT BSF now out of scope for borrowings under £250,000, they could still be asked for by some lenders for loans over that amount.
A shortcoming of the original scheme was that it only catered for businesses with up to £45m turnover. The recent introduction of the CLBILS (Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme) addresses that issue. Danske Bank has facilitated a large number of CBILS loans already and we believe normal trading will resume for most and there will be opportunities in lots of sectors. But this crisis may also challenge current thinking on supply chains, which for many businesses are long, global and potentially precarious. As firms re-examine their supply chains to ensure they are not too concentrated in one area, there may be opportunities for Northern Ireland manufacturers. Those who are able to use this time to refocus on all aspects of their business will hopefully emerge leaner and ready to take advantage of those opportunities.
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Eye on Insolvency
Proposed Insolvency Legislation To Protect Businesses In The Face Of The Pandemic By Grainne Quinn, Licensed Insolvency Practitioner, ASM
The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in many businesses being forced to cease operations due to lockdown restrictions or inability to trade as a result of the lack of supply chain continuity or customer demand. This unforeseen business and market interruption has presented concerns and insolvency risks for many companies.
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n these unprecedented times, the government has wheeled out a suite of initiatives to support businesses. However the delay in accessing these measures has already had a significant impact on many businesses, and the uncertainty of the continued restrictions creates significant concerns while costs continue to accumulate. During this period of unrest HMRC has paused the majority of its insolvency activity but this does not provide businesses with protection from other creditors. In the midst of the pandemic directors need to be mindful of their continuing fiduciary responsibilities particularly where the financial impact of the pandemic may move a financially strong company to an insolvent position or create severe doubts over a company’s continued viability. In an insolvency situation, directors’ duties are to act in the best interests of the company’s creditors or be faced with a wrongful trading action in the event of insolvency proceedings. Wrongful trading as set out in the Insolvency (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 applies “if at some time before the commencement of the winding up of the company, that director knew or ought to have concluded that there was no reasonable prospect that the company would avoid going into insolvent liquidation”. This raises significant concerns for directors who could become personally liable to contribute to the assets of the insolvent company.
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Proposed new insolvency legislation On 28th March, the government proposed the temporary suspension of the wrongful trading provisions, which will be applied retrospectively from 1st March for an initial period of three months. This will allow directors to continue trading through the pandemic without the threat of personal liability should the company ultimately fall into insolvency, and therefore alleviate the wider concern that directors could be pushed to prematurely commence insolvency proceedings due to their concerns around personal liability. Despite this proposed suspension, directors should remain vigilant as the temporary suspension does not remove their fiduciary duties and therefore other legal risks continue to exist. Furthermore to assist viable companies survive the pandemic, the government intends to fast track the implementation of new restructuring procedures which were originally announced in August 2018. The reforms include: t B TIPSU NPSBUPSJVN GPS DPNQBOJFT providing breathing space from creditors whilst they seek a rescue or restructure; t BMMPXJOH DPNQBOJFT DPOUJOVFE access to their supplies (such as raw materials, component parts
etc.) to allow continued trade during the moratorium; and t B OFX SFTUSVDUVSJOH QMBO binding creditors to that plan including safeguarding for suppliers to ensure they are paid while a solution is sought. These new measures have the ability to provide much needed headroom to fully avail of the government’s support packages and weather this crisis. Although the finer details of how these new rescue measures will operate are yet to be released, it is widely recognised that these new tools give the insolvency profession more restructuring options to assist businesses and avoid complete business failure. These new insolvency measures are to be enacted imminently in England and Wales, and it is expected
this will be mirrored in Northern Ireland where the devolved matter requires a Legislative Consent Motion. Notwithstanding the support measures and the proposed changes to insolvency legislation the current situation is uncharted, and directors should seek professional advice if they are concerned about the viability of their business and fulfilling their statutory duties. ASM Chartered Accountants has six offices, Magherafelt, Dungannon, Belfast, Dublin, Dundalk and Newry. The 160 strong team specialises in a range of accountancy disciplines including, taxation, audit & accounting, corporate finance, Insolvency services, forensic accounting, consultancy services, internal audit, hotel, tourism and leisure. Grainne Quinn can be contacted at grainne.quinn@asmmagherafelt.com or on 028 7930 1777 to discuss your insolvency, corporate finance, accounting and business finance requirements.
Exceptional times call for exceptional people. In our 140 year history, we’ve never been more united in what we do for our communities. Because right now the work our people are doing, has never mattered so much to so many. In every store, in every town, our retailers and teams are working tirelessly. Some of them you’ll meet in our stores, but many more go unseen - in our warehouses and on the road making deliveries – they are exceptional people in exceptional times. So thank you to everyone working in stores and across the Musgrave team. Thank you to everyone who shops with us for your support and patience. For as long as this lasts you can count on Musgrave, our retailers and all of our team to be there for you.
#TogetherWeAreStronger
Eye on Business Planning
Is It Too Early To Talk About What Happens Next? By Brian Murphy, Managing Partner, BDO Northern Ireland
With many still dealing with the shock of the Global pandemic and the direct impacts on their business, BDO looks to the “re-build� phase and what this could look like for local businesses coming out the other side.
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nprecedented, Crisis, Recession, Lockdown– these are just a few of the words that have been exhausted over the last few weeks; all in an environment that none of us could ever have believed possible. Unfortunately, the economic outlook going forward doesn’t make for positive reading. From a UK perspective, the Bank of England and the Treasury have said they are “braced for a prolonged UK economic slump� after the coronavirus lockdown restrictions
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are lifted, amid fears that people will be reluctant to ramp up spending or go back to work. Many believe that this behavioral hurdle will be a more significant challenge to overcome than the fiscal and cash flow challenges that have dominated much of the discussion to date. Locally, the reported picture isn’t an optimistic one either. The first BDO and NI Chamber Covid19 Tracker indicated that 3 in 4 firms experienced a significant fall in revenue and 63% had less than 3 months’ cash reserves available. Furthermore,
80% of firms were intending to furlough some or all of their employees under the Government’s much XFMDPNFE +PC 3FUFOUJPO 4DIFNF 5IF second tracker due to be released on the 29th April, will provide us with a detailed view of NI business performance during the peak of this pandemic and its specific impacts including; staff redundancy rates due to Covid-19 and how successful businesses have been in securing applications for funding support. Looking ahead, discussions on how Northern Ireland will exit the
Eye on Business Planning Covid-19 lockdown have already started in the Assembly- with the Chief Medical Officer warning the public that some restrictions are likely to be in place “for many months to come”. We must therefore accept that this is the new norm and we must adapt our approach accordingly; we cannot afford to delay taking action until the ‘pandemic is over’. Over recent weeks businesses have taken immediate steps to respond to the impacts of the pandemic and to work to build a sustainable holding pattern so they can continue to operate, albeit in some sectors at skeleton levels, or even press pause on operations altogether.
“To assist businesses with their approaches we have, in conjunction with the Banks, developed our ‘BDO 5-point plan’ guide to ensure that all of the key areas are considered and addressed.”
In supporting our clients to take these steps, the team at BDO has advised on a wide range of issues, with the main focus in the first instance being on staffing, tax considerations and careful cash flow management. Businesses in need of financial support have been signposted to their banks and to the range of Government financial support packages that are available. However, despite the cash flow pressures that many businesses are facing, it is important that only the most appropriate options are availed of so as to not create a potentially greater problem down the line. To maximize the opportunity with these different areas of support, we at BDO have advised all our clients and indeed, all businesses in all sectors, to approach their Banks and funders with a well thought out and structured request. Constant communication and going with an open and transparent approach has proven to be the best option, particularly when engaging with Banks and other financial institutions. To assist businesses with their approaches we have, in conjunction with the Banks, developed our ‘BDO 5-point plan’ guide to ensure that all of the key areas are considered and addressed.
For many however, this phase of reacting to the pandemic has been implemented and it is now time for businesses to consider the next phase; the Recovery or “Re-Build” stage and how organisations will look coming out the other side of Covid-19. Our analogy is to consider a “fresh start” approach, on the assumption that your business has just been acquired. Ask yourselves, “What is the most efficient and optimal model that could be implemented going forward, both practically and financially?” Key considerations you may want to think about include:
1. Business strategy Reviewing and in many cases rewriting the key strategic objectives of your business and how you plan to achieve these goals within a definitive timeframe.
2. Financial model Developing a robust financial model, one that can be used by management to make informed decisions on a timely basis and also shape stakeholder discussions. To assist in this, the team at BDO has also developed a unique forecasting model to allow businesses to prepare forecasts/projections. This can also be used to form the basis of immediate funding/ Government support requests. 3. Staffing Are all staff required going forward? Can staff be brought back on a phased basis? Do the current terms of employment for staff need to be amended? What practical steps need to be considered to safely allow your staff to operate in their workplace?
6. Funding Requirements What is the immediate working capital funding requirement to start up again? What type of Bank/Government funding can be secured? Over what period of time can this be repaid? Is this the best solution in the long term? At this stage, no one can give an accurate timeframe as to when businesses will be able to return to normal, or if in fact that this will even be achievable at all. The economy cannot afford a protracted period of lockdown so it is critical that businesses take the initiative and engage in the Recovery/Re-build Phase now. Those businesses that have put in place a structured plan will be best placed to establish this “new normal”. Do not underestimate the peace of mind that can come from having a plan to get you through this crisis, however long it will last. Amid these stark and sobering times, it’s important to remember that we are all in this together and for NI businesses and the economy to survive, we all need to continue to work in partnership with our stakeholders so that we can begin the process of “re-building”.
Brian and the BDO team are here to help you and your business through this uncertain time. BDO NI have a dedicated Covid-19 Hub at www.bdoni.com/en-gb/ services/managing-the-impactof-covid-19/covid-19-hub. Here you can find information regarding BDO’s 5 point plan, the financial forecast model and general business information and advice for managing the impacts of Covid-19.
4. Suppliers Who are the key suppliers to the business? Can existing suppliers be consolidated? Can existing terms be improved?
5. Customers How will the business align its offering to meet the needs of its existing customers in the current climate? How does the business adapt to attract new customers? Can the business diversify its product offering?
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Eye on Banking
Support For The Business Community In Challenging Times At this difficult time, I wanted to outline the measures we have put in place to help deal with the impact of Coronavirus.
By Mark Crimmins, Ulster Bank’s Head of NI
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s always, supporting our team and our customers remains Ulster Bank’s number one priority and while we are trying to operate as normal a service as possible, we understand that these are certainly not normal times. Our team of Relationship Managers has therefore proactively contacted around 4,000 business customers and together, we are working to find the most appropriate solutions that best meet the needs of individual companies. This support includes capital repayment holidays; overdraft extensions; additional lending; fee-free loans and offering support to firms applying for government schemes, such as the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS). A range of our customers have availed of this scheme as one aspect of our support, one example of which is family business and clothing retailer SD Kells. To date, we have supported over 1,500 businesses during the current crisis and this number continues to rise daily. Our teams are working extremely hard to find the right outcome for firms across Northern Ireland, and as a responsible lender, we understand that debt funding may not always be the most suitable approach, and are happy to explore all options available. The important thing is that no business owner feels that they must face these challenges alone.
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Reach out to our teams and we will work together to lessen the impact Coronavirus has had on your company. SMEs are the lifeblood of our local economy and it is our job to build resilience, minimise long term disruption and ensure these firms can reach the other side of this crisis. Of course, the effect of Coronavirus is being felt right across society and we are doing everything we can to adapt and support all of our customers through this unprecedented time, especially those who need it the most. Naturally our telephone lines are extremely busy and while our contact centre colleagues are doing everything they can to respond to each and every query, we are continuing to experience an exceptionally high volume of calls and requests. I would urge all customers to
please only use our telephone helplines if their call is urgent. We offer many ways to bank from home such as our mobile banking app or our fully-functional digital banking solutions, which allows customers to carry out everyday banking essentials. We are also doing our utmost to protect our staff from the virus and have introduced a range of measures to enable remote or at home working. Our branch network remains open, albeit with reduced contact hours, and I would ask customers to help us look after our branch staff and only use these services where it is absolutely essential to do so. Our focus remains on playing our part to ease the burden for our personal customers as well. Therefore, we are offering mortgage holidays and loan deferrals for up to three months, for those customers
who need it most. We have removed overdraft fees and charges and as the situation progresses, are exploring other ways we can provide support. Things are moving extremely fast, but we are moving with them. I want to reassure all our customers that Ulster Bank staff are here to support them and from our branch staff to our Relationship Managers, Customer Support team to myself we hope you and your family stay safe and look after one another.
For up to date information about the support offered by Ulster Bank, visit www.ulsterbank.co.uk follow @UlsterBankNI on twitter or search Ulster Bank Northern Ireland on facebook.
Eye on Banking S.D. Kells, one of Northern Ireland’s most prominent independent retailers, has secured a significant financial package from Ulster Bank to support it during the coronavirus crisis.
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he loan has been agreed with the bank through the UK Government backed Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS). S.D. Kells is family-run clothing retailer which started as a small draper’s shop on Main Street in Lisnaskea and now operates 19 stores across Northern Ireland, employing around 170 staff. It’s one of a growing number of businesses across Northern Ireland that has experienced significant disruption to cash flow as a result of the coronavirus crisis. Owned and managed by the Kells family, the business has been trading since 1928 and specialises in affordable menswear, womenswear, school uniforms and children’s clothing lines. It also offers a wedding and formalwear hire service and stocks a range of affordable beds, mattresses and linens. Managing Director Ian Kells says the loan is a lifeline for the business and its staff. “Turnover has halted yet expenses carry on. This is the reality for our business and many others across Northern Ireland. “By delivering this loan Ulster Bank has provided us with a vital lifeline that will protect the jobs
S.D. Kells Receives Business Interruption Loan With Ulster Bank’s Support of dedicated colleagues across all of our stores and plug the gap until it’s safe to resume normal trading, whenever that may be. “Every day presents a new challenge”, he explains. “These are difficult times for all businesses and unfortunately we’ve also had to respond to sudden unexpected events too.” Recently the retailer’s
flagship premises on Bedford Street in Belfast city centre was targeted in a burglary. “We’re committed to successfully navigating this crisis,” Ian adds, “and Ulster Bank has delivered the resources to facilitate that.” Nigel Walsh, Director, Corporate & Commercial Banking, Ulster Bank, says, “We’re extremely pleased to support Ian and the team at S.D. Kells through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, one of many businesses across Northern Ireland we’re providing additional support to during these difficult times. “This family business has played a central role in the economic fabric of towns and cities across Northern Ireland for almost a century, and Ulster Bank is proud to have supported the business throughout that journey. “There is an understandable sense of trepidation among business owners, but we’re
committed to serving the needs of local businesses of all sizes and across all sectors. Our teams are working hard to deliver a wide range of sustainable support measures and we’re engagning proactively with customers to outline the support available to them.” Ulster Bank recently announced it had approved more than 95 per cent of business customer requests for support during the coronavirus crisis to date. Support it has provided to firms includes capital repayment holidays, overdraft extensions, additional lending designed to support businesses to adapt to a rapidly changing external environment, fee free loans, and support through government schemes such as the CBILS. More information about the comprehensive range of support measures Ulster Bank is providing to business customers is available on the Ulster Bank Business Hub.
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Eye on Enterprise
Prince’s Trust Aid For Young Entrepreneurs During Covid Crisis The Prince’s Trust and Ulster Bank have launched a £5 million fund to help young entrepreneurs to keep their businesses afloat during the coronavirus crisis.
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he fund, nationally known as the Prince’s Trust & NatWest Enterprise Relief Fund, is available to entrepreneurs aged 18-30 and grants can be used to maintain core business operations as well as to meet financial commitments. “We’re aware of so many young entrepreneurs here in Northern Ireland who are really struggling,” says Mark Dougan, Northern Ireland Director of The Prince’s Trust. “It’s really important that we help to protect them. We really need the next generation of entrepreneurs to come out fighting on the other side of this crisis. “That’s why the new fund is so crucial. It’s a lifeline that might just help some businesses make it through the challenging time ahead of us and it complements existing support from the government. “These are individuals who have a passion and have been able to turn that passion into a viable business, doing something
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Mark Dougan (Chief Executive Prince’s Trust NI)
Eye on Enterprise
that they love to do. But even the most viable, well-managed business can go to the wall in the current circumstances.” Mark Dougan is concerned that the coronavirus crisis will inevitably lead to a big increase in youth poverty. Away from young entrepreneurs, he points to the fact that many of the hardest hit industry sectors, including hospitality, have a large proportion of younger staff. “We’re looking at a big human cost and we all have to do what we can to help. It goes without saying that it’s vital for the future of this region and our economy,” he says. As Northern Ireland Director, he’s heading up a 60-strong Prince’s Trust team now working remotely across Northern Ireland. “But what’s important is that we’re staying in daily contact with the young people that we support. We’re on email and we’re at the other end of the phone for young people who need advice, who need support and who need practical assistance. The fact that we’re not working from an office makes no difference to the service we’re offering every day.” The Trust can also call upon the services of more than 80 volunteers, many of them drawn from the business community here in Northern Ireland. “It’s a very passionate bunch of people, many of whom make themselves available to provide advice and even one-to-one support,” adds Mark Dougan. “Ongoing support is very important for us as an organisation.” he says. “We don’t help young entrepreneurs to set up and then just leave them to it. Our support is ongoing and we’re always here to help when any help is needed.” In fact, entrepreneurs aged 18-30 who are not eligible for the new fund can contact The Prince’s Trust for help and support. One young entrepreneur who has applied for a grant under the new scheme is
Sarah Lavery, Dudes & Divas
“The scheme gives me hope that there are organisations trying to support young entrepreneurs through this difficult time. I’m lucky to have had the support of mentors during my business journey. It’s been really important for me and it has opened so many doors along the way.” 26-year old Sarah Lavery from Newtownabbey. Sarah set up her kids entertainment centre Dudes & Divas three years ago with support from The Prince’s Trust. Last year, the business had its best trading year yet and Sarah won the Enterprise Award at the annual Prince’s Trust Awards for Northern Ireland. Now, and for the past month or so, it’s doors have been firmly closed. Sarah and her three part-time staff members, all furloughed, are anxiously waiting to see how the crisis develops. “Dudes & Divas is a unique party venue, themed like an enchanted garden with princesses, superheroes, fairies and pirates,
snow machines, bubbles and candy floss,” says Sarah. “It was proving really popular with families and the business was growing year on year. “Then, on a Friday evening a few weeks ago, we had to close the doors and that was that,” she adds. “It came as a real blow, a real shock. I’ve been eating, sleeping and breathing Dudes & Divas for the past three years.” Sarah has been able to access the NI Executive’s small business fund and has received her £10,000 payment, but like others in business, she’s all too aware that £10,000 isn’t going to go too far. She welcomes potential help
through Prince’s Trust and Ulster Bank. “The scheme gives me hope that there are organisations trying to support young entrepreneurs through this difficult time. “I’m lucky to have had the support of mentors during my business journey. It’s been really important for me and it has opened so many doors along the way. “For the moment, it’s all about trying hard to stay positive and to be in a position to work hard and build things up again when we can re-open.”
To apply for funding and support from the Fund visit www.princes-trust.org.uk/ about-the-trust/coronavirusresponse/enterprise-relief-fund
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Eye on Finance
AIB Northern Ireland Chief Executive Adrian Moynihan
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Eye on Finance
‘Extraordinary Times Require Extraordinary Measures’
AIB Offers Wide Range of Support for its Business & Personal Customers to tackle impact of COVID-19 Pandemic
AIB has announced details of the support it has been delivering to its Northern Ireland customers in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
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ver the last 6 weeks, AIB has introduced a range of supports for its customers, including repayment holidays on loans and mortgages, additional working capital facilities and several other short-term measures. In that time, the bank has delivered support to over 2,000 business, mortgage, and personal customers, with 99.7% of all applications to date receiving approval. AIB has now also been approved for accreditation by the British Business Bank as a new lender for the government backed Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) to provide term loans. The bank has also experienced a significant surge in customer calls and queries during the pandemic, having responded to over 16,000 calls in the last four weeks alone. During this period, AIB has also kept all its branches open and operational, introduced dedicated vulnerable customer opening hours until 11am each day and recently launched a dedicated helpline 0345 6460319. AIB has also recently announced a collaboration with Trinity College Dublin backed by over £2 million funding to establish a research hub
at the University to urgently accelerate its immunology project designed to develop a vaccine which can tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.Alongside this, the AIB Group has also launched the ‘AIB Together’
unprecedented medical, societal and economic crisis, we are keen to ensure we do everything we can to support our customers, our communities and our team. We have mobilised all the resources at our disposal in a strategic way. At a macro level we are proud to be investing in a national and international endeavour alongside Trinity College Dublin to save lives and wish that project
“AIB has also recently announced a collaboration with Trinity College Dublin backed by over £2 million funding to establish a research hub at the University to urgently accelerate its immunology project designed to develop a vaccine which can tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.”
initiative to help support local communities by raising much needed funds for charities who are central to the management of the pandemic. Staff have set a target of raising €1m with the Group agreeing to match all funds raised to support local charities, such as Age NI, who are working hard to support our most vulnerable at this difficult time. Speaking about the Bank’s response to COVID-19 Adrian Moynihan, Head of AIB in Northern Ireland, said: “These are extraordinary times that require extraordinary measures. In the face of this
every success in the weeks ahead. Our amazing staff have also been keen to help and are already developing various creative fundraising methods to support the ‘AIB Together’ initiative. “Meanwhile, we are very conscious of the pressures that our personal and business customers are under as a result of the global pandemic and have been working hard to offer them the best tailored support possible to alleviate their financial concerns. I am proud that our team has been able to support over 2,000 customers to date and the
fact that we are approving over 99% of their requests for support, is tangible evidence of our commitment to playing our part. “To date, much of the support our customers have been seeking has been for repayment holidays, with only 1 in 5 seeking additional funding or working capital. However, as we look forward we do expect the number of requests from customers for extra funding to increase and we are now delighted to be in a position to offer customers access to the government backed CBILS scheme where this is the most appropriate solution for them.” “As the situation evolves, we can assure customers that we will remain flexible in our response and continually review our services as necessary, always putting their needs and safety at the forefront of our thinking.” Business and Personal banking services are available in-branch, online or by phone. In addition, business customers can also avail of specialist support from the bank’s Small Business Centre, regional business support centres and Internet Business Banking.
For more information around all of AIB’s COVID-19 customer focused initiatives, please visit: https://aibni.co.uk/covid19
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Eye on R&D Tax Credits
Innovate to Survive
From left to right: Jamie Watts, Chris Maylin, Lisa Holmes, Andrew Smythe & Jeff Drennan
by Jamie Watts, Commercial Director of Amplifi Solutions.
Has the expression “Cash is King” ever been truer than it is now?
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e’ve always known how important it is to keep a tight control on cash flow, but perhaps the spotlight has never shone as brightly as it does now on that area of the balance sheet. What if there was a way to protect the
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continuity of the business, whilst also benefitting from a cash injection or a deduction in tax? Fortunately, there is. You will have heard the expression ‘Don’t rest on your laurels’ many times. Most of us will say “but I’m far too busy to do something new” or “I’ll get around to it” and even “what we are doing is great, why change?”. The problem is just that – everything will change, and those businesses who don’t adapt will unfortunately be more likely to fail. Recent history is full of these stories. Remember Blockbuster? A wonderful business until the world went digital and the idea of going to a video store became a chore. The rise of streaming services like Netflix led to the demise of a once industry-leading business. How about Kodak? At one time, the world’s biggest film company, it failed to move to digital photos because its film business was formally so important to how it was structured. It eventually became bankrupt in 2012 when more agile businesses who were prepared
to innovate ate into its whole market. Innovation is essential to safeguard the future of your business. Not only that, but you can be rewarded for trying. The UK is one of over 40 countries globally that offer an incentive to businesses in the form of research and development tax credits. Administered by HMRC, it is the most generous business incentive that the government offers. If a business is taking steps to overcome technical uncertainties at its own cost, then it’s likely that the business will qualify for the incentive. Companies can benefit from up to 33% of their qualifying expenditure as a cash injection directly back into the business. It can be equally important for young, agile businesses who need the cash rebate to give them runway to operate, as it is for established companies who depend on the tax deduction to ensure they can continue to create and improve products and services at a competitive speed of delivery. Amplifi Solutions works with
businesses across many sectors, including software, manufacturing, engineering and food & drink. Each of these industries has its own unique set of challenges and opportunities, both technical and commercial - that’s why we have industry experts as part of our team with backgrounds such as mechanical, electrical and software engineering, to ensure that we really understand your unique process and deliver a great result on your R&D tax credit claim, helping you to reinvest in your business. As we all try to navigate our way through these challenging times, a strong cash flow will be crucial. So, at a time when cash is king, can you afford not to be innovating?
You can find out more about R&D tax credits at www.amplifi.solutions
Eye on News
Ardmore Named in Top 30 UK Ad Agency List Northern Ireland creative integrated communications agency Ardmore has powered its way into the UK’s top 30 list of best regional agencies, according to data compiled by global data measurement company Nielsen and international marketing bible Campaign.
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sing Nielsen data, Campaign’s deep sector knowledge and the agencies’ own submission documents, Campaign conducted a forensic examination of each agency and scored them accordingly to provide a solid like-for-like comparison. The final rankings act as a major industry signifier of the agencies’ health and growth. Ardmore’s first-time appearance in the prestigious in the UK-wide list alongside other industry leaders including Home, Wordley, Happy
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Hour, Leith and Golley Slater Group, is a further significant acknowledgement of the company’s growing regional and international success. Last year, Ardmore jumped 55 places to number 26 in The Drum’s Top 100 rankings, beating a global hot list of big brand agency names. Ardmore managing director Mark Irwin said: “Our inclusion in this year’s Nielsen top UK agency list underlines our continued commitment to delivering world class creative solutions for our clients in the UK, Ireland and around the world.
John Keane
With a clear focus on the firepower which creative integrated thinking and digital and media expertise can bring, we’re delighted to be recognised again. In these challenging times for every sector, we look forward with confidence to ensuring that our expertise continues to deliver growth which supports wider business and economic recovery. We always look ahead and we are inspired to reach more audiences and to produce more campaigns that push the boundaries of what our industry can do.” -FE CZ DIJFG FYFDVUJWF +PIO ,FBOF XIP JT also chair of Worldwide Partners Inc, a global advertising and marketing network of more than 80 independent agencies, Ardmore delivers innovative campaigns for a growing roster of local, national and international clients including Dale Farm, Department for the Economy, Department of Education, %FQBSUNFOU PG +VTUJDF -JEM /PSUIFSO *SFMBOE Lunn’s, MCS Group, National Trust, Phoenix Natural Gas, Power NI, Progressive Building Society, Rushmere, Stena Line, Subway, Translink, Visit Belfast and Woking Borough Council. Gideon Spanier, UK editor-inchief at Campaign, said: “The School Reports are one of the highlights of Campaign’s year, and, at this extraordinarily difficult time, a welcome dose of normality. These reports should be a source of special pride this year as they are a benchmark of success before the current crisis.” Ardmore has also been recognised as Northern Ireland’s media agency of the year at the Irish Media Awards.
Eye on Retail
Support Our Retailers.. Whatever Their Size Aodhán Connolly, Director of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium, argues that retailers aren’t being given a fair crack of the whip by commentators and some politicians. It’s time to change attitudes...
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he past few weeks have been some of the busiest in my life working on the challenges the coronavirus has brought. But that is nothing compared to the work by those people working at the retail coal face. Delivery drivers, stock pickers, distribution centre operatives and those on the till all deserve our thanks and our praise. So too do the cleaners and other service staff that keep our stores working. They have all been doing an incredible job under hugely difficult circumstances. But there seems to be a disjointed relationship from both commentators and politicians about retailers. It is being argued that large retailers who are open should not be eligible for a longer 12 month business rates holiday if it comes from the Executive. The reason being that they are trading very successfully, but that argument is seriously flawed. Business rates are a huge burden for retailers at the best of times and a one-year respite in payment represents a vital shot in the arm at a time when coronavirus is casting a huge shadow over the economy. Businesses of all sorts remain open, whether they are shops providing essential items, or offices that continue to function through remote working. These firms continue to pay employees and corporation tax and should not be punished for doing so. This has been a rollercoaster for retail. Yes, the first couple of weeks of March were busy but not in a way we would have liked. Retail faced levels of demand felt normally around the Christmas period without having the 4-month lead-in that gives us an opportunity to make savings on advance orders. Plus, what people were buying was not high profit margin goods. It was cheaper cuts of meat, cheaper staples and even cheaper brands of toilet roll. But the latter half of March and since then have been terrible for the industry. The UK Retail Sales Monitor for March showed the lowest
sales figures since records began in 1995, 27% down in the last 2 weeks of March. Year on year some of the major retailers are down tens of millions of pounds a week. The truth is that across NI there has been a trend for shoppers to go to convenience stores during this period and footfall in supermarkets has dived. Furthermore, supermarkets and essential retailers are spending huge amounts to keep trading in these difficult times. They have had to backfill jobs for colleagues who had to self-isolate as well as hire new staff to deal with the growing demand for labour intensive activities such as delivery and click and collect, not to mention the extra security staff that have been hired to keep staff and shoppers safe. One supermarket alone has employed 45,000 extra staff across
“Most urgently we need the rates holiday to be moved from 3 months to 12 months in line with Great Britain. Being a property heavy industry, business rates is one of retail’s greatest outgoings and this extension of relief would aid cashflow, but also business confidence.”
the UK at a cost of over £800 million. They have all invested in protecting both shoppers and our customers with perspex screens purchased and installed, additional hand sanitiser and protective equipment. These things have added to the cost of doing business and eaten into the already small profit margins of retailers. When I started this job the average profit margin in the industry was a round 5% now it is around 2.5% with some major retailers operating on a 1.75% profit margin. Many of those retailers have given bonus payments to workers and have been supporting foodbanks and other vulnerable groups
during this crisis and are performing a vital social service in making sure everyone can get the essentials they need. For these stores, who are not only performing a vital service but are willingly paying their dues to society through donations and community duty, not to get support at a time of national crisis would set a terrible precedent. That’s why we need to learn from the success in other areas of the UK in how they have given tangible and meaningful support for industry. Most urgently we need the rates holiday to be moved from 3 months to 12 months in line with Great Britain. Being a property
heavy industry, business rates is one of retail’s greatest out-goings and this extension of relief would aid cashflow, but also business confidence. The truth is no one knows how 2020 will pan out but the prospects for retail which is linked to the prospects for the economy and households incomes aren’t great. Chances are that this is going to be a terrible year for retailers large and small. This tide rises and lowers boats of all sizes. To remove large retailers from a public policy instrument to aid businesses in these troubled times with what is already a huge millstone around our necks simply doesn’t make sense. Our ask to commentators and politicians alike is to show support for the industry and to recognise the vital service which retailers are providing to the everyone in NI including themselves.
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Eye on Homeworking
Businesses often choose to implement remote working for two main reasons. They may be facing external pressures, or they simply have the wish to implement a flexible working environment for their staff.
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his can bring challenges in organisations that don’t have experience with remote working, but help is at hand. At 3EN, we’re cloud computing-obsessed. However, we’ve also implemented progressive working practices that aren’t technology-focused to allow our staff to work remotely with ease. In the current climate of more businesses adopting remote working, we want to share some of our experience with some handy tips and tricks. Please remember, if your business is having any problems working remotely, we’re here if you need any advice. No questions asked. At no cost or commitment, 3EN will do the best we can to help navigate you through these trying times. Contact us at: engage@3en.cloud.
1. Over Communicate Working from home, you’re no longer sitting among your colleagues, and can’t ask casual questions about the status of a report or where a document is saved. It’s really important that your team works as proactively as possible and checks in, even more than if you were sitting beside each other. Keep an eye on the smaller details and ensure you’re paying close and careful attention to emails and messages. Simple, free workplace technology can be used for instant messaging – check out Slack.
2. Invest in reliable tech We know what you’re thinking – business IT equipment is expensive. It can be. However, if you don’t have the budget to invest in a new suite of tech, can your team take their desktops home?
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Working Remotely: 3EN Group Ltd’s Tips and Tricks Adam Cree, Chief Revenue Officer, 3EN Group Ltd
Sure, it’s not as portable, but if they have the space to accommodate it, then why not? Access to a decent internet connection at home is also a big bonus. Outside of traditional IT equipment, many remote workers also invest in wireless headphones (to cancel out the background noise at home) and wireless keyboards and mice to help them work remotely.
3. Consider your workspace and routine We need to be able to differentiate between being at home and being at work. In the last few weeks, some of our team have been trying to wake up at the same time each morning and filling their ‘commute’ time with a walk outside. Then, when they get back in, they know they’re stepping in to do work, and it helps them to reset. Another handy tip is to try and set up a work environment somewhere in your home that you can step in and out of. For some this is attainable, and for others, it means setting up at the unused end of your
dining table, or, as we’ve seen on social media this week – using an ironing board as a desk. The resourcefulness of entrepreneurs never ceases to amaze us!
4. Know when to log off You’re working at home and bringing your work life into your personal life, so as much as it’s important to be able to work remotely, you need to be able to step away from work whilst still at home. Try not to set the expectation that you’re free 24/7 and have a set time to log off.
5. Embrace the cloud Using cloud-based servers, software and other tools means employees in your company can access documents, information and internal systems anywhere in the world, as long as they’re connected to the internet. There are many cloud computing options, some of which offer free trials or free packages up to a certain number of users.
6. Stay secure Using a virtual private network (VPN) will help keep your staff and data safe when they’re working remotely. These can be easy and cost effective to set up and are essentially secure connections between an employee’s laptop at home and your company’s information at work.
7. Ensure you’re protected Consider insurance, policies and procedures. These sound fairly daunting but can be relatively quick to put in place. Consider reaching out to business support organisations like FSB or your local Chamber of Commerce to see if they have any guidance in place you could make use of.
8. Most importantly, be calm Try not to panic when faced with the task of getting your workforce online in the current climate. There are lots of great guides online aimed at helping SMEs to get to grips with using technology to help workers get online remotely, and we’re here to help if you need it.
Eye on Tourism
Giant Challenge For A Giant Spirit In November last year, Tourism NI unveiled the new brand for Northern Ireland – Embrace a Giant Spirit. If there was ever a time for us to live our brand it is now. By Dr. Joanne Stuart, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance
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ourism has been one of the most resilient and successful parts of the local economy surpassing returns on investment made in other industrial sectors and outpacing the average in job creation. The facts are stark as all of the hard-won growth has disappeared overnight. t NJMMJPO UPVSJTUT WJTJU /PSUIFSO Ireland annually t PG TQFOE JT HFOFSBUFE CZ visitors from outside of Northern *SFMBOE t "MNPTU WJTJUPS spend is outside of Belfast t PG 5PVSJTN KPCT are outside of Belfast Tourism grew a massive thirty GJWF QFSDFOU CFUXFFO and there was a shared ambition to double the economic impact by DSFBUJOH OFX KPCT As the Covid-9 Pandemic hit the consciousness of general public the first impacts on the economy were seen in the Tourism industry. With a surge of cancellations due to the escalation PG UIF $07*% JOUP &VSPQF 5PVSJTN effectively came to a stop in early March. Unlike any other part of the economy, Tourism businesses were hit at the end of the quietest part of their trading calendar with reserves and cash flow at a minimum.
More crucially, significant investments had been made in preparation for what was predicted to be one of our best years following the success of The Open golf championship and the launch of the new brand – Northern Ireland Embrace a Giant Spirit. Instead, Tourism businesses have been at the forefront of the catastrophic FDPOPNJD JNQBDU PG $PWJE XJUI JODPNF dropping to zero within a matter of weeks, and unlike other sectors of the economy, working from home or finding alternatives to generating income is not an option. So why is this so catastrophic for the NI Economy? 5PVSJTN BDDPVOUT GPS BMNPTU PG jobs in our economy, and generated in FYDFTT PG b CO JO WJTJUPS TQFOE JO right across our region, meaning that jobs and much needed investment will be severely impacted across urban, rural and coastal communities as a result of the pandemic lockdown. Saving the Tourism Industry – Recovery and Rebuild Saving the Tourism industry now has to be a major priority for the NI Executive’s economic recovery plan. There has been a lot of support announced both by the UK Government and by the NI Executive. The challenge is the disturbingly long time it is taking
for support to get to businesses. As these grants start to get to the businesses there are still a swathe of businesses that are not covered by UIF b , BOE b , HSBOU TDIFNF BOE UIF DSJUFSJB GPS UIF b . BEEJUJPOBM support is needed as soon as possible. Tourism is a major job creator across our region and has shown its resilience in the past, but it needs to have a resourced plan ready to be executed as lockdown is relaxed the industry to engage with the home market as soon restrictions start to be lifted. and to regain global market share and build businesses back up again once restrictions start to be lifted. This needs to be a collaboration between government and industry and we have welcomed the announcement by Minister Dodds on the establishment of a Tourism Recovery Steering Group, something that we have been lobbying for. Given the nature of Tourism there are challenges in the operation of tourism businesses to deal with physical distancing requirements and operate in an environment that protects and gives confidence to staff and visitors. Domestic tourism will be the first market to recover, with international USBWFM OPU SFDPWFSJOH VOUJM A Tourism Recovery Support package will require a number of streams such
as the extension of the job retention scheme to allow for staff to be brought back on a phased approach. A targeted extension to the business rates holiday to twelve months, support for businesses to develop new business models, refining product to meet consumer needs including incentive promotions, as well as a boost to marketing and Promotion of NI as destination. Once again, the industry is calling for abolishment of APD on short haul flights, a fund for air route development and high-speed rail links with Dublin. In addition, we need to address the decreased capacity of regional connectivity which will be a barrier to rebuilding our GB market. This is critical for consumer confidence and our reputation as a destination that is easy to get to for both leisure and business tourism. Aviation has been one of the hardest hit industries and given our geographic location we will be severely disadvantaged. The Tourism industry is full of passionate and creative people who are facing the challenges head on and developing innovative approaches to enable tourism to be enjoyed by everybody. Now is the time for all of us to support our local tourism businesses and plan to explore the unique experiences that our right on our doorstep.
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Eye on Economy
Belfast... By Simon Hamilton, Chief Executive, Belfast Chamber of Trade
We Can Survive & We Can Prosper Again
Eye on Economy Just a few weeks before the COVID19 pandemic effectively shut down our city and, with it, much of its economy, Belfast Chamber hosted our BelFastForward conference.
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t was an event which heard from speakers from New York and Vienna about how they had successfully regenerated their cities and improved quality of life, as well as from business, public sector and community leaders from across Belfast who highlighted the roles they were playing in the ongoing transformation of our city. Anyone in attendance left inspired by what they had heard from both the international and local contributors and there was a palpable sense that Belfast’s best days were ahead of it. Just two months on, there are times when the optimism and hope for the future of our city so on display that day in late February feels like a lifetime ago as we see much of our city’s economy in cold storage. Broadcasters and the print media have illustrated the restrictions placed on our lives to help stop UIF TQSFBE PG $07*% XJUI shots of eerily quiet streets in Belfast which would ordinarily be buzzing with life. Whilst absolutely necessary in the circumstances – and a sign of how most of us are abiding by the public health message to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives – they are a stark illustration of the economic impact the coronavirus is having on our city. From our engagement with our members, Belfast Chamber has been able to get an accurate picture of how grim things really are for many firms. A survey of businesses in the city found that: t +VTU PG UIF DJUZ T CVTJOFTTFT remain physically open with PG CVTJOFTTFT BSF DMPTFE and not trading at all; t PG #FMGBTU CVTJOFTTFT intend to use the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to furlough workers XJUI PG FNQMPZFFT JO those firms being furloughed;
t 5IF TFDUPST GVSMPVHIJOH most workers were retail, hospitality/tourism, charities/ social enterprises and business BENJOJTUSBUJPO TVQQPSU t 'FXFS UIBO JO CVTJOFTTFT have applied for a Government backed Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan; and t " MJUUMF PWFS B UIJSE PG CVTJOFTTFT surveyed believed they were eligible for either the Executive’s b PS b HSBOU It is that final point – around eligibility for support – that is a troubling one for businesses in Belfast. The use of the rating system as a qualification criteria has worked against the city due to its higher than average rateable values. Similarly, the failure to recognise that not all businesses operate from physical premises for which they are the ratepayer is another failing of the support schemes. Belfast has experienced a huge growth in businesses including many start-ups and young entrepreneurs operating from the city’s many co-working spaces and serviced offices yet because many pay their rates as part of an overall fee then they can’t access grant support. Day in and day out, Belfast Chamber is dealing with businesses who have seen their trade dry up as a result of COVID ZFU UIFZ BSF GBMMJOH UISPVHI the cracks in Government support. It simply isn’t fair that so many firms who have been forced to close because of the necessary restrictions aren’t getting access to any support whilst others remain open and continue to trade are able to access grants. That’s why we at Belfast Chamber have been encouraging our Executive to extend its rates relief beyond the initial 3 months and to do so in a way that targets support at those businesses and
sectors that have been hit the hardest. We have also been to the fore in calling for the creation of an emergency support fund that can assist business who haven’t been able to access either of the Executive’s grant schemes. I absolutely understand the monumental scale of the problems facing Government and the Executive. They have been presented with an unprecedented problem and are having to intervene in ways previously unimaginable. It hasn’t been easy, and it clearly takes time to put in place the various interventions the administration in London and Belfast have announced and I don’t believe that the gaps in support are deliberate omissions. Calling for a further expansion in support isn’t a criticism of Minister and nor is it about pouring money into the pockets of business owners. It is about doing what is needed to protect jobs and livelihoods and ensure that people have work to return UP PO UIF GBS TJEF PG $07*%
so in concert with businesses so that they can properly plan for a restart in our economy. It would be easy to look at the empty streets in Belfast city centre and all of the businesses whose doors are shut and whose futures are uncertain and be pessimistic about what lies ahead for the economy of our city. What I do know is that business owners in Belfast are incredibly resilient. Over the years, they have withstood the Troubles, the Bank Buildings fire and uncertainty over Brexit. Each time, they weathered the storm and kept going as best they could. The coronavirus presents an entirely different challenge. It is like nothing we have faced before. Businesspeople in Belfast – as in each part of our region – will need every ounce of that resilience if we are to bounce back. They will also need the help and support of every level of government be that in City Hall, at Stormont or in Westminster. Belfast may face a new set of challenges as a consequence
“Day in and day out, Belfast Chamber is dealing with businesses who have seen their trade dry up as a result of COVID-19, yet they are falling through the cracks in Government support.�
We all appreciate that, first BOE GPSFNPTU $07*% JT damaging people’s health. But it also damaging the health of our economy. We can see that in the number of businesses that are closed, the huge drop off in trade for many and in the sheer volume of staff who are being furloughed. Belfast Chamber welcomes the recent comments by the First Minister when she said the Executive would start to consider a pathway back to normality. We can’t ignore the need to protect the public’s health, but neither can we ignore the need to prepare for how we get our whole economy going again when the time is right. In many sectors, it won’t be business as usual for some time, but we would urge our Executive to start that work now and to do
PG $07*% CVU NVDI PG XIBU made the city’s economy grow so spectacularly over recent years remains true. We have an exceptionally talented pool of labour that provide companies with the skills they need to grow. We offer visitors a warm welcome and an experience that they’ll not get anywhere else. And, as we discussed in depth at our aforementioned Conference, Belfast is a city with a huge amount of regeneration opportunities that can help to transform Belfast for the better and improve the lives of all of our citizens. How we seize those opportunities and make the most of our many assets will be crucial in overcoming UIF FGGFDU UIBU $07*% JT currently having on our city.
Eye on News
New NI campaign launched to encourage more people to ‘Make It Click’ online A new campaign has been launched to provide people across Northern Ireland with the tools to upskill their digital abilities and improve online confidence as thousands of people turn to the internet to help navigate the COVID-19 crisis whilst tackling isolation at home.
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ew independent research commissioned by leading UK charity Good Things Foundation reveals a worrying gap in digital skills and confidence levels across Northern Ireland. More than one in ten people in /PSUIFSO *SFMBOE IBWF little or only some of the digital skills they need to experience the benefits of being online. Backed by Google.org, the charitable arm of the global tech company, and driven by Good Things Foundation, the new ‘Make It Click’ campaign aims to help adults understand how digital skills can change their life. Through a curated collection of free tools and resources available online, Make It Click will help to upskill users with only limited digital skills to gain the knowledge and confidence they need to thrive online. The campaign is particularly pertinent for people currently self-isolating, with many relying on the internet to keep working from home as well as for everyday necessities such as food shopping, ordering prescriptions and staying in touch with family and friends. The new research also reveals
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the stark impacts of living life offline – many respondents felt socially isolated from friends and family and reported lower levels of confidence from being digitally excluded – and compared to people who are not online at all, they are more likely to be seeking work or in low-paid employment. Amidst the current $07*% DSJTJT UIJT JT TVSFMZ only to be exacerbated in the weeks and months ahead. Many of those surveyed also say their lack of digital aptitude has made them feel disadvantaged when looking and applying for jobs to feeling underdeveloped in their career. Helen Milner, Good Things Foundation Chief Executive said: “Even before recent events, it was clear how important
technology is to us in our everyday lives, and how vital digital skills are. In the last few weeks, as millions of people self-isolate and observe social distancing, technology has been a lifeline, allowing people to work from home, keep in touch with family and friends and order essentials online.� “Unfortunately not everyone is able to benefit from technology. More than 7 million people in the UK are not making the most of the internet and not improving their skills, putting them at risk of further isolation at an already difficult time. “Make It Click aims to help adults who already have some basic digital skills achieve positive life and work outcomes by giving the practical skills and knowledge to
build their confidence, and so I’m delighted we are launching the programme in Northern Ireland this week, at such a vital time.�
To access the free resource, visit www.makeitclick.com
Eye on Media & Marketing
Advertising Drives Revenue... So Keep The Lights On
Valerie Ludlow, like most of us, has had to get used to working away from the busy marketing agency environment that is her usual domain.
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ut she’s also had to adapt to a communications environment which has been rocked to its very core by the coronavirus crisis. The $IJFG &YFDVUJWF PG "4( 1BSUOFST one of NI’s largest multi-discipline agencies, is also Northern Ireland head of the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising, the professional body for the industry across the UK. “It sounds easy to say it, but the first and most important thing for all of us was, and is, not to panic,” says Valerie. “My advice to businesses out there is that they should maintain a brand presence in some shape or form. At the fundamental level, that means keeping in touch with your customers. “If you can invest a bit in PR or advertising, then do it. Always remember that advertising drives revenue. But, most importantly, don’t go dark. Turn off the lights and it can be very difficult to turn them back on again.” Like everyone else in the Northern Ireland business community, Valerie IBE UP NBLF CJH DIBOHFT UP IPX "4(
Partners operates once the crisis started to bite and lockdown came into effect. i8F WF HPU QFPQMF BDSPTT BEWFSUJTJOH PR, recruitment marketing, video and other areas and that means that we OPX IBWF SFNPUF PGGJDFT XPSLJOH every day from Fermanagh in the west up to the North Coast,” she explains. “Technology, to be fair, has been very good. We’re using Microsoft Teams and it’s been working well for us. We’re video conferencing every day for meetings and XF IPME B QN CPBSE DBMM FBDI EBZ BT well to discuss a wide range of issues. “By the end of the first week of remote working, to be honest, I was exhausted. It was a big change. But now that we’re further down the line, we’ve all got a lot more used to it.” ASG’s first week as a remote agency, she says, was spent advising clients on their own emergencies and contingency planning. “We worked with our insurance clients, Abbey and Autoline, advising them on how best to communicate with their teams during the initial stages of the crisis and we spent time working with firmus
energy on how it would gear its marketing strategy through the current situation. “In a lot of ways, this is about re-inventing communications,” says Valerie. “Every company, big and small, has had to take a long, hard look at how it does its internal communications, its marketing and, importantly, what messages it puts out.” But there are some positives to come out of the current lockdown, she points out. “Emails are getting a much higher open rate at the moment, and advertising can be a welcome distraction for consumers. Who hasn’t thought about re-decorating or doing something to the garden now that they have had the time to look at it?” There were those, of course, who hit the panic button as the crisis deepened. “Some of our clients turned the tap off completely and temporarily disappeared,” she says. “But we’ve found that they’ve been gradually coming back, having realised that going dark isn’t the right way to do things. “There are always ways to get a positive message out there. Digital
and Radio for example, and TV is very effective, particularly at the moment, but not everyone can afford that. There are plenty of other ways of keeping the wheels in motion. “We’ve been advising a number of our clients on marketing campaigns that we’re hopeful will be able to go to the production stage over the coming weeks. So things are happening.” Looking forward, Valerie Ludlow has late-June marked down as the period she reckons will start a return to a more normal way of doing things. “Even then, it will depend on the sector you’re in. FMCG will be booming. Home entertainment is big. Luxury goods, believe it or not, are also tipped to go very well. But sectors like tourism and hospitality – key to the local economy - will be harder hit and may take a bit longer to recover.” “Our role between now and then will be to help our clients through this. And to keep telling everyone that advertising drives revenue.” Here at Business Eye, it’s a message we can readily agree with.
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Eye on News
Belfast-based Logicearth Learning Services is acquired by The Creative Engagement Group
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elfast-based e-learning company Logicearth Learning Services has been acquired by international communications group, The Creative Engagement Group (TCEG). Logicearth Learning Services supports blue-chip companies to drive business performance from within, through digital learning solutions. 'PS PWFS ZFBST -PHJDFBSUI IBT assisted global talent developers in delivering unforgettable learning experiences and services that support employee growth and operational efficiency in a measurable way. The company also specialises in medical writing and education for the Pharma and Healthcare sectors.
Logicearth will continue to provide its unique blend of learning technologies, creative services, and extensive experience to clients as part of the TCEG communications group. The company was recently positioned as a digital learning ‘challenger’ in the respected Fosway Group 9-Grid™ market analysis model, with the e-learning sector TFU UP TVSQBTT CO CZ according to market research company Global Market Insights. &TUBCMJTIFE JO -PHJDFBSUI is led by its founders Peter Carlin and Paul McKay – both of whom will continue to lead with the business and join TCEG’s leadership team, reporting to
Peter Carlin and Paul McKay of Logicearth
Russ Lidstone, Group CEO of The Creative Engagement Group. 5IF -PHJDFBSUI TUBGG PG MFBSOJOH designers, project managers and technologists based in both Dublin
Jet2 Praised For Response During Crisis
Jet2.com and Jet2holidays has been recognised by travel agents across the UK as the company that is going the extra mile to help both them and their customers during the Covid-19 pandemic. 34
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eading travel industry news website Travel Mole launched the ‘Smashed It’ campaign so that the industry could recognise the tour operators and airlines that have been most helpful during the pandemic. The travel industry has been responding to the suspension of flights and holidays, not to mention the repatriation of thousands of customers, and Travel Mole found that agents have been full of praise for Jet2.com and Jet2holidays more than
anyone for making their lives easier. The Jet2.com and Jet2holidays team has been working around the clock to look after independent travel agents and customers. For customers who were on holiday when travel restrictions and bans came into force, the company’s team of Customer Helpers assisted in every way they can, leading to positive feedback from happy customers who felt they were well-looked after and well-informed throughout.
and Belfast will continue to focus on providing enhanced learning solutions for existing and TCEG clients, as well as continuing business development both in the UK and US.
The company also continued to operate its scheduled programme, with aircraft flying empty from the UK so that they could fill them and bring thousands of customers home. In addition to that, and despite the severe disruption and travel restrictions, Jet2.com put on more UIBO SFQBUSJBUJPO GMJHIUT UP CSJOH BO BEEJUJPOBM DVTUPNFST IPNF In view of the ongoing uncertainty, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays has taken the decision to recommence flights and holidays programme on June UI B EFDJTJPO XIJDI JT CFJOH LFQU under constant review, in line with guidance from Governments and the relevant authorities. The company’s Trade Team, Social Media Team and Customer Contact teams have been working 24/7 to contact agents and customers to discuss their options. Additionally, Jet2holidays’ awardwinning Trade Team has demonstrated its ‘Partnership 2 Success’ motto in style by bringing in extra colleagues to help deal with trade enquiries, and implementing a number of trade friendly options including rebook vouchers and online amendment forms, making it easier for independent travel agency partners to amend holidays.
At Nitec, our focus during these unprecedented times is on helping our customers to manage the huge technology challenges that Covid-19 has brought with it. We do this by providing gold standard IT security and business transforming productivity solutions that allow our customers to work at any time, in any place and on any device, all in a 30-day rolling agreement with no binding contracts. At Nitec, we don’t just work with you, we’re working ahead of you. Contact us today to find out how we can work together to help your business.
NITEC.COM
+44 (0)28 9442 7000
Eye on Business Education
Queen’s University Clinton Leadership Institute Takes MiniMBA Programme Online Queen’s University’s Clinton Leadership Institute is to deliver its highly successful Mini-MBA Programme online to participants over the coming months.
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he five-day Mini-MBA Programme, normally delivered at the Leadership Institute’s Riddel Hall headquarters in Belfast, is aimed at anyone working towards a more comprehensive understanding of their business. Past participants have been from the private, public and third sectors. The alumni have been from diverse backgrounds including law, medicine, engineering and health and spanning across all sectors of thr business community. Each programme delivers an understanding of the key
factors that impact on business performance, an understanding of business fundamentals, fluency in the language of business and – crucially – increased confidence in the role of the individual. Business Eye caught up with two recent participants in the Queen’s University Leadership Institute’s Mini-MBA Programme. Ryan McCavigan is a New Product Development Manager with international flooring manufacturers Interface in Craigavon. A mechanical engineer, he served as an apprentice with packaging company Huhtamaki in Lurgan
before moving to Interface and a new role in product development. During his working career, Ryan has completed an HNC in Mechanical Engineering followed by a degree in the same subject at the Open University. “I decided to go for the Queen’s Mini-MBA because, coming from an engineering background, I felt that I needed to learn more about the wider business and pick up the skills necessary for career progression,� Ryan says. “It’s helped me a lot. I’ve learnt a lot about the overall workings of the business, and I’ve also learnt to look at things from a much wider perspective.� He also says that he enjoyed the whole Mini-MBA experience. “I suppose I was worried that it would be very academic. It is to a degree, but it’s very practical. Theories are understood by putting them into practice. “It’s also great to work as part of a group and to see how different dynamics and differing theories can be applied to get the desired results. It’s an intense week, but one of the most enjoyable weeks of learning I’ve ever had.� Ryan singles out the importance of discussing business with different people from different sectors and different industries during the Mini-MBA Programme. “Quite often we fount that we shared the same issues,� he says. “But there’s no doubt that we learnt from each other throughout the programme. “I’d recommend the course to anyone, no matter what level
they’re at in business. It provides an in-depth overview of all the critical aspects of business, from finance to emotional intelligence and from theories through to practice. Next stop for me is the Executive MBA at Queen’s Management School, which I’ll complete later this year.� Nick Hughes is Head of Commercial at JP Corry, one of Northern Ireland’s leading suppliers of building materials and timber QSPEVDUT XJUI CSBODIFT BDSPTT UIF DPVOUSZ )F T CFFO ZFBST JO the business, leaving school to join Ray Graham Builders Merchants in Newtownards before moving to JP Corry, where he’s held a wide variety of roles from sales through to branch management and on to senior management at the company’s Springfield Road headquarters site in Belfast. “I’m responsible for a key area of the commercial function and I think
Eye on Business Education
Speed networking with industry leaders
that’s one of the main reasons I was attracted to the Mini-MBA programme. I studied Finance For Non-Financial Managers at the Clinton Leadership Institute a few years ago and found it invaluable. So I had no hesitation
in going back for more,” says Nick. “But the main motivation was to broaden my horizons. It’s important to look a bit further than building materials and when you find yourself part of a group of people drawn from a variety of industries,
businesses and the public sector, it really does help change the way that you look at things. “It’s a full week, it’s an intense week, but I have to say that I enjoyed every day of it. I even enjoyed doing the homework in the evenings, and I never thought I’d hear myself saying that. “It’s a great programme and it’s made all the better by some really inspiring tutors who really do make the whole thing come to life, and have helped to mentor me since the programme ended. I’d have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone who wants to gain a broader understanding of the fundamentals of business. “We can all get caught up in our individual niches and our little areas of responsibility. The MiniMBA opens your eyes to what makes business as a whole tick. And that’s really important.”
The next Mini-MBA Programme will be delivered online and commences in mid-May. This will run on 14th, 21st, 28th May and on 4th and 11th June. For further details view the website leadershipinstitute.co.uk, email leadershipinstitute@ qub.ac.uk or call 07711046035
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Eye on News
PHOENIX TAKES EUROPEAN TOP SPOT In Global Sustainability Benchmark Phoenix Natural Gas, Northern Ireland’s largest gas distribution business, has been recognised as a leader in Europe for its environmental, social and governance performance by GRESB in its Infrastructure Assessment.
GRESB is an industry-driven organisation committed to assessing the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) sustainability performance of Real Estate and Infrastructure assets around the globe. It has become the most preeminent and well-established standard used by institutional investors to measure and benchmark the ESG sustainability performance of their portfolios and funds. This was the fourth year of participation by Phoenix Natural Gas who in addition
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to coming top across Europe, were placed second out of 393 participants across the globe, and maintained their NBYJNVN TUBS (3&4# SBUJOH Speaking about the company’s achievements, Kailash Chada, Chief Financial Officer at Phoenix Natural Gas says: “Operating in a responsible, sustainable manner is essential to every aspect of our business. Our vision is to be recognised for excellence as a world leading utility which demands that our behaviours and business style is a benchmark for others in the marketplace and within the wider utility sector. “We are proud to demonstrate strong environmental, social and governance values within our business to be recognised by GRESB as a leader for our work across these areas. We will continue to benchmark ourselves and seek even more ways to add real value to the customers, colleagues and communities we serve.�
Mission-driven and investor-led, GRESB is the environmental, social and governance (ESG) benchmark for real assets. Sander Paul van Tongeren, Co-Founder and Managing Director at (3&4# TBZT i8F DPOHSBUVMBUF BMM Sector Leaders for the significant steps they have taken to manage ESG risks, identify opportunities and find ways to make positive real-world impacts. Your efforts continue to shape the future of sustainability leadership and play a critical role in creating a world with more sustainable buildings and infrastructure.�
For more information on Phoenix’s environmental, social and governance principles visit www.phoenixnaturalgas.com/ about-us/phoenix-group/ corporate-responsibility
Eye on Law
Using Technology To Carry On Contracting The coronavirus is having a dramatic effect on businesses. Support from the government – including loans and a Job Retention Scheme – has provided an element of financial security, but there are numerous logistical and commercial challenges with running a business in a global slowdown and a socially distanced world.
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rom disrupted supply chains and employment issues to the practicalities of obtaining a signature, businesses are finding it difficult to perform their contractual obligations. Approving and signing contracts, complying with contractual time limits, dealing with breaches and suspending or terminating contracts are among the biggest issues we are seeing businesses face at the moment. I am even aware of some parties to contracts having a signing meeting out of a car boot in a public carpark in order to comply with social distancing rules. The good news is, recent development of legaltech solutions that transform how businesses use legal services mean it doesn’t have to be that way.
Automation Businesses experiencing increased demand are under pressure to create a high volume of contracts quickly. In employment, Amazon IBT BOOPVODFE QMBOT UP SFDSVJU more people in fulfilment and logistics in the UK, while businesses across Northern Ireland are calling out for people to join their team, from care homes to call centres. Contract automation software can help to generate templates alongside e-signatures and online portals to get them prepared, signed and effected quickly. Through this technology, businesses can benefit from swift and agile contractual solutions to meet increased demand, thus increasing speed and reducing costs.
Artificial intelligence For many, contract management and review will not have been a high priority. But this could be an opportune time to revisit contracts in order to evaluate and improve
business practices, resolve any disputes and consider long-term business strategy. Undoubtedly, the role of force majeure clauses has come to the fore in recent weeks. Such clauses can allow extensions to and early termination of contracts where events or circumstances beyond the control of the parties prevents fulfillment of contractual obligations. However, force majeure clauses vary widely in terms of the events covered and so too does the ability of parties to ‘walk away’. One way to assess these provisions within a portfolio of contracts is via artificial intelligence software. This enables contracts to be reviewed and advice produced in a matter of minutes on whether such clauses exist. Contracts can be processed in bulk, saving significant amounts of time in review.
this obstacle; it is easy to use and can be integrated with data sharing portals to centrally store signed versions of contracts for future easy access. Businesses don’t need to take a licence themselves if they can access this through their lawyer. Despite the challenges, it is clear that businesses are still experiencing pockets of positivity in the current climate as strategic investment decisions are continuing to be made. While they may not emerge unscathed, the overriding principle that well-organised businesses with good governance are the most resilient cannot be overlooked, and is focusing minds on future-proofing the business based on lessons learned from the coronavirus.
E-signatures The government’s advice on social distancing, the closure of many businesses and the rule to work from home where possible means that businesses can no longer guarantee the same access to printers and scanners. This creates practical obstacles to getting signatures. E-signature software seeks to overcome
For information on TLT’s legaltech solutions, please visit tltsolicitors.com/ expertise/solutions or contact Andrew Jennings Partner, TLT andrew.jennings@tltsolicitors.com 0333 006 1217
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Eye on News
Digital Transformation And Exceptional Weather Helps Eighty Year Old Business Survive The family who own a traditional 80 year old garden centre business nestled in the Castlereagh Hills says that digital transformation and the exceptional weather has enabled Hillmount to survive in the past three weeks.
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aking the business online has resulted in sales increasing by ZFBS PO ZFBS GPS UIF GJSTU UISFF XFFLT JO "QSJM 5IFZ IBWF TPME more barbecues year on year and twice as many seeds and bedding plants. Prior to lockdown, the Mercer family had dabbled with offering an online service but in early March they had begun the painstaking process of devoting time to creating and developing an e-commerce platform on their newly designed website www.hillmount.co.uk, taking photos of various plants, barbecues and garden furniture and manually uploading them to the platform in a bid to offer old and new customers a choice of shopping experience, one which up until then depended BMNPTU JO JUT FOUJSFUZ PO UIF QMVT customers who visited the store every day. The transformation could not have come at a more crucial time for the Mercer family, their dedicated staff and suppliers. Faced with the possibility of not being able to pay their staff, losing thousands of plants and the dire situation of not being able to pay suppliers, some of whom are local growers whose livelihood depends on the business they receive from Hillmount, Alan Mercer says that coupled with the exceptional temperatures, the business has so far been surviving the lockdown. Alan Mercer, Managing Director, Hillmount, said: “Our first concern when we were instructed to close our garden lifestyle stores JO #FMGBTU #BOHPS BOE "SET XFSF GPS PVS staff, the majority of whom we have had to furlough, and for our suppliers. Some of these growers depend on our business simply to put food on the table for their families and, as a fourth generation family business, we
understand how critical it is to be able to keep going. The beauty of being part of a family business is the agility with which we are able to make good decisions for the business, our staff, our loyal customers and our suppliers. “When we closed the doors to the public three weeks ago we honestly thought UIBU PVS ZFBS PME GBNJMZ CVTJOFTT XPVME not survive until the end of April but we are grateful that thankful to customers who have been loyal to our business over the years and new customers who are contacting us every day expressing the need to be able to enjoy their gardens to assist their mental and physical health. We have been able to transform our business to operating predominantly online but we still offer the older generation who may not be
online the option of phoning our store and placing their orders although the majority PG PVS BWFSBHF PSEFST FWFSZ EBZ BSF either being placed via our new website or by private message on facebook.� Hillmount garden lifestyle business is a fourth generation family business which DFMFCSBUFT JUT UI BOOJWFSTBSZ UIJT TVNNFS
www.hillmount.co.uk www.facebook.com/hillmountgardencentre www.instagram.com/hillmountbelfast www.twitter.com/hillmountgarden
56/58 Upper Braniel Road Gilnahirk, Belfast BT5 7TX T. 02890 448 213 116 Belfast Road, Bangor BT20 3NN T. 02891 272 330 80 Ballyreagh Road, Newtownards BT23 8RP T. 02891 245 676
www.hillmount.co.uk E: info@hillmount.co.uk
Eye on Young Enterprise
Keep Positive, #KeepLearning with Young Enterprise Young Enterprise Northern Ireland is supporting schools and young people during the extended school closures by providing free online resources through its ‘KeepLearning’ platform.
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eeping entrepreneurship education going online is in response to students, parents and teachers seeking interactive solutions to facilitate home-learning. Programmes are designed to keep our young people motivated, active and developing skillsets. “In exceptional times, we can’t underestimate the value of offering continuity of teaching, school activities and interpersonal connections beyond the home,� says Carol Fitzsimons MBE, CEO, Young Enterprise Northern Ireland�. Flagship events and recognition of student achievements move online too, the first of which will see our 8 Company programme finalists from across the country make their pitch digitally to the judge’s.
Free resources and activities Young Enterprises engaging resources and activities are free to use and easily accessible for students at home; the ideal learning format for a generation of digital natives. Each option nurtures capabilities essential to thrive in life, work and business. Skills span the curriculum: teamwork, planning, creativity, spoken and written communications, time management, co-operation, flexibility, problem solving, budgeting and crucially, facing difficulties with a positive, proactive attitude. TENNER FROM HOME CHALLENGE
This popular national competition, adapted for independent work from home, enables students to research and plan a business opportunity UIBU DPVME CF TUBSUFE XJUI KVTU b MY MONEY WEEK RESOURCES
A highly successful English schools QSPHSBNNF GPS UIF QBTU ZFBST DVSSFOU materials are now available to download. LEADERSHIP COMPETITION
Young Enterprise teams up with Telos Partners to offer a competition based around ‘Leadership’. Submit FOUSJFT VQ UP XPSET CZ UI .BZ YOUR MONEY MATTERS TEXTBOOK
A free PDF version of this comprehensive learning resource, containing a wealth of information, activities and top tips regarding money and personal finance.
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ADDITIONAL BACKUP
The charity are also delivering support services and digital learning opportunities for teachers, parents and students at no cost. Details will be available online.
From challenge to opportunity Young Enterprise NI takes inspiration from the successful online learning developed by sister organisation Junior Achievement Italia; more than proving its worth now. “Today we are more aware of the importance of a society made up of aware citizens, capable of facing the challenges of the future,� states Antonio Perdichizzi, President of JA Italy. “It is necessary to seize together the opportunities that can arise from the challenges we are facing�. “We have always been committed to educating young people for life beyond the classroom. Now we’re going beyond the classroom too,� explains Carol. Our young people are more resilient than we think, in fact they, more than us, will be more than comfortable with this new form of learning. “Bringing together students, teachers, parents and volunteers, we’re a community dedicated to fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation. Our mission is to connect schools, businesses and young people across Northern Ireland.� To take part and be updated on developments and initiatives, students and teachers are invited to register by emailing info@yeni.co.uk Online activities are also open to young people whose school doesn’t yet participate in Young Enterprise programs. The charity OPX SFBDIFT TUVEFOUT BDSPTT Northern Ireland from primary up to third level, including special schools and these programs are for all young people in NI.
Volunteers make it happen Young Enterprise are urging volunteers from the business community to get involved, particularly those eager to make a difference during school closures. “Staying actively engaged, focused on the
future and positive is the way ahead. Participation in Young Enterprise NI, whether you’re a young person with many ideas and hours to fill, a teacher or parent keen to maintain the learning momentum, or a volunteer, we’re offering a fantastic way to make this a time of growth, fulfilment and forming collaborative networks,� says Carol. “We wish teachers, young people and their families the very best and look forward to working with you in the future.�
Access free resources online at: https://yeni. co.uk/programme-delivery/online-learning/ @Education_NI @CCEA_info @Ed_Authority #keeplearning
Eye on Online Marketing
Spreading The Word
and copy that you use. Where are you targeting? Set your Facebook adverts to target specific geographical areas. Where are they in the buying journey, and why should they care about your product or service?�
4. Pull
An Introduction to Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram Ads With so much emphasis now being put on digital marketing it’s essential that businesses know how to best take advantage of advertising platforms online.
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il David, the Founder of Run DMG, IBT TQFOU PWFS ZFBST JO TBMFT marketing, and business management, BT XFMM BT PWFS ZFBST SVOOJOH 'BDFCPPL adverts for a wide range of clients, including beauty chains and e-commerce stores, online coaches, and nationwide fitness franchises. Having worked with social media advertising budgets from a few hundred pounds to L (JM XBT UIF QFSGFDU HVFTU TQFBLFS to deliver a Lunchtime Learning session facilitated by the Cathedral Quarter BID (Business Improvement District), sharing six key insights for social media advertising:
1. Pixel A Facebook Pixel is a piece of code that is generated within your Facebook advert account that can be installed in your website. It tracks user behaviour offering key insights and allowing you to target and re-target
potential customers more specifically. To ensure GDPR compliance, make sure you refer to your pixel in your Privacy Notice. “Pixel is a great tool that allows you to build custom audiences, re-target, and build lookalike audiences on Facebook – you provide a database or current audience and Facebook will find people with similar interests and purchasing behaviour based on a wide range of data points� said Gil.
2. Planning When it comes to social media and social media advertising, the majority of small business owners greatly underestimate its value, as well as the strategy and planning required for successful campaigns. Gil explained: “People are not likely to buy your product or service based on one advert. They’ll purchase further down the sales journey. You should be planning the buyer’s journey with multiple campaigns along the way.�
3. People Putting up adverts that are too broad and generic to appeal to the masses is unlikely to work. Gil recommends honing the definition of your perfect customer so that you can focus on targeting specific groups of people. Gil asked the delegates: “Who are you targeting? This will influence the images
Today, we are all bombarded with information, content, imagery, videos, sounds, and advertising. How are you going to draw your customer’s attention to you? Gil recommends the ‘Heresay’ approach: “Here’s what I’ve got. Here’s what it’ll do for you. Here’s what I want you to do next. Here’s why you should do it now. Here’s why it’s safe.�
5. Process Social media adverts aren’t a dark art, nor is there any one-style-fits-all approach that works for every business. There are some top tips that apply to all businesses – such as strong imagery and good copy – after that it’s a case of trial by error. Gil said: “Don’t set adverts and leave them to run for weeks at a time. Check in on performance regularly, even daily. Test multiple images with different copy to see which ones work best for your target audience. Pause or stop those that aren’t getting a great response, and invest more into those that are.�
6. Persistence i PVU PG TPDJBM NFEJB BEWFSUT XJMM GBJM .PTU people think it’s the other way around� said Gil. Make small changes to your adverts each time, so you can see which changes are having the biggest impact. Want to hear more top tips for running social media advertising campaigns for your small business? Check out the full recording of Gil’s workshop on the Cathedral Quarter website cathedralquarterbelfast.com/whats-on/lunchtimelearnings-an-introduction-to-facebook-messengerinstagram-ads-with-gil-david/
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Eye on Broadband
Openreach... Maintaining The Broadband Lifeline
The world as we know it has changed dramatically and, now more than ever, we’re relying on the strength of our broadband connections.
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hether it’s connecting our healthcare services, allowing those working remotely to do so effectively, helping families to stay in touch with loved ones or supporting those who are homeschooling their children. We need to stay connected. Openreach, the team of engineers who build, maintain and manage Northern Ireland’s broadband network, are currently working right across the region to ensure this is the case. They have been classed as key workers, so when you see Openreach engineers out on the street, they’re doing essential work to make sure the broadband network keeps running. These key worker engineers are now prioritising essential work, focusing on the repair and maintenance of connections that support national infrastructure, essential public services, vulnerable customers and those without service. Speaking about the Openreach’s work during this current crisis, Mairead Meyer, Director of Openreach in Northern Ireland said: “We recognise the vital role broadband plays in peoples’ lives, from keeping key workers up and running to supporting our critical services. The internet is enabling people to do a lot of their normal daily activity effortlessly while importantly staying at home. “With that in mind, we’re prioritising the repair and maintenance of essential connections and ensuring that we follow all the necessary health and safety protocols that are in place and adhering to social distancing guidelines. Mairead continued, “One of the biggest changes that people have had to make is the shift to homeworking. "DDPSEJOH UP UIF 0/4 JO POMZ PG UIF 6, T workforce previously were able to work from home, so moving to remote working has been a huge shift. And for many businesses and their staff they’ve had to adapt at a phenomenal rate and adjust to a new way of operating in an incredibly short period of time. “We know that businesses across NI are facing increased pressures and challenges as a result and we hope that having a resilient broadband network is providing them with some support in the background. We’re continuing to work closely with Communication Providers to ensure priority customers can get the help they need, and that critical maintenance work is continued. “We also know that many people are wondering if the broadband network has the capacity to deal with the increased numbers using it now. We’re monitoring
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Mairead Meyer, Director of Openreach in Northern Ireland
usage levels daily and currently daytime demand hasn’t risen to surpass the normal 9pm peak when we see a spike in gaming and streaming so we’re more than confident the network can cope. In addition, we’ve set up a webpage which offers some helpful tips and advice in optimising broadband connections to help ensure that working remotely is as smooth as possible.� Before the current pandemic, Openreach had been focusing on delivering its ‘Fibre First’ programme, aiming to drive NI’s digital economy through the roll out of ‘Full’ Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) technology to homes and businesses across the region. As a result, the business has FOBCMFE QSFNJTFT JO /* BQQSPYJNBUFMZ PG /PSUIFSO *SFMBOE T QSPQFSUJFT UP EBUF Mairead explained more about where the full fibre build now fits into Openreach’s new way of working. She said, “Our current priority is focusing on essential repair and maintenance of the broadband network to keep people connected so they can stay safe and stay home. However, it is our hope to continue to work towards completing our full fibre build as long as our teams can work safely.’’ “Full fibre delivers more than just speed. A full fibre
broadband network will provide Northern Ireland with a futureproof and consistent service that will help renew towns and communities across the region and support NI’s position as a leading digital economy. We feel it is an essential platform to help businesses with the economic recovery from this crisis. ‘’We are using this time to continue to work with communities in hard to reach areas, who can benefit from a Community Fibre Project. Businesses and residents can come together to claim DCMS vouchers to finance building full fibre in areas which currently IBWF TQFFET MPXFS UIBO NCQT 8F BSF EFMJHIUFE to be working with 9 such schemes across rural NI, including Crumlin, Markethill and Loughgall.’ She concluded, “I feel very proud of the work PVS FOHJOFFST BSF EPJOH SJHIU OPX 8F IBWF TUBGG JO /PSUIFSO *SFMBOE BOE UIFSF BSF premises right across the region that can access an Openreach broadband network connection including hospitals, police stations and fire stations. “I feel we are making a real difference to people’s lives right now and hopefully playing a part in helping people to get through this situation. I want to say a massive thank you to the Openreach team.�
Eye on Technology
Remote Working: Is Your Business Online? Ken Roulston, Managing Director of Belfast-based IT specialists CMI, takes a closer look at how businesses here can adapt effectively and productively to remote working during the current crisis...
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n modern business, remote working is not a new DPODFQU /FBSMZ PG NJMMFOOJBMT BSF GSFFMBODFST working from home, cafÊ’s, shared workspaces and office hot desks. The global Coronavirus pandemic however has forced organisations to send their workforce home, creating a nation of remote workers, overnight. With such sudden change, some businesses have had to frantically respond and adapt to remote working solutions. As an IT Services Provider, CMI have been on the front line helping these businesses transition. For businesses who have already invested heavily in remote working solutions and processes, it’s a more natural transition. They have been able to maintain a laser focus on their, demand, supply chain and their people to pivot appropriately to retain customers. However, there are a significant number of businesses out there who felt unprepared for this change. These companies are having to make substantial CapEx and resource-heavy investments into their technology stacks and business applications; to ensure their workforce can remain productive.
The right tools to stay productive and connected If businesses can get their setup right, evidence suggests more remote work will benefit the workplace. Zero commuting will save hours of time each week. A short commute increases work life balance and preserves valuable energy that might otherwise be spent on travel. Plus, working from home can become more conducive to quiet focus than the hustle and bustle of a typical office. Any business looking to work effectively remotely must invest time and energy in their enabling technology stack. A technology stack, which includes your business applications, that is well implemented, integrated, utilised and secure. Otherwise bringing your team together becomes an impossible feat. Whilst an internet connection is obviously a necessity to work from home, there are three other key tools which need to be considered. BUSINESS LINE APPLICATIONS
Whilst the latest collaboration tools can increase team working, it’s obviously of greater importance to access your business applications remotely. This could include your CRM, ERP, EDI, Accountancy, Banking or other custom database solutions that your business relies on day-to-day. If these tools are cloud based – it’s quite easy, but if they’re not, it often isn’t. Your business needs to consider a VPN or Remote Desktop tool to access these
applications which would require your IT team to be involved. If these applications have been setup in haste, then now would be the time to review the setup and process to ensure security is correctly configured. TEAM COLLABORATION AND VIDEO CHAT
Microsoft Teams Microsoft Teams does what it says on the tin. *U JT ZPVS IVC GPS UFBNXPSL JO 0GGJDF *U T QPQVMBS CFDBVTF PG UIF 0GGJDF JOUFHSBUJPO and is included in most existing subscriptions. All your team conversations (including voice and video), files, meetings, and apps live together in a single shared workspace, with the ability to also use on your mobile device. Teams can help your business achieve more productivity by enabling enhanced collaboration and communication remotely. Zoom ;PPN JT B QFSTPO NFFUJOH TPGUXBSF XJUI GBDF to-face video, screen sharing, and instant messaging. Zoom’s strength is its ability to have a significant number of video sessions all on one screen. Zoom also brings video conferencing, online meetings and group messaging into one application with the ability to use on mobile devices too.
been more crucial to a business than it is right now. The last thing any business needs is IT downtime. If the right security measures aren’t in place the IT system is left exposed to malicious software and cybercriminals. Practical steps that businesses can take to review their IT security would include: t 3FWJFX UIF EBUB MBOETDBQF 8IFSF JT ZPVS TFOTJUJWF business data now being stored? In a secure backed up central cloud location? Or on home computers? t 4VSWFZ TPGUXBSF BQQMJDBUJPOT JO VTF 8PSLJOH remotely can increase the use of shadow IT. This is where different users and departments start to use different applications, storing data where it is uncontrolled and known to others.
TELEPHONY
A lot of traditional phone systems aren’t equipped for remote working. Whilst you can divert your office number, this isn’t sufficient for a business with multiple employees. It would mean one person taking all the calls and struggling to transfer calls between other employees. A true cloud phone system, or cloud communication system, is the most practical approach and allows you to operate anywhere with an internet connection. Each phone connects to the internet and it works just as if you were in the office, ideal for home and remote working. Cloud communication systems give you access to a fully customisable system including features like call recording, voicemail, meetings, chat, collaboration tools and customer analytics. These would typically be out of reach on limited budgets which makes them practical and affordable for SME’s.
Reviewing security – IT has never been more crucial With businesses now more focused on building resilience, now is the time to review IT and Cyber Security. In the midst of this economic problem it can seem like there are bigger problems. However, IT has never
t ,FFQ JO DIFDL XJUI DPNQMJBODF &WFSZ CVTJOFTT needs to adhere to the Data Protection Act, but there may be contractual obligations or associations tied to you that enforce what, where and how your data is processed. t 1FSGPSN B TFDVSJUZ HBQ BOBMZTJT " HBQ BOBMZTJT provides a benchmark and determines where data security needs to be improved. This can be used to advise upon improvements to security processes and controls, from encouraging staff to observe appropriate security policies to the introduction of technical measures such as secure access and authentication.
Looking to the future Remote working disciplines adopted during the current crisis are by no means temporary. Whilst businesses look at the shape of their recovery; it would be wise to consider new and agile remote working disciplines, underpinned by the right technology. So that when change has to happen, it can be done so with minimum impact on your business continuity.
Eye on Internet
On The Nature Of Truth By Gareth Dunlop, Fathom.
Truth has been having a hard time lately, as witnessed in recent Words of the Year in the world’s leading dictionaries. Oxford Dictionaries Word of the Year 2016 – post truth Collins Word of the Year 2017 – fake news Dictionary.com Word of the Year 2018 – misinformation COVID-19 represents a full-frontal attack on our post-truth, fake-news-riven, misinformed world.
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t confronts us with the overwhelming power of fact, of reality as it actually is. It is unyielding in its stamina, uninterested in nations and borders and unapologetic for its inconvenience. It can’t be communications managed. It can’t be spun. And it doesn’t align with the WHO, China or any particular government. It is firstly a medical emergency and secondly a humanitarian crisis. How we emerge from this depends on a simple chain of logic: Quality of global political leadership which must be founded upon Medical science which seeks Data and insight; historic, present and projected
“You will know the truth and the truth will set you free� said Jesus. “The truth will set you free� US President James A. Garfield agreed, “but first it will make you miserable.� Navigating our way through this feels like the largest scientific method, designthinking and human-factors project that humans have undertaken in centuries. This approach inspired John Snow to develop a cholera map in London JO UIVT JEFOUJGZJOH UIF TPVSDF of the outbreak (a water pump) and shortening the outbreak by years. These principles summarise the reason UIBU $07*% JT CFJOH CSPVHIU VOEFS control in South Korea, in southern China, and latterly in some European countries. It reminds us too that at a personal level (the human-factors bit), designthinking and the scientific method are all we’ve got to get through this. As Churchill put it “The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is.�
to guide Population behavior and compliance to achieve Lifesaving outcomes for millions of humans
Gareth Dunlop owns and runs Fathom, a user-experience consultancy which helps ambitious organisations get the most from their digital products by viewing the world from the perspective of their customers. Specialist areas include UX strategy, usability testing, customer journey planning and accessibility. Clients include BBC, Chain Reaction Cycles, firmus energy, Kingspan, AIB and Tesco Mobile. Visit Fathom online at fathom.pro.
NB: Your reputation is as important today as it was yesterday and will be tomorrow. For advice on strategically communicating your way through this crisis and considering future marketing for your business, contact: Nicola Bothwell nicola@nbcharteredcommunications.com
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Eye on Employment Law
Lockdown Life Support For Business An Employment Lawyer’s Perspective By Orlagh O’Neill, Partner, Employment Law, Carson McDowell
When an American client asked me in Mid-March, how they could “furloughâ€? their employees here, I had to Google the term. One month later, the UK Government’s CJRS Scheme is familiar to everyone with 1.3 million workers from 185,000 firms applying for “furloughâ€? at a cost to the Treasury of ÂŁ1 .5bn on its first day of operation.
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he scheme, with its relatively low threshold for accessing grants, has been a lifeline to companies across Northern Ireland and avoided redundancies on a massive scale. Initial anxiety about eligibility was quickly addressed by HMRC guidance that CJRS is designed to help employers whose “operations have been severely affected by coronavirus to retain their employees and protect the UK economy however all employers are eligible to claim under the Scheme and the Government recognises different businesses will face different impacts from coronavirus.� Key features of the scheme include: t "O ).3$ HSBOU DPWFSJOH PG employees’ usual monthly wage DPTUT VQ UP b QFS NPOUI associated employer National *OTVSBODF DPOUSJCVUJPOT BOE employer pension contributions on the furloughed wage. t &NQMPZFST BSF OPU SFRVJSFE to top up wages. t &MJHJCJMJUZ DPWFST FNQMPZFFT DBTVBM workers and those on zero-hours - provided they were employed PO PS CFGPSF UI .BSDI and notified to HMRC on the employers RTI payroll by this date. t &NQMPZFST NVTU PCUBJO BHSFFNFOU from their employees to both being furloughed and to any reduction of
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their salary to within the scheme limits. The first weeks following the scheme’s announcement were frenetic as employers and employment lawyers grappled with a completely new process with no precedents or templates to guide them. The confusion was not helped by the fact that HMRC issued five iterations of guidance in the first four weeks. The aim of the guidance was to plug some of the gaps in the scheme but rather unhelpfully, previously clarifications were often completely reversed which only served to heighten anxiety and confusion at an already uncertain time for employers and employees. As I write this article, the fifth and latest guidance GSPN ).3$ JTTVFE PO UI "QSJM IBT clarified a number of important issues such as annual leave being able to taken during furlough and that the rate of pay for this leave should be normal pay and not the reduced furlough rate. However, questions remain about the employer’s statutory right to require employees to take annual leave during furlough. A
key issue for employers concerned that employees will return from furlough XIFO UIF TDIFNF FOET PO UI +VOF XJUI MBSHF BNPVOUT PG VOVTFE annual leave and may seek to take this at a time when everyone is needed at work in order to meet the operational needs of the business in its recovery phase. In addition, inconsistency continues between HMRC Guidance and UK Treasury guidelines on the matter of employee consent to furlough terms - a real concern for employers seeking to avoid the risks of legal claims for unlawful deduction from wages/breach of contract when the scheme ends. This will be a time when businesses need to be focussing on long term recovery and stability rather than the distraction and costs of employment litigation. Whilst the process of furloughing staff and applying to HMRC for grant payments have been herculean tasks in the midst of a global human health and economic crisis, they were only two items on a long employer to-do list. Many businesses
have been able to furlough only part of their workforce. The scheme does not permit a reduced working week or partial furloughing; and some businesses have needed to retain key skills such as finance, HR and IT - but working from home (WFH). Other businesses have furloughed only a few workers with the majority of staff moving to a WFH model. Ensuring maximum WFH in the initial phase of lockdown was a massive logistical challenge. Moving into the fourth week of lockdown, it is becoming clear that returning to normal working is likely to take many weeks if not months. The speed and extent of change to almost every working day has been immensely stressful and this is becoming more evident. Add to this the isolation of lockdown and associated restrictions; the need to care for and home-school children; the demands of a partner’s home working and the ongoing concern for vulnerable family members. Employers continue to have a duty of care towards all employees whether they are in work or WFH. This means taking all reasonable steps to ensure their health, safety and wellbeing. Some practical tips include: providing advice to staff on completing basic workstation assessments; setting realistic targets for work and ensuring staff don’t feel they have to work longer hours at home to prove themselves; encouraging good and effective communication both at team and individual levels; encouraging switch-off for breaks; introducing engagement/wellbeing initiatives that encourage healthy eating and exercise; and keeping staff informed on changes affecting work and colleagues. Essentially, as everyone awaits the Government’s lockdown exit strategy, employers must continue to do virtually, as many of the things they did in the normal workplace. The aim? During lockdown: to reduce the chances of staff feeling disengaged and forgotten. After lockdown: to help smooth the transition back to work for employees, the resumption of normal working life and the refocusing of businesses on long-term recovery.
Eye on News
LUNN’S THE JEWELLERS AVAIL OF CORONAVIRUS LOAN SCHEME THROUGH DANSKE BANK
Lunn’s the Jewellers has become one of the first local businesses to confirm that it has successfully obtained a loan via the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), doing so through Danske Bank.
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he Lunn’s loan is one of 49 that Danske Bank in Northern Ireland has granted through the scheme since it launched last week – at a combined WBMVF PG BSPVOE b NJMMJPO The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme provides financial support to businesses across the UK that were trading successfully before the coronavirus outbreak, but which are now seeing their cash flow disrupted. The scheme is a part of a wider package of government support for UK businesses and employees, and is subject to eligibility criteria
as laid down by government. Lunn’s, a family run business which has been in operation GPS NPSF UIBO ZFBST JT Northern Ireland’s leading independent jeweller, and are exclusive retailers for the finest watches and jewellery in the world through its stores at Queen’s Arcade and Victoria Square in Belfast and Shipquay Street in Derry. The company has agreed a substantial loan with Danske Bank to bridge the period while its shops are closed and customers are restricted in
terms of leaving their homes. John Lunn, Managing Director of Lunn’s Jewellers, said: “Lunn’s has a proud history of delivering consistent cash flow, but we realised very quickly that we were facing a prolonged period of closure because of coronavirus. It is a situation that I know many other successful businesses now find themselves in. “I commend Danske Bank for their ability to deliver this loan to us so smoothly and efficiently in a short timeframe. It will make a significant difference as we look to the future.� Shaun McAnee, Managing %JSFDUPS PG $PSQPSBUF #VTJOFTT Banking at Danske Bank, said: “The CBILS scheme is a great initiative for supporting businesses. We’re committed to supporting our customers and the Northern Ireland economy by implementing the scheme swiftly. Our
relationship managers and small business advisers are working hard to help the many businesses approaching us about applying for facilities through this scheme. “We particularly welcome today’s announcement by the Chancellor to extend the eligibility of the scheme to more businesses. Many more customers will now be able to avail of this important financial support. “We’re pleased to be able to support Lunn’s through the CBILS scheme and to ensure that one of Northern Ireland’s best-known family businesses is ready to return to normal trading when this unprecedented coronavirus crisis ends.� Danske Bank business customers can find out more about the bank’s support for the CBILS scheme and if they might be eligible at danskebank.co.uk/CBILS.
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Eye on News
No dark stages as Lyric Theatre Online shines a light on timely new performances
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here are we now, and where are we going? Can you change the world? New Speak: Re-imagined is an initiative inspired by the Lyric Theatre’s DP QSPEVDUJPO PG XJUI #SVJTFS Theatre Company (which was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic) engaging five exciting artists, working on their own art forms, and reacting to the current political, economic and social climate of today. New Speak: Re-imagined offers compelling, invigorating new work from a range of Northern Ireland’s leading and emerging artists including Amadan Ensemble, Dominic Montague, Katie Richardson, Lata Sharma, and Zara Janahi (Ajendance). While the Lyric stages may be dark, forced to close its doors like every other theatre in the country, the theatre
lights will continue to shine online. The five performances, which were due to take place at Lyric’s Naughton Studio*, will now move online and be featured in four weekly instalments as part of Lyric Theatre Online beginning on the 24th April. Each show will feature invigorating new work from the artists and will be available to watch for a week on the Lyric’s YouTube channel. Supported as part of the Lyric’s Seed Commissions** programme, the artists had already been creating dynamic short performance pieces for a number of NPOUIT CBTFE PO UIF RVPUF GSPN i* can see what the future will look like�, but much of their work has been re-visited to reflect the current coronavirus pandemic landscape; reflecting on how we got here, and imagining where we go next. Jimmy Fay, Executive Producer, Lyric Theatre said:
“As a response to the ongoing crisis, we’re moving our artist-led initiative New Speak: Re-imagined online and into your homes, with compelling, invigorating new work, which has been skillfully adjusted to reflect the current situation, from Amadan Ensemble, Dominic Montague, Katie Richardson, Lata Sharma, and Zara Janahi. Our stages may be dark but our mission to create, entertain, inspire as well as support and platform new works continues as we adapt to engage our
audiences during these challenging times.� New Speak: Re-imagined is available to view for free from 24th April – 22nd May at www.lyrictheatre.co.uk. Anyone who had previously purchased a ticket for the event will be contacted by the Lyric Box Office team to make necessary arrangements. Due to the nature of the material, the production BHF SFDPNNFOEBUJPO JT 'PMMPX Lyric Theatre on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @LyricBelfast #LyricEntertain.
HALIFAX FOUNDATION HELPS NI CHARITY SECTOR WITH NEARLY ÂŁ388K TO ADDRESS COVID CRISIS Brenda McMullan, Executive Director, Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland
The Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland has responded quickly to the Covid-19 outbreak, awarding ÂŁ387,854 in just four weeks to 66 charities battling to support their local communities during this time of crisis.
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n the day the lockdown was announced (March 23) the Foundation moved immediately to provide emergency grants to support these charities in a range of activities to benefit those most at risk, including running food banks and delivering food parcels to those in need, domestic abuse support, mental health provision and online employability support for those who have lost their job as a result of the outbreak.
Brenda McMullan, Executive Director of the Halifax Foundation for NI said, “We are truly humbled by the amazing efforts of our charity and community sectors during these very uncertain and unprecedented times. The Foundation is working hard to award additional funding to those that need it most, and we are aware that time is of the essence. We will also help charities post-COVID to rebuild and re-establish their services at a time when they will be needed to help rebuild society.� One of the first recipients was Crumlin-based charity A Safe Space to #F .F XIJDI SFDFJWFE b UP IFMQ people in rural areas to access their local foodbank, obtain sanitation products, and support those who were selfisolating, particularly the elderly and vulnerable members of their community. The Halifax Foundation for NI was also the first funder to match Belfast Charitable Society in supporting North Belfast students to continue to learn GSPN IPNF *UT b HSBOU MFWFSBHFE B GVSUIFS b FOBCMJOH UIF QVSDIBTF PG MBQUPQT BOE B TFSJFT PG FEVDBUJPOBM resources for five secondary schools
with the highest free school meal entitlement. The legacy of this project will live on as other students will be able to borrow equipment for years to come. The Mid-Ulster Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MACP) is another charity to benefit from a b HSBOU 'PMMPXJOH UIF PVUCSFBL of Coronavirus MACP had to stop face to face counselling and the funding will help it to buy online resources such as laptops, headsets and telephone equipment to enable them to use video conferencing to counsel those most in need, as well as providing clinical support for all of their counsellors. Life Change Changes Lives in %PXOQBUSJDL SFDFJWFE B b HSBOU to help them buy supplies as part of a project supporting those with mental ill health or addiction who are resettling back into the community after treatment. Current grantees were also offered the opportunity to re-profile their grants to immediately respond to the COVID crisis, with the Foundation also providing flexibility and extensions to grants where needed.
Eye on Business Advice
Local SME’s Advised To Prepare A Business Resumption Plan Now THE SME Support Forum, set-up by law firm, McKees, accountancy firm Harbinson Mulholland and financial services practice, Kerr Henderson, is advising businesses to start preparing a Business Resumption Plan now to ensure they are in the position to start trading once the government’s exit strategy is announced.
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hris Ross, Managing Partner of McKees said: “Most people are currently fire-fighting to save their businesses, and accessing the relevant government support schemes. However, we must not lose sight of the weeks and months ahead. It is vital for business survival once the government announces the exit strategy, to make sure there is a plan in place and the necessary resources available to resume trading. Don’t wait until the time comes because you will have lost vital time and it could then be too late. Take the time now, to prepare your business so that it is ready for whenever there is an easing of current restrictions and able to function in the future. Look at what appropriate steps you will need to take for your business in preparation for the exit of lockdown – consider the areas you need to plan for including cash flow, communication planning, both internally and externally, staffing issues, for example furloughing and when is the right time to bring back furloughed employees, supply chain
issues, credit risk analysis and social distancing measures. Speak to your bank now and keep the channel of communication open as a lot is currently changing for businesses from week to week, so it is important to continue to reassess the support you might need on a regular basis.� “As part of the SME Support Forum, McKees, Harbinson Mulholland and Kerr Henderson have been providing local businesses with free support and guidance at this unprecedented time, and from the feedback we have received, people need help with the steps and action they should be taking now. Despite the lack of information from the government to date on the proposed exit strategy, we do know that we are looking at a staged exit, potentially over many months,� Chris added. The SME Support Forum recommends the following list of practical steps for businesses to consider, to help with the creation of a Business Resumption Plan which can then be implemented in a programmed manner.
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What will your business look like after lockdown? This should include several assumptions and different scenarios depending on how the government exit strategy is rolled out in the weeks and months ahead. What resources will you need to start trading again? What do you need to do to have your supply chain ready? It is likely that social distancing will be in place for some time, what will you need to do to ensure your business can enforce/manage this? Check your insurance policy to see if it includes Business Interruption Cover and if so, consider what information is required to initiate a claim Communication is key - with your employees, bank, customers, suppliers and stakeholders. Look at your manpower. In preparation for a return to some level of normal activity you may wish to bring some furloughed employees back into work. Remember that employees can be furloughed multiple times, but each separate instance must be for a minimum period of three consecutive weeks. Cash is still king. Continue to prepare weekly cash flows. Assume a baseline of activities continuing as they are now. Work out if your existing cash resources will be enough to sustain the business for the coming months after accessing the government support initiatives of the job retention scheme, the grants for small businesses, deferred VAT and self-assessment payments and CBILS lending. Having carried out the above base line analysis, consider if you have sufficient working capital for
resumption of business activities. Operationally once you start to bring staff off furlough do you have the working capital to pay them until your income starts to flow again? If not, you may need to go back to your bank for further credit or consider other ways of bridging this gap. 10. Review key contracts with customers and suppliers to ensure you understand your duties and obligations. Each contract will need to be carefully considered to ascertain the impact, if any, UIBU $07*% NBZ IBWF 5IF current crisis may excuse or postpone the performance of certain contractual obligations.
For information from the free SME Support Forum or to get in touch, visit www.mckees-law.com/ sme-support-forum
Eye on Security
‘Safety Triangle’ Protects All Corners Of Your Business NI security and facilities firm launches COVID-19 package to protect local businesses facilities management division offers a vital specialised deep clean service, designed to eliminate $07*%o BOE IFMQ PSHBOJTBUJPOT minimise risk to staff and visitors. 3) FEVER-SCREENING CAMERAS: MSFM has invested heavily in the .FSDVSZ 5$ UIFSNBM DBNFSB that will help protect staff and customers from by detecting in under a second if someone is suffering from a fever - one of the first vital symptoms displayed by carriers of the Coronavirus.
As the COVID-19 pandemic wreaks havoc on the business community across Northern Ireland, one local security and facilities management firm has been working around the clock to support companies during the crisis – helping them protect their property, staff and customers.
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JTCVSO CBTFE .FSDVSZ 4FDVSJUZ Facilities Management (MSFM) has been busier than most since the Coronavirus outbreak, providing a suite PG JNQPSUBOU $07*% SFMBUFE TFSWJDFT under what the company now refers to as ‘The Mercury Safety Triangle’. The three corners of the ‘Mercury Safety Triangle’ include: PROPERTY PROTECTION: With the vast majority of offices now closed and all but essential workers working remotely from home, Mercury provides a range of security solutions to help business owners protect their empty properties, including remote CCTV monitoring and mobile patrol units. 2) SPECIALISED DEEP CLEANING: As organisations start to think about coming out of lockdown, Mercury’s
All of these services are provided and integrated using the state-of-theart Intelocate management software system which records actions, collects data, produces reports and stores in one central system to enhance communication in an organized, transparent and confidential manner. “We appreciate that this is an extremely challenging and worrying time for people across the globe,� said Mercury CEO Frank Cullen. “With this in mind, we have been working proactively to try and slow the TQSFBE PG $07*% BOE IFMQ DPNQBOJFT manage the risk it presents and keep staff, customers and premises safe. “The safety and interests of our customers, employees and communities are at the heart of everything we do. This is particularly important during such challenging times,� he added.
offices, bars and restaurants, sports and leisure venues and a host of other buildings are now lying eerily empty. For Mercury, these unprecedented circumstances have led to a huge JODSFBTF JO EFNBOE GPS TFDVSJUZ solutions to help business owners protect their empty properties, including CCTV and alarm systems, remote monitoring services, and the use of mobile patrol units: - CCTV AND ALARM SYSTEMS: the provision and installation of CCTV and alarm systems to act as powerful tools to help fight against crime, protect your property, and keep insurers happy. -
REMOTE MONITORING: MSFM can link into a company’s CCTV, Intruder and Fire Alarms to monitor remotely from its NSI-Gold accredited ARC command and control monitoring centre. This will guarantee the appropriate Police response to alarm activations and the recording of evidence via visual confirmation.
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MERCURY EYE: The Mercury Eye CCTV camera doubles up as an intruder alarm that is picked up by the company’s monitoring centre or on your mobile device. Should an alarm be activated or intrusion detected, intruders can be engaged with a live audio challenge while the police are being called - or scared off without the risk that comes with facing them down in person. The camera is wireless and can operate in any weather without electricity or broadband.
Protecting your business premises during lockdown The outbreak of the Coronavirus, and the need for social distancing, has led to all but essential workers now working remotely from home which means that across the country, factories and
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MOBILE PATROL UNITS: MSFM
Eye on Security Mercury thermal cameras set to fever pitch
has increased its mobile units to proactively patrol premises and act as the first port of call in the event of a fire or intruder alarm activation. “In this time of uncertainty, it’s vital that you protect your business and don’t become a soft target for burglars who are very smart and make it their business to gain entry to your exposed property,� said Mercury Operations Director Liam Cullen. “Our staff have been working around the clock to help businesses monitor and protect their empty premises remotely, removing the need for them to leave home, and thus ensuring they are not exposed and remain safe and healthy.
How deep is your clean? At some point in the future, employees will be returning to work and shops, bars, schools, travel companies and many more besides will be opening their doors again to the public. When they do, it is vital that premises are cleaned, disinfected and sanitised to protect returning staff and customers. With this in mind, Mercury’s facilities management division provides a specialised deep cleaning service, designed to eliminate $07*%o BOE IFMQ PSHBOJTBUJPOT minimise risk to staff and visitors. Carried out by operators fully equipped with appropriate PPE (Tyvek suits, gloves, masks etc), a typical MSFM disinfection includes risk assessment, area isolation, zonal disinfectation, random swab tests and waste removal, with a fully comprehensive report and certificate provided on completion. “Never has it been more important to ensure the environment in which we
live and work in is being cleaned and maintained to the highest of clinical standards,� said MSFM Commercial Director Bernard Bogue. “So when this lockdown is over and businesses are returning to work, it is highly advisable that premises undergo a deep clean to sanitise the entire area. “This is not a standard deep clean that one can get any day of the week. It is very specialised and requires great care and experience, which is where we come in, having completed successful specialised deep cleans for a lot of companies in NI and beyond, including office, commercial, call centre, manufacturing, clinical and nursing home environments. “Companies cannot afford to take chances with the health and safety of their employees so we would expect demand to be high for this service and we advise owners to book as soon as they have a return date – to prevent further delay. We’ll be carrying out deep cleans on a ‘first come first served’ basis,� he added.
As Ireland’s largest independent security provider and facilities management company, Mercury has a history of introducing pioneering technology to help businesses protect their staff, customers and property. The company’s latest discovery is a camera that produces thermal images to enable the speedy detection of a high body temperature which may indicate the presence of a fever - one of the first vital symptoms displayed by carriers of the Coronavirus. 5IF .FSDVSZ 5$ DBNFSB DBO detect an elevated temperature in just under a second, allowing large numbers of people to be screened at one time. Subjects can simply walk through the field of view together and the camera will scan them without impeding their passage in any way. From a social distancing perspective, UIF .FSDVSZ 5$ DBO NFBTVSF body temperature from a distance of two metres – thus avoiding unnecessary physical contact. Once the camera is installed, users can set the desired temperature level which, if exceeded, will trigger an audio and/or visual alert to notify the operator. What’s more, operators can also import images and names of staff or visitors into the system so, in the event of any registering a high temperature, that person will be identified by name on screen. i*O UIF CBUUMF BHBJOTU $07*% the quick and early detection of symptoms such as a high temperature can help save lives and minimise the spread of this deadly virus,� said Mercury CEO Frank Cullen. i5IF .FSDVSZ 5$ JT B DPTU FGGFDUJWF thermal camera that we believe
will prove a vital tool in detecting high temperatures amongst staff, customers and visitors to any building with a significant footfall. “The country might be in lockdown at the moment but we still have lots of brave health workers in the front line, with the likes of supermarkets and essential stores open to the public to supply us with the essential goods and medication we need,� added Mr Cullen. “As more and more buildings start to open their doors again, this thermal technology will help give the public the reassurance and confidence they need to get out and about and help get businesses and our economy back up and running. “From airports, stations and ferry terminals, supermarkets and shopping malls, factories and large offices, call centres and council buildings, schools and colleges, bars and restaurants, cinemas and leisure complexes, sporting venues and concert halls – there are a huge amount of businesses and organisations that might find this technology helpful, � concluded Frank. Safe hands 'PVOEFE JO .FSDVSZ 4FDVSJUZ 'BDJMJUJFT .BOBHFNFOU JT *SFMBOE T largest independent security and facilities management company. Headquartered in Lisburn with locations in Dublin, Limerick and London, Mercury has established a strong reputation as a pioneer in the area of integrated security solutions – combining physical manpower with cutting edge technology to service an ever-growing client base all over Ireland and the UK. *O UIF DPNQBOZ MBVODIFE a new Facilities Management division to complement its existing suite of security services. MSFM is an NSI Gold Approved Company – a standard perceived and recognised as the best by Industry, the Police, Fire and Rescue Services and Insurers across the UK and Ireland.
For further information on the ‘Mercury Safety Triangle’ and other company services, email enquiries@msfm.biz or call MSFM on +44 (0) 28 9262 0518.
Eye on Leadership
CORONAVIRUS AND THE LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE By Donal Laverty, Consultancy Partner at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore
The technical aspects of COVID-19’s challenges are perhaps the most straight forward – the NHS has re-configured itself, resources (mostly) are being allocated, and increasing amounts of data are being gathered to guide decisions.
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hile there is no instant fix to an infectious disease outbreak, and there are many potential missteps, the path to dealing with the emergency is clearer. What is more challenging — and affecting far more individuals, organisations and communities — are the human dimensions of the response and more particularly the leadership challenge of this time. While many will play defence and contraction during a crisis, there is an opportunity to be aspirational
as well. There is an opportunity in the adversity of the situation for a leader and a team to rise to its absolute best by focusing on how you may all emerge from this incident stronger, more engaged, and more capable than you were before. Creating such conditions calls leaders to reassure and encourage everyone throughout the enterprise that “we can do it� and then supporting them both at work and at home. This requires a certain set of skills we need to see from
leaders just now – leaders who demonstrate resilience combined with compassion, nerves of steel combined with trust. Research shows approximately PG QFPQMF BSF iXPSTU DBTF thinkers.� In a crisis, they will be operating from fear — contributing negative energy and sharing doomsday scenarios. The challenge for leaders is to operate from a realistic assessment of what is most likely to happen and to message staff with a picture which is less scary and more re-assuring. With that most-likelyoutcome assessment, leaders can then challenge the team to move to more positive pastures. Leaders need to show trust at this time. Their teams are all dispersed – they are locked in their homes, but work goes on for most. Research has shown that trust is at the foundation of cooperative and collaborative leadership. 5IF $07*% PVUCSFBL PGGFST numerous tests of trust as well as the opportunity to be a safeguard to staff, customers, and communities. Trust however is built through dialogue and actions, not proclamations and intentions and effective leaders need to be comfortable with increased autonomy, even on a provisional basis. Leadership these days means relinquishing some of your own control and handing it over to your employees on the ground - in other words, trust your teams’ capabilities and skills. This is also the time for leaders to demonstrate your loyalty, compassion, and commitment to staff and customers. There will be conditions that affect
us all and that are beyond the control of any individual company. There are choices which will create consequences for families, including logistical, emotional, and economic hardship. Helping mitigate those risks internally with your employees and perhaps even externally with customers and partners creates enduring bonds that pay longterm dividends. Your efforts may include direct corporate support or creating ways for people to help one another. Decisions made and actions taken in these trying times resonate far beyond the present. The lessons we can learn and the practices that can be put in place now make our organisations healthier today and better prepared for future turbulence. So, leaders need to stay flexible and innovate. It’s likely that most of us will be at home for far longer than ever before, so we will all be using our ingenuity to work better remotely, fight social isolation, and engage with one another in novel but satisfying ways. And we will need all our leaders to set the example and role model how we take care of ourselves and one another. The effective leader knows how to stay calm and focused, quell panic, and turn towards positive action. Many in your organisation will look to you for how to behave. Calm rationality, tireless action, and crystal-clear communications are the keys. Above all communicate clearly, and kindly. In these times of challenge, kindness must rule and our leaders must show the way.
Eye on Digital
Ensuring Your Online Presence During A Crisis By James Blake, Founder & Managing Director at Vindicta Digital
‘These are unprecedented times’, words we’ve all heard time and time again in recent weeks, and they are, no one saw this coming, and many businesses, both large and small, are struggling to adapt to a new normal, albeit a temporary one, but change is needed and FAST!
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early every business has had to make a serious adjustment to their core operations in order to successfully adapt to these new circumstances and it is becoming increasingly obvious that conventional forms of marketing are no longer viable or applicable. Digital marketing is leading the way. It’s not too late, there are many steps that business owners and managers can take to ensure their business remains viable once this global pandemic passes, so even with a limited presence online, you can maximise your communication with your customers and even engage with potential new customers.
MAKE A STATEMENT‌ It sounds simple, but it’s time to get creative, you’ve got to create daily content on social media, whether that’s on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn – wherever your business exists you need to up your game. Video is the most effective medium to use and during these times, it’s ok that it’s perhaps not as slick as you might normally expect, in fact, consumers are appreciating the human faces behind the businesses. Be brave and go for it!
USE YOUR HEAD‌ You are already an expert in your field, so don’t be afraid to share your knowledge, creating a regular blog and writing articles relevant to your product or services and submitting these to google via Google search console for crawling will begin to aide your growing SEO. It’s a good time to get started if you haven’t already, it’s never too late.
TEAM UP! Begin outreach to relevant sites that will work with you to allow backlinks from their sites that will drive up your SEO. Perhaps you are a health food business, identify keys bloggers
with an interest in health and get in touch Costs right now could be negotiated, but you can normally expect backlinks to cost anything from the exchange of services for backlinks VQ UP b GPS QSFNJVN MJOLT #VJME UIPTF relationships and even send them free trials of your product of services, if they like them, they can help you further by blogging about you!
ADVERTISE Set up ad campaigns on Facebook, Instagram, google ads or linkedIn, which are directly aimed at your target audience. You can set your daily or weekly budgets to suit and bear in mind people are consuming advertising very differently at the moment, digital marketing is booming, people are on the internet a lot more and online shopping has become the norm. As time goes by consumers will become more and more used to this and the likelihood is that traditional forms of marketing and purchasing may never fully recover. Cost per acquisition is at an all-time low right now. due to a few reasons. This is the best time to capitalise on this better bang for your buck before the cost of ads increase once we’re through the other side of this storm and more companies are advertising profusely in an extremely digitally centred world.
WORK WITH THE PROFESSIONALS! Our agency comprises of an expert team of web design, digital marketing and SEO experts - our clients are global and the fact that we are primarily based in Northern Ireland hasn’t stopped us creating hugely successful campaigns for businesses in England, Ireland and even America, so we’re here, we’re working and our team of digital warriors can really help your business UPEBZ .PTU %JHJUBM 4&0 BHFODJFT XJMM work within your budget, don’t be afraid to reach out and discuss your needs.
The marketing industry is set to move into a more digital state if the current trends are accurate. Be under no illusion, the coronavirus outbreak has impacted all businesses and undoubtedly changed life as we know it, but it’s not all bad, this can be a time for growth, personal development, setting new goals and creating good habits. We will learn from this and while it will be hard in the immediate future this enforced change could be the making of your business as you create a more elegant and refined digital strategy. It’s clear that the power of digital marketing has really been demonstrated to lots of very innovative businesses in the last few weeks, so we can safely speculate that the industry will continue to grow, develop, and gain traction as more and more people start to utilise digital marketing effectively. Good luck!
For more information or to discuss your businesses digital needs with James or one of the Vindicta Digital team please visit; vindictadigital.co.uk Tel. 028 9558 2085
Eye on Human Resources
The Power Of Flexibility In A Crisis Gillian McAuley, HR Director at one our most successful agri-food groups Devenish, looks at how her own company and others in the industry are squaring up to the challenges of the Covid-19 crisis.
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n a short period of time, businesses across all sectors have had to adapt to a situation and environment that is evolving every day. Within the agri-food sector in particular, companies have been experiencing fluctuations in demand and consumer behaviour while adjusting to new operational realities CSPVHIU BCPVU CZ UIF $07*% QBOEFNJD In Northern Ireland our food and farming sector is the largest manufacturing industry in the region and feeds millions of people across the UK and Ireland every day. Over the past few weeks the importance of our industry and those working within it has truly been demonstrated to the wider public. Our key workers truly are food heroes – working harder than ever to feed the nation in these unprecedented times.
“Over the past few weeks the importance of our industry and those working within it has truly been demonstrated to the wider public. Our key workers truly are food heroes – working harder than ever to feed the nation in these unprecedented times.� As a key part of the food supply chain it is essential that we maintain production throughout this challenging period. At Devenish we are immensely proud of our people and the effort they have shown in recent weeks. The level of commitment and innovation shown from our own employees and also our partners throughout the supply chain is really impressive. Our people have really stepped up to the plate in finding ways to respond and adapt UP UIF DIBMMFOHFT QSFTFOUFE CZ $07*% Innovation is in our DNA and is central to the culture and day to day operations of the company and this has never been truer than at this time. Our employees have
been fantastic at adapting to new ways of working which has often required teams to re-organise our processes within Devenish. The health and safety of our workers is our number one priority and over the past number of weeks we have put in place additional measures to ensure our people are protected and supported as they carry out their vital work. Anyone who can work from home is working from home. At our operational sites, we have staggered shift start and finish times, as well as break times, and introduced social distancing guidelines within premises. We have strict rules in place for drivers and external hauliers coming to site and regarding movement between sites. We have found new ways to retrain and redeploy existing staff from departments across the business to come and help out in our mill and at the warehouse, and these colleagues have really risen to the challenge. Additionally, we have been bringing in external support on the production side. We
are currently recruiting operatives between our mill and distribution centre in Belfast and have had a good response so far. Within the HR team, we have had to be innovative in our approach to this recruitment and onboarding process. We have been using video conferencing technology, bringing in smaller numbers of recruits at a time to ensure that their induction and training is carried out in a socially distanced way. To date, at Devenish we have been able to maintain our operations throughout this turbulent period due to the commitment and flexibility of our employees and working in close partnership with the farmers, growers, processors and retailers who buy our animal nutrition products, to ensure we can keep the food supply chain moving. The industry is doing its best to adapt – an innovative and flexible mindset will help companies retain their talent and ultimately survive.
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Eye on Residential Property
A health and economic crisis, balancing decisions. Jordan Buchanan, Chief Economist at PropertyPal explains.
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orthern Ireland has been under ‘lockdown’ conditions for a month and scientific evidence shows the curve is flattening, if not falling. Social distancing measures are working, but politicians are now facing a trade-off between managing public health and supporting economic activity. The focus to date has rightly been on responding to the health crisis but in recent weeks there has been an influx of forecasts on the pending economic damage. The UK’s Office for Budgetary Responsibility (OBR) has produced a scenario suggesting the economic contraction would be the worst JO ZFBST BT (%1 GBMMT CZ in the second quarter of this year. It does, however, forecast a rapid bounce back in activity in the third and fourth quarters, a so called ‘V’ shaped recovery. In total, GDP GBMMT CZ JO CVU SFUVSOT UP pre-virus trend by early next year. The International Monetary Fund is less pessimistic about the extent of the damage, GPSFDBTUJOH (%1 XJMM GBMM CZ
UIJT ZFBS UIF XFBLFTU JO years. This is more in line with forecasters’ consensus with almost PSHBOJTBUJPOT TVHHFTUJOH B DPOUSBDUJPO PG BSPVOE UIJT ZFBS As is the case with all forecasts, they are built on the premise of conditional assumptions- the biggest being how long lockdown measures persist. Broadly speaking, the evidence suggests for every month of lockdown, (%1 XJMM CF MPXFS The government’s response to mitigate the economic damage has been swift and impressive, including the most recent extension to the Job Retention Scheme. This will continue to support jobs and incomes levels and prevent a mass increase in unemployment, albeit at a rising cost to the government. It is critical that the necessary short-term fiscal injection does not come at a cost of further years of austerity once the health crisis is over. Public attitudes to taxation may have already changed as we collectively see pressures facing the healthcare sector. As the newly restored Executive progress
economic strategies, the formation of an independent Fiscal Council, as predicated in previous funding allocations by the UK Government, will be paramount. Furthermore, any future economic activity will require a healthy workforce, both QIZTJDBMMZ BOE NFOUBMMZ $PWJE has caused personal tragedies and trauma for individuals and families across the world and the Office for National Statistics has found that PG QFPQMF IBWF FYQFSJFODFE high levels of anxiety. Investment in mental health services and wider wellbeing cannot be overlooked. From a property perspective, it is increasingly clear that the market will be suspended during the period of lockdown. At the start of March,
1SPQFSUZ1BM FTUJNBUFE B GBMM in transactions in Q2 and house QSJDFT UP GBMM JO UIF SFHJPO PG in the short term. This remains our view given recent evidence. Without change to government legislation, buyers cannot view properties, surveyors and agents cannot physically value and very few lenders are financing new instructions. This all points to very few properties being sold and with limited transaction evidence, prices cannot fall. On PropertyPal, the number of properties for sale and rent IBT GBMMFO CZ BOE respectively compared to this time last year. The volume of unique visitors to the site has stabilised
Eye on Residential Property over the last three weeks but there IBT CFFO B OPUBCMF JODSFBTF in the number of enquiries for sale properties since the low point during the last week of March. Detached houses have been the most sought-after property style, perhaps as prospective buyers’ priorities have shifted to requiring more space. On the rental side, there has now been almost as much demand for properties via PropertyPal as there was at this stage last year, despite lower TVQQMZ 5IF JNQBDU PG $PWJE has been less pronounced on the letting market as households in need of a home will look to the rental market during periods of uncertainty. Two and three bed properties have accounted for PG SFOUBM EFNBOE XJUI BO BWFSBHF SFOU PG b DPOTJTUFOU XJUI USFOET CFGPSF $PWJE It is too early to draw firm conclusions, but the positive momentum change in consumersearching behavior supports the industry view that there will be pent up demand and a boost to activity later in the year. It will however take until the end of lockdown to fully understand the interaction between buyer and seller price expectations. In China, new home prices increased CZ JO .BSDI EVSJOH UIF first month of pickup in activity whilst prices remained flat in Wuhan, the epicenter of the pandemic. Similarly, prices rose CZ JO 4QBJO EVSJOH .BSDI Access to credit and the cost of finance remains a significant driver of house prices. Indeed, research from the Bank of England highlights that nearly all house price growth over the last three decades was because of low real interest rates. In today’s environment, interest rates (and by extension mortgage rates) are amongst the lowest in banking history. Providing credit remains available in a post lockdown world, the monetary policy environment will remain a positive price force. Northern Ireland also has a housing supply shortage. Since UIFSF IBT CFFO BQQSPYJNBUFMZ IPNFT CVJMU QFS QFPQMF compared to current building WPMVNFT PG QFS QFPQMF This implies a requirement of BQQSPYJNBUFMZ IPNFT QFS ZFBS BMNPTU NPSF
than current levels. Furthermore, longer term trends show fewer persons living in a house overall. Additional homes would be required to service this shift in changing household density. With many housing developments currently suspended, this will exacerbate the challenge in the coming years. The short term vs. long term outlook for unemployment remains the most ambiguous area. Despite the rapid recovery forecast from the OBR, there are prolonged labour market impacts with VOFNQMPZNFOU UBLJOH VOUJM to fully recover. The government’s Job Retention Scheme will cushion incomes for millions of people (including homeowners) during the coming months and mortgage affordability will generally be stable. There is also ‘mortgage holiday’ support available from lenders. These support mechanisms are critical for the housing market and will limit the amount of forced property sales. But the longer term is more unclear as to what support will be available from government and lenders during the fragile recovery phase. It is vital that lenders are sympathetic and show leniency to those in arrears and do not rush to repossess. Research from the Institute for Fiscal Studies finds the lockdown will hit younger and lower paid workers the hardest as they tend to work in sectors more severely impacted or closed. This will
negatively impact their future earning potential and many will have to use emergency savings, including house deposit funds. The first-time buyer market has been the driver of mortgage lending in Northern Ireland and any shock to deposit levels will either delay aspiring buyers purchase or require a higher loan and repayment term. Furthermore, recent stock market contractions may have negatively impacted the Bank of Mum and Dad’s net wealth, limiting their potential contribution to top-up deposits. Looking forward, there is a glimmer of light at the end of a very dark tunnel. Governments across the world are tentatively preparing for a phased return
to a new normal as case levels are falling. A recent paper from University College London suggests a ‘traffic light’ style exit in the UK whereby restrictions are eased from Mid-May to Mid-June, guided by the scientific evidence. Should this approach succeed, the local housing market would gradually recover throughout the summer months as consumer confidence returns and transactions would peak in the autumn. In this scenario, PropertyPal forecast overall transactions this year would CF CFMPX MFWFMT BOE house prices would be unchanged PWFS UIF OFYU NPOUIT 1SJDFT BSF forecast to pick up at sustainable rates in the following years, failing any unforeseen economic shocks.
Eye on News
Age NI Launches Phone Lifeline For Older People Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, local charity, Age NI has seen demand for its support double and continue to increase daily.
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hat’s why the charity has enhanced its service to JODMVEF B i$IFDL JO $IBUw telephone service, for anyone who JT PWFS JO /PSUIFSO *SFMBOE XIP may feel isolated or lonely during this time. The service is supported by of the Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland. Age NI Chief Executive, Linda Robinson, explained the benefits of the new service, “These are particularly difficult times for many older people and the service can provide a reassuring call about what matters or even about what they saw on television the night before. Our aim is to reassure older people that they have someone to turn to at this time and to let them know our lines our open this Easter Monday and Tuesday.�. Eddie Lynch, Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland said: “Many older people, especially those that are “shielding� are feeling vulnerable and therefore we need to be providing as much support as possible to help them get through the days ahead. The enhancement of Age NI’s helpline is providing an invaluable service for some of our older people. “The ‘Check in and chat’ service aims to help those older people who are self-isolating during the current pandemic and who may be lonely or anxious. My team are delighted to be involved with this service. It will, I’m sure, act as a lifeline for some people reaching out for the social contact we all need, and keep us all connected through these difficult times.�
“One caller got in touch saying “I haven’t been able to visit my wife in the Nursing Home for the past 3 weeks. I have been so distraught worrying about how she is feeling. Thank you so much for listening. It’s so reassuring to know that you will be here if I need anything else.� Upon registering for the service, Age NI will set about matching volunteers, BT $IFDL JO $IBU 4FSWJDF .BOBHFS Samantha Murphy, explains: “Expert Age NI staff will determine the support that callers need, be it practical support around services, financial support through enhanced benefits and / or emotional support to provide the reassurance that that they have someone to turn to at this time. They then match a trained volunteer to provide on-going check-in and chat support. We adapt our approach to meet the needs of the older person. For example, one older lady, at the grand old age of 93 has difficulty hearing and therefore cannot benefit from a daily phone call instead one of our dedicated volunteers are writing to her by snail mail every week.
Sometimes the old way is still the best way and she looks forward to the Age NI letter dropping through the door�. To receive a regular telephone call, contact Age NI Advice on .POEBZ 'SJEBZ BN QN PS FNBJM JOGP!BHFOJ PSH Telephone Volunteer, Flo McKeever outlined the rewards from volunteering with the $IFDL JO $IBU 4FSWJDF “It is very rewarding speaking to people who you know are so thankful to hear from you each day. I check-in with a number of people throughout Northern Ireland and conversations cover everything from practical issues like getting food delivered to mindfulness and gardening. “These are difficult times for everyone and there are a lot of
conversations around mental well being and missing loved ones particularly when one partner is in a nursing home and the other can’t visit�. “One caller got in touch saying “I haven’t been able to visit my wife in the Nursing Home for the past 3 weeks. I have been so distraught worrying about how she is feeling. Thank you so much for listening. It’s so reassuring to know that you will be here if I need anything else.� These are the sort of calls that Age Ni are dealing with day in day out. The service is providing so much comfort to so many. With demand on the service expected to grow, Age NI has MBVODIFE B $07*% "QQFBM UP raise additional funds at this time. By supporting Age NI you will be making a vital contribution to supporting Northern Ireland’s older population through these times.
You can find out more about the work of Age NI at www.Age NI.org or follow us on Facebook; Twitter and Instagram.
Eye on Charity
Wilsons Auctions launches ‘A Bid For Kindness’ W
“This awful virus has effected our lives in so many ways, and it’s also effected the ability of so many charities to be able to raise funds and do the work that they do. That’s why taking part in this auction is so important and so valued.� EAMONN HOLMES
ith charities across the UK and Ireland feeling the impact of cancelled fundraising activities and gala balls and many enduring increased demand for their services due to the widespread coronavirus pandemic, the team behind familyowned Wilsons Auctions have come to the aid of organisations who rely on donations by developing a series of innovative online auctions, with the inaugural live virtual auction scheduled to be broadcast in real time over the internet across mobiles, tablets and MBQUPQT 'SJEBZ TU .BZ BU QN The Bid For Kindness initiative will see bidders from across the UK and Ireland – and hopefully further afield – tune in live from the comfort and safety of their homes to place charity bids on a wide range of lots put forward by celebrities, sporting superstars, and charitable donors to raise valuable funds for their charities of choice. All proceeds of the funds raised by lots within the auction will be donated directly to the charities involved. Speaking about their endeavour to support as many charities across the UK and Ireland as possible, Rebecca Wilson, Director and Auctioneer, said: “We as a company just wanted to try and support in some way people in need through this terrible time. We realised that all charities would be greatly affected by what is happening with the global pandemic and we felt that by holding this charity auction it would help bring in much needed funds. We are delighted with the support that has been offered and donations being given and we hope people will give ‘A Bid For Kindness’ and buy one or more of these exciting lots� The diverse range of lots scheduled to hit the virtual auction block includes signed sporting memorabilia from the worlds of football, boxing, golf and rugby as well as food and wine experiences, opportunities to receive virtual greetings from key sporting personalities and celebrities, and custom pieces of artwork, among other lots.
“We are confident that seasoned veteran bidders as well as those new to charity auctions will find a diverse range of memorabilia, collectables and experiences to put their money toward in aid of some truly outstanding charities, and have a bit of fun while doing it. Everyone is welcome to register and bid at this auction event and it couldn’t be easier to do so� added Rebecca Wilson. British and Irish charities benefitting from this unique charity auction include The NHS Foundation, NSPCC, Marie Curie, Mencap Northern Ireland, Cancer Fund for Children, Northern Ireland Hospice, Mary Peters Trust, Marie Keating Foundation and The Irish Guards Benevolent Fund, among others. The Bid For Kindness auction has already received considerable celebrity buzz across the UK and Ireland, with support including well-known charity supporters like Tommy Bowe and Eamonn Holmes, among others. In an online video posted on social media, Eamonn Holmes said, “This awful virus has effected our lives in so many ways, and it’s also effected the ability of so many charities to be able to raise funds and do the work that they do. That’s why taking part in this auction is so important and so valued. Bidding early, bidding often, and bidding the most you can, will help so many other people.� Potential bidders and families wanting to witness the live bidding action are encouraged to visit the Wilsons Auctions website to browse the full listings of the inaugural Bid For Kindness auction. Bidders can then register in advance for live online bidding and tune in live on auction night as prized items hit the charity auction block. Auction organisers have also appealed to charities across the UK and Ireland to contact the Wilsons Auctions team if they feel they could benefit from getting involved in “A Bid For Kindness�. Members of the public and potential donors are also encouraged to put forward their own contributions to benefit their charities of choice for future sales. Please email abidforkindness@wilsonsauctions.com.
Eye on Charity Key lots in the first auction include: A two-night stay in the Eddie Irvine-owned Dalkey property currently being resided in by Matt Damon as he rides out coronavirus in Ireland A personalised video message from Packy Lee, actor who plays Thomas Shelby’s right hand man, Johnny Dogs, in Peaky Blinders Signed 2020 Northern Ireland home football jersey from Josh Magennis with personal video message to accompany A Carl Frampton signed boxing glove and signed Michael Conlon boxing shoes and vest from 2015 World Championships A Johnny Sexton Ireland shirt Golfing memorabilia including a signed Open Portrush golfing umbrella with over 50 golfing legends’ signatures, signed Rory McIlroy flag and signed Lee Westwood Ryder Cup flag Afternoon tea with Lady Mary Peters Tickets to Premier League Liverpool Football Club match and Ireland v England 2021 Six Nations match in Dublin Art pieces including an at-home experience with Northern Ireland artist AJ Laird and a bespoke city skyline painting from British artist Ben Mosley
Charities who will benefit from the auction are: THE NHS FOUNDATION TRUST NSPCC MARIE CURIE CANCER FUND FOR CHILDREN MENCAP NORTHERN IRELAND NORTHERN IRELAND HOSPICE MARY PETERS TRUST MARIE KEATING FOUNDATION THE IRISH GUARDS BENEVOLENT FUND
For more information on key lots follow Wilsons Auctions on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn or visit www.wilsonsauctions.com for online listings.
Eye on Tax
REMAINING RESILIENT AND AGILE IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 By Peter Legge, Tax Partner at Grant Thornton in Belfast
The spread of the coronavirus is having a significant humanitarian and economic impact worldwide, changing all of our lives indelibly.
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ith restrictions on how all businesses operate, many continue to trade as best they can while either placing more reliance on their digital infrastructures to support the sudden increase in working from home, or by operating strict social distancing measures on-site to comply with Government guidance. Others have been more adversely impacted and forced to temporarily close until the restrictions are lifted. Amid the uncertainty, for business, the implications are clear – resiliency, agility, planning, empathy and preparedness are all important factors, today and in the future. With these in mind, our experts across tax, people and change, business and digital risk, compliance and restructuring, have been speaking with our clients to support and assist them in managing the JNQBDUT PG $07*% PO UIFJS CVTJOFTT We have been considering eight key areas: workforce, customers and suppliers, audit, stakeholders, insurance, cash flow and financing, business continuity and risk, and of course my particular favourite, tax. So, as this crisis continues, how can businesses and individuals plan and be agile in managing the effect on their tax affairs? Firstly, make sure that you are taking advantage of the government supports available during this difficult time. There is a significant amount of financial support available, much of which continues to evolve. On a tax front, these supports have included the Job Retention Scheme, amendments to Statutory Sick Pay, the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme,
increased allowances for Universal Credit and Working Tax Credits and automatic deferrals of certain self-employed income tax and VAT payments (note that businesses will need to cancel any direct debit mandates in advance to benefit). There are also Time To Pay arrangements to defer any tax payments due to HMRC which a taxpayer is VOBCMF UP NBLF EVF UP $07*% Secondly, maximise and fully utilise available tax reliefs. At a time when cash-flow is more important than ever, taking advantage of certain tax reliefs can reduce your tax bill, generate tax credits or even generate a tax refund. Broadly, there are four areas of focus: t 5BY MPTTFT 8JMM UBY MPTTFT BSJTF JO 5IFTF NBZ CF BWBJMBCMF UP offset against tax paid in earlier periods, future periods or surrendered to other profitable companies. t $BQJUBM "MMPXBODFT )BWF DBQJUBM allowances been under-claimed or even overlooked in the past? There may still be time to claim, so long as you still own the asset. t 1BUFOU #PY %P ZPV PXO B SFHJTUFSFE patent, or have an exclusive licence to use a patent? Your company may be eligible for patent box relief, which effectively reduces the rate of tax payable on eligible QSPGJUT GSPN UP t 3 % 5BY 3FMJFG )BWF ZPV EFWFMPQFE or improved a product, process or service, which was novel and pushed existing boundaries? You may be FMJHJCMF GPS 3 % UBY SFMJFG UP SFEVDF ZPVS tax liability or generate an immediate cash repayment (if loss making). In recent weeks, we have seen many
businesses adapt their product lines to create products such as hand sanitisers and face masks, as the impact of COVID JOUFOTJGJFT 5IJT OPU POMZ DSFBUFT B positive impact, but also helps retain and utilise their workforce and facilities. We expect to see further increased innovation and diversification from businesses as they strategically plan to move beyond the current restrictions in a post-COVID economy, therefore it is imperative that businesses NBYJNJTF UIF 3 % UBY SFMJFGT BWBJMBCMF to support them in these efforts. Finally, look beyond the current situation and assess whether your business operations are structured efficiently from a tax perspective and remain fit-for-purpose. Many businesses have been reviewing their group structures to protect certain assets from risk perhaps inherent within the trade and to ensure that their tax affairs are as efficient as possible. With perhaps a fall in the value of certain assets, now may be the opportune time to transfer assets to protect them without crystallising a significant tax liability. High net worth individuals may now
also wish to progress actions around succession and wealth protection, which they perhaps had been putting off due to other priorities. As noted earlier, the important factors of resiliency, agility, planning, empathy and preparedness are all as important now during this current crisis, as they ever have been. In fact, it is often said that if you fail to prepare, you can prepare to fail. The crisis is teaching us that those with strong continuity plans already in place are best suited to cope, but moreover, it is about an ability and willingness to constantly adapt to an ever-evolving situation. Seeking professional guidance will greatly assist with the process and we are working tirelessly to help companies stay as ahead of the curve as possible and find opportunities amid the crisis.
For more information, visit www. grantthorntonni.com/respondingto-the-coronavirus-covid-19
Eye on Law
Social Isolation Could Distance the Landlord/Tenant Relationship Kirsty Mairs – Partner at DWF Law Examines the current issues in light of COVID-19
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IF $07*% QBOEFNJD IBT created unchartered challenges for both landlords and tenants. A major issue for landlords is their ongoing legal and contractual obligations in terms of the repair and maintenance of their residential properties – particularly where a tenant is self-isolating or has health and safety concerns. Under the Private Tenancies (NI) Order, landlords are legally required to attend to certain essential repairs, particularly in relation to heating, sanitation and water supply, and they have the authority to so upon reasonable notice. But how can landlords balance their repair obligations against current government guidelines on social distancing and self-isolation? The NI Executive is yet to issue guidance to landlords, however; their recommendations are likely to be similar to those from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government in the UK which states that landlords’ obligations have not DIBOHFE EVF UP $07*% 5IBU NFBOT a tenant’s right to a safe and warm place to live must be protected, but routine inspections may be temporarily postponed during lockdown. The guidance also states that essential works relating to the likes of gas, electricity or water must be carried out as far as possible. Landlords and their agents/contractors must adhere to the government guidelines on social distancing at all times when doing so. Failure to carry out any such emergency repairs could result in penalties. The overriding theme is that landlords must take a pragmatic, common-sense approach and exercise judgement regarding the urgency of the repairs. Those not classed as an emergency may be postponed and no work should be carried out in any household that is isolating or
where an individual is being shielded, unless it is to remedy a direct risk to the safety of the household, such as emergency plumbing or repairs. Landlords must also continue to adhere stringently to gas and electrical regulations in terms of essential inspections and certification, although the government is encouraging the relevant authorities to take a pragmatic approach. If a landlord or his/her agent or employee is unable to obtain access to a property for this purpose, they should ensure to document that all reasonable steps have been taken in order to obtain access. Landlord Associations are also strongly recommending that landlords change their approach to repairs and maintenance during this period of lockdown. Landlords require permission to enter a rental property however, they should now ensure, when seeking such permission, to ask if the tenant(s) are self-isolating or showing TZNQUPNT PG $07*% *G B UFOBOU has symptoms or is self-isolating, access for emergency repairs can only be granted where the appropriate
measures are taken or alternatively should postponed until it is safe for both parties. If a landlord is unable to access a property to carry out repairs due a tenant’s self-isolation, they should ensure that the tenant confirms their rational for refusing access in writing for example via email or text. Other issues may arise in terms of the unavailability of contractors or tradespeople in the current climate. Housing NI advises that if landlords are unable to carry out works themselves and are unable to engage suitably qualified contractors, they may need to consider providing alternative accommodation or covering essential costs eg paying for an electric heater if a boiler is not working. If a landlord does engage contractors to carry out essential repair work, he/ she must ensure that they observe social distancing practices and take all measures possible to avoid spreading infection. The same applies where a property is managed by an agent. As with most guidance in relation UP $07*% o UIFZ BSF GMVJE BOE are being updated regularly.
In Summary: t &NFSHFODZ SFQBJST NVTU TUJMM CF carried out. Landlords and their agents/contractors must practice social distancing when attending a property for these purposes. t *G B MBOEMPSE JT VOBCMF UP BDDFTT B QSPQFSUZ EVF UP $07*% SFMBUFE SFBTPOT this should be clearly documented for the landlord’s protection. t 3PVUJOF PS OPO FTTFOUJBM inspections or repairs should be postponed as far as possible. t -BOEMPSET DPVME DPOTJEFS DPOEVDUJOH inspections or consultations with tenants via smartphone or video call. t -BOEMPSET BOE DPOUSBDUPST TIPVME OPU attend a property to carry out repairs if they are symptomatic themselves. t *U JT JNQPSUBOU UIBU MBOEMPSET NBJOUBJO regular communication with their tenants throughout the duration of the pandemic. t .PTU JNQPSUBOUMZ B QSBHNBUJD common-sense approach should be taken at all times.
Eye on News
Rural Broadband Coverage A Priority
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he current crisis has further highlighted the need for strong and sustainable broadband connections in rural communities in Northern Ireland, the head of Fibrus, a new broadband service provider has said. *Recent figures show that homes and businesses in rural parts of Northern Ireland still face reduced connectivity compared to urban areas despite growing demand, and with lockdown rules in place, the ability to stay connected with loved ones has never been more important. Broadband provider Fibrus has QMFEHFE B b NJMMJPO JOWFTUNFOU BT part of its program to bring hyperfast full fibre cable broadband to regional and rural communities right across Northern Ireland. They have also invested heavily in their people, growing GSPN UP FNQMPZFFT JO KVTU NPOUIT XJUI QMBOT UP SFBDI UIJT ZFBS BOE BEE VQ UP JOEJSFDU KPCT Work to install their new network has already begun and has been very
well received in the local communities. People were delighted with the “hyperfast� speeds that have been helping every aspect of their lives. Download speeds using the Fibrus full GJCSF OFUXPSL BSF VQ UP UJNFT GBTUFS than the average speed across Northern Ireland, according to the latest Ofcom report*. This is largely due to Fibrus being the only broadband company in Northern Ireland that solely uses full fibre optic cable all the way to the premises. Dominic Kearns, CEO at Fibrus said: “Reliable, high speed connectivity is now as essential as electricity and water. Now, more than ever, we all need to stay connected and we feel a responsibility at Fibrus to ensure those living and working in rural communities are not being left behind. “Thousands of businesses and their employees are now operating from home, trying to ensure work continues as normal. This requires, and in fact relies upon, good connectivity which includes uninterrupted
Dominic Kearns, CEO, Fibrus
access to efficient broadband.� Explaining what Fibrus is doing to support local communities, Dominic continued: “Addressing the imbalance in rural connectivity is at the very heart of what we do every day and now is no different. Our build teams are key workers carrying out essential work to ensure families and businesses stay connected at this crucial time. “We urge everyone to continue to
follow the important public health guidelines and stay at home, and we will continue to play our part to make sure people can keep in touch with family, friends and colleagues.�
For more information about the work of Fibrus, visit www.fibrus.com
NI CHILDREN’S MESSAGES OF HOPE CREATE TRANSLINK RAINBOW SHOWCASE Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive
In recent weeks Translink has transformed buses, trains, billboards and bus shelters with rainbows - a powerful symbol of solidarity and hope during the COVID-19 emergency.
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n recent weeks Translink has transformed buses, trains, billboards and bus shelters with rainbows - a powerful symbol of solidarity and hope EVSJOH UIF $07*% FNFSHFODZ
As part of the positive #ChaseTheRainbow campaign, which has captured the hearts of the nation, local children were encouraged to get involved.
The public transport provider received hundreds of uplifting drawings, and today Chris Conway, Translink Chief Executive, unveiled the first of its buses adorned with the rainbow images created by young people from across Northern Ireland. Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive, said: “The worldwide Chase the Rainbow campaign has been inspirational to so many people and it’s wonderful to see drawings from local children on our vehicles, bus shelters and billboards. “Right now, it’s important to lift each other up during these challenging times and thanks to the efforts of our colleagues’ children as well as other families right across the country, together we’ve created a high-impact united message of hope, whilst also reminding people to stay safe. “We’d like to thank the public for continuing to support our employees as we maintain essential public transport services and remind everyone to continue to follow
the Public Health Agency advice to wash your hands regularly and maintain social distancing.� Translink has also introduced a series of measures to keep everyone safe when using public transport. This includes: new social distancing signage in stations and on board, regular deep cleaning of vehicles and facilities, use of mobile cleaning teams during the day, erecting screens to reduce staff and passenger interaction on board and in stations and providing hand sanitiser and gloves to front line staff. There’s also a no change policy on board to reduce interaction with passengers choosing pre-paid tickets such as mLink or contactless payments.
For more details follow @Translink_ NI or visit www.translink.co.uk
Eye on Marketing
Thinking About Blogging For Business? Here’s Everything You Need To Know As part of most business digital marketing strategies blogging has been put high on the list of priorities. But, more often than not, it’s something that’s either put off, set to the side or procrastinated about.
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s a result businesses are missing out on the chance to truly maximise this fantastic digital marketing resource. Tina Calder, the Founder of Excalibur Press IBT PWFS ZFBST FYQFSJFODF BT B KPVSOBMJTU BOE PWFS ZFBST FYQFSJFODF BT a multi-platform media professional. As an award-winning business journalist and publicist, Tina knows a thing or two when it comes to writing, creating content, and blogging. Tina delivered a Lunchtime Learning session facilitated by the Cathedral Quarter BID (Business Improvement District), sharing her top tips to demystify the art of creating good quality digital content.
Why Blog? Although there are plenty of reasons to start a blog or bring your focus back to your business blog, Tina identified three main reasons: Blogging enables you to give your potential customers much more information on your products and services, and lets you showcase your experience and expertise. Blogging about relevant topics helps your website achieve a higher Google ranking. Content can be used in many ways and can be written to specifically target potential customers, investors, or even employees. “Blogging is a conscious effort to add valuable content to your website. Maximise the time and effort they take to create by always including a call to action at the end, and re-purposing them on social media channels” said Tina. “Ideally, you want your blog to break through the noise. Making sure each blog post has a purpose can help this. Blogs should be written to: entertain, educate, inspire, excite, inform, or create an emotional connection, with the ultimate goal being to move the reader to take some form of action.”
Types of Content And when it comes to what the blog should look at, Tina pointed out there was more than one type of blog post. Some, easier than others to create. CURATED CONTENT – gathering
information from elsewhere or multiple sources into one themed post. EVERGREEN – topics that are always relevant and can be updated periodically. RE-PURPOSED – older content, or offline content, that can be adapted and updated to be relevant. LISTICLES – based on regularly asked or searched for information, a simple blog post with an introductory paragraph and a list. OPINION AND COMMENTARY – great if your business is innovative, engaged in current affairs, or if you have an in-house specialist or thought leader.
COLLABORATION – guest posts or collaborative posts, consider your value chain, suppliers, and complementary businesses who could both provide resources.
“There are loads of resources available on-line that can help you with your blogging journey. Our blog The Content Club by Excalibur Press is just one of these resources – if you need help with any aspect of digital marketing, traditional marketing, or business communications, we’ll more than likely have a blog on the subject. “Other great resources include Hootsuite for social media posting, Canva for creating imagery, Google trends for seeing what the hot topics are and ‘newsjacking’, as well as ensuring you have a plan for your digital marketing efforts such as a planned content calendar.
You can also check out Tina’s own business blog at https://contentclub.excaliburpress.co.uk
Eye on Economy
Challenges Of The Post-Lockdown Economy By Andrew Webb, Chief Economist, Grant Thornton
As movement restrictions continue here, and other countries start to plot their way out of lockdown, thought is now being given to the state of the economy into which we will emerge.
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ill we, as seems likely, face phased re-openings and tentative steps back towards a fully functioning economy or will an increasingly vocal lobby that suggests the economy is in too perilous a position to bear extended lockdowns see a full blown reopening in the UK? The hope for the economy as we entered lockdown was that businesses would go into a limbo mode, with jobs protected by the various range of ‘whatever it takes’ support schemes announced by the government.
when the restrictions are eased, is falling. This falling confidence is fuelled and evidenced by emerging indicators such as the flash UK PMI for services and manufacturing which registered their largest NPOUIMZ DPOUSBDUJPOT FWFS and 22.2 (where anything below SFGMFDUT DPOUSBDUJPO 'PS services in particular the latest contraction easily surpasses UIF QSFWJPVT SFDPSE MPX PG set during the financial crisis. Further cause for worry about the path of the recovery is work from the Enterprise Research Centre that suggests there
“Given the increasingly fragile conditions, the climb back will require ongoing support to people and businesses bearing the brunt of the pain.� The intention was then that the economy would pick straight back up from where it left off – the hoped for V shape decline and immediate bounce back. Unfortunately, there is a growing body of data to suggest that some lasting damage is being inflicted, and a longer climb back to where the economy was is now more likely. Confidence, which will be crucial in determining how we react
IBT CFFO B JODSFBTF JO 6, company dissolutions in the GJSTU RVBSUFS PG DPNQBSFE UP 5IF TFDUPST UIBU BSF particularly impacted are retail, professional services, ICT and construction. Younger firms also appear more susceptible to closure – indeed the gaps in government support for newly established businesses are well-documented. Given the increasingly fragile conditions, the climb back will
require ongoing support to people and businesses bearing the brunt of the pain. How best to do this requires the same ‘whatever it takes’ attitude from Treasury as they entered the lock down in and requires an Executive prepared to take bold decisions. Calls for rates holidays to be extended are increasing. Other requests will come forth as companies identify where they need help most. Consumers might need help too – businesses need customers. VAT reductions or direct cash payments to people might engender some confidence to spend. The crucial role of government in helping buffer the economy from the impact of the shutdown perhaps resets our expectations for the role of government in the economy, but there will come a
point soon when the bill arrives. How we pay for the largesse of government requires careful consideration. Given the heightened appreciation for key workers, I sense no appetite that an austerity agenda that delivers public sector cuts will fly again. Other routes will have to be considered. It may be a case of the Bank of England issuing and GPSHJWJOH HPWFSONFOU EFCU year bonds at very low interest, targeted tax increases or even government taking equity stakes in return for bailouts that form part of the payment plan. While the government will hope it can withdraw exceptional supports as early as is possible, there are large parts of the economy that will require government to maintain their ‘whatever it takes’ approach to secure a sustainable recovery.
Eye on Technology
Top tips for digital security during lockdown‌ There aren’t many positives in the COVID19 lockdown. But one will perhaps be a legacy of digital transformation. Many businesses are having to move quickly to adopt new and more agile ways of working. These practices and processes will likely remain in place for the longterm to the benefit of companies and employees. But it’s important that when moving quickly to adopt new technologies, this is done well and doesn’t compromise the organisation and its data. Rick Hagan, Senior Technical Consultant at Novosco, provides some tips for companies and their IT departments.
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hese are (as we well know) unprecedented and certainly very difficult times for people and businesses, but these are not completely uncharted waters in IT terms. Many businesses have already had a focus on their employees’ working agility and a long-term vision for collaboration and productivity in disaster scenarios. When we think of disaster recovery, or enacting business continuity plans, we generally think of building fires, technical failures or electrical outages, but a pandemic shares many challenges with the more orthodox scenarios and therefore many existing solutions fit well with recent events. With so many people having to work from home during lockdown, businesses that do not already have systems in place to enable effective/secure productivity and collaboration - either by Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) or remote access tools - are clamouring to stand-up services as best they can. Microsoft Teams consumption doubled CFUXFFO /PWFNCFS UP .BSDI JO OP TNBMM QBSU EVF UP UIF $07*% )PXFWFS these products alone are only half the picture. Many people still need access to their desktop clients and to corporate shares on localised storage using traditional Network Attached Storage (NAS). For some, this is via virtual desktops and for others this is their laptop/ desktop requiring remote access to internal resources – or even a mix of the two. For ease, cost and speed, it’s clear that
companies are often turning to free and/or consumer grade products for remote worker productivity, which may not meet basic security requirements - never mind compliance - such as GDPR. And businesses should be in no doubt that GDPR is as legally enforceable as it was CFGPSF $07*% BOE ZFT FWFO BGUFS #SFYJU Make sure the products your company is using come from a vendor with a suitable pedigree and with a proven track record for security implementation and product development. There are so many products and solutions that it’s not possible to discuss them in a single article. I will focus in this instance on remote access Virtual Private Networks (VPN). Here are some tips, considerations and musts for meeting the security challenges of a remote access VPN solution:
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t "MM BDDFTT TIPVME VTF NVMUJ GBDUPS authentication. If you absolutely cannot support multi-factor authentication, then ensure you are enforcing strict user password strength.
t %PO U GPSHFU UIBU BT XFMM BT UIF JNQPSUBODF of following a vendor validated deployment, many products often need tweaking to ensure the best security, such as removing weak encryption levels left in place by default configurations.
t $POUSPM BOE BVEJU BDDFTT UP TFMFDUFE GJMFT BOE folders (if possible, through an intranet or other document sharing service) and always use the Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP) for access. t (JWF SFNPUF VTFST B DMFBS XSJUUFO BDDFQUBCMF usage policy, security policy (and user guides) and a communication channel to discuss concerns and questions
t "VEJU BOE DPOUSPM BDDFTT UP UIF SFNPUF VPN. Ensure you are allowing only the needed users and groups at only the correct times and from the expected devices. Monitor consumption and throughput and ensure you are setting timeouts to automatically disconnect inactive users t 6TF FYUSB TFDVSJUZ GPDVTTFE integrations where possible, such as enforcing web filtering, antimalware, network access control, log capture and analytics, sandboxing and advanced threat protection
These are just some tips to help keep your organsiation and its data safe during lockdown. For more, visit our blog at Novosco.com
Eye on Media
7 Things To Think About When Your Marketing Starts Up Again By Tim McKane
The world has changed. Forever. The Coronavirus is changing our lives, and we are not going to simply go back to like it was before. When you get up and running again, your marketing will be more important than ever.
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ou need to stimulate your own business economy, to remind people of what you do, who you are and why they use you. Here are some thoughts on what your marketing team should be looking at for the re-launch strategy. 1 Your customers have had a break from you. They may well think about looking around or even if they need your product or service. Do not take anything for granted, You will have to be ready to win them back. 2 People will buy even more online. The desire to shop is still there and so is buying online. If you want to get customers to buy from you, you should give them more online than you did in the past. Show them your products, explain your service, but do it better. 3 Contact is now face-to-face. All over the world, people who have never zoomed, huddled or grouped online are arranging cocktail parties and coffee get-togethers. So when people call your company, are you ready for them to see you, to have visual contact as well as audio? I would be putting that in place pretty quickly. I am surprised at the moment by non-video calls. They seem so out of date.
4 If you are not fully up to speed with digital channels, then you need to get going, now. More people on Netflix and Amazon Prime, and the launch of Disney
NFBOT UIBU UFMFWJTJPO BEWFSUJTJOH JT VOEFS NPSF pressure. So are other media channels. But there is a huge opportunity online. It enables small businesses to compete on a level playing field with the big ones. 5 Your customers are all people, are all different, they have different motivations and ambitions, you need to talk with them, not at them. That’s what digital can do better than any other media if planned correctly. 6 Be clear about the benefits of what you are selling, move past the features and advantages. How do you support people in their lives moving forwards, both in and out of work? Make sure that that is core part of your communication. 7 Make sure that you look at your internal marketing. The people who work for you cannot be a forgotten audience. The Coronavirus has shown us how important internal communication is to your business. For many, it has been taken for granted, but we have learned that we need to have great communications in place for business success
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